bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROJECTION OF A MEASUREMENT OF THE NONPHOTONIC ELECTRON v2 IN Au + Au COLLISIONS AT STAR
Authors: HUANG BING-CHU , ZHANG YI-FEI , ZHANG ZI-PING , XU ZHANG-BU , DONG XIN
Published: May 2011

We present a method of measuring the elliptic flow (v2) of nonphotonic electrons from heavy flavor quark decays using the STAR detector at RHIC in Au + Au collisions at [Formula: see text]. Inclusive electrons are identified in the pT range 0.5–4 GeV /c at mid-rapidity -1 < η < 0 by the STAR time projection chamber (TPC) and time-of-flight detector. Photonic e+e- pairs with characteristic low invariant mass are reconstructed in the TPC and their v2 is measured using the standard event plane method by subtracting the combinatorial background in the dN/dΔϕ distributions in each pT bin. The nonphotonic electron v2 and its propagated error can be derived from the inclusive and photonic electron v2. We estimate the necessary statistics and errors of nonphotonic electron v2 for a more recent RHIC run.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMPOUND MULTIPLICITY IN HIGH-ENERGY NUCLEUS–NUCLEUS INTERACTIONS
Authors: MOHERY M. , ARAFA M.
Published: May 2011

The present paper deals with the interactions of 22 Ne and 28 Si nuclei at (4.1–4.5)A GeV /c with emulsion. Some characteristics of the compound multiplicity nc given by the sum of the number of shower particles ns and grey particles ng have been investigated. The present experimental data are compared with the corresponding ones calculated according to modified cascade evaporation model (MCEM). The results reveal that the compound multiplicity distributions for these two reactions are consistent with the corresponding ones of MCEM data. It can also be seen that the peak of these distributions shifts towards a higher value of nc with increasing projectile mass. It may further be seen that the compound multiplicity distributions becomes broader with increasing target size and its width increases with the size of the projectile nucleus. In addition, it has been found that the MCEM can describe the compound multiplicity characteristics of the different projectile, target and the correlation between different emitted particles. The values of average compound multiplicity increase with increasing mass of the projectile. Furthermore, it is observed that while the value of 〈nc〉 depends on the mass number of the projectile Ap and the target mass number At, the value of the ratio 〈nc〉/D(nc) seems to be independent of Ap and At. The impact parameter is found to affect the shape of the compound multiplicity distribution. Finally, the dependence of the average compound multiplicity on the numbers of grey and black particles, and the sum of them, is obvious. The values of the slope have been found to be independent of the projectile nucleus.
DYNAMICAL SHELL EFFECT IN THE FUSION REACTIONS
Authors: TIAN JUNLONG , OU LI , HAO HONGJUN , YANG GUI , BAI CHUNXU
Published: May 2011

Dynamical nuclear shell effect is introduced to the improved quantum molecular dynamics model in interaction potential energy in the process of fusion reactions. The dynamical shell correction energy of the system is calculated and applied to dynamical process of fusion reactions with a switch function employed to connect the shell correction energy of the projectile and target with that of the compound nucleus. It is found that the shell effect enhances the fusion barrier and the calculated fusion (capture) cross-sections decrease for subbarrier fusion reactions which both projectile and target are doubly magic nuclei. The experimental data of the fusion cross-sections for four systems 40 Ca + 48 Ca , 48 Ca + 48 Ca , 16 O + 208 Pb and 48 Ca + 208 Pb can be reproduced better with the shell effect being considered by using the ImQMD model.
NEUTRON–PROTON PAIRING CORRELATION FOR THE ROTATIONAL MOTION OF N = Z72Kr, 76Sr, AND 80Zr NUCLEI
Authors: ROY PRIANKA , DHIMAN SHASHI K.
Published: May 2011

The high-spin state properties of the neutron–proton (np) residual effective interaction are analyzed in N = Z72 Kr , 76 Sr , and 80 Zr nuclei. The self-consistent microscopic Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (HFB) equations have been solved by employing monopole corrected two-body effective interaction. A band crossing is observed in 72 Kr nucleus at J = 14ℏ state with monopole corrected "HPU1" and "HPU2" effective interactions. The VAP–HFB theory suggests that the "4p–4h" excitations by np residual interaction are the essential ingredients of the mean-field description of the occurence of backbending in 72 Kr nucleus.
EVOLUTION OF SHELL STRUCTURE IN NUCLEI
Authors: BHAGWAT A. , GAMBHIR Y. K.
Published: May 2011

Systematic investigations of the pairing and two-neutron separation energies which play a crucial role in the evolution of shell structure in nuclei, are carried out within the framework of relativistic mean-field model. The shell closures are found to be robust, as expected, up to the lead region. New shell closures appear in low mass region. In the superheavy region, on the other hand, it is found that the shell closures are not as robust, and they depend on the particular combinations of neutron and proton numbers. Effect of deformation on the shell structure is found to be marginal.
NUCLEAR MATTER SUPERFLUIDITY IN AN EFFECTIVE HADRONIC FIELD MODEL WITH EXCLUDED VOLUME CORRECTIONS
Authors: AGUIRRE R. M.
Published: May 2011

Properties of the 1S0 superfluid phase are studied for symmetric nuclear matter at finite temperature. It is described within a covariant hadronic field model, of the σ–ω type, with addition of density dependent correlations simulating effects due to finite extension of nucleons. The model is solved in a self-consistent Hartree–Bogoliubov approach, assuming instantaneous interactions in the superfluid phase. A comparison with the results obtained from several hadronic field models is made. Main characteristics of our description of the superfluid gap are in qualitative agreement with some studies using microscopic potentials, although further refinements could improve its performance.
MODIFIED BAG MODELS FOR THE QUARK–GLUON PLASMA EQUATION OF STATE
Authors: BEGUN V. V. , GORENSTEIN M. I. , MOGILEVSKY O. A.
Published: May 2011

The modified versions of the bag model equation of state (EoS) are considered. They are constructed to satisfy the main qualitative features observed for the quark–gluon plasma EoS in the lattice QCD calculations. A quantitative comparison with the lattice results at high temperatures T are done in the SU(3) gluodynamics and in the full QCD with dynamical quarks. Our analysis advocates a negative value of the bag constant B.
IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH-SPIN STATES IN NEUTRON-RICH 88,90,92Kr AND 86Se
Authors: LI K. , HAMILTON J. H. , RAMAYYA A. V. , LIU S. H. , ZHANG X. Q. , BREWER N. T. , HWANG J. K. , GOODIN C. , ZHU S. J. , LUO Y. X. , RASMUSSEN J. O. , LEE I. Y. , WU S. C. , DONANGELO R. , DANIEL A. V. , TER-AKOPIAN G. M. , OGANESSIAN YU. TS. , UNZHAKOVA A. , COLE J. D. , MA W. C. , STOYER M. A.
Published: May 2011

Level schemes of even–even neutron-rich 88-92 Kr and 86 Se have been investigated by measuring triple-γ coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf with the Gammasphere detector array. The level scheme of 88 Kr has been extended up to 7169 keV state. Several new excited states with new transitions have been identified in 90,92 Kr and 86 Se . Spins and parities have been assigned to levels in these nuclei by following regional systematics and angular correlation measurements. The level structures of the N = 52, 54, Se , Kr , and Sr isotones are discussed.
SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION IN FERROELECTRIC LiTaO3 AND KNbO3 CONTAINING BULK NANO GLASS-CERAMICS
Authors: TARAFDER ANAL , ANNAPURNA KALYANDURG , CHALIHA REENAMONI SAIKIA , SATAPATHY SRINIBAS , TIWARI VIDYA SAGAR , GUPTA PRADEEP KUMAR , KARMAKAR BASUDEB
Published: May 2011

The precursor glasses in (mol%) 25.53Li2O-21.53Ta2O5-35.29SiO2-17.65Al2O3 (LTSA) and 25K2O-25Nb2O5-50SiO2 (KNS) glass systems were prepared by the melt-quench technique. Ferroelectric LiTaO3 (LT) and KNbO3 (KN) crystallites containing bulk nano glass-ceramics have been prepared by controlled crystallization of these precursor glasses respectively. Second harmonic generations (SHG) at 532 nm in both the glass-ceramics have been realized under fundamental beam of Nd3+ :YAG laser source (1064 nm). The SHG power output has been found to increase up to 14 and 62.4 nJ with variation of rotation angle for LT and KN bulk nano glass-ceramics respectively due to orientation of ferroelectric domains under applied field.
THE EFFECTS OF FERROELECTRIC DOMAIN DISORDERING ON THE SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION
Authors: REZAEI M. , KHERADMAND R. , KRYUCHKYAN G. YU. , NEMATI M.
Published: May 2011

The fluctuation effects in the ideal quasi-phase-matching have already been studied in detail from the point of view of periodicity and wavelength. In this paper, the length fluctuation on each segment of periodicity poled nonlinear crystals (PPNC) in the second harmonic generation has been studied. By adding the linear crystals in PPNC which is positive, zero, negative and zero (PZNZ) configuration, (+, 0, -, 0), random length errors affect its output efficiency. It has also been revealed that in disordered structures, the output efficiency of the nonlinear generation of light is increased in PZNZ and in these conditions, the efficiency in PZNZ is better than that of PPNC.
NONLINEAR OPTICAL EFFECTS IN PHOTONIC-CRYSTAL SLAB LINE-DEFECT WAVEGUIDE FOR ULTRAFAST ALL-OPTICAL SWITCH
Authors: ODA HISAYA , YAMANAKA AKIO , IKEDA NAOKI , SUGIMOTO YOSHIMASA , ASAKAWA KIYOSHI
Published: May 2011

In order to develop an ultra fast all-optical switch, we have studied optical Kerr effect and two photon absorption in photonic crystal line defect waveguides. Based on these results, we have succeeded in all-optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer switching.
SERS-BASED AQUEOUS IMMUNOASSAY REALIZED WITH SILICA NANOPARTICLES
Authors: SONG C. Y. , WANG Z. Y. , YANG J. , ZHANG R. H. , WU H. , CUI Y. P.
Published: May 2011

A simple, sensitive SERS-based immunoassay realized in aqueous solution is demonstrated with a sandwich immune protocol. In such an immunoassay, antibodies-immobilized silica nanoparticles served as the immune substrate while 4MBA-labeled immuno-Au nanoparticles are used as the immune sensors. According to the TEM images, it is clear that the immune gold nanoparticles are embedded onto the surfaces of the silica nanoparticles specifically after the immunoreaction. As a result, the aggregations of gold nanoparticles have been formed with SERS-active "hot spots" on the dimers or multimers. The SERS results confirm that the method proposed in this paper is an effective way for SERS-based aqueous immunoassay and that the detection limit is as low as 0.1 ng/mL.
A GAME THEORETIC APPROACH TO STUDY THE QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION BB84 PROTOCOL
Authors: HOUSHMAND MAHBOOBEH , HOUSHMAND MONIREH , MASHHADI HABIB RAJABI
Published: May 2011

Quantum cryptography uses quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication. BB84 is a widely used quantum key distribution that provides a way for two parties, a sender, Alice, and a receiver, Bob, to share an unconditionally secure key in the presence of an eavesdropper, Eve.

Three different criteria can be assumed to study the BB84 protocol. They are the efficiency of the protocol, the probability that Eve remains undetected, and the amount of knowledge Eve has about Alice's bit sequence.

In a previous approach, we only considered the probability that Eve remains undetected. We viewed this protocol as a three player static game in which Alice and Bob were two cooperative players and Eve was a competitive one. In our game model, Alice's and Bob's objective was to maximize the probability of detecting Eve, while Eve's objective was to minimize this probability. In this paper, our previous effort is extended and we also consider the other two criteria, i.e. the efficiency of the protocol and the amount of knowledge Eve has about Alice's bit sequence. Using these models, we show how game theory can be used to find the strategies for Alice, Bob and Eve.
RELATIVISTIC ENTANGLEMENT FOR SPINS AND MOMENTA OF A MASSIVE THREE-PARTICLE SYSTEM
Authors: NASR ESFAHANI BAHRAM , AGHAEE MOHSEN
Published: May 2011

Lorentz transformation of the spin density matrix as well as the momentum density matrix for a quantum system of three massive spin-1/2 particles that have an appropriate discrete momentum distribution is investigated. In a rest frame, both the spin and the momentum parts are supposed to be maximally entangled as the Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger state. Provided the particles move with sufficiently high speeds, we can find boosts that completely remove both the spin and momentum entanglements. We can even find boosts that completely preserve both entanglements. For the considered boosts, there is no mixing between the spin and the momentum parts.
EFFICIENT SCHEME FOR PREPARING POLARIZATION-ENTANGLED PHOTONIC CLUSTER STATES BASED ON CROSS-KERR NONLINEARITY
Authors: ZHU MENG-ZHENG , YUAN GUANG-YU
Published: May 2011

A scheme is proposed for generating a polarization four-photon cluster, which is believed to be suitable to achieve the one-way quantum computing via single-qubit projective measurements, with the help of only cross-Kerr nonlinearity and current linear optical systems. Compared with the existing schemes, the distinct advantage of the present scheme is that cluster states can be achieved with high success probability close to unity. Our scheme is experimentally demanding but efficient. Based on the present scheme, the cluster state of 3N + 1 photons can be obtained with the help of linear optical elements.
A ketogenic diet reduces long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus of freely behaving rats
Authors: Koranda Jessica L. , Ruskin David N. , Masino Susan A. , Blaise J. Harry
Published: May 2011

Ketogenic diets are very low in carbohydrates and can reduce epileptic seizures significantly. This dietary therapy is particularly effective in pediatric and drug-resistant epilepsy. Hypothesized anticonvulsant mechanisms of ketogenic diets focus on increased inhibition and/or decreased excitability/excitation. Either of these consequences might not only reduce seizures, but also could affect normal brain function and synaptic plasticity. Here, we characterized effects of a ketogenic diet on hippocampal long-term potentiation, a widely studied form of synaptic plasticity. Adult male rats were placed on a control or ketogenic diet for 3 wk before recording. To maintain the most physiological conditions possible, we assessed synaptic transmission and plasticity using chronic in vivo recordings in freely behaving animals. Rats underwent stereotaxic surgery to chronically implant a recording electrode in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and a stimulating electrode in the perforant path; they recovered for 1 wk. After habituation and stable baseline recording, 5-Hz theta-burst stimulation was delivered to induce long-term potentiation. All animals showed successful plasticity, demonstrating that potentiation was not blocked by the ketogenic diet. Compared with rats fed a control diet, rats fed a ketogenic diet demonstrated significantly diminished long-term potentiation. This decreased potentiation lasted for at least 48 h. Reduced potentiation in ketogenic diet-fed rats is consistent with a general increase in neuronal inhibition (or decrease in excitability) and decreased seizure susceptibility. A better understanding of the effects of ketogenic diets on synaptic plasticity and learning is important, as diet-based therapy is often prescribed to children with epilepsy.
Probing for hemispheric specialization for motor skill learning: a transcranial direct current stimulation study
Authors: Schambra Heidi M. , Abe Mitsunari , Luckenbaugh David A. , Reis Janine , Krakauer John W. , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: May 2011

Convergent findings point to a left-sided specialization for the representation of learned actions in right-handed humans, but it is unknown whether analogous hemispheric specialization exists for motor skill learning. In the present study, we explored this question by comparing the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over either left or right motor cortex (M1) on motor skill learning in either hand, using a tDCS montage to better isolate stimulation to one hemisphere. Results were compared with those previously found with a montage more commonly used in the field. Six groups trained for three sessions on a visually guided sequential pinch force modulation task with their right or left hand and received right M1, left M1, or sham tDCS. A linear mixed-model analysis for motor skill showed a significant main effect for stimulation group (left M1, right M1, sham) but not for hand (right, left) or their interaction. Left M1 tDCS induced significantly greater skill learning than sham when hand data were combined, a result consistent not only with the hypothesized left hemisphere specialization for motor skill learning but also with possible increased left M1 responsiveness to tDCS. The unihemispheric montage effect size was one-half that of the more common montage, and subsequent power analysis indicated that 75 subjects per group would be needed to detect differences seen with only 12 subjects with the customary bihemispheric montage.
Distinct maturation profiles of perisomatic and dendritic targeting GABAergic interneurons in the mouse primary visual cortex during the critical period of ocular dominance plasticity
Authors: Lazarus Matthew S. , Huang Z. Josh
Published: May 2011

In the rodent primary visual cortex, maturation of GABA inhibitory circuitry is regulated by visual input and contributes to the onset and progression of ocular dominance (OD) plasticity. Cortical inhibitory circuitry consists of diverse groups of GABAergic interneurons, which display distinct physiological properties and connectivity patterns. Whether different classes of interneurons mature with similar or distinct trajectories and how their maturation profiles relate to experience dependent development are not well understood. We used green fluorescent protein reporter lines to study the maturation of two broad classes of cortical interneurons: parvalbumin-expressing (PV) cells, which are fast spiking and innervate the soma and proximal dendrites, and somatostatin-expressing (SOM) cells, which are regular spiking and target more distal dendrites. Both cell types demonstrate extensive physiological maturation, but with distinct trajectories, from eye opening to the peak of OD plasticity. Typical fast-spiking characteristics of PV cells became enhanced, and synaptic signaling from PV to pyramidal neurons became faster. SOM cells demonstrated a large increase in input resistance and a depolarization of resting membrane potential, resulting in increased excitability. While the substantial maturation of PV cells is consistent with the importance of this source of inhibition in triggering OD plasticity, the significant increase in SOM cell excitability suggests that dendrite-targeted inhibition may also play a role in OD plasticity. More generally, these results underscore the necessity of cell type-based analysis and demonstrate that distinct classes of cortical interneurons have markedly different developmental profiles, which may contribute to the progressive emergence of distinct functional properties of cortical circuits.
Endometrial expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor and galectins-1, -3, -9, and -3 binding protein in the luteal phase and early pregnancy in cattle
Authors: Okumu L. A. , Fair T. , Szekeres-Bartho J. , O'Doherty A. M. , Crowe M. A. , Roche J. F. , Lonergan P. , Forde N.
Published: May 2011

Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) and galectins modulate the maternal immune response during pregnancy. We hypothesized that the relative transcript abundance of the above genes would be different during the luteal phase/early pregnancy and would be affected by progesterone supplementation. To further test this, hypothesis protein expression analyses were carried out to evaluate the abundance and localization of LGALS9 and PIBF. Following estrus synchronization, heifers were inseminated ( n = 140) or not ( n = 70). Half the heifers in each status (cyclic or potentially pregnant) were randomly assigned to receive a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on day 3 after estrus, which elevated progesterone concentrations from day 3.5 to 8 ( P < 0.05), resulting in four treatment groups: cyclic and pregnant heifers, each with normal and high progesterone. After confirmation of pregnancy status in inseminated animals, uterine tissue was collected on days 5, 7, 13, or 16 of the luteal phase of the cycle/pregnancy. Gene and protein expression was determined using Q-RT-PCR and IHC, respectively, on 5 heifers per treatment per time point (i.e., 80 in total). Progesterone concentrations did not affect expression of any of the genes ( P > 0.05). LGALS9 and LGALS3BP were expressed at low levels in both cyclic and pregnant endometria until day 13. On day 16, expression increased only in the pregnant heifers ( P < 0.0001). LGALS1 and LGALS3 decreased on day 7 ( P < 0.0001) and remained low until day 16. Pregnancy had no effect on the expression of LGALS1, LGALS3, and PIBF. Additionally, LGALS9 and PIBF proteins were expressed in distinct uterine cell types. These results indicate that the galectins may be involved in uterine receptivity and/or implantation in heifers.
Quasi‐Dimensional Modelling and Parametric Studies of a Heavy‐Duty HCCI Engine
Authors: Pandey Sunil Kumar , N. Muralitharan , R. V. Ravikrishna
Published: May 2011

A quasi‐dimensional modelling study is conducted for the first time for a heavy duty, diesel‐fuelled, multicylinder engine operating in HCCI mode. This quasidimensional approach involves a zero‐dimensional single‐zone homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion model along with a one‐dimensional treatment of the intake and exhaust systems. A skeletal chemical kinetic scheme for n‐heptane was used in the simulations. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and compression ratio (CR) were the two parameters that were altered in order to deal with the challenges of combustion phasing control and operating load range extension. Results from the HCCI mode simulations show good potential when compared to conventional diesel performance with respect to important performance parameters such as peak firing pressure, specific fuel consumption, peak pressure rise, and combustion noise. This study shows that HCCI combustion mode can be employed at part load of 25% varying the EGR rates between 0 and 60%.
Lymph Node Transplantation and Its Immunological Significance in Animal Models
Authors: Buettner Manuela , Bode Ulrike
Published: May 2011

Lymph nodes (LNs) are distributed all over the body and whatever the site consists of the same cell populations. However, there are great differences between LN from different draining areas. For example, in mesenteric LN, homing molecules, for example, CCR9 andα4β7 integrin, were induced and cytokines, for example, IL-4, were produced on higher levels compared to peripheral LN. To study the immunological functions of LN, LN transplantation was performed in some specific areas using different animal models. Many groups investigated not only the regeneration of transplanted LN but also the induction of immune responses or tolerance after transplantation. Existing differences between LNs were still detectable after transplantation. Most important, stromal cells of the LN were identified as responsible for these differences. They survive during regeneration and were shown to reconstruct not only the structure of the new LN but also the microenvironment.
In VitroandIn VivoAntimalarial Activity Assays of Seeds fromBalanites aegyptiaca: Compounds of the Extract Show Growth Inhibition and Activity against Plasmodial Aminopeptidase
Authors: Kusch Peter , Deininger Susanne , Specht Sabine , Maniako Rudeka , Haubrich Stefanie , Pommerening Tanja , Lin Paul Kong Thoo , Hoerauf Achim , Kaiser Annette
Published: May 2011

Balanites aegyptiaca(Balanitaceae) is a widely grown desert plant with multiuse potential. In the present paper, a crude extract fromB. aegyptiacaseeds equivalent to a ratio of 1 : 2000 seeds to the extract was screened for antiplasmodial activity. The determined IC50value for the chloroquine-susceptiblePlasmodium falciparumNF54 strain was 68.26 . Analysis of the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 6-phenyl-2(H)-1,2,4-triazin-5-one oxime, an inhibitor of the parasitic M18 Aspartyl Aminopeptidase as one of the compounds which is responsible for thein vitroantiplasmodial activity. The crude plant extract had a of 2.35  and showed a dose-dependent response. After depletion of the compound, a significantly lower inhibition was determined with a of 4.8 . Moreover, two phenolic compounds, that is, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenol, with determined IC50values of 50.29  and 47.82 , respectively, were detected. These compounds may contribute to thein vitroantimalarial activity due to their antioxidative properties. In anin vivoexperiment, treatment of BALB/c mice with the aqueousBalaniteextract did not lead to eradication of the parasites, although a reduced parasitemia at day 12 p.i. was observed.
A Case of Brucellosis Presenting with Multiple Hypodense Splenic Lesions and Bilateral Pleural Effusions
Authors: Eruz Emine Dilek , Birengel Serhat , Azap Alpay , Bozkurt Gulden Yilmaz
Published: May 2011

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease, which mainly present with lymphoreticular system invovement. However any organ system can be attacked by the microorganism. In this paper we present a 52-year-old female patient who was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department with complaints of fatigue, arthralgias, fever, and weight loss. In the medical examination and radiological analysis bilateral pleural effusions and hepatosplenomegaly were detected. Serum transaminase levels were two times higher than the upper limits of normal. Abdominal ultrasound revealed sludge in the gallbladder and multiple hypodense splenic lesions (the largest was 1 cm in diameter). Brucella melitensis was isolated from the blood culture of the patient. Rifampicin (600 mg/day) and doxycycline (200 mg/day) therapy was started. Follow-up chest radiography and ultrasonography revealed the absence of pleural effusion. Splenic lesions and hepatosplenomegaly were totally regressed. The patient has been followed for 3 months after 6 week antibiotic regimen without recurrence. Brucellosis was expected to be the cause of all pathological signs.
Effect of Dissipative and Dispersive DNG Material Coating on the Scattering Behavior of Parallel Nihility Circular Cylinders
Authors: Ahmed Shakeel , Naveed Muhammad , Ghaffar Abdul , Syed Aqeel A. , Naqvi Q. A.
Published: May 2011

Electromagnetic
scattering from coated nihility circular
cylinders, illuminated by E‐polarized plane
wave,
is investigated using an iterative procedure. Cylinders are infinite in length. The boundary conditions are
applied on the surface of each cylinder in an iterative procedure in order to solve for the field expansion
coefficients. The effect of different types of the coating layers including double positive (DPS) and double
negative (DNG) on the alteration of the forward and backward scattering has been observed. Specially,
the effect of dispersive and dissipative DNG coating layer has been focused. Numerical verifications are
presented to prove the validity of this formulation by comparison with the published literature.
Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structure, and Biological Studies of a Cadmium(II) Complex with a Tridentate Ligand 4′-Chloro-2,2′:6′,2′′-Terpyridine
Authors: Saghatforoush L. A. , Valencia L. , Chalabian F. , Ghammamy Sh.
Published: May 2011

A new Cd(II) complex with the ligand 4′-chloro-2,2′6′,2′′-terpyridine (Cltpy), [Cd(Cltpy)(I)2], has been synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analysis,1H-NMR,13C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy and structurally analyzed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The single-crystal X-ray analyses show that the coordination number in complex is five with three terpyridine (Cltpy) N-donor atoms and two iodine atoms. The antibacterial activities of Cltpy and its Cd(II) complex are tested against different bacteria.
Physiochemical Properties of Hydrodenitrification and Hydrodesulphurization Inhibiting Compounds with 1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Ethylsulphate at T = (298.15 to 323.15) K and p = 1 Bar
Authors: Anantharaj Ramalingam , Banerjee Tamal
Published: May 2011

This work investigates the ability of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulphate ([emim][EtSO4]) as a green and tuneable solvent for denitrification and desulphurization of diesel oil. Experimental density, surface tension, and refractive index data have been measured for the following systems: [emim][EtSO4](1) + pyridine(2), [emim][EtSO4](1)+ pyrrole(2), [emim][EtSO4](1) + quinoline(2), [emim][EtSO4](1) + indoline(2), [emim][EtSO4](1) + thiophene(2), and [emim][EtSO4](1) + water(2) over the entire mole fraction of [emim][EtSO4] at temperatures of (298.15 to 323.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. Further, from experimental density values, coefficient of thermal expansivity and excess molar volume were also calculated. It was found that the heteroaromatic nitrogen/sulphur compounds and water are completely miscible in the [emim][EtSO4] ionic liquid. The surface tension values were found to increase while the refractive index decrease with increasing mole fraction of [emim][EtSO4]. On the other hand, dissimilar molecule such as water showed mobility of ions on mixing resulting in lower surface tension. The experimental values of surface tension increased in the order: thiophene > pyridine > pyrrole > indoline > quinoline and for refractive index: quinoline > indoline > pyrrole > pyridine > thiophene > water. It was found that the composition of [emim][EtSO4] has a greater influence than temperature in deciding the densities, surface, optical, and thermodynamic properties.
Ground Penetrating Radar Assessment of Flexible Road Pavement Degradation
Authors: Colagrande Sandro , Ranalli Danilo , Tallini Marco
Published: May 2011

GPR investigations were used to study degraded road pavements built in cutting sections. Road integrity was assessed via quantitative analysis of power curves. 1600 MHz and 600 MHz radar sections were collected in 40 damaged and undamaged road pavement sites. The collected data were processed as follows: (i) linearisation with regression analysis of power curves; (ii) assessment of absorption angleα′ which is directly proportional to absorption coefficientα(this was obtained by setting the e.m. propagation velocity to 10 cm/ns); (iii) comparison of absorption coefficients in both damaged and undamaged zones with respect to road pavement degradation. If the absorption coefficients of damaged and undamaged road sections have nearly the same value, then the likely cause of degradation is the fatigue or the thermal shrinkage; if they are not, then road degradation is due to the different compactness of the soil caused by vehicular traffic load. In a considerable number of sites, the statistical comparison of damaged and undamaged zones through the absorption coefficient analysis shows that surface observations of road pavements are quite consistent with power curve analyses.
Podoplanin-Positive Fibroblasts Enhance Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumor Formation: Podoplanin in Fibroblast Functions for Tumor Progression
Authors: Hoshino Ayuko , Ishii Genichiro , Ito Takashi , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Ohtaki Yoichi , Nagai Kanji , Sasaki Hiroki , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: May 2011

During the metastatic process, cancer cells interact with vascular adventitial fibroblasts (VAF), which are the main components of the outermost connective tissue layer of blood vessels. This activity suggests the presence of a specific tumor microenvironment in the perivascular area. The s.c. coinjection of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549, PC-14, and CRL-5807) and human VAF (hVAF) resulted in a high rate of tumor formation, compared with the coinjection of these cell lines and human lung tissue-derived fibroblasts (hLF). A cDNA microarray analysis revealed a higher expression level of podoplanin in hVAFs than in hLFs (4.7-fold). Flow cytometry analysis also showed a higher expression level of podoplanin in hVAFs (43% ± 17.5%) than in hLFs (16% ± 10.3%). Sorted podoplanin-positive hVAFs displayed enhanced tumor formation, lymph node metastasis, and lung metastasis of A549 compared to sorted podoplanin-negative hVAFs. Knockdown of podoplanin in hVAFs decreased the augmenting effect of tumor formation and in vitro colony formation. The overexpression of podoplanin in hVAFs hastened the tumor formation of A549, compared with control hVAFs. Furthermore, the analysis of small-sized human lung adenocarcinoma (n = 112) revealed that patients with podoplanin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts had a significantly higher rate of lymph node metastasis and a high risk of recurrence. These results indicate a promotive effect of hVAFs mediated by podoplanin on cancer progression and suggest that the perivascular environment may constitute a specific niche for tumor progression. Cancer Res; 71(14); 4769–79. ©2011 AACR.
Epithelial Cell Organization Suppresses Myc Function by Attenuating Myc Expression
Authors: Simpson David R. , Yu Min , Zheng Siyuan , Zhao Zhongming , Muthuswamy Senthil K. , Tansey William P.
Published: May 2011

c-Myc is an oncogene transcription factor that causes cancer in many settings, including solid tumors that arise in the context of organized tissue structures. Given that disruption of tissue architecture frequently occurs in cancer, there is considerable interest in how cell organization impacts oncogene function. A previous report found that organization of mammary epithelial cells into defined 3-dimensional structures renders them insensitive to the effects of retrovirus-mediated overexpression of Myc, leading to the notion that organization tempers the sensitivity of individual cells to Myc activity. In this article, we report that epithelial cell organization does not profoundly alter Myc activity but, instead, suppresses Myc by modulating its expression. We show that the morphogenesis of mammary epithelial cells into organized acinar structures in vitro is accompanied by widespread changes in gene expression patterns, including a substantial decrease in the expression of Myc. Concomitant with the decrease in endogenous Myc expression, we observe a decrease in transcription from retroviral vectors during morphogenesis and find that Myc transgene expression in acini is much lower than in unorganized cells. This decrease in Myc transgene activity is responsible for the apparent recalcitrance of organized cells to ectopic Myc, as adenovirus-mediated expression of Myc in organized structures potently induces apoptosis. These observations reveal that organization does not alter the inherent response of epithelial cells to Myc and suggest that other tumor suppression mechanisms, apart from structure, antagonize Myc in the development of solid tumors. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3822–30. ©2011 AACR.
6-Bromoindirubin-3′-Oxime Inhibits JAK/STAT3 Signaling and Induces Apoptosis of Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Liu Lucy , Nam Sangkil , Tian Yan , Yang Fan , Wu Jun , Wang Yan , Scuto Anna , Polychronopoulos Panos , Magiatis Prokopios , Skaltsounis Leandros , Jove Richard
Published: May 2011

STAT3 is persistently activated and contributes to malignant progression in various cancers. Janus activated kinases (JAK) phosphorylate STAT3 in response to stimulation by cytokines or growth factors. The STAT3 signaling pathway has been validated as a promising target for development of anticancer therapeutics. Small-molecule inhibitors of JAK/STAT3 signaling represent potential molecular-targeted cancer therapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated the role of JAK/STAT3 signaling in 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (6BIO)-mediated growth inhibition of human melanoma cells and assessed 6BIO as a potential anticancer drug candidate. We found that 6BIO is a pan-JAK inhibitor that induces apoptosis of human melanoma cells. 6BIO directly inhibited JAK-family kinase activity, both in vitro and in cancer cells. Apoptosis of human melanoma cells induced by 6BIO was associated with reduced phosphorylation of JAKs and STAT3 in both dose- and time-dependent manners. Consistent with inhibition of STAT3 signaling, expression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 was downregulated. In contrast to the decreased levels of phosphorylation of JAKs and STAT3, phosphorylation levels of the Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins were not inhibited in cells treated with 6BIO. Importantly, 6BIO suppressed tumor growth in vivo with low toxicity in a mouse xenograft model of melanoma. Taken together, these results show that 6BIO is a novel pan-JAK inhibitor that can selectively inhibit STAT3 signaling and induces tumor cell apoptosis. Our findings support further development of 6BIO as a potential anticancer therapeutic agent that targets JAK/STAT3 signaling in tumor cells. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3972–9. ©2011 AACR.
NEMO-Binding Domain Peptide Inhibits Constitutive NF-κB Activity and Reduces Tumor Burden in a Canine Model of Relapsed, Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Gaurnier-Hausser Anita , Patel Reema , Baldwin Albert S. , May Michael J. , Mason Nicola J.
Published: May 2011

Purpose: Activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) is an aggressive, poorly chemoresponsive lymphoid malignancy characterized by constitutive canonical NF-κB activity that promotes lymphomagenesis and chemotherapy resistance via overexpression of antiapoptotic NF-κB target genes. Inhibition of the canonical NF-κB pathway may therefore have therapeutic relevance in ABC-DLBCL. Here, we set out to determine whether dogs with spontaneous DLBCL have comparative aberrant constitutive NF-κB activity and to determine the therapeutic relevance of NF-κB inhibition in dogs with relapsed, resistant DLBCL.

Experimental Design: Canonical NF-κB activity was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and immunoblot analyses, and NF-κB target gene expression was measured by quantitative real time PCR. Primary malignant canine B lymphocytes were treated with the selective IKK complex inhibitor NF-κB essential modulator-binding domain (NBD) peptide and evaluated for NF-κB activity and apoptosis. NBD peptide was administered intranodally to dogs with relapsed B-cell lymphoma and NF-κB target gene expression and tumor burden were evaluated pre- and post-treatment.

Results: Constitutive canonical NF-κB activity and increased NF-κB target gene expression were detected in primary DLBCL tissue. NBD peptide inhibited this activity and induced apoptosis of primary malignant B cells in vitro. Intratumoral injections of NBD peptide to dogs with relapsed DLBCL inhibited NF-κB target gene expression and reduced tumor burden.

Conclusions: This work shows that dogs with spontaneous DLBCL represent a clinically relevant, spontaneous, large animal model for human ABC-DLBCL and shows the therapeutic relevance of NF-κB inhibition in the treatment of ABC-DLBCL. These results have important translational relevance for ABC-DLBCL treatment in human patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4661–71. ©2011 AACR.
BRAF-KIAA1549 Fusion Predicts Better Clinical Outcome in Pediatric Low-Grade Astrocytoma
Authors: Hawkins Cynthia , Walker Erin , Mohamed Nequesha , Zhang Cindy , Jacob Karine , Shirinian Margret , Alon Noa , Kahn Daniel , Fried Iris , Scheinemann Katrin , Tsangaris Elena , Dirks Peter , Tressler Robert , Bouffet Eric , Jabado Nada , Tabori Uri
Published: May 2011

Purpose: Recent studies have revealed that the majority of pediatric low-grade astrocytomas (PLGA) harbor the BRAF-KIAA1549 (B-K) fusion gene resulting in constitutive activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway. However, the clinical significance of this genetic alteration is yet to be determined. We aimed to test the prognostic role of the B-K fusion in progression of incompletely resected PLGA.

Experimental Design: We retrospectively identified 70 consecutive patients with incompletely resected “clinically relevant” PLGA. We added 76 tumors diagnosed at our institution between 1985 and 2010 as controls. We examined BRAF alterations by reverse transcriptase PCR, FISH, and single-nucleotide polymorphism array analysis and correlated that with progression-free survival (PFS).

Results: Overall, 60% of tumors were B-K fusion positive. All patients with B-K fused PLGA are still alive. Five-year PFS was 61% ± 8% and 18% ± 8% for fusion positive and negative patients, respectively (P = 0.0004). B-K fusion resulted in similarly significant favorable PFS for patients who received chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that B-K fusion was the most significant favorable prognostic factor in incompletely resected PLGA and was independent of location, pathology, and age. In vitro, BRAF overexpression resulted in growth arrest associated with DNA damage (γH2AX expression). Five-year PFS was 68% ± 15% and 0% for patients with B-K fused and γH2AX-expressing PLGA versus negative tumors (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: These data suggest that B-K fusion confers a less aggressive clinical phenotype on PLGA and may explain their tendency to growth arrest. Combined analysis of B-K fusion and γH2AX expression can determine prognosis and may be a powerful tool to tailor therapy for these patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4790–8. ©2011 AACR.
MicroRNA-146a Downregulates NFκB Activity via Targeting TRAF6 and Functions as a Tumor Suppressor Having Strong Prognostic Implications in NK/T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Paik Jin Ho , Jang Ji-Young , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Kim Wook Youn , Kim Tae Min , Heo Dae Seog , Kim Chul-Woo
Published: May 2011

Purpose: We investigated prognostic implications of microRNAs in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTL).

Experimental Design: We measured miRNA expression in NKTL tissues and cell lines, using real-time PCR, and analyzed its role in NKTL, using cell lines.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed low miR-146a expression (P < 0.001; HR = 13.110), primary non–upper aerodigestive tract lesion (non-UAT; P = 0.008; HR = 5.376) and high International Prognostic Index (IPI; ≥3; P = 0.013; HR = 3.584) to be independent poor prognostic factors. miR-146a expression could subdivide UAT-NKTL into 2 prognostic groups, resulting in the following prognostic groups: (i) UATLow-146a, (ii) UATHigh-146a, and (iii) non-UAT. Compared with UATHigh-146a, UATLow-146a showed distinctively poor prognosis (P < 0.001; HR = 15.620), similar to the non-UAT group. In vitro, miR-146a overexpression in NKTL cell lines, SNK6 and YT, inhibited nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activity, suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and enhanced chemosensitivity. TNF receptor–associated factor 6, a target of miR-146a and a known NFκB activator, was downregulated by miR-146a in SNK6 and YT cells. Promoter methylation of miR-146a gene was observed in SNK6 and YT cells, as well as in NKTL tissues with low miR-146a expression, and miR-146a expression was induced by the conversion of methylation status with a demethylating agent in SNK6 and YT cells.

Conclusions: These results suggest that miR-146a might function as a potent tumor suppressor in NKTL and be useful for patient assessment and therapeutic targeting. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4761–71. ©2011 AACR.
Hippocampal Atrophy in Subcortical Vascular Dementia
Authors: van de Pol Laura , Gertz Hermann-Josef , Scheltens Philip , Wolf Henrike
Published: May 2011

Background and Purpose: New research criteria for subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) have been suggested to define a more homogeneous subgroup of vascular dementia. Hippocampal (Hc) atrophy is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but it also occurs in other dementia disorders including vascular dementias. So far, it is unknown to which extent Hc atrophy is present in SVaD. Methods: From a larger consecutive referral population in a memory clinic, 11 patients fulfilling the research criteria for SVaD were carefully matched with comparison groups of healthy controls and patients with AD. To estimate the extent of Hc atrophy in SVaD, both Hc volumetry and visual rating of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) were applied. Results: In SVaD, significant Hc atrophy occurred. The extent was intermediate between controls and patients with AD both on Hc volumetry and visual MTA ratings. At the same level of global cognition, Hc volumes were reduced by 11.6% in SVaD and 16.6% in AD, relative to controls. Conclusions: Patient groups with AD and SVaD as identified by current research criteria appear to overlap considerably with regard to the feature of Hc atrophy. While contamination with AD is a likely cause, other mechanisms of Hc atrophy in SVaD also deserve consideration. The findings have implications for the design of future clinical trials of SVaD.
Transient Ischemic Attack versus Transient Ischemic Attack Mimics: Frequency, Clinical Characteristics and Outcome
Authors: Amort Margareth , Fluri Felix , Schäfer Juliane , Weisskopf Florian , Katan Mira , Burow Annika , Bucher Heiner C. , Bonati Leo H. , Lyrer Philippe A. , Engelter Stefan T.
Published: May 2011

Background: There is insufficient evidence regarding which clinical features are best suited to distinguish between transient ischemic attack (TIA) and disorders mimicking TIA (TIA mimics). Methods: We compared the frequency, clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with TIA and TIA mimics in a prospective, single-center emergency department cohort over 2 years. Results: Of 303 patients, 248 (81.8%) had a TIA and 55 (18.2%) had TIA mimics. Epileptic seizures (26/55; 43.7%) and migraine attacks (13/55; 23.6%) were the most common TIA mimics. In patients presenting with unilateral paresis, TIA mimics were less likely than in patients without unilateral paresis [odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.68]. Memory loss (OR 9.17, 95% CI 2.89–32.50), headache (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.07–12.78) and blurred vision (OR 2.48, 95% CI 0.90–6.59) increased the odds of TIA mimics. Once these clinical features were taken into account, neither aphasia, dysarthria, sensory loss, blood pressure values nor the duration of symptoms were found to improve explanation of the underlying status. At 3 months, stroke, recurrent TIA and myocardial infarction were absent in patients with TIA mimics but occurred in 13 (5.2%), 20 (8.1%) and 3 (1.2%) TIA patients, respectively. Conclusions: About 1 in every 5 patients with suspected TIA had a TIA mimic. Paresis suggested TIA, while other clinical variables used in risk assessment scores after TIA were not shown to distinguish between the two entities. Patients with TIA mimics had a better short-term prognosis.
Polymorphisms in the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene and Delirium in the Elderly
Authors: van Munster Barbara C. , Baas Frank , Tanck Michael W. , de Rooij Sophia E.J.A.
Published: May 2011

Background/Aims: Catechol-O-methyltransferase, encoded by the COMT gene, is one of the enzymes that degrade dopamine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the COMT gene were associated with delirium. Methods: Patients aged 65 years and older, acutely admitted to the medical department or to the surgical department following hip fracture, were included. rs4680, rs4818, and rs6269 were genotyped. Results: Delirious patients were older, and more frequently had preexisting functional or cognitive impairment (p < 0.001). Polymorphisms in the COMT gene were not associated with the development of delirium. Conclusion: Although the COMT gene is a promising candidate gene for delirium in the elderly, functional genetic variations were not associated with delirium.