bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional population structuring and conservation units in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
Authors: Kolomyjec Stephen H. , Grant Tom R. , Johnson Christopher N. , Blair David
Published: November 2013

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has a wide distribution in Australia, encompassing the southern island of Tasmania and a broad latitudinal range of the mainland from the temperate south to the tropical north. We used 12 microsatellite markers from 235 individuals sampled from 13 river systems to examine patterns of genetic differentiation and gene flow throughout the species’ range. Using a Bayesian approach we identified three large-scale groupings that correspond closely to geographically distinct regions of the species’ distribution: the tropical northern mainland, the subtropical and temperate southern mainland, and Tasmania. Six additional clusters were found within the regional groups, three in the northern, two in the southern mainland regions, and the last in Tasmania. These clusters coincided with major river drainages. Genetic differentiation was generally high, with pairwise Fst values ranging from 0.065 to 0.368 for regions and 0.037 to 0.479 for clusters. We found no evidence of contemporary gene flow among the three clusters in the north, but some migration may occur between the larger clusters in the south. Due to the high genetic structuring and lack of gene flow between these three regional populations of the platypus we recommend their treatment as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within the platypus species. We have also detailed several smaller management units (MUs) existing within our study area based on subregional clusters and geographically significant features.
Middle managers and major gifts: fundraising for academic librarians
Authors: Doan Tomalee , Morris Sammie L.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share successful strategies to enable mid‐level management academic librarians and archivists to raise major gifts from individual donors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper demonstrates the growing need for fundraising in university libraries and shows how participating in fundraising activities is an increasing expectation of librarians. Case studies are provided of successful fundraising by librarians and archivists, including their work with donors and collaboration with development professionals. The paper concludes with suggestions for maintaining donor relations.

Findings

Fundraising is increasing rapidly as an expected activity of librarians but is a slowly growing part of their education. More literature is also needed on the topic. Successful fundraising is dependent on clear definition of fundraising goals, effective communicational and other interpersonal skills, continuing donor follow up and regular collaboration with development staff.

Originality/value

Librarians and archivists can apply to their own fundraising needs the experiences narrated in the case studies of two successful major fundraising efforts, utilizing a team‐based approach to raising major gifts from individual donors.
Sustainable development and sustainability as quasi‐objects of study in management
Authors: Balbinot Zandra , Borim‐De‐Souza Rafael
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose styles of reasoning for the characterization of sustainable development and sustainability as quasi‐objects of study for management.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposition occurs in three primary dimensions: the first deals with ontological postures, the second with epistemological perspectives, and the third with supplementary conceptualizations (dominant paradigms, the meanings of sustainable development and sustainability, and the approaches to classifying sustainability).

Findings

After the theoretical‐analytical discussion the authors present a framework that classifies different possibilities for framing sustainable development and sustainability as interesting research themes for management studies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers that discussions about sustainable development and sustainability as concerns management studies need a deeper conceptual and theoretical scrutiny. This deficiency is expressed in the difficulty in identifying ontological postures, epistemological perspectives, dominant paradigms, and conceptual approaches that might allow these themes to have a greater coherence so that they may be researched within the scope of management studies.

Originality/value

Sustainable development and sustainability are discussed using various analytical perspectives, a consequence of the fact that these phenomena are understood and discussed by various social collectives, which contributes to an interpretive and conceptual oscillation of these themes for management. The relationship between sustainable development, sustainability, and social factions justifies their characterization as quasi‐objects of study for management. Via this characterization the authors intend to create a space for discussion aimed at presenting statements that are candidates for truth, but not as absolute or unquestionable truths.
Unrealistic optimism: what it is and how to deal with it
Authors: Coelho Marta
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Unrealistic optimism is a well‐documented psychological phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the meaning of being “unrealistically optimistic”. This bias has important implications in many economic and managerial contexts and the authors present evidence of it. Although the policy and welfare implications of such a widespread phenomenon are vast, they have been largely neglected by policy makers. The authors propose conservative paternalistic measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical review of existing literature on Unrealistic Optimism. Analyses of some relevant variables of the mortgage and corporate credit markets in Portugal and Spain.

Findings

The authors point to evidence and argue that Unrealistic Optimism may well have been at play in the recent behaviour of mortgage and corporate credit markets in Portugal and Spain.

Practical implications

Because ignoring such biases may simply lead borrowers and financial institutions down a real road to ruin, it is important to discuss paternalistic policies that may mitigate them. The paper therefore presents a conservative approach to paternalistic measures that policy makers should consider adopting.

Originality/value

The paper shows the link between irrational behaviour and mortgage and corporate credit markets in Portugal and Spain and suggests paternalistic policies that should be encouraged.
3D MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF GATE-ALL-AROUND GERMANIUM nMOSFET WITH EFFECTIVE POTENTIAL QUANTUM CORRECTION
Authors: ZHU SHUFANG , WEI KANGLIANG , DU GANG , LIU XIAOYAN
Published: November 2013

Gate-All-Around (GAA) MOSFETs have been investigated as promising new device structures, and Germanium is used for its high carrier mobility. In this paper, a 3D parallel Monte Carlo simulation of GAA Ge nanowire nMOSFET with effective potential method is implemented. Compared the simulation results with classical results, we can see that the quantum effects affect on the distribution of density, velocity and energy, and they make a decrease on the drain current as well.
Modeling Complex Systems with Particles Refuge by Thermostatted Kinetic Theory Methods
Authors: Bianca Carlo
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with the mathematical modeling of complex systems characterized by particles refuge. Specifically the paper focuses on the derivation and moments analysis of thermostatted kinetic frameworks with conservative and nonconservative interactions for closed and open complex systems at nonequilibrium. Applications and future research perspectives are discussed in the last section of the paper.
Metronome-Cued Stepping in Place after Hemiparetic Stroke: Comparison of a One- and Two-Tone Beat
Authors: Wright Rachel L. , Masood Afia , MacCormac Elinor S. , Pratt David , Sackley Catherine M. , Wing Alan M.
Published: November 2013

Hemiparetic gait is characterised by temporal asymmetry and variability, and these variables are improved by auditory cueing. Stepping in place incorporates aspects of gait and may be a useful tool for locomotor training. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the use of a single-tone and dual-tone metronome to cue stepping in place after hemiparetic stroke. Eight participants completed an uncued baseline stepping condition and two cued stepping conditions utilising a single-tone and a dual-tone metronome. Step times were determined from force plate data, and asymmetry and variability were calculated for the three conditions. Step time asymmetry was significantly reduced in the single-tone condition compared to baseline, and paretic step time variability was significantly reduced in both cued conditions. The single-tone metronome appeared to be preferred to the dual-tone metronome based on participant feedback. The results of this pilot study suggest that metronome cueing produces similar benefits on stepping in place to previously reported findings in walking. Further research on whether stepping in place to a metronome can be used for locomotor training is needed.
Ovarian Stimulation Affects the Population of Mouse Uterine NK Cells at Early Pregnancy
Authors: Dorfeshan Parvin , Salehnia Mojdeh , Moazzeni Seyed Mohammad
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of ovarian stimulation on endometrial mouse NK cell population. For superovulation, the female adult NMRI mice were injected i.p. with 10 IU of the pregnant mare serum gonadotropin followed 48 h later by an i.p. injection of 10 IU human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. Ovarian stimulated and nonstimulated mice were mated with fertile male. The presence of vaginal plug proved natural pregnancy, and this day was considered as day one of pregnancy. Tissue samples were prepared from the uterine horn and spleen of both groups of study on 7th day of pregnancy. Serum estradiol-17βand progesterone were measured at the same time. The tissue cryosections were prepared and double stained for CD 161 and CD3 markers, and NK cells population was analyzed. Relative frequency of NK cells was significantly lower in stroma and myometrium in hyperstimulated mice compared with the control group. However, no difference was seen in percentage of NK cells in spleen. The ovarian stimulation influences the proportion of uterine NK cells and may affect the embryo implantation.
A Spaceborne Wide-Area Surveillance Mode and Its Application in Maritime Monitoring
Authors: Zheng Shi-Chao , Song Hong-Jun , Wang Robert , Luo Yun-Hua , Wu Kun
Published: November 2013

The spaceborne wide-area surveillance mode, achieved by a modified TOPSAR mode, is proposed for maritime monitoring. In the proposed mode, the requirements of detecting targets from different aspect angles with a high revisit rate can be satisfied by modifying the TOPSAR mode which steers antenna in the azimuth direction. The feasibility as well as its application in maritime monitoring are validated by theoretical analysis and simulation experiments.
Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy for FTD/ALS Caused by theC9orf72Repeat Expansion: A Perspective
Authors: Fernandes Stephanie A. , Douglas Andrew G. L. , Varela Miguel A. , Wood Matthew J. A. , Aoki Yoshitsugu
Published: November 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and lethal disease of motor neuron degeneration, leading to paralysis of voluntary muscles and death by respiratory failure within five years of onset. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is characterised by degeneration of frontal and temporal lobes, leading to changes in personality, behaviour, and language, culminating in death within 5–10 years. Both of these diseases form a clinical, pathological, and genetic continuum of diseases, and this link has become clearer recently with the discovery of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in theC9orf72gene that causes the FTD/ALS spectrum, that is, c9FTD/ALS. Two basic mechanisms have been proposed as being potentially responsible for c9FTD/ALS: loss-of-function of the protein encoded by this gene (associated with aberrant DNA methylation) and gain of function through the formation of RNAfocior protein aggregates. These diseases currently lack any cure or effective treatment. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are modified nucleic acids that are able to silence targeted mRNAs or perform splice modulation, and the fact that they have proved efficient in repeat expansion diseases including myotonic dystrophy type 1 makes them ideal candidates for c9FTD/ALS therapy. Here, we discuss potential mechanisms and challenges for developing oligonucleotide-based therapy for c9FTD/ALS.
Steering Parameters for Rock Grouting
Authors: Gustafson Gunnar , Claesson Johan , Fransson Åsa
Published: November 2013

In Swedish tunnel grouting practice normally a fan of boreholes is drilled ahead of the tunnel front where cement grout is injected in order to create a low permeability zone around the tunnel. Demands on tunnel tightness have increased substantially in Sweden, and this has led to a drastic increase of grouting costs. Based on the flow equations for a Bingham fluid, the penetration of grout as a function of grouting time is calculated. This shows that the time scale of grouting in a borehole is only determined by grouting overpressure and the rheological properties of the grout, thus parameters that the grouter can choose. Pressure, grout properties, and the fracture aperture determine the maximum penetration of the grout. The smallest fracture aperture that requires to be sealed thus also governs the effective borehole distance. Based on the identified parameters that define the grouting time-scale and grout penetration, an effective design of grouting operations can be set up. The solution for time as a function of penetration depth is obtained in a closed form for parallel and pipe flow. The new, more intricate, solution for the radial case is presented.
A Multigene Approach for Comparing Genealogy of Betacoronavirus from Cattle and Horses
Authors: Barros Iracema N. , Silva Sheila O. S. , Nogueira Neto Francisco S. , Asano Karen M. , Souza Sibele P. , Richtzenhain Leonardo J. , Brandao Paulo E.
Published: November 2013

Gastroenteritis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among young and newborn animals and is often caused by multiple intestinal infections, with rotavirus and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) being the main viral causes in cattle. Given that BCoV is better studied than equine coronaviruses and given the possibility of interspecies transmission of these viruses, this research was designed to compare the partial sequences of the spike glycoprotein (S), hemagglutinin‐esterase protein (HE), and nucleoprotein (N) genes from coronaviruses from adult cattle with winter dysentery, calves with neonatal diarrhea, and horses. To achieve this, eleven fecal samples from dairy cows with winter dysentery, three from calves, and two from horses, all from Brazil, were analysed. It could be concluded that the enteric BCoV genealogy from newborn and adult cattle is directly associated with geographic distribution patterns, when S and HE genes are taken into account. A less‐resolved genealogy exists for the HE and N genes in cattle, with a trend for an age‐related segregation pattern. The coronavirus strains from horses revealed Betacoronavirus sequences indistinguishable from those found in cattle, a fact previously unknown.
Sunflower Methyl Ester as an Engine Fuel: Performance Evaluation and Emissions Analysis
Authors: Santos Bjorn S. , Capareda Sergio C. , Capunitan Jewel A.
Published: November 2013

Biodiesel from sunflower oil offers a potential as an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel and must be evaluated in terms of the resulting engine performance and exhaust emissions. Two diesel engines rated at 14.2 kW (small) and 60 kW (large) were operated on pure sunflower methyl ester (SFME) and its blends with a reference diesel (REFDIESEL). Results showed that less power and torque were delivered by both the small and large engines when ran on pure SFME than on REFDIESEL, while brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) was found to be higher in pure SFME. Blends of SFME with REFDIESEL (B5 and B20) showed negligible power loss and similar BSFC with the REFDIESEL. Higher concentrations of nitrogen oxides (), carbon dioxide (CO2), and total hydrocarbons (THC) in the exhaust emissions were observed for both pure SFME and SFME-REFDIESEL fuel blends. Comparison with soybean methyl ester indicates similar engine performance. Thus, blends of SFME with diesel may be used as a supplemental fuel for steady-state nonroad diesel engines to take advantage of the lubricity of biodiesel as well as contributing to the goal of lowering the dependence to petroleum diesel.
A Biomechanical Research of Growth Control of Spine by Shape Memory Alloy Staples
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yonggang , Zheng Guoquan , Zhang Ruyi , Wang Yan
Published: November 2013

Shape memory alloy (SMA) staples in nickel titanium with shape memory effect are effective for spinal growth control. This study was designed to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the staples and observe the stability of the fixed segments spine after the staples were implanted. According to the vertical distance of the vertebrae, SMA staples of 5, 6.5, and 8 mm were designed. The recovery stress of 24 SMA staples in three groups was measured. The pullout strength of SMA staples and stainless steel staples in each functional spinal unit was measured. Each of the six fresh specimens was divided into three conditions: normal, single staple, and double staples. Under each condition, the angle and torque of spinal movements in six directions were tested. Results show that the differences in recovery stress and maximum pullout strength between groups were statistically significant. In left and right bending, flextion, and extention, the stability of spine was decreased in conditions of single staple and double staples. Biomechanical function of SMA staples was superior to stainless steel staple. SMA staples have the function of hemiepiphyseal compression and kyphosis and scoliosis model of thoracic vertebrae in goat could be successfully created by the fusionless technique.
Solitary Wave Solutions of the Boussinesq Equation and Its Improved Form
Authors: Abazari Reza , Kılıçman Adem
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the general case study of previous works on generalized Boussinesq equations, (Abazari, 2011) and (Kılıcman and Abazari, 2012), that focuses on the application ofG′/G-expansion method with the aid of Maple to construct more general exact solutions for the coupled Boussinesq equations. In this work, the mentioned method is applied to construct more general exact solutions of Boussinesq equation and improved Boussinesq equation, which the French scientistJoseph Valentin Boussinesq(1842–1929) described in the 1870s model equations for the propagation of long waves on the surface of water with small amplitude. Our work is motivated by the fact that theG′/G-expansion method provides not only more general forms of solutions but also periodic, solitary waves and rational solutions. The method appears to be easier and faster by means of a symbolic computation.
Mathematical Model and Solution for Fingering Phenomenon in Double Phase Flow through Homogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Mistry Piyush R. , Pradhan Vikas H. , Desai Khyati R.
Published: November 2013

The present paper analytically discusses the phenomenon of fingering in double phase flow through homogenous porous media by using variational iteration method. Fingering phenomenon is a physical phenomenon which occurs when a fluid contained in a porous medium is displaced by another of lesser viscosity which frequently occurred in problems of petroleum technology. In the current investigation a mathematical model is presented for the fingering phenomenon under certain simplified assumptions. An approximate analytical solution of the governing nonlinear partial differential equation is obtained using variational iteration method with the use of Mathematica software.
A Revisit to the Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum in Aqueous Alkaline Solutions by Water-Soluble Alginates and Pectates as Anionic Polyelectrolyte Inhibitors
Authors: Hassan Refat , Zaafarany Ishaq , Gobouri Adil , Takagi Hideo
Published: November 2013

The corrosion behavior of aluminum (Al) in alkaline media in presence of some natural polymer inhibitors has been reinvestigated. The inhibition action of the tested inhibitors was found to obey both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing the inhibitors concentration and decrease with increasing the temperature, suggesting physical adsorption mechanism. Factors such as the concentration and geometrical structure of the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and temperature affecting the corrosion rates were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated, and a suitable corrosion mechanism consistent with the kinetic results obtained is suggested and discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-chondroitin Sulphate Hydrogel as Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Nanda Shivani , Sood Nikhil , Reddy B. V. K. , Markandeywar Tanmay S.
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to develop PVA-CS hydrogel scaffolds using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent by chemical cross-linking method in order to obtain biomimetic scaffolds for articular cartilage regeneration. The introduction of PVA enhances the mechanical and bioadhesive properties to the native tissue while chondroitin sulphate enhances the glycosaminoglycan content of extracellular matrix. The role of hydrogel as cartilage regeneration scaffold was evaluated by swelling study, porosity, rheological behaviour,in vitrodegradation, and quantification of released chondroitin sulphate.In vivoresults showed that cross-linked hydrogels repaired defects with no sign of inflammation as it was well anchored to tissue in the formation of new articular surface. It may be concluded that the addition of chondroitin sulphate to the PVA polymer develops a novel composite with significant applications in cartilage tissue engineering.
Discrete Current Control Strategy of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Dong Yan , Jing Kai , Sun Hexu , Zheng Yi
Published: November 2013

A control strategy of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), which is different from the traditional vector control (VC) and direct torque control (DTC), is proposed. Firstly, the circular rotating magnetic field is analyzed on the simplified model and discredited into stepping magnetic field. The stepping magnetomotive force will drive the rotor to run as the stepping motor. Secondly, the stator current orientation is used to build the control model instead of rotor flux orientation. Then, the discrete current control strategy is set and adopted in positioning control. Three methods of the strategy are simulated in computer and tested on the experiment platform of PMSM. The control precision is also verified through the experiment.
Emerging Paradigms in Genomics‐Based Crop Improvement
Authors: Bohra Abhishek
Published: November 2013

Next generation sequencing platforms and high‐throughput genotyping assays have remarkably expedited the pace of development of genomic tools and resources for several crops. Complementing the technological developments, conceptual shifts have also been witnessed in designing experimental populations. Availability of second generation mapping populations encompassing multiple alleles, multiple traits, and extensive recombination events is radically changing the phenomenon of classical QTL mapping. Additionally, the rising molecular breeding approaches like marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS) that are able to harness several QTLs are of particular importance in obtaining a “designed” genotype carrying the most desirable combinations of favourable alleles. Furthermore, rapid generation of genome‐wide marker data coupled with easy access to precise and accurate phenotypic screens enable large‐scale exploitation of LD not only to discover novel QTLs via whole genome association scans but also to practise genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV)‐based selection of genotypes. Given refinements being experienced in analytical methods and software tools, the multiparent populations will be the resource of choice to undertake genome wide association studies (GWAS), multiparent MARS, and genomic selection (GS). With this, it is envisioned that these high‐throughput and high‐power molecular breeding methods would greatly assist in exploiting the enormous potential underlying breeding by design approach to facilitate accelerated crop improvement.
Use of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation after Stroke: Results from a Nationwide Registry
Authors: Jespersen Stine Funder , Christensen Louisa M. , Christensen Anders , Christensen Hanne
Published: November 2013

Background. The knowledge is still sparse about patient related factors, influencing oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC) rates, in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Aims. To assess the use of OAC in ischemic stroke patients diagnosed with AF and to identify patient related factors influencing the initiation of OAC. Methods. In the nationwide Danish Stroke Registry we identified 55,551 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke from 2003 to 2011. Frequency analysis was used to assess the use of OAC in patients with AF, and logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of OAC. Results. 17.1% () of ischemic stroke patients had AF. OAC prescription rates were increasing, and in 2011 46.6% were prescribed OAC, 42.5% had a contraindication, and 3.7% were not prescribed OAC without a stated contraindication. Younger age, less severe stroke, and male gender were positive predictors of OAC, while excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and institutionalization were negative predictors of OAC ( values < 0.05). Conclusions. Advanced age, severe stroke, female gender, institutionalization, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption were associated with lower OAC rates. Contraindications were generally present in patients not in therapy, and the assumed underuse of OAC may be overestimated.
Rosmarinic Acid and Its Methyl Ester as Antimicrobial Components of the Hydromethanolic Extract ofHyptis atrorubensPoit. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Abedini Amin , Roumy Vincent , Mahieux Séverine , Biabiany Murielle , Standaert-Vitse Annie , Rivière Céline , Sahpaz Sevser , Bailleul François , Neut Christel , Hennebelle Thierry
Published: November 2013

Primary biological examination of four extracts of the leaves and stems ofHyptis atrorubensPoit. (Lamiaceae), a plant species used as an antimicrobial agent in Guadeloupe, allowed us to select the hydromethanolic extract of the stems for further studies. It was tested against 46 microorganismsin vitro. It was active against 29 microorganisms. The best antibacterial activity was found against bacteria, mostly Gram-positive ones. Bioautography enabled the isolation and identification of four antibacterial compounds from this plant: rosmarinic acid, methyl rosmarinate, isoquercetin, and hyperoside. The MIC and MBC values of these compounds and their combinations were determined against eight pathogenic bacteria. The best inhibitory and bactericidal activity was found for methyl rosmarinate (0.3 mg/mL). Nevertheless, the bactericidal power of rosmarinic acid was much faster in the time kill study. Synergistic effects were found when combining the active compounds. Finally, the inhibitory effects of the compounds were evaluated on the bacterial growth phases at two different temperatures. Our study demonstrated for the first time antimicrobial activity ofHyptis atrorubenswith identification of the active compounds. It supports its traditional use in French West Indies. Although its active compounds need to be further evaluatedin vivo, this work emphasizes plants as potent sources of new antimicrobial agents when resistance to antibiotics increases dramatically.
Systemic Revealing Pharmacological Signalling Pathway Networks in the Hippocampus of Ischaemia-Reperfusion Mice Treated with Baicalin
Authors: Li Haixia , Zhang Yingying , Yu Yanan , Li Bing , Chen YinYing , Wu Hongli , Wang Jingtao , Li Jun , Xiong Xingjiang , He Qiongyong , Tian Jinzhou , Wang Zhong , Wang Jie
Published: November 2013

Background. Baicalin (BA) exhibits ill understood neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects in brain injury.Objective. To identify the differential network pathways associated with BA-related biological effects.Methods. MCAO-induced mice received BA 5 mg/Kg (BA group). Controls received vehicle only. Following ischaemia-reperfusion, ArrayTrack analysed the whole genome microarray of hippocampal genes, and MetaCore analysed differentially expressed genes.Results. Four reversing pathways were common to BA and controls, but only 6 were in the top 10 for BA. Three of the top 5 signalling pathways in controls were not observed in BA. BA treatment made absent 3 pathways of the top 5 signalling pathways from the top 5 in controls. There were 2 reversing pathways between controls and BA that showed altered gene expression. Controls had 6 networks associated with cerebral ischaemia. After BA treatment, 9 networks were associated with cerebral ischaemia. Enrichment analysis identified 10 significant biological processes in BA and controls. Of the 10 most significant molecular functions, 7 were common to BA and controls, and only 3 occurred in BA. BA and controls had 7 significant cellular components.Conclusions.This study showed that the clinical effectiveness of BA was based on the complementary effects of multiple pathways and networks.
Hybrid MAC Scheme for Vehicular Communications
Authors: Cho Woong
Published: November 2013

Vehicular communications have been creating new applications in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) areas by converging information and communication technology (ICT) with automobile and road industries. In this paper, we introduce hybrid MAC scheme for vehicular communications which enhances the performance of IEEE 802.11p based communication system. The proposed MAC scheme supports high throughput by combining carrier sensing multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) with TDMA. The benefits of proposed schemes are verified by simulations. In addition, we discuss some implementation issues including several application scenarios.
A Systems’ Biology Approach to Study MicroRNA-Mediated Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Lai Xin , Bhattacharya Animesh , Schmitz Ulf , Kunz Manfred , Vera Julio , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: November 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potent effectors in gene regulatory networks where aberrant miRNA expression can contribute to human diseases such as cancer. For a better understanding of the regulatory role of miRNAs in coordinating gene expression, we here present a systems biology approach combining data-driven modeling and model-driven experiments. Such an approach is characterized by an iterative process, including biological data acquisition and integration, network construction, mathematical modeling and experimental validation. To demonstrate the application of this approach, we adopt it to investigate mechanisms of collective repression on p21 by multiple miRNAs. We first construct a p21 regulatory network based on data from the literature and further expand it using algorithms that predict molecular interactions. Based on the network structure, a detailed mechanistic model is established and its parameter values are determined using data. Finally, the calibrated model is used to study the effect of different miRNA expression profiles and cooperative target regulation on p21 expression levels in different biological contexts.
Mathematical Modeling of the Propagation of Democratic Support of Extreme Ideologies in Spain: Causes, Effects, and Recommendations for Its Stop
Authors: De la Poza E. , Jódar L. , Pricop A.
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with the construction of a discrete population mathematical model for the short-term forecast until January 2016 of the electoral support of extreme ideology parties in Spain. Firstly, the nontrivial concept of extreme ideology is stated. Then, the electoral register is split in three subpopulations: supporters of extremist parties, abstentions/blank voters, and supporters of establishment parties. The model takes into account the following variables: economy measured throughout the Spanish unemployment rate; demography quantified in terms of birth and death rates and emigration; sociopolitical situation measured by the Spanish poverty indicator, trust on the Government labor indicator (GLI), and the indicator of political trust. By considering the dynamic subpopulations transits built throughout data obtained from public and private prestigious institutions and sociopolitical analysis, a system of difference equations models the electoral population behavior in Spain allowing us to compute the expected electoral support in the time horizon of January 2016. Sensitivity analysis versus uncertain parameters is performed in order to improve the reliability of the model results.
Mathematical Modeling of the HIV/Kaposi’s Sarcoma Coinfection Dynamics in Areas of High HIV Prevalence
Authors: Lungu E. , Massaro T. J. , Ndelwa E. , Ainea N. , Chibaya S. , Malunguza N. J.
Published: November 2013

We formulate a deterministic system of ordinary differential equations to quantify HAART treatment levels for patients co-infected with HIV and Kaposi's Sarcoma in a high HIV prevalence setting. A qualitative stability analysis of the equilibrium states is carried out and we find that the disease-free equilibrium is globally attracting whenever the reproductive numberℛk<1. A unique endemic equilibrium exists and is locally stable wheneverℛk>1. Therefore, reducingℛkto below unity should be the goal for disease eradication. Provision of HAART is shown to provide dual benefit of reducing HIV spread and the risk of acquiring another fatal disease for HIV/AIDS patients. By providing treatment to 10% of the HIV population, about 87% of the AIDS population acquire protection against coinfection with HIV and Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). Most sub-Sahara African countries already have programmes in place to screen HIV. Our recommendation is that these programmes should be expanded to include testing for HHV-8 and KS counseling.
Cysteine-10 on 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 1 Has Stabilizing Interactions in the Cofactor Binding Region and Renders Sensitivity to Sulfhydryl Modifying Chemicals
Authors: Nashev Lyubomir G. , Atanasov Atanas G. , Baker Michael E. , Odermatt Alex
Published: November 2013

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of estrone to the potent estrogen estradiol. 17β-HSD1 is highly expressed in breast and ovary tissues and represents a prognostic marker for the tumor progression and survival of patients with breast cancer and other estrogen-dependent tumors. Therefore, the enzyme is considered a promising drug target against estrogen-dependent cancers. For the development of novel inhibitors, an improved understanding of the structure-function relationships is essential. In the present study, we examined the role of a cysteine residue, Cys10, in the Rossmann-fold NADPH binding region, for 17β-HSD1 function and tested the sensitivity towards sulfhydryl modifying chemicals. 3D structure modeling revealed important interactions of Cys10with residues involved in the stabilization of amino acids of the NADPH binding pocket. Analysis of enzyme activity revealed that 17β-HSD1 was irreversibly inhibited by the sulfhydryl modifying agents N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and dithiocarbamates. Preincubation with increasing concentrations of NADPH protected 17β-HSD1 from inhibition by these chemicals. Cys10Ser mutant 17β-HSD1 was partially protected from inhibition by NEM and dithiocarbamates, emphasizing the importance of Cys10in the cofactor binding region. Substitution of Cys10with serine resulted in a decreased protein half-life, without significantly altering kinetic properties. Despite the fact that Cys10on 17β-HSD1 seems to have limited potential as a target for new enzyme inhibitors, the present study provides new insight into the structure-function relationships of this enzyme.
3D versus 2D Systematic Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: Higher Cancer Detection Rate in Clinical Practice
Authors: Peltier Alexandre , Aoun Fouad , El-Khoury Fouad , Hawaux Eric , Limani Ksenija , Narahari Krishna , Sirtaine Nicolas , van Velthoven Roland
Published: November 2013

Objectives. To compare prostate cancer detection rates of extended 2D versus 3D biopsies and to further assess the clinical impact of this method in day-to-day practice.Methods. We analyzed the data of a cohort of 220 consecutive patients with no prior history of prostate cancer who underwent an initial prostate biopsy in daily practice due to an abnormal PSA and/or DRE using, respectively, the classical 2D and the new 3D systems. All the biopsies were done by a single experienced operator using the same standardized protocol.Results. There was no significant difference in terms of age, total PSA, or prostate volume between the two groups. However, cancer detection rate was significantly higher using the 3D versus the 2D system, 50% versus 34% (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference while comparing the 2 groups in term of nonsignificant cancer detection.Conclusion. There is reasonable evidence demonstrating the superiority of the 3D-guided biopsies in detecting prostate cancers that would have been missed using the 2D extended protocol.
A New Design Method for Ultrawideband Microstrip-to-Suspended Stripline Transitions
Authors: Kim Young-Gon , Kim Kang Wook
Published: November 2013

A clear and efficient design method for ultra-wideband microstrip-to-suspended stripline transition, which is based on the analytical expressions of the whole transitional structure, is presented. The conformal mapping is applied to obtain the characteristic impedance of the transitional structure within 2.85% accuracy as compared with the EM-simulation results. The transition is designed to provide broadband impedance matching and smooth field conversion. The implemented transition performs less than 0.6 dB insertion loss per transition for frequencies up to 30 GHz.
Potential Immune Modularly Role of Glycine in Oral Gingival Inflammation
Authors: Schaumann Teresa , Kraus Dominik , Winter Jochen , Wolf Michael , Deschner James , Jäger Andreas
Published: November 2013

Gingival epithelial cells (GECs) represent a physical barrier against bacteria and are involved in the processes of innate immunity. Recently, an anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effect of the amino acid glycine has been demonstrated. However, there is only little information about the immune-modulatory effects of glycine in oral tissues. This study aimed to investigate the existence and role of the glycine receptor in gingival tissue analyzing tissues/cells from extracted human molars via immunohistochemical analysis.In vitro, GECs were challenged by inflammatory conditions with IL-1βalone or in combination with glycine and analyzed for cytokine expression of IL6/IL8 via real-time PCR. On protein level, the effect of nuclear translocalization of NFκB protein p65 was analyzed using immunofluorescence analysis. A distinct proof of the GlyR in oral gingival tissue and keratinocytes could be demonstrated. Isolated challenge of the keratinocytes with IL-1βas well as with glycine resulted in an upregulation of IL6 and IL8 mRNA expression and activation of NFκB pathway. The presence of glycine in combination with the inflammatory stimulus led to a significant decrease in inflammatory parameters. These results indicate a possible anti-inflammatory role of glycine in gingival inflammation and encourage further research on the utility of glycine in the prevention or therapy of inflammatory periodontitis.
Parthenium hysterophorus:A Probable Source of Anticancer, Antioxidant and Anti-HIV Agents
Authors: Kumar Shashank , Chashoo Gousia , Saxena Ajit K. , Pandey Abhay K.
Published: November 2013

The present work reports the anticancer, antioxidant, lipo-protective, and anti-HIV activities of phytoconstituents present inP. hysterophorusleaf. Dried leaf samples were sequentially extracted with nonpolar and polar solvents. Ethanol fraction showed noticeable cytotoxic activity (81–85%) in SRB assay against MCF-7 and THP-1 cancer cell lines at 100 μg/ml concentration, while lower activity was observed with DU-145 cell line. The same extract exhibited 17–98% growth inhibition of HL-60 cancer cell lines in MTT assay, showing concentration dependent response. Ethanol extract caused 12% reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and 10% increment in sub G1 population of HL-60 cell lines. Several leaf fractions, namely, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous fractions exhibited considerable reducing capability at higher concentrations. Most of the extracts demonstrated appreciable (>75%) metal ion chelating and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities at 200 µg/ml. All the extracts except aqueous fraction accounted for about 70–80% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate indicating protective response against membrane damage. About 40% inhibition of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity was observed in hexane fraction in anti-HIV assay at 6.0 µg/ml concentration. The study showed that phytochemicals present inP. hysterophorusleaf have considerable potential as cytotoxic and antioxidant agents with low to moderate anti-HIV activity.
A Weighted Estimation for Risk Model
Authors: Huang Mei Ling , Zhao Ke
Published: November 2013

We propose a weighted estimation method for risk models. Two examples of natural disasters
are studied: hurricane loss in the USA and forest fire loss in Canada. Risk data is often fitted by a
heavy-tailed distribution, for example, a Pareto distribution, which has many applications in economics,
actuarial science, survival analysis, networks, and other stochastic models. There is a difficulty
in the inference of the Pareto distribution which has infinite moments in the heavy-tailed case.
Firstly this paper applies the truncated Pareto distribution to overcome this difficulty. Secondly,
we propose a weighted semiparametric method to estimate the truncated Pareto distribution.
The idea of the new method is to place less weight on the extreme data values. This paper
gives an exact efficiency function, L1-optimal weights and L2-optimal weights of the new estimator. Monte Carlo simulation results confirm the theoretical conclusions. The two
above mentioned examples are analyzed by using the proposed method. This paper shows that
the new estimation method is more efficient by mean square error relative to several existing
methods and fits risk data well.
Agromyces arachidissp. nov. Isolated from a Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Crop Field
Authors: Kaur Chandandeep , Pinnaka Anil Kumar , Singh Nitin Kumar , Bala Monu , Mayilraj Shanmugam
Published: November 2013

A Gram-positive, yellowish bacterium strain AK-1Twas isolated from soil sample collected from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) crop field and studied by using a polyphasic approach. The organism had morphological and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with its classification in the genusAgromyces. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain AK-1Twas closely related toAgromyces aurantiacus(98.6%) followed byAgromyces soli(98.3%),Agromyces tropicus(97.6%),Agromyces ulmi(97.3%),Agromyces flavus(97.2%), andAgromyces italicus(97.0%), whereas the sequence similarity values with respect to the otherAgromycesspecies with validly published names were between 95.3 and 96.7 %. However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values obtained between strain AK-1Tand other related strains were well below the threshold that is required for the proposal of a novel species. The DNAG+Ccontent of the strain is 71.8 mol%. The above data in combination with the phenotypic distinctiveness of AK-1Tclearly indicate that the strain represents a novel species, for which the nameAgromyces arachidissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AK-1T(=MTCC 10524T= JCM 19251T).
Feature‐Based Classification of Amino Acid Substitutions outside Conserved Functional Protein Domains
Authors: Gemovic Branislava , Perovic Vladimir , Glisic Sanja , Veljkovic Nevena
Published: November 2013

There are more than 500 amino acid substitutions in each human genome, and bioinformatics tools irreplaceably contribute to determination of their functional effects. We have developed feature‐based algorithm for the detection of mutations outside conserved functional domains (CFDs) and compared its classification efficacy with the most commonly used phylogeny‐based tools, PolyPhen‐2 and SIFT. The new algorithm is based on the informational spectrum method (ISM), a feature‐based technique, and statistical analysis. Our dataset contained neutral polymorphisms and mutations associated with myeloid malignancies from epigenetic regulators ASXL1, DNMT3A, EZH2, and TET2. PolyPhen‐2 and SIFT had significantly lower accuracies in predicting the effects of amino acid substitutions outside CFDs than expected, with especially low sensitivity. On the other hand, only ISM algorithm showed statistically significant classification of these sequences. It outperformed PolyPhen‐2 and SIFT by 15% and 13%, respectively. These results suggest that feature‐based methods, like ISM, are more suitable for the classification of amino acid substitutions outside CFDs than phylogeny‐based tools.
New records of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Croatia, with the description of Berdeniella keroveci sp.nov.
Authors: KVIFTE GUNNAR MIKALSEN , IVKOVIĆ MARIJA , KLARIĆ ALEKSANDRA
Published: November 2013

Berdeniella keroveci sp. nov. is described based on males collected in Croatia. Current knowledge of the psychodid fauna of Croatia is reviewed and new records of 16 species are presented. Short taxonomic notes on Pericoma pseudocalcilega Krek, 1972, Pneumia balkanica (Krek, 1990), Pneumia mutua (Eaton, 1893), Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893) and Lepiseodina tristis (Meigen, 1810) are given. In total, 33 species of Psychodidae are known to occur in Croatia.
Munidopsis lauensis Baba & de Saint Laurent, 1992 (Decapoda, Anomura, Munidopsidae), a newly recorded squat lobster from a cold seep in Taiwan
Authors: LIN CHIA-WEI , TSUCHIDA SHINJI , LIN SAULWOOD , BERNDT CHRISTIAN , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: November 2013

The squat lobster, Munidopsis lauensis Baba & de Saint Laurent, 1992, is recorded from Taiwan for the first time. This species was previously known only from deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the South-West Pacific but it was now found at a deep-sea cold seep site off southwestern Taiwan. The identity of the Taiwanese material is confirmed by comparison of sequences from the barcoding gene COI. Munidopsis lauensis can be easily separated from other congeners in Taiwanese waters by the eyes bearing a strong mesiodorsal spine and a small mesioventral spine, smooth carapace, fingers of the cheliped distally spooned and fixed finger without a denticulate carina on the distolateral margin. The discovery of this species in Taiwan increases the Munidopsis fauna of the island to 38 species. A color photograph and line drawings illustrating distinctive characters are provided for the Taiwanese material.
First description of the female Ozyptila kansuensis (Tang, Song & Zhu, 1995), comb. nov. (Araneae: Thomisidae)
Authors: TANG GUO , LUO WEI-FEN , DENG SHU-YE
Published: November 2013

The genus Ozyptila Simon, 1864 contains 107 catalogued species distributed mainly in the Holarctic region (Platnick 2013). This genus has traditionally been regarded as a group of small ground-living thomisids with clavate setae related to Xysticus (Lehtinen 2002). Ten species were recorded from China (Song & Zhu, 1997; Platnick 2013). Species of Ozyptila can be distinguished from those of Xysticus by the presence of clavate body setae on the abdominal dorsum, the swollen femur, and the sparsely armed leg I (Dondale & Render 1978).