bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant promoter methylation and silencing of RASSF2A gene in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Xian , Ma Yingchun , Wu Yu , Lin Li , Ma Xiaoping , Zhang Youzhong
Published: March 2014

Aim

Ras association domain family (RASSF)2A as a negative effector of Ras protein is inactivated by promoter hypermethylation in many cancers. This study evaluated the methylation status of RASSF2A in cervical cancer (CC) and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were utilized to analyze the methylation status and RASSF2A mRNA expression in four CC cell lines and tissue samples from 25 normal controls and 46 CC patients. The CC cell lines also were treated with the methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC).

Results

Expression of RASSF2A was downregulated in all cell lines and CC tissue samples. Hypermethylation of RASSF2A was detected in all cell lines and 26 of 46 (56.5%) CC samples. No methylation of RASSF2A was found in the normal cervical tissues. A decreased level (P < 0.05) of RASSF2A expression was observed among RASSF2A‐methylated CC cases (0.1002 ± 0.0377, mean ± standard deviation) compared to unmethylated cases (0.2882 ± 0.0642, mean ± standard deviation). After treatment with 5‐aza‐dC, loss of RASSF2A expression was restored in four CC cell lines. RASSF2A methylation was significantly different in patients with or without lymph node metastasis (90% vs 47.2%, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Promoter hypermethylation of RASSF2A is observed in CC, while not in normal cervical tissues. RASSF2A is inactivated in CC by promoter hypermethylation and may play a role in cervical carcinogenesis.
Separation Without Exclusion in Financial Insurance
Authors: Stephens Eric , Thompson James R.
Published: March 2014

This article develops a model of linearly priced financial insurance sold by default‐prone insurers. It shows that when insurers differ in their default probabilities there can exist equilibria in which different risk types partially or completely self‐sort into insurance contracts offered by different insurers. Partial separation can occur when insurer default and insurance risks are uncorrelated. Full separation is possible when they are correlated. For example, low‐risk insured parties may match with higher default‐risk insurers, while high‐risk insured parties match with lower default‐risk insurers.
Imepitoin as novel treatment option for canine idiopathic epilepsy: pharmacokinetics, distribution, and metabolism in dogs
Authors: Rundfeldt C. , Gasparic A. , Wlaź P.
Published: March 2014

Imepitoin is a novel anti‐epileptic licensed in the European Union for the treatment of canine idiopathic epilepsy. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of imepitoin in dogs and to evaluate the interaction with drug metabolizing enzymes. Upon administration of imepitoin tablets at a dose of 30 mg/kg to beagle dogs, high plasma levels were observed within 30 min following oral dosing, with maximal plasma concentrations of 14.9–17.2 μg/mL reached after 2–3 h. In a crossover study, co‐administration of imepitoin tablets with food reduced the totalAUCby 30%, but it did not result in significant changes inTmaxandCmax, indicating lack of clinical relevance. No clinically relevant effects of sex and no accumulation or metabolic tolerance were observed upon twice daily dosing. Following single dose administration of 10–100 mg/kg, dose linearity was found. Administering [14C] imepitoin, high enteral absorption of 92% and primary fecal excretion were identified. Plasma protein binding was only 55%. At therapeutic plasma concentrations, imepitoin did not inhibit microsomal cytochrome P450 family liver enzymesin vitro. In rats, no relevant induction of liver enzymes was found. Therefore, protein binding or metabolism‐derived drug–drug interactions are unlikely. Based on these data, imepitoin can be dosed twice daily, but the timing of tablet administration in relation to feeding should be kept consistent.
Towards a Chinese Perspective on Dickinson
Authors: Yanbin Kang
Published: March 2014

In the context of globalization of Dickinson studies, this essay tries to chart the contours of an emerging field. Considering the philosophical premise of Daoist non‐action as a critical framework for Dickinson's corpus, and likewise a valuable complement to extant Western approaches, I will reread some of Dickinson's paradigmatic poems. I will argue that Dickinson's meditative passivity, her writing practices, and her seemingly problematic or “difficult” poems can be better understood in relation to the Eastern philosophy.
Nerve Theory and Sensibility: ‘Delicacy’ in the Work of Fanny Burney
Authors: Crouch Eleanor C. L.
Published: March 2014

Fusing literary studies with the history of medicine and the history of ideas, from the late 1960s George Rousseau, John Mullan, John Dussinger and others have sought to emphasise the importance of nerve theory in providing a physiological underpinning to the eighteenth‐century cult of sensibility. Trawling the treatises of eighteenth‐century physicians, they documented a category known as ‘nervous distempers’, what we might today call ‘psychosomatic illness’. Through the late twentieth century, the results of these surveys were applied to novels of sensibility, providing a new lens for the exploration of Samuel Richardson's, Laurence Sterne's and William Godwin's characterisation. This article suggests that the same methodology is useful in illuminating the novels of the writer, Fanny Burney (1752–1840). It explores Burney's assimilation of nerve theory, with particular attention to the nervous constitutions she attributes to male and female characters in her novels. Weak or delicate nerves are shown to be characterised by Burney as both a hindrance and a help and as operating differently between the genders. It is argued that Burney uses nerve theory in a sophisticated way, linking her characters' medical constitutions with their social behaviour by use of the word ‘delicate’. It is shown that in Burney's work, characters with ‘delicate’ nerves are more at risk of disorders commonly regarded in the eighteenth century as nervous, such as fainting and apoplexies, but are also those most likely to exhibit a benevolent generosity to others. It is concluded that Burney uses delicate nerves as a marker for non‐gender‐specific intellectualism and sensitivity.
Charlotte Malkin's Waterloo Diary and the Politics of Waterloo Tourism
Authors: Matthews Susan
Published: March 2014

This essay examines an unpublished journal account of a family visit to the Waterloo battlefield in July 1816. The aim of the essay is to explore the role of educated women in constructing and circulating ideas about patriotism, sentiment and politics. Charlotte Malkin (1772–1859) moved in dissenting circles in the 1790s that included Godwin, Barbauld, Fuseli and Blake. Her Waterloo diary reflects the anti‐war sentiment evident in Barbauld's ‘Eighteen Hundred and Eleven’ as well as a culture of post‐war patriotism. Her husband had written supportively about Wollstonecraft's 1792 Vindication, and like Wollstonecraft in 1796, Malkin discusses politics and propriety as well as meditating on the power of sublime landscape. Malkin's journal also throws light on the private work of mourning that women of her circle saw as part of the project of forming and reshaping a renovated national culture and makes clear the extent to which unpublished writing forms a continuum with and comments on published work.
The genome of African yam (Dioscorea cayenensis‐rotundata complex) hosts endogenous sequences from four distinct badnavirus species
Authors: Umber Marie , Filloux Denis , Muller Emmanuelle , Laboureau Nathalie , Galzi Serge , Roumagnac Philippe , Iskra‐Caruana Marie‐Line , Pavis Claudie , Teycheney Pierre‐Yves , Seal Susan E.
Published: March 2014

Several endogenous viral elements (EVEs) have been identified in plant genomes, including endogenous pararetroviruses (EPRVs). Here, we report the first characterization of EPRV sequences in the genome of African yam of the Dioscorea cayenensis‐rotundata complex. We propose that these sequences should be termed ‘endogenous Dioscorea bacilliform viruses' (eDBVs). Molecular characterization of eDBVs shows that they constitute sequences originating from various parts of badnavirus genomes, resulting in a mosaic structure that is typical of most EPRVs characterized to date. Using complementary molecular approaches, we show that eDBVs belong to at least four distinct Badnavirus species, indicating multiple, independent, endogenization events. Phylogenetic analyses of eDBVs support and enrich the current taxonomy of yam badnaviruses and lead to the characterization of a new Badnavirus species in yam. The impact of eDBVs on diagnosis, yam germplasm conservation and movement, and breeding is discussed.
Fatal breakthrough infection with Fusarium andiyazi: new multi‐resistant aetiological agent cross‐reacting with Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Kebabcı Nesrin , van Diepeningen Anne D. , Ener Beyza , Ersal Tuba , Meijer Martin , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M.S. , Özkocaman Vildan , Ursavaş Ahmet , Çetinoğlu Ezgi D. , Akalın Halis
Published: March 2014

Disseminated infections caused by members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) occur regularly in immunocompromised patients. Here, we present the first human case caused by FFSC‐member Fusarium andiyazi. Fever, respiratory symptoms and abnormal computerised tomography findings developed in a 65‐year‐old man with acute myelogenous leukaemia who was under posaconazole prophylaxis during his remission–induction chemotherapy. During the course of infection, two consecutive blood galactomannan values were found to be positive, and two blood cultures yielded strains resembling Fusarium species, according to morphological appearance. The aetiological agent proved to be F. andiyazi based on multilocus sequence typing. The sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region did not resolve the closely related members of the FFSC, but additional data on partial sequence of transcription elongation factor 1 alpha subunit did. A detailed morphological study confirmed the identification of F. andiyazi, which had previously only been reported as a plant pathogen affecting various food crops.
Selective influence of host microbiota on cAMP‐mediated ion transport in mouse colon
Authors: Lomasney K. W. , Houston A. , Shanahan F. , Dinan T. G. , Cryan J. F. , Hyland N. P.
Published: March 2014

More microbes are resident in the distal colon than any other part of the body, and this microbiota has the capacity to influence enteric nerve development, excitability, and gastrointestinal function. Germ‐free (GF) mice are a valuable tool in interrogating the communication between microbiota and host. Despite the intimate relationship which exists between the microbiota and the colonic mucosa–submucosa, there is a paucity of studies examining the influence of the microbiota on secretogogue‐evoked responses. To this end, we investigated both epithelial and neural‐evoked ion transport, and the response elicited by two commensal organisms, in colonic mucosa–submucosa preparations from GF mice in Ussing chambers. Baseline electrical parameters, short‐circuit current and transepithelial resistance, were comparable between tissues from GF and conventional animals. Noteworthy, however, was a hyper‐responsiveness of GF colon to forskolin stimulation. In contrast, the absence of the microbiota did not influence the tissue response to bethanechol. Moreover, responses to the sodium‐channel activator, veratridine, and the TRPV1 receptor agonist, capsaicin were preserved in GF mice relative to conventional tissues. Similarly, the short‐circuit current response to two well‐characterized commensal organisms occurred independent of an interaction with the host microbiota. This is the first comprehensive characterization of secretomotor responses in GF colon.
Perioperative complications in patients diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis and the impact of enzyme replacement therapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at early age
Authors: Megens Johanna H.A.M. , de Wit Michel , van Hasselt Peter M. , Boelens Jaap Jan , van der Werff Desiree B.M. , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are hereditary storage diseases; airway management typically worsens in these patients with the progression of the disease.

Objective(s)

To assess the incidence of perioperative complications in children with MPS and the impact of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

The records of patients with MPS treated with ERT followed by HSCT, who received anesthesia at the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital between 2003 and 2012, were reviewed. Data were collected on incidence of perioperative respiratory and cardiovascular complications and the impact of treatment and age.

Results

Nineteen children with MPS were identified (including 17 Hurler patients), who received ERT treatment followed by HSCT. Median age at start of treatment was 14 (range: 7–43) months. Patients were anesthetized 136 times. The incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular complications was 24% and 4%, respectively. Airway management by face mask was difficult in 7%. There were no problems with the laryngeal mask airway. Tracheal intubation was difficult in 25% and failed in 10%; using a video laryngoscope was most successful (89%), followed by classic laryngoscope (67%) and fiber‐optic scope (20%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the incidence of perioperative respiratory problems did not increase with age or decrease after start of treatment.

Conclusion

Perioperative airway management was most successful using a laryngeal mask airway or video laryngoscope. Treatment with ERT followed by HSCT and patient age did not influence the incidence of perioperative respiratory problems.
Inferior alveolar nerve blocks for postoperative pain control after mandibular distraction with osteotomies in a neonate
Authors: Krodel David J. , Belvis Dawn , Suresh Santhanam
Published: March 2014

We describe the use of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) for postoperative pain control for a neonate undergoing mandibular distraction and osteotomies. In this case, bilateral IANBs were effective in keeping low pain scores as assessed on the neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS) and the amount of opioid and adjuvant analgesics used. The blocks were assessed to have lasted approximately 24 h making serial blocks for pain control logistically feasible. Additionally, pain control was improved throughout the period of distractor advancement (approximately 7 days). We propose the routine use of this regional technique for improved pain control after this procedure in neonates and suggest that improved pain control may facilitate earlier extubation in this challenging population.
Intrauterine growth restriction modifies gene expression profiling in cord blood
Authors: Yoshida Taketoshi , Takasaki Ichiro , Kanegane Hirokazu , Inomata Satomi , Ito Yasunori , Tamura Kentaro , Makimoto Masami , Saito Shigeru , Yoshimoto Yuko , Miyawaki Toshio
Published: March 2014

Background

Small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) newborns are at an increased risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality and development of metabolic syndromes such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood. The mechanism underlying this increased risk remains unclear. In this study, genetic modifications of cord blood were investigated to characterize fetal change in SGA newborns.

Methods

Gene expression in cord blood cells was compared between 10 SGA newborns and 10 appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) newborns using microarray analysis. Pathway analysis was conducted using the Ingenuity Pathways Knowledge Base. To confirm the microarray analysis results, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed for upregulated genes in SGA newborns.

Results

In total, 775 upregulated and 936 downregulated probes were identified in SGA newborns and compared with those in AGA newborns. Of these probes, 1149 were annotated. Most of these genes have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease and T2DM. There was good agreement between the RT‐PCR and microarray analyses results.

Conclusions

Expression of certain genes was modified in SGA newborns in the fetal period. These genes have been associated with metabolic syndrome. To clarify the association between modified gene expression in cord blood and individual vulnerability to metabolic syndrome in adulthood, these SGA newborns will be have long‐term follow up for examination of genetic and postnatal environmental factors. Gene expression of cord blood can be a useful and non‐invasive method of investigation of genetic alterations in the fetal period.
Pneumothorax in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Hoshino Akihiro , Imai Kohsuke , Ohshima Yusei , Yasutomi Motoko , Kasai Masashi , Terai Masaru , Ishigaki Keiko , Morio Tomohiro , Miyawaki Toshio , Kanegane Hirokazu
Published: March 2014

Background

Most infants with pneumothorax have underlying conditions. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) frequently occurs in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The aim of this study was to determine clinical features of PCP‐associated pneumothorax in SCID patients.

Methods

The medical records of four SCID patients with pneumothorax were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All four patients were diagnosed as having SCID at the time of contracting PCP. All patients received mechanical ventilation because of severe respiratory failure. Only one patient was successfully extubated and was alive following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); of the remaining patients, however, two died of respiratory failure, and one patient died of early HSCT‐related complications.

Conclusions

Pneumothorax associated with PCP can occur in SCID patients, and they may have a poor prognosis. If pneumothorax occurs in infants, both respiratory management and prompt investigation of the underlying conditions are needed, considering the possibility of PCP associated with SCID.
Novikov Algebras and a Classification of Multicomponent Camassa–Holm Equations
Authors: Strachan Ian A. B. , Szablikowski Błażej M.
Published: March 2014

A class of multicomponent integrable systems associated with Novikov algebras, which interpolate between Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) and Camassa–Holm‐type equations, is obtained. The construction is based on the classification of low‐dimensional Novikov algebras by Bai and Meng. These multicomponent bi‐Hamiltonian systems obtained by this construction may be interpreted as Euler equations on the centrally extended Lie algebras associated with the Novikov algebras. The related bilinear forms generating cocycles of first, second, and third order are classified. Several examples, including known integrable equations, are presented.
Planetary postcolonialism
Authors: Sidaway James D. , Woon Chih Yuan , Jacobs Jane M.
Published: March 2014

This position paper aims to frame and supplement other papers in this special issue on advancing postcolonial geographies. We offer five pathways for postcolonial geography: (i) narrating the planetary (which then configures the other paths), (ii) acknowledging other postcolonialisms, (iii) planetary indigeneity, (iv) seeing like an empire and (v) problematizing translations. These intersect and none are exhaustive. Nor are they completed routes. Instead the five paths that follow are offered as invitations to scholarly reflection and empirically informed research.
A 14‐3‐3 Mode‐1 Binding Motif Initiates Gap Junction Internalization During Acute Cardiac Ischemia
Authors: Smyth James W. , Zhang Shan‐Shan , Sanchez Jose M. , Lamouille Samy , Vogan Jacob M. , Hesketh Geoffrey G. , Hong TingTing , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Shaw Robin M.
Published: March 2014

Altered phosphorylation and trafficking of connexin 43 (Cx43) during acute ischemia contributes to arrhythmogenic gap junction remodeling, yet the critical sequence and accessory proteins necessary for Cx43 internalization remain unresolved. 14‐3‐3 proteins can regulate protein trafficking, and a 14‐3‐3 mode‐1 binding motif is activated upon phosphorylation of Ser373 of the Cx43 C‐terminus. We hypothesized that Cx43Ser373 phosphorylation is important to pathological gap junction remodeling. Immunofluorescence in human heart reveals the enrichment of 14‐3‐3 proteins at intercalated discs, suggesting interaction with gap junctions. Knockdown of 14‐3‐3τ in cell lines increases gap junction plaque size at cell–cell borders. Cx43S373A mutation prevents Cx43/14‐3‐3 complexing and stabilizes Cx43 at the cell surface, indicating avoidance of degradation. Using Langendorff‐perfused mouse hearts, we detect phosphorylation of newly internalized Cx43 at Ser373 and Ser368 within 30 min of no‐flow ischemia. Phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser368 by protein kinase C and Ser255 by mitogen‐activated protein kinase has previously been implicated in Cx43 internalization. The Cx43S373A mutant is resistant to phosphorylation at both these residues and does not undergo ubiquitination, revealing Ser373 phosphorylation as an upstream gatekeeper of a posttranslational modification cascade necessary for Cx43 internalization. Cx43Ser373 phosphorylation is a potent target for therapeutic interventions to preserve gap junction coupling in the stressed myocardium.
One-cycles on rationally connected varieties
Authors: Tian Zhiyu , Zong Hong R.
Published: March 2014

We prove that every curve on a separably rationally connected variety is rationally equivalent to a (non-effective) integral sum of rational curves. That is, the Chow group of 1-cycles is generated by rational curves. Applying the same technique, we also show that the Chow group of 1-cycles on a separably rationally connected Fano complete intersection of index at least 2 is generated by lines. As a consequence, we give a positive answer to a question of Professor Totaro about integral Hodge classes on rationally connected 3-folds. And by a result of Professor Voisin, the general case is a consequence of the Tate conjecture for surfaces over finite fields.
-algebras associated with curves and rational functions on . I
Authors: Fisette Robert , Polishchuk Alexander
Published: March 2014

We consider the natural$A_{\infty }$-structure on the$\mathrm{Ext}$-algebra$\mathrm{Ext}^*(G,G)$associated with the coherent sheaf$G=\mathcal{O}_C\oplus \mathcal{O}_{p_1}\oplus \cdots \oplus \mathcal{O}_{p_n}$on a smooth projective curve$C$, where$p_1,\ldots,p_n\in C$are distinct points. We study the homotopy class of the product$m_3$. Assuming that$h^0(p_1+\cdots +p_n)=1$, we prove that$m_3$is homotopic to zero if and only if$C$is hyperelliptic and the points$p_i$are Weierstrass points. In the latter case we show that$m_4$is not homotopic to zero, provided the genus of$C$is greater than$1$. In the case$n=g$we prove that the$A_{\infty }$-structure is determined uniquely (up to homotopy) by the products$m_i$with$i\le 6$. Also, in this case we study the rational map$\mathcal{M}_{g,g}\to \mathbb{A}^{g^2-2g}$associated with the homotopy class of$m_3$. We prove that for$g\ge 6$it is birational onto its image, while for$g\le 5$it is dominant. We also give an interpretation of this map in terms of tangents to$C$in the canonical embedding and in the projective embedding given by the linear series$|2(p_1+\cdots +p_g)|$.
Time-Accurate Analysis of the Viscous Flow Around Puller Podded Drive Using Sliding Mesh Method
Authors: Shamsi Reza , Ghassemi Hassan
Published: March 2014

In this paper a computational method is presented for predicting the unsteady hydrodynamic forces acting on podded drive components. These numerical simulations are performed with the aim of accurately studying the interaction between the propeller, the pod, and the strut. In order to simulate the unsteady viscous flow around a puller type podded drive, a Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver is used. The time-accurate calculations are made by applying the sliding mesh method. Structured and unstructured mesh techniques are used for the propeller and podded drive. The method is applied in the case of the straight condition. The unsteady propeller thrust and torque coefficient fluctuations are predicted for advance velocity ratios ranging from 0.2 to 1.0. The time averaged forces of the podded drive obtained by an unsteady analysis are compared to and verified by the steady result and the experimental data. Finally, discrepancies between the simulation results and the experimental data have been quantitatively evaluated in terms of the relative percentage error for the propulsive characteristics.
Efficient Cellular Automata Method for Heat Transfer in Tumor
Authors: Jinghua Wu , Zhendong Guo , Jian Chen
Published: March 2014

Magnetic interstitial hyperthermia is a hopeful treatment method for tumor. Before treatment, the tumor would be embedded with a number of ferromagnetic seeds, which can produce energy under an alternating magnetic field. The tumor cells would be necrosed once the temperature exceeding to a value. However, the normal tissue around the tumor is expected to be under safety. Hence, temperature simulation is necessary to avoid any mistake treatment planning, meanwhile, the calculation is required as quick as possible. We developed an efficient cellular automata (CA) numerical method to solve the bioheat transfer equation. The CA equation is derived from Lattice Boltzmann equation. As a discrete numerical method in space and time, CA can be used to deal with the complicated boundaries, such as the huge vessels incorporated in the tumor, which were not well treated in traditional methods. The model of ferromagnetic seed, which is critical to the numerical results, is treated with a simple numerical temperature model. In order to evaluate the proposed method, in vitro and in vivo experiments are carried out, respectively. After comparison between the numerical and the experimental results, the proposed method shows perfect calculation precision and high efficiency, which is significant for clinical treatment.
Numerical and Analytical Modeling of Free-Jet Melt Spinning for Fe75−Si10−B15 (at. %) Metallic Glasses
Authors: Wang Chunbai , Mitra Ambar K.
Published: March 2014

Amorphous fiber, ribbon, or film is produced through melt spinning. In this manufacturing process, a continuous delivery of amorphous material is simultaneously dependent on the wheel spinning rate, metallic liquid viscosity, surface tension force, heat transfer inside the melt pool and along the substrate, and other parameters. An analysis of a free-jet melt spinning for fiber manufacture has been performed to relate the process control parameters with amorphous formation. We present a numerical simulation of transient impingement of a free melt jet with a rapidly rotating wheel, along with theoretical estimates of melt ribbon thickness, to investigate dynamical characteristics of the flow in melt pool. The nucleation temperature and the critical cooling rate are predicted in the paper for alloy Fe75–Si10–B15 (at. %). Thermal conduction is found to dominate undercooling in melt spinning by comparing the temperature and velocity measurements with our numerical simulation and the analytical solutions.
Characterization of Phase Change Heat and Mass Transfers in Monoporous Silicon Wick Structures
Authors: Cai Steve Q. , Bhunia Avijit
Published: March 2014

Silicon is the primary material of integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing in microelectronic industry. It has high thermal conductivity and superior thermomechanical properties compatible to most semiconductors. These characteristics make it an ideal material for fabricating micro/mini heat pipes and their wick structures. In this article, silicon wick structures, composed of cylindrical pillars 320 μm in height and 30–100 μm in diameter, are developed for studies of phase change capability. Fabrication of the silicon wick structures utilizes the standard microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) approach, which allows the precise definition on the wick dimensions, as well as the heated wick area. On these bases, experimental characterizations of temperature variations versus input heat fluxes, associated with simultaneous visualization on the liquid transport and the dryout, are performed to investigate the wick dimensional effects on the maximum phase change capability. On the wick structure with the pillar diameter/pores of 100 μm and a heated wick area of 2 mm × 2 mm, the phase change reached a maximum heat flux of 1130 W/cm2. Despite of the liquid bottom-feed approach, interactions between liquid and vapor phases enables the heated wick structure absorb liquid from its surrounding wick area, including from its top side with a longer liquid transport path. In contrast, a wick structure with fine pillars (10 μm in diameter) inhibited the generation of nucleate boiling. Evaporation on the meniscus interface becomes the major phase change mechanism. A large heated wick area (4 mm × 4 mm) increases the viscous loss in transporting liquid to wet the entire wick, advancing the dryout at 135 W/cm2. Mass transfer analysis, as well as discussion of the experimental results, indicates that a dimensional ratio r/l (pillar diameter/characteristic length of the heated wick area) is a key parameter in determining the maximum phase change capability. A low r/l ratio enhances heat and mass transport capability, as well as heat transfer coefficient.
A Parametric Numerical Study of Optical Behavior of Thermotropic Materials for Solar Thermal Collectors
Authors: Gladen Adam C. , Mantell Susan C. , Davidson Jane H.
Published: March 2014

A Monte Carlo model is applied to determinate the steady state, solar-weighted optical properties of potential thermotropic composite materials for overheat protection of polymer solar absorbers. The key results are dimensionless plots of normal-hemispherical transmittance, reflectance and absorptance as a function of particle size parameter, scattering albedo, and overall optical thickness. The optical behavior of thermotropic materials at different temperatures is represented by a change in the relative refractive index which affects the scattering albedo and optical thickness. At low temperatures where overheat protection is not required, referred to as the clear state, the overall optical thickness should be less than 0.3 to ensure high transmittance for the preferred particle size parameter of 2. At higher temperatures where overheat protection is required, referred to as the translucent state, the overall optical thickness should be greater than 10 and the scattering albedo should be greater than 0.995 to achieve 50% reflectance. A case study of low molecular weighted polyethylene in poly(methyl methacrylate) is presented to illustrate use of the results to guide the design of thermotropic materials.
Development of an Anatomical Wrist Joint Coordinate System to Quantify Motion During Functional Tasks
Authors: Hillstrom Howard J. , Garg Rohit , Kraszewski Andrew , Lenhoff Mark , Carter Timothy , Backus Sherry I. , Wolff Aviva , Syrkin Grigory , Cheng Richard , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis based anatomical wrist joint coordinate system for measurement of in-vivo wrist kinematics. The convergent validity and reliability of the 3D motion analysis implementation was quantified and compared with manual and electrogoniometry techniques on 10 cadaveric specimens. Fluoroscopic measurements were used as the reference. The 3D motion analysis measurements (mean absolute difference [MAD] = 3.6°) were significantly less different (P < .005) than manual goniometry (MAD = 5.7°) but not (P = .066, power = 0.45) electrogoniometry (MAD = 5.0°) compared with fluoroscopy. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,1]) was highest for 3D motion analysis compared with manual and electrogoniometry, suggesting better reliability for this technique. To demonstrate the utility of this new wrist joint coordinate system, normative data from 10 healthy subjects was obtained while throwing a dart.
When smear and molecular diagnostics fail: identification of tuberculosis in advanced HIV infection using the newly developed urine lipoarabinomannan lateral-flow assay
Authors: Dhana Ashar Vijay , Howell Pauline , Spencer David
Published: March 2014

In HIV infection, progression of immunodeficiency is associated with increased risk of paucibacillary and disseminated forms of tuberculosis (TB). As a result, the clinical presentation may be atypical and the conventional diagnostic assays often unreliable, resulting in significant treatment delays. Here, we report a case of HIV-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and TB meningitis. Although the smear and molecular assays were negative,Mycobacterium tuberculosiswas identified in our patient using the new Determine-lipoarabinomannan (LAM) lateral-flow urine ‘dip-stick’ assay. This case report illustrates the clinical value of this assay for the diagnosis of TB in a subgroup of HIV-infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency. Also, although two recent studies have evaluated the use of the Determine TB-LAM assay in clinical settings, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of TB diagnosed using this novel assay.
Normoammonemic encephalopathy: solely valproate induced or multiple mechanisms?
Authors: Budhdeo Sanjay , Marquette Malcolm , Singh Deepwant , Rajagopal Vivek
Published: March 2014

A 77-year-old woman presented with subacute onset progressive confusion, aggression, auditory hallucinations and delusions. In the preceding months, the patient had a number of admissions with transient unilateral hemiparesis with facial droop, and had been started on valproate for presumed hemiplegic migraine. Valproate was withdrawn soon after admission and her cognitive abilities have gradually improved over 3 months of follow-up. Valproate levels taken prior to withdrawal were subtherapeutic and the patient was normoammonaemic. EEG undertaken during inpatient stay showed changes consistent with encephalopathy, and low titreN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies were present in this patient. The possible aetiologies of valproate-induced encephalopathy and NMDA receptor-associated encephalitis present a diagnostic dilemma. We present a putative combinatorial hypothesis to explain this patient's symptoms.
Effect of postprandial thermogenesis on the cutaneous vasodilatory response during exercise
Authors: Hayashi Keiji , Ito Nozomi , Ichikawa Yoko , Suzuki Yuichi
Published: March 2014

To examine the effect of postprandial thermogenesis on the cutaneous vasodilatory response, 10 healthy male subjects exercised for 30 min on a cycle ergometer at 50% of peak oxygen uptake, with and without food intake. Mean skin temperature, mean body temperature ([Formula: see text]), heart rate, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide elimination, and respiratory quotient were all significantly higher at baseline in the session with food intake than in the session without food intake. To evaluate the cutaneous vasodilatory response, relative laser Doppler flowmetry values were plotted against esophageal temperature (Tes) and [Formula: see text]. Regression analysis revealed that the [Formula: see text] threshold for cutaneous vasodilation tended to be higher with food intake than without it, but there were no significant differences in the sensitivity. To clarify the effect of postprandial thermogenesis on the threshold for cutaneous vasodilation, the between-session difference in the Tes threshold and the [Formula: see text] threshold were plotted against the between-session difference in baseline Tes and baseline [Formula: see text], respectively. Linear regression analysis of the resultant plot showed significant positive linear relationships (Tes: r = 0.85, P < 0.01; [Formula: see text]: r = 0.67, P < 0.05). These results suggest that postprandial thermogenesis increases baseline body temperature, which raises the body temperature threshold for cutaneous vasodilation during exercise.
Direct estimation of vertical strain at the top of the subgrade soil from interpretation of falling weight deflectometer deflection basins
Authors: Bilodeau Jean-Pascal , Doré Guy
Published: March 2014

The falling weight deflectometer is a pavement analysis tool that is now widely used in the pavement engineering field. Using the backcalculation process and the measured deflection basin, the layer modulus can be determined and a mechanistic analysis of the pavement can be made. A new approach proposes to bypass the necessity of the backcalculation by allowing a direct estimation of the vertical strain at the top of the subgrade using the deflection basin. A model based on a finite element theoretical pavement analysis is proposed for this purpose. The estimation model revisited existing deflection based index and adapted modifications were proposed to consider thicker pavement structures. The proposed model to estimate the vertical strain at the top of the subgrade is validated and calibrated using data obtained on two instrumented experimental sites.
Monitoring of powder formation via optical emission spectroscopy and self-bias-voltage measurements for high depletion μc-Si:H deposition regimes
Authors: Grootoonk B. , Woerdenweber J. , Gordijn A. , Gabriel O. , Meier M.
Published: March 2014

Microcrystalline silicon fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) is commonly used as an absorber material in thin-film tandem solar cells. The source gases used in the μc-Si:H PECVD process are silane and hydrogen. One way to further increase the production efficiency of solar modules is to increase the gas utilization during deposition of the silicon absorber layer. In this work this is achieved by reducing the hydrogen flow. These deposition conditions are known to promote powder formation in the plasma, which can be detrimental for the solar cell’s conversion efficiency as well as for the maintenance of the system. Therefore, an easily applicable approach to determine powder formation in-situ during the PECVD process is presented. Both the self-bias-voltage and the ratio of the optical emissions from SiH* to Hβ as function of the gas residence time in the plasma is used to determine the onset of powder formation. Furthermore, a clear link between the precursor gas residence time in the plasma to the onset of powder formation is shown independent of the chosen pressure.
Vitronetcin promotes cell growth and inhibits apoptotic stimuli in a human hepatoma cell line via the activation of caspases
Authors: Zhu Wei , Liu Yingzhi , Hu Konghe , Li Wenxue , Chen Jianling , Li Juntao , Yang Guangyu , Wu Jinyin , Liang Xiaoyun , Fu Chuanxi , Hu Qiansheng
Published: March 2014

This study sought to understand the effects of vitronectin (VTN) on the growth of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells. In addition, this study examined how VTN inhibits the induction of apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells by 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), a metabolite of natural phytochemicals, and preliminarily investigated the signaling molecules involved in this process. A cell proliferation reagent was used to observe the effects of VTN on cell proliferation rates. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was performed to observe the effects of VTN on the morphology of tubulin, a component of the cytoskeleton. Flow cytometry and Western blotting assays were used to observe the inhibitory effects of VTN on DIM-induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells and changes in the expression levels of the signaling molecules involved in this process. VTN promoted tumor cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited apoptosis caused by the effects of apoptosis-inducing agents. Under in vitro experimental conditions, VTN contributed to the growth of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells and protected them from the effects of an apoptosis-inducing agent. These findings suggest that during hepatocellular carcinogenesis, VTN may promote tumor cell growth and inhibit chemically induced apoptosis.
ADDITIONAL HIGH-INPUT LOW-OUTPUT IMPEDANCE VOLTAGE-MODE ALL-PASS SECTIONS
Authors: MOHAN JITENDRA , MAHESHWARI SUDHANSHU
Published: March 2014

To extend the existing knowledge on first-order voltage-mode all-pass filters, this paper presents two novel first-order voltage-mode all-pass sections, each employing single fully differential second-generation current conveyor (FDCCII) being used as the newly obtained fully differential voltage conveyor (FDVC), a resistor and a grounded capacitor. Both the proposed circuits possess high-input and low-output impedance feature, which makes the proposed circuits ideal for voltage-mode systems. Non-ideal study along with simulation results is given for validation.
IMPLEMENTATION OF MIDDLE PRODUCT ALGORITHM ON LINEAR PROCESSOR ARRAYS
Authors: MILOVANOVIĆ E. I. , MILOVANOVIĆ I. Ž. , STOJČEV M. K.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the design, implementation and performance evaluation of the linear processor array accelerator for matrix multiplication. We call it matrix multiplication processor (MMP). The MMP is composed of n processing elements (PEs) connected in a chain, distributed memory, and dedicated address generator unit (AGU) to generate memory addresses. By using this approach, address generation does not increase the processing time. The AGU is one major difference in the proposed architecture compared to graphics processing units (GPUs) that use ALUs to create addresses. MMP is based on FPGA technology since this circuits possess extreme degree of parallelism and ability to customize the RAM and data path architecture to the computation. We have considered performance metrics of the proposed architecture in the sense of number of PEs, execution time, speedup, efficiency and gain factor. We have implemented AGU and PE in Xilinx Spartan 2E FPGAs using ISE 9.01 as a software tool. We compare our design with respect to the execution time, number of PEs, AT measure, speedup and efficiency with other solutions proposed in the literature.
COSMIC RAYS IN GALAXY CLUSTERS AND THEIR NONTHERMAL EMISSION
Authors: BRUNETTI GIANFRANCO , JONES THOMAS W.
Published: March 2014

Radio observations prove the existence of relativistic particles and magnetic field associated with the intra-cluster-medium (ICM) through the presence of extended synchrotron emission in the form of radio halos and peripheral relics. This observational evidence has fundamental implications on the physics of the ICM. Nonthermal components in galaxy clusters are indeed unique probes of very energetic processes operating within clusters that drain gravitational and electromagnetic energy into cosmic rays (CRs) and magnetic fields. These components strongly affect the (micro-)physical properties of the ICM, including viscosity and electrical conductivities, and have also potential consequences on the evolution of clusters themselves. The nature and properties of CRs in galaxy clusters, including the origin of the observed radio emission on cluster-scales, have triggered an active theoretical debate in the last decade. Only recently we can start addressing some of the most important questions in this field, thanks to recent observational advances, both in the radio and at high energies. The properties of CRs and of cluster nonthermal emissions depend on the dynamical state of the ICM, the efficiency of particle acceleration mechanisms in the ICM and on the dynamics of these CRs. In this paper, we discuss in some detail the acceleration and transport of CRs in galaxy clusters and the most relevant observational milestones that have provided important steps on our understanding of this physics. Finally, looking forward to the possibilities from new generations of observational tools, we focus on what appear to be the most important prospects for the near future from radio and high-energy observations.
SOLAR SYSTEM TESTS OF f(R) GRAVITY
Authors: GUO JUN-QI
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we revisit the solar system tests of f(R) gravity. When the sun sits in a vacuum, the field f′ is light, which leads to a metric different from the observations. We reobtain this result in a simpler way by directly focusing on the equations of motion for f(R) gravity in the Jordan frame (JF). The discrepancy between the metric in the f(R) gravity and the observations can be alleviated by the chameleon mechanism. The implications from the chameleon mechanism on the functional form f(R) are discussed. Considering the analogy of the solar system tests to the false vacuum decay problem, the effective potentials in different cases are also explored. The combination of analytic and numerical approaches enables us to ascertain whether an f(R) model can pass the solar system tests or not.
TRIANGULAR RING RESONATOR: DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF THE PARITY-ODD PARAMETERS OF THE PHOTON SECTOR OF SME
Authors: EXIRIFARD QASEM
Published: March 2014

We introduce the Triangular Ring (TR) resonator. We show that the difference between the clockwise and anti-clockwise resonant frequencies of a vacuum TR resonator is sensitive to the birefringence parity-odd parameters of the photon's sector of the minimal Standard Model Extension (mSME): the Standard Model plus all the perturbative parameters encoding the break of the Lorentz symmetry. We report that utilizing the current technology allows for direct measurement of these parameters with a sensitivity of the parity-even ones and improves the best current resonator bounds by couple of orders of magnitudes.

We note that, designing an optical table that rotates perpendicular to the gravitational equipotential surface (geoid) allows for direct measurement of the constancy of the light speed at the vicinity of the earth in all directions, in particular, perpendicular to the geoid. If this table could achieve the precision of the ordinary tables, then it would improve the GPS bounds on the constancy of the light speed perpendicular to geoid by about eight orders of magnitude.
PHASE TRANSITION, GEOMETROTHERMODYNAMICS AND CRITICAL EXPONENTS OF BARDEEN BLACK HOLE
Authors: MO JIE-XIONG
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we investigate the phase transition of Bardeen black hole for the first time. First, we calculate thermodynamic quantities and correct the misuse of formula in former literature. Second, we investigate in detail the behavior of specific heat. We not only discuss the influence of parameter on phase transition, but also show the three-dimensional behavior of the specific heat. It is shown that phase transition takes place from a locally unstable large black hole to a locally stable small black hole. It is also shown that the location of phase transition point is proportional to the charge. Meanwhile, we study the behavior of the inverse of the isothermal compressibility and find that it diverges at the phase transition point. Thirdly, we build up geometrothermodynamics to examine the phase transition structure. It is shown that Legendre invariant thermodynamic scalar curvature diverges exactly where the specific heat diverges, which leads to the conclusion that the Legendre invariant metrics can correctly produce the behavior of the phase transition structure. Furthermore, to gain a thorough understanding of critical behavior, we calculate the relevant critical exponents and examine the scaling laws. It is shown that they are in agreement with the scaling laws.