bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Correlations of Trabecular Bone Microdamage with Local Stresses and Strains Using Rigid Image Registration
Authors: Nagaraja Srinidhi , Skrinjar Oskar , Guldberg Robert E.
Published: June 2011

Although microdamage is known to accumulate in trabecular bone with overloading and aging, the tissue-level stresses and strains associated with local bone failure are not well known. Local correlation of microdamage with microstructural stresses and strains requires methods to accurately register histological sections with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) based finite element models. In addition, the resolution of correlation (i.e., grid size) selected for analysis may affect the observed results. Therefore, an automated, repeatable, and accurate image registration algorithm was developed to determine the range of local stresses and strains associated with microdamage initiation. Using a two-dimensional rigid registration algorithm, bone structures from histology and micro-CT imaging were aligned. Once aligned, microdamaged regions were spatially correlated with local stresses and strains obtained from micro-CT based finite element analysis. Using this more sophisticated registration technique, we were able to analyze the effects of varying spatial grid resolution on local stresses and strains initiating microdamage. The results indicated that grid refinement to the individual pixel level (pixel-by-pixel method) more precisely defined the range of microdamage initiation compared to manually selected individual damaged and undamaged trabeculae. Using the pixel-by-pixel method, we confirmed that trabecular bone from younger cows sustained higher local strains prior to microdamage initiation compared to older bone.
Patient-Specific Finite-Element Analyses of the Proximal Femur with Orthotropic Material Properties Validated by Experiments
Authors: Trabelsi Nir , Yosibash Zohar
Published: June 2011

Patient-specific high order finite-element (FE) models of human femurs based on quantitative computer tomography (QCT) with inhomogeneous orthotropic and isotropic material properties are addressed. The point-wise orthotropic properties are determined by a micromechanics (MM) based approach in conjunction with experimental observations at the osteon level, and two methods for determining the material trajectories are proposed (along organs outer surface, or along principal strains). QCT scans on four fresh-frozen human femurs were performed and high-order FE models were generated with either inhomogeneous MM-based orthotropic or empirically determined isotropic properties. In vitro experiments were conducted on the femurs by applying a simple stance position load on their head, recording strains on femurs’ surface and head’s displacements. After verifying the FE linear elastic analyses that mimic the experimental setting for numerical accuracy, we compared the FE results to the experimental observations to identify the influence of material properties on models’ predictions. The strains and displacements computed by FE models having MM-based inhomogeneous orthotropic properties match the FE-results having empirically based isotropic properties well, and both are in close agreement with the experimental results. When only the strains in the femoral neck are being compared a more pronounced difference is noticed between the isotropic and orthotropic FE result. These results lay the foundation for applying more realistic inhomogeneous orthotropic material properties in FEA of femurs.
The Tolerance of the Maxilla to Blunt Impact
Authors: Cormier Joseph , Manoogian Sarah , Bisplinghoff Jill , Rowson Steve , Santago Anthony , McNally Craig , Duma Stefan , Bolte John
Published: June 2011

This study reports the results of 38 infraorbital maxilla impacts performed on male cadavers. Impacts were performed using an unpadded, cylindrical impactor (3.2 kg) at velocities between 1 and 5 m/s. The peak force and acoustic emission data were used to develop a statistical relationship of fracture risk as a function of impact force. Acoustic emission sensors were used to provide a noncensored measure of the maxilla tolerance and were essential due to the increase in impactor force after fracture onset. Parametric and nonparametric techniques were used to estimate the risk of fracture tolerance. The nonparametric technique produced an estimated 50% risk of fracture between 970 and 1223 N. The results obtained from the parametric and nonparametric techniques were in good agreement. Peak force values achieved in this study were similar to those of previous work and were unaffected by impactor velocity. The results of this study suggest that an impact to the infraorbital maxilla is a load-limited event due to compromise of structural integrity.
Structural change of ion-induced carbon nanofibers by electron current flow
Authors: Zamri Mohd , Ghosh Pradip , Hayashi Akari , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Tanemura Masaki , Sasase Masato
Published: June 2011

A graphite foil was irradiated with argon (Ar+) ions to fabricate conical structures with a carbon nanofiber (CNF) on top of the structure. The field emission (FE) properties of one-dimensional individual CNF-tipped cones that had been fabricated were carefully measured by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) facilities. The highest FE current, 550 nA, was observed in the current-voltage (I-V) measurement of a single CNF. Almost no degradation in I-V properties were detected during the reliability test after 30 min. TEM images indicated that the CNF was amorphous in nature initially, and that the electron current flow in the FE process induced the dramatic change in the crystalline structure of both the CNF and of the tip region of the basal cone part. After performing the FE process, the crystalline structures of the amorphous CNFs were transformed into ring-shaped graphene layers, whereas nanodiamond like nanoparticles formed in the outer layer of the tip region of the basal cone. The structural changes induced can be attributed to Joule heating under the high electric field.
TRPS1 Targeting by miR-221/222 Promotes the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer
Authors: Stinson Susanna , Lackner Mark R. , Adai Alex T. , Yu Nancy , Kim Hyo-Jin , O’Brien Carol , Spoerke Jill , Jhunjhunwala Suchit , Boyd Zachary , Januario Thomas , Newman Robert J. , Yue Peng , Bourgon Richard , Modrusan Zora , Stern Howard M. , Warming Søren , de Sauvage Frederic J. , Amler Lukas , Yeh Ru-Fang , Dornan David
Published: June 2011

The microRNAs miR-221 and miR-222 promote a phenotype associated with metastasis and are found in a clinically aggressive form of breast cancer.
Structure of a Pentavalent G-Actin•MRTF-A Complex Reveals How G-Actin Controls Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of a Transcriptional Coactivator
Authors: Mouilleron Stéphane , Langer Carola A. , Guettler Sebastian , McDonald Neil Q. , Treisman Richard
Published: June 2011

Binding of multimeric actin inhibits a transcriptional coactivator by promoting nuclear export and blocking nuclear import.
IKKε: A Kinase at the Intersection of Signaling and Membrane Traffic
Authors: Gould Gwyn W.
Published: June 2011

IKKε-mediated phosphorylation events may redirect endosomal traffic by switching the motor proteins associated with vesicles.
Mammalian DNA Damage Response
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: June 2011

A screen identifies proteins not previously known to function in protecting cells from DNA damage.
Antivirulence Potential of TR-700 and Clindamycin on Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Producing Phenol-Soluble Modulins
Authors: Yamaki Jason , Synold Timothy , Wong-Beringer Annie
Published: June 2011

Staphylococcus aureus
strains (
n
= 50) causing complicated skin and skin structure infections produced various levels of phenol-soluble modulin alpha-type (PSMα) peptides; some produced more than twice that produced by the control strain (LAC USA300). TR-700 (oxazolidinone) and clindamycin strongly inhibited PSM production at one-half the MIC but exhibited weak to modest induction at one-fourth and one-eighth the MICs, primarily in low producers. Adequate dosing of these agents is emphasized to minimize the potential for paradoxical induction of virulence.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of Colistin and Imipenem on Mucoid and Nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Hengzhuang Wang , Wu Hong , Ciofu Oana , Song Zhijun , Høiby Niels
Published: June 2011

The time course of activity of colistin and imipenem against mucoid and nonmucoid
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
growing in a biofilm showed that compared with those for planktonic bacteria, the kinetics of colistin and imipenem retained the concentration- and time-dependent killing, respectively, but higher doses of antibiotics and longer dosing periods were required for biofilm eradication. Biofilms of mucoid
P. aeruginosa
were more difficult to eradicate than nonmucoid biofilms.
Pharmacokinetics and Diffusion into Sputum of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Jullien V. , Hubert D. , Launay O. , Babany G. , Lortholary O. , Sermet I.
Published: June 2011

Oseltamivir is a prodrug of oseltamivir carboxylate (OC), a neuraminidase inhibitor used for treatment and prevention of influenza. The pharmacokinetics of these 2 compounds were investigated after a single 75-mg oseltamivir dose in 6 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Means ± standard deviations of the area under the curve from time zero to infinity (AUC) were 173 ± 58 μg · h/liter for oseltamivir and 2,256 ± 394 μg · h/liter for OC. The concentrations of OC in sputum 4 to 6 h and 22 to 26 h after the intake ranged from 4.1 to 62.2 μg/liter. The AUC of OC was approximately 30% lower than and significantly different from published values for volunteers. On the basis of the present results and because the anti-A/H1N1 influenza virus efficacy of OC is related to its AUC/50% effective concentration (EC
50
) ratio, an increase in the oseltamivir unitary dose could be considered for the treatment of influenza in CF patients. This should nevertheless be confirmed by a controlled pharmacokinetic study performed on a larger number of patients.
The 8-Aminoquinoline Analogue Sitamaquine Causes Oxidative Stress in Leishmania donovani Promastigotes by Targeting Succinate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Carvalho Luis , Luque-Ortega Juan Román , López-Martín Carmen , Castanys Santiago , Rivas Luis , Gamarro Francisco
Published: June 2011

The 8-aminoquinoline analogue sitamaquine (SQ) is an oral antileishmanial drug currently undergoing phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of action of this drug in
Leishmania donovani
promastigotes. SQ causes a dose-dependent inhibition of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) of the respiratory chain in digitonin-permeabilized promastigotes, together with a drop in intracellular ATP levels and a decrease of the mitochondrial electrochemical potential. This is associated with increases of reactive oxygen species and intracellular Ca
2+
levels, a higher percentage of the population with sub-G
1
DNA content, and exposure of phosphatidylserine. Taken together, these results support a lethal mechanism for SQ that involves inhibition of the respiratory chain complex II, which in turn triggers oxidative stress and finally leads to an apoptosis-like death of
Leishmania
parasites.
Pharmacokinetics of Ciprofloxacin and Its Penetration into Bronchial Secretions of Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kontou Paschalina , Chatzika Kalliopi , Pitsiou Georgia , Stanopoulos Ioannis , Argyropoulou-Pataka Paraskevi , Kioumis Ioannis
Published: June 2011

We evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile of ciprofloxacin and its penetration into bronchial secretions of critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-five mechanically ventilated patients with severe COPD who were suffering from an acute, infectious exacerbation were included in this prospective, open-label study. All subjects received a 1-hour intravenous infusion of 400 mg ciprofloxacin every 8 h. Serial blood and bronchial secretion samples were obtained at steady state, and concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The pharmacodynamic parameters that are associated with the efficacy of fluoroquinolones against Gram-negative pathogens were also calculated. The mean peak (maximum) concentration (Cmax) and trough (minimum) concentration in plasma were 5.37 ± 1.57 and 1 ± 0.53 mg/liter, respectively. Mean values for volume of distribution, clearance, half-life, and area under the curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24) were 169.87 ± 84.11 liters, 26.96 ± 8.86 liters/h, 5.35 ± 2.21 h, and 47.41 ± 17.02 mg · h/liter, respectively. In bronchial secretions, a meanCmaxof 3.08 ± 1.21 mg/liter was achieved in 3.12 ± 1.01 h, and the penetration ratio was 1.16 ± 0.59. The target of AUC0–24/MIC of ≥125 was attained in all patients, in the majority of them (76%), and in none at MICs of 0.125, 0.25, and 1 μg/ml, respectively. Slightly better results were obtained for the ratioCmax/MIC of ≥10. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin demonstrates excellent penetration into bronchial secretions. There is wide interindividual variability in its pharmacokinetic parameters in critically ill COPD patients and inadequate pharmacodynamic exposure against bacteria with MICs of ≥0.5 μg/ml.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of a New Pediatric Formulation of Artemether-Lumefantrine in African Children with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Djimdé Abdoulaye A. , Tekete Mamadou , Abdulla Salim , Lyimo John , Bassat Quique , Mandomando Inacio , Lefèvre Gilbert , Borrmann Steffen ,   for the B2303 Study Group
Published: June 2011

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a new pediatric formulation of artemether-lumefantrine, dispersible tablet, were determined within the context of a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group study. In an exploratory approach, we compared a new pediatric formulation with the tablet formulation administered crushed in the treatment of African children with uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria. Patients were randomized to 3 different dosing groups (weights of 5 to <15 kg, 15 and <25 kg, and 25 to <35 kg). Treatment was administered twice daily over 3 days. Plasma concentrations of artemether and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), were determined at 1 and 2 h after the first dose of dispersible (
n
= 91) and crushed (
n
= 93) tablets. A full pharmacokinetic profile of lumefantrine was reconstituted on the basis of 310 (dispersible tablet) and 315 (crushed tablet) plasma samples, collected at 6 different time points (1 sample per patient). Dispersible and crushed tablets showed similar artemether and DHA maximum concentrations in plasma (
C
max
) for the different body weight groups, with overall means of 175 ± 168 and 190 ± 168 ng/ml, respectively, for artemether and 64.7 ± 58.1 and 63.7 ± 65.0 ng/ml, respectively, for DHA. For lumefantrine, the population
C
max
were 6.3 μg/ml (dispersible tablet) and 7.7 μg/ml (crushed tablet), whereas the areas under the concentration-time curves from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable plasma concentration measured were 574 and 636 μg · h/ml, respectively. For both formulations, descriptive quintile analyses showed no apparent association between artemether/DHA
C
max
and parasite clearance time or between the lumefantrine
C
max
and the occurrence of adverse events or corrected QT interval changes. The results suggest that the dispersible tablet provides adequate systemic exposure to artemether, DHA, and lumefantrine in African children with uncomplicated
P. falciparum
malaria.
Investigation of the Efficacy of Micafungin in the Treatment of Histoplasmosis Using Two North American Strains of Histoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Hage Chadi A. , Connolly Patricia , Horan Daniel , Durkin Michelle , Smedema Melinda , Zarnowski Robert , Smith Patricia , Wheat L. Joseph
Published: June 2011

Micafungin alone and combined with liposomal amphotericin B was evaluated against two strains of
Histoplasma capsulatum
. Micafungin was active
in vitro
against the mold but not the yeast form but was ineffective
in vivo
. Micafungin appears to be ineffective in treatment of histoplasmosis.
LEADER Program Results for 2009: an Activity and Spectrum Analysis of Linezolid Using 6,414 Clinical Isolates from 56 Medical Centers in the United States
Authors: Farrell David J. , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Ross James E. , Sader Helio S. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: June 2011

The LEADER Program monitors thein vitroactivity of linezolid in sampled U.S. medical centers using reference broth microdilution methods with supporting molecular investigations in a central laboratory design. This report summarizes data obtained in 2009, the 6th consecutive year of this longitudinal study. A total of 6,414 isolates from 56 medical centers in all nine Census regions across the United States participated in 2009. For the six leading species/groups, the following linezolid MIC90values were observed:Staphylococcus aureus, 2 μg/ml; coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), 1 μg/ml;Enterococcusspp., 2 μg/ml;Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1 μg/ml; viridans group streptococci, 1 μg/ml; and beta-hemolytic streptococci, 1 μg/ml. Linezolid resistance was only 0.34% overall, with no evidence of significant increase in the LEADER Program since 2006. The predominant linezolid resistant mechanism found was a G2576T mutation in the 23S rRNA. L3/L4 riboprotein mutations were also found. The mobile multidrug-resistantcfrgene was found in four strains (twoS. aureusstrains and one strain each ofS. epidermidisandS. capitis) from four different states, suggesting persistence but a lack of dissemination. Linezolid continues to exhibit excellent activity and spectrum, and this study documents the need for continued monitoring of emerging mechanisms of resistance over a wide geographic area.
A Francisella tularensis Locus Required for Spermine Responsiveness Is Necessary for Virulence
Authors: Russo Brian C. , Horzempa Joseph , O'Dee Dawn M. , Schmitt Deanna M. , Brown Matthew J. , Carlson Paul E. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Nau Gerard J.
Published: June 2011

Tularemia is a debilitating febrile illness caused by the category A biodefense agent
Francisella tularensis
. This pathogen infects over 250 different hosts, has a low infectious dose, and causes high morbidity and mortality. Our understanding of the mechanisms by which
F. tularensis
senses and adapts to host environments is incomplete. Polyamines, including spermine, regulate the interactions of
F. tularensis
with host cells. However, it is not known whether responsiveness to polyamines is necessary for the virulence of the organism. Through transposon mutagenesis of
F. tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
live vaccine strain (LVS), we identified FTL_0883 as a gene important for spermine responsiveness. In-frame deletion mutants of FTL_0883 and FTT_0615c, the homologue of FTL_0883 in
F. tularensis
subsp.
tularensis
Schu S4 (Schu S4), elicited higher levels of cytokines from human and murine macrophages compared to wild-type strains. Although deletion of FTL_0883 attenuated LVS replication within macrophages
in vitro
, the Schu S4 mutant with a deletion in FTT_0615c replicated similarly to wild-type Schu S4. Nevertheless, both the LVS and the Schu S4 mutants were significantly attenuated
in vivo
. Growth and dissemination of the Schu S4 mutant was severely reduced in the murine model of pneumonic tularemia. This attenuation depended on host responses to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. These data associate responsiveness to polyamines with tularemia pathogenesis and define FTL_0883/FTT_0615c as an
F. tularensis
gene important for virulence and evasion of the host immune response.
Chitin-Induced Carbotype Conversion in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Neiman Jana , Guo Yunzhi , Rowe-Magnus Dean A.
Published: June 2011

As an etiological agent of bacterial sepsis and wound infections,
Vibrio vulnificus
is unique among the
Vibrionaceae
. The most intensely studied of its virulence factors is the capsular polysaccharide (CPS). Over 100 CPS types have been identified, yet little is known about the genetic mechanisms that drive such diversity. Chitin, the second-most-abundant polysaccharide in nature, is known to induce competence in
Vibrio
species. Here, we show that the frequency of chitin-induced transformation in
V. vulnificus
varies by strain and that (GlcNAc)
2
is the shortest chitin-derived polymer capable of inducing competence. Transformation frequencies (TFs) increased 8-fold when mixed-culture biofilms were exposed to a strain-specific lytic phage, suggesting that the lysis of dead cells during lytic infection increased the amount of extracellular DNA within the biofilm that was available for transfer. Furthermore, we show that
V. vulnificus
can undergo chitin-dependent carbotype conversion following the uptake and recombination of complete
cps
loci from exogenous genomic DNA (gDNA). The acquisition of a partial locus was also demonstrated when internal regions of homology between the endogenous and exogenous loci existed. This suggested that the same mechanism governing the transfer of complete
cps
loci also contributed to their evolution by generating novel combinations of CPS biosynthesis genes. Since no evidence that
cps
loci were preferentially acquired during natural transformation (random transposon-tagged DNA was readily taken up in chitin transformation assays) exists, the phenomenon of chitin-induced transformation likely plays an important but general role in the evolution of this genetically promiscuous genus.
Diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography (FibroScan) versus the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index in assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B: The role in primary care setting
Authors: Lesmana C Rinaldi A , Salim Simon , Hasan Irsan , Sulaiman Andri S , Gani Rino A , Pakasi Levina S , Lesmana Laurentius A , Krisnuhoni Ening , Budihusodo Unggul
Published: June 2011

Background

A non-invasive method to assess liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness with transient elastography (TE) has been recently introduced. The role of TE among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in starting antiviral therapy in the primary care setting is still controversial because of its high cost. The AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) could be a much cheaper alternative.

Objectives

This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of TE and APRI in assessing liver fibrosis in CHB patients.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study in CHB patients intending to start antiviral treatment. Liver fibrosis was staged according to the METAVIR scoring system. Liver stiffness was measured by TE performed on the same day with liver biopsy, while APRI was calculated as follows: APRI=(AST/upper limit of normal)×100/platelet count (109/l). Cutoff levels of liver stiffness and APRI were calculated by using the receiver operating characteristic curve to detect significant liver fibrosis, defined as fibrosis stage F2 or more.

Results

117 patients were enrolled in the study; their mean age was 40.6±10.97 years. The median liver stiffness was 5.9 kPa (2.5–48 kPa) and the median APRI was 0.239 (0.09–2.73). The cutoff level of liver stiffness was 5.85 kPa for ≥F2 with an AUC of 0.614, 60.3% sensitivity, 63.6% specificity, 73.3% PPV, 49.1% NPV and a LR+ of 1.66. The APRI cutoff level was 0.235 for F≥2 with an AUC of 0.693, 64.4% sensitivity, 70.5% specificity, 78.3% PPV, 54.4% NPV and a LR+ of 2.18. Both methods gave comparable diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

APRI is a useful marker to screen liver fibrosis in the primary care setting when TE is not available.
RISK ASSESSMENT OF ATTACK-INDUCED CASCADE IN COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: BAO ZHE-JING , YAN WEN-JUN , GUO CHUANG-XIN
Published: June 2011

For the complex networks, including scale-free, small-world, local-world and random networks, the global quantitative evaluation of attack-induced cascade is investigated in this paper by introducing the risk assessment, which integrates the probability of occurrence with the damage size of attacks on nodes. It is discovered by simulations, among the several kinds of networks, that the small-world network has the largest risk assessment of attack-induced cascade; the risk assessment of three other networks are all very low and the most protection against attack should be given to the small-world network accordingly. Furthermore, the percentage of the most fragile nodes in the scale-free network is very low, compared with that in the small-world network.
FRW MODELS WITH PERFECT FLUID AND SCALAR FIELD IN HIGHER DERIVATIVE THEORY
Authors: SINGH C. P. , SINGH VIJAY
Published: June 2011

In this paper we study the dynamics of the universe in Friedmann–Robertson–Walker models including perfect fluid and coupled scalar field with nonzero scalar potential in higher derivative theory of gravitation. We study the evolution of the universe by assuming the scalar potential and scale factor as functions of the scalar field. Exact cosmological solutions are obtained for flat, closed and open models, which are physically interesting for the description of the present-day universe. The properties of scalar field and other physical parameters are discussed in detail. Some special cases have been studied by imposing certain constraints on constants to discuss the decelerated and accelerated phases of the universe.
LIGHT BENDING IN A COULOMBIC FIELD
Authors: KIM JIN YOUNG , LEE TAEKOON
Published: June 2011

The nonlinear Euler–Heisenberg interaction bends light toward an electric charge. The bending angle and trajectory of light in a Coulombic field are computed in geometric optics.
GENERA AND PERIODICITY OF VIRTUAL KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: LEE SANG YOUL
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we give a relationship among the period, the minimal supporting genus vg (L) of a periodic virtual link L that admits a minimal supporting genus periodic diagram, and vg (L*) of its factor link L*. As an application, it is shown that if L is a non-classical virtual link of period n which admits a minimal supporting genus n-periodic diagram, then n ≤ 2 vg (L) + 1, except a certain class of periodic virtual links.
A TABLE OF GENUS TWO HANDLEBODY-KNOTS UP TO SIX CROSSINGS
Authors: ISHII ATSUSHI , KISHIMOTO KENGO , MORIUCHI HIROMASA , SUZUKI MASAAKI
Published: June 2011

A handlebody-knot is a handlebody embedded in the 3-sphere. We enumerate all genus two handlebody-knots up to six crossings.
TRIANGLE-Y EXCHANGES ON INTRINSIC KNOTTING OF ALMOST COMPLETE AND COMPLETE PARTITE GRAPHS
Authors: LI YANG , QIN JIAHU , LEI FENGCHUN , WANG XIANGKE , ZHANG XIHAI
Published: June 2011

Let G be a 0- or 1-deficient graph which is intrinsically knotted, let J represent any graph obtained from G by a finite sequence of Δ-Y exchanges and/or vertex expansions. We prove that removing any vertex of J, and all edges incident to that vertex, yields an intrinsically linked graph. This result provides more intrinsically knotted graphs which satisfy the conjecture mentioned in Adams' The Knot Book that removing any vertex from an intrinsically knotted graph yields an intrinsically linked graph.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF THE BURSHTEIN EQUATION TO A FIELD-NOISY JAYNES–CUMMINGS INTERACTIONS
Authors: KAYHAN HÜNKAR
Published: June 2011

We consider an application of the Burshtein equation to Jaynes–Cummings interactions possessing a field-noise modeled as the two-state random phase telegraph noise in the presence of two extra physical cases. These cases are the incorporation of respectively, (i) the atomic-noise regarded as phase damping and (ii) the Stark shift. We obtain the exact solutions to these systems to investigate the dynamical behavior of their entanglements. We observed those for the case (i), phase damping does not affect the field-noise-induced nonmonotonic behavior of the entanglement other than the amplitude of the entanglement and the optimal value of the mean dwell time at which the minimum entanglement occurs. Also, phase damping naturally accelerates the decoherence of the entanglement caused by the field-noise. For the case (ii), the Stark shift reduces the maximum value of the entanglement and induce more oscillations of the entanglement in time under the influence of the noise. This shift delays the time for the complete destruction of the entanglement and restrains the influence of the noise. We also consider the time-average of the entanglement as depending on the shift parameters. The average entanglement is a nonmonotonic function of these parameters.
VIBRO-ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF A CIRCULAR ISOTROPIC CYLINDRICAL SHELL UNDER A THERMAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: JEYARAJ P. , PADMANABHAN C. , GANESAN N.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents numerical simulation studies on the vibration and acoustic response-characteristics of an isotropic cylindrical shell under a thermal environment using commercial softwares ANSYS and SYSNOISE. First, the critical buckling temperature is obtained, followed by modal and harmonic response analyses considering pre-stress due to the thermal field in the cylindrical shell, with the critical buckling temperature as a parameter. The vibration response predicted is then used to compute the sound radiation. It is found that there is a significant change in the vibration mode shapes and ring frequency towards the lowest natural frequency with an increase in temperature. There is a sudden increase in overall sound power level near the critical buckling temperature and significant changes in mode shapes with temperature does not affect the overall sound power level.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR VIBRATING RECTANGULAR MEMBRANES PLACED IN A VERTICAL PLANE
Authors: WANG C. Y. , WANG C. M.
Published: June 2011

This technical note presents the exact solutions for the vibration frequencies of rectangular membranes placed in a vertical plane. The membranes are fixed on the top edge and side edges. The bottom edge may be either free and carrying a uniformly distributed mass, or fixed. It is found that the width of the membrane b and lateral tension ratio c appears in the exact solution in a combined form [Formula: see text]. This important similarity parameter implies that a larger width has the same frequencies as lowered lateral tension, therefore, this parameter greatly reduces the number of tables. For the vibrating vertical membranes, we find that when ξ increases generally, the frequencies decrease. For small ξ (small width or large lateral tension ratio), the horizontal modes are all n = 1, or a half-sine wave in the horizontal direction. For large ξ, the horizontal modes increase with each increased frequency. The fundamental frequencies always correspond to n = 1.
Massively Parallel Logic Simulation with GPUs
Authors: Zhu Yuhao , Wang Bo , Deng Yangdong
Published: June 2011

In this article, we developed a massively parallel gate-level logical simulator to address the ever-increasing computing demand for VLSI verification. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first one to leverage the power of modern GPUs to successfully unleash the massive parallelism of a conservative discrete event-driven algorithm, CMB algorithm. A novel data-parallel strategy is proposed to manipulate the fine-grain message passing mechanism required by the CMB protocol. To support robust and complete simulation for real VLSI designs, we establish both a memory paging mechanism and an adaptive issuing strategy to efficiently utilize the GPU memory with a limited capacity. A set of GPU architecture-specific optimizations are performed to further enhance the overall simulation performance. On average, our simulator outperforms a CPU baseline event-driven simulator by a factor of 47.4X. This work proves that the CMB algorithm can be efficiently and effectively deployed on modern GPUs without the performance overhead that had hindered its successful applications on previous parallel architectures.
Hardware-Software Codesign of an Embedded Multiple-Supply Power Management Unit for Multicore SoCs Using an Adaptive Global/Local Power Allocation and Processing Scheme
Authors: Bondade Rajdeep , Ma Dongsheng
Published: June 2011

Power dissipation has become a critical design constraint for the growth of modern multicore systems due to increasing clock frequencies, leakage currents, and system parasitics. To overcome this urgent crisis, this article presents an embedded platform for on-chip power management of a multicore System-on-Chip (SoC). The design involves the development of two key components, from the hardware to the software level. From the hardware perspective, a multiple-supply power management unit is proposed and is implemented using a Single-Inductor Multiple-Output (SIMO) DC-DC converter. To dynamically respond to the sensed instantaneous power demands and to accurately control the power delivery to the processor cores, the power management unit employs a software-defined adaptive global/local power allocation feedback controller. The proposed controller is designed using the hardware-software codesign methodology to uniquely control the SIMO converter during various operation scenarios. This is achieved using several embedded software control algorithms that operate synergetically to ensure efficient and reliable system operation. The hardware-software codesign technique also allows the SIMO controller to be integrated with future microprocessor cores. Therefore, by employing the vast amount of on-chip resources, the converter can perform effective power processing to provide the most power-optimal voltages at the hardware level. Such an embedded power management module leads to an integrated, power-aware, and autonomous SoC design that is independent of additional external hardware control, thereby reducing on-chip area and system complexity. In this design, each power output from the SIMO converter provides a step-up/down voltage conversion, thereby enabling a wide range of variable supply voltage. An adaptive global/local power allocation control algorithm is employed to significantly improve Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) tracking speed and line/load regulation, while still retaining low cross-regulation. Designed with a 180nm CMOS process, the converter precisely provides three independently variable power outputs from 0.9 V to 3.0 V, with a total power range from 33 mW to 900 mW. A very fast load transient response of 3.25
μ
s is achieved, in response to a 67.5-mA full-step load current change. The design thus provides a cost-effective power management solution to achieve a robust, fast-transient, DVFS-compatible multicore SoC.
Thread Warping
Authors: Stitt Greg , Vahid Frank
Published: June 2011

We introduce thread warping, a dynamic optimization technique that customizes multicore architectures to a given application by dynamically synthesizing threads into custom accelerator circuits on FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Thread warping builds upon previous dynamic synthesis techniques for single-threaded applications, enabling dynamic architectural adaptation to different amounts of thread-level parallelism, while also exploiting parallelism within each thread to further improve performance. Furthermore, thread warping maintains the important separation of function from architecture, enabling portability of applications to architectures with different quantities of microprocessors and FPGAs, an advantage not shared by static compilation/synthesis approaches. We introduce an approach consisting of CAD tools and operating system support that enables thread warping on potentially any microprocessor/FPGA architecture. We evaluate thread warping using a simulator for high-performance computing systems with different interconnections in addition to multicore embedded systems having between 4 and 64 ARM11 microprocessors. On average, thread warping achieved approximately 3x speedup compared to a high-performance quad-core Intel Xeon and 109x compared to an embedded system consisting of 4 ARM11 cores, with a size cost approximately equal to 36 ARM11 cores.
Inhibition of the Growth ofPlasmodium falciparumin Culture by Stearylamine-Phosphatidylcholine Liposomes
Authors: Hasan Gulam Mustafa , Garg Neha , Dogra Enna , Surolia Ranu , Ghosh Prahlad Chandra
Published: June 2011

We have examined the effect of stearylamine (SA) in liposomes on the viability ofPlasmodium falciparumin culture by studying the inhibition of incorporation of [3H]-hypoxanthine in the nucleic acid of parasites. Stearylamine in liposomes significantly inhibits the growth of the parasites depending on the phospholipids composition. The maximum inhibition was observed when SA was delivered through Soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) liposomes. The chain length of alkyl group and density of SA in liposomes play a significant role in inhibiting the growth of the parasites. Incorporation of either cholesterol or Distearylphosphatidylethanolamine−Methoxy-Polyethylene glycol-2000 (DSPE-mPEG-2000) in Soya phosphatidylcholine-stearylamine (SPC-SA) liposomes improves the efficacy. Intraerythrocytic entry of intact SPC-SA liposomes into infected erythrocytes was visualized using fluorescent microscopy. No hemolysis was observed in uninfected erythrocytes, and slight hemolysis was noted in infected erythrocytes at high concentrations of SPC-SA liposomes. Overall, our data suggested SA in SPC-liposomes might have potential application in malaria chemotherapy.
Increased Fat-Free Body Mass and No Adverse Effects on Blood Lipid Concentrations 4 Weeks after Additional Meat Consumption in Comparison with an Exclusion of Meat in the Diet of Young Healthy Women
Authors: Petzke Klaus J. , Lemke Susen , Klaus Susanne
Published: June 2011

Aims. To investigate whether changes of meat consumption can affect body composition and laboratory parameters in healthy, normal weight, young women without the aim to reduce body weight.Research Design and Methods. Women volunteered to eat low-fat meat in addition to their habitual diet (M) or to exclude meat products from their diet (NOM). After 4 weeks M and NOM were crossed over between subjects. Changes in nutrient intake, morphometrics and plasma parameters were compared during M and NOM.Results. Daily protein intake (means±SD) was2.25±0.35(25.2% of energy) and1.15±0.26 g/kg (14.0% of energy) during M and NOM, respectively. Fat-free body mass (FFM) increased during M (0.7±1.0 kg,P=.02) and decreased during NOM (-0.8±0.8 kg,P=.003). Body fat mass was unchanged. Concentrations of total cholesterol (-7%), LDL-cholesterol (-8%), and glucose (-4%) deceased significantly after M. Fasting glutamine concentrations were decreased by M and increased by NOM.Conclusions. Additional meat intake can increase FFM without adverse effects on blood lipid concentrations. Long-term studies are required. Urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine could represent a biomarker for meat protein consumption.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Nursed at Home or in Long-Term Care Residential Facilities
Authors: Arpaia Guido , Ambrogi Federico , Penza Maristella , Ianes Aladar Bruno , Serras Alessandra , Boracchi Patrizia , Cimminiello Claudio
Published: June 2011

Background. This study investigated the prevalence of and impact of risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with chronic diseases, bedridden or with greatly limited mobility, cared for at home or in long-term residential facilities.Methods. We enrolled 221 chronically ill patients, all over 18 years old, markedly or totally immobile, at home or in long-term care facilities. They were screened at the bedside by simplified compression ultrasound.Results. The prevalence of asymptomatic proximal DVT was 18% (95% CI 13–24%); there were no cases of symptomatic DVT or pulmonary embolism. The best model with at most four risk factors included: previous VTE, time of onset of reduced mobility, long-term residential care as opposed to home care and causes of reduced mobility. The risk of DVT for patients with reduced mobility due to cognitive impairment was about half that of patients with cognitive impairment/dementia.Conclusions. This is a first estimate of the prevalence of DVT among bedridden or low-mobility patients. Some of the risk factors that came to light, such as home care as opposed to long-term residential care and cognitive deficit as causes of reduced mobility, are not among those usually observed in acutely ill patients.
Dopamine Receptors and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hisahara Shin , Shimohama Shun
Published: June 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive extrapyramidal motor disorder. Pathologically, this disease is characterized by the selective dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra. Correcting the DA deficiency in PD with levodopa (L-dopa) significantly attenuates the motor symptoms; however, its effectiveness often declines, and L-dopa-related adverse effects emerge after long-term treatment. Nowadays, DA receptor agonists are useful medication even regarded as first choice to delay the starting of L-dopa therapy. In advanced stage of PD, they are also used as adjunct therapy together with L-dopa. DA receptor agonists act by stimulation of presynaptic and postsynaptic DA receptors. Despite the usefulness, they could be causative drugs for valvulopathy and nonmotor complication such as DA dysregulation syndrome (DDS). In this paper, physiological characteristics of DA receptor familyare discussed. We also discuss the validity, benefits, and specific adverse effects of pharmaceutical DA receptor agonist.
Soil Hydrological Attributes of an Integrated Crop-Livestock Agroecosystem: Increased Adaptation through Resistance to Soil Change
Authors: Liebig Mark A. , Tanaka Don L. , Kronberg Scott L. , Scholljegerdes Eric J. , Karn Jim F.
Published: June 2011

Integrated crop-livestock systems have been purported to have significant agronomic and environmental benefits compared to specialized, single-enterprise production systems. However, concerns exist regarding the effect of livestock in integrated systems to cause soil compaction, thereby decreasing infiltration of water into soil. Such concerns are compounded by projections of more frequent high-intensity rainfall events from anticipated climate change, which would act to increase surface runoff and soil erosion. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of residue management, frequency of hoof traffic, season, and production system (e.g., integrated annual cropping versus perennial grass) on infiltration rates from 2001 through 2008 in central North Dakota, USA. Imposed treatments had no effect on infiltration rate at three, six, and nine years after study establishment, implying that agricultural producers should not be concerned with inhibited infiltration in integrated annual cropping systems, where winter grazing is used. The use of no-till management, coupled with annual freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycles, likely conferred an inherent resistance to change in near-surface soil properties affecting soil hydrological attributes. Accordingly, caution should be exercised in applying these results to other regions or management systems.
The Elasticity of Substitution and the Sector Bias of International Outsourcing
Authors: Horgos Daniel
Published: June 2011

Considering a possible sector bias of international outsourcing within a 2 × 2 framework, four different
scenarios appear. The relative high or the relative low‐skill intensive industry can relocate either its high
or its low‐skill intensive production fragment. Traditionally, depending on the superiority of either the
wage or the outsourcing effect, general equilibrium effects are regarded as ambiguous in two of the four
scenarios. In this contribution, I provide a formal approach and a calibration exercise for the German
economy. Results show that a focus on the elasticity of substitution can complete the picture. When the
elasticity exceeds a critical value, results are unambiguous in all four scenarios, supporting the existence
of the sector bias of international outsourcing.
Temperament, Context and Sexual Risk among College Students
Authors: von Sadovszky Victoria
Published: June 2011

Much is known about predictors of risky sexual behaviors in young adults. Little is known; however, about the contribution of temperament and how temperament interacts with context to influence sexual risk intentions and actual behaviors. Since intentions are closely linked to behavior, knowing how temperament influences these decisions is important in planning interventions. The purpose of this quasiexperimental study was to examine the effect of gender, temperament, and context on sexual risk intentions and behaviors among college students (). Although individual components of temperament were associated with sexual risk intentions, temperament did not predict sexual risk intentions in a safer or risky context or actual behaviors. There were also no differences by gender. In this study, temperament did not interact with context to influence sexual risk intentions or behaviors. According to these results, interventions promoting safer sexual behaviors may not have to be tailored to individuals with different temperament styles.
α‐Well‐Posedness for Mixed Quasi Variational‐Like Inequality Problems
Authors: Peng Jian-Wen , Tang Jing
Published: June 2011

The concepts of α‐well‐posedness, α‐well‐posedness in the
generalized sense, L‐α‐well‐posedness and L‐α‐well‐posedness in the generalized sense for
mixed quasi variational‐like inequality problems are investigated. We present some metric
characterizations for these well‐posednesses.
Distributed Storage Manager System for Synchronized and Scalable AV Services across Networks
Authors: Sun Frank X. , Cosmas John , Farmer Muhammad Ali , Waheed Abdul
Published: June 2011

This paper provides an innovative solution, namely, the distributed storage manager that opens a new path for highly interactive and personalized services. The distributed storage manager provides an enhancement to the MHP storage management functionality acting as a value added middleware distributed across the network. The distributed storage manager system provides multiple protocol support for initializing and downloading both streamed and file-based content and provides optimum control mechanisms to organize the storing and retrieval of content that are remained accessible to other multiple heterogeneous devices.
Association of Inherited Thrombophilia with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Palestinian Women
Authors: Abu-Asab N. S. , Ayesh S. K. , Ateeq R. O. , Nassar S. M. , EL-Sharif W. A.
Published: June 2011

Objective. This study aimed at analyzing the association between recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and factor V G1691A (FVL), prothrombin G20210 (FII); and MTHFR C677T (MTHFR) in Palestinian women.Method. We studied 329 Palestinian women with RPL and/or stillbirth (SB); and compared them to 402 healthy reproductive Palestinian women. Cases and controls were tested for the above mutations. Odds ratio (OR) at confidence interval (CI) of 95% was used as a measure of association between the mutations and RPL.Results. Our statistical analysis showed a slightly increased association, which was not significant between FVL and RPL (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.90–1.94), and no association between FII (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.38–1.92), MTHFR (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32–1.03), and RPL. Further analysis of RPL subgroups revealed an association between FVL and first-trimester loss (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.892–1.989), and second-trimester loss (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.480–2.426), both were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the only statistically significant association was between FVL and SB (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.05–3.70).Conclusion. Our analysis had failed to find a significant association between FVL, FII, MTHFR; and RPL in either the first or second trimester. FVL was significantly associated with fetal loss if the loss was a stillbirth.