bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Architectural time-predictability factor (ATF)
Authors: Ding Yiqiang , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2013

Due to the prohibitive cost of worst-case timing analysis for modern processors, the design of time-predictable processors has become increasingly important for hard real-time and safety-critical systems. However, to the best of our knowledge currently there is no effective and widely accepted metric to quantitatively evaluate time predictability of processors, which greatly impedes the advancement of time-predictable processor design.
This paper first introduces the concept of architectural time predictability (ATP), which separates timing uncertainty concerns caused by hardware from software. We then propose a metric called Architectural Time-predictability Factor (ATF) to measure architectural time predictability. Our evaluation on a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor indicates that ATF is an effective metric to quantitatively evaluate architectural time predictability of a whole processor as well as its architectural and microarchitectural components such as caches, branch prediction, speculative execution, parallel pipelines, and Scratch-Pad Memory (SPM). Thus ATF can be used to quantitatively guide architectural design for enhancing time predictability or making better trade-offs between performance and time predictability.
Organizational Modes of Mesoscale Convective Systems over Central East China
Authors: Zheng Linlin , Sun Jianhua , Zhang Xiaoling , Liu Changhai 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Composite reflectivity Doppler radar data from June to September of 2007–2010 were used to classify mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over central east China into seven morphologies. The morphologies included one nonlinear mode (NL) and six linear modes: convective lines with no stratiform precipitation (NS), trailing stratiform precipitation (TS), leading stratiform precipitation (LS), parallel stratiform precipitation (PS), bow echoes (BE), and embedded lines (EL). Nonlinear and linear systems composed 44.7% and 55.3% of total MCSs, respectively, but there was no primary linear mode. All MCS morphologies attained their peak occurrence in July, except BE systems, which peaked in June. On average, TS and PS modes had relatively longer lifespans than did other modes.
Significant differences in MCS-produced severe weather existed between dry and moist environments. High winds and hail events were mainly observed in dry environments, and in contrast, short-term intense precipitation occurred more frequently in moist environments. BE systems generated the most severe weather on average, while most TS systems were attendant with short-term intense precipitation and high winds. EL and PS systems were most frequently associated with extreme short-time intense precipitation (≥50 mm h−1) as these systems preferentially developed in moist environments. BE systems generally occurred under strong low-level shear and intermediately moist conditions. LS systems were observed in weak low-level shear, whereas EL systems often developed in relatively stable conditions and weak low- to middle-level shear. The largest instability was present in the environment for NS systems. The environmental parameters for TS systems featured the largest differences between the dry and moist cases.
"Equation missing" -ternary 3-derivations on "Equation missing" -ternary algebras
Authors: Dehghanian Mehdi , Mosadegh Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Modarres , Park Choonkil , Shin Dong Yun 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of

C
∗

-ternary 3-derivations and of

C
∗

-ternary 3-homomorphisms for the functional equation

f
(

x
1

+

x
2

,

y
1

+

y
2

,

z
1

+

z
2

)
=

∑

1
≤
i
,
j
,
k
≤
2

f
(

x
i

,

y
j

,

z
k

)

in

C
∗

-ternary algebras.

MSC:17A40, 39B52, 46Lxx, 46K70, 46L05, 46B99.
Mouse Tenm4 is required for mesoderm induction
Authors: Nakamura Hisashi , Cook Rita N , Justice Monica J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background

Tenm4 is a mouse homolog of the Drosophila gene Tenascin-m (Ten-m (Odd oz)), which functions in motor neuron routing. Recently, a genome-wide association analysis for bipolar disorder identified a new susceptibility locus at TENM4 increasing the importance of understanding Tenm4. A series of Tenm4 mouse alleles showing a broad range of phenotypes were isolated after ENU mutagenesis. Here, we examine the timing and features of gastrulation failure in a loss of function allele.

Results
Embryonic mesoderm did not form in loss of function Tenm4

m1/m1
mutant embryos. Genes normally expressed in embryonic mesoderm were not expressed in the mutant, the primitive streak did not form, and markers of the anteroposterior axis were not expressed or were mislocalized. The lack of embryonic mesoderm could not be attributed to poor proliferation of the epiblast, as normal numbers of dividing cells were observed. Epiblast cells maintained expression of Pou5f1 suggesting that they remain pluripotent, but they did not have the capacity to form any germ layer derivatives in teratomas, showing that the inability to induce mesoderm is cell autonomous. Misexpression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin suggest that the embryos did not undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In addition, Wnt signaling did not occur in the mutants, as assessed by the TOPGAL reporter assay, while a GSK3β inhibitor partially rescued the mutant embryos, and rescued TOPGAL reporter expression.

Conclusions
These data demonstrate that Tenm4 mutants fail to form a primitive streak and to induce embryonic mesoderm. Markers of anterior posterior patterning fail to be expressed or are mislocalized. Further, Tenm4 mutants lack the ability to differentiate in a cell autonomous manner. Together, our data suggest that embryos become impaired prior to E6.5 and as a result, Wnt signaling fails to occur; however, the involvement of other signaling pathways remains to be examined.
Three-dimensional whole-liver perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinomas and colorectal hepatic metastases
Authors: Rao Sheng-Xiang , Chen Cai-Zhong , Liu Hao , Zeng Meng-Su , Qu Xu-Dong 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Three-dimensional (3D) whole-liver perfusion magnetic resonance(MR) imaging with parallel imaging, a novel imaging method to characterize tumor vascularization in vivo, has recently been applied to comprehensively image perfusion changes in large tumors. Coupled with new perfusion software, this technique enables motion correction, registration, and evaluation of perfusion MR parameters. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of 3D whole-liver perfusion MR, for imaging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal hepatic metastases (CRHM).

Methods
26 patients with hepatic tumors (10 HCC; 16 CRHM) were subjected to 3D whole-liver perfusion MR with a temporal resolution of 3.7 seconds. The following estimated perfusion parameters were measured: the volume transfer constant Ktrans (min-1); the volume (Ve) of extravascular extracellular space (EES) per volume unit of tissue; and the flux rate constant between EES and plasma Kep (min-1). Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate inter-observer characteristics and significance of the measured parameters.

Results
Inter-observer agreement analysis (95% limits of agreement) yielded a mean difference of −0.0048 min-1 (−0.0598 ~ 0.0502) for Ktrans , -0.0630 ml (−0.5405 ~ 0.4145) for Ve, and −0.0031 min-1 (−0.0771 ~ 0.0709) for Kep respectively. When comparing images from patients with HCC vs. CRHM, significant differences were seen for the mean Ktrans (p = 0.017), but not for Ve(p = 0.117) or Kep(p = 0.595).

Conclusion
Herein we show that 3D whole-liver MR perfusion imaging with semi-automatic data analysis is feasible and enables the reliable quantitative evaluation of the perfusion parameters for HCCs and CRHMs.
Genome-wide methylation profiling of the bronchial mucosa of asthmatics: relationship to atopy
Authors: Kim Yoon-Jeong , Park Sung-Woo , Kim Tae-Hoon , Park Jong-Sook , Cheong Hyun Sub , Shin Hyoung Doo , Park Choon-Sik 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Asthma is a common respiratory disease that is characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction due to chronic airway inflammation. Atopic asthma is a typical IgE-mediated disease in which the enhanced production of IgE is driven by the activation of Th2 cells, which release a distinct pattern of cytokines, including interleukin 4 (IL4) and IL3, in response to specific antigen presentation. To evaluate the methylation status of the whole genomes of bronchial mucosa tissues from subjects who lacked or had sensitization to Dermatophagoides farina (Df) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp).

Methods
The genome-wide DNA methylation levels in the bronchial mucosa tissues of atopic asthmatics (N = 10), non-atopic asthmatics (N = 7), and normal controls (N = 7) were examined using microarrays.

Results
In the bronchial mucosa of atopic asthmatics, hypermethylation was detected at 6 loci in 6 genes, while hypomethylation was detected at 49 loci in 48 genes compared to those of non-atopic asthmatics. Genes that were assigned the ontologies of multicellular organismal process, response to organic substance, hormone metabolic process, and growth factor receptor binding were hypomethylated. The methylation levels in the mucosa of asthmatics and normal controls were similar.

Conclusions
The bronchial mucosa of asthmatics who are atopic to Df or Dp have characteristic methylation patterns for 52 genes. The genes and pathways identified in the present study may be associated with the presence of atopy in asthmatics and therefore represent attractive targets for future research.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 genotypes and haplotypes influence the survival of prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis at initial diagnosis
Authors: Tsuchiya Norihiko , Narita Shintaro , Inoue Takamitsu , Saito Mitsuru , Numakura Kazuyuki , Huang Mingguo , Hatakeyama Shingo , Satoh Shigeru , Saito Seiichi , Ohyama Chikara , Arai Yoichi , Ogawa Osamu , Habuchi Tomonori 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays an important role in growth of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and facilitating the development and progression of PCa. This study aimed to evaluate the association of polymorphisms in three linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks of the IGF-1 on the survival of metastatic PCa patients.MethodsA total of 215 patients with bone metastases at initial presentation were included in this study. The cytosine-adenine (CA) repeat polymorphism and rs12423791 were selected as representative polymorphisms in the LD blocks 1 and 2, respectively. Haplotype in the LD block 3 was analyzed using two tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs6220 and rs7136446. Cancer-specific survival rate was estimated from the Kaplan-Meier curve, and the survival data were compared using the log-rank test.ResultsCancer-specific survival was significantly associated with theCArepeat polymorphism, rs12423791, and rs6220 (P = 0.013, 0.014, and 0.014, respectively). Although rs7136446 had no significant association with survival, the haplotype in the LD block 3 was significantly associated with cancer-specific survival (P = 0.0003). When the sum of the risk genetic factors in each LD block (19-repeat allele,Callele of rs12423791, orC-Thaplotype) was considered, patients with all the risk factors had significantly shorter cancer specific-survival than those with 0–2 risk factors (P = 0.0003).ConclusionsPolymorphisms in theIGF-1, especially a haplotype in the LD block 3, are assumed to be genetic markers predicting the outcome of metastatic PCa.
Baculovirus-mediated gene transfer in butterfly wings in vivo: an efficient expression system with an anti-gp64 antibody
Authors: Dhungel Bidur , Ohno Yoshikazu , Matayoshi Rie , Otaki Joji M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Candidate genes for color pattern formation in butterfly wings have been known based on gene expression patterns since the 1990s, but their functions remain elusive due to a lack of a functional assay. Several methods of transferring and expressing a foreign gene in butterfly wings have been reported, but they have suffered from low success rates or low expression levels. Here, we developed a simple, practical method to efficiently deliver and express a foreign gene using baculovirus-mediated gene transfer in butterfly wings in vivo.

Results
A recombinant baculovirus containing a gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP) was injected into pupae of the blue pansy butterfly Junonia orithya (Nymphalidae). GFP fluorescence was detected in the pupal wings and other body parts of the injected individuals three to five days post-injection at various degrees of fluorescence. We obtained a high GFP expression rate at relatively high virus titers, but it was associated with pupal death before color pattern formation in wings. To reduce the high mortality rate caused by the baculovirus treatment, we administered an anti-gp64 antibody, which was raised against baculovirus coat protein gp64, to infected pupae after the baculovirus injection. This treatment greatly reduced the mortality rate of the infected pupae. GFP fluorescence was observed in pupal and adult wings and other body parts of the antibody-treated individuals at various degrees of fluorescence. Importantly, we obtained completely developed wings with a normal color pattern, in which fluorescent signals originated directly from scales or the basal membrane after the removal of scales. GFP fluorescence in wing tissues spatially coincided with anti-GFP antibody staining, confirming that the fluorescent signals originated from the expressed GFP molecules.

Conclusions
Our baculovirus-mediated gene transfer system with an anti-gp64 antibody is reasonably efficient, and it can be an invaluable tool to transfer, express, and functionally examine foreign genes in butterfly wings and also in other non-model insect systems.
Mifepristone improves chemo-radiation response in glioblastoma xenografts
Authors: Llaguno-Munive Monserrat , Medina Luis Alberto , Jurado Rafael , Romero-Piña Mario , Garcia-Lopez Patricia 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
We have investigated the ability of Mifepristone, an anti-progestin and anti-glucocorticoid drug, to modulate the antitumor effect of current standard clinical treatment in glioblastoma xenografts.

Methods
The effect of radiation alone or combined with Mifepristone and Temozolamide was evaluated on tumor growth in glioblastoma xenografts, both in terms of preferentially triggering tumor cell death and inhibiting angiogenesis. Tumor size was measured once a week using a caliper and tumor metabolic-activity was carried out by molecular imaging using a microPET/CT scanner. The effect of Mifepristone on the expression of angiogenic factors after concomitant radio-chemotherapy was determined using a quantitative real-time PCR analysis of VEGF gene expression.

Results
The analysis of the data shows a significant antitumoral effect by the simultaneous administration of radiation-Mifepristone-Temozolamide in comparison with radiation alone or radiation-Temozolamide.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that Mifepristone could improve the efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy in Glioblastoma. The addition of Mifepristone to standard radiation-Temozolamide therapy represents a potential approach as a chemo-radio-sensitizer in treating GBMs, which have very limited treatment options.
Optimal linear precoding for opportunistic spectrum sharing under arbitrary input distributions assumption
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zhao Yifei , Li Yunzhou , Wang Jing , Hong Hao 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Cognitive radio network with multiple-input multiple-output is an effective method to improve not only spectrum efficiency, but also energy efficiency. In this article, a linear precoding matrix optimization algorithm, named gradient-aided mutual information optimization (GAMIO), is designed to maximize the secondary users’ spectrum efficiency. Unlike the previous algorithms which were developed under a specific input assumption, the GAMIO algorithm can work without imposing any input assumption. Furthermore, a framework is also proposed to develop the energy-efficient algorithm which can work with arbitrary spectrum-efficient algorithm. In this way, an energy-efficient algorithm, which can work under arbitrary input assumption, be developed based on the GAMIO algorithm (EEGAMIO). Numerical results indicate that either the GAMIO algorithm or the EEGAMIO algorithm shows the best performance at the present time.
Fast mode decision based on human noticeable luminance difference and rate distortion cost for H.264/AVC
Authors: Li Mian-Shiuan , Chen Mei-Juan , Tai Kuang-Han , Sue Kuen-Liang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This article proposes a fast mode decision algorithm based on the correlation of the just-noticeable-difference (JND) and the rate distortion cost (RD cost) to reduce the computational complexity of H.264/AVC. First, the relationship between the average RD cost and the number of JND pixels is established by Gaussian distributions. Thus, the RD cost of the Inter 16 × 16 mode is compared with the predicted thresholds from these models for fast mode selection. In addition, we use the image content, the residual data, and JND visual model for horizontal/vertical detection, and then utilize the result to predict the partition in a macroblock. From the experimental results, a greater time saving can be achieved while the proposed algorithm also maintains performance and quality effectively.
Pulmonary surfactant is indispensable in order to simulate the in vivo situation
Authors: Schleh Carsten , Kreyling Wolfgang G , Lehr Claus-Michael 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The article of Gasser et al. [Part Fibre Toxicol. 24; 9:17, 2012] describes the interaction of carbon nanotubes with cells within a complex cell culture model. Besides various toxicity parameters, the influence of coating with pulmonary surfactant was investigated. Pulmonary surfactant covers the entire alveolar region with the main function of decreasing the surface tension in the alveoli to prevent alveolar collapse. Although each inhaled nanoparticle, reaching the alveoli, will come into contact with pulmonary surfactant which will probably lead to a surfactant coating, pulmonary surfactant components are not commonly integrated in in vitro systems. Gasser and co-workers have shown that this surfactant coating is able to influence the further interaction with cellular systems. Hence, each scientist, working with in vitro systems and nanoparticles, should think of integrating pulmonary surfactant structures in order to harmonize the in vitro systems with the in vivo situation. In the present commentary we discuss the most important points of the manuscript of Gasser et al. and discuss where the usage of pulmonary surfactant can be further optimized.
Analysis of HAX-1 gene expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Min , Tang Yue , Zang Wenqiao , Xuan Xiaoyan , Wang Na , Ma Yunyun , Wang Yuanyuan , Dong Ziming , Zhao Guoqiang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the expression of HAX-1 mRNA and protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its relation with the prognosis of patients with ESCC.MethodsThe expression of HAX-1 mRNA and protein were detected with quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical method in 112 ESCC samples and 112 corresponding non-neoplastic samples. Survival curves were made with follow-up data. The relations of the prognosis with clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed.ResultsThe expression level of HAX-1 mRNA and the strong positive rate of HAX-1 protein were significantly higher in ESCC samples (0.527 ± 0.060 and 45.54%) than that in non-neoplastic samples (0.121 ± 0.017 and 0.00%), and in ESCC samples with lymph node metastasis (0.554 ± 0.054 and 71.11%) than that in ESCC samples without lymph node metastasis (0.509 ± 0.058 and 28.36%) (allP < 0.01). HAX-1 mRNA expression level was a risk factor of lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC (P = 0.000). There were significant differences in survival curves between lymph node metastatic group and non-metastatic group (P = 0.000), and among groups of HAX-1 protein expression +, ++and +++(,P = 0.000); but no statistical significance between male patients and female patients (P = 0.119), and between ≥60 years old patients and <60 years old patients (P = 0.705). The level of HAX-1 mRNA (P = 0.000) and protein (P = 0.005) were risk factors of survival, but lymph node metastasis (P = 0.477) was not.ConclusionThere is HAX-1 over-expression in ESCC tissue and HAX-1 mRNA level is a risk factor of lymph node metastasis. The level of HAX-1 mRNA and protein were risk factors of survival in patients with ESCC. HAX-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.Virtual slidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5130393079296037
Comparison of vascular smooth muscle cells in canine great vessels
Authors: Isayama Noriko , Matsumura Goki , Yamazaki Kenji 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Elucidating the histological characteristics of normal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is important for understanding mechanisms of development, disease etiology and the remodeling and/or regeneration process of the vessel. However, knowledge regarding VSMCs is focused primarily on the artery. Although the characteristics of each great vessel are documented, few studies have examined VSMCs in parallel within each great vessel. The present study focused on comparing characteristics of canine VSMCs within the aorta (Ao), branch pulmonary artery (bPA), main pulmonary artery (mPA) and inferior vena cava (IVC), simultaneously.

Results
Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine VSMC protein content for alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA), calponin, myosin heavy chain (MHC) and its isozyme SM2, and non-muscle myosin heavy chain B (SMemb). Thickness and ratio of the VSMC layer were also measured. Expression levels of ASMA, calponin and SM2 significantly differed between vessels, except between mPA and either bPA, Ao and IVC vessels. Expression levels of MHC were significantly different in all vessels, whilst expression of SMemb was significantly different in the Ao compared with either bPA and mPA vessels. All vessels were significantly different with respect to total wall and VSMC layer thickness. The ratio between VSMC layer and total wall thickness was significantly different for each vessel, except between bPA and mPA vessels. Histological analysis of the IVC revealed that the VSMC layer does not line evenly and continuously through the long axis or transverse sections. With respect to the pulmonary artery, calponin was expressed to a greater extent in the mPA compared with the bPA (P < 0.01*). In contrast, MHC and SM2 were expressed to a greater extent in the bPA compared with the mPA (P < 0.01*). Differences in VSMC distribution indicate structural differences in the proximal and distal pulmonary artery bifurcation.

Conclusion
Our results show that the VSMC expression pattern in each great vessel is unique and suggestive of the developmental differences between great vessels. We believe this study provides basic data for the pathology, etiology and regenerative capability of the vessels.