bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and the Fat‐Bone Axis in Young Men and Women
Authors: Ponce‐González Jesú Gustavo , Guadalupe‐Grau Amelia , Rodríguez‐González Francisco Germán , Dorado Cecilia , Olmedillas Hugo , Fuentes Teresa , Rodríguez‐García Lorena , Díaz‐Chico Bonifacio Nicolás , Calbet José A. L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Androgen receptor (AR) CAGn (polyglutamine) and GGNn(polyglycine) repeat polymorphisms determine part of the androgenic effect and may influence adiposity. The association of fat mass, and its regional distribution, with the AR CAGn and GGNn polymorphisms was studied in 319 and 78 physically active nonsmoker men and women (mean ± SD: 28.3 ± 7.6 and 24.8 ± 6.2 years old, respectively). The length of CAG and GGN repeats was determined by polymerase chain reaction and fragment analysis, and confirmed by DNA sequencing of selected samples. Men were grouped as CAG short (CAGS) if harboring repeat lengths ≤21, the rest as CAG long (CAGL). The corresponding cutoff CAG number for women was 22. GGN was considered short (GGNS) if GGN ≤23, the rest as GGN long (GGNL). No association between AR polymorphisms and adiposity or the hormonal variables was observed in men. Neither was there a difference in the studied variables between men harboring CAGL + GGNL,CAGS + GGNS,CAGS + GGNL, and CAGL + GGNS combinations. However, in women, GGNn was linearly related to the percentage of body fat (r = 0.30, P < .05), the percentage of fat in the trunk (r = 0.28, P < .05), serum leptin concentration (r = 0.40, P < .05), and serum osteocalcin concentration (r = 0.32, P < .05). In men, free testosterone was inversely associated with adiposity and serum leptin concentration, and positively with osteocalcin, even after accounting for differences in CAGn, GGNn, or both. In summary, this study shows that the AR repeat polymorphism has little influence on absolute and relative fat mass or its regional distribution in physically active men. In young women, GGN length is positively associated with adiposity, leptin, and osteocalcin.
Soy Lecithin Interferes With Mitochondrial Function in Frozen‐Thawed Ram Spermatozoa
Authors: Del Valle I. , Gómez‐Durán A. , Holt W. V. , Muiño‐Blanco T. , Cebrián‐Pérez J. A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Egg yolk and milk are the 2 major membrane cryoprotectants commonly used in freezing media for the long‐term preservation of semen (alone or in combination with others). However, in recent years, there have been increasing arguments against the use of egg yolk or milk because of the risk of introducing diseases through the use of cryopreserved semen. In this study, we analyzed the protective effect of lecithin as an alternative to egg yolk for the cryopreservation of ram semen, using a range of functional markers for sperm viability, motility, apoptosis, and mitochondrial functionality analyses (mitochondrial inner membrane surface [MIMS], mitochondrial inner membrane potential [MIMP], and cell membrane potential) as methods of assessment in samples diluted in 3 different media: Tris‐citrate‐glucose as control and 2 media supplemented with soy lecithin or egg yolk. The results showed that lecithin was able to effectively protect certain sperm quality characteristics against freezing‐induced damage. However, lecithin induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential or mitochondrial loss that was not reflected by modifications in sperm motility in fresh semen. MIMS and MIMP values decreased in thawed lecithin‐treated samples, concomitant with a lower (P < .05) percentage of total and progressively motile cells, compared with those in egg yolk—containing samples. Further incubation of thawed samples revealed changes in motility and mitochondrial functionality that otherwise would not have been detected. These results indicated that lecithin may have affected the inner mitochondrial membrane in frozenthawed spermatozoa and confirmed that sublethal damages that seriously affect sperm functionality, not detected by classic sperm quality analyses, can be evidenced by changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane surface. These findings strengthen the relationship between mitochondrial membrane potential and motility and show that the mitochondrial alterations induced by the cryopreservation process could be specific targets for the improvement of semen cryopreservation protocols.
Simultaneous Quantification of Steroids in Rat Intratesticular Fluid by HPLC—Isotope Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Renne Alissa , Luo Lindi , Jarow Jonathan , Wright William W. , Brown Terry R. , Chen Haolin , Zirkin Barry R. , Friesen Marlin D.
Published: July 2012

Abstract: An isotope dilution mass spectrometry method has been developed for the simultaneous measurement of picolinoyl derivatives of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17β‐estradiol (E2), and 5α‐androstan‐3α,17β‐diol (3α‐diol) in rat intratesticular fluid. The method uses reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Following derivatization of 10‐μL samples of testicular fluid with picolinoyl chloride hydrochloride, the samples were purified by solid phase extraction before analysis. The accuracy of the method was satisfactory for the 4 analytes at 3 concentrations, and both inter‐ and intraday reproducibility were satisfactory for T, DHT, and E2. Measurements of intratesticular T concentrations in a group of 8 untreated adult rats by this method correlated well with measurements of the same samples by radioimmunoassay. As in men, there was considerable rat‐to‐rat variability in T concentration, despite the fact that the rats were inbred. Although its levels were more than an order of magnitude lower than those of T, DHT was measured reliably in all 8 intratesticular fluid samples. DHT concentration also varied from rat to rat and was highly correlated with T levels. The levels of E2 and 3α‐diol also were measurable. The availability of a sensitive method by which to measure steroids accurately and rapidly in the small volumes of intratesticular fluid obtainable from individual rats will make it possible to examine the effects, over time, of such perturbations as hormone and drug administration and environmental toxicant exposures on the intratesticular hormonal environment of exposed individual males and thereby to begin to understand differences in response between individuals.
Fixed point theory for multivalued generalized nonexpansive mappings
Authors: García-Falset Jesús , Llorens-Fuster Enrique , Moreno-Gálvez Elena
Published: July 2012

A very general class of multivalued generalized nonexpansive mappings is
defined. We also give some fixed point results for these mappings, and
finally we compare and separate this class from the other multivalued
generalized nonexpansive mappings introduced in the recent literature.
Primary leptomeningeal melanocytosis: A case report with an autopsy diagnosis
Authors: Zivkovic Nikola , Mihailovic Dragan , Mijovic Zaklina , Jovicic-Milentijevic Maja
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Primary melanocytosis of the leptomeninges is a rare tumor,
most likely originating from the melanocytes in the leptomeninges. The
average survival is only about 5 months. Case report. A 61- years-old woman
presented with headache, amaurosis and hallucinations lasted for two months,
and she had been treated at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Clinic for
Infectious Diseases. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a lower level of
glucose and a higher level of proteins. Small shaded areas of basal
leptomeninges and hydrocephalus were found by computed tomography and
magnetic resonance imaging. The autopsy showed a dark brown mass on basal
leptomeninges with blurred boundaries. No pigmented skin lesions were found.
Histopathological analysis revealed a primary leptomeningeal melanocytosis.
Conclusion. Primary leptomeningeal melanocytosis is a rare tumor, difficult
to diagnose. This case is being presented for its specificity, since this
diagnosis is not frequently seen in practice.
Our Digital Age: Implications for Learning and its (Online) Institutions
Authors: Davidson Cathy N. , Goldberg David Theo
Published: July 2012

Over the past two decades, the way we learn has changed dramatically. We have new sources of information and new ways to exchange and to interact with information. But our schools and the way we teach have remained largely the same for years, even centuries. What happens to traditional educational institutions when learning also takes place on a vast range of Internet sites, from Pokemon Web pages to Wikipedia? This chapter, excerpted from our book, The Future of Thinking, does not promote change for the sake of change. Implicit in its sincere plea for transformation is an awareness that the current situation needs improvement. In advocating change for learning institutions, this chapter makes assumptions about the deep structure of learning, about cognition, about the way youth today learn about their world in informal settings, and about a mismatch between the excitement generated by informal learning and the routinization of learning common to many of our institutions of formal education. It advocates institutional change because our current formal educational institutions are not taking enough advantage of the modes of digital and participatory learning available to students today.
Undergraduate Peer Learning and Public Digital Humanities Research
Authors: Draxler Bridget , Hsieh Haowei , Dudley Nicole , Winet Jon
Published: July 2012

In conjunction with Iowa City's 2008 designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, an interdisciplinary team of University of Iowa faculty, graduate and undergraduate student researchers formed UCOL – the University of Iowa UNESCO City of Literature Mobile Application Development Team. The project brings together community partners, faculty, students and staff at the university to develop, record and produce multimedia research about local writers for ‘City of Lit’, a mobile app now available for mobile devices. During the past year, the project was incorporated into three sections of a general education literature course, giving undergraduate students experience conducting research and creating multimedia content on local authors. Students in this class worked collectively to create multimedia hypertext documents that feature traditional text, photos, graphics, and audio and video content for inclusion in the mobile app. The project encouraged interdisciplinary collaborative undergraduate research. Student reflections and presentations, along with a formal survey designed by the research team, suggest that the project provided valuable learning outcomes through its integration of literary research and analysis, New Media and technology, and local community engagement within team-based learning. The authors' research indicates that the creation of peer-assisted scholarship positively facilitated the peer learning process, particularly with groups of three students.
A Constructivist Approach to Virtual Reality for Experiential Learning
Authors: Aiello P. , D'Elia F. , Di Tore S. , Sibilio M.
Published: July 2012

Consideration of a possible use of virtual reality technologies in school contexts requires gathering together the suggestions of many scientific domains aimed at understanding the features of these same tools that let them offer valid support to the teaching-learning processes in educational settings. Specifically, the present study is aimed at creating a theoretical framework for the didactic use of VR technologies in schools, highlighting the characteristics of these tools that are supported by a view of teaching that enhances sensorimotor activity in learning. The theoretical approach, through the study of the international scientific literature on this topic, offers interdisciplinary suggestions for realising teaching-learning practices that are supported by scientific principles and a concept of learning that is consistent with the processes that these tools may activate.
Network or Net Worth? Deconstructing the Knowledge Society
Authors: Dyer Maxine
Published: July 2012

One of the major issues facing humanity in the twenty-first century is how the increasing effects of globalisation will play out in relation to existing societal and global inequalities. At the very crux of this issue are the terms ‘knowledge society’ and ‘knowledge economy’, two terms employed in a variety of different contexts, including business circles, the media, and educational policy statements. The notion of ‘society’ also appears in other related terms, such as ‘learning society’, ‘post-industrial society’, and ‘information society’. However, the exact meaning of what constitutes a ‘knowledge society’ appears open to debate and tends to shift and change depending on the context in which it is used. The word ‘society’ is also frequently interchanged with the word ‘economy’, denoting some kind of equivalence or symmetry between ‘knowledge societies' and ‘knowledge economies’. The implication of this is that these concepts are synonymous with each other. But are they? This article argues that, rather than encompassing the same concepts and principles, the terms ‘knowledge society’ and ‘knowledge economy’ actually conceal diametrically opposed paradigms, a masquerade that poses a considerable threat to the long-held egalitarian goals of educational institutions and to the promise of a networked global ‘society’.
The Effect of Bleaching Agents on the Color Stability of Ceromer and Porcelain Restorative Materials In Vitro
Authors: Kara HB , Aykent F , Ozturk B
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the color changes of five different restorative materials after exposing these materials to two different home bleaching agents.

Methods

This study applied bleaching agents to an ultralow-fusing porcelain, a low-fusing porcelain, two types of heat-pressed glass ceramics, and a ceromer. A total of 24 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated (with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm) from each material (n=12). The initial color measurements were taken with a spectrophotometer. The first set of specimens were bleached with 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) for one hour daily for 10 days. The other set of specimens were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gel for eight hours daily for 14 days. Data were analyzed with the one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis statistical test. The difference in the prebleaching and postbleaching color of each material was considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results

The study found a statistically significant difference among the color changes of the test groups after exposing them to both bleaching agents (p<0.05). Appreciable color change was observed in the Estenia (ΔE=3.99) specimens that were bleached with the HP, and noticeable color changes were observed in the Estenia (ΔE=1.89) and IPS Empress 2 (ΔE=1.66) groups when they were treated with the CP.

Conclusions

Restorations (especially polymer-containing restorative materials) should be protected before any bleaching procedure due to the high risk of color change.
Minimal Invasive Treatment for Defective Restorations: Five-Year Results Using Sealants
Authors: Martin J , Fernandez E , Estay J , Gordan VV , Mjor IA , Moncada G
Published: July 2012

Replacement of dental restorations has been the traditional treatment for restorations that are defective. In this five-year randomized clinical trial, restorations with localized marginal defects were treated with sealants.

Thirty-two patients (mean age, 26.8 years) with 126 Class I and Class II restorations with defective margins (amalgam n=69 and resin-based composite n=57) were recruited. Treatment was seal with pit and fissure sealant on localized marginal defects (group A: n=43) and was compared with total restoration replacement (group B: n=40) and untreated restorations (group C: n=43) as negative and positive controls. Restorations were assessed by two examiners using the modified US Public Health Service criteria, observing five clinical parameters: marginal adaptation, roughness, marginal stain, teeth sensitivity, and secondary caries at baseline and at five years after treatment.

At the five-year recall examination, 23 patients with 90 restorations (71.4% recall rate) were examined. A significant improvement was observed in the marginal adaptation of the restorations in group A compared with group B. None of the treated group showed trends to downgrade in any parameter. Tooth sensitivity and secondary caries showed a low frequency in all groups. No significant difference in marginal adaptation of the restorations was found between amalgam and resin-based composite restorations (p=0.191). This study demonstrated that marginal sealing of restorations is a minimally invasive treatment that may be used instead of the replacement of restorations with localized marginal defects.
Sex Differences in Static Lifting Strengths at Full Range Exertion Heights in a Young Taiwanese Sample
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Lee Yu-Chi
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated sex differences in static lifting strengths (LS) at various exertion heights. Healthy adult young men ( n = 50; M age = 23.4 yr., SD = 2.3) and women ( n = 50; M age = 22.5 yr., SD = 2.8) were used as participants, and their static lifting strengths were measured at various heights (10 to 150 cm, in increments of 10 cm). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the strength profiles were significantly different. When the exerting height was less than or equal to 80 cm, the strengths of women were approximately two-thirds that of the men. Participants adopted a nearly erect posture at above 80 cm, and the weakness of women's upper extremities and disadvantageous posture were directly reflected in reduced strength values relative to men. One potential implication is that, because of the relatively lower isometric lifting strength for young Taiwanese women, caution should be exercised in the weight limit when lifting heights above the hip level, especially when above the shoulder level.
Imagery Use of Athletes in Individual and Team Sports That Require Open and Closed Skill
Authors: Kizildag Esen , Tiryaki M. Şefik
Published: July 2012

This study compared use of imagery in elite male and female athletes in open and closed and individual or team sports. A total of 151 elite Turkish athletes ages 15 to 29 years old (males' M age = 20.7 yr., SD = 3.3; females' M age = 20.0 yr., SD = 3.5) from open-team sports ( n = 66), open-individual sports ( n = 26), and closed-individual sports ( n = 59) completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire. A significant multivariate effect of sport type was found. Univariate analyses indicated that male and female athletes in team open-skill sports and individual closed-skill sports used more Motivational General–Mastery imagery than did athletes in individual open-skill sports.
Effect of an Observer's Presence on Facial Behavior During Dyadic Communication
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Suzuki N.
Published: July 2012

In everyday life, people communicate not only with another person but also in front of other people. How do people behave during communication when observed by others? Effects of an observer (presence vs absence) and interpersonal relationship (friends vs strangers vs alone) on facial behavior were examined. Participants viewed film clips that elicited positive affect (film presentation) and discussed their impressions about the clips (conversation). Participants rated their subjective emotions and social motives. Durations of smiles, gazes, and utterances of each participant were coded. The presence of an observer did not affect facial behavior during the film presentation, but did affect gazes during conversation. Whereas the presence of an observer seemed to facilitate affiliation in pairs of strangers, communication between friends was exclusive and not affected by an observer.
Improvement in Gross Motor Performance between 3 and 5 Years of Age
Authors: Kakebeeke T. H. , Locatell I. , Rousson V. , Caflisch I. , Jenni O. G.
Published: July 2012

This study examined gross motor performance of 101 typically developing children between 3 and 5 years of age (48 boys, 53 girls, M age = 3.9 yr., SD = 0.5). All children performed 7 different gross motor tasks which were rated on a 5-point scale. Age and sex were assessed by an ordinal-logistic model, and odds ratios were calculated for each task using age and sex as covariates. For standing on one leg, walking on a beam, hopping on one leg, running, and taking stairs, statistically significant age differences were found, while for rising and jumping down, none were apparent. Mean motor performance did not differ between boys and girls on the tasks. The older the children were, the better they performed on the tasks.
Adolescents with down Syndrome Exhibit Greater Force and Delay in Onset of Tapping Movements
Authors: Masumoto Junya , Abe Takafumi , Inui Nobuyuki
Published: July 2012

This study examined the control of force and timing during finger tapping sequences of adolescents with Down syndrome. Participants performed both unimanual and bimanual tapping tasks with one self-paced test trial after three audible-synchronized practice trials with concurrent feedback of force output. All tasks consisted of a target force of 2N and a target intertap interval of 500 msec. Adolescents with Down syndrome exhibited a greater magnitude of positive constant error and variable error for peak force than typical adolescents. They also exhibited a greater magnitude of negative constant error and variable error for intertap interval than typical adolescents. Although normally developing comparison adolescents exhibited a linear relationship between peak force and press duration or time-to-peak force, the relationship was not familiar to adolescents with Down's syndrome. This may suggest differences in the manner of motor unit recruitment between the group with Down's syndrome and comparison adolescents.
Attentional Bias to Direct Gaze in a Dot-Probe Paradigm
Authors: Miyazaki Yuki , Wake Hiromi , Ichihara Shigeru , Wake Tenji
Published: July 2012

Previous research has suggested that a singly presented facial stimulus having a direct gaze holds spatial attention. This study examined whether facial stimulus having a direct gaze can also capture spatial attention in a relative dot-probe paradigm (facial stimulus having a direct gaze was presented concurrently with that having an averted gaze). The results showed that participants oriented their spatial attention to a facial stimulus having a direct gaze rather than to that with an averted gaze. This attentional bias depended on gaze-perception mechanisms as observed in the lack of attentional bias to a direct gaze from unnatural-looking eyes (i.e., white pupil/iris and black sclera). These findings raise the possibility that the attentional effect implicated in the perception of a direct gaze is induced regardless of the stimulus context.
Exploring the Association between Visual Perception Abilities and Reading of Musical Notation
Authors: Lee Horng-Yih
Published: July 2012

In the reading of music, the acquisition of pitch information depends primarily upon the spatial position of notes as well as upon an individual's spatial processing ability. This study investigated the relationship between the ability to read single notes and visual-spatial ability. Participants with high and low single-note reading abilities were differentiated based upon differences in musical notation-reading abilities and their spatial processing; object recognition abilities were then assessed. It was found that the group with lower note-reading abilities made more errors than did the group with a higher note-reading abilities in the mental rotation task. In contrast, there was no apparent significant difference between the two groups in the object recognition task. These results suggest that note-reading may be related to visual spatial processing abilities, and not to an individual's ability with object recognition.
Relationship between Loudness Tolerance and the Acceptance of Background Noise for Young Adults with Normal Hearing
Authors: Franklin Clifford A. , White Letitia J. , Franklin Thomas C.
Published: July 2012

This study investigated the relationship between listener loudness tolerance and listener acceptable noise level (ANL). Twenty-five normal hearing adults completed loudness tolerance and acceptable noise level measures. Loudness tolerance was measured using a scaling technique. The acceptable noise levels were calculated from a procedure designed to quantify a listener's willingness to accept background noise while listening to speech. Pearson correlation confirmed that loudness tolerance and acceptable noise levels are not related.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Movement Parameters in Individuals with down Syndrome
Authors: Horvat M. , Croce R. , Zagrodnik J. , Brooks B. , Carter K.
Published: July 2012

This investigation compared spatial and temporal gait movement parameters of a sample of individuals with Down syndrome ( n = 12) and one of individuals without disabilities ( n = 12). All participants were evaluated on responses to a preferred pace and fast walk with the GAITRite Electronic Walkway. Spatial outcomes included step and stride length, step and stride width, toe-in/toe-out, and base of support. Temporal outcomes included step time, velocity, single and double leg support time, stance, and swing time. There were significant group differences for step length, step width, stride length, and velocity in the preferred walk condition. Significant group differences for step length, step width, and stride length were observed in the fast walk condition. Percentage differences also indicated lower scores for all spatial and temporal variables in relation to the control group. The ability to control gait movements appears to reflect earlier movement experiences, so it may be possible to use variable sensory feedback and specific training to modify and adjust movement responses and improve gait performance in Down syndrome.
Effects of Cromolyn Sodium on Isolated Rat's Trachea
Authors: Lin Yuan-Yung , Chou Ying-Liang , Chu Yueng-Hsiang , Wu Chi-Chung , Wang Jia-Yi , Wang Hsing-Won
Published: July 2012

Cromolyn sodium (cromolyn) effectively inhibits both antigen- and exercise-induced asthma when used as an aerosol. Intranasal cromolyn is also recommended for preventing and treating allergic rhinitis. By inhibiting the degranulation of sensitized mast cells, cromolyn reduces the release of mediators that trigger inflammation and the allergic response. The precise pharmacologic activity of cromolyn has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the effect of cromolyn on isolated rat's trachea. The following assessments of cromolyn were performed: (1) effect on tracheal resting tension, (2) effect on contraction caused by 10−6 M of methacholine as a parasympathetic mimetic, and (3) effect of the drug on electrically induced tracheal contractions. The results indicated cromolyn could inhibit electrical field stimulation-induced spike contraction when the preparation was increased to 10−4M. Adding cromolyn at doses of ≥10−8 M did not elicit a relaxation or contraction response to 10−6 M of methacholine-induced contraction. It alone had a minimal effect on the basal tension of the trachea as the concentration increased. This study indicates cromolyn had no cholinergic or anticholinergic effect and high concentrations of cromolyn might actually inhibit parasympathetic function of the trachea. Inhibiting parasympathetic function of the trachea through stabilizing the presynaptic nerve by cromolyn may be responsible for protecting patients against antigen- and exercise-induced asthma.
Continuous-Flow Processes in Heterogeneously Catalyzed Transformations of Biomass Derivatives into Fuels and Chemicals
Authors: Serrano-Ruiz Juan Carlos , Luque Rafael , Campelo Juan Manual , Romero Antonio A.
Published: July 2012

Continuous flow chemical processes offer several advantages as compared to batch chemistries. These are particularly relevant in the case of heterogeneously catalyzed transformations of biomass-derived platform molecules into valuable chemicals and fuels. This work is aimed to provide an overview of key continuous flow processes developed to date dealing with a series of transformations of platform chemicals including alcohols, furanics, organic acids and polyols using a wide range of heterogeneous catalysts based on supported metals, solid acids and bifunctional (metal + acidic) materials.
Association of Finite-Dimension Thermodynamics and a Bond-Graph Approach for Modeling an Irreversible Heat Engine
Authors: Dong Yuxiang , El-Bakkali Amin , Feidt Michel , Descombes Georges , Périlhon Christelle
Published: July 2012

In recent decades, the approach known as Finite-Dimension Thermodynamics has provided a fruitful theoretical framework for the optimization of heat engines operating between a heat source (at temperature Ths) and a heat sink (at temperature Tcs). We will show in this paper that the approach detailed in a previous paper [1] can be used to analytically model irreversible heat engines (with an additional assumption on the linearity of the heat transfer laws). By defining two dimensionless parameters, the intensity of internal dissipation and heat leakage within a heat engine were quantified. We then established the analogy between an endoreversible heat engine and an irreversible heat engine by using the apparent temperatures (Tcs → Tλ,φ cs, Ths → Tλ,φ hs) and apparent conductances (Kh → Kλ h, Kc → Kλ c). We thus found the analytical expression of the maximum power of an irreversible heat engine. However, these apparent temperatures should not be used to calculate the conversion efficiency at the optimal operating point by analogy with the case of an endoreversible heat engine.
Transposable Elements: From DNA Parasites to Architects of Metazoan Evolution
Authors: Piskurek Oliver , Jackson Daniel J.
Published: July 2012

One of the most unexpected insights that followed from the completion of the human genome a decade ago was that more than half of our DNA is derived from transposable elements (TEs). Due to advances in high throughput sequencing technologies it is now clear that TEs comprise the largest molecular class within most metazoan genomes. TEs, once categorised as "junk DNA", are now known to influence genomic structure and function by increasing the coding and non-coding genetic repertoire of the host. In this way TEs are key elements that stimulate the evolution of metazoan genomes. This review highlights several lines of TE research including the horizontal transfer of TEs through host-parasite interactions, the vertical maintenance of TEs over long periods of evolutionary time, and the direct role that TEs have played in generating morphological novelty.
Multiple Mechanisms and Challenges for the Application of Allopolyploidy in Plants
Authors: Osabe Kenji , Kawanabe Takahiro , Sasaki Taku , Ishikawa Ryo , Okazaki Keiichi , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Kazama Tomohiko , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: July 2012

An allopolyploid is an individual having two or more complete sets of chromosomes derived from different species. Generation of allopolyploids might be rare because of the need to overcome limitations such as co-existing populations of parental lines, overcoming hybrid incompatibility, gametic non-reduction, and the requirement for chromosome doubling. However, allopolyploids are widely observed among plant species, so allopolyploids have succeeded in overcoming these limitations and may have a selective advantage. As techniques for making allopolyploids are developed, we can compare transcription, genome organization, and epigenetic modifications between synthesized allopolyploids and their direct parental lines or between several generations of allopolyploids. It has been suggested that divergence of transcription caused either genetically or epigenetically, which can contribute to plant phenotype, is important for the adaptation of allopolyploids.
Sampling Strategy and Potential Utility of Indels for DNA Barcoding of Closely Related Plant Species: A Case Study in Taxus
Authors: Liu Jie , Provan Jim , Gao Lian-Ming , Li De-Zhu
Published: July 2012

Although DNA barcoding has become a useful tool for species identification and biodiversity surveys in plant sciences, there remains little consensus concerning appropriate sampling strategies and the treatment of indels. To address these two issues, we sampled 39 populations for nine Taxus species across their entire ranges, with two to three individuals per population randomly sampled. We sequenced one core DNA barcode (matK) and three supplementary regions (trnH-psbA, trnL-trnF and ITS) for all samples to test the effects of sampling design and the utility of indels. Our results suggested that increasing sampling within-population did not change the clustering of individuals, and that meant within-population P-distances were zero for most populations in all regions. Based on the markers tested here, comparison of methods either including or excluding indels indicated that discrimination and nodal support of monophyletic groups were significantly increased when indels were included. Thus we concluded that one individual per population was adequate to represent the within-population variation in these species for DNA barcoding, and that intra-specific sampling was best focused on representing the entire ranges of certain taxa. We also found that indels occurring in the chloroplast trnL-trnF and trnH-psbA regions were informative to differentiate among for closely related taxa barcoding, and we proposed that indel-coding methods should be considered for use in future for closed related plant species DNA barcoding projects on or below generic level.
A Review on the Interpretability-Accuracy Trade-Off in Evolutionary Multi-Objective Fuzzy Systems (EMOFS)
Authors: Shukla Praveen Kumar , Tripathi Surya Prakash
Published: July 2012

Interpretability and accuracy are two important features of fuzzy systems which are conflicting in their nature. One can be improved at the cost of the other and this situation is identified as “Interpretability-Accuracy Trade-Off”. To deal with this trade-off Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEA) are frequently applied in the design of fuzzy systems. Several novel MOEA have been proposed and invented for this purpose, more specifically, Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms (NSGA-II), Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), Fuzzy Genetics-Based Machine Learning (FGBML), (2 + 2) Pareto Archived Evolutionary Strategy ((2 + 2) PAES), (2 + 2) Memetic- Pareto Archived Evolutionary Strategy ((2 + 2) M-PAES), etc. This paper introduces and reviews the approaches to the issue of developing fuzzy systems using Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization (EMO) algorithms considering ‘Interpretability-Accuracy Trade-off’ and mainly focusing on the work in the last decade. Different research issues and challenges are also discussed.
Current Understanding of the Formation and Adaptation of Metabolic Systems Based on Network Theory
Authors: Takemoto Kazuhiro
Published: July 2012

Formation and adaptation of metabolic networks has been a long-standing question in biology. With recent developments in biotechnology and bioinformatics, the understanding of metabolism is progressively becoming clearer from a network perspective. This review introduces the comprehensive metabolic world that has been revealed by a wide range of data analyses and theoretical studies; in particular, it illustrates the role of evolutionary events, such as gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer, and environmental factors, such as nutrient availability and growth conditions, in evolution of the metabolic network. Furthermore, the mathematical models for the formation and adaptation of metabolic networks have also been described, according to the current understanding from a perspective of metabolic networks. These recent findings are helpful in not only understanding the formation of metabolic networks and their adaptation, but also metabolic engineering.
Uses of Cyanoacetylhydrazine in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Novel Synthesis of Pyrazole Derivatives with Anti-tumor Activities
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , El-Sayed Nahed N. E. , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A.
Published: July 2012

The reaction of cyanoacetylhydrazine with chloroacetyl chloride gave N'-(2-chloroacetyl)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide. The latter underwent cyclization to afford 1-(5 amino-3-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-2-chloroethanone, which underwent nucleophilic substitution to give 3-(5-amino-3-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile. The latter two compounds were used as key synthons to synthesize new thiophene, pyran, thiazole and some fused heterocyclic derivatives. The antitumor activity of the newly synthesized compounds was evaluated against three human tumor cells lines, namely breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), non-small cell lung cancer (NCI-H460) and CNS cancer (SF-268) and some of these compounds were found to exhibit much higher inhibitory effects towards the three tumor cell lines than the Gram positive control doxorubicin.
Antimycobacterial Activity of Constituents from Foeniculum vulgare Var. Dulce Grown in Mexico
Authors: Esquivel-Ferriño Patricia C. , Favela-Hernández Juan Manuel J. , Garza-González Elvira , Waksman Noemí , Ríos María Yolanda , Camacho-Corona María del Rayo
Published: July 2012

Bioassay guided fractionation of an antimycobacterial extract of Foeniculum vulgare var dulce (Apiaceae) led to the isolation and characterization of 5-hydroxyfurano-coumarin. The chemical structure of this compound was elucidated by 1H and 13C (1D and 2D) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition, the active fractions were analyzed by GC-MS and seventy eight compounds were identified; the major compounds were 1,3-benzenediol, 1-methoxycyclohexene, o-cymene, sorbic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, estragole, limonene-10-ol and 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one. Twenty compounds identified in the active fractions were tested against one sensitive and three MDR strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the Alamar Blue microassay. Compounds that showed some degree of antimycobacterial activity against all strains tested were the following: linoleic acid (MIC 100 µg/mL), oleic acid (MIC 100 µg/mL), 1,3-benzenediol (MIC 100–200 µg/mL), undecanal (MIC 50–200 µg/mL), and 2,4-undecadienal (MIC 25–50 µg/mL), the last being the most active compound. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of 5-hydroxy-furanocoumarin in F. vulgare.
Synthesis, Reactions and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Some 4-(p-Halophenyl)-4H-naphthopyran, Pyranopyrimidine and Pyranotriazolopyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Abd El-Wahab Ashraf H. F.
Published: July 2012

A series of naphthopyran derivatives 3a–f were prepared. Reaction of 2-amino-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-7-methoxy-4H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (3b) with Ac2O afforded two products, 2-acetylamino-7-methoxy-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4H-naphtho-[2,1-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (4) and 10,11-dihydro-3-methoxy-9-methyl-12-(p-chloro-phenyl)-12H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran[2,3-d]pyrimidine-11-one (5) and treatment of 3b with benzoyl chloride gave the pyranopyrimidin-11-one derivative 6. While treatment of 3b with formamide afforded 11-amino-3-methoxy-12-(p-chlorophenyl)-12H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine (7). Reaction of 3b with triethyl orthoformate gave the corresponding 2-ethoxymethyleneamino-7-methoxy-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4H-naphtho-[2,1-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (8). Hydrazinolysis of 8 in EtOH at room temperature yielded 10-amino-10,11-dihydro-11-imino-3-methoxy-12-(p-chlorophenyl)-12H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrano-[2,3-d]pyrimidine (9), while aminolysis of 8 with methylamine or dimethylamine gave the corresponding pyranopyrimidine and N,N-dimethylaminomethylene derivatives 10 and 11. Condensation of 9 with some carboxylic acid derivatives afforded triazolopyrimidine derivatives 12–16, while reaction of 9 with benzaldehyde gave 10-benzalamino-10,11-dihydro-11-imino-3-methoxy-12-(p-chlorophenyl)12H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine (17). The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data. The synthesized compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity.
Carriage Error Identification Based on Cross-Correlation Analysis and Wavelet Transformation
Authors: Mu Donghui , Chen Dongju , Fan Jinwei , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Feihu
Published: July 2012

This paper proposes a novel method for identifying carriage errors. A general mathematical model of a guideway system is developed, based on the multi-body system method. Based on the proposed model, most error sources in the guideway system can be measured. The flatness of a workpiece measured by the PGI1240 profilometer is represented by a wavelet. Cross-correlation analysis performed to identify the error source of the carriage. The error model is developed based on experimental results on the low frequency components of the signals. With the use of wavelets, the identification precision of test signals is very high.
Conjunctival Limbal Autograft and Allograft Transplantation Using Fibrin Glue
Authors: Welder Jeffrey D. , Pandya Hemang K. , Nassiri Nariman , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Conjunctival limbal autograft is the surgical treatment of choice for visually significant unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. The use of fibrin glue, which has been reported extensively in pterygium and other conjunctival surgeries, has not been fully described in limbal stem cell transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors reviewed 3 cases of conjunctival limbal autograft and 1 of living related conjunctival limbal allograft using only fibrin glue to secure the graft. Main outcome measures included ocular surface stability, visual acuity, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS:

At most recent follow-up, all 4 patients (100%) maintained a stable ocular surface. Mean epithelial healing time was 10 days. Mean visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/53. All grafts were successful with no postoperative dislocations or displacements.

CONCLUSION:

The findings demonstrate that fibrin glue can be used safely and effectively to secure conjunctival limbal grafts in limbal stem cell deficiency. This novel approach has the potential to decrease operative time, increase ease of technique, and improve patient comfort postoperatively.
Viability of Topical Endoscopic Imaging System for Vitreous Surgery in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Hirata Akira , Okinami Satoshi
Published: July 2012

Vitreous surgery was performed in four rabbit eyes to investigate the viability of a topical endoscopic imaging system. This technique was evaluated during core vitrectomy, artificial posterior vitreous detachment, peripheral vitrectomy, production of intentional retinal breaks, and endophotocoagulation. To observe the posterior fundus during the surgeries, the endoscope was fixed in place. In addition, by tilting the endoscope toward the ciliary body, it was possible to clearly observe the trocar ports. The endoscope was easy to use and obtained good resolution. In addition, all procedures could be performed accurately when using the technique. The current study demonstrated that the topical endoscopic imaging system is a convenient method for obtaining both wide-field viewing and panfocal imaging during vitrectomy. This method may prove to be a new observational tool that can be employed during intraocular surgeries in the clinical setting.
Le front de chevauchement au Jebel Bou El Hanèche-Kalâat Khasba (Tunisie centro-septentrionale). Mise en évidence à partir des donnés géologiques et géophysiques
Authors: Ezzine Ines , Jaffal Mohammed , Ben-Yousef Mohamed , Zargouni Fouad , Ghanmi Mohamed
Published: July 2012

[fr] En Tunisie Centro-Septentrionale, la bordure septentrionale du fossé de Kalâat Khasba a été considéré comme une bordure d’effondrement à jeu normal, ayant fonctionnée du Crétacé inférieur jusqu’au Quaternaire. Une étude de terrain et l’interprétation de profils de sismique réflexion permettent de proposer un nouveau modèle tectonique pour ce fossé et du massif adjacent de Bou El Hanèche. La bordure septentrionale du bassin de Kalâat Khasba a été réactivée à l’Eocène en faille inverse. Cette bordure a une valeur de front de chevauchement sur lequel se met en place le pli de propagation de Bou El Hanèche par rapport à l’avant pays de la chaîne alpine. La compression Eocène entraîne la mise en place du pli de Bou El Hanèche à la faveur d’un niveau de décollement situé dans les séries triasiques. Cette déformation est contrôlée par un réseau de failles normales héritées de la phase distensive présumée aptienne. La dynamique compressive continue depuis l’Eocène engendrant la propagation de ce pli. Lorsque la rampe atteint les calcaires de la formation Abiod, le pli se bloque. Ce blocage entraîne la rupture du dressant et la création, vers le Nord du pli, d’un deuxième chevauchement, ce qui implique une évolution du système de chevauchement dans une séquence inverse ou «out of sequence».
ERP Systems in Arab Education Sector
Authors: Al Kilani Bashaer , Adlouni Souha , Al Ahbabi Sara , Al Yahyaei Zainab
Published: July 2012

Education leaders are challenged with maintaining high level information systems that are capable of generating real time complex reports which help in planning an institute’s resources and take the risk of decision making. To meet this challenge, an effective ERP system could help schools manage their resources and time. The main goal of this chapter is to develop a better understanding of the best practices and effective methodologies associated with the implementation and utilization of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in the Arab Education sector. The chapter is also intended to familiarize Arab educational leaders with the key challenges and issues that could be encountered while implementing ERP systems in their educational institutions, and how to adequately cope with such challenges and issues to ascertain the acceptance and satisfaction of end users and stakeholders. It also tries to potentially contribute to enhancing the institutions’ performance and quality of education and learning as well as promoting organizational efficiency, institutional transparency, flexibility and mobility for students and staff access to services, and data anytime and anywhere.
Multimedia Use in UAE Education Context
Authors: Ali Salam Omar , Albadri Fayez
Published: July 2012

The growth in use of multimedia in United Arab Emirates schools has accelerated in recent years. Multimedia can be useful for both teachers and students alike. For example, multimedia is viewed as an important source of educational aids and a generator of resources that can add a lot to their performance. On the other hand, multimedia is positively perceived, for it makes the learning processes more comfortable and more enjoyable that leads to an improved performance. Generally, children are excited and fascinated by technology, and they are more receptive to lessons that are aided by multimedia. This is perhaps why many teachers are using multimedia in their classes to accomplish their learning objectives by creating a more interesting learning environment. For educators, multimedia provides a golden opportunity to promote interactive, technology-based collaborative learning that is perceived positively by all parties involved. This chapter investigated the role of the multimedia technologies in enhancing students’ performance as many studies showed that technology has a great effect on improving students’ reading, writing, and other skills. The study is also aimed at increasing educators’ awareness of the importance of multimedia technology use in classrooms.