bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and outcome of procedural distal emboli using the Penumbra thrombectomy for acute stroke
Authors: Todo Akira , Minaeian Artin , Sahni Ramandeep , Chao Kuo H
Published: February 2012

Background

The Penumbra system is effective for recanalization of the primary arterial occlusion (PAO) in acute stroke. However, clinical outcomes are not as promising. The authors hypothesized that the formation of procedural distal emboli (PDE) during mechanical thrombectomy may lead to poorer patient outcomes.

Design/methods

A retrospective review of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with the Penumbra system was undertaken. Patients' outcome was evaluated by comparing discharge National Institute of Health stroke scale and modified Rankin score (mRS) of patients with and without PDE.

Results

Out of 20 patients reviewed, recanalization of PAO was 100%. Six patients (30%) were confirmed to have PDE, of which two died (33.3%) and one (16.7%) had mRS of 2 or less. Of the 14 patients without PDE, three died (21.4%) and six (42.9%) had mRS of 2 or less. In the patient group who survived, mean National Institute of Health stroke scale decrease was only 2.3 in patients with PDE versus a decrease of 10.6 in patients without PDE.

Conclusions

In spite of PAO recanalization, distal emboli formed subsequent to Penumbra thrombectomy may contribute to poorer clinical outcome in acute stroke patients.
The role of transient receptor potential channel blockers in human gastric cancer cell viability
Authors: Kim Byung Joo , Kim Sung-Young , Lee Sanghoon , Jeon Ju-Hong , Matsui Hirofumi , Kwon Young Kyu , Kim Seon Jeong , So Insuk
Published: February 2012

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, receptor 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitous divalent-selective ion channel with its own kinase domain. Human gastric cancer cells express the TRPM7 channel, and the presence of this channel is essential for cell survival. Recent studies have suggested that 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors are potent blockers of the TRPM7 channels. The aim of this study was to show the effects of 5-LOX inhibitors on the growth and survival of gastric cancer cells. Among 5-LOX inhibitors, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), 2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(12-hydroxy-5,10-dodecadiynyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (AA861), and 3-[1-(p-chlorobenzyl)-5-(isopropyl)-3-tert-butylthioindol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid (MK886) were potent blockers of TRPM7-like currents in gastric cancer cells and also induced cell death. However, zileuton was ineffective in suppressing TRPM7-like current activity and inducing cell death. Moreover, a specific transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 3 (TRPC3) inhibitor, a pyrazole compound (Pyr3), and a specific melastatin TRP (TRPM4) inhibitor, 9-phenanthrol, did not affect TRPM7-like currents or induce cell death. We conclude that TRPM7 has an important role in the growth and survival of gastric cancer cells and a likely potential target for the pharmacological treatment of gastric cancer.
Prostaglandin E1 dose-dependently promotes stability of atherosclerotic plaque in a rabbit model
Authors: Bai Wanjun , Zheng Xue , Zhou Liaosheng , Li Hongjian
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. A vulnerable plaque model was established in rabbits, using balloon injury combined with a high-cholesterol diet. The rabbits were distributed into a control group, a low-dose PGE1 treatment group, a moderate-dose PGE1 treatment group, a high-dose PGE1 treatment group, and a simvastatin treatment group, with treatments lasting for 4 weeks. At week 13 (at the end of the experiments), atherosclerotic plaque was triggered by injection of Russell’s viper venom (Chinese) and histamine. Serological, pathological, immunohistochemical, and gene-expression studies were subsequently performed. PGE1 treatment did not alter serum lipid levels; however, PGE1 dose-dependently increased the thickness of the fibrous caps, and decreased the plaque vulnerability index. The plaque contents of macrophage- and the mRNA levels of monocyte-chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were markedly reduced in all of the PGE1 treatment groups, with the high-dose of PGE1 being more effective than the simvastatin treatment. These findings suggest that PGE1 dose-dependently enhances the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. The high-dose of PGE1 presented more protection in terms of inhibiting macrophage accumulation and inflammatory expression in plaque. Our findings suggest a novel drug for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
FOURIER SUPPORTS OF SCALING FUNCTIONS DETERMINE CARDINALITIES OF WAVELETS
Authors: ZHANG ZHIHUA
Published: February 2012

It is well-known that the different kinds of multiresolution analysis (MRA) structures generate different wavelets. In this paper, we give two uniform formulas on the number of mother functions for various wavelets associated with MRA structures. These formulas show that the number of mother functions of wavelets is determined by the support of the Fourier transform of the scaling function in MRA structure.
Engineering of Si-Rich Nitride Charge-Trapping Layer for Highly Reliable Metal–Oxide–Nitride–Oxide–Semiconductor Type NAND Flash Memory with Multi-Level Cell Operation
Authors: Fujitsuka Ryota , Sekine Katsuyuki , Sekihara Akiko , Fukumoto Atsushi , Fujita Junya , Aiso Fumiki , Ozawa Yoshio
Published: February 2012

The relationship between chemical structure (N/Si ratio) or physical structure (bilayer or laminate structure) of Si-rich nitride charge-trapping layer for metal–oxide–nitride–oxide–semiconductor (MONOS) type NAND flash memory and its electrical characteristics (including program/erase V
th window, fresh cell data retention and data retention after program/erase cycling stress) are investigated in detail. A bilayer charge-trapping structure formed by two different composite Si-rich nitride films has been developed that can realize a sufficient program/erase window and excellent data retention characteristics for multi-level cell (MLC) operation.
Magnetization Enhancement in Room-Temperature Ferromagnetic Fe–Mn Co-Doped SnO2
Authors: Okabayashi Jun , Nomura Kiyoshi , Kono Shin , Yamada Yasuhiro
Published: February 2012

Dilutely Fe–Mn co-doped SnO2was synthesized by a sol–gel method. The co-doping effect enhances the magnetization in comparison with the case of single-ion doping. We found that saturation magnetization values are correlated with the crystalline sizes. Mössbauer spectrometry revealed the magnetic sextet and relaxation peaks, which suggest that Fe ions contribute to the magnetic ordering and superparamagnetic properties. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that Mn3+states mixed with Mn2+states are dominant in Fe–Mn co-doped SnO2.
Noise in Submicron Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors: Lateral Electron Density Distribution and Active Trap Position
Authors: Sedlakova Vlasta , Sikula Josef , Chvatal Milos , Pavelka Jan , Tacano Munecazu , Toita Masato
Published: February 2012

Experiments were carried out for the n-channel devices, processed in a 0.3 µm spacer less complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology. Random-telegraph-signal measurements were performed for the constant gate voltage. It is supposed that electron concentration in the channel decreases from the source to the drain contact. Lateral component of the electric field is inhomogeneous in the channel and it has a minimum value near the source and reaching the maximum value near the drain electrode. Drain current is given by two components – diffusion and drift ones. Diffusion current component is independent on the x-coordinate and it is equal to the drift current component for the low electric field. The model explaining the experimentally observed capture time constant dependence on the lateral electric field and the trap position is given. From the dependence of the capture time constant τc on the drain current could be calculated longitudinal coordinate of the trap position.
Gate Length and Gate Width Dependence of Drain Induced Barrier Lowering and Current-Onset Voltage Variability in Bulk and Fully Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Kumar Anil , Mizutani Tomoko , Hiramoto Toshiro
Published: February 2012

This paper presents the statistical analysis of a newly found drain current variability component called “current-onset voltage” (COV) variability as well as drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) variability in bulk and fully-depleted (FD) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices. Intensive variability measurement data show that gate length and gate width dependent COV variability and DIBL variability in bulk metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) deviate from the straight line in the Pelgrom plot. On the other hand, COV variability and DIBL variability in FD SOI MOSFETs fall on the straight line. Their mechanisms are discussed based on three-dimensional (3D) device simulation considering random dopant fluctuation (RDF). It is found that the saturation of the COV and DIBL variability in smaller devices is caused by weaker averaging effect of channel potentials.
Conduction Bottleneck in Silicon Nanochain Single Electron Transistors Operating at Room Temperature
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad A. , Masubuchi Katsunori , Durrani Zahid A. K. , Colli Alan , Mizuta Hiroshi , Milne William I. , Oda Shunri
Published: February 2012

Single electron transistors are fabricated on single Si nanochains, synthesised by thermal evaporation of SiO solid sources. The nanochains consist of one-dimensional arrays of ∼10 nm Si nanocrystals, separated by SiO2 regions. At 300 K, strong Coulomb staircases are seen in the drain–source current–voltage (I
ds–V
ds) characteristics, and single-electron oscillations are seen in the drain–source current–gate voltage (I
ds–V
gs) characteristics. From 300–20 K, a large increase in the Coulomb blockade region is observed. The characteristics are explained using single-electron Monte Carlo simulation, where an inhomogeneous multiple tunnel junction represents a nanochain. Any reduction in capacitance at a nanocrystal well within the nanochain creates a conduction “bottleneck”, suppressing current at low voltage and improving the Coulomb staircase. The single-electron charging energy at such an island can be very high, ∼20k
B
T at 300 K.
Minitips in Frequency-Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy at Liquid–Solid Interfaces
Authors: Hiasa Takumi , Kimura Kenjiro , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

A frequency-modulation atomic force microscope was operated in liquid using sharpened and cone-shaped tips. The topography of mica and alkanethiol monolayers was obtained with subnanometer resolution, regardless of nominal tip radius, which was either 10 or 250 nm. Force–distance curves determined over a hexadecane–thiol interface showed force modulations caused by liquid layers structured at the interface. The amplitude of force modulation and the layer-to-layer distance were completely insensitive to the nominal tip radius. These results are evidence that minitips smaller than the nominal radius are present on the tip body and function as a force probe.
Rapid and High-Sensitivity Measurements of O2 A-Band Absorption Spectra with Combination of a Current-Modulated Distributed-Feedback Diode Laser and Balance Detection
Authors: Katayama Koichi , Shikama Taiichi , Hasuo Masahiro
Published: February 2012

We modulate the driving current of a distributed-feedback diode laser for the laser-light frequency to scan over the oxygen A-band (P11Q10, ν= 392.3220 THz) at the scan repetition rate from 0.1 to 10 kHz. The scan range is over 40 GHz below 1 kHz, while it is 35.5 GHz at 10 kHz. Using a balanced photo-receiver, we measure the absorption spectra for an optical path length of 0.22 m in atmospheric air at 298 K. The minimum detectable absorbance is 3.6 ×10-5 at 10 kHz for a single scan measurement, which is about 2 times as large as the shot noise limit. We also demonstrate the absorption measurement for an optical path length of 0.03 m, the size of which is comparable to a small reaction chamber such as a combustion engine.
Cambrian Furongian Series acritarchs from the Comley area, Shropshire, England
Authors: Potter Timothy L. , Pedder Brian E. , Feist-Burkhardt Susanne
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Acritarch assemblages are reported for the first time from the Cambrian of Comley, Shropshire, England, a historically important area for British Cambrian biostratigraphy. Three assemblages are described from the Furongian Shoot Rough Road Shales. Horizons within the Shoot Rough Road Shales have in the past yielded Parabolina spinulosa and Orusia lenticularis indicative of the Parabolina spinulosa trilobite Zone. Two distinct microfloras are identified, one is characterized by the common occurrence of Trunculumarium revinium and diacrodian taxa, the other, by an absence of T. revinium and a general paucity of diacrodians but with a significant presence of Scalenadiacrodium comleyense gen. et sp. nov. The microfloras are compared with trilobite-controlled Furongian sequences in eastern Newfoundland and the Nuneaton area, England and are found to support the P. spinulosa Zone assignment for the Shoot Rough Road Shales. The microfloras are also compared with those from localities lacking direct P. spinulosa Zone trilobite control, principally the Ardennes and the East European Platform. Acritarch based recognition of the two trilobite subzones of the P. spinulosa Zone remains problematic, but independent subdivision of the zonal interval based on acritarchs is supported. A new acritarch genus Scalenadiacrodium gen. nov. and a new species S. comleyense sp. nov. are described.
New species of Neogene radiolarians from the Southern Ocean
Authors: Renaudie Johan , Lazarus David B.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Antarctic Neogene radiolarians are abundant and have great potential for biostratigraphy and evolutionary research. Many of the species found in sediments have not yet been described and are thus unavailable for research purposes. In the first of a planned series, 24 new species of Antarctic Neogene radiolarians are described herein: two entactinarians (Orodapis hericina and Orodapis? ferrealuma), two spumellarians (Actinomma nigriniae and Carposphaera? annikae) and twenty nassellarians (Acrosphaera cuniculiauris, Amphimelissa? hibernifortuna, Antarctissa ballista, Artostrobus semazen, Botryopera gibbera, Carpocanium? uburex, Ceratocyrtis dolvenae, Cystophormis gargantua, Dendrospyris jobstae, Dictyophimus? kiwi, Dictyophimus larus, Gondwanaria clarae, Lithomelissa vespa, Lophophaena leberu, Siphonosphaera abelmannae, Siphostichartus jahnae, Spirocyrtis? hollisi, Stichophormis? cheni, Syscioscenium? wabisabi, Trisulcus pinguiculus).
History and development of methods in Recent benthic foraminiferal studies
Authors: Schönfeld Joachim
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Benthic foraminifera have proven to be suitable for environmental monitoring because of their high levels of adaptation, small size and high abundance in Recent sediments and the fossil record. Foraminifera are scarcely used in monitoring studies because a standardization of methods has not been achieved to date. When particular methods were introduced and why they were applied is often hidden in the literature. This paper reviews the development of field and laboratory methods, their constraints and consequences for faunal and data analyses. Multiple and box corers and some grab samplers retrieve reliable surface sediment samples provided the bow wave is minimized as the sampler approaches the sea floor. Most disturbances are created during handling of the unit on deck and subsampling. Ethanol for preservation, rose Bengal as vital stain and a mesh size of 63 µm to wash foraminiferal samples are used extensively. Faunal analyses of a larger size fraction are occasionally necessary. The fractions >125 µm and >150 µm are often preferentially chosen even though this may artificially reduce specimen numbers and faunal diversity. Generally, a much lower level of common practice prevails in sample preparation and faunal analyses than in sampling or laboratory procedures. Increasing preference has been given to quantitative methods and the acquisition of independently revisable census data during recent decades.
Late Permian (Changsingian) ostracods of the Bellerophon Formation at Seis (Siusi) (Dolomites, Italy)
Authors: Mette Wolfgang , Roozbahani Parvaneh
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Ostracod assemblages of the Upper Permian Bellerophon Formation at Seis near Bozen (South Tyrol, Italy) have been studied with respect to their taxonomy and palaeoecology. The investigations were concentrated on the Late Changsingian Casera Razzo Member which yielded five ostracod assemblages including more than twenty-four species. Twelve of these species are described herein and four species are new, including two species with strong affinity to taxa appearing in the Early Triassic. The lithofacies characteristics and low species diversity are suggestive of a protected shallow lagoonal environment with salinity fluctuations due to freshwater influx. Only four species are recorded from Late Permian localities outside of the Dolomites. This is due to the restricted environmental conditions which inhibited the immigration of more taxa from open shelf environments.
Facing up to the inequality of crowdsourced API documentation
Authors: Jiau Hewijin Christine , Yang Feng-Pu
Published: February 2012

API usability is a crucial issue in software development. One bottleneck of API usability is insufficient documentation. This study empirically confirmed the inequality of crowdsourced API documentation, which is one of the main sources of API documentation. To manage the inequality, a method for documentation reuse is proposed based on the nature of object-oriented programming language, inheritance. A case study was conducted in Stackoverflow, which is a widely used Q&A site, to study the feasibility of the documentation reuse. Results of the case study indicate that documentation reuse is feasible in improving both the coverage and quality of crowdsourced API documentations.
An analysis of dependency of coupling on software defects
Authors: Singh Vinay , Bhattacherjee Vandana , Bhattacharjee Sandeep
Published: February 2012

Functional independence is a key to good software design and a good design results in high quality software. Functional independence is the refined form of the design concept of modularity, abstraction and information hiding. Coupling is a measure of relative interconnection among modules. Coupling in software has been linked with maintainability and existing metrics are used as predictors of external software quality (e.g., fault -proneness, impact analysis, ripple effect of changes, changeability).In this paper we demonstrate the defects of software due to coupling by studying five different attributes of coupling and measured its impact on software defects.
Is Instructional Design Becoming a Commodity?
Authors: Murphy Jerry
Published: February 2012

The ascension of Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) and their increasingly automated authoring processes may be marginalizing the craft, if not the science, of instructional design. All the templates, wizards, and other productivity tools that come bundled into the leading LCMS platforms have certainly made it easier to assemble and deploy structured learning content.
Summarizing multimodal documents in popular media for people with visual impairments
Authors: Greenbacker Charles F.
Published: February 2012

People without visual impairments often skim a document and look at the graphics it contains before deciding whether to read it in detail. While this is easy for sighted people, it is far more challenging for people with visual impairments, especially since the graphical content is largely inaccessible. We propose to increase the universal accessibility of articles in popular media containing both text and graphical elements for people with visual impairments by automatically generating an abstractive summary of the entire multimodal document. Our goal is to enable users to quickly access the high-level content of a multimodal document, and to decide whether to commit to reading the full article.
A new approach for the design of assistive technologies
Authors: Shinohara Kristen
Published: February 2012

While assistive technology focuses on providing function to help people with disabilities overcome barriers to access, awkward and clunky designs often draw unwanted attention to the user. In this way, assistive technologies are not always designed with social situations in mind, and may contribute to issues of in-access, particularly in social situations. I am defining and developing a new approach, Design for Social Acceptance, to incorporate social acceptance into the design of assistive technology. The goal of my research is to make assistive technologies more socially acceptable to alleviate social misperceptions of assistive technologies and people with disabilities through improved design processes. I will conduct this work by (1) defining what design elements make up socially acceptable designs, and (2) by adapting and developing design techniques to incorporate social acceptance into the design process for assistive technologies. Thus far, I have conducted studies exploring how people with disabilities feel about using their technologies in social and professional contexts to gain an understanding of the socio-technical relations arising around assistive technologies.
Socioeconomic, Rural-Urban, and Racial Inequalities in US Cancer Mortality: Part I—All Cancers and Lung Cancer and Part II—Colorectal, Prostate, Breast, and Cervical Cancers
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Williams Shanita D. , Siahpush Mohammad , Mulhollen Aaron
Published: February 2012

We analyzed socioeconomic, rural-urban, and racial inequalities in US mortality from all cancers, lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and cervical cancers. A deprivation index and rural-urban continuum were linked to the 2003–2007 county-level mortality data. Mortality rates and risk ratios were calculated for each socioeconomic, rural-urban, and racial group. Weighted linear regression yielded relative impacts of deprivation and rural-urban residence. Those in more deprived groups and rural areas had higher cancer mortality than more affluent and urban residents, with excess risk being marked for lung, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers. Deprivation and rural-urban continuum were independently related to cancer mortality, with deprivation showing stronger impacts. Socioeconomic inequalities existed for both whites and blacks, with blacks experiencing higher mortality from each cancer than whites within each deprivation group. Socioeconomic gradients in mortality were steeper in nonmetropolitan than in metropolitan areas. Mortality disparities may reflect inequalities in smoking and other cancer-risk factors, screening, and treatment.
Electronic and Spatial Structures of Water-Soluble Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes with Thiol-Containing Ligands Underlying Their Ability to Act as Nitric Oxide and Nitrosonium Ion Donors
Authors: Vanin Anatoly F. , Burbaev Dosymzhan Sh.
Published: February 2012

The ability of mononuclear dinitrosyl iron commplexes (M-DNICs) with thiolate ligands to act as NO donors and to trigger S-nitrosation of thiols can be explain only in the paradigm of the model of the [Fe+(NO+)2] core ({Fe(NO)2}7 according to the Enemark-Feltham classification). Similarly, the {(RS−)2Fe+(NO+)2}+ structure describing the distribution of unpaired electron density in M-DNIC corresponds to the low-spin (S=1/2) state with a d7 electron configuration of the iron atom and predominant localization of the unpaired electron on MO(dz2) and the square planar structure of M-DNIC. On the other side, the formation of molecular orbitals of M-DNIC including orbitals of the iron atom, thiolate and nitrosyl ligands results in a transfer of electron density from sulfur atoms to the iron atom and nitrosyl ligands. Under these conditions, the positive charge on the nitrosyl ligands diminishes appreciably, the interaction of the ligands with hydroxyl ions or with thiols slows down and the hydrolysis of nitrosyl ligands and the S-nitrosating effect of the latter are not manifested. Most probably, the S-nitrosating effect of nitrosyl ligands is a result of weak binding of thiolate ligands to the iron atom under conditions favoring destabilization of M-DNIC.
Haemodynamic Monitoring Using Echocardiography in the Critically Ill: A Review
Authors: Chew Michelle S.
Published: February 2012

Physicians caring for the critically ill are now expected to acquire competence in echocardiography. It has become an indispensable diagnostic and monitoring tool in acute care settings where it is generally accepted to have therapeutic impact. There are a number of indications for a critical care echocardiographic study, and the most important queries include those pertaining left and right ventricular function and filling status. Focused examinations are increasing in popularity and provide a means for systematic study, and can be easily learned and practiced by novices. This paper addresses the indications, therapeutic impact, and some of the most common questions that can be answered using echocardiography the in critically ill patient.
Umbilical Coiling Index as a Marker of Perinatal Outcome: An Analytical Study
Authors: Chitra T. , Sushanth Y. S. , Raghavan S.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. To measure umbilical coiling index (UCI) postnatally and to study the association of normocoiling, hypocoiling and hypercoiling to maternal and perinatal outcome.Method(s). One thousand antenatal women who went into labour were studied and umbilical coiling index calculated at the time of delivery. UCI was determined by dividing the total number of coils by the total umbilical cord length in centimeters. Its association with various maternal and perinatal risk factors were noted. The statistical tests were the Chi-square test and assessed with SPSS version 13.0 software and statistically analyzed.Pvalue of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.Results. The mean umbilical coiling index was found to be 0.24±0.09. Hypocoiling (<0.12) was found to be significantly associated with hypertensive disorders, abruptio placentae, preterm labour, oligohydramnios, and fetal heart rate abnormalities. Hypercoiling (>0.36) was found to be associated with diabetes mellitus, polyhydramnios, cesarean delivery, congenital anomalies, and respiratory distress of the newborn.Conclusion. Abnormal umbilical coiling index is associated with several antenatal and perinatal adverse features.
Application of Monoclonal Antibodies against Bioactive Natural Products: Eastern Blotting and Preparation of Knockout Extract
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morinaga Osamu , Uto Takuhiro , Fuji Shunsuke , Aboagye Frederick Asare , Tung Nguyen Huu , Li Xiao Wei , Putalun Waraporn , Shoyama Yukihiro
Published: February 2012

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) tof mass spectrometry was used for the confirmation of hapten number in synthesized antigen. As application of MAb, the MAbs against ginsenosides and glycyrrhizin have been prepared resulting in the development of two new techniques that we named the eastern blotting method and the knockout extract preparation. In eastern blotting technique, glycosides like ginsenosides and glycyrrhizin separated by silica gel TLC were blotted to PVDF membrane that was treated with a NaIO4solution followed by BSA resulted in glycoside-BSA conjugate on a PVDF membrane. The blotted spots were stained by MAb. Double staining of eastern blotting for ginsenosides using antiginsenoside Rb1and Rg1MAbs promoted complete identification of ginsenosides inPanaxspecies. The immunoaffinity concentration of glycyrrhizin was determined by immunoaffinity column conjugated with antiglycyrrhizin MAb resulting in the glycyrrhizin-knockout extract, which was determined by the synergic effect with glycyrrhizin on NO production using the cell line.
A Single Platinum Microelectrode for Identifying Soft Drink Samples
Authors: Bueno Lígia , Paixão Thiago R. L. C.
Published: February 2012

Cyclic voltammograms recorded with a single platinum microelectrode were used along with a non-supervised pattern recognition, namely, Principal Component Analysis, to conduct a qualitative analysis of sixteen different brands of carbonated soft drinks (Kuat, Soda Antarctica, H2OH!, Sprite 2.0, Guarana Antarctica, Guarana Antarctica Zero, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Coca-Cola Plus, Pepsi, Pepsi Light, Pepsi Twist, Pepsi Twist Light, Pepsi Twist 3, Schin Cola, and Classic Dillar’s). In this analysis, soft drink samples were not subjected to pre-treatment. Good differentiation among all the analysed soft drinks was achieved using the voltammetric data. An analysis of the loading plots shows that the potentials of −0.65 V, −0.4 V, 0.4 V, and 0.750 V facilitated the discrimination process. The electrochemical processes related to this potential are the reduction of hydrogen ions and inhibition of the platinum oxidation by the caffeine adsorption on the electrode surface. Additionally, the single platinum microelectrode was useful for the quality control of the soft drink samples, as it helped to identify the time at which the beverage was opened.
Electroacupuncture Suppresses Discrete Cue-Evoked Heroin-Seeking and Fos Protein Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens Core in Rats
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhu Fenglei , Lai Miaojun , Sun Limin , Liu Yijun , Zhou Wenhua
Published: February 2012

Relapse to drug seeking was studied using a rodent model of reinstatement induced by exposure to drug-related cues. Here, we used intravenous drug self-administration procedures in rats to further investigate the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on heroin-seeking behavior in a reinstatement model of relapse. We trained Sprague-Dawley rats to nose-poke for i.v. heroin either daily for 4 h or 25 infusions for 14 consecutive days. Then the rats were abstinent from heroin for two weeks. 2 Hz EA stimulation was conducted once daily for 14 days during heroin abstinence. We tested these animals for contextual and discrete cue-induced reinstatement of active responses. We also applied immunohistochemistry to detect Fos-positive nuclei in the nucleus accumbens (NACc) core and shell after reinstatement test. We found that active responses elicited by both contextual cues and discrete cues were high in the rats trained with heroin than in saline controls. EA treatment significantly reduced active responses elicited by discrete cues. EA stimulation attenuated Fos expression in the core but not the shell of the NACc. Altogether, these results highlight the therapeutic benefit of EA in preventing relapse to drug addiction.
Radar Waveform Design for Extended Target Recognition under Detection Constraints
Authors: Meng Huadong , Wei Yimin , Gong Xuhua , Liu Yimin , Wang Xiqin
Published: February 2012

We address the problem of radar phase‐coded waveform design for extended target recognition in the presence of colored Gaussian disturbance. Phase‐coded waveforms are selected since they can fully exploit the transmit power with sufficient variability. An important constraint, target detection performance, is considered to meet the practical requirements. The waveform is designed to achieve maximum recognition performance under a control on the achievable signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of every possible target hypothesis. We formulate the code design in terms of a nonconvex, NP‐hard quadratic optimization problem in the cases of both continuous and discrete phases. Techniques based on semidefinite relaxation (SDR) and randomization are proposed to approximate the optimal solutions. Simulation results show that the recognition performance and the detection requirements are well balanced and accurate approximations are achieved.
A Stabilized Low Order Finite‐Volume Method for the Three‐Dimensional Stationary Navier‐Stokes Equations
Authors: Li Jian , Zhao Xin , Wu Jianhua , Yang Jianhong
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes and analyzes a stabilized finite‐volume method (FVM) for the three‐dimensional stationary Navier‐Stokes equations approximated by the lowest order finite element pairs. The method studies the new stabilized FVM with the relationship between the stabilized FEM (FEM) and the stabilized FVM under the assumption of the uniqueness condition. The results have three prominent features in this paper. Firstly, the error analysis shows that the stabilized FVM provides an approximate solution with the optimal convergence rate of the same order as the usual stabilized FEM solution solving the stationary Navier‐Stokes equations. Secondly, superconvergence results on the solutions of the stabilized FEM and stabilized FVM are derived on the H1‐norm and the L2‐norm for the velocity and pressure. Thirdly, residual technique is applied to obtain the L2‐norm error for the velocity without additional regular assumption on the exact solution.
The Impact of PPARγGenetic Variants on IBD Susceptibility and IBD Disease Course
Authors: Mwinyi Jessica , Grete-Wenger Christa , Eloranta Jyrki J. , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A.
Published: February 2012

PPARγ is a nuclear receptor that regulates numerous pathways including cytokine expression and immune responses and plays an important role in controlling colon inflammation. We aimed at determining the occurringPPARγ SNPs, at predicting the haplotypes, and at determining the frequency outcome in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in comparison with healthy controls. We determined genetic variants in the coding exons and flanking intronic sequences of theNR1C3gene in 284 IBD patients and 194 controls and predictedNR1C3haplotypes via bioinformatic analysis. We investigated whether certainNR1C3variants are associated with susceptibility to IBD or its disease course. None of the detected 22NR1C3variants were associated with IBD. Two variants with allelic frequencies over 1% were included in haplotype/diplotype analyses. None of theNR3C1haplotypes showed association with IBD development or disease course. We conclude thatNR1C3haplotypes are not related to IBD susceptibility or IBD disease activity.
Synthesis of Fe3O4/C/TiO2Magnetic Photocatalyst via Vapor Phase Hydrolysis
Authors: Shi Fuzhi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: February 2012

A core/multi-shell-structured Fe3O4/C/TiO2magnetic photocatalyst is prepared via vapor phase hydrolysis process. The as-synthesized core/multi-shell-structured composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2adsorption-desorption isotherm analyses, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy. TEM and HRTEM show that well-crystallized anatase TiO2nanocrystals are immobilized on the surface of as-prepared Fe3O4/C microspheres with dimensions around 200 nm. N2adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis shows that the obtained photocatalyst exists disorderedly mesoporous structure. The photocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst in degradation of methylene blue is evaluated, and the Fe3O4/C/TiO2photocatalyst with low TiO2content (37%) has a relatively higher activity than commercial anatase TiO2. The intermediate carbon layer avoids the photodissolution of Fe3O4effectively, and the recycling property is largely improved due to the existence of magnetic Fe3O4core.
Modelling of Light Trapping in Acidic-Textured Multicrystalline Silicon Wafers
Authors: Li Yang , Li Zhongtian , Zhao Yuebin , Lennon Alison
Published: February 2012

Acidic texturing has been widely used to reduce the reflection losses for silicon solar cells fabricated on multicrystalline wafers, however, there are few available models which attempt to predict the reduced reflection after texturing based on the morphology of the textured surfaces. An optical model which simulates the light trapping and scattering effects of acidic-textured surfaces based on the surface morphology is presented. The developed model was experimentally verified by reflection measurements from multicrystalline silicon wafers textured using different etching conditions. The relationship between weighted average reflection and surface morphology is demonstrated with some of the trends being explained by simulating reflection in different wavelength regions. The developed model could be embedded into solar cell simulation tools or adapted to predict optical properties of diverse surface morphologies.
The Evolution of Dieulafoy's Lesion Since 1897: Then and Now—A Journey through the Lens of a Pediatric Lesion with Literature Review
Authors: Senger Jenna-Lynn , Kanthan Rani
Published: February 2012

Background. In 1897, Dieulafoy was the first to characterize a gaping arteriole within the gastric mucosa causing massive hematemesis, designating it as “exulceratio simplex.” A hundred years later, this vascular abnormality, now commonly referred to as a “Dieulafoy lesion,” has been identified through the entire gastrointestinal tract and the bronchus.Objectives and Methods. As the original findings have been subjected to revisions and modifications by modern authors, Dieulafoy's original paper was reviewed and analyzed. The evolution of the current usage of “Dieulafoy's lesion” in the literature has been summarized with comparisons to the original report. Additionally, an index case of a 10-year-old female with a gastric “exulceratio simplex” is reported with a review of previously reported paediatric Dieulafoy lesions.Conclusions. The term “Dieulafoy lesion” in modern literature no longer adheres to the initial conclusions with regards to its origin, demographics, and presenting symptoms. Dieulafoy lesions remain a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that can cause life-threatening haemorrhages in children.
The Role of Atoh1 in Mucous Cell Metaplasia
Authors: Nakamura Yoshihisa , Hamajima Yuki , Komori Masahiro , Yokota Makoto , Suzuki Motohiko , Lin Jizhen
Published: February 2012

A key issue in otitis media is mucous cell metaplasia which is responsible for mucous hypersecretion and persistence of the disease. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of mucous cell metaplasia in otitis media. Numerous studies of intestinal epithelial homeostasis have shown that Atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1), a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is essential for the intestinal goblet cell differentiation. On the other hand, SAM-pointed domain-containing Ets transcription factor (SPDEF), a member of the “Ets” transcription factor family, has been reported to trigger the mucous cell metaplasia of pulmonary infectious diseases or athsma. Recent studies have demonstrated the relation of these factors, that is,Spdeffunctions downstream ofAtoh1. We could take the adventages of these findings for the study of otitis media because both middle ear and pulmonary epithelia belong to the same respiratory tract. Atoh1 and SPDEF could be the therapeutic targets for otitis media associated with mucous cell metaplasia which is frequently considered “intractable” in the clinical settings.
An Exact Algorithm for Bilevel 0‐1 Knapsack Problems
Authors: Mansi Raid , Alves Cláudio , Valério de Carvalho J. M. , Hanafi Saïd
Published: February 2012

We propose a new exact method for solving bilevel 0‐1 knapsack problems. A bilevel problem models a hierarchical decision process that involves two decision makers called the leader and the follower. In these processes, the leader takes his decision by considering explicitly the reaction of the follower. From an optimization standpoint, these are problems in which a subset of the variables
must be the optimal solution of another (parametric) optimization problem. These problems have various applications in the field of transportation and revenue management, for example. Our approach relies on different components. We describe a polynomial time procedure to solve the linear relaxation of the bilevel 0‐1 knapsack problem. Using the information provided by the solutions generated by this procedure, we compute a feasible solution (and hence a lower bound) for the problem. This bound is used together with an upper bound to reduce the size of the original problem. The optimal integer solution of the original problem is computed using dynamic programming. We
report on computational experiments which are compared with the results achieved with other state‐of‐the‐art approaches. The results attest the performance of our approach.
A Synthesis of the Evidence for Managing Stress at Work: A Review of the Reviews Reporting on Anxiety, Depression, and Absenteeism
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep S. , Dinos Sokratis , Stansfeld Stephen A. , White Peter D.
Published: February 2012

Background.Psychosocial stressors in the workplace are a cause of anxiety and depressive illnesses, suicide and family disruption.Methods.The present review synthesizes the evidence from existing systematic reviews published between 1990 and July 2011. We assessed the effectiveness of individual, organisational and mixed interventions on two outcomes: mental health and absenteeism.Results.In total, 23 systematic reviews included 499 primary studies; there were 11 meta-analyses and 12 narrative reviews. Meta-analytic studies found a greater effect size of individual interventions on individual outcomes. Organisational interventions showed mixed evidence of benefit. Organisational programmes for physical activity showed a reduction in absenteeism. The findings from the meta-analytic reviews were consistent with the findings from the narrative reviews. Specifically, cognitive-behavioural programmes produced larger effects at the individual level compared with other interventions. Some interventions appeared to lead to deterioration in mental health and absenteeism outcomes.Gaps in the literature include studies of organisational outcomes like absenteeism, the influence of specific occupations and size of organisations, and studies of the comparative effectiveness of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.Conclusions.Individual interventions (like CBT) improve individuals’ mental health. Physical activity as an organisational intervention reduces absenteeism. Research needs to target gaps in the evidence.
Prematurity-Related Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Poplawska Karolina , Dudek Karolina , Koziarz Maja , Cieniawski Dominik , Drożdż Tomasz , Śmiałek Sylwester , Drożdż Dorota , Kwinta Przemko
Published: February 2012

Due to the functional and structural immaturity of different organ systems, preterms have a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevention and treatment of the complications of prematurity is a major challenge in perinatal health care. Recently, there have been several multicenter research trials analysing the impact of prematurity or low birth weight on the health problems of children and adolescents. Many of these studies deal with the issue of pediatric hypertension. An analysis of 15 studies conducted in the years 1998–2011, in which blood pressure values in ex-preterm children were measured, was performed. Comparison was based on several issues: measurement method, cohorts age, size, and birthweight. It has been proven that hypertension occurs more often in former preterm infants; however the etiologic pathways that cause this condition still remain unclear. Moreover, pediatric hypertension is a significant problem, because of its transformation into adult hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk later in life. Therefore it is crucial to introduce wide-spread screening and detection of elevated blood pressure, especially among prematurely born children.
Identification of Four Wood Species by an Electronic Nose and by LIBS
Authors: Cordeiro Juliana R. , Martinez Maria I. V. , Li Rosamaria W. C. , Cardoso Anderson P. , Nunes Lidiane C. , Krug Francisco J. , Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Nomura Cassiana S. , Gruber Jonas
Published: February 2012

This paper presents two complementary methods capable of identifying four wood species (Cedrela fissilis, Ocotea porosa, Hymenolobium petraeum,andAspidosperma subincanum) both by their volatile organic compounds and by the presence of 10 chemical elements: Al, B, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Na, and Si. The volatile compounds were detected by an electronic nose formed by an array of three different conductive polymer gas sensors. The elemental determination was made by laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS). The emissions measured were treated by principal component analysis (PCA). Leave-one-out analysis showed a rate of hits of 100%.
Hyperglycemia and Endothelial Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis: Lessons from Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Funk Steven Daniel , Yurdagul Arif , Orr A. Wayne
Published: February 2012

A clear relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease has been established for decades. Despite this, the mechanisms by which diabetes contributes to plaque formation remain in question. Some of this confusion derives from studies in type 2 diabetics where multiple components of metabolic syndrome show proatherosclerotic effects independent of underlying diabetes. However, the hyperglycemia that defines the diabetic condition independently affects atherogenesis in cell culture systems, animal models, and human patients. Endothelial cell biology plays a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation regulating vessel permeability, inflammation, and thrombosis. The current paper highlights the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia affects endothelial cell biology to promote plaque formation.
Triiodothyronine Represses MUC5AC Expression by Antagonizing Sp1 Binding to Its Promoter in Human Bronchial Epithelial HBE16 Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Li Qi , Zhou Xiangdong , Kolosov Victor P. , Perelman Juliy M.
Published: February 2012

Mucus hypersecretion is a distinguished feature of chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Interestingly, in this condition thyroid function is impaired with decreased level of triiodothyronine (T3), indicating potential link between low level of T3 and mucus hypersecretion. But the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study we aimed to elucidate the effect of T3 on MUC5AC secretion in human bronchial epithelial HBE16 cells and further investigate how T3 regulates MUC5AC gene expression at transcriptional level. By RT-PCR and ELISA we showed that T3 inhibited MUC5AC mRNA expression and protein secretion in HBE16 cells. Furthermore, luciferase assay and site-directed mutagenesis analysis demonstrated that T3 repressed MUC5AC expression at transcriptional level and the mechanism might partly lie in the specific inhibition of Sp1 binding to the promoter. Our results suggest that decreased T3 level leads to the release of repression of MUC5AC expression and thus contributes to mucus hypersecretion.
Childhood TB Surveillance: Bridging the Knowledge Gap to Inform Policy
Authors: Brent Andrew J.
Published: February 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death globally. Natural history studies show that young children are at particularly high risk of progression to active TB and severe, disseminated disease following infection. Despite this, high-quality regional and global surveillance data on the burden of childhood TB are lacking. We discuss the unique aspects of TB in children that make diagnosis and therefore surveillance challenging; the limitations of available surveillance data; other data which provide insights into the true burden of childhood TB. Improved surveillance is among the key research priorities identified for childhood TB, but progress to date has been slow. Recent advances in TB diagnostics, and standardized clinical diagnostic guidelines and case definitions, all provide opportunities for new strategies to improve surveillance. Better-quality data on the burden and trends of childhood TB will inform and improve both public health policy and clinical practice.