bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized Carrier Tracking Loop Design for Real-Time High-Dynamics GNSS Receivers
Authors: Roncagliolo Pedro A. , García Javier G. , Muravchik Carlos H.
Published: June 2012

Carrier phase estimation in real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers is usually performed by tracking loops due to their very low computational complexity. We show that a careful design of these loops allows them to operate properly in high-dynamics environments, that is, accelerations up to 40 g or more. Their phase and frequency discriminators and loop filter are derived considering the digital nature of the loop inputs. Based on these ideas, we propose a new loop structure named Unambiguous Frequency-Aided Phase-Locked Loop (UFA-PLL). In terms of tracking capacity and noise resistance UFA-PLL has the same advantages of frequently used coupled-loop schemes, but it is simpler to design and to implement. Moreover, it can keep phase lock in situations where other loops cannot. The loop design is completed selecting the correlation time and loop bandwidth that minimize the pull-out probability, without relying on typical rules of thumb. Optimal and efficient ways to smooth the phase estimates are also presented. Hence, high-quality phase measurements—usually exploited in offline and quasistatic applications—become practical for real-time and high-dynamics receivers. Experiments with fixed-point implementations of the proposed loops and actual radio signals are also shown.
Effect of Accelerated Thermal Ageing on the Selective Solar Thermal Harvesting Properties of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Nickel Oxide Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Roro Kittessa T. , Mwakikunga Bonex , Tile Ngcali , Yalisi Brian , Forbes Andrew
Published: June 2012

Varying amounts of dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes in NiO have been used to develop composites that absorb the solar energy very well but lose very little through emission. Determination of absorptance,αsol, and emissivity,εther, from such selective solar absorbers shows that the optimum efficiency of 71% can be attained when about 10 mg of MWCNTs are composited with NiO. One such absorber was subjected to thermal ageing tests. The performance criterion (PC) limit for passing the test when simulated for 25 years is(−Δα+0.25Δε)≤0.05. It was found that the typical absorber had a PC value of −0.01. This value is much better than the passing limit. Raman spectra of the typical absorber before and after the thermal ageing test showed a reduced intensity in the D and G bands of disordered and graphitic carbon, respectively but an enhancement of the NiO bands indicating loss of carbon atoms due to thermal ageing tests. Simple equations are derived determining the proportion of carbon atoms that are lost and the proportion of carbon atoms that remains in the absorber; both of these are in agreement with the original carbon composition before the thermal ageing test. It is reported that the typical absorber will retain 63% of the carbon after 25 years.
Transit Analysis Package: An IDL Graphical User Interface for Exoplanet Transit Photometry
Authors: Gazak J. Zachary , Johnson John A. , Tonry John , Dragomir Diana , Eastman Jason , Mann Andrew W. , Agol Eric
Published: June 2012

We present an IDL graphical user-interface-driven software package designed for the analysis of exoplanet transit light curves. The Transit Analysis Package (TAP) software uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques to fit light curves using the analytic model of Mandal and Agol (2002). The package incorporates a wavelet-based likelihood function developed by Carter and Winn (2009), which allows the MCMC to assess parameter uncertainties more robustly than classicχ2methods by parameterizing uncorrelated “white” and correlated “red” noise. The software is able to simultaneously analyze multiple transits observed in different conditions (instrument, filter, weather, etc.). The graphical interface allows for the simple execution and interpretation of Bayesian MCMC analysis tailored to a user’s specific data set and has been thoroughly tested on ground-based andKeplerphotometry. This paper describes the software release and provides applications to new and existing data. Reanalysis of ground-based observations of TrES-1b, WASP-4b, and WASP-10b (Winn et al., 2007, 2009; Johnson et al., 2009; resp.) and space-basedKepler4b–8b (Kipping and Bakos 2010) show good agreement between TAP and those publications. We also present new multi-filter light curves of WASP-10b and we find excellent agreement with previously published values for a smaller radius.
Inhibition of Cell Growth and Induction of Apoptosis byAntrodia camphoratain HER-2/neu-Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells through the Induction of ROS, Depletion of HER-2/neu, and Disruption of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lee Chuan-Chen , Yang Hsin-Ling , Way Tzong-Der , Kumar K. J. Senthil , Juan Ying-Chen , Cho Hsin-Ju , Lin Kai-Yuan , Hsu Li-Sung , Chen Ssu-Ching , Hseu You-Cheng
Published: June 2012

Previously, we demonstrated that a submerged fermentation culture ofAntrodia camphorata(AC) promotes cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in human estrogen receptor-positive/negative breast cancer cells. However, whether AC is effective against HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast cancers has not been thoroughly elucidated. In the present study, we showed that AC exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect against HER-2/neu-overexpressing MDA-MB-453 and BT-474 cells. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that HER-2/neuand their tyrosine phosphorylation were inhibited by AC in a dose-dependent manner. An increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in AC-treated cells, whereas antioxidantN-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly prevented AC induced HER-2/neudepletion and cell death, which directly indicates that AC-induced HER-2/neudepletion and cell death was mediated by ROS generation. Also, AC significantly downregulated the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK4 followed by the suppression of PI3K/Akt, and their downstream effectors GSK-3βandβ-catenin. Notably, AC-treatment induced apoptotic cell death, which was associated with sub-G1 accumulation, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytochromecrelease, caspase-3/-9 activation, PARP degradation, and Bcl-2/Bax dysregulation. Assays for colony formation also confirmed the growth-inhibitory effects of AC. This is the first report confirming the anticancer activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast cancers.
Dementia and Diabetes Mellitus: Association with Apolipoprotein E4 Polymorphism from a Hospital in Southern India
Authors: Kota Lakshmi Narayanan , Shankarappa Bhagyalakshmi Mallapura , Shivakumar Prafulla , Sadanand Shilpa , Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Krishnappa Srinivas Brahmadevarahalli , Purushottam Meera , Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju , Jain Sanjeev , Varghese Mathew , Bharath Srikala
Published: June 2012

Objective. To evaluate the association of Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) with comorbid diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods. The study included subjects with Alzheimer's dementia (AD) (n=209), individuals with non-Alzheimer's dementia (nAD) (n=122), individuals with parental history of AD (f/hAD) (n=70), and control individuals who had normal cognitive functions and no parental history of dementia (NC) (n=193). Dementia was diagnosed using International Classification of Diseases-10 revision (ICD-10) criteria. DM was assessed on the basis of self-report and/or use of antidiabetic medications. ApoE genotyping was done using sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction.Results. ApoE4 allele frequencies were highest among AD with comorbid DM (0.35) followed by AD without DM (0.25), nAD with DM (0.13), nAD without comorbid DM (0.12), and NC (0.08). Frequency of ApoE4 in persons with f/hAD was 0.13. The association of AD with co-morbid DM in ApoE4 carriers was more in comparison to NC with DM (OR=5.68,P=0.04).Conclusion. There is a significant association between AD with co-morbid DM and ApoE4 genotype.
Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors Associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Calvert George T. , Monument Michael J. , Burt Randall W. , Jones Kevin B. , Randall R. Lor
Published: June 2012

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors are a significant cause of morbidity in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome. Understanding of the basic biology and natural history of these tumors has increased substantially over the past decade. Accordingly, medical and surgical management of desmoid tumors has also evolved. This paper analyzes recent evidence pertaining to the epidemiology, molecular biology, histopathology, screening, and treatment of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors associated with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome.
Oxidants, Antioxidants, and the Beneficial Roles of Exercise-Induced Production of Reactive Species
Authors: Gomes Elisa Couto , Silva Albená Nunes , Oliveira Marta Rubino de
Published: June 2012

This review offers an overview of the influence of reactive species produced during exercise and their effect on exercise adaptation. Reactive species and free radicals are unstable molecules that oxidize other molecules in order to become stable. Although they play important roles in our body, they can also lead to oxidative stress impairing diverse cellular functions. During exercise, reactive species can be produced mainly, but not exclusively, by the following mechanisms: electron leak at the mitochondrial electron transport chain, ischemia/reperfusion and activation of endothelial xanthine oxidase, inflammatory response, and autooxidation of catecholamines. Chronic exercise also leads to the upregulation of the body's antioxidant defence mechanism, which helps minimize the oxidative stress that may occur after an acute bout of exercise. Recent studies show a beneficial role of the reactive species, produced during a bout of exercise, that lead to important training adaptations: angiogenesis, mitochondria biogenesis, and muscle hypertrophy. The adaptations occur depending on the mechanic, and consequently biochemical, stimulus within the muscle. This is a new area of study that promises important findings in the sphere of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the relationship between oxidative stress and exercise.
Short and Long-Term Analysis and Comparison of Neurodegeneration and Inflammatory Cell Response in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Hemisphere of the Neonatal Mouse Brain after Hypoxia/Ischemia
Authors: Shrivastava Kalpana , Chertoff Mariela , Llovera Gemma , Recasens Mireia , Acarin Laia
Published: June 2012

Understanding the evolution of neonatal hypoxic/ischemic is essential for novel neuroprotective approaches. We describe the neuropathology and glial/inflammatory response, from 3 hours to 100 days, after carotid occlusion and hypoxia (8% O2, 55 minutes) to the C57/BL6 P7 mouse. Massive tissue injury and atrophy in the ipsilateral (IL) hippocampus, corpus callosum, and caudate-putamen are consistently shown. Astrogliosis peaks at 14 days, but glial scar is still evident at day 100. Microgliosis peaks at 3–7 days and decreases by day 14. Both glial responses start at 3 hours in the corpus callosum and hippocampal fissure, to progressively cover the degenerating CA field. Neutrophils increase in the ventricles and hippocampal vasculature, showing also parenchymal extravasation at 7 days. Remarkably, delayed milder atrophy is also seen in the contralateral (CL) hippocampus and corpus callosum, areas showing astrogliosis and microgliosis during the first 72 hours. This detailed and long-term cellular response characterization of the ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere after H/I may help in the design of better therapeutic strategies.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Anterior Vaginal Wall during the First Stage of Labour
Authors: Schultz Meleesa Joy , Nanda Triveni
Published: June 2012

The risk of uterine rupture during attempted trial of labor after caesarean delivery (TOLAC) is well documented. However, vaginal rupture (in the absence of obstructed labour) is exceptionally uncommon. Below is described the rare case of a 37-year-old multiparous woman attempting TOLAC, who suffered a vaginal—rather than uterine—rupture, during the first stage of spontaneous labour. This case is an important reminder to obstetricians that concealed ruptures of both the vagina and uterus do occur and must be considered in clinical situations where another explanation is not apparent.
Exploring Short-Term Responses to Changes in the Control Strategy forChlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Clarke James , White K. A. Jane , Turner Katy
Published: June 2012

Chlamydia has a significant impact on public health provision in the developed world. Using pair approximation equations we investigate the efficacy of control programmes for chlamydia on short time scales that are relevant to policy makers. We use output from the model to estimate critical measures, namely, prevalence, incidence, and positivity in those screened and their partners. We combine these measures with a costing tool to estimate the economic impact of different public health strategies. Increasing screening coverage significantly increases the annual programme costs whereas an increase in tracing efficiency initially increases annual costs but over time reduces costs below baseline, with tracing accounting for around 10% of intervention costs. We found that partner positivity is insensitive to changes in prevalence due to screening, remaining at around 33%. Whether increases occur in screening or tracing levels, the cost per treated infection increases from the baseline because of reduced prevalence.
Multiple Oral Leiomyomas in an Infant: A Rare Case
Authors: Alvarez Efraín , Laberry María P. , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: June 2012

Oral leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor that occurs most frequently in the uterine myometrium, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Incidence in the oral cavity is considered uncommon. Most cases are reported in adults, with very few cases described in children. A rare case of multiple leiomyomas localized on the tongue, cheek, and floor of the mouth of an 8-month-old baby is reported. The diagnosis of leiomyoma in the oral cavity is mainly determined by histological studies; however, immunohistochemical tests are recommended in order to differentiate from other tumors. Surgical excision of the lesion appears to be the best treatment option. A review of the literature did not reveal any previously reported case of multiple oral leiomyomas.
The Concerns of Competent Novices during a Mentoring Year
Authors: Lennox Susan , Jutel Annemarie , Foureur Maralyn
Published: June 2012

In an innovative group mentoring approach, four experienced midwives mentored four new graduates during their first year of practice. The new graduates were in practice as case-loading registered midwives having completed a three year Bachelor of Midwifery degree. Detailed data about the new graduates’ concerns were collected throughout the year of the mentoring project. A range of practice areas—administrative, working environment, professional culture, clinical issues and the mentor group itself—were prominent issues. New graduates were concerned about their own professional development and about relationships with others particularly relationships within the hospital. Technical questions focussed more on craft knowledge that develops through experience than on clinical skills or knowledge. Identifying these concerns provides a foundation for mentors, preceptors and those designing professional development support programmes for the first year of practice. It may be that new graduate midwives educated in a profession with a narrowly defined scope of practice have a different range of concerns to new graduates who have wider scopes of practice. The use of a group model of mentoring for supporting new graduate midwives proved stimulating for mentors and highly supportive of new graduates.
Meteorological Patterns Associated with Intense Saharan Dust Outbreaks over Greece in Winter
Authors: Nastos P. T.
Published: June 2012

The Mediterranean Basin and southern Europe are often affected by Saharan dust outbreaks, which influence the aerosol load and properties, air quality standards, visibility and human health. The present work examines, mainly of the meteorological point of view, three intense dust outbreaks occurred over Greece with duration of one or two days, on 4 and 6 February and 5-6 March 2009. The synoptic analysis on the dusty days showed the presence of low-pressure systems in the west coasts of Europe and the north Tyrrhenian Sea, respectively, associated with a trough reaching the north African coast. The result of these conditions was the strong surface and mid troposphere winds that carried significant amounts of dust over Greece. During the dusty days extensive cloud cover associated with the dust plume occurred over Greece. The air-mass trajectories showed a clear Saharan origin in all atmospheric levels, while the satellite (MODIS Terra/Aqua) observations as well as the model (DREAM) predictions verified the intense dust outbreaks over eastern Mediterranean and Greece. The ground based particulate matter concentrations in Athens were excessively increased on the dusty days (PM10: 150–560 μg/m3), while significant dry and wet deposition occurred as forecasted by DREAM model.
Roles of Protein Synthesis Elongation Factor EF-Tu in Heat Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Fu Jianming , Momčilović Ivana , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: June 2012

EF-Tu proteins of plastids, mitochondria, and the cytosolic counterpart EF-1αin plants, as well as EF-Tu proteins of bacteria, are highly conserved and multifunctional. The functions of EF-Tu include transporting the aminoacyl-tRNA complex to the A site of the ribosome during protein biosynthesis; chaperone activity in protecting other proteins from aggregation caused by environmental stresses, facilitating renaturation of proteins when conditions return to normal; displaying a protein disulfide isomerase activity; participating in the degradation of N-terminally blocked proteins by the proteasome; eliciting innate immunity and triggering resistance to pathogenic bacteria in plants; participating in transcription when anE. colihost is infected with phages. EF-Tu genes are upregulated by abiotic stresses in plants, and EF-Tu plays important role in stress responses. Expression of a plant EF-Tu gene confers heat tolerance inE. coli, maize knock-out EF-Tu null mutants are heat susceptible, and over-expression of an EF-Tu gene improves heat tolerance in crop plants. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge of EF-Tu proteins in stress responses in plants and progress on application of EF-Tu for developing crop varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses, such as high temperatures.
A Fatal Case of Cor Pulmonale with Undetected Chronic Hypoventilation in an Infant with a Known Congenital Myopathy
Authors: Holst John M. , Willis Mary J.
Published: June 2012

The authors of this paper wish to present a case of fatal cor pulmonale with right ventricular hypertrophy complicated by a congenital myopathy. It is our intention to demonstrate the importance of vigilant clinical assessment of children with a congenital myopathy, regardless of the exact etiology of their disease, or family history of disease severity. This case highlights the risk for fatal complications if hypoventilation and respiratory insufficiency go unrecognized in myopathic children. Consequently, we recommend respiratory and cardiac monitoring surveillance as well as appropriate referral to specialists in the management of such children.
Intelligent ZHENG Classification of Hypertension Depending on ML-kNN and Information Fusion
Authors: Li Guo-Zheng , Yan Shi-Xing , You Mingyu , Sun Sheng , Ou Aihua
Published: June 2012

Hypertension is one of the major causes of heart cerebrovascular diseases. With a good accumulation of hypertension clinical data on hand, research on hypertension's ZHENG differentiation is an important and attractive topic, as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lies primarily in “treatment based on ZHENG differentiation.” From the view of data mining, ZHENG differentiation is modeled as a classification problem. In this paper, ML-kNN—a multilabel learning model—is used as the classification model for hypertension. Feature-level information fusion is also used for further utilization of all information. Experiment results show that ML-kNN can model the hypertension's ZHENG differentiation well. Information fusion helps improve models' performance.
Experimental Aerosol Inoculation and Investigation of Potential Lateral Transmission ofMycobacterium bovisin Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Authors: Fenton Karla A. , Fitzgerald Scott D. , Bolin Steve , Kaneene John , Sikarskie James , Greenwald Rena , Lyashchenko Konstantin
Published: June 2012

An endemic focus ofMycobacterium bovis(M. bovis) infection in the state of Michigan has contributed to a regional persistence in the animal population. The objective of this study was to determine if Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) contribute to disease persistence by experimentally assessing intraspecies lateral transmission. One wild caught pregnant female opossum bearing 11 joeys (young opossum) and one age-matched joey were obtained for the study. Four joeys were aerosol inoculated withM. bovis(inoculated), four joeys were noninoculated (exposed), and four joeys plus the dam were controls. Four replicate groups of one inoculated and one exposed joey were housed together for 45 days commencing 7 days after experimental inoculation. At day 84 opossums were sacrificed. All four inoculated opossums had a positive test band via rapid test, culture positive, and gross/histologic lesions consistent with caseogranulomatous pneumonia. The exposed and control groups were unremarkable on gross, histology, rapid test, and culture. In conclusion,M. bovisinfection within the inoculated opossums was confirmed by gross pathology, histopathology, bacterial culture, and antibody tests. However,M. boviswas not detected in the control and exposed opossums. There was no appreciable lateral transmission ofM. bovisafter aerosol inoculation and 45 days of cohabitation between infected and uninfected opossums.
An Unusual Presentation of Ovarian Teratoma: A Case Report
Authors: Khanna Seema , Srivastava Vivek , Saroj Sanjai , Mishra Shashi Prakash , Gupta S. K.
Published: June 2012

Mature cystic teratomas account for 10–20% of all ovarian neoplasms and are the most common neoplasm in younger patients. Spontaneous rupture of the teratoma is rare and has been occasionally reported. Here we present an unusual case of left ovarian teratoma rupturing into sigmoid colon.
A Mathematical Model of Immune-System-Melanoma Competition
Authors: Pennisi Marzio
Published: June 2012

We present a mathematical model developed to reproduce the immune response entitled with the combined administration of activated OT1 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and Anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies. The treatment is directed against melanoma in B16 OVA mouse models exposed to a specific immunotherapy strategy. We model two compartments: the injection point compartment where the treatment is administered and the skin compartment where melanoma tumor cells proliferate. To model the migration of OT1 CTLs and antibodies from the injection to the skin compartment, we use delay differential equations (DDEs). The outcomes of the mathematical model are in good agreement with the in vivo results. Moreover, sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model underlines the key role of OT1 CTLs and suggests that a possible reduction of the number of injected antibodies should not affect substantially the treatment efficacy.
Performance of High-Permittivity Ceramic-Polymer Composite as a Substrate for UHF RFID Tag Antennas
Authors: Babar A. A. , Bhagavati V. A. , Ukkonen L. , Elsherbeni A. Z. , Kallio P. , Sydänheimo L.
Published: June 2012

A high-permittivity ceramic-polymer composite substrate is fabricated and proposed for its potential use in UHF RFID tags. The substrate is developed using high-permittivity Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) ceramic powder mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer. The resulting composite achieves a soft, hydrophobic, heat resistant, low loss, and flexible material with high dielectric constant. The percentage of the ceramic powder in the composite helps in achieving variable permittivity values. When this material is used as a substrate for a tag antenna, it will help the tag to be reduced in size, to conform to uneven or rough surface, and to be less vulnerable to breakage or other environmental damages. A small passive UHF RFID tag antenna is designed, fabricated, and attached to this type of composite substrate, to demonstrate the performance of this composite material.
Intensive Rehabilitation Treatment in Parkinsonian Patients with Dyskinesias: A Preliminary Study with 6-Month Followup
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Morelli Micaela , Bertotti Gabriella , Felicetti Guido , Pezzoli Gianni , Maestri Roberto
Published: June 2012

A major adverse effect of levodopa therapy is the development of dyskinesia, which affects 30–40% of chronically treated Parkinsonian patients. We hypothesized that our rehabilitation protocol might allow a reduction in levodopa dosage without worsening motor performances, thus reducing frequency and severity of dyskinesias. Ten Parkinsonian patients underwent a 4-week intensive rehabilitation treatment (IRT). Patients were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the rehabilitation treatment and at 6-month followup. Outcome measures were the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Sections II, III, and IV (UPDRS II, III, IV) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). At the end of the IRT, levodopa dosage was significantly reduced (P=0.0035), passing from1016±327to777±333 mg/day. All outcome variables improved significantly (P<0.0005all) by the end of IRT. At followup, all variables still maintained better values with respect to admission (P<0.02all). In particular AIMS score improved passing from11.90±6.5at admission to3.10±2.3at discharge and to4.20±2.7at followup. Our results suggest that it is possible to act on dyskinesias in Parkinsonian patients with properly designed rehabilitation protocols. Intensive rehabilitation treatment, whose acute beneficial effects are maintained over time, might be considered a valid noninvasive therapeutic support for Parkinsonian patients suffering from diskinesia, allowing a reduction in drugs dosage and related adverse effects.
Dietary Polyphenols as Modulators of Brain Functions: Biological Actions and Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Their Beneficial Effects
Authors: Vauzour David
Published: June 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that diet and lifestyle can play an important role in delaying the onset or halting the progression of age-related health disorders and to improve cognitive function. In particular, polyphenols have been reported to exert their neuroprotective actions through the potential to protect neurons against injury induced by neurotoxins, an ability to suppress neuroinflammation, and the potential to promote memory, learning, and cognitive function. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the biology of polyphenols, they are still mistakenly regarded as simply acting as antioxidants. However, recent evidence suggests that their beneficial effects involve decreases in oxidative/inflammatory stress signaling, increases in protective signaling and neurohormetic effects leading to the expression of genes that encode antioxidant enzymes, phase-2 enzymes, neurotrophic factors, and cytoprotective proteins. Specific examples of such pathways include the sirtuin-FoxO pathway, the NF-κB pathway, and the Nrf-2/ARE pathway. Together, these processes act to maintain brain homeostasis and play important roles in neuronal stress adaptation and thus polyphenols have the potential to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative pathologies.
Stem Cell Niches for Skin Regeneration
Authors: Wong Victor W. , Levi Benjamin , Rajadas Jayakumar , Longaker Michael T. , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: June 2012

Stem cell-based therapies offer tremendous potential for skin regeneration following injury and disease. Functional stem cell units have been described throughout all layers of human skin and the collective physical and chemical microenvironmental cues that enable this regenerative potential are known as the stem cell niche. Stem cells in the hair follicle bulge, interfollicular epidermis, dermal papillae, and perivascular space have been closely investigated as model systems for niche-driven regeneration. These studies suggest that stem cell strategies for skin engineering must consider the intricate molecular and biologic features of these niches. Innovative biomaterial systems that successfully recapitulate these microenvironments will facilitate progenitor cell-mediated skin repair and regeneration.
High-Frequency Underwater Acoustic Propagation in a Port Modeled as a Three-Dimensional Duct Closed at One End Using the Method of Images
Authors: Beaujean Pierre-Philippe J. , Staska Matthew D.
Published: June 2012

A computer-efficient model for underwater acoustic propagation in a shallow, three-dimensional rectangular duct closed at one end has been developed using the method of images. The duct simulates a turning basin located in a port, surrounded with concrete walls, and filled with sea water. The channel bottom is composed of silt. The modeled impulse response is compared with the impulse response measured between 15 kHz and 33 kHz. Despite small sensor-position inaccuracies and an approximated duct geometry, the impulse response can be modeled with a relative echo magnitude error of 1.62 dB at worst and a relative echo location error varying between 0% and 4% when averaged across multiple measurements and sensor locations. This is a sufficient level of accuracy for the simulation of an acoustic communication system operating in the same frequency band and in shallow waters, as time fluctuations in echo magnitude commonly reach 10 dB in this type of environment.
Temporal Summation of Pain Is Not Amplified in a Large Proportion of Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Potvin Stéphane , Paul-Savoie Emilie , Morin Mélanie , Bourgault Patricia , Marchand Serge
Published: June 2012

Background. Recently, it has been proposed that fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic widespread pain syndrome, results from overactive endogenous excitatory pain mechanisms. Experimental studies using temporal summation paradigms have confirmed this hypothesis but have included small samples of patients, prompting our group to perform a large-scale study. Methods. Seventy-two female FM patients and 39 healthy females participated in the study. The temporal summation test consisted of a 2-minute continuous and constant heat pulse administered with a thermode on the participants’ left forearm. Experimental temperature was set at a value individually predetermined to induce a 50/100 pain rating. Results. Relative to controls, FM patients had lower thermal pain thresholds and lower temporal summation of pain. However, 37 FM patients required experimental temperatures lower than the minimal temperature used in controls (45°C). Nevertheless, temporal summation was not increased in the other FM subgroup, relative to controls, despite equivalent experimental temperatures. Discussion. Our results suggest that temporal summation of pain is normal, rather than increased, in a large proportion of FM patients. Future studies on temporal summation in FM will need to be careful since some FM patients require abnormally low experimental temperatures that may confound results and make necessary to separate patients into subgroups.
On Some Normality-Like Properties and Bishop's Property () for a Class of Operators on Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Ould Ahmed Mahmoud Sid Ahmed
Published: June 2012

We prove some further properties of the operator (-power quasinormal, defined in Sid Ahmed, 2011). In particular we show that the operator satisfying the translation invariant property is normal and that the operator is not supercyclic provided that it is not invertible. Also, we study some cases in which an operator is subscalar of order ; that is, it is similar to the restriction of a scalar operator of order to an invariant subspace.
Prevalence of Adhesion and Regulation of Biofilm-Related Genes in Different Clones ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Atshan Salman Sahab , Nor Shamsudin Mariana , Sekawi Zamberi , Lung Leslie Than Thian , Hamat Rukman Awang , Karunanidhi Arunkumar , Mateg Ali Alreshidi , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah , Ghasemzadeh-Moghaddam Hamed , Chong Seng Johnson Shueh , Nathan Jayakayatri Jeevajothi , Pei Pei Chong
Published: June 2012

Clinical information about genotypically different clones of biofilm-producingStaphylococcus aureusis largely unknown. We examined whether different clones of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MSSA and MRSA) differ with respect to staphylococcal microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) in biofilm formation. The study used 60 different types ofspaand determined the phenotypes, the prevalence of the 13 MSCRAMM, and biofilm genes for each clone. The current investigation was carried out using a modified Congo red agar (MCRA), a microtiter plate assay (MPA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Clones belonging to the samespatype were found to have similar properties in adheringto thepolystyrene microtiter plate surface. However, their ability to produce slime on MCRA medium was different. PCR experiments showed that 60 clones of MSSA and MRSA were positive for 5 genes (out of 9 MSCRAMM genes).icaADBCgenes were found to be present in all the 60 clones tested indicating a high prevalence, and these genes were equally distributed among the clones associated with MSSA and those with MRSA. The prevalence of other MSCRAMM genes among MSSA and MRSA clones was found to be variable. MRSA and MSSA gene expression (MSCRAMM andicaADBC) was confirmed by RT-PCR.
PET Evidence for a Role for Striatal Dopamine in the Attentional Blink: Functional Implications
Authors: Slagter Heleen A. , Tomer Rachel , Christian Bradley T. , Fox Andrew S. , Colzato Lorenza S. , King Carlye R. , Murali Dhanabalan , Davidson Richard J.
Published: June 2012

Our outside world changes continuously, for example, when driving through traffic. An important question is how our brain deals with this constant barrage of rapidly changing sensory input and flexibly selects only newly goal-relevant information for further capacity-limited processing in working memory. The challenge our brain faces is experimentally captured by the attentional blink (AB): an impairment in detecting the second of two target stimuli presented in close temporal proximity among distracters. Many theories have been proposed to explain this deficit in processing goal-relevant information, with some attributing the AB to capacity limitations related to encoding of the first target and others assigning a critical role to on-line selection mechanisms that control access to working memory. The current study examined the role of striatal dopamine in the AB, given its known role in regulating the contents of working memory. Specifically, participants performed an AB task and their basal level of dopamine D2-like receptor binding was measured using PET and [F-18]fallypride. As predicted, individual differences analyses showed that greater D2-like receptor binding in the striatum was associated with a larger AB, implicating striatal dopamine and mechanisms that control access to working memory in the AB. Specifically, we propose that striatal dopamine may determine the AB by regulating the threshold for working memory updating, providing a testable physiological basis for this deficit in gating rapidly changing visual information. A challenge for current models of the AB lies in connecting more directly to these neurobiological data.
Globalization: Civilizing or destructive? An empirical test of the international determinants of generalized trust
Authors: Polillo Simone
Published: June 2012

Does globalization encourage and facilitate the development of generalized trust, or does it, on the contrary, foster mutual suspicion and distrust? This question preoccupied intellectual elites during the early phases of expansion of world markets, and it has become once again relevant in the context of contemporary globalization. This article proposes a sociological redefinition of this question by distinguishing between different aspects of globalization (economic competition and cultural embeddedness in the world polity) and specifying how those aspects affect trust. Using hierarchical models with individual and cross-national data from the World Values Survey and other sources on 41 countries for the 2005–2008 period, the article finds empirical support for the propositions that globalized competition decreases generalized trust in the countries most exposed to it, while competitiveness in prestigious cultural activities (such as scientific production) increases generalized trust.
Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of Likert-Type Learning Strategy Scales
Authors: Coertjens Liesje , Donche Vincent , De Maeyer Sven , Vanthournout Gert , Van Petegem Peter
Published: June 2012

Whether or not learning strategies change during the course of higher education is an important topic in the Student Approaches to Learning field. However, there is a dearth of any empirical evaluations in the literature as to whether or not the instruments in this research domain measure equivalently over time. Therefore, this study details the procedure of longitudinal measurement invariance testing of self-report Likert-type scales, using the case of learning strategies. The sample consists of 245 University College students who filled out the Inventory of Learning Styles—Short Version three times. Using the WLSMV estimator to take into account the ordinal nature of the data, a series of models with progressively more stringent constraints were estimated using Mplus 6.1. The results indicate that longitudinal measurement invariance holds for all but two learning strategy scales. The implications for longitudinal analysis using scales with varying degrees of measurement invariance are discussed.
An Examination of the Validity of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System in a Rural Elementary School
Authors: King Kathleen , Reschly Amy L. , Appleton James J.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a screening instrument. The sample contained 496 elementary children from the rural southeast. Properties of the Teacher, Parent, and Student Forms of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System were examined. Results indicated that all forms had high levels of internal consistency. There were low to moderate correlations between the Teacher Form and reading, behavior, and attendance variables. The Parent Form was significantly correlated with attendance and reading. The Student Forms were significantly correlated with office discipline referrals, attendance, and reading. The Teacher Form identified 28% of students as being at-risk (elevated or extremely elevated), followed by 20% and 32% on the Parent and Student Forms, respectively. The risk groups were significantly different in terms of attendance, behavior, and achievement. However, interrater agreement regarding risk status across different raters was low. All forms demonstrated low positive predictive power and low to moderate sensitivity relative to an outcome of office discipline referrals but did show reasonably strong negative predictive power and specificity. Future directions for research are presented.
Risk and Protective Factors for Physical and Emotional Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in a Community of Lima, Peru
Authors: Mayorga Magaly Nóblega
Published: June 2012

This article shows risk and protective factors for both physical and emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. The study was carried out in a shanty town of Lima, Peru, which has a strong community organization. One hundred ninety-two women between 25 and 59 years old ( M = 34.09, SD = 6.5) were interviewed; 44.3% had secondary education, 75.5% were housewives, and 94% lived with their partner. The measurement instrument was a survey especially developed for this project to explore occurrence of physical and emotional IPV and to identify factors associated with them; factors were classified in individual and relational levels according to the ecological nested model (ENM). A logistic regression analysis was used to test the associations; the results showed that for emotional IPV, men’s assertiveness was a protective factor, whereas their emotional instability and jealousy were risk factors. For physical IPV, there were no identified risks or protective factors. These results are presented and discussed.
U.S. Nonprofit Law Reform
Authors: Brody Evelyn
Published: June 2012

This article compares three recently completed or ongoing U.S. nonprofit law reform projects drafted by three different models of nonprofit institutions: the American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, and the Uniform Law Commission. These projects are not themselves law; rather, success depends on enactment by state legislatures or application by practicing attorneys, regulators, and judges. Moreover, this entrepreneurial and sometimes competitive model of law reform means that a true unified “charities law” in statutory form is unlikely to emerge in the United States. Finally, future law reform might focus less on nonprofit organizational form and more on subsectors or activities in which certain nonprofits (and perhaps also government and businesses) operate.
The Dynamic Impacts of State Revenue Capacity on Highway Investment
Authors: Srithongrung Arwiphawee
Published: June 2012

This study investigates the short-term effects of state-highway EARs (EARs) and federal-grant expenditure on present-year state revenue sources and highway investment, when another state-highway source, general revenue, is controlled for. In the dynamic framework, this article argues that general revenue interacts with highway EAR and federal-grant reimbursements since these revenue sources are substitutable. The results from the panel vector auto regression (PVAR) indicate that (a) EAR and federal grants are inversely related to general revenues used in highway programs, (b) when controlled for simultaneity, autocorrelation, and omitted-variable bias, EAR and federal grants are not significant for state-investment decisions, and (c) general revenue inversely relates to state investment because there is competition for public resources between highway and general-revenue programs.
Epigenetic Regulation and Measurement of Epigenetic Changes
Authors: Stephens Kimberly E. , Miaskowski Christine A. , Levine Jon D. , Pullinger Clive R. , Aouizerat Bradley E.
Published: June 2012

Epigenetic mechanisms provide an adaptive layer of control in the regulation of gene expression that enables an organism to adjust to a changing environment. Epigenetic regulation increases the functional complexity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by altering chromatin structure, nuclear organization, and transcript stability. These changes may additively or synergistically influence gene expression and result in long-term molecular and functional consequences independent of the DNA sequence that may ultimately define an individual’s phenotype. This article (1) describes histone modification, DNA methylation, and expression of small noncoding RNA species; (2) reviews the most common methods used to measure these epigenetic changes; and (3) presents factors that need to be considered when choosing a specific tissue to evaluate for epigenetic changes.
Influence of Gender in the Psychoneuroimmunological Response to Therapeutic Interval Exercise
Authors: Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Rodríguez Lourdes Díaz , Rubio-Ruiz Belen , Olea Nicolas
Published: June 2012

Interval exercise has been used as an alternative modality to continuous exercise in patients with various conditions. Although interval exercise can improve health status, it may also exert deleterious effects. Few data are available on differences in psychoneuroimmunological response to high-intensity interval exercise, and it is not known whether males and females differ in their responses to a similar physical stress task. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between the psychoneuroimmunological responses of healthy active males and females to a high-intensity interval exercise protocol. Fifty healthy active subjects (25 females) underwent 2 exercise protocol sessions at least 2 weeks apart and at the same time of the day. The first session familiarized participants with the protocol. In the second, after a baseline measurement, subjects performed an exercise protocol with a standardized warm-up followed by three 30-s Wingate tests and an active recovery period. Baseline and postintervention data were gathered on the following: Holter electrocardiogram recordings (standard deviation of normal-to-normal interval [SDNN], square root of mean squared differences of successive NN intervals [RMSSD]); heart rate variability (HRV) index; salivary total protein and immunoglobulin A levels; pressure pain thresholds in masseter and upper trapezius muscles; and profile of mood states. After the exercise protocol, mood disturbance was significantly greater in the males than in the females, while the salivary immunoglobulin A level relative to total proteins was significantly lower in the males. These results suggest that high-intensity interval exercise induces a worse psychoneuroimmunological state in males than in females.
Outcomes of Three Years of Teamwork on Critical Limb Ischemia in Patients With Diabetes and Foot Lesions
Authors: Scatena Alessia , Petruzzi Pasquale , Ferrari Mauro , Rizzo Loredana , Cicorelli Antonello , Berchiolli Raffaella , Goretti Chiara , Bargellini Irene , Adami Daniele , Iacopi Elisabetta , Del Corso Andrea , Cioni Roberto , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: June 2012

To evaluate the outcomes of a multidisciplinary team working on diabetic foot (DF) patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) in a specialized center, the authors retrospectively traced all the patients admitted in their department in 3 consecutive years with a diagnosis of CLI. From January 2006 to December 2008, 245 consecutive DF patients with CLI according the TransAtlantic interSociety Consensus II criteria were included in the study. Treatment strategy was decided by a team of diabetologists, inteventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons. Technical and clinical success, mortality, and ulcer recurrence were evaluated at 6 months and at a mean follow-up of 19.5 ± 13.4 months. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 189 (77%) patients, whereas medical treatment, open surgical revascularization (OSR), and primary amputation were performed in 44 (18.3%), 11 (4.3%), and 1 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Revascularization was successful in 227/233 (97.4%) patients. At follow-up, the overall clinical success rate was 60.4%; it was significantly ( P = .001) higher after revascularization (75.9%) compared with medical treatment (48.3%). During follow-up, surgical interventions in the foot were 1.5 ± 0.4 in those treated with PTA, 1.6 ± 0.5 in those treated with OSR, and 0.3 ± 0.8 in those receiving medical therapy ( P < .05 compared with the others). Ulcer recurrence occurred in 29 (11.8%) patients: 4 (1.6%) in PTA, 2 (0.8%) in OSR, and 23 (9.4%) in the medical therapy group ( P < .05). Major amputation rate was 9.3%, being significantly ( P = .04) lower after revascularization (5.2%) compared with medical therapy alone (13.8%). Cumulative mortality rate was 10.6%. In conclusion, this study confirms the positive role of a PTA-first approach for revascularizing the complex cases of DF with CLI in a teamwork management strategy.