bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Star Chromatic Index
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Mohar Bojan , Šámal Robert 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe star chromatic index of a graph G is the minimum number of colors needed to properly color the edges of the graph so that no path or cycle of length four is bi‐colored. We obtain a near‐linear upper bound in terms of the maximum degree . Our best lower bound on in terms of Δ is valid for complete graphs. We also consider the special case of cubic graphs, for which we show that the star chromatic index lies between 4 and 7 and characterize the graphs attaining the lower bound. The proofs involve a variety of notions from other branches of mathematics and may therefore be of certain independent interest.
Amplified water vapour feedback at high altitudes during winter
Authors: Rangwala Imtiaz 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDuring the last five decades, the Tibetan Plateau has experienced a warming trend of 0.4 °C/decade in winter, which is at least twice that of any other season. Some studies have suggested that this anomalous winter warming is caused, in part, by the observed increases in near‐surface water vapour and its amplifying effect on the surface longwave downward radiation (LDR). This study uses observations of surface‐specific humidity (q) and temperature as input to a one‐dimensional radiative transfer model to assess the influence of lower atmospheric increases in water vapour on surface LDR, and the sensitivity of this process to different elevations and seasons on the Tibetan Plateau. The results from three idealized experiments are examined based on realistic atmospheric column profiles of temperature and moisture. They show that when an equal mass of water vapour is added into the atmospheric boundary layer during winter, a substantially greater increase (8×) in LDR is found at the high‐elevation site relative to the low‐elevation site. During summer, the LDR increases are much smaller as are the differences between the two sites. Experiments, where both q and temperature are increased, suggest that the influence of temperature changes on LDR is much greater than those caused by changes in q in all cases, except for the high‐elevation‐winter case when the opposite is true. These results provide further evidence for the possibility of a strong modulation of surface LDR caused by increases in atmospheric water vapour in high altitude regions (>3000 m) during the cold season. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid isomers, and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in organic beef
Authors: Pestana José M , Costa Ana SH , Martins Susana V , Alfaia Cristina M , Alves Susana P , Lopes Paula A , Bessa Rui JB , Prates José AM 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Consumer awareness regarding the intake of beef of organic origin is strongly associated with the beneficial outcomes to human health, the environment and animal welfare. In this paper the effects of slaughter season and muscle type on the fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile, total cholesterol, α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene contents and nutritional quality of intramuscular fat in organic beef (n = 30) are reported for the first time.RESULTS: Organic beef showed a very low total lipid content, with seasonal changes in the levels of some fatty acids, CLA isomers, n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio, total cholesterol and β‐carotene. In addition, differences between longissimus lumborum (relatively red) and semitendinosus (relatively white) muscles were found for many fatty acids, specific CLA contents, many CLA isomers and both PUFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) and n‐6/n‐3 ratios. However, in spite of the seasonal and carcass variations, all organic meats analysed had values of beef similar to pasture‐fed cattle.CONCLUSION: From a nutritional perspective, organic meat from both slaughter seasons seems to have high CLA contents, PUFA/SFA and n‐6/n‐3 indices within the recommended values for the human diet. The data indicate that intramuscular fat in organic meat has a high nutritional value throughout the year. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Plant phytochemicals as new potential drugs for immune disorders and cancer therapy: really a promising path?
Authors: Chirumbolo Salvatore 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPlant phytochemicals represent an exciting opportunity to maintain best health conditions through a balanced and properly administered daily nutrition or dietary supplement and have often been considered a good option for obtaining a few promising, expensive new drugs from plants. Several polyphenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, tea catechins and flavonoids, which are commonly found in vegetables, fruits and plant‐derived juices or beverages, exert well‐evidenced cardioprotective, neuroprotective, chemopreventive and anti‐inflammatory properties, but, nevertheless, further clinical and epidemiological research is required. Most of these botanical byproducts are produced as noxious components by plants, in order to prevent pathogen colonization, insect‐mediated damage and also to discourage animals from eating them. An evolutionary theory of stress adaptation would explain how these toxic substances from nature act as protective molecules. A future challenge to achieve a rather complete understanding of these chemical phenol derivatives for human health should deal with the complexity of cellular signalling networks, the epigenetic machinery endowment of the cell and the nonlinear relationship between dose and effectiveness. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
No adverse affect after harvesting of free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps on gait function
Authors: Maurer‐ertl Werner , Glehr Mathias , Friesenbichler Joerg , Sadoghi Patrick , Wiedner Maria , Haas Franz , Leithner Andreas , Windhager Reinhard , Zwick Ernst B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze gait function and muscular strength on donor site after harvesting of a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap. Nine patients with a mean follow‐up of 33 months (range, 7–59) and a mean resection length of the middle portion of the fibula of 18.0 cm (range, 14.0–23.0) underwent an instrumented three‐dimensional gait analysis to evaluate gait function. Furthermore, CYBEX II extremity system was used for muscular strength measurements. Subjective muscle strength measurements were performed according to Kendall et al. and were classified according to the British Medical Research Council. Intraindividual comparison between the operated and the nonoperated leg revealed no significant differences for gait function parameters (cadence, velocity, and stride length, P > 1.00) and for muscular strength measurements for flexion (knee: P = 0.93, ankle: P = 0.54) and extension (knee: P = 0.97, ankle: P= 0.21), respectively. In conclusion, intraindividual comparison of the operated and nonoperated sides after harvesting of the middle portion of the fibula for gaining a free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap has no adverse affect on gait function or muscular flexion and extension strength on donor site at a mean follow‐up of 33 months. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Receiver operating characteristic analysis of sphincter electromyography for parkinsonian syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Sakakibara Ryuji , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Chiharu , Nomura Fumio , Ito Takashi , Yanagisawa Mitsuru , Yano Masashi , Awa Yusuke , Yamanishi Tomonori , Hattori Takamichi , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAimsWe performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the ability of sphincter electromyography (EMG) to distinguish multiple system atrophy (MSA) from other parkinsonisms. The following was determined: (1) the appropriate motor unit potential (MUP) parameter among duration, phase, and amplitude; (2) the desirable parameter of our duration criteria; that is, more than 20% MUPs having >10 ms duration (criteria a) or mean duration >10 ms (criteria b).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 441 case records where sphincter EMG were performed in patients with parkinsonian syndromes: MSA, n = 263; Parkinson's disease, n = 129; dementia with Lewy bodies, n = 25; and progressive supranuclear palsy, n = 24. We performed ROC analysis of the data sets.ResultsThe area under the curve used to differentiate MSA from other parkinsonian syndromes was 0.68 in duration, 0.57 in phase, and 0.51 in amplitude, respectively; these values were statistically significant. With regard to our duration criteria, area under the curve was 0.69 for the average duration of MUPs (criteria b) and 0.67 for percentage of MUPs of duration >10 ms (criteria a); these values were also statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study suggests that duration is appropriate parameter for the differentiation of MSA. However, the area under the curve of the mean duration was insufficient to confirm the diagnosis; sphincter EMG should be used as a supportive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of MSA. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1128–1134, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T‐stress evaluations for nonhomogeneous materials using an interaction integral method
Authors: Yu Hongjun , Wu Linzhi , Guo Licheng , Li Hui , Du Shanyi 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYA new equivalent domain integral of the interaction integral is derived for the computation of the T‐stress in nonhomogeneous materials with continuous or discontinuous properties. It can be found that the derived expression does not involve any derivatives of material properties. Moreover, the formulation can be proved valid even when the integral domain contains material interfaces. Therefore, the present method can be used to extract the T‐stress of nonhomogeneous materials with complex interfaces effectively. The interaction integral method in conjunction with the extended FEM is used to solve several representative examples to show its validity. Finally, using this method, the influences of material properties on the T‐stress are investigated. Numerical results show that the mechanical properties and their first‐order derivatives affect the T‐stress greatly, while the higher‐order derivatives affect the T‐stress slightly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence analysis of the LDG method applied to singularly perturbed problems
Authors: Zhu Huiqing , Zhang Zhimin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractConsidering a two‐dimensional singularly perturbed convection–diffusion problem with exponential boundary layers, we analyze the local discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method that uses piecewise bilinear polynomials on Shishkin mesh. A convergence rate O(N‐1 lnN) in a DG‐norm is established under the regularity assumptions, while the total number of mesh points is O(N2). The rate of convergence is uniformly valid with respect to the singular perturbation parameter ε. Numerical experiments indicate that the theoretical error estimate is sharp. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
Solving complex PDE systems for pricing American options with regime‐switching by efficient exponential time differencing schemes
Authors: Khaliq A.Q.M. , Kleefeld B. , Liu R.H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this article, we study the numerical solutions of a class of complex partial differential equation (PDE) systems with free boundary conditions. This problem arises naturally in pricing American options with regime‐switching, which adds significant complexity in the PDE systems due to regime coupling. Developing efficient numerical schemes will have important applications in computational finance. We propose a new method to solve the PDE systems by using a penalty method approach and an exponential time differencing scheme. First, the penalty method approach is applied to convert the free boundary value PDE system to a system of PDEs over a fixed rectangular region for the time and spatial variables. Then, a new exponential time differncing Crank–Nicolson (ETD‐CN) method is used to solve the resulting PDE system. This ETD‐CN scheme is shown to be second order convergent. We establish an upper bound condition for the time step size and prove that this ETD‐CN scheme satisfies a discrete version of the positivity constraint for American option values. The ETD‐CN scheme is compared numerically with a linearly implicit penalty method scheme and with a tree method. Numerical results are reported to illustrate the convergence of the new scheme. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
Multi‐period mean‐variance portfolio selection in a regime‐switching market with a bankruptcy state
Authors: Wu Huiling , Zeng Yan 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThis paper first develops a discrete‐time multi‐period mean‐variance portfolio selection model under the assumption that return of a risky asset depends on the states of a stochastic market with a bankruptcy state. When bankruptcy happens, the investor can only retrieve a random fraction δ of the wealth that she or he should acquire and then invests her or his retrieved money in a risk‐free asset until the terminal time. Then, by dynamic programming approach and induction method, explicit closed‐form expressions for the optimal strategy and efficient frontier are derived. Analysis of the optimal results is also provided. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effects of bankruptcy probability and fraction δ on the efficient frontier and optimal strategy. Specially, (i) our results under the mean‐variance model have quite different properties compared with those under power‐utility criterion, and (ii) our model generalizes the existing mean‐variance portfolio selection with regime switching without bankruptcy state. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilinear matrix inequality approaches to robust guaranteed cost control for uncertain discrete‐time delay system
Authors: Nian Xiaohong , Sun Zhaomei , Wang Haibo , Zhang Hang , Wang Xia 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe robust guaranteed cost control problem for uncertain discrete‐time delay system is considered in this paper. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the robust guaranteed cost controllers via memoryless state feedback and static output feedback are expressed as bilinear matrix inequality (BMI). Furthermore, the design methods of optimal robust guaranteed cost controllers, which minimize the upper bound of a given quadratic cost function are presented. Alternate iterative algorithms are proposed to solve the nonconvex optimization problems with BMI constrains. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genomic microarrays: a technology overview
Authors: Brady Paul D. , Vermeesch Joris R. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTGenomic microarrays are now widely used diagnostically for the molecular karyotyping of patients with intellectual disability, congenital anomalies and autistic spectrum disorder and have more recently been applied for the detection of genomic imbalances in prenatal genetic diagnosis. We present an overview of the different arrays, protocols used and discuss methods of genomic array data analysis. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐targeted whole genome 250K SNP array analysis as replacement for karyotyping in fetuses with structural ultrasound anomalies: evaluation of a one‐year experience
Authors: Faas Brigitte HW , Feenstra Ilse , Eggink Alex J. , Kooper Angelique JA , Pfundt Rolph , van Vugt John MG , de Leeuw Nicole 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe evaluated both clinical and laboratory aspects of our new strategy offering quantitative fluorescence (QF)‐PCR followed by non‐targeted whole genome 250K single‐nucleotide polymorphism array analysis instead of routine karyotyping for prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with structural anomalies.MethodsUpon the detection of structural fetal anomalies, parents were offered a choice between QF‐PCR and 250K single‐nucleotide polymorphism array analysis (QF/array) or QF‐PCR and routine karyotyping (QF/karyo).ResultsTwo hundred twenty fetal samples were included. In 153/220 cases (70%), QF/array analysis was requested. In 35/153 (23%), an abnormal QF‐PCR result was found. The remaining samples were analyzed by array, which revealed clinically relevant aberrations, including two known microdeletions, in 5/118 cases. Inherited copy number variants were detected in 11/118 fetuses, copy number variants with uncertain clinical relevance in 3/118 and homozygous stretches in 2/118. In 67/220 (30%) fetuses, QF/karyo was requested: 23/67 (34%) were abnormal with QF‐PCR, and in 3/67, an abnormal karyotype was found.ConclusionEven though QF/array does not reveal a high percentage of submicroscopic aberrations in fetuses with unselected structural anomalies, it is preferred over QF/karyo, as it provides a whole genome scan at high resolution, without additional tests needed and with a low chance on findings not related to the ultrasound anomalies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of DNA microarrays in the evaluation of fetal death
Authors: Reddy Uma M. , Page Grier P. , Saade George R. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTFetal death occurs in 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Cytogenetic abnormalities are present in 50% of spontaneous abortions (fetal deaths < 20 weeks) whereas the rate is 6% to 13% for stillbirths (fetal deaths ≥ 20 weeks). Microarray has been demonstrated to increase the diagnosis of genetic abnormalities by providing coverage of the entire genome at a higher density, detecting as small as 50 to 100 kb deletions or duplications, known as copy number changes. Microarray is particularly suited for evaluation of fetal death because DNA can still be analyzed in macerated fetuses and nonviable tissue, two situations where culturing and karyotyping is known to have low yield. Microarray has already proven successful in providing additional genetic information beyond karyotype in spontaneous abortion. The few studies on the use of microarray in stillbirth evaluation have been promising, demonstrating an increase in the diagnosis of clinically relevant genetic abnormalities when compared with karyotype. As the cost and technology improve, microarray may ultimately become the first line screen for genetic abnormalities in stillbirth. The accurate diagnosis of a genetic abnormality as the cause for fetal death may provide closure for families, prevent unnecessary treatments, and enable clinicians to more accurately counsel and manage subsequent pregnancies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel series connection concept for thin film solar modules
Authors: Haas Stefan , Krumscheid Sebastian , Bauer Andreas , Lambertz Andreas , Rau Uwe 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe paper introduces a new type of series connection that considerably increases the active area and thus the efficiency of a thin film module by a superior arrangement of the patterning grooves. The new concept is mainly based on pointwise contacts instead of continuous, stripe‐like contacts between adjacent cell stripes combined with a modified arrangement of the isolation grooves. We describe the functionality of the innovative series connection and present a method to calculate the optimal cell stripe geometry for cells based on the new series connection concept. Finally, the applicability of the new concept for a laser‐patterned thin film silicon solar module is demonstrated. The new series connection leads to a relative efficiency increase of approximately 3% compared with the standard series connection for thin film modules. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the Mechanical Properties of RDX Crystals Using Nano‐Indentation
Authors: Hudson Robert J. , Zioupos Peter , Gill Philip P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe shock sensitivity of RDX is of major interest for the development of insensitive munitions. Previous research has implied that internal defects that form within RDX crystals have a strong sensitising effect, increasing the probability of shock initiation. During the NATO Reduced sensitivity RDX Round Robin (R4) program the number of internal defects within RDX crystals of differing qualities were assessed by optical microscopy and a scoring system. The results suggested that RDX crystals with many internal defects were more sensitive. Studies investigating the mechanical properties of bulk RDX have shown that lots consisting of poorer crystals are weaker. This study investigates the mechanical properties of individual crystals from different RDX lots using nano‐indentation. It is shown that crystals with many internal defects have reduced modulus of elasticity, stiffness and prone to greater deformation under applied load. The results also show a correlation between these parameters and previously reported shock sensitivity data.
Small molecule tolfenamic acid inhibits PC‐3 cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in orthotopic mouse model for prostate cancer
Authors: Sankpal Umesh T. , Abdelrahim Maen , Connelly Sarah F. , Lee Chris M. , Madero‐Visbal Rafael , Colon Jimmie , Smith Joshua , Safe Stephen , Maliakal Pius , Basha Riyaz 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpecificity protein (Sp) transcription factors are implicated in critical cellular and molecular processes associated with cancer that impact tumor growth and metastasis. The non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, tolfenamic acid (TA) is known to inhibit Sp proteins in some human cancer cells and laboratory animal models. We evaluated the anti‐cancer activity of TA using in vitro and in vivo models for prostate cancer.METHODSThe anti‐proliferative efficacy of TA was evaluated using DU‐145, PC‐3, and LNCaP cells. PC‐3 cells were treated with DMSO or 50 µM TA for 48 hr. Whole cell lysates were evaluated for the expression of Sp1, survivin, c‐PARP, Akt/p‐Akt, c‐Met, cdk4, cdc2, cyclin D3, and E2F1 by Western blot analysis. Cell invasion was assessed by Boyden‐chamber assay and flow cytometry analysis was used to study apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. An orthotopic mouse model for prostate cancer with PC‐3‐Luc cells was used to study the in vivo effect of TA.RESULTSTA inhibited the expression of Sp1, c‐Met, p‐Akt, and survivin; increased c‐PARP expression and caspases activity in PC‐3 cells. TA caused cell arrest at G0/G1 phase accompanied by a decrease in cdk4, cdc2, cyclin D3, and E2F1 and an increase in critical apoptotic markers. TA augmented annexin‐V staining, caspase activity, and c‐PARP expression indicating the activation of apoptotic pathways. TA also decreased PC‐3 cell invasion. TA significantly decreased the tumor weight and volume which was associated with low expression of Sp1 and survivin in tumor sections.CONCLUSIONTA targets critical pathways associated with tumorigenesis and invasion. These pre‐clinical data strongly demonstrated the anti‐cancer activity of TA in prostate cancer. Prostate 72:1648–1658, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.