bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes by Ganoderma lucidum IBL-06 Using Lignocellulosic Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Asgher Muhammad , Sharif Yasir , Bhatti H.N.
Published: March 2010

An indigenous novel strain of Ganoderma lucidum IBL-06 was investigated for the production of ligninolytic enzymes including lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase using different lignocellulosic substrates in still culture solid-state fermentation (SSF). The fermentation flasks were inoculated and incubated at 35°C for 14 days. Samples were harvested after every 48 h to study the profile of ligninolytic enzymes produced by the fungus on different substrates. Maximum enzyme activities were noted on 10th day of incubation on rice straw. Ganoderma lucidum IBL-06 produced highest activities of lignin peroxidase (LiP) among the lignolytic enzymes. By optimizing the SSF process, maximum activities of LiP (2185 IU/ml), MnP (1972 IU/ml) and laccase (338 IU/ml) were achieved after three days incubation of rice straw at pH 4.5; temperature, 35°C; moisture, 75% and inoculum size, 6 ml, using fructose as carbon source, urea as nitrogen source, Tween-80 as surfactant and veratryl alcohol as mediator.
Effect of Temperature, Moisture Content, Particle Size and Roasting on Shea Butter Extraction Efficiency
Authors: Obeng George Y. , Adjaloo Michael K , Donkor Peter
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to establish optimum extraction temperature, moisture content, particle size and the effect of roasting of shea kernels on extraction efficiency for optimum shea butter yield using low pressure (45kg/cm2) manual screw press. Extraction of shea butter is a major income generating activity in Ghana, particularly in the Northern Regions. It is estimated that about 80% of the shea butter produced in Ghana is processed by women using traditional aqueous extraction method. Commercial extraction using continuous screw press accounts for about 20% of production. Oil extraction rates for the traditional aqueous extraction method are relatively low. The traditional aqueous method involves roasting, milling, creaming and boiling, and relies on very low pressure, high moisture of 65-68% and temperatures of 100-140°C. In this study Intermediate Moisture Content (IMC) method was employed. The IMC method involves the use of a low pressure manual screw press to extract butter from shea kernels. The study established an optimum extraction temperature of 60°C and moisture content of 12% at which butter extraction efficiency was between 65.9% and 68.5%. The results revealed that oil extraction efficiency depends on the fineness of paste to be processed and that roasted kernels do not give higher butter yield than unroasted kernels. This is against the traditional belief that high shea butter yield can only be achieved when the kernels are roasted.
Cyber relationship motives: Scale development and validation
Authors: Wang Chih-Chien , Chang Ya-Ting
Published: March 2010

In this study a Cyber-Relationship Motives Scale was developed and validated to see what motives drive people to make friends on the Internet. The scale was developed in 4 stages: item generation, purification, parsimony, and scale validation. As results of a 4-stage empirical study
9 factors involved in cyber-relationship motives were proposed: anonymity, the opportunity to meet new people, easier communication, curiosity, emotional support, social compensation, away from the real world, love, and sexual partners. These 9 motives were then grouped into 3 dimensions:
adventure, escape to a virtual world, and romance.
The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on stuttering
Authors: Koç Mustafa
Published: March 2010

The effects of the cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy on stuttering were examined. An experimental method was used as the research method and was carried out in 2 stages. In the first stage, the researcher investigated thinking, emotion, and the behavior of an individual towards
stuttering. In the second stage, a description of stuttering and its frequency was formulated. The description was then applied as an educational program to treat stuttering. At the end of the cognitive-behavioral therapy, there was a significant reduction in stuttering behavior. Results showed
that the cognitive-behavioral approach is effective for treating stuttering.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+: A study with Chinese college students
Authors: Ling Hui , Qian Ming-yi , Yang Bing-jun
Published: March 2010

The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) has been regarded as an effective instrument for screening people with personality disorders in Western countries. Recently, it has also been widely used in research of personality disorders on the Chinese mainland. Using a sample
of 4,811 Chinese college students, the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PDQ-4+ (Yang, Rorbert, & Paul, 2000) were examined. Results indicated that the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of PDQ-4+ subscales were psychometrically acceptable. Exploratory
factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution, which conforms to the conceptual categorization of personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders - III (American Psychiatric Association, 1987). Significant correlation was found between PDQ-4+ subscale scores and
the factor scores of the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire (Bifulco, Bernazzani, Moran, & Jacobs, 2005). The sensitivity and specificity of the PDQ-4+ in the Chinese mainland population need further study.
How financial attitudes and practices influence the impulsive buying behavior of college and university students
Authors: Lai Chien-Wen
Published: March 2010

Impulsive buying behavior has been the subject of a large amount of empirical research, but little research exists that actually examines the significant predictors of impulsive buying behaviors in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of adolescents
towards credit and money and the personal financial planning practices they follow, and to examine how these attitudes and practices influenced their impulsive buying behavior. Data were collected from 906 adolescent Taiwanese college and university students. A logistic regression model was
used to identify which students were more likely and which were less likely to make impulsive purchases. The significant predictors were the following 8 variables: gender, age, having taken a course in personal finance, use of money as a reward, family of origin, affective credit attitude,
cognitive credit attitude, behavioral credit attitude, and money attitude.
The perception of menarche and menstruation among Turkish married women: Attitudes, experiences, and behaviors
Authors: Çevirme Ayşe Sayan , Çevirme Hülya , Karaoğlu Leyla , Uğurlu Nezihe , Korkmaz Yasemin
Published: March 2010

The aim in this study was to determine the experiences, behaviors, and attitudes of married Turkish women of fertility age, towards menstruation. Of the 586 women who took part in the study 64.2% described their menarche as an unfavorable experience. A total of 48.8% of them felt they
had to keep their menstruation as a secret, and 2.2% believed that menstruating was a punishment given by God. Most did not approve of religious observances such as reciting the Quran, performing the namaz, and fasting when menstruating. Women over thirty who had less education were more likely
to think that these activities were unfavorable. Sexual intercourse during menstruation was viewed as unfavorable by 80.9% of the women and 80.4% said that they did not have intercourse then. The state of menarche was found to limit women's lives in both public and individual spheres. It is
suggested that menstruation should be evaluated not only within the scope of women's health, but also as a social issue and accessibility to information on menstruation should be improved.
Modeling patient perceptions of service recovery: The effects of perceived fairness on health center repatronage
Authors: Ting Chiu-Yao , Yu Tai-Kuei
Published: March 2010

Repatronage intentions towards Taiwanese health centers that had received patient complaints and implemented service recovery were investigated. Valid samples (N = 168) were collected from the complaint behavior of patients resulting from their experiences of service failures
in health centers. Results indicate that perceptions of distributive fairness and procedural fairness in health centers were related to repatronage intentions. In contrast, interactional fairness did not have the anticipated relationship with repatronage intentions. Consequently, health centers
personnel should identify themselves with patients' concerns and take a caring and sympathetic attitude towards them so as to encourage people to revisit the health centers.
Dose Rate Effect of Pulsed Electron Beam on Micronucleus Frequency in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Acharya Santhosh , Sanjeev Ganesh , Bhat Nagesh , Narayana Yerol
Published: March 2010

Dose Rate Effect of Pulsed Electron Beam on Micronucleus Frequency in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

The micronucleus assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes is a sensitive indicator of radiation damage and could serve as a biological dosimeter in evaluating suspected overexposure to ionising radiation. Micronucleus (MN) frequency as a measure of chromosomal damage has also extensively been employed to quantify the effects of radiation dose rate on biological systems. Here we studied the effects of 8 MeV pulsed electron beam emitted by Microtron electron accelerator on MN induction at dose rates between 35 Gy min-1 and 352.5 Gy min-1. These dose rates were achieved by varying the pulse repetition rate (PRR). Fricke dosimeter was employed to measure the absorbed dose at different PRR and to ensure uniform dose distribution of the electron beam. To study the dose rate effect, blood samples were irradiated to an absorbed dose of (4.7±0.2) Gy at different rates and cytogenetic damage was quantified using the micronucleus assay. The obtained MN frequency showed no dose rate dependence within the studied dose rate range. Our earlier dose effect study using 8 MeV electrons revealed that the response of MN was linear-quadratic. Therefore, in the event of an accident, dose estimation can be made using linear-quadratic dose response parameters, without adding dose rate as a correction factor.
Qualitative GC-MS Assessment of TCP and Tamorf Elimination in Rats
Authors: Petek Maja , Vrdoljak Ana , Mršić Gordan
Published: March 2010

Qualitative GC-MS Assessment of TCP and Tamorf Elimination in Rats

Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that hydrolyses acetycholine (ACh) in the nervous system. Pathophysiological changes caused by OP poisonings are primarily the consequence of surplus ACh on cholinergic receptors and in the central nervous system. Standard treatment of OP poisoning includes combined administration of carbamates, atropine, oximes and anticonvulsants. In order to improve therapy, new compounds have been synthesised and tested. Tenocyclidine (TCP) and its adamantane derivative 1-[2-(2-thienyl)-2-adamantyl] morpholine (TAMORF) have shown interesting properties against soman poisoning. In this study, we developed a qualitative GC-MS method to measure elimination of TCP and TAMORF through rat urine in order to learn more about the mechanisms through which TCP protects an organism from OP poisoning and to determine the duration of this protective effect. GC-MS showed that six hours after treatment with TCP, rat urine contained only its metabolite 1-thienylcyclohexene, while urine of rats treated with TAMORF contained both TAMORF and its metabolites.
Brain Toxicokinetics of Prometryne in Mice
Authors: Đikić Domagoj , Sajli Lana , Benković Vesna , Knežević Anica , Brozović Gordana , Lisičić Duje , Mojsović Ana , Oršolić Nada
Published: March 2010

Brain Toxicokinetics of Prometryne in Mice

Prometryne is a methylthio-s-triazine herbicide. Significant trace amounts are found in the environment, mainly in water, soil, and food plants. The aim of this study was to establish brain and blood prometryne levels after single oral dose (1 g kg-1) in adult male and female mice. Prometryne was measured using the GC/MS assay at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after prometryne administration. Peak brain and blood prometryne values were observed 1 h after administration and they decreased in a time-dependent manner. Male mice had consistently higher brain and blood prometryne levels than female mice. The observed prometryne kinetics was similar to that reported for the structurally related herbicide atrazine.
Theoretical studies on the electronic structures and spectra of single silicon-doped SWCNTs
Authors: Gao Peng , Yu Yingying , Ni Zhangqin , Teng Qiwen
Published: March 2010

The equilibrium geometries and electronic structures of a series of SWCNTs doped with a silicon atom were studied by using density function theory (DFT). The most stable doping site of silicon predicted at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level was located near the boundary of the SWCNTs. The energy gaps of (3,3) C48, (3,3) C60 and (3,3) C72 were respectively decreased by 0.43, 0.25 and 0.14 eV after doping. Based on the B3LYP/6-31G(d) optimized geometries, the electronic spectra of the doped SWCNTs were computed using the INDO/CIS method. The first UV absorption at 973.9 nm of (5,5)-Si(L) (C59Si) compared with that at 937.5 nm of (5,5) (C60) was red-shifted. The 13C NMR spectra and nuclear independent chemical shifts (NICS) of the doped SWCNTs were investigated at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The chemical shift at 119.4 of the carbon atom bonded with the silicon atom in (3,3)-Si(L) (C59Si) in comparison with that at 144.1 of the same carbon atom in (3,3) (C60) moved upfield. The tendency of the aromaticity (NICS = −0.1) for (3,3)-Si(H) (C47Si) with respect to that of the anti-aromaticity (NICS = 6.0) for (3,3) (C48) was predicted.
Noncovalent effects in the coordination and assembling of the[Fe(bpca)2][Er(NO3)3(H2O)4]NO3 system
Authors: Ferbinteanu Marilena , Zaharia Alina , Gîrţu Mihai , Cimpoesu Fanica
Published: March 2010

In this work we perform a detailed analysis of the non-covalent effects that build the lattice of the [Fe(bpca)2][Er(NO3)3(H2O)4]NO3 compound, made of cationic d units [Fe(bpca)2]+,(where Hbpca is bis(2-pyridilcarbonyl)amine), neutral f complexes [Er(NO3)3(H2O)4], and the NO3- counter-ion. All these units are interlinked by hydrogen bonds, their assembling benefiting also from electrostatic effects. A particularly interesting sub-ensemble of the crystal is the linear chain formed by the lanthanide units. Going beyond the usual qualitative description of the supramolecular assembling, we performed electron structure calculations on appropriate models related to the experimental structures. The formation energies of d and f coordination bonds are estimated in semi-quantitative manner, being compared with the intermolecular ones, due to hydrogen bonding and dipolar interactions.
Kinetic spectrophotometric determination of hydrazine
Authors: Mitic Violeta , Nikolic Snezana , Stankov-Jovanovic Vesna
Published: March 2010

A kinetic spectrophotometric method for hydrazine determination in the range of 9.36×10−7 to 4.37×10−5 mol dm−3, based on the inhibitory effect of hydrazine on the oxidation of Victoria Blue 4- R by KBrO3, was developed and validated. Kinetic parameters are reported for both the indicating and the inhibiting reaction. The detection limit was established as 9.98×10−8 mol dm−3. The selectivity of the proposed method was tested considering the influence of different ions that may be present in real samples. The method was successfully applied for hydrazine determination in various samples (very pure water from the water-steam system of a power plant and Isoniazid tablets, a pharmaceutical product).

The novel kinetic spectrophotometric method proposed was found to have satisfactory analytical characteristics as well as being widely applicable due to its simplicity and speed.
Differentiation between phenol- and amino-substances in voltammetry determination of synthetic antioxidants in oils
Authors: Chýlková Jaromíra , Šelešovská Renáta , Machalíková Jaroslava , Dušek Libor
Published: March 2010

The paper describes a method of voltammetric determination of antioxidants in lubricating oils developed with the use of Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) and Fast Scan Differential Pulse Voltammetry (FSDPV). Experimental conditions have been found for simultaneous determination of phenol-based antioxidants and amino-antioxidants: the phenols can be electrochemically oxidized using the polarisation of gold disc electrode (AuDE) in the potential range of 0–1400 mV in 0.2 M H2SO4 in the presence of ethanol and acetonitrile at the ratio of 3:1. Secondary aromatic amines can be determined directly in this supporting electrolyte; the presence of phenolic antioxidants does not interfere with this analysis. On the other hand, secondary aromatic amines interfere with the determination of phenolic substances; therefore, the amines present have to be eliminated in a suitable way. A procedure for masking the aromatic amines using their reaction with nitrous acid has been suggested and optimised. The nitrosamines thus formed can be used for sensitive and selective determination of amino-antioxidants by means of cathodic reduction on the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) using Fast Scan Differential Pulse Voltammetry. The method was applied in analysis of real samples of lubricating oils.
A biologically inspired approach to feasible gait learning for a hexapod robot
Authors: Belter Dominik , Skrzypczyński Piotr
Published: March 2010

A biologically inspired approach to feasible gait learning for a hexapod robot

The objective of this paper is to develop feasible gait patterns that could be used to control a real hexapod walking robot. These gaits should enable the fastest movement that is possible with the given robot's mechanics and drives on a flat terrain. Biological inspirations are commonly used in the design of walking robots and their control algorithms. However, legged robots differ significantly from their biological counterparts. Hence we believe that gait patterns should be learned using the robot or its simulation model rather than copied from insect behaviour. However, as we have foundtahula rasalearning ineffective in this case due to the large and complicated search space, we adopt a different strategy: in a series of simulations we show how a progressive reduction of the permissible search space for the leg movements leads to the evolution of effective gait patterns. This strategy enables the evolutionary algorithm to discover proper leg co-ordination rules for a hexapod robot, using only simple dependencies between the states of the legs and a simple fitness function. The dependencies used are inspired by typical insect behaviour, although we show that all the introduced rules emerge also naturally in the evolved gait patterns. Finally, the gaits evolved in simulations are shown to be effective in experiments on a real walking robot.
Positivity and stabilization of fractional 2D linear systems described by the Roesser model
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz , Rogowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2010

Positivity and stabilization of fractional 2D linear systems described by the Roesser model

A new class of fractional 2D linear discrete-time systems is introduced. The fractional difference definition is applied to each dimension of a 2D Roesser model. Solutions of these systems are derived using a 2DZ-transform. The classical Cayley-Hamilton theorem is extended to 2D fractional systems described by the Roesser model. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity and stabilization by the state-feedback of fractional 2D linear systems are established. A procedure for the computation of a gain matrix is proposed and illustrated by a numerical example.
Classification in the Gabor time-frequency domain of non-stationary signals embedded in heavy noise with unknown statistical distribution
Authors: Świercz Ewa
Published: March 2010

Classification in the Gabor time-frequency domain of non-stationary signals embedded in heavy noise with unknown statistical distribution

A new supervised classification algorithm of a heavily distorted pattern (shape) obtained from noisy observations of nonstationary signals is proposed in the paper. Based on the Gabor transform of 1-D non-stationary signals, 2-D shapes of signals are formulated and the classification formula is developed using the pattern matching idea, which is the simplest case of a pattern recognition task. In the pattern matching problem, where a set of known patterns creates predefined classes, classification relies on assigning the examined pattern to one of the classes. Classical formulation of a Bayes decision rule requiresa prioriknowledge about statistical features characterising each class, which are rarely known in practice. In the proposed algorithm, the necessity of the statistical approach is avoided, especially since the probability distribution of noise is unknown. In the algorithm, the concept of discriminant functions, represented by Frobenius inner products, is used. The classification rule relies on the choice of the class corresponding to themaxdiscriminant function. Computer simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new classification algorithm. It is shown that the proposed approach is able to correctly classify signals which are embedded in noise with a very low SNR ratio. One of the goals here is to develop a pattern recognition algorithm as the best possible way to automatically make decisions. All simulations have been performed in Matlab. The proposed algorithm can be applied to non-stationary frequency modulated signal classification and non-stationary signal recognition.
Anycasting in connection-oriented computer networks: Models, algorithms and results
Authors: Walkowiak Krzysztof
Published: March 2010

Anycasting in connection-oriented computer networks: Models, algorithms and results

Our discussion in this article centers around various issues related to the use of anycasting in connection-oriented computer networks. Anycast is defined as aone-to-one-of-manytransmission to deliver a packet to one of many hosts. Anycasting can be applied if the same content is replicated over many locations in the network. Examples of network techniques that apply anycasting are Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), Domain Name Service (DNS), Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems. The role of anycasting is growing concurrently with the popularity of electronic music, movies, and other content required by Internet users. In this work we focus on the optimization of anycast flows in connection-oriented networks. We formulate a model of anycast connections and next propose a heuristic algorithm based on the Lagrangean relaxation aimed to optimize jointly routes for anycast and unicast connections. Results of numerical experiments are presented and evaluated. Finally, we analyze briefly problems related to anycasting in dynamic routing and multi-layer networks.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Čerimagić Denis , Bilić Ervina
Published: March 2010

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compressive focal neuropathy of the median nerve (NM) at the wrist. We hypothesize that reverse Phalen’s test rather than the previously commonly proposed classic Phalen’s maneuver was a logical maneuver in the diagnosis of CTS from the anatomic, pathophysiological and electrophysiological viewpoint. Dorsal flexion of the hand results in an increase in the flexor retinaculum tension (RFT), extension of the finger long flexor muscle tendons and consequential NM entrapment between the tendons and flexor retinaculum (RF). Thus, the carpal tunnel (CT) volume is reduced, the intra-tunnel pressure is increased, while the RF to NM distance is decreased. On Phalen’s maneuver, the forced palmar hand flexion entails opposite consequences i.e. reduced RFT, relaxation of the finger long flexor muscle tendons, decreased pressure upon NM, slight increase in the CT volume, decreased intra-tunnel pressure and increased RF to NM distance. The hypothesis can be tested by a conductive NM study, preferably at three positions: mid-position (palmar/volar angle 180 degrees); forced dorsal flexion (palmar/volar angle about 270 degrees); and forced palmar (volar) flexion (palmar/volar angle about 90 degrees). Relative to mid-position, “deterioration” of electroneurography (ENG) finding is observed in dorsal flexion, whereas “improvement” of ENG finding is recorded in palmar flexion.
Cortical organization
Authors: Casanova Manuel
Published: March 2010

The organization of the cortex can be understood as a complex system comprised of interconnected modules called minicolumns. Comparative anatomical studies suggest that evolution has prompted a scale free world network of connectivity within the white matter while simultaneously increasing the complexity of minicolumnar composition. It is this author’s opinion that this complex system is poised to collapse under the weight of environmental exigencies. Some mental disorders may be the manifestations of this collapse.
Arousal from slices to humans
Authors: Kezunovic N. , Simon C. , Hyde J. , Smith K. , Beck P. , Odle A. , Garcia-Rill E.
Published: March 2010

Most psychiatric and neurological disorders exhibit sleep disorders, and in some cases presage the disease. Study of the control of sleep and waking has the potential for making a major impact on a number of disorders, making translational neuroscience research on this area critical. One element of the reticular activating system (RAS) is the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), which is the cholinergic arm of the RAS, and projects to the thalamus to trigger thalamocortical rhythms and to the brainstem to modulate muscle tone and locomotion. We developed a research program using brainstem slices containing the PPN to tell us about the cellular and molecular organization of this region. In addition, we developed the P13 midlatency auditory evoked potential, which is generated by PPN outputs, preparation in freely moving rats. This allows the study of PPN cellular and molecular mechanisms at the level of the whole animal. We also study the P50 midlatency auditory evoked potential, which is the human equivalent of the rodent P13 potential, allowing us to study processes detected in vitro, confirmed in the whole animal, and tested in humans. This translational research program led to the discovery of a novel mechanism of sleep-wake control, pointing the way to a number of new clinical applications in the development of novel stimulants and anesthetics.
Putative CSF protein biomarker candidates for amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Counts Scott , Mufson Elliott
Published: March 2010

The identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is essential for the timely administration of treatment approaches aimed at slowing the onset or progression of the disease. As amnestic forms of mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) may represent preclinical AD, the search for specific diagnostic biomarkers that characterize those with aMCI is a key research objective. Using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDITOF-MS), we screened the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Religious Orders Study participants with a clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), aMCI, or mild/moderate AD for potential biomarkers. CSF was fractionated on immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) protein arrays preloaded with either gallium (IMAC-Ga), which binds phosphoproteins, or copper (IMAC-Cu) to isolate copper-binding proteins. SELDI TOF-MS analysis of the IMAC-Ga arrays revealed a phosphopeptide of 2490 Da that was selectively increased ∼2-fold in aMCI and AD CSF compared to NCI. SELDI TOF-MS analysis of the IMAC-Cu arrays identified 2 proteins of 11.7 and 13.3 kDa that were both selectively increased ∼1.5–1.6-fold in aMCI and AD CSF. Increasing levels of each protein were associated with poorer performance on the Mini Mental State Exam and higher Braak stage. Hence, increased CSF levels of these proteins may be potential biomarkers for preclinical AD and aid in the development of a CSF biomarker panel with high predictive value for identifying people who would most benefit from early therapeutic interventions to modify disease progression.
CSF tau proteins in differential diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Boban Marina , Šarac Helena , Mimica Ninoslav , Mladinov Mihovil , Süßmair Christine , Ackl Nibal , Bader Benedikt , Huzak Miljenko , Danek Adrian , Hof Patrick , Šimić Goran
Published: March 2010

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) represent an important differential diagnostic problem in clinical practice. The identification for new biomarkers that would help establishing the diagnosis and primary cause of the dementia is therefore highly relevant. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of three potential CSF biomarkers, total tau protein (t-tau), tau protein phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181), and tau protein phosphorylated at serine 199 (p-tau199) in the differential diagnosis of AD and FTLD patients in relatively young age groups. The concentrations of the three CSF biomarkers were measured in 25 FTLD patients, 27 AD patients, and 25 non-demented (ND) subjects. The CSF concentrations of all three markers were significantly higher in AD than in FTLD cases (p < 0.001) or ND controls (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in FTLD compared to the ND group, except for p-tau181 (p = 0.028). When sensitivity was set at 85% or higher, specificity in differentiation between FTLD and AD patients reached 40% for t-tau, 37.5% for p-tau181 and 56% for p-tau199. Improvement of the diagnostic accuracy upon logistic regression analysis with t-tau and p-tau199 as independent variables showed that 22 out of 25 FTLD patients could be correctly classified. In conclusion, none of the markers per se fulfilled the criteria for the „ideal“ marker (sensitivity and specificity higher than 85%). However, combination of t-tau and p-tau199 classified correctly 88% of FTLD patients, thus largely satisfying practical requirements.
JOSPT Honors Authors for Research and Clinical Inquiry Papers at CSM 2010
Authors: Simoneau Guy G.
Published: March 2010

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, California in February 2010, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the sixth time the most outstanding research article and clinical practice article published in the JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is presented to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George G. Davies - James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is given to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients for the past year.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(4):195‱196. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0104
Knee Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Knee Ligament Sprain
Authors: Logerstedt David S. , Snyder-Mackler Lynn , Ritter Richard C. , Axe Michael J. , Godges Joseph J.
Published: March 2010

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association presents this fourth set of clinical practice guidelines on knee ligament sprain, linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these practice guidelines is to describe evidence-based orthopaedic physical therapy clinical practice and provide recommendations for (1) examination and diagnostic classification based on body functions and body structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, (2) interventions provided by physical therapists, (3) and assessment of outcome for common musculoskeletal disorders.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(4):A1–A37. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0303
Nanostructured surface fabricated by laser interference lithography to attenuate the reflectivity of microlens arrays
Authors: Baroni P.-Y. , Päivänranta B. , Scharf T. , Nakagawa W. , Roussey M. , Kuittinen M. , Herzig H. P.
Published: March 2010

A subwavelength-scale square lattice optical nanostructure is fabricated using an interference photolithography process on the surface of a quartz microlens array. This nanostructuring of the quartz surface introduces an antireflective effect, reducing reflectivity between 10% and 30% and enhancing the transmissivity 3% in the visible spectrum. This approach permits fast fabrication on a 4-inch wafer covered with microlenses (non-flat surface) and produces monolithic devices which are robust to adverse environments such as temperature variations.
Modeling of high-index coating lensed fibers for silicon nanophotonic device coupling
Authors: Song Jeong Hwan , Lee Ko-Hsin , Peters Frank H.
Published: March 2010

Two types of high-index coated lensed fibers are numerically investigated for optical coupling from Si-based nanowire waveguides to the lensed fibers. One is with a layer of high-index film coated on tip of conventional lensed single-mode fiber (SMF) and the other is with an additional coreless fiber section inserted in between. The simulation results show that, for nanowires with mode size diameters ranging from 0.6 µm to 1.3 µm, the coupling efficiency as high as 80% can be obtained with the former type of fiber when the radius of curvature is around 10 µm and coated with a 5–10 µm thick high-index film. As for the latter design of fiber, an improved working distance is calculated to be as long as 36.8 µm by inserting a coreless fiber section. Both high-index coating lensed SMF designs show potential application for coupling with Si-based nanophotonics.
Incoherent interaction of nematicons in bias-free liquid-crystal cells
Authors: Izdebskaya Yana , Shvedov Vlad , Desyatnikov Anton , Krolikowski Wieslaw , Assanto Gaetano , Kivshar Yuri
Published: March 2010

We study experimentally the propagation dynamics and interaction of a pair of mutually incoherent nematicons: spatial optical solitons in nematic liquid crystals. In contrast to earlier studies, we consider a bias-free liquid-crystal cell and compare the soliton interaction in copropagating and counterpropagating geometries. We analyze the dependence of nematicon interaction on input power and observe a direct manifestation of a long-range nonlocal nonlinearity. Attraction of counterpropagating solitons requires higher powers and longer relaxation times than that of copropagating nematicons due to losses-induced power asymmetry of counterpropagating nematicons.
Coupled-resonator optical waveguides: Q-factor influence on slow-light propagation and the maximal group delay
Authors: Raza Søren , Grgić Jure , Pedersen Jesper Goor , Xiao Sanshui , Mortensen Niels Asger
Published: March 2010

Coupled-resonator optical waveguides hold potential for slow-light propagation of optical pulses. The dispersion properties may adequately be analyzed within the framework of coupled-mode theory. We extend the standard coupled-mode theory for such structures to also include complex-valued parameters which allows us to analyze the dispersion properties also in presence of finite Q factors for the coupled resonator states. Near the band-edge the group velocity saturates at a finite value υg/c∝1/Q while in the band center, the group velocity is unaffected by a finite Q factor as compared to ideal resonators without any damping. However, the maximal group delay that can be envisioned is a balance between having a low group velocity while not jeopardizing the propagation length. We find that the maximal group delay remains roughly constant over the entire bandwidth, being given by the photon life time τp = Q/Ω of the individual resonators.
On the unambiguous determination of effective optical properties of periodic metamaterials: a one-dimensional case study
Authors: Mortensen Niels Asger , Yan Min , Sigmund Ole , Breinbjerg Olav
Published: March 2010

We show how branch ambiguities in the extraction of effective parameters is arising as a direct consequence of the underlying Bloch state physics. The mutual importance of the different branches in general depends on the experimental context, and we show how the Fourier spectrum of the field inside the metamaterial can be used to access this. Different numerical examples illustrate how a predominant branch may be identified for λ ≫ a while at higher frequency the power may be distributed over more branches. This is in particular true near bandedges and strong resonances. Extensions to two- and three-dimensional metamaterial designs are discussed.
The Joy of Counting
Authors: Hartley James
Published: March 2010

This essay illustrates the value of simply counting data when doing research—with six examples taken from the author's own publications on academic writing. These examples show not only how simply counting can clarify an issue about which there is debate but also point to trends and the unexpected in scholarly publishing.
Making International Journals Truly International
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: March 2010

Let academics in developing countries shine in the international publishing community. A suggestion that they should target their own local journals would mean that their best research would reach only a limited audience, that they would probably be poorly regarded by promotion committees, that they would be unfavourably appraised by international grant-awarding agencies, and, in all probability, that publication would follow only after an inordinately long wait.
Recognition of Pulmonary Nodules in Thoracic CT Scans Using 3-D Deformable Object Models of Different Classes
Authors: Takizawa Hotaka , Yamamoto Shinji , Shiina Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2010

The present paper describes a novel recognition method of pulmonary nodules (i.e., cancer candidates) in thoracic computed tomography scans by use of three-dimensional spherical and cylindrical models that represent nodules and blood vessels, respectively. The anatomical validity of these object models and their fidelity to computed tomography scans are evaluated based on the Bayes theorem. The nodule recognition is employed by the maximum a posteriori estimation. The proposed method is applied to 26 actual computed tomography scans, and experimental results are shown.
The Antithesis of Entropy: Biosemiotic Communication from Genetics to Human Language with Special Emphasis on the Immune Systems
Authors: Oller John W.
Published: March 2010

Entropy can be defined as the antithesis of well-formed true reports that agree with each other and with the material facts accessible through the experience of one or more competent observers. The abstract convergence (strictly formal, logical agreement) of true narrative representations (TNRs)—ordinary valid reports of facts of experience—makes them formally more complete than fictions, errors, lies, and nonsense. A limit of absolute entropy is theoretically reached if all resemblance to a TNR is lost. As argued here, TNRs—formally defined along the lines of Peirce's exact logic—provide the necessary foundation for functional human languages and for biosemiotic systems. The theoretical concepts of pragmatic mapping—the fitting of a TNR to whatever facts it represents—and the constructive cycle of abstraction that enables a child to discover the systems underlying such mappings are introduced and illustrated from child development and then shown to apply to the human neuroarchitecture, genetics, fetal development, and our immune systems. It is also argued that biological disorders and disease conditions logically must involve corrupted (damaged, undeveloped, or otherwise incomplete) representations at one or many levels.
Dynamic Rheological Studies of Poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) and Carbon Nanotube Blends in Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Cao Yutong , Liu Zhaofeng , Gao Xianghua , Yu Junrong , Hu Zuming , Liang Ziqi
Published: March 2010

We have studied the dynamic scanning of liquid-crystalline(LC) poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) sulfuric acid (PPTA-H2SO4) solution, and its blend with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by using a flat plate rotational rheometer. The effects of weight concentration and molecular weight of PPTA, as well as operating temperature, on dynamic viscoelasticity of the PPTA-H2SO4 LCsolution system are discussed. The transition from a biphasic system to a single-phase LC occurs in the weight concentration range of SWNTs from 0.1% to 0.2%, in which complex viscosity reaches the maximum at 0.2 wt% and the minimum at 0.1 wt%, respectively, of SWNTs. With increasing SWNT weight concentration, the endothermic peak temperature increases from 73.6 to 79.9 °C. The PPTA/SWNT/H2SO4 solution is in its plateau zone and storage modulus (G´) is a dominant factor within the frequency (ω) range of 0.1–10 rad/s. As w increases, the G´ rises slightly, in direct proportion to the w. The loss modulus (G´´) does not rise as a function of ω when ω < 1 s−1, then when ω > 1 s−1 G´´ increases faster than G´, yet not in any proportion to the ω.
Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on Carbohydrate Metabolism
Authors: Hanhineva Kati , Törrönen Riitta , Bondia-Pons Isabel , Pekkinen Jenna , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Mykkänen Hannu , Poutanen Kaisa
Published: March 2010

Polyphenols, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins and resveratrol, are a large and heterogeneous group of phytochemicals in plant-based foods, such as tea, coffee, wine, cocoa, cereal grains, soy, fruits and berries. Growing evidence indicates that various dietary polyphenols may influence carbohydrate metabolism at many levels. In animal models and a limited number of human studies carried out so far, polyphenols and foods or beverages rich in polyphenols have attenuated postprandial glycemic responses and fasting hyperglycemia, and improved acute insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. The possible mechanisms include inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption in the intestine, stimulation of insulin secretion from the pancreatic b-cells, modulation of glucose release from the liver, activation of insulin receptors and glucose uptake in the insulin-sensitive tissues, and modulation of intracellular signalling pathways and gene expression. The positive effects of polyphenols on glucose homeostasis observed in a large number of in vitro and animal models are supported by epidemiological evidence on polyphenol-rich diets. To confirm the implications of polyphenol consumption for prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and eventually type 2 diabetes, human trials with well-defined diets, controlled study designs and clinically relevant end-points together with holistic approaches e.g., systems biology profiling technologies are needed.
Escherichia coli mar and acrAB Mutants Display No Tolerance to Simple Alcohols
Authors: Ankarloo Jonas , Wikman Susanne , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: March 2010

The inducible Mar phenotype of Escherichia coli is associated with increased tolerance to multiple hydrophobic antibiotics as well as some highly hydrophobic organic solvents such as cyclohexane, mediated mainly through the AcrAB/TolC efflux system. The influence of water miscible alcohols ethanol and 1-propanol on a Mar constitutive mutant and a mar deletion mutant of E. coli K-12, as well as the corresponding strains carrying the additional acrAB deletion, was investigated. In contrast to hydrophobic solvents, all strains were killed in exponential phase by 1-propanol and ethanol at rates comparable to the parent strain. Thus, the Mar phenotype does not protect E. coli from killing by these more polar solvents. Surprisingly, AcrAB does not contribute to an increased alcohol tolerance. In addition, sodium salicylate, at concentrations known to induce the mar operon, was unable to increase 1-propanol or ethanol tolerance. Rather, the toxicity of both solvents was increased in the presence of sodium salicylate. Collectively, the results imply that the resilience of E. coli to water miscible alcohols, in contrast to more hydrophobic solvents, does not depend upon the AcrAB/TolC efflux system, and suggests a lower limit for substrate molecular size and functionality. Implications for the application of microbiological systems in environments containing high contents of water miscible organic solvents, e.g.,phage display screening, are discussed.
In Vivo Study of the Effects of Peptide-Conjugated Near-Infrared Fluorescent Quantum Dots on the Tumorigenic and Lymphatic Metastatic Capacities of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line Tca8113 and U14
Authors: Li Zhi-Gang , Yang Kai , Cao Yu-An , Zheng Gang , Sun De-Ping , Zhao Cheng , Yang Jia
Published: March 2010

Quantum dots (QDs) have great potential in non-invasive monitoring and imaging of tumor cells in vivo, but it is unknown if QDs affect their tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here, we applied peptide-conjugated near-infrared fluorescent QDs (NIRF-QDs) to label the squamous cell carcinoma cells Tca8113 and U14. We tested the proliferation and apoptotic capacities of both cells, and the capacity of cervical lymph node metastasis after tumorigenesis in U14 cells’. We find that QDs do not affect the tumor cells’ capacities to grow, proliferate, and metastasize. Our study provides critical data to support the application of NIRF-QDs in non-invasive monitoring and imaging of tumor cells in vivo.
Differential Proteomics Identification of HSP90 as Potential Serum Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Two-dimensional Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sun Yiyi , Zang Zhihe , Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Zhonglin , Zhong Ling , Zan Wang , Zhao Yan , Sun Lin
Published: March 2010

The aim of the current study is to identify the potential biomarkers involved in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis. A comparative proteomics approach was utilized to identify the differentially expressed proteins in the serum of 10 HCC patients and 10 controls. A total of 12 significantly altered proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Of the 12 proteins identified, HSP90 was one of the most significantly altered proteins and its over-expression in the serum of 20 HCC patients was confirmed using ELISA analysis. The observations suggest that HSP90 might be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring in the therapy of HCC. This work demonstrates that a comprehensive strategy of proteomic identification combined with further validation should be adopted in the field of cancer biomarker discovery.
Layer-Inversion Zones in Angular Distributions of Luminescence and Absorption Properties in Biaxial Crystals
Authors: Petit Yannick , Segonds Patricia , Joly Simon , Boulanger Benoît
Published: March 2010

We numerically depict the complete angular distributions of luminescence and absorption properties in biaxial media, by calculating the imaginary part of the optical index for all directions of propagation. Our simulations show a double-layer surface with specific topology and symmetry properties that greatly differ from those of the refractive index surface. Our calculations show that the two layers intersect and inverse themselves along continuous loci related to polarization-independent luminescence or absorption properties. Specificities related to the orthorhombic, monoclinic and triclinic biaxial crystal systems are discussed. Such theoretical developments should be considered to fully exploit innovating luminescent materials.