bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Zirconium-Based Material-Coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 Cathode Using a New Coating Method
Authors: Song Shin Ae , Park Seung Bin , Han Jonghee
Published: September 2012

Zr-compound-coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 is prepared in a single step using a new powder coating process, a modified flame spray pyrolysis method using a water-in-oil emulsion precursor solution. Only the Zr precursor is dissolved in the oil phase and the precursors of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 are dissolved in the water phase. In a flame, precursors in the water phase transform into LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 core particles and the Zr precursor in the oil phase transforms into a coating layer on the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 surface. After Zr compound coating, both the electrochemical performance and cycle stability are enhanced because the Zr compound coating layer prevents the oxidation of Ni3+ of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 by acidic electrolyte. Since the Zr compound material is coated to prevent the Li2CO3 formation on the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 surface, the effectiveness of the Zr compound coating in preventing Li2CO3 formation is investigated. After the as-prepared Zr-compound-coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 particles and bare LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 particles were exposed in an air for a month, the changes in morphologies and structures before and after aging were observed by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It is confirmed that Zr compound coating effectively reduces the amount of Li2CO3 formation.
Particle-in-Cell/Monte Carlo Collision Simulations of Striations in Inductively Coupled Plasmas
Authors: Denpoh Kazuki
Published: September 2012

Striations in inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) appear as a series of cocoons beneath a coil through which a source current is driven. In this study, we have simulated striations in ICPs using the particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision method. The simulated effects of pressure on striation characteristics are in good agreement with experimental observations. It is found that the discharge structure and electron heating mechanism of striated ICPs are markedly different from those of normal ICPs. In particular, electron heating occurs once in one rf cycle in striated ICPs but twice in normal ICPs. Electron heating in striated ICPs may be ascribed to a strong self-excited electric field induced by the oscillating motion of the electron density at approximately the ion density, resulting in a high electron temperature. Furthermore, the relationship between the spatial period of the striation and the discharge space is put forward as a generation criterion for striations in rf discharges. Striations tend to occur when the region of plasma generation due to ionization is adjacent to walls where plasma is lost.
Fast Discharge Process of Thin Film Electrode of Prussian Blue Analogue
Authors: Moritomo Yutaka , Zhu XuHao , Takachi Masamitsu , Matsuda Tomoyuki
Published: September 2012

The thickness (L) dependence of the discharge curve is systematically investigated for a thin-film electrode of a polymer-type cathode material, LixMn[Fe(CN)6]0.81·3.0H2O. We realized an extremely high discharge rate at 3000 C (= 4 mA/cm2) with high capacity (= 85 mAh/g) as well as good cyclability (no reduction was observed after 30 cycles) atL= 0.12 µm. We derived interrelation between the discharge time (T) and the film thickness (L), and interpreted the relation in terms of the one-dimensional (1D) Li+diffusion process. We ascribed the fast discharge process to the large Li+diffusion constant (D) as well as the ideal electric contact between the collective electrode and the active material.
Laser-Assisted Control of Electrical Oscillation in VO2 Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Kim Bong-Jun , Seo Giwan , Choi Jeongyong , Kim Hyun-Tak , Lee Yong Wook
Published: September 2012

By adjusting an optical power of an infrared laser illuminating a vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film, we have demonstrated a laser-assisted control of a field-induced electrical oscillation (FIEO) in a two-terminal device based on a VO2 thin film fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. Through the control of the laser illumination power, the FIEO could be switched on or off with a fixed low DC bias voltage applied to the device that was connected in series with a standard resistor, and its frequency could be linearly tuned until the extinguishment of the oscillation. The tuning sensitivity of the oscillation frequency was measured as ∼21.28 kHz/mW, showing good linearity with an R-squared value of 0.99288. In addition, the peak-to-peak amplitudes of the oscillation waveforms could also be linearly controlled by adjusting the illumination power.
Biology of Invasive Termites: A Worldwide Review
Authors: Evans Theodore A. , Forschler Brian T. , Grace J. Kenneth
Published: September 2012

The number of recognized invasive termite species has increased from 17 in 1969 to 28 today. Fourteen species have been added to the list in the past 44 years; 10 have larger distributions and 4 have no reported change in distribution, and 3 species are no longer considered invasive. Although most research has focused on invasive termites in urban areas, molecular identification methods have answered questions about certain species and found that at least six species have invaded natural forest habitats. All invasive species share three characteristics that together increase the probability of creating viable propagules: they eat wood, nest in food, and easily generate secondary reproductives. These characteristics are most common in two families, the Kalotermitidae and Rhinotermitidae (which make up 21 species on the invasive termite list), particularly in three genera, Cryptotermes, Heterotermes, and Coptotermes (which together make up 16 species). Although it is the largest termite family, the Termitidae (comprising 70% of all termite species) have only two invasive species, because relatively few species have these characteristics. Islands have double the number of invasive species that continents do, with islands in the South Pacific the most invaded geographical region. Most invasive species originate from Southeast Asia. The standard control methods normally used against native pest termites are also employed against invasive termites; only two eradication attempts, in South Africa and New Zealand, appear to have been successful, both against Coptotermes species.
Diamondback Moth Ecology and Management: Problems, Progress, and Prospects
Authors: Furlong Michael J. , Wright Denis J. , Dosdall Lloyd M.
Published: September 2012

Agricultural intensification and greater production of Brassica vegetable and oilseed crops over the past two decades have increased the pest status of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L., and it is now estimated to cost the world economy US$4–5 billion annually. Our understanding of some fundamental aspects of DBM biology and ecology, particularly host plant relationships, tritrophic interactions, and migration, has improved considerably but knowledge of other aspects, e.g., its global distribution and relative abundance, remains surprisingly limited. Biological control still focuses almost exclusively on a few species of hymenopteran parasitoids. Although these can be remarkably effective, insecticides continue to form the basis of management; their inappropriate use disrupts parasitoids and has resulted in field resistance to all available products. Improved ecological understanding and the availability of a series of highly effective selective insecticides throughout the 1990s provided the basis for sustainable and economically viable integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. However, repeated reversion to scheduled insecticide applications has resulted in resistance to these and more recently introduced compounds and the breakdown of IPM programs. Proven technologies for the sustainable management of DBM currently exist, but overcoming the barriers to their sustained adoption remains an enormous challenge.
Host Preferences of Blood-Feeding Mosquitoes
Authors: Takken Willem , Verhulst Niels O.
Published: September 2012

Mosquitoes use plant sugars and vertebrate blood as nutritional resources. When searching for blood hosts, some mosquitoes express preferential behavior for selected species. Here, we review the available knowledge on host preference, as this is expected to affect the life history and transmission of infectious pathogens. Host preference is affected by myriad extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Inherent factors are determined by genetic selection, which appears to be controlled by adaptive advantages that result from feeding on certain host species. Host preference of mosquitoes, although having a genetic basis, is characterized by high plasticity mediated by the density of host species, which by their abundance form a readily accessible source of blood. Host-selection behavior in mosquitoes is an exception rather than the rule. Those species that express strong and inherent host-selection behavior belong to the most important vectors of infectious diseases, which suggests that this behavioral trait may have evolved in parallel with parasite-host evolution.
Neural Mechanisms of Reward in Insects
Authors: Perry Clint J. , Barron Andrew B.
Published: September 2012

Reward seeking is a major motivator and organizer of behavior, and animals readily learn to modify their behavior to more easily obtain reward, or to respond to stimuli that are predictive of reward. Here, we compare what is known of reward processing mechanisms in insects with the well-studied vertebrate reward systems. In insects almost all of what is known of reward processing is derived from studies of reward learning. This is localized to the mushroom bodies and antennal lobes and organized by a network of hierarchically arranged modulatory circuits, especially those involving octopamine and dopamine. Neurogenetic studies with Drosophila have identified distinct circuit elements for reward learning, “wanting,” and possibly “liking” in Drosophila, suggesting a modular structure to the insect reward processing system, which broadly parallels that of the mammals in terms of functional organization.
Odorant Reception in Insects: Roles of Receptors, Binding Proteins, and Degrading Enzymes
Authors: Leal Walter S.
Published: September 2012

Our knowledge of the molecular basis of odorant reception in insects has grown exponentially over the past decade. Odorant receptors (ORs) from moths, fruit flies, mosquitoes, and the honey bees have been deorphanized, odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) have been isolated, and the functions of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) have been unveiled. OBPs contribute to the sensitivity of the olfactory system by transporting odorants through the sensillar lymph, but there are competing hypotheses on how they act at the end of the journey. A few ODEs that have been demonstrated to degrade odorants rapidly may act in signal inactivation alone or in combination with other molecular traps. Although ORs in Drosophila melanogaster respond to multiple odorants and seem to work in combinatorial code involving both periphery and antennal lobes, reception of sex pheromones by moth ORs suggests that their labeled lines rely heavily on selectivity at the periphery.
Leidenfrost Dynamics
Authors: Quéré David
Published: September 2012

This review discusses how drops can levitate on a cushion of vapor when brought in contact with a hot solid. This is the so-called Leidenfrost phenomenon, a dynamical and transient effect, as vapor is injected below the liquid and pressed by the drop weight. The absence of solid/liquid contact provides unique mobility for the levitating liquid, contrasting with the usual situations in which contact lines induce adhesion and enhanced friction: hence a frictionless motion, and the possibility of bouncing after impact. All these characteristics can be combined to create devices in which self-propulsion is obtained, using asymmetric textures on the hot solid surface.
Genetic Basis of Intellectual Disability
Authors: Ellison Jay W. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Shaffer Lisa G.
Published: September 2012

In the past decade, we have witnessed a flood of reports about mutations that cause or contribute to intellectual disability (ID). This rapid progress has been driven in large part by the implementation of chromosomal microarray analysis and next-generation sequencing methods. The findings have revealed extensive genetic heterogeneity for ID, as well as examples of a common genetic etiology for ID and other neurobehavioral/psychiatric phenotypes. Clinical diagnostic application of these new findings is already well under way, despite incomplete understanding of non-Mendelian transmission patterns that are sometimes observed.
The Need for Lymph Node Dissection in Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Pesce Catherine , Morrow Monica
Published: September 2012

Determining whether cancer has spread to locoregional lymph nodes is a critical step in the initial staging of breast cancer patients. Although axillary dissection reliably identifies nodal metastases and prevents the recurrence of cancer in the axilla, there is a significant incidence of long-term side effects, notably lymphedema, and the procedure is of no therapeutic benefit in women without axillary metastases. With the advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy, the axilla can be accurately staged in patients with T1–T3, clinically node-negative breast cancers while avoiding the morbidity of axillary lymph node dissection if the nodes do not contain cancer. Recent clinical trials suggest that for women with metastases to 1 or 2 sentinel nodes, the radiation and systemic therapy that are part of modern multimodality breast cancer treatment can replace axillary dissection when breast-conserving therapy is undertaken. For those with greater disease burden or those undergoing mastectomy, axillary dissection remains standard management.
Executive Functions
Authors: Diamond Adele
Published: September 2012

Executive functions (EFs) make possible mentally playing with ideas; taking the time to think before acting; meeting novel, unanticipated challenges; resisting temptations; and staying focused. Core EFs are inhibition [response inhibition (self-control—resisting temptations and resisting acting impulsively) and interference control (selective attention and cognitive inhibition)], working memory, and cognitive flexibility (including creatively thinking “outside the box,” seeing anything from different perspectives, and quickly and flexibly adapting to changed circumstances). The developmental progression and representative measures of each are discussed. Controversies are addressed (e.g., the relation between EFs and fluid intelligence, self-regulation, executive attention, and effortful control, and the relation between working memory and inhibition and attention). The importance of social, emotional, and physical health for cognitive health is discussed because stress, lack of sleep, loneliness, or lack of exercise each impair EFs. That EFs are trainable and can be improved with practice is addressed, including diverse methods tried thus far.
The Antecedents and Consequences of Human Behavioral Mimicry
Authors: Chartrand Tanya L. , Lakin Jessica L.
Published: September 2012

Behavioral mimicry—the automatic imitation of gestures, postures, mannerisms, and other motor movements—is pervasive in human interactions. The current review focuses on two recent themes in the mimicry literature. First, an analysis of the moderators of mimicry uncovers the various motivational, social, emotional, and personality factors that lead to more or less mimicry of an interaction partner in a given situation. Second, a significant amount of recent research has identified important downstream consequences of mimicking or being mimicked by another person. These include not only increased prosociality between interactants, but also unexpected effects on the individual, such as cognitive processing style, attitudes, consumer preferences, self-regulatory ability, and academic performance. Behavioral mimicry is also placed in its broader context: a form of interpersonal coordination. It is compared to interactional synchrony and other social contagion effects, including verbal, goal, and emotional contagion and attitudinal convergence.
Bifurcation Analysis for a Predator‐Prey Model with Time Delay and Delay‐Dependent Parameters
Authors: Xu Changjin
Published: September 2012

A class of stage‐structured predator‐prey model with time delay and delay‐dependent parameters is considered. Its linear stability is investigated and Hopf bifurcation is demonstrated. Using normal form theory and center manifold theory, some explicit formulae for determining the stability and the direction of the Hopf bifurcation periodic solutions bifurcating from Hopf bifurcations are obtained. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to verify the analytical results.
H11/HspB8 and Its Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Homologue ICP10PK Share Functions That Regulate Cell Life/Death Decisions and Human Disease
Authors: Aurelian Laure , Laing Jennifer M. , Lee Ki Seok
Published: September 2012

Small heat shock proteins (sHsp) also known as HspB are a large family of widely expressed proteins that contain a 90 residues domain known asα-crystallin. Here, we focus on the family member H11/HspB8 and its herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) homologue ICP10PK, and discuss the possible impact of this relationship on human disease. H11/HspB8 and ICP10PK are atypical protein kinases. They share multi-functional activity that encompasses signaling, unfolded protein response (UPR) and the regulation of life cycle potential. In melanocytes H11/HspB8 causes growth arrest. It is silenced in a high proportion of melanoma prostate cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma and hematologic malignancies through aberrant DNA methylation. Its restored expression induces cell death and inhibits tumor growth in xenograft models, identifying H11/HspB8 as a tumor suppressor. This function involves the activation of multiple and distinct death pathways, all of which initiate with H11/HspB8-mediated phosphorylation of transforming growth factorβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). Both ICP10PK and H11/HspB8 were implicated in inflammatory processes that involve dendritic cells activation through Toll-like receptor-dependent pathways and may contribute to the onset of autoimmunity. The potential evolutionary relationship of H11/HspB8 to ICP10PK, its impact on human disorders and the development of therapeutic strategies are discussed.
Crossing at a Red Light: Behavior of Cyclists at Urban Intersections
Authors: Yang Xiaobao , Huan Mei , Si Bingfeng , Gao Liang , Guo Hongwei
Published: September 2012

To investigate the relationship between cyclist violation and waiting duration, the red‐light running behavior of nonmotorized vehicles is examined at signalized intersections. Violation waiting duration is collected by video cameras and it is assigned as censored and uncensored data to distinguish between normal crossing and red‐light running. A proportional hazard‐based duration model is introduced, and variables revealing personal characteristics and traffic conditions are used to describe the effects of internal and external factors. Empirical results show that the red‐light running behavior of cyclist is time dependent. Cyclist’s violating behavior represents positive duration dependence, that the longer the waiting time elapsed, the more likely cyclists would end the wait soon. About 32% of cyclists are at high risk of violation and low waiting time to cross the intersections. About 15% of all the cyclists are generally nonrisk takers who can obey the traffic rules after waiting for 95 seconds. The human factors and external environment play an important role in cyclists’ violation behavior. Minimizing the effects of unfavorable condition in traffic planning and designing may be an effective measure to enhance traffic safety.
Trial Application of Pulse-Field Magnetization to Magnetically Levitated Conveyor System
Authors: Miyatake Yoshihito , Komori Mochimitsu , Asami Ken-ichi , Sakai Nobuo
Published: September 2012

Magnetically levitated conveyor system using superconductors is discussed. The system is composed of a levitated conveyor, magnetic rails, a linear induction motor, and some power supplies. In the paper, pulse-field magnetization is applied to the system. Then, the levitation height and the dynamics of the conveyor are controlled. The static and dynamic characteristics of the levitated conveyor are discussed.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Management of Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Wenderfer Scott E. , Thacker Trisha
Published: September 2012

The occurrence of nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis is complex, involving innate and adaptive cellular and humoral immune responses. Autoantibodies in particular have been shown to be critical in the initiation and progression of renal injury, via interactions with both Fc-receptors and complement. One approach in the management of patients with lupus nephritis has been the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. This therapy has shown benefit in the setting of many forms of autoantibody-mediated injury; however, the mechanisms of efficacy are not fully understood. In this paper, the data supporting the use of immunoglobulin therapy in lupus nephritis will be evaluated. In addition, the potential mechanisms of action will be discussed with respect to the known involvement of complement and Fc-receptors in the kidney parenchyma. Results are provocative and warrant additional clinical trials.
Spatial Qualification Tests for Highly Selective Compact Micromachined Band Pass Planar Filters
Authors: Hajj Raghida , Chatras Matthieu , Blondy Pierre , Vendier Olivier , Tschanum Wolfgang , Courtade Frederic
Published: September 2012

A highly selective planar band pass filter is proposed for satellite receivers to suppress intermodulation components. The 4-pole filter
has a center frequency of 19.825 GHz with a bandwidth of 240 MHz. The measured quality factor is over 600 and the insertion losses
are 4.1 dB. The micromachining technological process is used to fabricate this filter. A BCB (benzocyclobutene) thin layer is used as an electrical and mechanical support for the filter. The compatibility of the BCB with the spatial constraints was tested. Various tests were accomplished for this purpose and the results of all these tests are presented in the paper. The tests showed a very small influence of the temperature variation and high temperature storage test and practically no influence of the radiation test on the circuit.
A Note on the Solutions of the Van der Pol and Duffing Equations Using a Linearisation Method
Authors: Motsa Sandile S. , Sibanda Precious
Published: September 2012

We present a novel application of the successive linearisation method to the classical Van der Pol and Duffing oscillator equations. By recasting the governing equations as nonlinear eigenvalue problems we obtain accurate values of the frequency and amplitude. We demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to obtain the limit cycle and bifurcation diagrams of the governing equations. Comparison with exact and other results in the literature shows that the method is accurate and effective in finding solutions of nonlinear equations with oscillatory solutions, nonlinear eigenvalue problems, and other nonlinear problems with bifurcations.
Speedup of Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Logic Systems Based on GPU for Robot Navigation
Authors: Ngo Long Thanh , Nguyen Dzung Dinh , Pham Long The , Luong Cuong Manh
Published: September 2012

As the number of rules and sample rate for type 2 fuzzy logic systems (T2FLSs) increases, the speed of calculations becomes a problem. The T2FLS has a large membership value of inherent algorithmic parallelism that modern CPU architectures do not exploit. In the T2FLS, many rules and algorithms can be speedup on a graphics processing unit (GPU) as long as the majority of computation a various stages and components are not dependent on each other. This paper demonstrates how to install interval type 2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2-FLSs) on the GPU and experiments for obstacle avoidance behavior of robot navigation. GPU-based calculations are high-performance solution and free up the CPU. The experimental results show that the performance of the GPU is many times faster than CPU.
Positive Solutions for Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations with Boundary Conditions Involving Riemann‐Stieltjes Integrals
Authors: Jiang Jiqiang , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: September 2012

We consider the existence of positive solutions for a class of nonlinear integral boundary value problems for fractional differential equations. By using some fixed point theorems, the existence and multiplicity results of positive solutions are obtained. The results obtained in this paper improve and generalize some well‐known results.
Spectral Analysis of -Sturm-Liouville Problem with the Spectral Parameter in the Boundary Condition
Authors: Eryılmaz Aytekin
Published: September 2012

This paper is concerned with -Sturm-Liouville boundary value problem in the Hilbert space with a spectral parameter in the boundary condition. We construct a self-adjoint dilation of the maximal dissipative -difference operator and its incoming and outcoming spectral representations, which make it possible to determine the scattering matrix of the dilation. We prove theorems on the completeness of the system of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of operator generated by boundary value problem.
Adjunctive Sitagliptin Therapy in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brackbill Marcia L. , Rahman Ateequr , Sandy Jeffrey S. , Stam M. Denton , Harralson Arthur F.
Published: September 2012

Aim. We aimed to determine if sitagliptin added to standard postoperative standardized sliding-scale insulin regimens improved blood glucose.Methods. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted in diabetic cardiac surgery patients. Patients received sitagliptin or placebo after surgery for 4 days. The primary endpoint was to estimate the effect of adjunctive sitagliptin versus placebo on overall mean blood glucose in the 4-day period after surgery.Results. Sixty-two patients participated. Repeated measures tests indicated no significant difference between the groups in the overall mean blood glucose level with a mean of147.2±4.8 mg/dL and153.0±4.6 mg/dL for the test and the control group, respectively (P=0.388).Conclusions. Sitagliptin added to normal postoperative glucose management practices did not improve overall mean blood glucose control in diabetic patients in the postoperative setting.
-Stable Derivative-Free Error-Corrected Trapezoidal Rule for Burgers' Equation with Inconsistent Initial and Boundary Conditions
Authors: Verma Lajja
Published: September 2012

We combine suitable arithmetic average approximations, with explicit backward Euler formula, and derive a third-order -stable derivative-free error-corrected trapezoidal rule (LSDFECT). Then, we apply LSDFECT rule to the linearized Burgers' equation with inconsistent initial and boundary conditions and test its stability and exactness. We use Mathematica 7.0 for computation.
What Is the Most Appropriate Source for Hematopoietic Stem Cell
Transplantation? Peripheral Stem Cell/Bone Marrow/Cord Blood
Authors: Sirinoglu Demiriz Itır , Tekgunduz Emre , Altuntas Fevzi
Published: September 2012

The introduction of peripheral stem cell (PSC) and cord blood (CB) as an alternative to bone marrow (BM) recently has caused important changes on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) practice. According to the CIBMTR data, there has been a significant decrease in the use of bone marrow and increase in the use of PSC and CB as the stem cell source for HSCT performed during 1997–2006 period for patients under the age of 20. On the other hand, the stem cell source in 70% of the HSCT procedures performed for patients over the age of 20 was PSC and the second most preferred stem cell source was bone marrow. CB usage is very limited for the adult population. Primary disease, stage, age, time and urgency of transplantation, HLA match between the patient and the donor, stem cell quantity, and the experience of the transplantation center are some of the associated factors for the selection of the appropriate stem cell source. Unfortunately, there is no prospective randomized study aimed to facilitate the selection of the correct source between CB, PSC, and BM. In this paper, we would like to emphasize the data on stem cell selection in light of the current knowledge for patient populations according to their age and primary disease.
Intelligent Agent-Based Intrusion Detection System Using Enhanced Multiclass SVM
Authors: Ganapathy S. , Yogesh P. , Kannan A.
Published: September 2012

Intrusion detection systems were used in the past along with various techniques to detect intrusions in networks effectively. However, most of these systems are able to detect the intruders only with high false alarm rate. In this paper, we propose a new intelligent agent-based intrusion detection model for mobile ad hoc networks using a combination of attribute selection, outlier detection, and enhanced multiclass SVM classification methods. For this purpose, an effective preprocessing technique is proposed that improves the detection accuracy and reduces the processing time. Moreover, two new algorithms, namely, an Intelligent Agent Weighted Distance Outlier Detection algorithm and an Intelligent Agent-based Enhanced Multiclass Support Vector Machine algorithm are proposed for detecting the intruders in a distributed database environment that uses intelligent agents for trust management and coordination in transaction processing. The experimental results of the proposed model show that this system detects anomalies with low false alarm rate and high-detection rate when tested with KDD Cup 99 data set.
Gold/Chitosan Nanocomposites with Specific Near Infrared Absorption for Photothermal Therapy Applications
Authors: Zhang Guandong , Sun Xinghua , Jasinski Jacek , Patel Dhruvin , Gobin Andre M.
Published: September 2012

Gold/chitosan nanocomposites were synthesized and evaluated as a therapeutic agent for the photothermal therapy. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with controllable optical absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region were prepared by the reaction of chloroauric acid and sodium thiosulfate. To apply these particles to cancer therapy, the bare Au NPs were coated with chitosan (CS), O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), and a blend of CS and CMCS for utilizations in physiologic conditions. The surface properties, optical stability, and photothermal ablation efficiency on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) demonstrate that these gold nanocomposites have great potential as a therapeutic agent in in vitro tests. The CS‐coated nanocomposites show the highest efficiency for the photo‐ablation on the HepG2 cells, and the CS and CMCS blended coated particles show the best discrimination between the cancer cell and normal cells. The well‐controlled NIR absorption and the biocompatible surface of these nanocomposites allow low‐power NIR laser activation and low‐dosage particle injection for the cancer cell treatment.
An Inverse Problem for a Class of Linear Stochastic Evolution Equations
Authors: Zhao Yuhuan
Published: September 2012

An inverse problem for a linear stochastic evolution equation is researched. The stochastic evolution equation contains a parameter with values in a Hilbert space. The solution of the evolution equation depends continuously on the parameter and is Fréchet differentiable with respect to the parameter. An optimization method is provided to estimate the parameter. A sufficient condition to ensure the existence of an optimal parameter is presented, and a necessary condition that the optimal parameter, if it exists, should satisfy is also presented. Finally, two examples are given to show the applications of the above results.
The Hypoxic Testicle: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Reyes Juan G. , Farias Jorge G. , Henríquez-Olavarrieta Sebastián , Madrid Eva , Parraga Mario , Zepeda Andrea B. , Moreno Ricardo D.
Published: September 2012

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex biological process occurring in the seminiferous tubules in the testis. This process represents a delicate balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In most mammals, the testicles are kept in the scrotum 2 to 7°C below body core temperature, and the spermatogenic process proceeds with a blood and oxygen supply that is fairly independent of changes in other vascular beds in the body. Despite this apparently well-controlled local environment, pathologies such as varicocele or testicular torsion and environmental exposure to low oxygen (hypoxia) can result in changes in blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen supply along with an increased local temperature that may induce adverse effects on Leydig cell function and spermatogenesis. These conditions may lead to male subfertility or infertility. Our literature analyses and our own results suggest that conditions such as germ cell apoptosis and DNA damage are common features in hypoxia and varicocele and testicular torsion. Furthermore, oxidative damage seems to be present in these conditions during the initiation stages of germ cell damage and apoptosis. Other mechanisms like membrane-bound metalloproteinases and phospholipase A2 activation could also be part of the pathophysiological consequences of testicular hypoxia.
Solving “Antenna Array Thinning Problem” Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Jain Rajashree , Mani G. S.
Published: September 2012

Thinning involves reducing total number of active elements in an antenna array without causing major degradation in system performance. Dynamic thinning is the process of achieving this under real-time conditions. It is required to find a strategic subset of antenna elements for thinning so as to have its optimum performance. From a mathematical perspective this is a nonlinear, multidimensional problem with multiple objectives and many constraints. Solution for such problem cannot be obtained by classical analytical techniques. It will be required to employ some type of search algorithm which can lead to a practical solution in an optimal. The present paper discusses an approach of using genetic algorithm for array thinning. After discussing the basic concept involving antenna array, array thinning, dynamic thinning, and application methodology, simulation results of applying the technique to linear and planar arrays are presented.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality Based on Matter Element Extension Model
Authors: Jing Jin , Hui Qian , Yu-Fei Chen , Wen-Juan Xi
Published: September 2012

The basic theory and calculating processes of matter element extension method are discussed in detail. Mass balance simulation is used to study the changes of groundwater chemistry. Results show that calcite and dolomite are oversaturated, while gypsum, fluorite, and halite are unsaturated in the simulation path; so calcite precipitates, while gypsum, fluorite, halite, and dolomite dissolve. The changing tendency of Ca2+/Na+ is apparent. Because of the dissolution and precipitation of minerals, the content of each ion changes. Parameters of groundwater are basically within the permissible limits and meet the requirement of drinking water standards. By comparing the evaluation results obtained from matter element extension method, osculating value method based on entropy weight, and principal component analysis method, it is proved that matter element extension is an effective and reasonable method for groundwater quality assessment. The converting tendency of groundwater quality is judged based on the extension indexes; this characteristic is unique of matter element extension method.
Molecular Epidemiology of EGFR and KRAS Mutations in 3,026 Lung Adenocarcinomas: Higher Susceptibility of Women to Smoking-Related KRAS-Mutant Cancers
Authors: Dogan Snjezana , Shen Ronglai , Ang Daphne C. , Johnson Melissa L. , D'Angelo Sandra P. , Paik Paul K. , Brzostowski Edyta B. , Riely Gregory J. , Kris Mark G. , Zakowski Maureen F. , Ladanyi Marc
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The molecular epidemiology of most EGFR and KRAS mutations in lung cancer remains unclear.

Experimental Design: We genotyped 3,026 lung adenocarcinomas for the major EGFR (exon 19 deletions and L858R) and KRAS (G12, G13) mutations and examined correlations with demographic, clinical, and smoking history data.

Results: EGFR mutations were found in 43% of never smokers and in 11% of smokers. KRAS mutations occurred in 34% of smokers and in 6% of never smokers. In patients with smoking histories up to 10 pack-years, EGFR predominated over KRAS. Among former smokers with lung cancer, multivariate analysis showed that, independent of pack-years, increasing smoking-free years raise the likelihood of EGFR mutation. Never smokers were more likely than smokers to have KRAS G > A transition mutation (mostly G12D; 58% vs. 20%, P = 0.0001). KRAS G12C, the most common G > T transversion mutation in smokers, was more frequent in women (P = 0.007) and these women were younger than men with the same mutation (median 65 vs. 69, P = 0.0008) and had smoked less.

Conclusions: The distinct types of KRAS mutations in smokers versus never smokers suggest that most KRAS-mutant lung cancers in never smokers are not due to second-hand smoke exposure. The higher frequency of KRAS G12C in women, their younger age, and lesser smoking history together support a heightened susceptibility to tobacco carcinogens. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6169–77. ©2012 AACR.
Decreased NK Cells in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Determined in Archival DNA
Authors: Accomando William P. , Wiencke John K. , Houseman E. Andres , Butler Rondi A. , Zheng Shichun , Nelson Heather H. , Kelsey Karl T.
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Natural killer (NK) cells are a key element of the innate immune system implicated in human cancer. To examine NK cell levels in archived bloods from a study of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a new DNA-based quantification method was developed.

Experimental Design: NK cell-specific DNA methylation was identified by analyzing DNA methylation and mRNA array data from purified blood leukocyte subtypes (NK, T, B, monocytes, granulocytes), and confirmed via pyrosequencing and quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMSP). NK cell levels in archived whole blood DNA from 122 HNSCC patients and 122 controls were assessed by qMSP.

Results: Pyrosequencing and qMSP confirmed that a demethylated DNA region in NKp46 distinguishes NK cells from other leukocytes, and serves as a quantitative NK cell marker. Demethylation of NKp46 was significantly lower in HNSCC patient bloods compared with controls (P < 0.001). Individuals in the lowest NK tertile had over 5-fold risk of being a HNSCC case, controlling for age, gender, HPV16 status, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI (OR = 5.6, 95% CI, 2.0 to 17.4). Cases did not show differences in NKp46 demethylation based on tumor site or stage.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a significant depression in NK cells in HNSCC patients that is unrelated to exposures associated with the disease. DNA methylation biomarkers of NK cells represent an alternative to conventional flow cytometry that can be applied in a wide variety of clinical and epidemiologic settings including archival blood specimens. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6147–54. ©2012 AACR.
TRAIL and Noxa Are Selectively Upregulated in Prostate Cancer Cells Downstream of the RIG-I/MAVS Signaling Pathway by Nonreplicating Sendai Virus Particles
Authors: Matsushima-Miyagi Taeko , Hatano Koji , Nomura Motonari , Li-Wen Liu , Nishikawa Tomoyuki , Saga Kotaro , Shimbo Takashi , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The treatment of cancer with oncolytic viruses primarily depends on the selective viral replication in cancer cells. However, a replication-incompetent hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ; Sendai virus) envelope (HVJ-E) suppresses the growth of human cancer cells as effectively as replication-competent live HVJ without producing toxic effects in nonmalignant cells. Here, we analyze the molecular mechanism of the oncolytic activity of HVJ-E.

Experimental Design: The molecules responsible for HVJ-E–induced cancer cell death were elucidated in prostate cancer cell lines, and the effect of HVJ-E on orthotopic prostate cancers was evaluated in nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice.

Results: The liposome-mediated transfer of viral RNA genome fragments from HVJ-E suppressed the viability of prostate cancer cells but not the viability of the noncancerous prostate epithelium. Knockdown experiments using siRNAs showed that the cancer cell–selective killing induced by HVJ-E was mediated by retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Downstream of the RIG-I/MAVS pathway, both TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Noxa were upregulated by HVJ-E in the castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line PC3 but not in the noncancerous prostate epithelial cell line PNT2. TRAIL siRNA but not Noxa siRNA significantly inhibited HVJ-E–induced cell death in PC3 cells. However, Noxa siRNA effectively suppressed HVJ-E–induced cell death in DU145 cells, another castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line, in which Noxa but not TRAIL was upregulated by HVJ-E. Furthermore, the orthotopic prostate cancers were dramatically eradicated in immunodeficient mice injected with HVJ-E.

Conclusion: The RIG-I/MAVS signaling pathway represents an attractive target for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6271–83. ©2012 AACR.
Rossby Wave Breaking and Transport between the Tropics and Extratropics above the Subtropical Jet
Authors: Homeyer Cameron R. , Bowman Kenneth P.
Published: September 2012

Rossby wave breaking is an important mechanism for the two-way exchange of air between the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere and the extratropical lower stratosphere. The authors present a 30-yr climatology (1981–2010) of anticyclonically and cyclonically sheared wave-breaking events along the boundary of the tropics in the 350–500-K potential temperature range from ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). Lagrangian transport analyses show net equatorward transport from wave breaking near 380 K and poleward transport at altitudes below and above the 370–390-K layer. The finding of poleward transport at lower levels is in disagreement with previous studies and is shown to largely depend on the choice of tropical boundary. In addition, three distinct modes of transport for anticyclonic wave-breaking events are found near the tropical tropopause (380 K): poleward, equatorward, and symmetric. Transport associated with cyclonic wave-breaking events, however, is predominantly poleward. The three transport modes for anticyclonic wave breaking are associated with specific characteristics of the geometry of the mean flow. In particular, composite averages show that poleward transport is associated with a “split” subtropical jet where the jet on the upstream side of the breaking wave extends eastward and lies poleward and at lower altitudes of the subtropical jet on the downstream side, producing a substantial longitudinal overlap between the two jets. Equatorward transport is not associated with a split subtropical jet and is found immediately downstream of stationary anticyclones in the tropics, often associated with monsoon circulations. It is further shown that, in general, the transport direction of breaking waves is determined primarily by the relative positions of the jets.
Measurement of Atmospheric Aspect Sensitivity Using Coherent Radar Imaging after Mitigation of Radar Beam Weighting Effect
Authors: Chen Jenn-Shyong , Furumoto Jun-ichi
Published: September 2012

The aspect angle, a measurement of the aspect sensitivity of atmospheric refractivity irregularities, was estimated with multiple-receiver coherent radar imaging (CRI) of very high frequency (VHF) atmospheric radar. Two CRI parameters retrieved by Capon’s method were utilized to derive the aspect angle: brightness width from the vertical radar beam and the direction of arrival (DOA) of the echo center from the oblique radar beam. Differing from previous studies with CRI, the radar beam weighting effect on the CRI brightness distribution was considered, and moreover, the radar beamwidth used in study was adaptive to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of data as well as the off-beam direction angle. The study is based on statistical results. It is shown that the brightness width, a representative of the aspect angle, obtained from the modified CRI brightness distribution of the vertical radar beam was generally larger than that without correction, and it was very close to the values derived from the DOA of the 1° oblique radar beam and the power distribution of multiple beam directions. Moreover, the aspect angle derived from the DOA varied with the radar beam direction, which was similar to that obtained from the comparison of echo powers of a radar beam pair; however, the DOA approach yielded a much larger aspect angle in the low-SNR condition. This study recommended a feasibility of improving the measurements of atmospheric parameters with CRI after removing the radar beam weighting effect suitably from the CRI brightness distribution.
A Surface Mooring for Air–Sea Interaction Research in the Gulf Stream. Part II: Analysis of the Observations and Their Accuracies
Authors: Bigorre Sébastien P. , Weller Robert A. , Edson James B. , Ware Jonathan D.
Published: September 2012

A surface mooring was deployed in the Gulf Stream for 15 months to investigate the role of air–sea interaction in mode water formation and other processes. The accuracies of the near-surface meteorological and oceanographic measurements are investigated. In addition, the impacts of these measurement errors on the estimation and study of the air–sea fluxes in the Gulf Stream are discussed. Pre- and postdeployment calibrations together with in situ comparison between shipboard and moored sensors supported the identification of biases due to sensor drifts, sensor electronics, and calibration errors. A postdeployment field study was used to further investigate the performance of the wind sensors. The use of redundant sensor sets not only supported the filling of data gaps but also allowed an examination of the contribution of random errors. Air–sea fluxes were also analyzed and computed from both Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) bulk parameterization and using direct covariance measurements. The basic conclusion is that the surface buoy deployed in the Gulf Stream to support air–sea interaction research was successful, providing an improved 15-month record of surface meteorology, upper-ocean variability, and air–sea fluxes with known accuracies. At the same time, the coincident deployment of mean meteorological and turbulent flux sensors proved to be a successful strategy to certify the validity of the bulk formula fluxes over the midrange of wind speeds and to support further work to address the present shortcomings of the bulk formula methods at the low and high wind speeds.