bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association with Soil Bacteria Enhances p38-Dependent Infection Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Montalvo-Katz Sirena , Huang Hao , Appel Michael David , Berg Maureen , Shapira Michael
Published: December 2012

The importance of our inner microbial communities for proper immune responses against invading pathogens is now well accepted, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are largely unknown. In this study, we used
Caenorhabditis elegans
to investigate such mechanisms. Since very little is known about the microbes interacting with
C. elegans
in its natural environment, we began by taking the first steps to characterize the
C. elegans
microbiota. We established a natural-like environment in which initially germfree, wild-type larvae were grown on enriched soil. Bacterial members of the adult
C. elegans
microbiota were isolated by culture and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using pure cultures of bacterial isolates as food, we identified two,
Bacillus megaterium
and
Pseudomonas mendocina
, that enhanced resistance to a subsequent infection with the Gram-negative pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Whereas protection by
B. megaterium
was linked to impaired egg laying, corresponding to a known trade-off between fecundity and resistance, the mechanism underlying protection conferred by
P. mendocina
depended on weak induction of immune genes regulated by the p38 MAPK pathway. Disruption of the p38 ortholog,
pmk-1
, abolished protection.
P. mendocina
enhanced resistance to
P. aeruginosa
but not to the Gram-positive pathogen
Enterococcus faecalis
. Furthermore, protection from
P. aeruginosa
was similarly induced by a
P. aeruginosa
gacA
mutant with attenuated virulence but not by a different
C. elegans
-associated
Pseudomonas
sp. isolate. Our results support a pivotal role for the conserved p38 pathway in microbiota-initiated immune protection and suggest that similarity between microbiota members and pathogens may play a role in such protection.
Commotio cordis without arrhythmic event and resuscitation: ECG, echocardiographic, angiographic and cardiovascular resonance imaging study
Authors: Maringhini Giorgio , Fasullo Sergio , Vitrano Gabriella , Terrazzino Gabriella , Ganci Filippo , Paterna Salvatore , Di Pasqual Pietro
Published: December 2012

We describe a case of commotio cordis in which the patient had an extensive cardiac evaluation, including ECGs, a coronary angiogram, a left ventriculogram, repeated echocardiography and cardiovascular MRI (CMRI). A healthy 17-year-old boy sustained an open-handed blow to the anterior part of the chest from a friend with whom he was playing. On admission ECG was performed that showed ST-T alterations and a TNI increase, with echocardiographic evidence of a localised pericardial effusion associated with a persistent myocardial blush at selective angiography. In addition, CMRI confirmed a local delayed enhancement in the same zone. An echocardiogram examination performed 30 days after discharge showed a complete disappearance of pericardial effusion and an improvement on ECG alterations. This is the first case report of a patient with commotio cordis, who did not show any arrhythmias and did not receive any resuscitation procedure, and was extensively studied by imaging methods.
Congenital malaria in a European country
Authors: Prior Ana Rita , Prata Filipa , Mouzinho Ana , Marques José Gonçalo
Published: December 2012

A newborn of 26 days, born in Lisbon, Portugal, presented with fever, anaemia and thrombocytopaenia. She was admitted considering neonatal sepsis, butPlasmodium vivaxwas identified in the second peripheral blood smear performed. Parenteral quinine was started with good evolution. Despite clinicians’ unfamiliarity with congenital malaria in non-endemic areas, this diagnosis, although rare, should not be forgotten in the evaluation of newborns/infants born to women from endemic areas or with recent trip to these areas.
Late recovery from foreign body sinusitis after maxillary sinus floor augmentation
Authors: Felisati Giovanni , Saibene Alberto Maria , Lenzi Riccardo , Pipolo Carlotta
Published: December 2012

A 55-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with signs and symptoms of recurring sinusitis after a right maxillary sinus floor augmentation for implantological purposes. Investigations showed an antibiotic-resistant ethmoidomaxillary sinusitis resulting from bone graft infection and displacement of previously inserted xenograft material into the maxillary sinus. The patient thus underwent a surgical procedure combining nasal endoscopy and oral surgery in order to remove the infected graft and restore sinusal drainage. The procedure was apparently successful but sinusitis relapsed after surgery and persisted despite 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy and local medications. A CT scan showed persistence of grafting fragments in the maxillary sinus. A new surgical procedure was scheduled while a more accurate endoscopic local medication was performed. Six hours after the treatment, the patient spontaneously expelled the fragments and promptly recovered. The patient successfully underwent another maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedure 6 months later.
Carbidopa/levodopa dose elevation and safety concerns in Parkinson's patients: a cross-sectional and cohort design
Authors: Brodell David W , Stanford Nicole T , Jacobson Charles E , Schmidt Peter , Okun Michael S
Published: December 2012

Objective

Sinemet, a combination drug containing carbidopa and levodopa is considered the gold standard therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). When approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988, a maximum daily dosage limit of 800 mg (eight tablets) of the 25/100 carbidopa/levodopa formulation was introduced. Overall, the FDA approval was a historic success; however, the pill limit has been hardcoded into many online medical record systems. This study investigates the 800 mg threshold by using a prospectively collected database of patient information.

Design

A retrospective cohort study: (Part I) cross-sectional, (Part II) longitudinal.

Setting and participants

PD patients at a Movement Disorders Center in a large academic, tertiary medical setting.

Outcome measures

An analysis was performed using carbidopa/levodopa at dosages below and above the 800 mg threshold. A secondary analysis was then performed using two consecutive clinic visits to determine the effects of crossing the 800 mg threshold. Comparisons were made on standardised scales.

Results

There was no significant difference in motor, mood and quality-of-life scores in patients consuming below and above the 800 mg carbidopa/levodopa threshold, though a mild worsening in dyskinesia duration was noted without worsening in dyskinesia pain and disability. In PD patients who crossed the 800 mg threshold between two consecutive clinic visits, a significant improvement in depressive symptoms and quality-of-life measures was demonstrated, and in these patients there was no worsening of motor fluctuations or dyskinesia.

Conclusions

The data suggest that PD patients have the potential for enhanced clinical benefits when eclipsing the 800 mg carbidopa/levodopa threshold. Many patients will likely need to eclipse the 800 mg threshold and pharmacies and insurance companies should be aware of the requirements that may extend beyond approval limits.
Sexual dimorphism in floral traits of gynodioecious Lobelia siphilitica (Lobeliaceae) is consistent across populations
Authors: Caruso Christina M.
Published: December 2012

In angiosperms, the evolution of gender dimorphism is often correlated with the evolution of sexual dimorphism in floral traits. The magnitude of sexual dimorphism will reflect both sex-specific selection and constraints on evolution in response to this selection. If the evolution of sexual dimorphism is constrained by genetic correlations, then trait means are predicted to evolve more quickly than the magnitude of sexual dimorphism in the same traits. To test whether mean floral traits evolve more quickly than sexual dimorphism in these traits, I measured flower size and flower number of gynodioecious Lobelia siphilitica L. from 10–14 populations across the species’ range. Females produced more flowers than hermaphrodites, but neither mean flower number nor the magnitude of dimorphism in flower number varied among populations. Pistillate flowers were smaller than perfect flowers, and mean flower size varied among populations. However, the magnitude of dimorphism in flower size did not vary. My results suggest that the evolution of sexual dimorphism in flower size, but not necessarily flower number, could be constrained by within- or between-sex genetic correlations in L. siphilitica.
Comment on “Acquiring DNA sequence data from dried archival red algae (Florideophyceae) for the purpose of applying available names to contemporary genetic species: a critical assessment” 1Appears in Botany 90(3): 191–203. doi:10.1139/b11-079.
Authors: Hughey Jeffery R. , Gabrielson Paul W.
Published: December 2012

Saunders and McDevit recently reported their efforts to extract and amplify DNA by PCR in successively older red algal (Rhodophyta) herbarium specimens. They found that recent collections (4-11 years old) readily amplified but that archival material (decades to a century old) yielded contamination problems, diminished success correlated with age, or failed to amplify. As a solution, they proposed that epitypes be designated based on contemporary sequenced specimens. In response, we extracted and amplified in independent laboratories three loci (COI, ITS2, and rbcL) from the same 1836 Sparlingia pertusa specimen that Saunders and McDevit were unable to amplify. The use of Q-solution enhanced amplification success and likely is partly responsible for our achievements with archival specimens. These findings, along with data from the last 13 years in which we have sequenced over 100 historical and type specimens, indicate that with proper controls, amplifying DNA from red algal herbarium specimens of any age is practical and reproducible. The designation of contemporary epitypes should be a last resort, not an alternative to sequencing type material, and must be done with an understanding of the historical record of the species.
Quantifying the effects of harvest block design on aesthetic preferences
Authors: Chamberlain Brent C. , Meitner Michael J.
Published: December 2012

In visually sensitive areas, planners use a variety of techniques to mitigate the visible effects of harvesting, including creating designs that appear more natural and less blocky. However, little empirical evidence exists about the degree to which these shapes influence preferences. We aim to fill this gap by investigating the perceptual effects of three shape characteristics: geometric primitive (circle, square, triangle, and trapezoid), complexity, and aspect ratio. Fifty-two photo-realistic images were rendered of a forest scene with a single harvest on a hillside. Forty individuals rated each image. The results indicate that geometric primitive had the largest effect on preference for harvest design of the three variables tested followed very closely by complexity. Yet, the most intriguing finding was the interaction of these two variables. In general, an increase in complexity for square and circular shapes caused higher preference ratings, while for trapezoid and triangle, this was only true as complexity progressed from low to moderate levels. The relationship between preference rating and complexity was nonlinear; the largest improvement existed at the moderate level of complexity. Operationally, this demonstrates that rounded-edged circular shapes are the most preferable but that even with a moderate level of complexity, preferences increase dramatically.
Allometric equations for estimating canopy fuel load and distribution of pole-size maritime pine trees in five Iberian provenances
Authors: Jiménez Enrique , Vega José Antonio , Fernández-Alonso José María , Vega-Nieva Daniel , Álvarez-González Juan Gabriel , Ruiz-González Ana Daría
Published: December 2012

Adequate quantification of canopy fuel load and canopy bulk density is required for assessment of the susceptibility of forest stands to crown fire and evaluation of silvicultural treatments aimed at reducing the risk of crowning. The use of tree biomass equations and vertical profile distributions of crown fuels provide the most accurate estimates of the canopy fuel characteristics. In this study, 100 pole-size maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) trees were destructively sampled in five different sites, covering a wide range of its geographical distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. To estimate crown fuel mass, allometric equations were fitted separately for needles, twigs, and fuel available for crown fire. Models were also fitted to characterize the vertical fuel distributions as a function of tree height. All models were fitted simultaneously to guarantee additivity among tree biomass components, and corrections were also made for heterocedasticity and autocorrelation. Diameter at breast height was the best explanatory variable for all the allometric models. The vertical distribution of crown biomass fractions along tree height depended on the crown size and tree dominance. The system of equations provides a good balance between accurate predictions and low data requirements, allowing quantification of canopy fuel characteristics at stand level.
Influence of dam regulation on 55-year canopy shifts in riparian forests
Authors: Johnson Sarah E. , Waller Donald M.
Published: December 2012

Floodplain and swamp forests are undergoing extensive changes due to altered flow regimes, invasive species, logging, and various land use changes. These changes often go unnoticed due to the absence of adequate baseline data and monitoring. Using a data set from 55 years ago, we resampled 50 lowland forest stands in southern Wisconsin to assess changes in forest overstory composition, structure, diversity, and dominant species abundances. We also applied univariate and multivariate analyses to determine whether these changes varied between dam-regulated and unregulated rivers, tree species with different flooding tolerances, the presence of logging, and variations in edaphic and hydrologic variables. Although these forests display various types of resilience, their forest canopies are substantially different from 55 years ago, reflecting shifts in hydrology and the impacts of disease. On average, these forests have retained the same local (alpha) diversity but have converged in species composition (declined in beta diversity). They are now composed of more and smaller trees. Along the unregulated rivers, colonizing species have declined while later successional flood-tolerant species have increased. In the aftermath of Dutch elm disease, Ulmus spp. have greatly declined in abundance and size. Species with less flooding tolerance have generally increased across sites, especially along dam-regulated rivers. Because they are subject to chronic disturbances that reset succession, floodplain forests may respond more readily to shifts in disturbances regimes. Such forests may therefore serve as sentinels for forecasting the types of change that we can expect to unfold more gradually in upland forests.
Thermal preference and hibernation period of Hodgson’s bats (Myotis formosus) in the temperate zone: how does the phylogenetic origin of a species affect its hibernation strategy?
Authors: Kim Sun-Sook , Choi Yu-Seong , Yoo Jeong-Chil
Published: December 2012

Hibernation is regarded as a physiological and behavioral adaptation that permits the survival of animals such as bats during seasonal periods of energy shortage. Moreover, the phylogenetic history of a species can be used to investigate the evolution of its thermal regulation system during torpor. Hodgson’s bat (Myotis formosus (Hodgson, 1835)) is a temperate species that arose phylogenetically from an Ethiopian lineage, suggesting that this bat lineage secondarily colonized a temperate climate. Therefore, the hibernation pattern of M. formosus may differ from that of other temperate bat species. This study investigated the hibernation period of M. formosus in the temperate climate zone and the relationship between thermal preference and hibernating process of bats. Myotis formosus hibernated in roosts maintained in warm (temperature, 12–14 °C) and humid (relative humidity, >95%) ambient conditions. The bats began to hibernate in early October and final arousals occurred in mid-May so that the total length of the hibernation “season” was 220 days. The period of hibernation was strongly influenced by fluctuations in the external minimal temperature. Most bats entered the hibernacula when the external minimal temperature was lower than the temperature of the hibernacula (mean, 13 °C) and emerged from the hibernacula when the external temperature exceeded the temperature of the hibernacula. This study suggests that the onset and termination of M. formosus hibernation is due to the interaction between the temperature of the hibernacula and that of the external environment and is based on the thermal preference of the bats. The study also suggests that the hibernation strategy of this species may be a product of its phylogenetic origin as a tropical bat species adapting to a severely cold climate.
Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, "Desert Ginseng": A Review
Authors: Wang Tian , Zhang Xiaoying , Xie Wenyan
Published: December 2012

Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma (C. deserticola, "Rou Cong Rong" in Chinese) is an officinal plant that grows in arid or semi-arid areas. The dried fleshy stem of C. deserticola has been generally used as a tonic in China and Japan for many years. Modern pharmacology studies have since demonstrated that C. deserticola possesses broad medicinal functions, especially for use in hormone regulation, aperient, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue activities and the promotion of bone formation. The phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) presented in C. deserticola have been identified as the major active components. This review summarizes the up-to-date and comprehensive information on C. deserticola covering the aspects of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.
Effects of Tetramethylpyrazine on Neuronal Apoptosis in the Superficial Dorsal Horn in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Leng Yu-Fang , Gao Xiang-Mei , Wang Shu-Xiu , Xing Yan-Hong
Published: December 2012

The Bennett and Xie (1988) model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) investigated the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on neuropathic pain-associated behaviors and neuronal apoptosis in the spinal dorsal horn. Fifty-four male rats were randomly divided into sham (group S), CCI (group C) and TMP groups (group T). Each group was divided into subgroups (n = 6 in each group) according the time of sacrifice: 3 d, 7 d and 14 d. Rat sciatic nerves were unligated (group S), or the right sciatic nerve was loosely ligated (groups C and T) to produce CCI. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds (MWTs) and thermal withdrawal latencies (TWLs) were measured, and the rats were sacrificed at different time points post-operation. The L4-L6 sections of the spinal cord were removed. Apoptotic changes were evaluated using the TUNEL method. Immunohistochemistry assessed Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression. TMP treatment increased MWT and TWL values and Bcl-2 expression, but it reduced neuronal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in laminae I–II of the spinal dorsal horn. These results suggested that the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis via the modulation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in the rat spinal dorsal horn contributed to TMP-induced analgesia.
A HYBRID GREEDY RANDOMIZED ADAPTIVE SEARCH HEURISTIC TO SOLVE THE DIAL-A-RIDE PROBLEM
Authors: GUERRIERO FRANCESCA , BRUNI MARIA ELENA , GRECO FRANCESCA
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a hybrid metaheuristic for solving the static dial-a-ride problem with heterogeneous vehicles and fixed costs. The hybridization combines a reactive greedy randomized adaptive search, used as outer scheme, with a tabu search heuristic in the local search phase. The algorithm is evaluated on well-known instances taken from the literature and on a set of randomly generated test problems, varying in the number of customers. Extensive computational results show the effectiveness of the hybrid approach in terms of trade-off between solution quality and computational time.
FINITE ENERGY ONE-HALF MONOPOLE SOLUTIONS
Authors: TEH ROSY , NG BAN-LOONG , WONG KHAI-MING
Published: December 2012

We present finite energy SU(2) Yang–Mills–Higgs particles of one-half topological charge. The magnetic fields of these solutions at spatial infinity correspond to the magnetic field of a positive one-half magnetic monopole at the origin and a semi-infinite Dirac string on one-half of the z-axis carrying a magnetic flux of [Formula: see text] going into the origin. Hence the net magnetic charge is zero. The gauge potentials are singular along one-half of the z-axis, elsewhere they are regular.
INFLATION AND ACCELERATING UNIVERSE IN MODIFIED MODULAR INVARIANT SUPERGRAVITY
Authors: FUKUOKA TOYOKAZU , KOSHIMIZU YUTA , TAKAGI KENJI , KASARI HIKOYA , HAYASHI MITSUO J.
Published: December 2012

A method of explaining the recently observed acceleration of cosmic expansion as well as inflation in the early universe is presented within the same framework. The goal is to construct an inflation model based on supergravity and the slow-roll approximation (SRA) that both satisfactorily predicts observed inflationary parameters and at the same time explains the accelerated expansion of the universe. The model is based on a modification of string-based modular invariant supergravity previously proposed by the present authors. It realizes slow-roll inflation in the Einstein frame and is successful in explaining Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) observational data, through fine-tuning procedure of free parameters. The parameter dependence of the model is considered in detail in order to determine the range for which the SRA can be applied. Within the allowed range of parameter values, a vacuum energy of ~10-120 can be obtained, which coincides with the cosmological constant, and can play the role of dark energy in the universe. The calculated inflationary parameters fit very well to seven-year WMAP data. The ratio of the scalar and tensor power spectra is predicted to be r ~6.8 ×10-2, and this may soon be verified by observations by the Planck satellite. The non-Gaussianity parameter fNL is also estimated by the slow-roll parameters.
INFLUENCE OF INFRARED RADIATION ON THE HUMAN SKIN TEMPERATURE — EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND MODELING
Authors: WIȨCEK BOGUSŁAW , STŖAKOWSKA MARIA , DE MEY GILBERT , MARZEC STANISŁAW , WITTCHEN WACŁAW
Published: December 2012

The temperature rise of the hand palm has been measured with infrared thermography under the influence of an external infrared radiation source. The temperature rises could be very well fitted to exponential function, so that the experimental data could be summarized with just two parameters: amplitude and time constant. A simple mathematical model has been set up to explain the experimentally observed phenomena. It was found that the blood perfusion is essential to explain the results. From our measurements, which is essentially a noninvasive technique, several parameters could be found, the numerical values of which, agree with data found in the literature.
Translation techniques in cross-language information retrieval
Authors: Zhou Dong , Truran Mark , Brailsford Tim , Wade Vincent , Ashman Helen
Published: December 2012

Cross-language information retrieval (CLIR) is an active sub-domain of information retrieval (IR). Like IR, CLIR is centered on the search for documents and for information contained within those documents. Unlike IR, CLIR must reconcile queries and documents that are written in different languages. The usual solution to this mismatch involves translating the query and/or the documents before performing the search. Translation is therefore a pivotal activity for CLIR engines. Over the last 15 years, the CLIR community has developed a wide range of techniques and models supporting free text translation. This article presents an overview of those techniques, with a special emphasis on recent developments.
Dependability modeling and analysis of software systems specified with UML
Authors: Bernardi Simona , Merseguer José , Petriu Dorina C.
Published: December 2012

The goal is to survey dependability modeling and analysis of software and systems specified with UML, with focus on reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS). From the literature published in the last decade, 33 approaches presented in 43 papers were identified. They are evaluated according to three sets of criteria regarding UML modeling issues, addressed dependability characteristics, and quality assessment of the surveyed approaches. The survey shows that more works are devoted to reliability and safety, fewer to availability and maintainability, and none to integrity. Many methods support early life-cycle phases (from requirements to design). More research is needed for tool development to automate the derivation of analysis models and to give feedback to designers.
Privacy in mobile technology for personal healthcare
Authors: Avancha Sasikanth , Baxi Amit , Kotz David
Published: December 2012

Information technology can improve the quality, efficiency, and cost of healthcare. In this survey, we examine the privacy requirements of mobile computing technologies that have the potential to transform healthcare. Such
mHealth
technology enables physicians to remotely monitor patients' health and enables individuals to manage their own health more easily. Despite these advantages, privacy is essential for any personal monitoring technology. Through an extensive survey of the literature, we develop a conceptual privacy framework for mHealth, itemize the privacy properties needed in mHealth systems, and discuss the technologies that could support privacy-sensitive mHealth systems. We end with a list of open research questions.
A survey and projection on medium access control protocols for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhao Yi Zhi , Miao Chunyan , Ma Maode , Zhang Jing Bing , Leung Cyril
Published: December 2012

Recent advances in wireless communications and sensor technologies have enabled the development of low-cost wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for a wide range of applications. Medium access control (MAC) protocols play a crucial role in WSNs by enabling the sharing of scarce wireless bandwidth efficiently and fairly. This article provides a survey of the literature on MAC protocols for WSNs. We first briefly describe the unique features of WSNs. We then review representative MAC protocols from the following four categories:
contention-based protocols, contention-free (scheduled-based) protocols, hybrid protocols
, and
preamble sampling protocols.
Our discussions focus on the background, main features, operation procedures, major design issues, and the advantages and disadvantages of these protocols. We also present an analysis of the inherent and desirable features of the protocols, and the key challenges of MAC technology for WSNs. Finally, we present our view on future research directions for WSN MAC protocols in a reader-friendly way using illustrative diagrams.
Internet nuggets
Authors: Thorson Mark
Published: December 2012

This column consists of selected traffic from the comp.arch newsgroup, a forum for discussion of computer architecture on the Internet---an international computer network.

As always, the opinions expressed in this column are the personal views of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the institutions to which they are affiliated.

Text which sets the context of a message appears underlined or in italics; this is usually text the author has quoted from earlier messages. The code-like expressions below the authors' names are their addresses on Internet.
MobilityFirst
Authors: Raychaudhuri Dipankar , Nagaraja Kiran , Venkataramani Arun
Published: December 2012

This paper presents an overview of the MobilityFirst network architecture, currently under development as part of the US National Science Foundation's Future Internet Architecture (FIA) program. The proposed architecture is intended to directly address the challenges of wireless access and mobility at scale, while also providing new services needed for emerging mobile Internet application scenarios. After briefly outlining the original design goals of the project, we provide a discussion of the main architectural concepts behind the network design, identifying key features such as separation of names from addresses, public-key based globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) for named objects, global name resolution service (GNRS) for dynamic binding of names to addresses, storage-aware routing and late binding, content- and context-aware services, optional in-network compute layer, and so on. This is followed by a brief description of the MobilityFirst protocol stack as a whole, along with an explanation of how the protocol works at end-user devices and inside network routers. Example of specific advanced services supported by the protocol stack, including multi-homing, mobility with disconnection, and content retrieval/caching are given for illustration. Further design details of two key protocol components, the GNRS name resolution service and the GSTAR routing protocol, are also described along with sample results from evaluation. In conclusion, a brief description of an ongoing multi-site experimental proof-of-concept deployment of the MobilityFirst protocol stack on the GENI testbed is provided.
Increasing network resilience through edge diversity in NEBULA
Authors: Arye Matvey , Kiefer Robert , Super Kyle , Nordström Erik , Freedman Michael J. , Keller Eric , Rondeau Tom , Smith Jonathan M.
Published: December 2012

The primary focus of the NEBULA Future Internet Architecture is to provide resilient networking for the emerging cloud computing model. One of the attractions of cloud computing is its support for online services and data storage by thin clients such as mobile devices. This paper describes two components of NEBULA's edge network technology, Serval and CRYSTAL. Serval provides a new layer 3.5 service abstraction that naturally supports mobility, multi-homing, and multi-path transport, while CRYSTAL is a new virtualization scheme for software radios that makes it easier to expose greater network diversity at the network edge.
Successful adaptation to ketosis by mice with tissue-specific deficiency of ketone body oxidation
Authors: Cotter David G. , Schugar Rebecca C. , Wentz Anna E. , André d'Avignon D. , Crawford Peter A.
Published: December 2012

During states of low carbohydrate intake, mammalian ketone body metabolism transfers energy substrates originally derived from fatty acyl chains within the liver to extrahepatic organs. We previously demonstrated that the mitochondrial enzyme coenzyme A (CoA) transferase [succinyl-CoA:3-oxoacid CoA transferase (SCOT), encoded by nuclear Oxct1] is required for oxidation of ketone bodies and that germline SCOT-knockout (KO) mice die within 48 h of birth because of hyperketonemic hypoglycemia. Here, we use novel transgenic and tissue-specific SCOT-KO mice to demonstrate that ketone bodies do not serve an obligate energetic role within highly ketolytic tissues during the ketogenic neonatal period or during starvation in the adult. Although transgene-mediated restoration of myocardial CoA transferase in germline SCOT-KO mice is insufficient to prevent lethal hyperketonemic hypoglycemia in the neonatal period, mice lacking CoA transferase selectively within neurons, cardiomyocytes, or skeletal myocytes are all viable as neonates. Like germline SCOT-KO neonatal mice, neonatal mice with neuronal CoA transferase deficiency exhibit increased cerebral glycolysis and glucose oxidation, and, while these neonatal mice exhibit modest hyperketonemia, they do not develop hypoglycemia. As adults, tissue-specific SCOT-KO mice tolerate starvation, exhibiting only modestly increased hyperketonemia. Finally, metabolic analysis of adult germline Oxct1+/−mice demonstrates that global diminution of ketone body oxidation yields hyperketonemia, but hypoglycemia emerges only during a protracted state of low carbohydrate intake. Together, these data suggest that, at the tissue level, ketone bodies are not a required energy substrate in the newborn period or during starvation, but rather that integrated ketone body metabolism mediates adaptation to ketogenic nutrient states.
On the Limitations of the Anomalous Microwave Emission Emissivity
Authors: Tibbs Christopher T. , Paladini Roberta , Dickinson Clive
Published: December 2012

Many studies of anomalous microwave emission (AME) have computed an AME emissivity to compare the strength of the AME detected in different regions. Such a value is usually defined as the ratio between the intensity of the AME at 1 cm and the thermal dust emission at 100 μm. However, as studies of Galactic dust emission have shown, the intensity of the thermal dust emission at 100 μm is strongly dependent on the dust temperature, which has severe implications for the AME emissivity defined in this way. In this work, we illustrate and quantify this effect and find that the AME emissivity decreases by a factor of 11.1 between dust temperatures of 20 and 30 K. We, therefore, conclude that computing the AME emissivity relative to the 100 μm emission does not allow for accurate comparisons between the AME observed in different environments. With this in mind, we investigate the use of other tracers of the dust emission with which to compute the AME emissivity and we ultimately conclude that, despite the difficulty in deriving its value, the column density of the dust would be the most suitable quantity with which to compute the AME emissivity.
Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation and Disease: A Focus on the Lung
Authors: Gwyer Findlay Emily , Hussell Tracy
Published: December 2012

The lung is exposed to a vast array of inhaled antigens, particulate matter, and pollution. Cells present in the airways must therefore be maintained in a generally suppressive phenotype so that excessive responses to nonserious irritants do not occur; these result in bystander damage to lung architecture, influx of immune cells to the airways, and consequent impairment of gas exchange. To this end, the resident cells of the lung, which are predominantly macrophages, are kept in a dampened state. However, on occasion the suppression fails and these macrophages overreact to antigenic challenge, resulting in release of inflammatory mediators, induction of death of lung epithelial cells, deposition of extracellular matrix, and development of immunopathology. In this paper, we discuss the mechanisms behind this macrophage-mediated pathology, in the context of a number of inflammatory pulmonary disorders.
Reduced FAF1 Expression andHelicobacterInfection: Correlations with Clinicopathological Features in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Ai-qun , Ge Lian-ying , Ye Xin-qing , Luo Xiao-ling , Luo Yuan
Published: December 2012

Background. This study aimed to investigate possible associations between FAF1 expression and aspects of gastric cancer, in particular its clinical characteristics andHelicobacterinfection. Materials and Methods. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze expression of FAF1 mRNA and protein in 40 gastric cancer patients.H. pyloriinfection was detected by three staining protocols. Results. The expression level of FAF1 mRNA was significantly lower in gastric cancer tissue than in normal gastric mucosa from the same patient (P<0.05). FAF1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in stage IV gastric cancer than in stage I+II or IIIA+IIIB (P=0.004) and also significantly lower in gastric cancer with distant metastasis. FAF1 mRNA expression was higher in well-differentiated cancer than in poorly-differentiated cancer (0.39±0.06versus0.19±0.06,t=9.966,P<0.01). FAF1 protein was detected in 15 of 40 (37.5%) cancerous tissue samples and in 29 of 40 (72.5%) corresponding normal tissue samples (P<0.01). FAF1 mRNA expression was lower inH. pylori-positive cancerous tissue samples than inH. pylori-negative ones (P<0.05). Conclusions. Downregulation of FAF1 expression may be related to the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer, andH. pyloriinfection during gastric carcinogenesis may downregulate FAF1 expression.
Roles of Brain Angiotensin II in Cognitive Function and Dementia
Authors: Mogi Masaki , Iwanami Jun , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: December 2012

The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been highlighted as having a pathological role in stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative disease. Particularly, in dementia, epidemiological studies indicate a preventive effect of RAS blockade on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease (AD). Moreover, basic experiments suggest a role of brain angiotensin II in neural injury, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function and that RAS blockade attenuates cognitive impairment in rodent dementia models of AD. Therefore, RAS regulation is expected to have therapeutic potential for AD. Here, we discuss the role of angiotensin II in cognitive impairment and AD. Angiotensin II binds to the type 2 receptor (AT2) and works mainly by binding with the type 1 receptor (AT1). AT2receptor signaling plays a role in protection against multiple-organ damage. A direct AT2receptor agonist is now available and is expected to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance cell differentiation. We and other groups reported that AT2receptor activation enhances neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in the brain. Here, we also review the effect of the AT2receptor on cognitive function. RAS modulation may be a new therapeutic option for dementia including AD in the future.
Mood and Global Symptom Changes among Psychotherapy Clients with Depressive Personality
Authors: Maddux Rachel E. , Lundh Lars-Gunnar
Published: December 2012

The present study assessed the rate of depressive personality (DP), as measured by the self-report instrument depressive personality disorder inventory (DPDI), among 159 clients entering psychotherapy at an outpatient university clinic. The presenting clinical profile was evaluated for those with and without DP, including levels of depressed mood, other psychological symptoms, and global severity of psychopathology. Clients were followed naturalistically over the course of therapy, up to 40 weeks, and reassessed on these variables again after treatment. Results indicated that 44 percent of the sample qualified for DP prior to treatment, and these individuals had a comparatively more severe and complex presenting disposition than those without DP. Mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine between-groups changes on mood and global severity over time, with those with DP demonstrating larger reductions on both outcome variables, although still showing more symptoms after treatment, than those without DP. Only eleven percent of the sample continued to endorse DP following treatment. These findings suggest that in routine clinical situations, psychotherapy may benefit individuals with DP.
Sealed with a Kick: A Case of Posttraumatic Coronary Artery Dissection and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gottam Nithin , Salami Sule , Othman Mahmoud , Torey James , Rosman Howard , Boguszewski Andrzej
Published: December 2012

Blunt chest trauma can lead to a variety of cardiac injuries, one of which is nonatherosclerotic myocardial infarction caused by intimal laceration and thrombotic process activation. Here we present a case of anterior myocardial infarction secondary to blunt trauma involving a kick to the chest.
Sludge Bulking Prediction Using Principle Component Regression and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Lou Inchio , Zhao Yuchao
Published: December 2012

Sludge bulking is the most common solids settling problem in wastewater treatment plants, which is caused by the excessive growth of filamentous bacteria extending outside the flocs, resulting in decreasing the wastewater treatment efficiency and deteriorating the water quality in the effluent. Previous studies using molecular techniques have been widely used from the microbiological aspects, while the mechanisms have not yet been completely understood to form the deterministic cause‐effect relationship. In this study, system identification techniques based on the analysis of the inputs and outputs of the activated sludge system are applied to the data‐driven modeling. Principle component regression (PCR) and artificial neural network (ANN) were identified using the data from Chongqing wastewater treatment plant (CQWWTP), including temperature, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SSs), ammonia (), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSSs). The models were subsequently used to predict the sludge volume index (SVI), the indicator of the bulking occurrence. Comparison of the results obtained by both models is also presented. The results showed that ANN has better prediction power (R2 = 0.9) than PCR (R2 = 0.7) and thus provides a useful guide for practical sludge bulking control.
Bus Dispatching Interval Optimization Based on Adaptive Bacteria Foraging Algorithm
Authors: Wei Zhong-hua , Zhao Xia , Wang Ke-wen , Xiong Yan
Published: December 2012

The improved bacterial foraging algorithm was applied in this paper to schedule the bus departing interval. Optimal interval can decrease the total operation cost and passengers’ mean waiting time. The principles of colony sensing, chemotactic action, and improved foraging strategy made this algorithm adaptive. Based on adaptive bacteria foraging algorithm (ABFA), a model on one bus line in Hohhot city in China was established and simulated. Two other algorithms, original bacteria foraging algorithm (BFA) and genetic algorithm (GA), were also used in this model to decide which one could greatly accelerate convergence speed, improve searching precision, and strengthen robustness. The final result showed that ABFA was most feasible in optimizing variables.
New Traveling Wave Solutions by the Extended Generalized Riccati Equation Mapping Method of the (2 + 1)‐Dimensional Evolution Equation
Authors: Naher Hasibun , Abdullah Farah Aini
Published: December 2012

The generalized Riccati equation mapping is extended with the basic (G′/G)‐expansion method which is powerful and straightforward mathematical tool for solving nonlinear partial differential equations. In this paper, we construct twenty‐seven traveling wave solutions for the (2+1)‐dimensional modified Zakharov‐Kuznetsov equation by applying this method. Further, the auxiliary equation G′(η) = w + uG(η) + vG2(η) is executed with arbitrary constant coefficients and called the generalized Riccati equation. The obtained solutions including solitons and periodic solutions are illustrated through the hyperbolic functions, the trigonometric functions, and the rational functions. In addition, it is worth declaring that one of our solutions is identical for special case with already established result which verifies our other solutions. Moreover, some of obtained solutions are depicted in the figures with the aid of Maple.
Isolation and Characterization of Some Phytochemicals from Indian Traditional Plants
Authors: Srivastava Neeharika , Chauhan Aishwarya Singh , Sharma Bechan
Published: December 2012

The present study was designed to evaluate relative contribution of different polyphenols (total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols) and their antioxidants activities in aqueous extracts of different parts of some plants; Argemone mexicana, Datura metel, Calotropis procera, Thevetia peruviana, and Cannabis sativa. The antioxidants (total phenolics, flavonoids, flavones) were determined by chemical methods. The antioxidant capacities of these extracts were evaluated by FRAP assay. The results demonstrated that phenolic content was maximally present in leaves of T. peruviana. This plant exhibited minimum phenolic content in its flower as compared to other plants. The flower of D. metel contained maximum phenolic content. The flavonoids were present in highest quantity in leaves of C. procera while T. peruviana flowers showed maximum flavonoid content. The fruits of C. sativa contained maximum quantity of flavonoid as compared to other plants tested. The flower extract of C. sativa possessed highest FRAP value followed by A. mexicana and fruit of C. procera. The values of ratios of different polyphenolic compounds present in plant extracts indicated that flower of D. metel contained maximum total flavonoids and minimum phenolics. These results suggested that levels of total phenolics, flavonoids and their FRAP indices exhibited specificity to different plants and their parts.
The Conceptual Design of High Pressure Reversible Axial Tunnel Ventilation Fans
Authors: Sheard A. G. , Daneshkhah K.
Published: December 2012

Tunnel ventilation fans, classically, must have the ability to both supply and extract air from a tunnel system, with the operator's choice dependent on the tunnel ventilation system's operating mode most appropriate at any given point in time. Consequently, tunnel ventilation fans must incorporate a reversible aerodynamic design which limits the maximum fan pressure rise. This paper presents three high pressure reversible fan concepts. These comprise a two-stage counter rotating fan, a single-stage high speed fan, and a two-stage fan with a single motor and impeller on each end of the motor shaft. The authors consider the relative merits of each concept. The third concept offers the most compact fan, transform, silencer, and damper package size. The authors discuss the mechanical design challenges that occur with a two-stage fan with a single motor and impeller on each end of the motor shaft. They present and consider a selected motor bearing arrangement and casing design for maintainability. Finally, the authors present both prototype fan and full-scale package aerodynamic and acoustic performance, before discussing the challenges presented by high temperature certification in accordance with the requirements of EN 12101-3: 2012.
CFD Analysis for Heat Transfer Enhancement inside a Circular Tube with Half-Length Upstream and Half-Length Downstream Twisted Tape
Authors: Yadav R. J. , Padalkar A. S.
Published: December 2012

CFD investigation was carried out to study the heat transfer enhancement characteristics of air flow inside a circular tube with a partially decaying and partly swirl flow. Four combinations of tube with twisted-tape inserts, the half-length upstream twisted-tape condition (HLUTT), the half-length downstream twisted-tape condition (HLDTT), the full-length twisted tape (FLTT), and the plain tube (PT) with three different twist parameters (, 0.27, and 0.38) have been investigated. 3D numerical simulation was performed for an analysis of heat transfer enhancement and fluid flow for turbulent regime. The results of CFD investigations of heat transfer and friction characteristics are presented for the FLTT, HLUTT, and the HLDTT in comparison with the PT case.
Subcision: A Further Modification, an Ever Continuing Process
Authors: Alsufyani Mohanned A. , Alsufyani Mohammed A.
Published: December 2012

Subcision is a surgical technique used mostly to manage depressed scars. Over time, many modifications to this surgical technique have been made by various surgeons in order to make it simpler and more effective. We report here a new technique that aims to combine the privilege of the prevention of penetrating the skin beyond the scar and maintaining a horizontal orientation, while taking the advantage of the ergonomics of having the dominant hand parallel to the skin surface and the cylindrical grip of a 3 cc syringe. The purpose of our technique is to make subcision more practical and easier for the surgeon.