bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance and deployment evaluation of a parallel application on a private Cloud
Authors: Mc Evoy Giacomo V. , Schulze Bruno , Garcia Eduardo L. M. 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper we present the case study of an application of a parallel simulation optimization deployed on a private Cloud. The compute‐intensive application uses a Master/Worker model, supporting communication over both Java RMI and Globus Grid Services between the nodes. The Master deploys Workers over a Eucalyptus Cloud using the Nimbus Context Broker for just‐in‐time configuration and runtime Worker discovery. The computational performance of the Workers under different communication mechanisms and deployment scenarios is presented in an attempt to evaluate the use of Virtual Machines in a Cloud as a tool to achieve application scaling. The deployment of this particular application was crafted to support on‐the‐fly addition of working nodes. The case study suggests a deployment pattern that shapes some requirements and considerations of a scalable Globus‐driven Platform as a Service Cloud. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial Distribution of Ventilation and Perfusion: Mechanisms and Regulation
Authors: Glenny Robb W. , Robertson H. Thomas 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWith increasing spatial resolution of regional ventilation and perfusion, it has become more apparent that ventilation and blood flow are quite heterogeneous in the lung. A number of mechanisms contribute to this regional variability, including hydrostatic gradients, pleural pressure gradients, lung compressibility, and the geometry of the airway and vascular trees. Despite this marked heterogeneity in both ventilation and perfusion, efficient gas exchange is possible through the close regional matching of the two. Passive mechanisms, such as the shared effect of gravity and the matched branching of vascular and airway trees, create efficient gas exchange through the strong correlation between ventilation and perfusion. Active mechanisms that match local ventilation and perfusion play little if no role in the normal healthy lung but are important under pathologic conditions. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:373‐395, 2011.
Stress Transmission within the Cell
Authors: Stamenović Dimitrije , Wang Ning 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn outstanding problem in cell biology is how cells sense mechanical forces and how those forces affect cellular functions. During past decades, it has become evident that the deformable cytoskeleton (CSK), an intracellular network of various filamentous biopolymers, provides a physical basis for transducing mechanical signals into biochemical responses. To understand how mechanical forces regulate cellular functions, it is necessary to first understand how the CSK develops mechanical stresses in response to applied forces, and how those stresses are propagated through the CSK where various signaling molecules are immobilized. New experimental techniques have been developed to quantify cytoskeletal mechanics, which together with new computational approaches have given rise to new theories and models for describing mechanics of living cells. In this article, we discuss current understanding of cell biomechanics by focusing on the biophysical mechanisms that are responsible for the development and transmission of mechanical stresses in the cell and their effect on cellular functions. We compare and contrast various theories and models of cytoskeletal mechanics, emphasizing common mechanisms that those theories are built upon, while not ignoring irreconcilable differences. We highlight most recent advances in the understanding of mechanotransduction in the cytoplasm of living cells and the central role of the cytoskeletal prestress in propagating mechanical forces along the cytoskeletal filaments to activate cytoplasmic enzymes. It is anticipated that advances in cell mechanics will help developing novel therapeutics to treat pulmonary diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. © 2011 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol1:499‐524, 2011.
Enhanced Photostability from CdSe(S)/ZnO Core/Shell Quantum Dots and Their Use in Biolabeling
Authors: Aldeek Fadi , Mustin Christian , Balan Lavinia , Medjahdi Ghouti , Roques‐Carmes Thibault , Arnoux Philippe , Schneider Raphaël 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe report on the preparation and on the photophysical and structural characterization of alloyed CdSe(S) nanocrystals, which are covered by a ZnO shell. CdSe(S) QDs were prepared by reaction of CdCl2 with NaHSe in the presence of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) under hydrothermal conditions. The incorporation of sulfur arises from the surface‐mediated MPA hydrolysis on the growing QD surface. Water‐dispersible CdSe(S) QDs were successfully capped with a ZnO shell obtained by basic hydrolysis of Zn(OAc)2. The experimental results from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and powder X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) analyses indicate that the core/shell CdSe(S)/ZnO QDs have a very small diameter (ca. 2.8 nm) and exhibit a face‐centered cubic crystal structure. Our results show that core/shell CdSe(S)/ZnO QDs have a higher photostability than CdSe(S) cores. CdSe(S)/ZnO QDs have potential applications asfluorescent biological labels and were successfully used for imaging Schewanella oneidensis bacterial biofilms.
Functional division of hippocampal area CA1 via modulatory gating of entorhinal cortical inputs
Authors: Ito Hiroshi T. , Schuman Erin M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe hippocampus receives two streams of information, spatial and nonspatial, via major afferent inputs from the medial (MEC) and lateral entorhinal cortexes (LEC). The MEC and LEC projections in the temporoammonic pathway are topographically organized along the transverse‐axis of area CA1. The potential for functional segregation of area CA1, however, remains relatively unexplored. Here, we demonstrated differential novelty‐induced c‐Fos expression along the transverse‐axis of area CA1 corresponding to topographic projections of MEC and LEC inputs. We found that, while novel place exposure induced a uniform c‐Fos expression along the transverse‐axis of area CA1, novel object exposure primarily activated the distal half of CA1 neurons. In hippocampal slices, we observed distinct presynaptic properties between LEC and MEC terminals, and application of either DA or NE produced a largely selective influence on one set of inputs (LEC). Finally, we demonstrated that differential c‐Fos expression along the transverse axis of area CA1 was largely abolished by an antagonist of neuromodulatory receptors, clozapine. Our results suggest that neuromodulators can control topographic TA projections allowing the hippocampus to differentially encode new information along the transverse axis of area CA1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The administration of BDNF and GDNF to the brain via PLGA microparticles patterned within a degradable PEG‐based hydrogel: Protein distribution and the glial response
Authors: Lampe Kyle J. , Kern Drew S. , Mahoney Melissa J. , Bjugstad Kimberly B. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTailored delivery of neurotrophic factors (NFs) is a critical challenge that continues to inhibit strategies for guidance of axonal growthin vivo. Of particular importance is the ability to recreate innervation of distant brain regions by transplant tissue, for instance rebuilding the nigrostriatal track, one focus in Parkinson's disease research. Many strategies have utilized polymer drug delivery to target NF release in space and time, but combinatorial approaches are needed to deliver multiple NFs at relevant therapeutic times and locations without toxic side effects. Here we engineered a paradigm of PLGA microparticles entrapped within a degradable PEG‐based hydrogel device to locally release two different types of NFs with two different release profiles. Hydrogel/microparticle devices were developed and analyzed for their ability to release GDNF in the caudal area of the brain, near the substantia nigra, or BDNF in the rostral area, near the striatum. The devices delivered their respective NFs in a region localized to within 100 μm of the bridge, but not exclusively to the targeted rostral or caudal ends. BDNF was slowly released over a 56‐day period, whereas a bolus of GDNF was released around 28 days. The timed delivery of NFs from implanted devices significantly reduced the microglial response relative to sham surgeries. Given the coordinated drug delivery ability and reduced localized inflammatory response, this multifaceted PEG hydrogel/PLGA microparticle strategy may be a useful tool for further development in combining tissue engineering and drug delivery, and recreating the nigrostriatal track. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Audit and feedback: An intervention to improve discharge summary completion
Authors: Dinescu Anca , Fernandez Helen , Ross Joseph S , Karani Reena 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDischarge summaries (DS) communicate important clinical information from inpatient to outpatient settings. Previous studies noted increased adverse events and rehospitalization due to poor DS quality. We postulated that an audit and feedback intervention of DS completed by geriatric medicine fellows would improve the completeness of their summaries. We conducted a preintervention post intervention study. In phase 1 (AUDIT #1 and FEEDBACK) we scored all DS (n = 89) completed by first year fellows between July 2006 to December 2006 using a 21‐item checklist. Individual performance scores were reviewed with each fellow in 30‐minute feedback sessions. In phase 2 (AUDIT #2) we scored all DS (n = 79) completed after the first phase between February 2007 to July 2007 using the same checklist. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Fellows were more likely to complete all required DS data after feedback when compared with prior to feedback (91% vs. 71%, P < 0.001). Feedback was also associated with improved admission (93% vs. 70%, P < 0.001), duration of hospitalization (93% vs 78%, P < 0.001), discharge planning (93% vs. 18%, P < 0.02) and postdischarge care (83% vs. 57%., P < 0.001) section‐specific information. In conclusion, audit and feedback sessions were associated with better DS completeness in areas of particular importance to geriatric care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;6:28–32. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among adolescents following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China
Authors: Fan Fang , Zhang Ying , Yang Yanyun , Mo Lei , Liu Xianchen 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis study examined the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among 2,250 adolescents 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Results showed that 15.8%, 40.5%, and 24.5% of participants reported clinical symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression were highly comorbid. Risk factors for symptoms of the 3 disorders were female gender, older age, and earthquake disaster exposure. In addition, the interaction effects of residence (urban/rural) and number of siblings of study subjects on symptoms of the 3 disorders were examined. Implications of findings on intervention and prevention of mental health problems among adolescents after experiencing earthquake disasters are discussed.
Biochemical and metabolomic phenotyping in the identification of a vitamin D responsive metabotype for markers of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: O'Sullivan Aifric , Gibney Michael J. , Connor Aine O. , Mion Brian , Kaluskar Soniya , Cashman Kevin D. , Flynn Albert , Shanahan Fergus , Brennan Lorraine 
Published: January 2011

AbstractScope: Metabolic phenotyping promises to be a useful tool in human intervention studies. This study examined whether metabolic phenotyping could identify responders to vitamin D supplementation in terms of the metabolic syndrome.Methods and results: In a double‐blind, randomised placebo‐controlled dietary intervention subjects were assigned to receive 15 μg vitamin D3 or placebo daily. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome were measured at baseline and following the 4‐wk intervention. k‐means clustering and 1H‐NMR metabolomic analysis were used to explore responsive phenotypes. Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25(OH)D to an endpoint concentration of 78.1±20.0 nmol/L (p<0.001). There was no effect of supplementation on the measured markers of the metabolic syndrome. k‐means cluster analysis based on 13 biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and 25(OH)D concentrations revealed five discrete biomarker clusters. One of these clusters, characterised by lower serum 25(OH)D and higher levels of adipokines, showed significant responses in insulin (15% decrease), homestatic model assessment scores (19% decrease) and c‐reactive protein (54% decrease). Metabolomic analysis revealed further changes and the extent of change in serum vitamin D correlated negatively with changes in glucose.Conclusion: Overall, metabolic phenotyping revealed a phenotype that was responsive to vitamin D supplementation.
The duplicated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) T‐box transcription factors 1, tbx1a and tbx1b, are up‐regulated during testicular development
Authors: Yano Ayaka , Nicol Barbara , Guerin Adele , Guiguen Yann 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTbx1 is a member of the T‐box transcription factor gene family involved in embryogenesis and organogenesis. Recently, within a pan‐genomic screen using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cDNA microarrays, we identified a tbx1 homolog with testicular over‐expression during sex differentiation. Here, we characterized two very similar rainbow trout tbx1 paralogs, tbx1a and tbx1b. In adult tissues, tbx1a expression is restricted to the gonads, with high expression in the testis, while tbx1b is more widely expressed in gonads, gills, brains, muscle, and skin. During gonadal differentiation, both genes are differentially expressed in favor of testis formation shortly after hatching. These genes are expressed in somatic cells surrounding germ cells of the differentiating testis, while no or only weak expression was observed in the differentiating ovary. tbx1a and tbx1b were also both down‐regulated in the differentiating testis during feminization with estrogens and up‐regulated in the differentiating ovary during masculinization with an aromatase inhibitor. These results suggest that tbx1a and tbx1b are probably involved in the regulation of testicular differentiation in rainbow trout. Since Tbx1 is known to interact with the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway, we also examined the effect of RA on the rainbow trout tbx1 expression pattern. Expression of tbx1a and tbx1b was down‐regulated in RA‐treated male gonads, suggesting that tbx1 interacts with the RA signaling pathway and thus could be involved in the control of rainbow trout gonadal differentiation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:172–180, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel solution to ill‐conditioned FE geomechanical problems
Authors: Ferronato Massimiliano , Janna Carlo , Pini Giorgio 
Published: January 2011

SUMMARYParallel computers are potentially very attractive for the implementation of large size geomechanical models. One of the main difficulties of parallelization, however, relies on the efficient solution of the frequently ill‐conditioned algebraic system arising from the linearization of the discretized equilibrium equations. While very efficient preconditioners have been developed for sequential computers, not much work has been devoted to parallel solution algorithms in geomechanics. The present study investigates the state‐of‐the‐art performance of the factorized sparse approximate inverse (FSAI) as a preconditioner for the iterative solution of ill‐conditioned geomechanical problems. Pre‐and post‐filtration strategies are experimented with to increase the FSAI efficiency. Numerical results show that FSAI exhibits a promising potential for parallel geomechanical models mainly because of its almost ideal scalability. With the present formulation, however, at least 4 or 8 processors are required in the selected test cases to outperform one of the most efficient sequential algorithms available for FE geomechanics, i.e. the multilevel incomplete factorization (MIF). Further research is needed to improve the FSAI efficiency with a more effective selection of the preconditioner non‐zero pattern. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control problem for an elliptic equation which has exactly two solutions
Authors: Luan Shu , Gao Hang , Li Xiaopei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAn optimal control problem governed by a class of semilinear non‐well‐posed elliptic equations is discussed in this paper. It is pointed out that the state equation we considered has exactly two solutions and the control domain and cost functional maybe non‐convex. Using the relaxed controls, Pontryagin's maximum principle for the optimal pairs is obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association of gastroschisis with other congenital anomalies: how important is it?
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Picone Olivier , Bernardes Lisandra , Martinovic Jelena , Dumez Yves , Benachi Alexandra 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo report the prevalence of the association between gastroschisis and other anomalies, their prenatal characteristics and the postnatal follow‐up.MethodPrenatal and postnatal data from all patients with gastroschis prenatally diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2006 were reviewed concerning the presence of associated anomalies.ResultsGastroschisis was prenatally diagnosed in 108 fetuses. Associated anomalies were identified in 14 cases (prevalence of 13.0%), with prenatal diagnosis being made in 5 (35.7%) patients. Postnatal examination revealed the association of other anomalies in nine other newborns not observed during prenatal examinations. Maternal age, parity, gestational age at diagnosis and birth, delivery mode and birth weight were similar in cases with ‘isolated gastroschisis’ and associated anomalies (p > 0.05). Survival rates in the ‘isolated gastroschisis group’ and ‘associated anomaly group’ were 91.5 and 78.6% (p > 0.05), respectively. The median time before oral feeding tended to be longer (but not statistical significantly) in the ‘associated anomaly group’ (32, range: 5–720 days) compared to the ‘isolated gastroschisis group’ (22, range: 5–180 days; p = 0.06), but with a significantly longer permanence in neonatal intensive care unit (p = 0.04).ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of identifying other anomalies when evaluating fetuses with gastroschisis to permit counselling concerning the postnatal outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations discordant for markedly enlarged nuchal translucency
Authors: Edlow Andrea G. , Reiss Rosemary , Benson Carol B. , Gerrol Pamela , Wilkins‐Haug Louise 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess karyotypes and outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies discordant for markedly enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester.MethodBrigham and Women's Hospital's ultrasound database was queried to identify all MCDA gestations in which one twin had NT ≥ 3.5 mm and the co‐twin had normal NT. Cytogenetic results, ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes were reviewed.ResultsOf 162 MCDA twin pairs, 11 were discordant for NT ≥ 3.5. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in three cases: one twin pair was concordant for trisomy 18; one pair discordant for mosaic trisomy 2; and one pair discordant for confined placental mosaicism (CPM) (high frequency tetraploidy). Adverse outcomes for twins with euploid or unknown karyotypes included twin reverse arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, growth discordance, and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula.ConclusionPostfertilization nondisjunction leading to mosaicism in one fetus, discordant phenotypes yet concordant karyotypes, and discordance for CPM were documented phenomena, supporting karyotyping of both twins. In this case series, discordant NT was a marker for chromosome abnormalities, as well as for complications specific to monochorionic gestations, including TRAP sequence, amniotic fluid discordance, and structural anomalies. Nonetheless, normal fetal anatomy and karyotype were the most common outcomes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brick tunnel randomization for unequal allocation to two or more treatment groups
Authors: Kuznetsova Olga M. , Tymofyeyev Yevgen 
Published: January 2011

AbstractStudies with unequal allocation to two or more treatment groups often require a large block size for permuted block allocation. This could present a problem in small studies, multi‐center studies, or adaptive design dose‐finding studies. In this paper, an allocation procedure, which generalizes the maximal procedure by Berger, Ivanova, and Knoll to the case of K⩾2 treatment groups and any allocation ratio, is offered. Brick tunnel (BT) randomization requires the allocation path drawn in the k‐dimensional space to stay close to the allocation ray that corresponds to the targeted allocation ratio. Specifically, it requires the allocation path to be confined to the set of the k‐dimensional unitary cubes that are pierced by the allocation ray (the ‘brick tunnel’). The important property of the BT randomization is that the transition probabilities at each node within the tunnel are defined in such a way that the unconditional allocation ratio is the same for every allocation step. This property is not necessarily met by other allocation procedures that implement unequal allocation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constrained S‐estimators for linear mixed effects models with covariance components
Authors: Chervoneva Inna , Vishnyakov Mark 
Published: January 2011

AbstractLinear mixed effects (LME) models are increasingly used for analyses of biological and biomedical data. When the multivariate normal assumption is not adequate for an LME model, then a robust estimation approach is preferable to the maximum likelihood one. M‐estimators were considered before for robust estimation of the LME models, and recently a constrained S‐estimator was proposed. This S‐estimator cannot be applied directly to LME models with correlated error terms and vector random effects with correlated dimensions. Therefore, a modification is proposed, which extends application of the constrained S‐estimator to the LME models for multivariate responses with correlated dimensions and to longitudinal data. Also, a new computational algorithm is developed for computing constrained S‐estimators. Performance of the S‐estimators based on the original Tukey's biweight and translated biweight is evaluated in a small simulation study with repeated multivariate responses with correlated dimensions. The proposed methodology is applied to jointly analyze repeated measures on three cholesterol components, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.