bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling study of impact of a large sediment capping facility on local industrial cooling water temperature
Authors: He Cheng
Published: October 2010

This study assesses the potential increase in the intake cooling water temperatures if both the local industrial intake water and outfall cooling waters are trapped in the same narrow long channel. A three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic model was used to quantitatively investigate water temperature structures in the channel. The model was verified in a previous hydrodynamic study at the same location using vertical current profiles measured by an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and further verified in this study with the measured vertical temperature profile. Several scenarios were investigated under various wind and geometrical conditions. The simulated results revealed that because of the strong buoyant force induced by water temperature differences the trapped hot outfall water would not be directly retaken by the intake located about 70 m away from the outlet and 6 m below the surface. The thermal structure in the channel eventually reached an equilibrium stage due to additional fresh bay water and heat loss through various heat-transfer mechanisms from the air–water interface. The results of this modelling study can be extended to solve other similar environmental and civil engineering problems.
Buildability factors affecting formwork labour productivity of building floors
Authors: Jarkas Abdulaziz M.
Published: October 2010

Several factors affect labour productivity, but buildability is one of the most important. A thorough investigation of the literature, however, revealed a dearth of research into the effect of buildability on labour productivity of in situ reinforced concrete construction. Therefore, this research focuses on quantifying the effects and relative influence of the variability of beam sizes, repetition of floor layout, floor area, average slab panel area, intersection of beams, beam–floor area ratio, and percentage of curved beams and nonrectangular slab panels on formwork labour productivity of building floors. Apart from the variability of beam sizes, buildability factors investigated are found to have significant effects on formwork labour productivity, confirming the importance of applying the concepts of rationalization, standardization, and repetition to the design stage of building projects. The findings can be used to provide designers with feedback on how well their designs consider the requirements of buildability principles and the consequences of their decisions on the labour efficiency of the formwork operation. On the other hand, the depicted patterns of results may further provide guidance to construction managers for effective activity planning and efficient labour utilization.
Use of falling weight deflectometer time history data for the analysis of seasonal variation in pavement response
Authors: Deblois Kate , Bilodeau Jean-Pascal , Doré Guy
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the results of an exploratory analysis of falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data collected on a large project about the spring thaw behaviour of pavements. The test site includes four test sections, two of which are conventional flexible pavement structures, whereas the other two are built with a cement-treated base. The aim of this study is to verify the applicability of using FWD time history data to evaluate damage to a road during the thawing period. The applicability of the analysis techniques is verified through the phase angle and dissipated energy. The data analyzed were obtained from tests conducted with an FWD on one flexible pavement test section. The results obtained showed a clear difference between the winter, thawing, and summer periods. It was found that the phase angle and dissipated energy can be used to evaluate the road damage during the thawing period through quantification of the phase angle and dissipated energy. These factors can also be used to describe the pavement behaviour in terms of elasticity and viscoelasticity.
Hepatoprotection by carotenoids in isoniazid–rifampicin induced hepatic injury in rats
Authors: Rana S. V. , Pal R. , Vaiphei K. , Ola R. P. , Singh K.
Published: October 2010

This study evaluates the hepatoprotective effect of carotenoids against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). Thirty-six adult rats were divided into the following 4 groups: (1) control group treated with normal saline; (2) INH + RIF group treated with 50 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1of INH and RIF each; (3) INH + RIF+ carotenoids group treated with 50 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1of INH and RIF each and 10 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1of carotenoids; and (4) carotenoids group treated with 10 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1of carotenoids for 28 days intragastrically. Oxidative stress and antioxidant levels in liver and blood, liver histology and change in transaminases were measured in all the above-mentioned groups. There was an increase in lipid peroxidation with a reduction in thiols, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver and blood of rats accompanied by an increase in transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with carotenoids along with INH + RIF partially reversed lipid peroxidation, thiols, catalase, and SOD in the liver and blood of rats. Elevated levels of the enzymes in serum were also reversed partially by this treatment. The degree of necrosis, portal triaditis, and inflammation were also lowered in the carotenoids group. In conclusion, carotenoids supplementation in INH + RIF treated rats showed partial protection.
Interactions of intrinsically disordered Thellungiella salsuginea dehydrins TsDHN-1 and TsDHN-2 with membranes — synergistic effects of lipid composition and temperature on secondary structure
Authors: Rahman Luna N. , Chen Lin , Nazim Sumaiya , Bamm Vladimir V. , Yaish Mahmoud W. , Moffatt Barbara A. , Dutcher John R. , Harauz George
Published: October 2010

Dehydrins are intrinsically disordered (unstructured) proteins that are expressed in plants experiencing stressful conditions such as drought or low temperature. Dehydrins are typically found in the cytosol and nucleus, but also associate with chloroplasts, mitochondria, and the plasma membrane. Although their role is not completely understood, it has been suggested that they stabilize proteins or membrane structures during environmental stress, the latter association mediated by formation of amphipathic α-helices by conserved regions called the K-segments. Thellungiella salsuginea is a crucifer that thrives in the Canadian sub-Arctic (Yukon Territory) where it grows on saline-rich soils and experiences periods of both extreme cold and drought. We have cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli two dehydrins from this plant, denoted TsDHN-1 (acidic) and TsDHN-2 (basic). Here, we show using transmission-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy that ordered secondary structure is induced and stabilized in these proteins by association with large unilamellar vesicles emulating the lipid compositions of plant plasma and organellar membranes. Moreover, this induced folding is enhanced at low temperatures, lending credence to the hypothesis that dehydrins stabilize plant outer and organellar membranes in conditions of cold.
ATP-type DNA ligase requires other proteins for its activity in vitro and its operon components for radiation resistance in Deinococcus radiodurans in vivo
Authors: Kota Swathi , Kamble Vidya A. , Rajpurohit Yogendra S. , Misra Hari S.
Published: October 2010

A multiprotein DNA processing complex isolated from Deinococcus radiodurans contains the DNA repair protein PprA, an ATP-type DNA repair ligase (LigB) encoded by the drB0100 gene, and protein kinase activity. An ATP-dependent DNA end-joining activity was detected in the complex. To elucidate the function of the drB0100 gene, we generated the deletion mutant for the DR_B0100 ORF. The mutant exhibited a nearly 2-log cycle reduction in growth rate when exposed to a 10 000 Gray dose of γ-radiation, and a significant loss in mitomycin C and methylmethane sulphonate tolerance as compared with wild type. Functional complementation of these phenotypes required the wild-type copy of drB0100 along with other genes such as drb0099 and drb0098, organized downstream in the operon. The in vitro DNA ligase activity of LigB was stimulated severalfold by PprA in the presence of the recombinant DRB0098 protein. However, this activity did not improve when PprA was substituted with purified DRB0099 protein or when DRB0098 protein was substituted with the DRB0099 protein in the presence of PprA in solution. These results suggest that PprA and DRB0098 protein are required for LigB function. Furthermore, they also suggest that the LigB operon components contribute to radiation resistance and double-strand break (DSB) repair in D. radiodurans.
Rosiglitazone regulates IL-6-stimulated lipolysis in porcine adipocytes
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Yang Gongshe
Published: October 2010

Interleukin (IL)-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, stimulates adipocyte lipolysis and induces insulin resistance in obese and diabetic subjects. However, the effects of the anti-diabetic drug rosiglitazone on IL-6-stimulated lipolysis and the underlying molecular mechanism are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that rosiglitazone suppressed IL-6-stimulated lipolysis in differentiated porcine adipocytes by inactivation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK). Meanwhile, rosiglitazone enhanced the lipolysis response of adipocytes to isoprenaline. In addition, rosiglitazone significantly reversed IL-6-induced down-regulation of several genes such as perilipin A, peroxisome proliferators activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and fatty acid synthetase, as well as the up-regulation of IL-6 mRNA. However, mRNA expression of PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha (PCG-1α) was enhanced by rosiglitazone in IL-6-stimulated adipocytes. These results indicate that rosiglitazone suppresses IL-6-stimulated lipolysis in porcine adipocytes through multiple molecular mechanisms.
Translation and rotation of a porous spheroid in a spheroidal container
Authors: Saad E. I.
Published: October 2010

The flow problem of an incompressible axisymmetrical quasisteady translation and steady rotation of a porous spheroid in a concentric spheroidal container are studied analytically. The same small departure from a sphere is considered for each spheroidal surface. In the limit of small Reynolds number, the Brinkman equation for the flow inside the porous region and the Stokes equation for the outside region in their stream functions formulations and velocity components, which are proportional to the translational and angular velocities, respectively, are used. Explicit expressions are obtained for both inside and outside flow fields to the first order in a small parameter characterizing the deformation of the spheroidal surface from the spherical shape. The hydrodynamic drag force and couple exerted on the porous spheroid are obtained for the special cases of prolate and oblate spheroids in closed forms. The dependence of the normalized wall-corrected translational and rotational mobilities on permeability for a porous spheroid in an unbounded medium and for a solid spheroid in a cell on the particle volume fraction is discussed numerically and graphically for various values of the deformation parameter. In the limiting cases, the analytical solutions describing the drag force and torque or mobilities for a porous spheroid in the spheroidal vessel reduce to those for a solid sphere and for a porous sphere in a spherical cell.
The influence of curvature on kink creation in a long Josephson junction
Authors: Dobrowolski T.
Published: October 2010

The influence of curvature on kink creation during continuous phase transition in a long Josephson junction is considered. An example of a Josephson junction with constant curvature shows that the number density of kinks produced in this system is reduced in the curved regions of the junction.
Boundary layer flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid in the region of a stagnation point over a stretching sheet
Authors: Sajid M. , Abbas Z. , Javed T. , Ali N.
Published: October 2010

In this paper, the mathematical model for the two-dimensional boundary layer flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid is presented. The developed equations are used to discuss the problem of two-dimensional flow in the region of a stagnation point over a stretching sheet. The obtained partial differential equations are reduced to an ordinary differential equation by a suitable transformation. The obtained equation is then solved using a finite difference method. The influence of the pertinent fluid parameters on the velocity is discussed through graphs. The behaviour of f ″(0) is also investigated with changes in parameter values. It is observed that an increase in the relaxation time constant causes a reduction in the boundary layer thickness. To the best of our knowledge, this type of solution for an Oldroyd-B fluid is presented for the first time in the literature.
Undrained shear strengths of clay around an advancing cone
Authors: Su Shi-Fon
Published: October 2010

Strength anisotropy of clay is significantly associated with the orientation of principal strain. Mobilized undrained shear strength will vary with the orientation of the principal stresses because cone penetration imposes large rotations of the principal stresses in the surrounding soil. The objective of this paper is to investigate the undrained failure modes around an advancing cone. In this study, strain softening behavior is not considered. The strain field of the soil obtained using the strain path method shows that the principal strain conditions of the soil around an advancing cone can be simplified into the following zones: spherical expansion strain zone, plane strain shearing zone, cylindrical expansion shearing zone, cylindrical expansion zone, and transition zone. The mobilized undrained shear strength of clay in various strain states can be determined by employing the anisotropic strength criterion and the associated flow rule. The result shows that the ratio of the equivalent undrained strength mobilized in the vicinity of the cone tip over the undrained shear strength obtained from a Ko-consolidated undrained compression triaxial test is found to range from 0.88 to 1.07 when the strength anisotropy ratio ranges from 0.4 to 0.9.
Natural triploids of wild cherry
Authors: Serres-Giardi Laurana , Dufour Jean , Russell Karen , Buret Corinne , Laurens Françoise , Santi Frédérique
Published: October 2010

Research of triploid individuals was carried out in the French wild cherry ( Prunus avium L.) collection at the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Orléans, France, using 12 microsatellite markers and the S gametophytic incompatibility marker. For 11 of 312 clones (3.5%), we found three different alleles or two different alleles included one doubled allele for 10–12 markers spread along five of the eight chromosome pairs in wild cherry. The cytometry analysis confirmed that triploidy was genome-wide. No new allele was observed among the triploids compared with the diploids of the wild cherry collection: these triploids probably result from diploids through the production of unreduced gametes, and not from interspecific hybridation. A comparison of the height growth, diameter growth, and resistance to leaf spot among 38–85 clones in four 6- to 10-year-old clonal field trials showed that six triploids were among the best compared with the diploids. The dimensions of the leaves were somewhat larger, and the petals were always larger for nine triploids compared with 20 diploids observed on plants of the wild cherry collection of INRA. Three triploids are already used as clonal variety or component of a seed orchard. We discuss the need to include more triploids in the wild cherry breeding programme.
A statistical estimator to propagate height prediction errors into a general volume model
Authors: Fortin Mathieu , DeBlois Josianne
Published: October 2010

In most large-scale inventories, volume models rely on predicted heights instead of measured heights. The effect of height predictions over volume estimate uncertainty is therefore a crucial issue. In this study, we designed a statistical estimator that enables the propagation of tree height prediction errors into a general volume model. The proposed estimator relies on the assumption that both the volume model and the height–diameter model that provides the height predictions do not exhibit any lack of fit. This estimator was tested against a Monte Carlo simulation for 90 plots from three typical forest types in Quebec, Canada (hardwood, mixedwood, and softwood). The results show that the estimator provides plot volume predictions with error variances that fit those estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation. The estimator developed in this study may be useful to quickly provide the uncertainty associated with plot volume predictions in large-scale inventories.
Analysis of forest types and estimates of biomass in the Sierra de La Laguna Reserve, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: León-de la Luz José Luis , Domínguez-Cadena Raymundo
Published: October 2010

Understanding of the natural factors that lead to complex changes in forest ecosystems is limited. Worldwide, there are only a few forests as pristine and isolated as the Sierra de La Laguna in the southernmost range of the arid Baja California, Mexico. Its outstanding trait as a model system is that anthropogenic stressors are notably absent, which facilitates the study of natural ecological processes of the forest because separating human-induced ecological changes from natural ones is not a simple matter. In this study, we sampled sites and defined vegetation units on the basis of dominance of the canopy by the main tree species. We identified three forest types: the pine and encino forests that occupy the higher areas and the roble forest at lower elevations. For each living tree in the sampling plots, we measured height, canopy coverage per tree, diameter at breast height, as well as the amount of deadwood, leaf litter, and abundance of young trees. A succesional competition occurs between Pinus and Quercus sensu lato; we conclude that the encino forest represents a climax condition, the pine type represents an early succesional stage, and the roble forest type is a simple climax community.
A Gamma-Poisson model for vertical location and frequency of buds on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) leaders
Authors: Nemec Amanda F. Linnell , Goudie James W. , Parish Roberta
Published: October 2010

The aim of this work was to model the vertical location and number of branch primordia (buds) on the leader of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Doug. ex Loud.) trees in central British Columbia. For species such as lodgepole pine, where branches occur in clusters rather than individually, the Gamma-Poisson model provides a natural framework for describing and simulating the distribution of buds on the annual shoot. Parameters in the model are identifiable with measurable attributes, that is, the average number of clusters per unit length of the annual shoot and the average number of buds per cluster, and can be related to explanatory variables via a log link. Applicability of the Gamma-Poisson model was demonstrated for a sample of 58 lodgepole pine trees ranging in age from 29 to 103 years old. The agreement between observed and expected cluster counts and spacing, cluster sizes, and total number of branches was good. Height to crown base and length of the annual shoot were selected as the best predictors of the number of clusters and number of buds per cluster, respectively, although other single variables were also identified as having significant predictive value.
Long-term compositional dynamics of Acadian mixedwood stands under different silvicultural regimes
Authors: Olson Matthew G. , Wagner Robert G.
Published: October 2010

Pathways of forest compositional dynamics over five decades (1953–2005) were reconstructed using measurements from permanent sample plots in a long-term silviculture experiment in a central Maine mixedwood forest. The objective of this study was to elucidate the dynamics of tree species composition at the sample plot level in relation to the initial composition when the experiment was established (1953–1957) and harvest disturbance history following a wide range of even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural treatments. Cluster analysis revealed three groupings of sample plots based on pretreatment composition and harvest disturbance history, or nine subclusters (i.e., three harvest disturbance histories nested within each pretreatment composition). From 1953 to 2005, the silvicultural treatments generated an array of compositional outcomes at the plot level. Hardwood dominance increased following a history of heavy and infrequent harvests, while northern conifer dominance was maintained where harvests were lighter and more frequent. The importance of balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) changed little across a range of harvest intensities. A ubiquitous decline in northern white-cedar ( Thuja occidentalis L.) was found among silvicultural treatments, suggesting that additional intervention may be needed to promote cedar recruitment. Plot-level compositional dynamics indicated that neighborhood-scale stand dynamics were associated with variability in harvest disturbance overlain on plot-to-plot variability in tree species composition at the time the experiment was established.
Effect of fasudil on growth, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 95D lung carcinoma cells in vitro
Authors: Yang Xueying , Zhang Yang , Wang Shumin , Shi Wenjun
Published: October 2010

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a Rho-kinase inhibitor on 95D lung carcinoma cell growth, adhesion, invasion, and migration and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process. After treatment of 95D lung carcinoma cells with fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho-kinase, cell biological behaviors such as growth, adhesion, invasion, and migration were observed. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and Western blot assay were used to evaluate underlying molecular mechanisms. The IC50 of fasudil to 95D lung carcinoma cells was approximately 0.79 mg/mL (95% confidence limits 0.58–1.11 mg/mL). After treatment with 0.75 mg/mL fasudil, the ability of 95D lung carcinoma cells for growth, adhesion, migration, and invasion was decreased significantly. Total active MMP2 was decreased approximately 22.7% (p < 0.05) and total MMP9 65.9% (p < 0.01). Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) was reduced by 29.4% (p < 0.05). We conclude that the Rho-kinase inhibitor prevents the growth, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 95D lung carcinoma cells by inhibiting the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway. Changes in MMP2, MMP9, and MYPT1 may be part of its molecular mechanisms.
Using blood pressure telemetry to assess acute changes in arterial stiffness in rats after nitric oxide synthase inhibition or environmental tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Gentner Nicole J. , Weber Lynn P.
Published: October 2010

Although environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure has been reported to acutely increase arterial stiffness in humans, understanding of the underlying mechanisms is unclear and few studies have measured these effects in experimental animals. One potential mechanism for the increased arterial stiffness is reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity as a result of oxidative stress. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether acute changes in arterial stiffness could be detected using arterial pulse wave dP/dt in blood pressure telemetry implanted rats and to investigate the role of NO in regulating dP/dt. Intravenous injection of acetylcholine (0.91 ng/kg) decreased and norepinephrine (0.02 mg/kg) increased dP/dt compared to saline vehicle (0.5 mL/kg). Injection of the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 30 mg/kg) decreased plasma nitrate/nitrite (NOx), but transiently increased dP/dt. ETS at low and high doses had no effect on dP/dt, but increased plasma NOxlevels at high ETS exposure and increased plasma nitrotyrosine levels in both ETS groups. In conclusion, acute changes in NO production via acetylcholine or L-NAME alter the arterial pulse wave dP/dt consistently with the predicted changes in arterial stiffness. Although acute ETS appears to biologically inactivate NO, a concomitant increase in NO production at high ETS exposure may explain why dP/dt was not acutely altered by ETS in the current study.
Apocynum venetum leaf extract protects rat cortical neurons from injury induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in vitro
Authors: Xiang Jun , Tang Yu-Ping , Zhou Zi-Yi , Wu Pin , Wang Zhong , Mori Masao , Cai Ding-Fang
Published: October 2010

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Apocynum venetum leaf extract (AVLE) on an in vitro model of ischemia–reperfusion induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and further explored the possible mechanisms underlying protection. Cell injury was assessed by morphological examination using phase-contrast microscopy and quantified by measuring the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage; cell viability was measured by XTT reduction. Neuronal apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and electron microscopy was used to study morphological changes of neurons. Caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression were determined by Western blot analysis. We report that treatment with AVLE (5 and 50 µg/mL) effectively reduced neuronal cell death and relieved cell injury induced by OGD. Moreover, AVLE decreased the percentage of apoptotic neurons, relieved neuronal morphological damage, suppressed overexpression of active caspase-3 and -8 and Bax, and inhibited the reduction of Bcl-2 expression. These findings indicate that AVLE protects against OGD-induced injury by inhibiting apoptosis in rat cortical neurons by down-regulating caspase-3 activation and modulating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.
Regulatory actions of neuropeptides and peptide hormones on the reproduction of molluscsThe present review is one of a series of occasional review articles that have been invited by the Editors and will feature the broad range of disciplines and expertise represented in our Editorial Advisory Board.
Authors: Morishita Fumihiro , Furukawa Yasuo , Matsushima Osamu , Minakata Hiroyuki
Published: October 2010

Reproductive success of individual animals is essential for the survival of any species. Molluscs have adapted to a wide variety of environments (freshwater, brackish water, seawater, and terrestrial habits) and have evolved unique tactics for reproduction. Both of these features attract the academic interests of scientists. Because neuropeptides and peptide hormones play critical roles in neural and neurohormonal regulation of physiological functions and behaviors in this animal group, the regulatory actions of these messengers in reproduction have been extensively investigated. In this review, we will briefly summarize how peptidergic messengers are involved in various aspects of reproduction, using some peptides such as egg-laying hormone, caudo-dorsal cell hormone, APGWamide, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone as typical examples.
Den-site selection is critical for Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul)
Authors: Ross S. , Kamnitzer R. , Munkhtsog B. , Harris S.
Published: October 2010

We evaluated the habitat selection of 101 den sites used by 21 individual Pallas’s cats ( Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776) = Felis manul Pallas, 1776) in summer, winter, and the maternal period in central Mongolia using generalized linear mixed models. Pallas’s cats used rock crevices and marmot burrows as dens for giving birth, raising young, thermoregulation, feeding, mating, and as important cover from predators. Den sites were selected with higher proportions of rocky and ravine habitats in the surroundings, and in winter Pallas’s cats avoided the presence of humans. Habitat and structural features suggested that dens were selected to minimize predation risk. Selection of dens in shade in summer and the use of insulated dens of Siberian marmots ( Marmota sibirica (Radde, 1862)) in winter indicated that thermal properties may also be important. We contend that dens are a critical habitat for Pallas’s cats and the availability of suitable den sites is critical for the conservation of the species. Repeated use of maternal dens suggested they may be a limiting resource. Although marmot dens are unlikely to be limiting at present, over hunting of marmots is likely to reduce burrow availability in the future.
Variability in escape trajectory in the Trinidadian stream frog and two treefrogs at different life-history stages
Authors: Royan A. , Muir A. P. , Downie J. R.
Published: October 2010

Most studies investigating anuran jumping behaviour have examined the relationship between body size and parameters such as jump distance, velocity, and force; however, few have investigated jump trajectory. We constructed an arena to determine escape trajectories in relation to the direction of an artificial stimulus in the aromobatid Mannophryne trinitatis (Garman, 1888) and two treefrogs, Trachycephalus venulosus (Laurenti, 1768) and Hypsiboas geographicus (Spix, 1824). Three categories of M. trinitatis (i.e., tadpole-transporting males, nontransporting males, and females) and three ontogenetic stages of the treefrogs were compared. Mannophryne trinitatis escaped in a broadly predictable trajectory away from the stimulus, although jump trajectories were highly variable, suggesting a degree of unpredictability. No systematic differences were found between categories of M. trinitatis, adding to the findings of previous studies that larval transport incurs no measurable locomotor costs on antipredatory jumping behaviour with regards to jump angle and distance. The treefrogs showed similar patterns of escape trajectory and unpredictability. There were no consistent differences between life-history stages and no relationship between distance jumped and angular deviation. In M. trinitatis and H. geographicus, there was some evidence of bimodality in escape trajectory. The results are discussed in the context of other work on escape trajectories and the concept of “protean” defence strategies.
STUDY OF THE INHOMOGENEOUS SOFT GAUSSIAN OVERLAP FLUID
Authors: KHORDAD R.
Published: October 2010

This paper has two parts. First, the classical density functional theory (DFT) has been applied to a system of soft ellipsoidal particles confined between two planar walls. For this system, both the isotropic and nematic phases are considered. To evaluate the excess free energy, two different direct correlation functions (DCF) are applied. The first is a numerical DCF calculated from the Percus–Yevick (PY) approximation (for the isotropic phase) and the second DCF is taken from the hypernetted-chain (HNC) approximation (for the nematic phase). The second part of this paper corresponds to the evaluation of the elastic constants of the Gay–Berne (GB) fluid using the DCF obtained from the HNC approximation. Our results are in good agreement with the simulation data.
A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF SUBSTITUENT EFFECTS ON STRUCTURE AND NQR PARAMETERS OF PHENACYL PHENYL SULFIDE DERIVATIVES
Authors: AFSHARI S. , HASSANZADEH A. , RAHEMI H. , TAHERI-NASAB R. A.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes a theoretical investigation of the geometrical parameters and the 17 O and 33 S nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), parameters of phenacyl phenyl sulfide derivatives. The calculations were carried out using Gaussian 98 package by applying the Hartree–Fock method (HF), the second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), and the density functional theory (DFT) and by employing the 3-21G, 6-31G, and 6-311G basis sets in the Townes–Daily approximation. It was shown that all of the methods can be used to predict the NQR parameters; however, the DFT is the best method of all the methods in use. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, CQ, and the asymmetry parameter, η, were calculated for all of the nuclei in each molecule, separately. The results indicated that the value of CQ and η for 17 O nucleus increases in the order of H > Br > NH 2 > CH 3 and NH 2 > H > Br > CH 3, respectively, as well as, for the 33 S nucleus the increase in the order of substituents was NH 2 > H > Br CH 3 and CH 3 > H > Br > NH 2, respectively.
ENHANCEMENT AND EXTENSION OF HIGH-ORDER HARMONIC EMISSION AND AN ISOLATED SUB-100 AS PULSE GENERATION FROM TWO-COLOR LASER FIELDS
Authors: GUO YA-HUI , HE HAI-XIANG , LIU JIAN-YONG , HE GUO-ZHONG
Published: October 2010

We theoretically propose a method to generate a coherent and ultrabroad extreme ultraviolet supercontinuum using Ar + ions. When the medium is exposed to a two-color laser field, which is synthesized by a few-cycle fundamental laser pulse and its second-harmonics pulse, the harmonics spectrum presents a two-plateau structure. For the selection of the short quantum path utilizing the two-color scheme, the supercontinuum in the second plateau is almost synchronously emitted and a single 58 attosecond (as) pulse can be directly obtained. By increasing the intensity of the controlling field or adjusting the delay time of the two laser fields, a more intense isolated as pulse will be generated.
Activity in V4 Reflects the Direction, But Not the Latency, of Saccades During Visual Search
Authors: Gee Angela L. , Ipata Anna E. , Goldberg Michael E.
Published: October 2010

We constantly make eye movements to bring objects of interest onto the fovea for more detailed processing. Activity in area V4, a prestriate visual area, is enhanced at the location corresponding to the target of an eye movement. However, the precise role of activity in V4 in relation to these saccades and the modulation of other cortical areas in the oculomotor system remains unknown. V4 could be a source of visual feature information used to select the eye movement, or alternatively, it could reflect the locus of spatial attention. To test these hypotheses, we trained monkeys on a visual search task in which they were free to move their eyes. We found that activity in area V4 reflected the direction of the upcoming saccade but did not predict the latency of the saccade in contrast to activity in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP). We suggest that the signals in V4, unlike those in LIP, are not directly involved in the generation of the saccade itself but rather are more closely linked to visual perception and attention. Although V4 and LIP have different roles in spatial attention and preparing eye movements, they likely perform complimentary processes during visual search.
Small Heat Shock Protein Responses Differ between Chaparral Shrubs from Contrasting Microclimates
Authors: Knight Charles A.
Published: October 2010

Small heat shock protein (sHsp) responses were studied for two evergreen perennial shrubs in the northern California chaparral; one common on warm, south-facing slopes (Ceanothus cuneatus), and the other on cooler, north-facing slopes (Prunus ilicifolia). Small Hsp expression was induced experimentally for field collected leaves. Leaf collections were made where the species co-occur. Small Hsp expression was quantified using two antibodies, one specific to a chloroplast 22 kD sHsp and another that detects a broad range of sHsps. Differences between chloroplast sHsp accumulation, which protects thermally labile proteins in PSII, and the general sHsp response were examined. The species from the cooler microclimate,Prunus, had a lower induction temperature and accumulated greater levels of sHsps at low temperatures. BothPrunusandCeanothusreached peak sHsp expression at42∘C. The species from the warmer microclimate,Ceanothus, had greater sHsp expression at higher temperatures. Chloroplast sHsp expression generally tracked sHsp expression inCeanothus, but inPrunusgeneral Hsps were elevated before chloroplast sHsps. Variation between species for sHsp expression (induction temperatures, accumulation levels, and the duration of expression) coupled with the costs of Hsp synthesis, may contribute to differences in the abundance and distribution of plants across environmental gradients.
Strictly Decreasing Solutions of a Class of Iterative Equations onthe Unit Circle
Authors: Song Wei , Chen Sheng , Yin Xunbo
Published: October 2010

We discuss the strictly decreasing solutions
of a class of iterative equations on the unit circle 𝕋1. The conditions for the
existence, uniqueness, and stability of such solutions are presented.
The Soluble PlasminogenActivator Receptoras a Biomarker on Monitoring the Therapy Progress of Pulmonary TB-AFB(+) Patients
Authors: Mardining Raras Tri Yudani , Noor Chozin Iin
Published: October 2010

The role of solublesoluble urokinase-typeplasminogen activator receptor(suPAR) as a biological marker for TB treatment efficacy on active pulmonary TB-AFB(+) patients was investigated. Twenty pulmonary TB-AFB(+) patients participated in a cohort study for six months. The plasma suPAR level was measured using ELISA method before treatment, two months, four months and six months after treatment. At the same time clinical parameters were also measured. Results indicated that all patients (n=20) showed highest plasma suPAR levels before treatment (median 12.775?ng/mL) and significantly decreased (P=.0001<.05,R2=.890) after 2 months (median 8.019?ng/mL) and 4 months (median 5.771?ng/mL) of treatment, respectively. However, only slightly declined after 6 months therapy (median 5.009?ng/mL), near control group level (median 4.772?ng/mL). Interestingly, the significant reduced of suPAR level was parallel to treatment efficacy and correlated with other clinical and laboratory parameters, that is, decreasing of patients' complaints, increasing of BMI (r=-0.281), thoracic imaging improvement, sputum conversion, decreasing of ESR (r=0.577) and monocytes count (r=0.536) with exception the width of lesion in thoracic imaging. In conclusion, the suPAR level in could reflect the progress of TB therapy.
Numerical Monitoring of Natural Gas Distribution Discrepancy Using CFD Simulator
Authors: Seleznev Vadim E.
Published: October 2010

The paper describes a new method for numerical monitoring of discrepancies in natural gas supply to consumers, who receive gas from gas distribution loops. This method serves to resolve the vital problem of commercial natural gas accounting under the conditions of deficient field measurements of gas supply volumes. Numerical monitoring makes it possible to obtain computational estimates of actual gas deliveries over given time spans and to estimate their difference from corresponding values reported by gas consumers. Such estimation is performed using a computational fluid dynamics simulator of gas flows in the gas distribution system of interest. Numerical monitoring of the discrepancy is based on a statement and numerical solution of identification problem of a physically proved gas dynamics mode of natural gas transmission through specified gas distribution networks. The identified mode parameters should have a minimum discrepancy with field measurements of gas transport at specified reference points of the simulated pipeline network.
Physiological Response to Salt (NaCl) Stress in Selected Cultivated Tetraploid Cottons
Authors: Higbie Sarah M. , Wang Fei , Stewart J. McD. , Sterling Tracy M. , Lindemann William C. , Hughs E. , Zhang Jinfa
Published: October 2010

In the southwestern and western Cotton Belt of the U.S. soil salinity can reduce cotton productivity and quality. This study was conducted to determine the physiological responses of six genotypes including five Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) cultivars and one Pima cotton line (G. barbadenseL.) to NaCl under greenhouse conditions. Seeds were germinated and grown for 14 days prior to salt treatment (daily 100 ml of 200 mM NaCl) for 21 days. Compared with the control (daily 100 ml tap water), the NaCl treatment significantly reduced plant height, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight. The NaCl stress also significantly increased leaf chlorophyll content, but did not affect leaf fluorescence. Of the six genotypes, Pima 57-4 and SG 747 had the most growth reduction, and were most sensitive to NaCl; DP 33B, JinR 422 and Acala Phy 72 had the least growth reduction and were most NaCl tolerant. Although all the six genotypes under the salt treatment had significantly higher Na and Cl accumulation in leaves, SG 747 and Pima 57-4 accumulated more Na and Cl than DP 33B. Increases in leaf N, Zn, and Mn concentrations were also observed in the NaCl-treated plants. While leaf P, Ca, and S concentrations remained unchanged overall in the genotypes tested, leaf K, Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations significantly decreased during salt stress. Reduction in plant height is a simple, easy, sensitive, non-destructive measurement to evaluate salt tolerance in cotton.
On theBlow‐UpSet for Non‐Newtonian Equation with a Nonlinear Boundary Condition
Authors: Liang Zhilei
Published: October 2010

We identify the blow‐up set of solutions to the problem ut = (|ux|p−2ux) x, x > 0, t ∈ (0, T), −|ux|p−2ux(0, t) = up−1(0, t), t ∈ (0, T), and u(x, 0) = u0(x) ≥ 0, x > 0, where p > 2. We obtain that the blow up set B(u) satisfies [0, p(p − 1)/(p − 2)) ⊂ B(u)⊂[0, p(p − 1)/(p − 2)]. The proof is based on the analysis of the asymptotic behavior of self‐similar representation and on the comparison methods.
Global Behaviors of a Chemostat Model with Delayed Nutrient Recycling and Periodically Pulsed Input
Authors: Wang Kai , Teng Zhidong , Zhang Fengqin
Published: October 2010

The dynamic behaviors in a chemostat model with delayed nutrient recycling and periodically pulsed input are studied. By introducing new analysis technique, the sufficient and necessary conditions on the permanence and extinction of the microorganisms are obtained. Furthermore, by using the Liapunov function method, the sufficient condition on the global attractivity of the model is established. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results in this paper.
Sparse Regularization-Based Reconstruction for Bioluminescence Tomography Using a Multilevel Adaptive Finite Element Method
Authors: He Xiaowei , Hou Yanbin , Chen Duofang , Jiang Yuchuan , Shen Man , Liu Junting , Zhang Qitan , Tian Jie
Published: October 2010

Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) is a promising tool for studying physiological and pathological processes at cellular and molecular levels. In most clinical or preclinical practices, fine discretization is needed for recovering sources with acceptable resolution when solving BLT with finite element method (FEM). Nevertheless, uniformly fine meshes would cause large dataset and overfine meshes might aggravate the ill-posedness of BLT. Additionally, accurately quantitative information of density and power has not been simultaneously obtained so far. In this paper, we present a novel multilevel sparse reconstruction method based on adaptive FEM framework. In this method, permissible source region gradually reduces with adaptive local mesh refinement. By using sparse reconstruction withl1regularization on multilevel adaptive meshes, simultaneous recovery of density and power as well as accurate source location can be achieved. Experimental results for heterogeneous phantom and mouse atlas model demonstrate its effectiveness and potentiality in the application of quantitative BLT.
Preparation and Characterization of Zein and Zein-Chitosan Microspheres with Great Prospective of Application in Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Müller Vinícius , Piai Juliana Francis , Fajardo André Ricardo , Fávaro Silvia Luciana , Rubira Adley Forti , Muniz Edvani Curti
Published: October 2010

Biomaterials applied as carriers for controlled drug delivery offer many advantages over the conventional systems. Among them, the increase of treatment effectiveness and also a significant reduction of toxicity, due to their biodegradability property, are some special features. In this work, microspheres based on the protein Zein (ZN) and ZN associated to the natural polymer Chitosan (CHI) were prepared and characterized. The microspheres of ZN and ZN/CHI were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis, and the morphology was analyzed by SEM images. The results confirmed the incorporation of CHI within the ZN-based microspheres. The morphological analysis showed that the CHI added increased the microspheres porosity when compared to the ZN microspheres. The chemical and physical characterization and the morphological analysis allow inferring that ZN/CHI microspheres are good candidates to act as a carrier for controlled drug release.
Cost-Effectiveness of Biological Therapy in Remission Induction of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Schmitt-Rau K. , Rosenbach T. , Radtke M.A. , Augustin M.
Published: October 2010

Background: The introduction of biological agents has considerably changed the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. So far only limited data on their cost-effectiveness exist. Objective: Determination of the cost-effectiveness of biologicals from a German third payer’s perspective, assessed over a 12-week period. Methods: Efficacies of the biologicals were determined by a literature review. Treatment modalities were taken from the European S3 psoriasis guideline. Costs were calculated on the basis of the German physicians’ fee schedule. Cost-effectiveness was determined and a sensitivity analysis performed. Results: Infliximab at a dose of 3 mg/kg was the most cost-effective agent, directly followed by adalimumab, infliximab 5 mg/kg and ustekinumab. The least cost-effective agent was etanercept 2 × 50 mg/week. Sensitivity analysis showed considerable overlap of the cost-effectiveness ratios. Conclusion: Under the conditions of the German health care system, biological agents for psoriasis differ in their cost-effectiveness ratios. Differences are small, however. A major limitation of the study is the short time horizon of 12 weeks.
Intradialytic Changes of Plasma Amino Acid Levels: Effect of Hemodiafiltration with Endogenous Reinfusion versus Acetate-Free Biofiltration
Authors: Borrelli S. , Minutolo R. , De Nicola L. , Zamboli P. , Iodice C. , De Paola A. , De Simone E. , Zito B. , Guastaferro P. , Nigro F. , Apperti V. , Iulianiello G. , Credendino O. , Iacono G. , Di Serafino A. , D’Apice L. , Saviano C. , Sarti A. , Capuano M. , Genualdo R. , Auricchio M. , Merola M. , Conte G.
Published: October 2010

During hemodialysis, amino acids (AA) are lost in the ultrafiltrate with consequent modification of their plasma profile. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate intradialytic changes of plasma AA levels during a single session of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR) versus acetate-free biofiltration (AFB). 48 patients chronically treated with HFR or AFB were matched 1:1 for age, gender, Kt/V and diabetes. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of dialysis. Baseline plasma levels (µmol/l) of total AA (3,176 ± 722), essential AA (889 ± 221), and branched chain AA (459 ± 140) levels in HFR were similar to those in AFB (3,399 ± 621, 938 ± 277, and 463 ± 71, respectively). Plasma intradialytic AA levels did not change in HFR, while in AFB there was a reduction by about 25%. In conclusion, as compared with AFB, HFR has a sparing effect on AA loss due to the lack of adsorption by cartridge and to their complete reinfusion in blood.