bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulling particles backward using a forward propagating beam
Authors: Ng Jack , Chen Jun , Lin Zhifang , Chan C. T.
Published: April 2012

Can the scattering force of a forward propagating beam pull a particle backward? A photon carries a momentum of ℏ*k, so one may expect light will push against any object standing in its path. However, light can indeed “attract” in some cases. For example, a focused light beam can attract particles, due to the gradient force. But it is probably more appropriate to say that the gradient force “grabs” rather than “pulls”, as the particle will remain stable in the trap after being drawn to the focus. Here, we discuss another possibility — a backward scattering force which is always opposite to the propagation direction of the beam so that the beam keeps on pulling an object towards the source without an equilibrium point. In the absence of intensity gradient, using a light beam to pull a particle backwards is counter intuitive. The underlining physics is the maximization of forward scattering via interference of the radiation multipoles. We show explicitly that the necessary condition to realize a pulling force is the simultaneous excitation of multipoles in the particle and if the projection of the total photon momentum along the propagation direction is small, attractive optical force is possible.
Negative acoustic radiation forces produced by Bessel beams: acoustic tractor beams and scattering
Authors: Marston Philip L. , Zhang Likun , Thiessen David B.
Published: April 2012

The theory for negative acoustic radiation forces on objects in various Bessel beams is reviewed [P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 3518–3524 (2006); L. K. Zhang and P. L. Marston, Phys. Rev. E 84, 035601 (2011)] together with geometric insight provided by researchers in optics. When examining conditions favorable for negative radiation forces it can be helpful to consider the far field scattering for axisymmetric objects of interest because the axial radiation force can be directly related to the asymmetry in the scattering and the conic angle of the beam. The analysis also serves to clarify the way in which absorption by the object contributes to positive forces and to clarify the influence of helicity. Considering the symmetry properties of the scattering provides additional insight as does the evaluation of radiation forces and wave fields using the computational method of finite elements. In the non-absorbing case it can also be helpful to express the partial-wave amplitudes in terms of phase shifts since in acoustics there is only one phase shift for each partial-wave. [Marston and Thiessen were supported by ONR and Zhang was supported by NASA.]
Overall loudness perception properties under dichotic listening condition
Authors: Shao Zhiyue , Mao Dongxing
Published: April 2012

Dichotic listening conditions under which sound levels differ at the two ears are typical listening conditions, and there are yet no widely accepted results of binaural loudness summation. Researches show, the relationship between global loudness and interaural level difference (ILD) differs greatly for broadband noise and pure tone signals. Overall perceived loudness with interaural level difference (ILD) under different signal bandwidths was investigated through subjective listening experiment. In the subjective experiment, with the arithmetic mean of sound levels in both ears kept constant, the ILDs of dichotic signals ranged from 2dB to 12dB with 2dB step. Subjects were asked to match the overall loudness of dichotic test signals with that of diotic ones at the same center frequency and bandwidth. Signal of four bandwidths, which are 1/12, 1/6,1/3 and 1/1 octave were taken for the experiments. Results showed that the overall loudness of dichotic signals increases nonlinearly with ILD, and the narrower the signal bandwidth was, the faster the speed of the increase was. Comparison of subjective results with Moore's loudness model showed, deviation from Moore's model became larger as signal bandwidth narrowed.
Relative contributions of on- and off-frequency spectral cues in increment detection
Authors: Patra Harisadhan , Vaz Petula , Patra Abhijeet , Motzko Joseph , Burkland Adam
Published: April 2012

Increment detection is often used as a measure of intensity resolution, where a listener detects a brief increment in intensity in a longer duration stimulus. Recent findings suggest that listeners rely on multiple cues rather than on-frequency energy cues. The relative contributions of on- and off-frequency cues are evaluated in five normal-hearing young adults. Detection thresholds for a 50-ms increment added in the middle of a 450-ms, 1000-Hz pedestal were obtained in quiet, telegraph noise (TN), and notched-noise (NN) conditions. The pedestal level was 60 dB SPL. NN stimuli were generated by filtering TN while keeping the notch geometrically centered at 1000 Hz. The NN-notches were also varied by increasing the notch-width unevenly on either side of the center frequency. The low-frequency cutoffs of the NN-notches were 125, 250, 500, and 750 Hz while the high-frequency cutoffs were 1500, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Although the NN-notches were centered at 1000 Hz, increment detection thresholds were poorer in NN conditions than in quiet. Detection thresholds were similar in TN and NN with the narrowest notch conditions. Results suggest that listeners may rely on a decision process based on multichannel on- and off-frequency cues. [Supported by BU research and scholarship grant]
Temporal order judgment characteristics at the offset of auditory-visual stimuli
Authors: Yoshida Junji , Ueda Kouhei , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2012

In this study, we investigated the influence of auditory-visual stimuli presentation timing at the onset on the perception of the offset asynchrony. To investigate the characteristic, we performed temporal order judgment test using auditory-visual stimuli. Pure tone and white rectangular were used as auditory and visual stimuli. In the test sequence, we prepared five presentation timings (0, ±128, ±256 ms) and nine disappearance timing (0, ±32, ±64, ±96, ±128 ms), and asked the experimental subject which stimulus disappeared first. From the obtained experimental result, we calculated the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS) at each presentation timing in each subject to obtain the PSS dependency on the onset presentation timing. As a result, the averaged offset PSS among the subjects was almost zero when the auditory-visual stimuli were presented simultaneously but the PSS varied widely among subjects. On the other side, with respect to the offset PSS dependency on the onset presentation timing, all subjects' result indicated the same tendency. The later the auditory stimulus was presented at the onset, the auditory stimulus was perceived to disappear earlier. Consequently, the temporal order judgment at the offset was found to depend on the presentation timing at the onset.
Honorary Membership of the Acoustical Society of China
Authors: Beranek Leo Leroy
Published: April 2012

The Acoustical Society of China presents Dr. Leo L. Beranek with its first Honorary Membership for his leadership, dedication and contributions to the science of acoustics, to education in acoustics and to the diffusion of knowledge in acoustics throughout the world, as well as to the promotion of Sino-US academic exchanges in acoustics.
R. Bruce Lindsay Award
Authors: Coussios Constantin-C.
Published: April 2012

The R. Bruce Lindsay Award (formerly the Biennial Award) is presented in the Spring to a member of the Society who is under 35 years of age on 1 January of the year of the Award and who, during a period of two or more years immediately preceding the award, has been active in the affairs of the Society and has contributed substantially, through published papers, to the advancement of theoretical or applied acoustics, or both. The award was presented biennially until 1986. It is now an annual award.
A Baby Step for Nano
Authors: Tan Sidhartha
Published: April 2012

Nanomedicine treatment postnatally in an inflammatory model of cerebral palsy ameliorates motor deficits.
The Power of One
Authors: Louvard Daniel , Sigaux François , Robine Sylvie
Published: April 2012

A single mouse Lgr5-positive colon stem cell can be expanded into a 3D organoid that after transplant contributes to the repair of injured colon epithelia in a mouse model of colitis.
Sharing of Prey: Coinfection of a Bacterium by a Virus and a Prokaryotic Predator
Authors: Chen Huan , Williams Henry N.
Published: April 2012

Rarely, if ever, has a single bacterial cell been confirmed to simultaneously host two fundamentally different predators. Two such predators are viruses and the predatory prokaryotes known as
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms. Viruses or bacteriophage are particles requiring prey cells in an active metabolic state to complete their life cycle. The
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms, unlike viruses, are bacteria that can efficiently infect and grow in prey which are in stationary phase. In this study, electron microscopic examination revealed an unprecedented coinfection by the two agents of
Vibrio vulnificus
, introducing a new bacterial predation paradigm. Rather than the viruses and
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms competing for a single prey cell, both can survive in the same cell and successfully reproduce themselves. This is an especially valuable mechanism when the prey is in short supply, and the survival of the predators may be at stake.

IMPORTANCE
This article describes the coinfection of a prokaryotic prey or host cell by both a bacteriophage (phage) and the predatory bacterium of the group
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms (BALOs). Such coinfection has not been previously reported and therefore introduces a new paradigm for predation of bacteria. This finding invites new studies on the interactions of BALOs, phage, and prey in predation. Predation is an important mechanism in nature for helping to keep bacterial populations in check and also plays a major role in the cycling of nutrients through the microbial loop. How dual infection by phage and BALOs imposes on these and other functions of predation is fertile ground for future studies and serves as a keystone reference on bacterial predation and mortality.
Human Origin for Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fitzgerald J. Ross
Published: April 2012

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence in the last decade of a livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) clone which also has the capacity to cause zoonotic infections in humans has raised important questions regarding its origin and its potential to cause human epidemics. An important study by L. B. Price et al. [mBio 3(1):e00305-11, 2012] provides evidence for a human ancestral origin for LA-MRSA, raising concerns about agricultural practices that may have contributed to its emergence and expansion. The study highlights the potential for comparative whole-genome sequencing of closely related strains to provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of bacterial pathogens.
Young persons' access to genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK: a cross-sectional survey: Table 1
Authors: Thomas Melonie , Dixon Kiri , Ali Amer Henry , Patel Rajul , Robinson Angela J , Yuen H M , Foley Elizabeth
Published: April 2012

Study Design

This service evaluation of genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in the UK was designed to quantify access for young people requesting to be seen and to establish whether they could be seen outside school hours.

Methods

In December 2009 postal questionnaires were sent to all lead clinicians in UK GUM clinics asking when they expected a young person would be offered an appointment and whether it could be outside school hours. Between January and March 2010 trained male and female medical students posing as 16 year olds telephoned all GUM clinics listed on the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV website with symptomatic and asymptomatic scenarios and requested an appointment after school hours.

Results

99% of the 152 responding clinicians estimated that an appointment would be offered within 48 h for both male and female contacts and over 90% could be seen outside school hours whether symptomatic or not. Of the 666 clinic telephone contacts, 88% were offered an appointment within two working days, and 66% were offered an after school appointment within 2 days. There was no significant difference whether the ‘patient’ was symptomatic or not (87% vs 86%, respectively, p=0.784) in being offered an appointment within two working days. There was variation between countries, with England performing significantly better; 94% were offered an appointment within 2 days versus 58%, 55% and 67% for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings would support the impact and value of process targets on service delivery.
DIFFERENTIAL ALGEBRAS ON κ-MINKOWSKI SPACE AND ACTION OF THE LORENTZ ALGEBRA
Authors: MELJANAC STJEPAN , KREŠIĆ-JURIĆ SAŠA , ŠTRAJN RINA
Published: April 2012

We propose two families of differential algebras of classical dimension on κ-Minkowski space. The algebras are constructed using realizations of the generators as formal power series in a Weyl superalgebra. We also propose a novel realization of the Lorentz algebra [Formula: see text] in terms of Grassmann-type variables. Using this realization we construct an action of [Formula: see text] on the two families of algebras. Restriction of the action to κ-Minkowski space is covariant. In contrast to the standard approach the action is not Lorentz covariant except on constant one-forms, but it does not require an extra cotangent direction.
MÖSSBAUER AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT SIZE Fe3O4 NANOSTRUCTURE
Authors: WU WEI , LIN XIONG , DUAN HONGYAN , WANG JUN
Published: April 2012

We examine size-dependent structural and magnetic properties of fine size controlled iron oxide nanoparticles in the 4–17 nm range confirmed by XRD. Through Mössbauer spectra, we found that the ratio of Fe 3+/ Fe +2.5 and the Fe vacancies on the B sites can be modified by varying the particle size. Coating Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with SiO 2 effectively eliminates magnetic interparticle interactions so that the Curie temperature (Tc) can be well fitted by an expression for noninteracting randomly oriented single-domain nanoparticles. The Tc of the samples was 746–849 K lower than that of the bulk material, which may be related to a nanequilibrium cation distribution. The results are discussed in terms of interparticle interactions.
THERMAL ENTANGLED QUANTUM REFRIGERATOR WORKING WITH THE TWO-QUBIT HEISENBERG XX MODEL
Authors: HE JI-ZHOU , HE XIAN , ZHENG JIE
Published: April 2012

An entangled quantum refrigerator working with a two-qubit Heisenberg XX model in a constant external magnetic field is constructed in this paper. Based on the quantum first law of thermodynamics, the expressions for several basic thermodynamic quantities such as the heat transferred, the net work and the coefficient of performance are derived. Moreover, the influence of the thermal entanglement on the basic thermodynamic quantities is investigated. Several interesting features of the variation of the basic thermodynamic quantities with the thermal entanglement in zero and nonzero magnetic field are obtained. Lastly, we analyze the maximum coefficient of performance.
CRYSTALLIZATION PROGRESS AND MAGNETIC PROPERTY OF Fe–Zr(Nb)–B AMORPHOUS-NANOCRYSTALLINE ALLOY
Authors: HUA Z. , SUN Y. M. , YU W. Q. , WEI M. B.
Published: April 2012

Fe 81 Zr 9 B 10 and Fe 81 Zr 7 Nb 2 B 10 amorphous alloys were prepared by melt-spinning. The microstructures and magnetic properties of the alloys annealed at various temperatures were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The crystallization progresses of Fe 81 Zr 9 B 10 and Fe 81 Zr 7 Nb 2 B 10 amorphous alloys are as follows: amorphous → residual amorphous + α- Fe → α- Fe + Fe 3 Zr + ZrFe 2 and amorphous → residual amorphous + α- Fe → α- Fe + Fe 2 Zr , respectively. The grain size (D) of α- Fe in Fe 81 Zr 7 Nb 2 B 10 alloy is smaller than that in Fe 81 Zr 9 B 10 alloy at every annealing stage. The change trend of specific saturation magnetization (Ms) of Fe 81 Zr 7 Nb 2 B 10 alloy with increasing annealing temperature (Ta) is the same as that of Fe 81 Zr 9 B 10 alloy. However, the change trend of coercivity (Hc) of Fe 81 Zr 7 Nb 2 B 10 alloy with increasing annealing temperature is different from that of Fe 81 Zr 9 B 10 alloy, which abruptly deteriorates at 600°C.
GOLOD–SHAFAREVICH GROUPS: A SURVEY
Authors: ERSHOV MIKHAIL
Published: April 2012

In this paper we survey the main results about Golod–Shafarevich groups and their applications in algebra, number theory and topology.
GROUP GRADINGS ON FINITARY SIMPLE LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: BAHTURIN YURI , BREŠAR MATEJ , KOCHETOV MIKHAIL
Published: April 2012

We classify, up to isomorphism, all gradings by an arbitrary abelian group on simple finitary Lie algebras of linear transformations (special linear, orthogonal and symplectic) on infinite-dimensional vector spaces over an algebraically closed field of characteristic different from 2.
EXAMINING THE VARIABLE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT MODELS IN THE PRESENCE OF MaVaN's
Authors: RONG SHU-JUN , LIU QIU-YU
Published: April 2012

Some properties of variable cosmological constant (VCC) models in generalized mass-varying neutrino (MaVaN) scenarios are examined through an effective parametrization method. The limits of VCC models in case of power-law and exponential potentials are investigated in the nonrelativistic regime. The evolution of a resulting universe state parameter, ω, coupled to a neutrino dynamical mass is obtained. The coupling to MaVaN's constrains the values of the state parameter, ω, to a cosmologically acceptable interval given by -1<ω0≲-0.882. This simplified parametrization method sheds some light on the conventional discussions involving the intricate integrals over neutrino Fermi–Dirac distributions by simplifying the interpretation of MaVaN's contributions to the VCC scenarios.
APPLICATION OF PONTRYAGIN'S PRINCIPLE TO BIMODAL OPTIMIZATION OF NANO RODS
Authors: ATANACKOVIC TEODOR M. , NOVAKOVIC BRANISLAVA N. , VRCELJ ZORA
Published: April 2012

By using the Pontryagin's maximum principle, we determine optimal shape of a nonlocal elastic rod clamped at both ends. In the optimization procedure, we imposed restriction on the minimal value of the cross-sectional area. We showed that the optimization may be both unimodal and bimodal depending on the value of the restrictions and the value of characteristic length. Several concrete examples are treated in detail and the increase in buckling capacity is determined.
LATERAL BUCKLING OF THE STRUTS IN BEAM STRING STRUCTURES CONSIDERING THE LAYOUT OF STRINGS
Authors: WU MINGER , HIRAI KENICHI
Published: April 2012

The struts in a beam string structure (BSS) may buckle laterally under compression. The lateral buckling of the struts is determined not only by the rotational stiffness of the beam–strut joints and the length and bending stiffness of the struts, but also by the rise and lateral stiffness of the beam, the number of struts, and the layout of strings. In this paper, the multi-strut BSS with several types of layout of strings is studied. An analytical method for estimating the lateral buckling load of the struts in BSS is proposed. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the variation of the lateral buckling of the struts in the BSS for different string layouts. In the end, the validity of the proposed method is examined by means of numerical simulations using the geometrically nonlinear finite element method.
EVALUATION OF SIMPLIFIED METHODS OF ESTIMATING BEAM RESPONSES TO IMPACT
Authors: YANG Y. , LAM N. T. K. , ZHANG L.
Published: April 2012

Fundamental principles controlling the deflection behavior of a simply supported beam responding to the impact action of a solid object is revealed in this paper. The significant mitigating effects that the mass of the beam have upon its impact resistant behavior have been illustrated with examples. It is a myth that the static resistance of the beam is indicative of its impact resistance. The important effects of "cushioning" and the higher modes phenomenon have also been identified by the analytical study presented herein. Hand calculations and computer analysis methods are introduced and evaluated by comparison with results obtained from finite element analyses using LS-DYNA.
A BETWEEN-CLASS OVERLAPPING FILTER-BASED METHOD FOR TRANSCRIPTOME DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: SHARMA ALOK , IMOTO SEIYA , MIYANO SATORU
Published: April 2012

Feature selection algorithms play a crucial role in identifying and discovering important genes for cancer classification. Feature selection algorithms can be broadly categorized into two main groups: filter-based methods and wrapper-based methods. Filter-based methods have been quite popular in the literature due to their many advantages, including computational efficiency, simplistic architecture, and an intuitively simple means of discovering biological and clinical aspects. However, these methods have limitations, and the classification accuracy of the selected genes is less accurate. In this paper, we propose a set of univariate filter-based methods using a between-class overlapping criterion. The proposed techniques have been compared with many other univariate filter-based methods using an acute leukemia dataset. The following properties have been examined: classification accuracy of the selected individual genes and the gene subsets; redundancy check among selected genes using ridge regression and LASSO methods; similarity and sensitivity analyses; functional analysis; and, stability analysis. A comprehensive experiment shows promising results for our proposed techniques. The univariate filter based methods using between-class overlapping criterion are accurate and robust, have biological significance, and are computationally efficient and easy to implement. Therefore, they are well suited for biological and clinical discoveries.
IMPROVED SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS WITH RANS FOR FREE-SURFACE FLOW PROBLEMS
Authors: SHAO J. R. , LIU M. B. , YANG X. F. , CHENG L.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents an implementation of an improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method for numerical simulation of free-surface flow problems. The presented SPH method involves two major modifications on the traditional SPH method: (1) kernel gradient correction (KGC) and density correction to improve the computational accuracy in particle approximation and (2) RANS turbulence model to capture the inherent physics of flow turbulence. In the simulation, artificial compressibility for modeling incompressible fluid and ghost particles for treating solid boundaries are both applied. The presented SPH has been applied to two dam-breaking problems. We demonstrated that the presented SPH method has very good performance with more accurate flow patterns and pressure field distribution.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF BALLAST WATER BY SPH METHOD
Authors: YANG XIUFENG , PENG SHILIU , LIU MOUBIN , SHAO JIARU
Published: April 2012

Ballast water has frequently been used in ships to provide stability and adjust trim, stress, and torsion for optimal steering and propulsion. Numerical simulation of the movement of ballast water and its interaction with the solid walls of operating ships are very difficult for traditional grid-based numerical models. In this paper, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is applied to simulate water tank sloshing and the movement of ships carrying ballast water in three cases. Numerical results of water tank sloshing are compared with experimental ones. Numerical results of ships indicate that carrying ballast water in several separated small tanks generally makes a ship more stable, but keeping ballast water in one big tank generally makes a ship more unstable.
THE SCALED BOUNDARY FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SEEPAGE PROBLEMS IN MULTI-MATERIAL REGIONS
Authors: LI FENGZHI , TU QIANG
Published: April 2012

The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is used to solve the seepage problems with multi-material regions. Two models of dam base with waterproof screen and dam body with the regions of two materials are established. The numerical solutions are obtained and then compared with the analytical results or numerical solutions in the references. The conclusion shows that the SBFEM has more satisfactory accuracy and less data preparation amount.
INTEGRATION OF SUBDIVISION METHOD INTO BOUNDARY ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHUANG CHAO , ZHANG JIANMING , QIN XIANYUN , ZHOU FENGLIN , LI GUANGYAO
Published: April 2012

Subdivision surface modeling, which is based on polygon mesh modeling, can generate a whole smooth geometry without limiting to the topology and connectivity. Meanwhile, the boundary element analysis (BEA), which is based on the boundary integral equation, requires only boundary discretization of the body in question. Thus, performing BEA directly on the subdivision surface models may be a promising way to realize the seamless integration. This work presents a unified framework for the BEA and CAD modeling based on the subdivision surface. Numerical examples for 3D potential problems have demonstrated that the implementation is successful.
VIRAL DYNAMICS IN A DISTRIBUTED TIME DELAYED HCV PATHOGENESIS MODEL
Authors: WANG SHIFEI , ZOU DINGYU
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we investigate global dynamics for a distributed time delayed HCV infection model. Our model admits two possible equilibria, an uninfected equilibrium and infected equilibrium depending on the basic reproduction number. By employing the method of Lyapunov functional, we prove that the uninfected equilibrium is global asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is less than one, it is unstable and the infected equilibrium is global asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is larger than one. The simulations results are in good accordance with our analytic results.
Early postnatal overnutrition increases adipose tissue accrual in response to a sucrose-enriched diet
Authors: Fuente-Martín Esther , García-Cáceres Cristina , Granado Miriam , Sánchez-Garrido Miguel A. , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Frago Laura M. , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A.
Published: April 2012

Both overnutrition and an incorrect nutrient balance have contributed to the rise in obesity. Moreover, it is now clear that poor nutrition during early life augments the possibility of excess weight gain in later years. Our aim was to determine how neonatal overnutrition affects later responses to a sucrose-enriched diet and whether this varies depending upon when the diet is introduced in postnatal life. Male Wistar rats raised in litters of four or 12 pups were given a 33% sucrose solution instead of water from weaning (day 21) or postnatal day (PND) 65. All rats received normal chow ad libitum until they were euthanized on PND 80. Body weight (BW) and food and liquid intake were monitored throughout the study. Fat mass, adipocyte morphology, serum biochemical and hormonal parameters, and hypothalamic neuropeptide mRNA levels were measured at study termination. Neonatal overnutrition increased food intake, BW, and leptin levels, induced adipocyte hypertrophy, and decreased total ghrelin levels. The sucrose-enriched diet increased total energy intake, adipose accrual, and leptin, adiponectin, and acylated ghrelin levels but decreased BW. Most of these responses were accentuated in neonatally overnourished rats, which also had increased insulin and triglyceride levels. However, long-term sucrose intake induced adipocyte hypertrophy in rats from normal-sized litters but not in neonatally overfed rats. The results reported here indicate that neonatal overnutrition increases the detrimental response to a diet rich in sucrose later in life. Moreover, the timing and duration of the exposure to a sucrose-enriched diet alter the adverse metabolic outcomes.
Influence of La Doping on Magnetic and Optical Properties of Bismuth Ferrite Nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Ziang , Liu Haiyang , Lin Yuanhua , Wei Yan , Nan Ce-Wen , Deng Xuliang
Published: April 2012

The influence of La doping on the crystal structure, ferromagnetic, and optical properties of BFO nanofibers was investigated. Bi1−xLaxFeO3 ultrafine nanofibers were synthesized by the electrospinning method. The surface morphology and crystal structure of the as‐spun and sintered fibers were not affected by the doping. The impurity phases of the BFO crystals were weakened with the increment of La concentration. The magnetization field curves showed that the magnetization weakened under low La doping proportion, but strengthened with the increase of the doped proportion. The magnetization curves also showed continuous strong enhancement of ferromagnetic behavior. The results of UV‐vis and photoabsorption testing revealed little influence of La doping on the optical property.
Lithium Toxicity and Neurologic Effects: Probable Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Resulting from Lithium Toxicity
Authors: Edokpolo Osamede , Fyyaz Madiha
Published: April 2012

Introduction. We present the case of a patient who developed lithium toxicity with normal therapeutic levels, as a result of pharmacokinetic interaction with Valsartan, and probable Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome from the ensuing lithium toxicity.Case Presentation. A 59-year old black male with bipolar disorder maintained on lithium and fluphenazine therapy presented with a 2 week history of worsening confusion, tremor, and gait abnormality. He recently had his dose of Valsartan increased. At presentation, patient had signs of autonomic instability, he was confused, dehydrated, and had rigidity of upper extremities. Significant labs on admission were lithium level-1.2, elevated CK-6008, leukocytosis WBC-22, and renal impairment; Creatinine-4.1, BUN-35, HCO3-20.1, and blood glucose 145. CT/MRI brain showed old cerebral infarcts, and there was no evidence of an infective process. Lithium and fluphenazine were discontinued, his lithium levels gradually decreased, and he improved with supportive treatment including rehydration and correction of electrolyte imbalance.Conclusions. This case illustrates that lithium toxicity can occur within therapeutic levels, and the neurotoxic effect of lithium can include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of the risk associated with drug interactions with lithium.
The Case for Higher Computational Density in the Memory-Bound FDTD Method within Multicore Environments
Authors: Hadi Mohammed F.
Published: April 2012

It is argued here that more accurate though more compute-intensive alternate algorithms to certain computational methods which are deemed too inefficient and wasteful when implemented within serial codes can be more efficient and cost-effective when implemented in parallel codes designed to run on today's multicore and many-core environments. This argument is most germane to methods that involve large data sets with relatively limited computational density—in other words, algorithms with small ratios of floating point operations to memory accesses. The examples chosen here to support this argument represent a variety of high-order finite-difference time-domain algorithms. It will be demonstrated that a three- to eightfold increase in floating-point operations due to higher-order finite-differences will translate to only two- to threefold increases in actual run times using either graphical or central processing units of today. It is hoped that this argument will convince researchers to revisit certain numerical techniques that have long been shelved and reevaluate them for multicore usability.
Long-Term Effects of Placental Growth on Overweight and Body Composition
Authors: Eriksson Johan G. , Gelow Jill , Thornburg Kent L. , Osmond Clive , Laakso Markku , Uusitupa Matti , Lindi Virpi , Kajantie Eero , Barker David J. P.
Published: April 2012

Obesity is programmed in utero and small babies generally have small placentas. In some circumstances, an undernourished fetus can expand its placental surface to extract more nutrients. We hypothesize that this results in an imbalanced nutrient supply to the fetus leading to obesity. To determine whether placental size determines overweight and body composition, we studied 2003 subjects in adult life. Associations between placental surface area and indices of overweight were restricted to people who carried the Pro12Pro genotype of thePPARγ2gene. For every 1 SD increase in placental surface area, the odds ratio for overweight was 1.37 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.71;P=0.005). Expansion of the placental surface in compensation for fetal undernutrition increases the risk of overweight and a higher body fat percentage in people carrying the Pro12Pro genotype. We suggest that similar underlying multifactorial mechanisms affect the development of obesity in general.
Drosophila Answers to TDP-43 Proteinopathies
Authors: Romano Maurizio , Feiguin Fabian , Buratti Emanuele
Published: April 2012

Initially implicated in the pathogenesis of CFTR and HIV-1 transcription, nuclear factor TDP-43 was subsequently found to be involved in the origin and development of several neurodegenerative diseases. In 2006, in fact, it was reported for the first time the cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43 in ubiquitin-positive inclusions of ALS and FTLD patients, suggesting the presence of a shared underlying mechanism for these diseases. Today, different animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathies are available in rodents, nematodes, fishes, and flies. Although these models recapitulate several of the pathological features found in patients, the mechanisms underpinning the progressive neuronal loss observed in TDP-43 proteinopathies remain to be characterized. Compared to other models, Drosophila are appealing because they combine the presence of a sophisticated brain with the possibility to investigate quickly and massively phenotypic genetic modifiers as well as possible therapeutic strategies. At present, the development of TDP-43-related Drosophila models has further strengthened the hypothesis that both TDP-43 “loss-of-function” and “gain-of-function” mechanisms can contribute to disease. The aim of this paper is to describe and compare the results obtained in a series of transgenic and knockout flies, along with the information they have generated, towards a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Social Competence Intervention for Parents (SCI-P): Comparing Outcomes for a Parent Education Program Targeting Adolescents with ASD
Authors: Schultz Tia R. , Stichter Janine P. , Herzog Melissa J. , McGhee Stephanie D. , Lierheimer Kristin
Published: April 2012

Research has shown that parent education programs can address some of the distinct challenges that parents of youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) encounter. This study examined the effectiveness of the Social Competence Intervention for Parents (SCI-P), a parent education program, administered in conjunction with a social competence intervention that targeted youth with ASD ages 11–14 (SCI-A). Using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, parents were assigned to either the SCI-P group (n=16) or to the waitlist comparison group (n=10). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed a significant effect for parent education participation such that SCI-P participants experienced significantly greater reductions in levels of stress and a trend for increases in parenting sense of competence from pre- to post-intervention. Moreover, parents in the SCI-P group reported high satisfaction with the program. These findings suggest that parent education can result in positive outcomes for parents’ well being.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer Lacking CDKN1A Expression
Authors: Lin Jennifer H. , Morikawa Teppei , Chan Andrew T. , Kuchiba Aya , Shima Kaori , Nosho Katsuhiko , Kirkner Gregory , Zhang Shumin M. , Manson JoAnn E. , Giovannucci Edward , Fuchs Charles S. , Ogino Shuji
Published: April 2012

Experimental studies have shown that estrogen- or progesterone-activated signaling leads to growth inhibition effects on colon cancer cells through the upregulation of several cell-cycle regulators. However, epidemiologic studies evaluating hormone therapy use and colorectal cancer risk by the status of cell-cycle regulators are lacking. In this study, we used data from the prospective Nurses' Health Study to evaluate whether the association between hormone therapy use and colorectal cancer risk differs by the molecular pathologic status of microsatellite instability (MSI) and expression of cell-cycle–related tumor biomarkers, including CDKN1A (p21, CIP1), CDKN1B (p27, KIP1), and TP53 (p53) by immunohistochemistry. Duplication Cox regression analysis was used to determine an association between hormone therapy use, cancer risk, and specific tumor biomarkers in 581 incident colon and rectal cancer cases that occurred during 26 years of follow-up among 105,520 postmenopausal women. We found a difference between hormone therapy use and colorectal cancer risk according to CDKN1A expression (Pheterogeneity = 0.01). Current hormone therapy use was associated with a reduced risk for CDKN1A-nonexpressed [multivariate relative risk (RR), 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.82] but not for CDKN1A-expressed (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.76–2.31) tumors. The lower risk for CDKN1A-nonexpressed but not for CDKN1A-expressed cancers was also present among current users of estrogen-alone therapy. We found no significant difference in the relations between hormone therapy use and cancer risk according to MSI, CDKN1B, or TP53 status. Together, our molecular pathological epidemiology findings suggest a preventive effect of hormone therapy against colorectal carcinogenesis that depends, in part, on loss of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A. Cancer Res; 72(12); 3020–8. ©2012 AACR.
Clinical Outcomes in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers Harboring Different Exon 19 Deletions in EGFR
Authors: Chung Kuei-Pin , Wu Shang-Gin , Wu Jenn-Yu , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Yu Chong-Jen , Wei Pin-Fei , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Several deletions in exon 19 of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene have been reported in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is unknown if deletions occurring at different amino acid positions or of different sizes are associated with different clinical outcome to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).

Experimental Design: This study enrolled NSCLC patients with deletions in EGFR exon 19. Patients who had received EGFR TKIs for advanced NSCLC were further evaluated for response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results: In 308 patients with deletions in EGFR exon 19, 298 had deletions encompassing the entire amino acid string from L747 through E749 (LRE deletions). EGFR TKIs were used in 204 patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients with non-LRE deletions had the least RR, compared with those with deletions from E746 or L747 (42.9%, 68.2%, and 79.6%, respectively; P = 0.022). Patients with non-LRE deletions had relatively short median PFS, though not significantly different from those with deletions from E746 or L747 (5.9, 9.8, and 10.5 months, respectively; P = 0.665). The OS was not different among patients with deletions occurring at different amino acid positions (P = 0.776). Deletions in exon 19 of different sizes were not associated with different RR, PFS, or OS.

Conclusions: Non-LRE deletions in exon 19 were associated with worse response to EGFR TKIs, compared with LRE deletions. Therefore, the expected clinical outcome under EGFR TKIs depends on not only the existence but also the types of deletions in exon 19. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3470–7. ©2012 AACR.
Defining a Gene Promoter Methylation Signature in Sputum for Lung Cancer Risk Assessment
Authors: Leng Shuguang , Do Kieu , Yingling Christin M. , Picchi Maria A. , Wolf Holly J. , Kennedy Timothy C. , Feser William J. , Baron Anna E. , Franklin Wilbur A. , Brock Malcolm V. , Herman James G. , Baylin Stephen B. , Byers Tim , Stidley Christine A. , Belinsky Steven A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the methylation state of 31 genes in sputum as biomarkers in an expanded nested, case–control study from the Colorado cohort, and to assess the replication of results from the most promising genes in an independent case–control study of asymptomatic patients with stage I lung cancer from New Mexico.

Experimental Design: Cases and controls from Colorado and New Mexico were interrogated for methylation of up to 31 genes using nested, methylation-specific PCR. Individual genes and methylation indices were used to assess the association between methylation and lung cancer with logistic regression modeling.

Results: Seventeen genes with ORs of 1.4 to 3.6 were identified and selected for replication in the New Mexico study. Overall, the direction of effects seen in New Mexico was similar to Colorado with the largest increase in case discrimination (ORs, 3.2–4.2) seen for the PAX5α, GATA5, and SULF2 genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated from seven-gene panels from Colorado and New Mexico studies showed prediction accuracy of 71% and 77%, respectively. A 22-fold increase in lung cancer risk was seen for a subset of New Mexico cases with five or more genes methylated. Sequence variants associated with lung cancer did not improve the accuracy of this gene methylation panel.

Conclusions: These studies have identified and replicated a panel of methylated genes whose integration with other promising biomarkers could initially identify the highest risk smokers for computed tomographic screening for early detection of lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3387–95. ©2012 AACR.
Dendritic Cell–Activating Vaccine Adjuvants Differ in the Ability to Elicit Antitumor Immunity Due to an Adjuvant-Specific Induction of Immunosuppressive Cells
Authors: Dang Yushe , Wagner Wolfgang M. , Gad Ekram , Rastetter Lauren , Berger Carmen M. , Holt Gregory E. , Disis Mary L.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: We questioned whether the vaccine adjuvant combination of TLR-7 ligand agonist, imiquimod, with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) would result in enhanced dendritic cell recruitment and activation with increased antigen-specific immunity as compared with either adjuvant used alone.

Experimental Design: The adjuvant effects of GM-CSF and imiquimod were studied in ovalbumin (OVA) and MMTVneu transgenic mice using peptide-based vaccines. Type I immunity, serum cytokines, myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSC), and regulatory T cells (Treg) levels were examined.

Results: Both GM-CSF and imiquimod equally induced local accumulation and activation of dendritic cells. Both adjuvants effectively enhanced OVA-specific T-cell responses. We further evaluated the antitumor efficacy of adjuvant GM-CSF and imiquimod immunizing against murine insulin-like growth factor–binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), a nonmutated oncoprotein overexpressed in the tumors of MMTVneu transgenic mice. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the mice receiving IGFBP-2 peptides with GM-CSF (P = 0.000), but not in imiquimod vaccine-treated groups (P = 0.141). Moreover, the addition of imiquimod to GM-CSF negated the antitumor activity of the vaccine when GM-CSF was used as the sole adjuvant. While GM-CSF stimulated significant levels of antigen-specific T-helper cell (TH)1, imiquimod induced elevated serum interleukin (IL)-10. Both MDSC and Tregs were increased in the imiquimod-treated but not GM-CSF–treated groups (P = 0.000 and 0.006, respectively). Depleting MDSC and Treg in animals immunized with imiquimod and IGFBP-2 peptides restored antitumor activity to the levels observed with vaccination using GM-CSF as the sole adjuvant.

Conclusion: Adjuvants may induce regulatory responses in the context of a self-antigen vaccine. Adjuvant triggered immunosuppression may limit vaccine efficacy and should be evaluated in preclinical models especially when contemplating combination approaches. Clin Cancer Res; 18(11); 3122–31. ©2012 AACR.
Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cell Proliferation and Growth Factor Expression of Limbal Epithelial Cells in vitro
Authors: Hu Nan , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Gu Hong-Wei , Guan Huai-Jin
Published: April 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can play an active role in the reconstruction of the ocular surface; however, the mechanisms by which the implanted MSCs exert their effects remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the influences of MSCs on cell proliferation and growth factor expression of corneal limbal epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro. Rat LECs were either cocultured with rat MSCs or cultured in rat MSC-conditioned medium. The harvested LECs were subjected to light microscopy, MTT assay, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining, flow cytometry and real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis, respectively. Light microscopy showed that coculturing of LECs with MSCs significantly increased the proliferation of LECs. The MTT assay showed that MSC-conditioned medium significantly increased the cell viability of LECs compared to those incubated with plain medium. BrdU immunostaining and flow-cytometric analysis of the cell cycle showed that the cell proliferation rate of LECs cocultured with MSCs was significantly higher than that of LECs cultured alone. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that expression of epidermal growth factor in LECs cocultured with MSCs was significantly higher than that in LECs cultured alone. However, expression of basic fibroblast growth factor showed no difference under the two culture conditions. These results indicate that MSCs promote the survival and proliferation of LECs, and these effects may be mediated in a paracrine manner.
The Public Health Genomics Translation Gap: What We Don’t Have and Why It Matters
Authors: Williams M.S.
Published: April 2012

Understanding the human genome and its interaction with the environment has the potential to change medical care by tailoring interventions to the precise needs of the individual patient. Little of this knowledge is currently being used in care. There are well recognized barriers to its use including lack of sufficient evidence of benefit, inadequate education of the provider workforce, concerns about privacy and reimbursement. However, there are also gaps in the current healthcare delivery system, particularly between traditional public health departments and clinical care that impede the translation of knowledge into practice. While this problem is not limited to genomics, the purpose of this article is to identify these gaps and propose potential solutions using examples from genomic medicine from the perspective of the United States healthcare system.