bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral Effect of Cimicifugin from Cimicifuga foetida Against Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Wang Kuo-Chih , Chang Jung-San , Lin Liang-Tzung , Chiang Lien-Chai , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: August 2012

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes serious infection of the lower respiratory tract in children and an effective antiviral therapy against the viral pathogen remains unavailable. We previously demonstrated that the oriental medicinal plant, Cimicifuga foetida L. (C. foetida), possessed inhibitory activity against RSV. Since cimicifugin is a major constituent of C. foetida, we sought to examine in this study its anti-RSV effect on both the human upper (HEp-2) and lower (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Results revealed that cimicifugin dose-dependently inhibited RSV-induced plaque formation in both HEp-2 and A549 cells (p < 0.0001), with a superior effect in the latter cell type (p < 0.0001). The antiviral activity of cimicifugin was time-dependent (p < 0.0001) and was most effective when cells were treated with the compound before viral inoculation. Additional experiments demonstrated that cimicifugin could inhibit viral attachment (p < 0.0001) and viral internalization (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the drug could potentiate heparin's effect against attachment of RSV, particularly in A549 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of antiviral cytokines induction revealed that cimicifugin could also stimulate epithelial cells to secrete IFN-β to counteract viral infection. Taken together, these results indicate that cimicifugin is an efficient antiviral agent against RSV infection. We suggest that cimicifugin might be useful for the management of RSV pathogenesis.
Pistacia chinensisInhibits NO Production and Upregulates HO-1 Induction via PI-3K/Akt Pathway in LPS Stimulated Macrophage Cells
Authors: Yayeh Taddesse , Hong Mei , Jia Qi , Lee Young-Chul , Kim Hyun-Jin , Hyun Eujin , Kim Tae-Wan , Rhee Man Hee
Published: August 2012

Pistacia chinensis has been used for various purposes in China including as an understock for grafting Pistacia vera. However, little attention was given to its health promoting effects. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of Pistacia chinensis methanolic extract (PCME) containing resorcinol class of phenolic lipids on pro-inflammatory mediators and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW264.7 cells. While PCME (2.5–10 μg/ml) inhibited mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and interleukin (IL)-6, it up-regulated HO-1 expression. Likewise, PCME inhibited iNOS protein expression, but not COX-2, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) release. Moreover, Phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) was attenuated dose-dependently in PCME pre-treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PCME up-regulated HO-1 protein expression was diminished by pre-treatment of PI-3K inhibitor. Furthermore, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) repressor was attenuated time-dependently during PCME treatment. Taken together, our study showed (for the first time) that PCME inhibited NO production and up-regulated HO-1 induction via PI-3K/Akt pathway, suggesting the role of Pistacia chinensis as potential sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant natural compounds.
EVALUATING MEAN INTRINSIC CURVATURE OF DISORDERED SEMIFLEXIBLE BIOPOLYMERS
Authors: HUNG CHIN-YI , ZHOU ZICONG , YOUNG YUAN-SHIN , LIN FANG-TING
Published: August 2012

We study two-dimensional disordered semiflexible biopolymers with finite mean intrinsic curvature (MIC). We find exact distribution function of orientational angle for the system with short-range correlation (SRC) in intrinsic curvatures. We show that with a finite MIC, our theoretical end-to-end distances can be fitted well to some experimental data of DNA with long-range correlation (LRC) in sequences. Moreover, we find that the variance of the orientational angle has the same power-law behavior as that of the bending profile for DNA with LRC in sequences. Our results provide a way to evaluate MIC and suggest that the LRC in sequences can result in a SRC in intrinsic curvatures.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NANOSTRUCTUREDCdOFILMS PREPARED BY CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE
Authors: ASMIAL RIAD A. , AL-SAMARAI ABDUL-MAJEED E. , MOHMED SABRI J. , AHMED HANI H.
Published: August 2012

Nanostructured CdO films were prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. Cadmium nitrate salt was used as a source of cadmium ions ( Cd+2). The effect of solution molarity on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of nanostructured CdO films had been investigated. To obtain a good film stoichiometry, films were heated in a static air temperature of 673 K for 90 min. X-ray diffraction results showed the formation of polycrystalline cadmium oxide structure. The average grain size and root mean square of roughness values obtained from AFM investigation were 87 nm and 13 nm respectively for CdO film prepared with 0.03 M and 98 nm and 17 nm respectively for CdO film prepared with 0.1 M. The average transmittance of CdO films in the visible region was between 70–80% with a corresponding direct optical energy of 2.41–2.5 eV. The electrical resistivity of nanostructured CdO films at temperatures 300–500 K was measured.
STRUCTURAL, TRANSPORT AND MAGNETOTRANSPORT IN NONMAGNETIC Al3+ DOPED MIXED VALENT La0.7Ca0.3Mn1-XAlXO3 MANGANITES
Authors: RATHOD JALSHIKHABA S. , KHACHAR UMA , DOSHI R. R. , SOLANKI P. S. , KUBERKAR D. G.
Published: August 2012

We report the modifications in the transport and magnetotransport in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn 1-x Al x O 3 (LCMAO); x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1 polycrystalline manganites synthesized by conventional ceramic method. XRD studies reveal the single phasic orthorhombic structure for all the Al -doped LCMO samples without any detectable impurities and structural phase transition. SEM micrographs show island-like grain growth in all the samples studied. Transport measurements indicate an increase in resistivity and decrease in metal-insulator (M-I) transition temperature (TP) with the increase in Al -concentration. Field and temperature dependent variation in MR for all the Al (x) doped LCMO samples has been discussed in detail in the light of substitution induced structural disorder.
ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES: LESSONS FROM CURRENT RESEARCH AND NEEDS FROM FUTURE RESEARCH
Authors: MALIK ARUN S. , SMITH STEPHEN C.
Published: August 2012

We put in perspective the papers in this special issue by characterizing different forms of adaptation to climate change and discussing the role of adaptation in a developing country context. We highlight adaptation decision-making under uncertainty, empirics of autonomous adaptation, and data and methodological challenges. We identify unresolved questions, emphasizing interactions between autonomous and planned adaptation, adaptation externalities, and the relationship between adaptation and conflict.
THE ECONOMICS OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: MENDELSOHN ROBERT
Published: August 2012

Adaptations are changes in behavior and capital motivated by climate change. Economic theory suggests that adaptations are efficient (desirable) only if their benefit exceeds their cost. Private adaptations are likely to be efficient because the benefits and cost accrue to the decision maker. With some important exceptions, private adaptation is likely to be done efficiently by markets. Public adaptations, however, benefit many people. Markets are not likely to make efficient public adaptations because they cannot coordinate payments from multiple consumers. Governments need to be responsible for public adaptations. However, government must think carefully about being efficient. Empirically, little is known about what precise changes in behavior are efficient, where such changes should take place and when they should take place. The empirical literature has largely focused on how actors have adapted to the current range of climates across the earth. From these studies, researchers are extrapolating what changes would make sense in the future as climate changes. The results suggest that adaptations are local in nature and therefore look like patchwork adjustments across space. They depend on the current local climate, how it changes and the various local conditions. Although public adaptations in health and conservation look promising, there are virtually no economic analyses of their potential. Overall, adaptation can be very effective at reducing damages, for example, by building sea walls to protect from inundation, and seizing new opportunities, for example, by growing in crops in places that were previously too cold. Research must now focus on making the practical steps that turn that potential into reality.
Geomechanical mechanisms involving faults and fractures for observed correlations between fluctuations in flowrates at wells in North Sea oilfields
Authors: Heffer Kes J.
Published: August 2012

The hydraulic conductivities of faults and fractures in reservoirs can be influenced by geomechanical perturbations due to production operations. It is anticipated that such dynamic permeabilities will be manifest as changes in flowrates at production and injection wells. Statistical correlations in flowrate fluctuations between wells from fields in the North Sea appear to bear out this expectation; they are characterized by high correlations over very large separation distances between wells, and appear to be stress-related and fault-related. This paper discusses possible geomechanical mechanisms that might explain orientational characteristics of correlations relative to stress state: (1) creation of new Andersonian, bimodal faults; (2) shear slip on pre-existing structural features according to slip tendencies; (3) polymodal faulting more consistent with three-dimensional strain; and (4) dilatation or compaction of aligned compliant (micro-)fractures at near-critical densities arranged in en echelon patterns. Mechanism 4 is currently preferred in that it is consistent with: (a) established theory of the nucleation of shear failure; (b) interpretations of widespread microfractures in the lithosphere from observations of shear-wave splitting; (c) (as shown in this paper) the observed frequencies of directionalities in oilfield flooding schemes, an independent empirical feature of production data.
Economic Modeling and Analysis of Educational Vouchers
Authors: Epple Dennis , Romano Richard
Published: August 2012

The analysis of educational vouchers has evolved from market-based analogies to models that incorporate distinctive features of the educational environment. These distinctive features include peer effects, scope for private school pricing and admissions based on student characteristics, the linkage of household residential and school choices in multidistrict settings, the potential for rent seeking in public and private schools, the role of school reputations, incentives for student effort, and the intergenerational dynamics of human capital accumulation. Research has also elucidated features of voucher design, including income and ability targeting, restrictions on private school pricing and admissions, and the potential for garnering political support. We review these research advances.
A Reduced-Form Approach to Behavioral Public Finance
Authors: Mullainathan Sendhil , Schwartzstein Joshua , Congdon William J.
Published: August 2012

Research in behavioral public finance has blossomed in recent years, producing diverse empirical and theoretical insights. This article develops a single framework with which to understand these advances. Rather than drawing out the consequences of specific psychological assumptions, the framework takes a reduced-form approach to behavioral modeling. It emphasizes the difference between decision and experienced utility that underlies most behavioral models. We use this framework to examine the behavioral implications for canonical public finance problems involving the provision of social insurance, commodity taxation, and correcting externalities. We show how deeper principles undergird much work in this area and that many insights are not specific to a single psychological assumption.
Effect of vertical sleeve gastrectomy on food selection and satiation in rats
Authors: Chambers Adam P. , Wilson-Perez Hilary E. , McGrath Sean , Grayson Bernadette E. , Ryan Karen K. , D'Alessio David A. , Woods Stephen C. , Sandoval Darleen A. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: August 2012

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a restrictive procedure that reduces food intake to produce weight loss. Here we assess volume and nutrient effects on the ingestive behavior of VSG and sham surgery animals. Rats given access to Ensure or pelleted chow were used to determine if liquid foods would adversely affect weight loss after surgery. Volume effects were studied by altering the caloric density of Ensure, and dietary preferences for fat and carbohydrate (sucrose) were assessed using a two-bottle test. c-Fos was used to measure neuronal activation in the nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema in response to intragastric infusions of water, sucrose, or Intralipid. The degree of colocalization with catecholaminergic neurons was also assessed. VSG rats did not show the expected preference for a liquid diet over chow and lacked dietary preferences for fat seen in shams. Preferences for carbohydrate/sucrose solutions were unaffected by surgery. Meal size was reduced by VSG; however, VSG rats were able to alter their volume of intake to compensate for changes in caloric density, and intragastric infusions of water produced similar levels of neuronal activation among VSG, sham, and pair-fed rats. In comparison, nutrient-induced c-Fos activation was substantially increased by VSG. Colocalization between c-Fos and catecholaminergic-expressing neurons was similar among rats treated with water, sucrose, or Intralipid. VSG alters nutrient sensing in a manner that lowers the threshold for satiety and reduces fat preference to induce and maintain weight loss.
Relaxin exerts two opposite effects on mechanical activity and nitric oxide synthase expression in the mouse colon
Authors: Baccari M. C. , Traini C. , Garella R. , Cipriani G. , Vannucchi M. G.
Published: August 2012

The hormone relaxin exerts a variety of functions on the smooth muscle of reproductive and nonreproductive organs, most of which occur through a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. In the stomach and ileum, relaxin causes muscle relaxation by modulating the activity and expression of different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms region-dependently. Nothing is known on the effects of relaxin in the colon, the gut region expressing the highest number of neuronal (n) NOSβ-immunoreactive neurons and mainly involved in motor symptoms of pregnancy and menstrual cycle. Therefore, we studied the effects of relaxin exposure in the mouse proximal colon in vitro evaluating muscle mechanical activity and NOS isoform expression. The functional experiments showed that relaxin decreases muscle tone and increases amplitude of spontaneous contractions; the immunohistochemical results showed that relaxin increases nNOSβ and endothelial (e) NOS expression in the neurons and decreases nNOSα and eNOS expression in the smooth muscle cells (SMC). We hypothesized that, in the colon, relaxin primarily increases the activity and expression of nNOSβ and eNOS in the neurons, causing a reduction of the muscle tone. The downregulation of nNOSα and eNOS expression in the SMC associated with increased muscle contractility could be the consequence of continuous exposue of these cells to the NO of neuronal origin. These findings may help to better understand the physiology of NO in the gastrointestinal tract and the role that the “relaxin-NO” system plays in motor disorders such as functional bowel disease.
Peripubertal-onset but not adult-onset obesity increases IGF-I and drives development of lean mass, which may lessen the metabolic impairment in adult obesity
Authors: Cordoba-Chacon Jose , Gahete Manuel D. , Pozo-Salas Ana I. , Moreno-Herrera Antonio , Castaño Justo P. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: August 2012

It has been suggested that adult metabolic dysfunction may be more severe in individuals who become obese as children compared with those who become obese later in life. To determine whether adult metabolic function differs if diet-induced weight gain occurs during the peripubertal age vs. if excess weight gain occurs after puberty, male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a low-fat (LF; 10% kcal from fat) or high-fat (HF; 60% kcal from fat) diet starting during the peripubertal period (pHF; 4 wk of age) or as adults (aHF; 12 wk of age). Both pHF and aHF mice were hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, and both showed impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance compared with their LF-fed controls. However, despite a longer time on diet, pHF mice were relatively more insulin sensitive than aHF mice, which was associated with higher lean mass and circulating IGF-I levels. In addition, HF feeding had an overall stimulatory effect on circulating corticosterone levels; however, this rise was associated only with elevated plasma ACTH in the aHF mice. Despite the belief that adult metabolic dysfunction may be more severe in individuals who become obese as children, data generated using a diet-induced obese mouse model suggest that adult metabolic dysfunction associated with peripubertal onset of obesity is not worse than that associated with adult-onset obesity.
Use of ultrasound to assess renal reperfusion and P-selectin expression following unilateral renal ischemia
Authors: Boesen Erika I. , Crislip G. Ryan , Sullivan Jennifer C.
Published: August 2012

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major cause of acute kidney injury that carries a high mortality rate and increases the risk of later development of hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Although mouse models have contributed much to our understanding of the mechanisms involved, studying aspects of the injury process in vivo remains technically challenging. This study validates the use of noninvasive ultrasound imaging to assess both renal perfusion and vascular adhesion molecule expression following 1-h unilateral renal ischemia in male and female mice. Pulsed-wave Doppler measurements of renal arterial blood velocity revealed renal perfusion recoveries of 56 ± 9% in male and 69 ± 10% in female mice 1 h after the commencing of reperfusion, which is similar to what we have previously published using conventional invasive methodology. At 24 h postischemia, renal perfusion was 40 ± 8% in male and 46 ± 7% in female mice, representing a further significant reduction of perfusion ( PTime < 0.001). Using ultrasound imaging of a P-selectin-targeted contrast agent, a significant increase in vascular P-selectin protein expression was observed after 1-h reperfusion in the cortex of the postischemic compared with contralateral kidney in both male and female mice (18 ± 5 vs. 3 ± 3 intensity units in male and 30 ± 6 vs. 0 ± 4 in female mice, PIschemia < 0.01). An approximately sixfold increase in P-selectin mRNA was observed ex vivo in the renal vasculature of male and female mice at this time point ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, ultrasound represents an effective and noninvasive method for the measurement of both renal perfusion and vascular adhesion molecule expression in mice.
Genomic analysis of sleep deprivation reveals translational regulation in the hippocampus
Authors: Vecsey Christopher G. , Peixoto Lucia , Choi Jennifer H. K. , Wimmer Mathieu , Jaganath Devan , Hernandez Pepe J. , Blackwell Jennifer , Meda Karuna , Park Alan J. , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Abel Ted
Published: August 2012

Sleep deprivation is a common problem of considerable health and economic impact in today's society. Sleep loss is associated with deleterious effects on cognitive functions such as memory and has a high comorbidity with many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the molecular basis of the effect of sleep deprivation in the brain. In this study, we combined genome-wide and traditional molecular biological approaches to determine the cellular and molecular impacts of sleep deprivation in the mouse hippocampus, a brain area crucial for many forms of memory. Microarray analysis examining the effects of 5 h of sleep deprivation on gene expression in the mouse hippocampus found 533 genes with altered expression. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that a prominent effect of sleep deprivation was to downregulate translation, potentially mediated through components of the insulin signaling pathway such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a key regulator of protein synthesis. Consistent with this analysis, sleep deprivation reduced levels of total and phosphorylated mTOR, and levels returned to baseline after 2.5 h of recovery sleep. Our findings represent the first genome-wide analysis of the effects of sleep deprivation on the mouse hippocampus, and they suggest that the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation may be mediated by reductions in protein synthesis via downregulation of mTOR. Because protein synthesis and mTOR activation are required for long-term memory formation, our study improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the memory impairments induced by sleep deprivation.
Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals novel mitochondrial targets of estrogen deficiency in the aged female rat heart
Authors: Lancaster T. S. , Jefferson S. J. , Hunter J. Craig , Lopez Veronica , Van Eyk J. E. , Lakatta E. G. , Korzick D. H.
Published: August 2012

The incidence of myocardial infarction rises sharply at menopause, implicating a potential role for estrogen (E2) loss in age-related increases in ischemic injury. We aimed to identify quantitative changes to the cardiac mitochondrial proteome of aging females, based on the hypothesis that E2 deficiency exacerbates age-dependent disruptions in mitochondrial proteins. Mitochondria isolated from left ventricles of adult (6 mo) and aged (24 mo) F344 ovary-intact or ovariectomized (OVX) rats were labeled with 8plex isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ; n = 5–6/group). Groups studied were adult, adult OVX, aged, and aged OVX. In vivo coronary artery ligation and in vitro mitochondrial respiration studies were also performed in a subset of rats. We identified 965 proteins across groups and significant directional changes in 67 proteins of aged and/or aged OVX; 32 proteins were unique to aged OVX. Notably, only six proteins were similarly altered in adult OVX (voltage-dependent ion channel 1, adenine nucleotide translocator 1, cytochrome c oxidase subunits VIIc and VIc, catalase, and myosin binding protein C). Proteins affected by aging were primarily related to cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell death. The largest change occurred in monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), a source of oxidative stress. While acute MAO-A inhibition induced mild uncoupling in aged mitochondria, reductions in infarct size were not observed. Age-dependent alterations in mitochondrial signaling indicate a highly selective myocardial response to E2 deficiency. The combined proteomic and functional approaches described here offer possibility of new protein targets for experimentation and therapeutic intervention in the aged female population.
Proteomic Analyses of the Vitreous Humour
Authors: Angi Martina , Kalirai Helen , Coupland Sarah E. , Damato Bertil E. , Semeraro Francesco , Romano Mario R.
Published: August 2012

The human vitreous humour (VH) is a transparent, highly hydrated gel, which occupies the posterior segment of the eye between the lens and the retina. Physiological and pathological conditions of the retina are reflected in the protein composition of the VH, which can be sampled as part of routine surgical procedures. Historically, many studies have investigated levels of individual proteins in VH from healthy and diseased eyes. In the last decade, proteomics analyses have been performed to characterise the proteome of the human VH and explore networks of functionally related proteins, providing insight into the aetiology of diabetic retinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Recent proteomic studies on the VH from animal models of autoimmune uveitis have identified new signalling pathways associated to autoimmune triggers and intravitreal inflammation. This paper aims to guide biological scientists through the different proteomic techniques that have been used to analyse the VH and present future perspectives for the study of intravitreal inflammation using proteomic analyses.
A Standardized Chinese Herbal Decoction, Kai-Xin-San, Restores Decreased Levels of Neurotransmitters and Neurotrophic Factors in the Brain of Chronic Stress-Induced Depressive Rats
Authors: Zhu Kevin Yue , Mao Qing-Qiu , Ip Siu-Po , Choi Roy Chi-Yan , Dong Tina Ting-Xia , Lau David Tai-Wai , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung
Published: August 2012

Kai-xin-san (KXS), a Chinese herbal decoction being prescribed by Sun Simiao inBeiji Qianjin Yaofangabout 1400 years ago, contains Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Acori tatarinowii Rhizoma, and Poria. KXS has been used to treat stress-related psychiatric disease with the symptoms of depression and forgetfulness in ancient China until today. However, the mechanism of its antidepression action is still unknown. Here, the chronic mild-stress-(CMS-) induced depressive rats were applied in exploring the action mechanisms of KXS treatment. Daily intragastric administration of KXS for four weeks significantly alleviated the CMS-induced depressive symptoms displayed by enhanced sucrose consumption. In addition, the expressions of those molecular bio-markers relating to depression in rat brains were altered by the treatment of KXS. These KXS-regulated brain biomarkers included: (i) the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (ii) the transcript levels of proteins relating to neurotransmitter metabolism; (iii) the transcript levels of neurotrophic factors and their receptors. The results suggested that the anti-depressant-like action of KXS might be mediated by an increase of neurotransmitters and expression of neurotrophic factors and its corresponding receptors in the brain. Thus, KXS could serve as alternative medicine, or health food supplement, for patients suffering from depression.
Calculation of the Reproducing Kernel on the Reproducing Kernel Space with Weighted Integral
Authors: Gao Er , Song Songhe , Zhang Xinjian
Published: August 2012

We provide a new definition for reproducing kernel space with weighted integral and present a method to construct and calculate the reproducing kernel for the space. The new reproducing kernel space is an enlarged reproducing kernel space, which contains the traditional reproducing kernel space. The proposed method of this paper is a universal method and is suitable for the case of that the weight is variable. Obviously, this new method will generalize a number of applications of reproducing kernel theory to many areas.
Multiparameter Statistical Models from Braid Matrices: Explicit Eigenvalues of Transfer Matrices , Spin Chains, Factorizable Scatterings for All
Authors: Abdesselam B. , Chakrabarti A.
Published: August 2012

For a class of multiparameter statistical models based on braid matrices, the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix are obtained explicitly for all . Our formalism yields them as solutions of sets of linear equations with simple constant coefficients. The role of zero-sum multiplets constituted in terms of roots of unity is pointed out, and their origin is traced to circular permutations of the indices in the tensor products of basis states induced by our class of matrices. The role of free parameters, increasing as withN, is emphasized throughout. Spin chain Hamiltonians are constructed and studied for allN. Inverse Cayley transforms of the Yang-Baxter matrices corresponding to our braid matrices are obtained for allN. They provide potentials for factorizableS-matrices. Main results are summarized, and perspectives are indicated in the concluding remarks.
Bit Rate Optimization with MMSE Detector for Multicast LP‐OFDM Systems
Authors: Maiga Ali , Baudais Jean-Yves , Hélard Jean-François
Published: August 2012

We propose a new resource allocation algorithm with minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector for
multicast linear precoded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (LP‐OFDM) systems. To increase
the total multicast bit rate, this algorithm jointly uses the LP‐OFDM modulation technique and an adaptation
of the OFDM‐based multicast approaches to exploit the transmission link diversities of users. The
LP technique applied to multicast OFDM systems with zero forcing (ZF) detector has already proved its
ability to increase the unirate multicast system bit rate in a power line communication (PLC) context.
The new MMSE detector and the new related bit‐loading algorithm are developed to enhance the ZF detector
results. To improve both the bit rate and the fairness among multicast users, the utilization of the
LP component in multirate multicast systems is then investigated. Simulations are run over indoor PLC
channels, and it is shown that the proposed LP‐based methods outperform the OFDM‐based methods in
terms of total bit rate and fairness index for both unirate and multirate multicast systems. Additionally,
it is shown that the proposed bit‐loading algorithm with MMSE detector outperforms the ZF detector
and the OFDM‐based receiver in terms of total multicast bit rate and fairness among users.
ANN Current Controller Based on PI-Fuzzy Adaptive System for Shunt Power Active Filter
Authors: Lamchich Moulay Tahar
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with the use of triphase shunt active filter which is able to compensate current harmonics, reactive power, and current unbalance produced by nonlinear loads. To perform the identification of disturbing currents, a very simple control method is introduced. It’s formed by a DC voltage regulator and a balance between the average power of load and the active power supplied by the grid. The output current of the voltage source inverter (VSI) must track the reference current. This is done by a neural controller based on a PI-Fuzzy adaptive system as reference corrector. Also to regulate the DC link capacitor voltage a fuzzy logic adaptive PI controller is used.
Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Air Quality and Population Exposure in Urban Planning Scenarios
Authors: Gidhagen Lars , Engardt Magnuz , Lövenheim Boel , Johansson Christer
Published: August 2012

We employ a nested system of global and regional climate models, linked to regional and urban air quality chemical transport models utilizing detailed inventories of present and future emissions, to study the relative impact of climate change and changing air pollutant emissions on air quality and population exposure in Stockholm, Sweden. We show that climate change only marginally affects air quality over the 20-year period studied. An exposure assessment reveals that the population of Stockholm can expect considerably lower NO2exposure in the future, mainly due to reduced local NOx emissions. Ozone exposure will decrease only slightly, due to a combination of increased concentrations in the city centre and decreasing concentrations in the suburban areas. The increase in ozone concentration is a consequence of decreased local NOx emissions, which reduces the titration of the long-range transported ozone. Finally, we evaluate the consequences of a planned road transit project on future air quality in Stockholm. The construction of a very large bypass road (including one of the largest motorway road tunnels in Europe) will only marginally influence total population exposure, this since the improved air quality in the city centre will be complemented by deteriorated air quality in suburban, residential areas.
Design Space Exploration of Deeply Nested Loop 2D Filtering and 6 Level FSBM Algorithm Mapped onto Systolic Array
Authors: Sundari B. Bala Tripura
Published: August 2012

The high integration density in today′s VLSI chips offers enormous computing power to be utilized by the design of parallel computing hardware. The implementation of computationally intensive algorithms represented by n‐dimensional (n‐D) nested loop algorithms, onto parallel array architecture is termed as mapping. The methodologies adopted for mapping these algorithms onto parallel hardware often use heuristic search that requires a lot of computational
effort to obtain near optimal solutions. We propose a new mapping procedure wherein a lower dimensional subspace (of the n‐D problem space) of inner loop is identified, in which lies the computational expression that generates the output or outputs of the n‐D problem. The processing elements (PE array) are assigned to the identified sub‐space and the reuse of the PE array is through the assignment of the PE array to the successive sub‐spaces in consecutive clock cycles/periods (CPs) to complete the computational tasks of the n‐D problem. The above is used to develop our proposed modified heuristic search to arrive at optimal design and the complexity comparisons are given. The MATLAB results of the new search and the design space trade‐off analysis using the high‐level synthesis tool are presented for two typical computationally intensive nested loop algorithms—the 6D FSBM and the 4D edge detection alternatively known as the 2D filtering algorithm.
Pilot Study with regard to the Wound Healing Activity of Protein fromCalotropis procera(Ait.) R. Br.
Authors: Perumal Samy Ramar , Chow Vincent T. K.
Published: August 2012

We provide the scientific basis for the use ofCalotropis procerafor treating skin and wound infections in traditional medicine. The aqueous extract of stem-bark ofC. proceraexhibited more pronounced potent antimicrobial activity. Calo-protein was purified and identified from the most-active aqueous extracts ofC. proceraand showed broad-spectrum activity. Calo-protein inhibited the growth ofS. aureusandE. aerogeneseffectively at 25 μg/ml concentration. Mice topically treated with Calo-protein revealed significant wound healing after 14 days comparable to fusidic acid (FA) as positive control. This protein was devoid of cytolytic effect even at higher concentrations on skin cells after 24 h. Further investigation of this Calo-protein ofC. proceraon bacterial inhibition may provide a better understanding of the scientific basis and justification for its use in traditional medicine.
Coefficient Bounds for Certain Subclasses of Analytic Functions Defined by Komatu Integral Operator
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: August 2012

We determine the coeffcient bounds for functions in certain subclasses of analytic functions of complex order, which are introduced here by means of a certain non-homogeneous Cauchy–Euler type differential equation of orderm. Relevant connections of some of the results obtained with those in earlier works are also provided.
Efficacy of Corticosteroids Alone in the Eradication of Factor VIII Inhibitor in an Old Female with Idiopathic Acquired Haemophilia A: Description of a Case
Authors: Girelli Francesco , Biasoli Chiara , Bassi Bruna , Bagioni Franco , Bondi Gabriele , Camporesi Claudio , Gardelli Lucia , Mazzeo Vincenzo , Nizzoli Maurizio
Published: August 2012

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare and serious disorder mainly affecting elderly patients. It is caused by the production of autoantibodies directed against coagulation factors; patients present with spontaneous bleeding, potentially fatal, in the absence of familial or personal history. Autoimmune disorders, infections, solid and hematologic tumors, and drugs are predisposing factors, but up to 50 percent of cases remain unexplained. The diagnosis of AHA is confirmed by specific laboratory tests; and the therapy is a clinical challenge, due to the fact that older patients are often affected by comorbidities. By passing agents may be used when persistent bleeding or haemodynamic instability is observed; corticosteroids, alone or with immunosuppressive therapy, are necessary to inhibit the production of the autoantibodies. We describe a case in which steroids in monotherapy successfully, safely, and persistently inhibited the production of anti-Factor VIII antibodies, in an old patient admitted after rheumatologic consult.
Size Effect on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nanosized PerovskiteLaFeO3Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi , Minh Dang Le
Published: August 2012

Nanosized LaFeO3material was prepared by 3 methods: high energy milling, citrate gel, and coprecipitation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) show that the orthorhombic LaFeO3phase was well formed at a low sintering temperature of 500°C in the citrate-gel and co-precipitation methods. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations indicate that the particle size of the LaFeO3powder varies from 10 nm to 50 nm depending on the preparation method. The magnetic properties through magnetization versus temperatureM(T)and magnetization verses magnetic fieldM(H)characteristics show that the nano-LaFeO3exhibits a weak ferromagnetic behavior in the room temperature, and theM(H)curves are well fitted by Langevin functions.
Lithium Ion Storage Characteristics of Mechanically Fractured Titanate Nanotubes
Authors: Kim Jeongeun , Eom Minyong , Yoon Yongsub , Shin Dongwook
Published: August 2012

The effect of mechanical milling on the formation of short titanate nanotube and structural change induced is investigated. Mechanical milling produces the short nanotubes with the length of 30–160 nm. The lithium ion intercalation characteristics of the obtained short titanate nanotube were studied to verify the effect of the newly formed cross‐sections of nanotubes. It was found that the protonated titanate nanotubes maintained long shapes until 30 min of mechanical milling and were transformed into agglomerated nanosheets and finally anatase granules depending on the treatment duration. Through galvanostatic investigation, the nanotubes with milling of 15 min exhibited the highest discharge capacity of 336 mAh·g−1 in first cycle, 12.4% larger than pristine.
Complicated Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions for Heat Equation in Some Weighted Space
Authors: Wang Liangwei , Yin Jingxue
Published: August 2012

We investigate the asymptotic behavior of solutions for the heat equation in the weighted space . Exactly, we find that the unbounded function space with 0 < σ < N can provide a setting where complexity occurs in the asymptotic behavior of solutions for the heat equation.
Stock Prices’ Variability around Earnings Announcement Dates at Karachi Stock Exchange
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Azeem , Abdullah Ali , Imdadullah Muhammad
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate how earnings announcement event affects stock returns at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). For this purpose we use the KSE-100 Index as our sample. We use the CAR Analysis to analyze the impact of earnings announcement over the stock returns around announcement dates. Our results suggest that KSE experiences abnormal stock returns around earnings announcement dates for the overall market and for different categories which indicate that efficient market hypothesis does not hold in Pakistani market and point out the presence of informational dissemination inefficiencies in the market.
Unusual Location of Primary Hydatid Cyst: Soft Tissue Mass in the Supraclavicular Region of the Neck
Authors: Jarboui Slim , Hlel Abdelwaheb , Daghfous Alifa , Bakkey Mohamed Ali , Sboui Imed
Published: August 2012

Cystic hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused byEchinococcus granulosus. It may affect any organ and tissue in the body, in particular the liver and Lung. Musculoskeletal or soft tissue hydatidosis accounts for about 0,5%–5% of all echinococcal infections in endemic areas and is almost secondary to the hepatic or pulmonary disease (Karaman et al., 2011; Dirican et al., 2008; Kouskos et al., 2007).Case Presentation. We report an unusual case of primary subcutaneous hydatidosis in the left supraclavicular region of the neck. A 53-year-old female patient was admitted with three-month history of pain and gradually growing mass located in the left supraclavicular region. Physical examination revealed a moderately hard, painful, and erythematous mass. The blood cell count was normal. Computed tomography demonstrated, a multilocular cystic lesion with thin borders and thin wall. The mass is binocular and extends to the scapula. CT showed no involvement of the lung. From these signs, the patient was diagnosed as having abscess (bacterial infection or tuberculosis). The diagnosis ofEchinococcus granulosusinfection was made per operatively after visualization of the cyst wall and the daughter cysts. Following irrigation of cystic cavity with hypertonic saline solution, the cyst wall was excised along with a portion of surrounding tissue. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the hydatid origin. Hemagglutination tests forEchinococcusand ELISA were negative. Ultrasound of the abdomen was normal. The patient received albendazole (400 mg/day) for 8 weeks postoperatively. No sign of recurrence could be detected by physical examination and imaging (CT) at 4-month followup.Conclusion. The case illustrates that echinococcal disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every cystic mass in every anatomic location, especially when it occurs in endemic areas.
Collaborative Relay Beamforming Strategies for Multiple Destinations with Guaranteed QoS in Wireless Machine-to-Machine Networks
Authors: Wang Da , Bai Lin , Zhang Xiaoning , Guan Wenyang , Chen Chen
Published: August 2012

The Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications allow information exchange between machine devices, which can be carried out without any human interaction. However, there are a large number of small and low-power machine devices in the wireless M2M networks. To guarantee the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the destination devices, we study the amplify-and-forward (AF) relay beamforming, where multiple relay M2M devices can transmit signals from the source M2M device to multiple destination M2M devices. In this paper, we propose two iterative strategies to jointly optimize the source antenna selection and the collaborative relay beamforming weights with the aid of perfect channel state information (CSI). The aim of the proposed strategies is to maximize the worst-case received signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) under two different types of relay power constraints, which are the total relay power constraint and individual relay power constraints, respectively. Using the semidefinite relaxation (SDR) technique, the optimization problem of collaborative relay beamforming can be formulated as a semidefinite programming (SDP) problem, which can be optimally solved. Simulation results validate our theoretical analysis and demonstrate that after several iterations, the performance of the proposed iterative strategies can obtain near-optimal performance.
Repeated Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Comparison with Primary Liver Resections concerning Perioperative and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Jönsson Kristoffer , Gröndahl Gerd , Salö Martin , Tingstedt Bobby , Andersson Roland
Published: August 2012

Introduction. 60% of patients operated for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) will develop recurrent disease and some may be candidates for a repeated liver resection. The study aimed to evaluate differences in intraoperative blood loss and complications comparing the primary and the repeated liver resection for metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as to evaluate differences in long-time follow-up.Method. 32 patients underwent 34 repeated liver resections due to recurrence of CRLM an studied retrospectively to identify potential differences between the primary and the repeat resections.Results. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality or postoperative hospital deaths. The median blood loss at repeat resection (1850 mL) was significantly (P=0.014) higher as compared to the primary liver resection (1000 mL). This did not have any effect on the rate of complications, even though increased bleeding in itself was a risk factor for complications. There were no differences in survival at long-term follow-up.Discussion. A repeated liver resection for CRLM was associated with an increased intraoperative bleeding as compared to the first resection. Possible explanations include presence of adhesions, deranged vascular anatomy, more complicated operations and the effects on the liver by chemotherapy following the first liver resection. 30 out of 32 patients had only one reresection of the liver.
Recent Advances in the Genetic Transformation of Coffee
Authors: Mishra M. K. , Slater A.
Published: August 2012

Coffee is one of the most important plantation crops, grown in about 80 countries across the world. The genus Coffea comprises approximately 100 species of which only two species, that is, Coffea arabica (commonly known as arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (known as robusta coffee), are commercially cultivated. Genetic improvement of coffee through traditional breeding is slow due to the perennial nature of the plant. Genetic transformation has tremendous potential in developing improved coffee varieties with desired agronomic traits, which are otherwise difficult to achieve through traditional breeding. During the last twenty years, significant progress has been made in coffee biotechnology, particularly in the area of transgenic technology. This paper provides a detailed account of the advances made in the genetic transformation of coffee and their potential applications.
Onα-Layer Ideal Topologies
Authors: Wu Xiu-Yun , Xie Li-Li
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this paper is to study theory of two different kinds ofα-layer order-preserving operator space, namely,ωα-oposandωα*(ℑ)-opos. The former kind of space is formed byα-layer function inL-fuzzy order-preserving operator space. The later kind of space is derived by localα-remote neighborhood function, which is related withωα-oposandα-ideal. We study characteristic properties of the two kinds of spaces, respectively, and give some applications to show the intimate relations under two differentωα*(ℑ)-oposs.
Design of Matched Absorbing Layers for Surface Plasmon-Polaritons
Authors: de la Cruz Sergio , Méndez Eugenio R. , Maradudin Alexei A.
Published: August 2012

We describe a procedure for designing metal-metal boundaries for the strong attenuation of surface plasmon-polaritons without the introduction of reflections or scattering effects. Solutions associated with different sets of matching materials are found. To illustrate the results and the consequences of adopting different solutions, we present calculations based on an integral equation formulation for the scattering problem and the use of a nonlocal impedance boundary condition.
Using Mobile Robots to Establish Mobile Wireless Mesh Networks and Increase Network Throughput
Authors: Nguyen Cory Q. , Min Byung-Cheol , Matson Eric T. , Smith Anthony H. , Dietz J. Eric , Kim Donghan
Published: August 2012

We discuss the proof of concept that gives mobile robotic units the ability to provide a mobile wireless mesh network providing wireless service to end-clients and also demonstrate the ability to increase the throughput of this mobile wireless mesh system by autonomously reducing the hop count required for network traffic to transit through. In doing so, this proof-of-concept contributes to future development of a robust system which can be deployed and utilized in different situations and industry.