bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Wild Type of Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Liu Yan-Qun , Li Yu-Ping , Wang Huan , Xia Run-Xi , Chai Chun-Li , Pan Min-Hui , Lu Cheng , Xiang Zhong-Huai
Published: May 2012

Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a well-known economically important insect, was domesticated from its wild type. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wild type of A. pernyi was determined and compared for nucleotide variation with its domesticated type. The mitogenome of the wild type of A. pernyi is 15,537 bp in size, thus 29 bp smaller than that of the domesticated type. The gene content, order, and orientation of the complete mitogenome of the wild type are identical to those of the domesticated type, as are those of the other completely sequenced lepidopteran mitogenomes. A striking difference between the two mitogenomes was found in the A+T-rich region because of the numbers of tandem repeat units. The wild type has five tandem repeat units, whereas the domesticated type has six. Comparative analysis of the two mitogenomes revealed a relatively lower level of sequence divergence (1.70%). Within the two mitogenomes, there are no significant differences in nucleotide substitution rate for the 13 protein-coding genes except for the nad4L gene, which is different from those differences observed between the domesticated silkmoth Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and its wild-type ancestor Chinese B. mandarina Moore. The divergence time between the two Antheraea mitochondrias was estimated to be between 0.74 ± 0.13 and 0.97 ± 0.17 million years ago, based on the genes cox1+cox2 sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report on sequence variation of the complete mitogenomes between the domesticated insect and its wild-type ancestor, within a single species.
Caste Composition and Mound Size of the Subterranean Termite Macrotermes gilvus (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae)
Authors: Lee Ching-Chen , Neoh Kok-Boon , Lee Chow-Yang
Published: May 2012

The colony size and caste composition of different-sized Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) mounds on Penang Island, Malaysia, were studied. The total number of termite individuals differed significantly among different-sized mounds. Small mounds contained 15,400 ± 600 (n = 3) individuals; medium mounds contained 33,500 ± 2,400 (n = 3) individuals; and large mounds contained 61,400 ± 4,400 (n = 3) individuals. Larvae constituted the largest proportion (42.60%) of the total population, followed by workers (42.19%), soldiers (14.16%), presoldiers (0.71%), and alates (0.34%). Population parameters (i.e., total population, total adult apterous caste, and total juvenile apterous caste) were positively and significantly correlated with mound size (e.g., mound height and mound diameter) and queen weight. Significant correlations also were found between mound parameters and queen weight. The sex ratio of alates was significantly skewed toward females in five of seven colonies. Of 44 colonies surveyed, 13.6% were polygynous and 11.4% were polyandrous. The degree of physogastry of female reproductives in polygynous colonies was lower than that in monogynous colonies. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the mean weight of male reproductives between monoandrous and polyandrous colonies.
Comparison of Male Genitalia ofEuschistusspp. in the Midwestern United States (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: McPherson J E , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: May 2012

Male genitalia, including the pygophore, parameres, and inflated aedeagi, are compared between the midwestern species of Euschistus [i.e., E. ictericus (L.), E. politus Uhler, E. servus (Say) (including E. s. servus and E. s. euschistoides (Vollenhoven), E. tristigmus (Say) (including E. t. tristigmus and E. t. luridus Dallas), and E. variolarius (Palisot de Beauvois) ]. These structures differ markedly between these taxa with the exception of the two subspecies of E. servus and of E. tristigmus, thus confirming their subspecific status.
Changes in Infestation, Cell Cap Condition, and Reproductive Status of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Brood Exposed to Honey Bees with Varroa Sensitive Hygiene
Authors: Harris Jeffrey W , Danka Robert G , Villa José D
Published: May 2012

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) bred for Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) selectively remove pupae infested with Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) from capped brood that is inserted into the nest. After 1 wk, remaining brood cells tend to have been uncapped and recapped, and remaining mites are mostly infertile. A primary goal of this experiment was to compare the reproductive status of mites that remained in recapped and normally capped cells after a 1-wk exposure to VSH and control colonies. Differences in distribution of fertile mites in normally capped brood cells between VSH bees and control bees may suggest that the stimulus for hygiene is related to reproduction by mites. Identification of stimuli triggering VSH behavior could be used to develop new bioassays for selective breeding of this important resistance mechanism. Combs of capped brood that were exposed to control bees had 10 times more pupae with fertile mites in normally capped brood as did VSH bees (6.7 and 0.7%, respectively). They also had 3 times more pupae with infertile mites in normally capped brood than did VSH bees (1.4 and 0.5%, respectively). Thus, VSH bees targeted fertile mites by a 3:1 ratio by either removing or uncapping and recapping their host pupae. Biased removal of mite-infested pupae with fertile mites suggested that stimuli triggering VSH behavior were enhanced by the presence of mite offspring within the brood cell. This bias for fertile mites is not seen during experiments of short 3-h duration. The differing results are discussed relative to a behavioral threshold model for hygienic behavior in honey bees in which different experimental protocols may reflect activities of honey bees having different sensitivities to pupae infested by fertile mites. In addition, mortality of mite offspring was significantly higher in recapped cells than in normally capped cells and contributed to decreased reproduction by the mites.
Density dependence and population regulation in marine fish: a large‐scale, long‐term field manipulation
Authors: Hixon Mark A. , Anderson Todd W. , Buch Kevin L. , Johnson Darren W. , McLeod J. Brock , Stallings Christopher D.
Published: May 2012

Do small‐scale experiments showing spatial density dependence in marine fishes scale‐up to temporal density dependence and regulation of relatively large local populations? If so, what are the causative mechanisms and their implications? We conducted an eight‐year multigeneration study of population dynamics of bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) inhabiting four large coral reefs in the Bahamas. After a four‐year baseline period, it was clear that two populations naturally received very few settlement‐stage larvae, so recruitment of recently settled fish was artificially enhanced at one low‐settlement reef and reduced at one high‐settlement reef to ensure a broad range of population sizes over which to test for regulation. Over all eight years, populations on the two naturally high‐settlement reefs experienced temporal density dependence in multiple per capita demographic rates: mortality, survival to adulthood, and fecundity. These local populations also displayed components of regulation: persistence, boundedness, and return tendency. Reefs supporting regulated populations were structurally complex, providing sufficient prey refuges that ensured high survival at low densities. In contrast, populations at low‐settlement reefs experienced either density‐independent or slightly inversely density‐dependent demographic rates, even though recruitment was artificially augmented to high levels at one reef. There was no evidence of regulation at these reefs, and indeed, one local population suffered temporary extirpation. Here, habitat complexity was relatively low, increasing the risk of predation, especially at low population densities when fish would have to travel longer distances when finding mates or home sites inhabited by conspecifics. Among all demographic parameters, density dependence in individual growth (an indicator of within‐species competition for food) was least correlated with the presence or absence of local population regulation. We conclude that, for systems like these, the environmental context of a local population, especially predation risk and the distribution and abundance of spatial refuges, is more important than the magnitude of larval supply alone in determining the existence of regulating density dependence. At the broader metapopulation scale, density dependence in both survival and fecundity exogenously caused by predation may provide regulation for the entire stock, even when endogenous within‐species competition (assumed to be important in most fisheries models) is weak.
Borehole Resistance and Heat Conduction Around Vertical Ground Heat Exchangers
Authors: Sagia Zoi , Stegou Athina , Rakopoulos Constantinos
Published: May 2012

Borehole thermal resistance in Ground Heat Exchanger (GHE) installations is affected by several parameters such as geometrical attributes of heat exchanger in the borehole, pipes' characteristics and grout’s thermal conductivity. A study is carried out to compare the values computed by Ground Loop Design (GLD) Software, GLD 2009, with three ana-lytical solutions for U-shaped tubes. The analysis is focused on dimensionless ratios of borehole geometrical parameters (borehole diameter to outside pipe diameter and shank spacing to borehole diameter) and pipes according to Standard Di-mension Ratio (SDR) and on eight common grouts. Finally, the effect of heat conduction in the borehole is examined by means of finite element analysis by Heat Transfer Module of COMSOL Multiphysics. A two-dimensional (2-D) steady-state simulation is done assuming working fluid temperatures for winter and summer conditions and typical Greek undis-turbed ground temperature in a field of four ground vertical U-tube heat exchangers surrounded by infinite ground. The temperature profile is presented and the total conductive heat flux from the pipe to the borehole wall per meter of length of ground heat exchanger is computed for pipes SDR11 (the outside diameter of the pipe is 11 times the thickness of its wall), SDR9 and SDR17 for summer working conditions and three different configurations. It is attempted to reach to comparative results for borehole thermal resistance value through different types of analysis, having considered the major factors that affect it and giving trends for the influence of each factor to the magnitude of its value.
Computers: Classical, Quantum and Others
Authors: P. Suprun Sergey , P. Suprun Anatoly
Published: May 2012

This volume elaborates upon functioning of a quantum computer and the analysis of mind phenomenon in a natural scientific paradigm. Many outstanding physicists - Bohr, Heisenberg et al.- considered that many aspects of quantum physics could be understood considering the laws of perception, linguistics and semiotics within the world's semiotic description. An analysis of would-be scientific theories and paradoxes connected with a number of unformulated statements regarding initial information is therefore presented. These, in turn, could be used to draw algorithms that generate a picture of reality in the human mind.

The eBook also attempts to find out what is available to an observer from his/her standpoint (reference system), and from what theoretical standpoints that observation is developed. The initial point of this approach is recognizing that we are closed inside the semiotic system in which the "universe" can only be presented to our mind. Such semiotic restrictions for translation of knowledge in any field are considered.

This book is intended as a resource for senior students and researchers in natural sciences, scientific philosophy and contemporary psychology.
Classical Computer
Authors: P. Suprun Sergey , P. Suprun Anatoly
Published: May 2012

The classical physics is considered in the paradigm of an object-based representation of
reality and, correspondingly, the classical computer is considered as a logical device implemented in an
object-based manner (made of elements - objects) that functions according to a space-time pattern
following a selected algorithm.
Optimization of a divided wall column for the separation of C4-C6 normal paraffin mixture using Box-Behnken design
Authors: Sangal Vikas , Kumar Vineet , Mishra Mani
Published: May 2012

In the present study, simulation of a divided wall column (DWC) was carried
out to study the product quality and energy efficiency as a function of
reflux rate, liquid spilt and vapour split for the separation of C4-C6 normal
paraffin ternary mixture. Rigorous simulation of the DWC was carried out
using Multifrac model of ASPEN Plus software. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was
used for the optimization of parameters and to evaluate the effects and
interaction of the process parameters such as reflux rate (r), liquid split
(l) and vapour split (v). It was found that the number of simulation runs
reduced significantly for the optimization of DWC by BBD. Optimization by BBD
under response surface methodology (RSM) vividly underscores interactions
between variables and their effects. The predictions agree well with the
results of the rigorous simulation.
Hydrogeothermal resources in spa areas of Serbia: Main properties and possible improvement of use
Authors: Dokmanovic Petar , Krunic Olivera , Martinovic Mica , Magazinovic Sava
Published: May 2012

Geological complexity of the territory of Serbia is a world curiosity: six
main geo-tectonic regions and tens sub-regions are delineated in a small area
of 88,000 km2. Geologic origin and regional structure of some areas has long
been the subject of discussion. Notable magmatism and associated tectonic
events in the Earth's crust provided for a fairly large hydrogeothermal
resource potential, which is manifested in more than 250 warm (mainly
mineral) springs and more than 100 hydrothermal wells. Thermal springs and
wells together discharge some 5 m3/s. This potential is used in part for
balneal therapy (waters differ in temperature and chemical composition) in
the spa areas of Serbia. The amounts of thermal water unused therapeutically
or the amounts of heat energy from unused geo-thermal water may be used in
almost all spas for space heating/cooling and thus increase the efficiency of
the thermal water energy utilization. This also will be cost-effective,
reduce emission of noxious gases, and improve the environmental-health image
of the resorts. The hydrogeothermal resources are described for 29 spas with
700 l/s total discharge capacity of water temperature between 25?C and 96?C,
or an overall heat energy of 78.40 MWt. Feasibility of additional energy
utilization of thermal water in spas is generally considered.
Three dimensional numerical analysis of temperature distribution in an automobile cabin
Authors: Sevilgen Gokhan , Kilic Muhsin
Published: May 2012

In this study, 3-D numerical analysis of temperature distribution in the
automobile cabin were performed by using computational fluid dynamics method.
For this purpose, a 3-D automobile cabin including window and outer surfaces
was modeled by using the real dimensions of a car. To evaluate the results of
numerical analysis according to thermal comfort, a virtual manikin divided
into 17 parts with real dimensions and physiological shape was added to the
model of the automobile cabin. Temperature distributions of the automobile
cabin were obtained from the results of the 3-D steady and transient
numerical analyses for standard heating and cooling period. Validations of
the results were achieved by comparing to the results of the experimental
studies performed simultaneously with the numerical analyses.
Qualitative methods to explore health issues among young moldovans
Authors: Wallace Lorraine , McLauchlan Judithanne
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of health-related issues among youth residing in Chişinău, Moldova, through a combination of photovoice and focus group methodologies. During June, 2011, 13 youth, aged 10 to 17, participated in photovoice and focus group sessions. Participants were instructed to take between 10 and 20 photographs, over a 7 day period, representing health-related issues in their community. During focus group sessions, participants, as a group, were asked to sort photographs into piles based on similarly and/or themes. The SHOWeD mnemonic method was used to guide discussion about photographs from a personal to social level. Content analyses were used to summarize and interpret collected data. Seven common themes emerged across both focus groups, including: (1) abundance of garbage in public spaces; (2) homeless dogs wandering the streets; (3) unsafe drinking water; (4) individuals engaging in risky health behaviors, including cigarette smoking and alcohol use; (5) large number of individuals with limited financial resources; (6) considerable number of individuals forced to live in suboptimal living conditions; and (7) poor road and sidewalk conditions. CBPR methods, including photovoice and focus groups, offer promise in gathering valuable information to inform health-related policy in Moldova in the future.
Personal autonomy in the management of candidal prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Villamil-Cajoto Iago , Eynde-Collado Alfonso , Otero Luis , Villacian Vicedo Maria
Published: May 2012

The principle of patient autonomy dominates the contemporary debate in medical ethics. Twenty-five years ago, most major medical decisions were left exclusively in the hands of physicians. Such decisions were usually made with beneficent intent but without open discussion, much less the full participation of the patient. Our case involves a patient’s decision to treat an infection with Candida species, the most common fungi affecting humans in a broad spectrum of opportunistic infections, including bones and joints. Only four recent cases of delayed reimplantation arthroplasty for candidal prosthetic joint infection have been reported, and there are no reports, besides ours, of successful non-surgical resolution of candidal prosthetic joint arthritis. We report this case as a patient’s choice with an excellent outcome.
Fluoride bioavailability in saliva during acute psychological stress
Authors: Naumova Ella , Sandulescu Tudor , Benson Sven , Engler Harald , Schedlowski Manfred , Zimmer Stefan , Gaengler Peter , Thie Michael , Arnold Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of acute stress on salivary fluoride bioavailability. Acute psychological stress was induced using a standardized model of public speaking. The saliva of male subjects was collected before and after the public speaking task and immediately, 10, 30, and 120 minutes after tooth brushing according to the Bass method with a dentifrice containing amine fluoride (AmF) or oral hygiene tablets containing sodium fluoride (NaF). Subjective psychological responses to public speaking were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Saliva cortisol levels were analyzed as an objective stress marker. The saliva secretion rate was measured both before and after public speaking. Saliva fluoride content was measured. Group comparisons were calculated using a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). In all analyses, the alpha-level was set at 0.05. Public speaking significantly increased state anxiety (p<0.001) and salivary cortisol concentrations (p<0.001). Acute stress did not influence salivary secretion rates. In the AmF group, stressed individuals exhibited statistically significant (p=0.044) lower fluoride concentration in saliva compared with the nonstressed subjects Acute psychological stress reactions do not cause hyposalivation but decrease fluoride bioavailability after using a dentifrice containing AmF. Fluoride bioavailability during acute stress is dependent on fluoride formulation.
Novel ammonium phosphinates containing peptide moiety: Synthesis, structure, and in vitro antimicrobial activity
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Dorosti Niloufar
Published: May 2012

Five new ammonium phosphinates with formula [XC6H4NHC(O)NHP(O)YO]−[H2Y]+ (Y = N(CH3)(CH2C6H5), X = H (IV), CH3 (V), NO2 (VI); Y = NH(CH2C6H5), X = H (VII), NO2 (VIII)) were synthesised by the reaction of N-arylureidophoshoryl dichlorides with N-methylbenzylamine or benzylamine in the presence of an excess amount of the corresponding amine. All new compounds were characterised by NMR and IR spectral data and elemental analysis. Their antimicrobial activity was tested against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Compounds IV and VIII exhibited moderate activity in vitro against Bacillus subtilis. In addition, compound VIII moderately inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The crystal structure of benzylmethylammonium(3-phenylureido)(benzylmethylamino)phosphinate (IV) was also determined. This compound crystallises in the orthorhombic system.
Effect of animal age and gender on fatty acid and elemental composition in Austrian beef applicable for authentication purposes
Authors: Bednárová Adriána , Mocák Ján , Gössler Walter , Velik Margit , Kaufmann Josef , Staruch Ladislav
Published: May 2012

The main aim of the present study was to find differences in the content of fatty acids and variations in elemental composition in beef samples of longissimus dorsi muscle related to cattle age and gender. A further goal was to describe interrelations among the selected variables (descriptors) characterising the samples. For this purpose, an extensive data table was compiled, which contains chemical descriptors specifying forty-six beef samples originating from four well-known Austrian grassland-based beef labels. The following descriptors were investigated: (a) concentrations of 33 fatty acids, (b) concentrations of 19 elements, (c) contents of dry-mass, protein, intramuscular fat, and ash, (d) total content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), (e) total contents of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) PUFA and their ratio. The correlation analysis provided a number of statistically significant correlations among the descriptors, which were concordant with the results of the principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Furthermore, the effect of age and gender of cattle (both acting as target factors) on the fatty acid content and elemental composition of beef was examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and appropriate non-parametric tests. Several important interrelations among the beef characteristics investigated were also discovered. Finally, the most relevant beef descriptors were utilised in linear discrimination analysis (LDA) for predicting the slaughter age of the cattle for beef authentication.
Effect of Ag-doping of nanosized FeMgO system on its structural, surface, spectral, and catalytic properties
Authors: El-Molla Sahar , Ali Laila , Amin Nabil , Ebrahim Anwer , Mahmoud Hala
Published: May 2012

The effects of Ag-doping on the physico-chemical, spectral, surface, and catalytic properties of the FeMgO system with various Fe2O3 loadings were investigated. The dopant (Ag) molar ratio varied between 0.01 % and 0.05 %. The techniques employed for characterisation of catalysts were TG/DTG, XRD, ESR, N2 adsorption at −196°C, and catalytic decomposition of H2O2 at 25–35°C. The results obtained revealed that the investigated catalysts consisted of nanosized MgO as the major phase, apart from the MgFe2O4 and/or Fe3O4 phases. ESR result of the FeMgO system revealed the presence of paramagnetic species as a result of Ag-doping. The textural properties including SBET, porosity and St were modified by Ag-doping. The doping process with Ag-species improved the catalytic activity of the FeMgO system. Increasing the calcination temperature from 400°C to 800°C increased the catalytic activity (k*30 °C) of 0.05 AgFeMgO in H2O2 decomposition by 21.2 times.
Metabolomic approach to Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis based on mass spectrometry
Authors: González-Domínguez Raúl , García-Barrera Tamara , Gómez-Ariza José-Luis
Published: May 2012

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease, but there is still no cure and early diagnosis remains very difficult. For this reason, the discovery of new biomarkers is of great importance. The application of metabolomics is emerging in this field, based on the use of mass spectrometry as a technique of analysis. In this work, blood serum samples (from Alzheimer’s disease patients and healthy controls) were analysed by mass spectrometry in order to search for potential metabolomic biomarkers. The application of multivariate statistical tools (PLS-DA) enabled us to discriminate between groups. In addition, some phosphatidylcholine compounds were identified as markers of the disease.
Ethylcellulose, polycaprolactone, and eudragit matrices for controlled release of piroxicam from tablets and microspheres
Authors: Diaf Kheira , Bahri Zineb , Chafi Nafa , Belarbi Lahcen , Mesli Abderrezzak
Published: May 2012

The present paper provides details of the preparation of polymeric tablets and microspheres based on piroxicam as a therapeutic active agent and the drug release study from these formulations. Tablets composed of ethylcellulose, Eudragit® or mixtures of Eudragit® and synthesised poly(oxepan-2-one) were prepared and tested. The effect of the matrix on the drug release at 37°C was studied. The drug-loaded microparticles were prepared using solvent evaporation microencapsulation. These systems were characterised by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy and the size and size distribution were also determined. The results demonstrated that the drug release could be modified by means of these formulations. Finally, piroxicam dissolution rate constants were calculated from Higuchi’s release model.
Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of phenol drifts on three zeolites
Authors: Koubaissy Bachar , Toufaily Joumana , El-Murr Maya , Jean Daou T. , Hafez Hala , Joly Guy , Magnoux Patrick , Hamieh Tayssir
Published: May 2012

In this study, the sorption of phenol drifts was studied by performing batch kinetic sorption experiments. The equilibrium kinetic data was analyzed using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Fowler-Guggenheim model gives a perfect fitting with the isotherm data. The influence of porous structure of a zeolite particle on phenol adsorption from aqueous solutions is analyzed and discussed. The adsorption for phenol drifts on zeolite was proved to be an exothermic process. Thus the solubility of the phenolic compound and the pH of the solution play also an important role in adsorption phenomena.

The relative affinity of the phenolic compound toward the zeolite was related to the electron donor-acceptor complexes that were formed between the basic sites on the zeolite (oxygen) and hydrogens (acidic site) of the phenols. Finally zeolite seems to be an efficient adsorbent; it can be easily regenerated by methanol leaching.
Effect of the Metallization on the Resonances of THz Fishnet Metamaterials
Authors: Sabah C. , Roskos H. G.
Published: May 2012

In this numerical study, the influence of the choice of metal (and hence of the conductivity) used for the fabrication of THz fishnet metamaterials is investigated. We explore an exemplary structure for which surface-plasmon-polaritons offer – assuming sufficiently good conductivity – pronounced extraordinary transmission and strong multiple magnetic resonances with negative permeability. We analyze the dependence of these signatures on the type of metallization. Studying five different metals, we find that the metallization is important for achieving the multiple resonances. A reduction of the conductivity can lead to a dramatic weakening and even a near-disappearance of magnetic resonances if they lose their diamagnetic character.
A Dual PET/MR Imaging Nanoprobe: 124I Labeled Gd3N@C80
Authors: Luo Jianqiao , Wilson John D. , Zhang Jianyuan , Hirsch Jerry I. , Dorn Harry C. , Fatouros Panos P. , Shultz Michael D.
Published: May 2012

The current report describes the development of a dual modality tomographic agent for both positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). The dual-modality agent in this study was based on a 124I (PET) radiolabeled tri-gadolinium endohedral metallofullerene Gd3N@C80 (MRI) nanoprobe platform. The outer surface of the fullerene cage of the Gd3N@C80 metallofullerenes was surface functionalized with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups (f-Gd3N@C80) using previously developed procedures and subsequently iodinated with 124I to produce 124I-f-Gd3N@C80 nanoprobe. Orthotopic tumor-bearing rats were infused intratumorally by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) with the 124I-f-Gd3N@C80 agent and imaged by MRI or micro PET. The anatomical positioning and distribution of the 124I-f-Gd3N@C80 agent were comparable between the MRI and PET scans. The 124I-f-Gd3N@C80­ dual-agent distribution and infusion site within the tumor was clearly evident in both T1- and T2-weighted MR images. The results demonstrate the successful preparation of a dual-modality imaging agent, 124I-f-Gd3N@C80, which could ultimately be used for simultaneous PET/MR imaging.
Dissecting the T Cell Response: Proliferation Assays vs. Cytokine Signatures by ELISPOT
Authors: Anthony Donald D. , Milkovich Kimberly A. , Zhang Wenji , Rodriguez Benigno , Yonkers Nicole L. , Tary-Lehmann Magdalena , Lehmann Paul V.
Published: May 2012

Chronic allograft rejection is in part mediated by host T cells that recognize allogeneic antigens on transplanted tissue. One factor that determines the outcome of a T cell response is clonal size, while another is the effector quality. Studies of alloimmune predictors of transplant graft survival have most commonly focused on only one measure of the alloimmune response. Because differing qualities and frequencies of the allospecific T cell response may provide distinctly different information we analyzed the relationship between frequency of soluble antigen and allo-antigen specific memory IFN-g secreting CD4 and CD8 T cells, their ability to secrete IL-2, and their proliferative capacity, while accounting for cognate and bystander proliferation. The results show proliferative responses primarily reflect on IL-2 production by antigen-specific T cells, and that proliferating cells in such assays entail a considerable fraction of bystander cells. On the other hand, proliferation (and IL-2 production) did not reflect on the frequency of IFN-γ producing memory cells, a finding particularly accentuated in the CD8 T cell compartment. These data provide rationale for considering both frequency and effector function of pre-transplant T cell reactivity when analyzing immune predictors of graft rejection.
Entropy Concept for Paramacrosystems with Complex States
Authors: Popkov Yuri S.
Published: May 2012

Consideration is given to macrosystems called paramacrosystems with states of finite capacity and distinguishable and undistinguishable elements with stochastic behavior. The paramacrosystems fill a gap between Fermi and Einstein macrosystems. Using the method of the generating functions, we have obtained expressions for probabilistic characteristics (distribution of the macrostate probabilities, physical and information entropies) of the paramacrosystems. The cases with equal and unequal prior probabilities for elements to occupy the states with finite capacities are considered. The unequal prior probabilities influence the morphological properties of the entropy functions and the functions of the macrostate probabilities, transforming them in the multimodal functions. The examples of the paramacrosystems with two-modal functions of the entropy and distribution of the macrostate probabilities are presented. The variation principle does not work for such cases.
Application of a Novel Method for Assessing Cumulative Risk Burden by County
Authors: Salinas Jennifer J. , Shah Manasi , Abdelbary Bassent , Gay Jennifer L. , Sexton Ken
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to apply the Human Security Index (HSI) as a tool to detect social and economic cumulative risk burden at a county-level in the state of Texas. The HSI is an index comprising a network of three sub-components or “fabrics”; the Economic, Environmental, and Social Fabrics. We hypothesized that the HSI will be a useful instrument for identifying and analyzing socioeconomic conditions that contribute to cumulative risk burden in vulnerable counties. We expected to identify statistical associations between cumulative risk burden and (a) ethnic concentration and (b) geographic proximity to the Texas-Mexico border. Findings from this study indicate that the Texas-Mexico border region did not have consistently higher total or individual fabric scores as would be suggested by the high disease burden and low income in this region. While the Economic, Environmental, Social Fabrics (including the Health subfabric) were highly associated with Hispanic ethnic concentration, the overall HSI and the Crime subfabric were not. In addition, the Education, Health and Crime subfabrics were associated with African American racial composition, while Environment, Economic and Social Fabrics were not. Application of the HSI to Texas counties provides a fuller and more nuanced understanding of socioeconomic and environmental conditions, and increases awareness of the role played by environmental, economic, and social factors in observed health disparities by race/ethnicity and geographic region.
Anti-TNF-α Activity of Portulaca oleracea in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lee An Sook , Kim Jin Sook , Lee Yun Jung , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: May 2012

Vascular inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis, a main complication of diabetes. The present study investigated whether an aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea (AP) prevents the TNF-α-induced vascular inflammatory process in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). The stimulation of TNF-α induced overexpression of adhesion molecules affects vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and E-selectin for example. However, AP significantly suppressed TNF-α-induced over-expression of these adhesion molecules in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, pretreatment with AP dose-dependently reduced an increase of the adhesion of HL-60 cells to TNF-α-induced HUVEC. Furthermore, we observed that stimulation of TNF-α significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, pretreatment with AP markedly blocked TNF-α-induced ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. The western blot and immunofluorescence analysis showed that AP inhibited the translocation of p65 NF-κB to the nucleus. In addition, AP suppressed the TNF-α-induced degradation of IκB-α and attenuated the TNF-α-induced NF-κB binding. AP also effectively reduced TNF-α-induced mRNA expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-8 in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, AP prevents the vascular inflammatory process through the inhibition of intracellular ROS production and NF-κB activation as well as the reduction of adhesion molecule expression in TNF-α-induced HUVEC. These results suggested that AP might have a potential therapeutic effect by inhibiting the vascular inflammation process in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
7-{[2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(methoxyimino)acetyl]amino}-3-{[(2-methyl-5,6-dioxo-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)sulfanyl]methyl}-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic Acid
Authors: Fareed Ghulam , Kalhoro Mahboob A. , Versiani Muhammad A. , Afza Nighat , Fareed Nazia
Published: May 2012

Novel 7-{[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-(methoxyimino)acetyl]amino}-3-{[(2-methyl-5,6-dioxo-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)sulfanyl]methyl}-8-oxo-5-thia-1azabicyclo [4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid was prepared by condensation of ceftriaxone disodium (1) with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) in ethanol under reflux conditions for 3–4 h. The structure of synthesized compound was elucidated using LCMS, 1H-NMR, and CHN techniques.
Highly Sensitive and Miniaturized Fluorescence Detection System with an Autonomous Capillary Fluid Manipulation Chip
Authors: Yao Mingjin , Shah Girish , Fang Ji
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a novel, highly sensitive and ultra-small fluorescent detection system, including an autonomous capillary fluid manipulation chip. The optical detector integrates a LED light source, all necessary optical components, and a photodiode with preamplifier into one package of about 2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm. Also, the low-cost and simple pumpless microfluidic device works well in sample preparation and manipulation. This chip consists of capillary stop valves and trigger valves which are fabricated by lithography and then bonded with a polydimethylsiloxane-ethylene oxide polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PEO-PDMS) cover. The contact angle of the PEO-PDMS can be adjusted by changing the concentration of the PEO. Hence, the fluidic chip can achieve functionalities such as timing features and basic logical functions. The prototype has been tested by fluorescence dye 5-Carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM) dissolved into the solvent DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide). The results prove a remarkable sensitivity at a pico-scale molar, around 1.08 pM. The low-cost and miniaturized optical detection system, with a self-control capillary-driven microfluidic chip developed in this work, can be used as the crucial parts in portable biochemical detection applications and point of care testing.
Stimulatory Action of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on Hematopoiesis: A Review
Authors: Hofer Michal , Pospíšil Milan , Hoferová Zuzana , Weiterová Lenka , Komůrková Denisa
Published: May 2012

The presented review summarizes experimental data obtained with a mouse model when investigating the relationship between inhibition of prostaglandin production and hematopoiesis. While prostaglandin E2 acts in a negative feedback control of myelopoiesis, inhibition of cyclooxygenases, responsible for its production, shifts the feedback to positive control. Based on these relationships, agents inhibiting cyclo-oxygenases, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can activate hematopoiesis and be protective or curative under myelosuppressive states. The effectiveness of therapeutic use of NSAIDs in these situations is expressive especially under the selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), when undesirable side effects of cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition, like gastrointestinal damage, are absent. The effects of the clinically approved selective COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam, were investigated and demonstrated significant hematopoiesis-stimulating and survival-enhancing actions of this drug in sublethally or lethally γ-irradiated mice. These effects were connected with the ability of meloxicam to increase serum levels of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. It can be inferred from these findings that selective COX-2 inhibitors might find their use in the treatment of myelosuppressions of various etiologies.
Improved Maturity and Ripeness Classifications of Magnifera Indica cv. Harumanis Mangoes through Sensor Fusion of an Electronic Nose and Acoustic Sensor
Authors: Zakaria Ammar , Shakaff Ali Yeon Md , Masnan Maz Jamilah , Saad Fathinul Syahir Ahmad , Adom Abdul Hamid , Ahmad Mohd Noor , Jaafar Mahmad Nor , Abdullah Abu Hassan , Kamarudin Latifah Munirah
Published: May 2012

In recent years, there have been a number of reported studies on the use of non-destructive techniques to evaluate and determine mango maturity and ripeness levels. However, most of these reported works were conducted using single-modality sensing systems, either using an electronic nose, acoustics or other non-destructive measurements. This paper presents the work on the classification of mangoes (Magnifera Indica cv. Harumanis) maturity and ripeness levels using fusion of the data of an electronic nose and an acoustic sensor. Three groups of samples each from two different harvesting times (week 7 and week 8) were evaluated by the e-nose and then followed by the acoustic sensor. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) were able to discriminate the mango harvested at week 7 and week 8 based solely on the aroma and volatile gases released from the mangoes. However, when six different groups of different maturity and ripeness levels were combined in one classification analysis, both PCA and LDA were unable to discriminate the age difference of the Harumanis mangoes. Instead of six different groups, only four were observed using the LDA, while PCA showed only two distinct groups. By applying a low level data fusion technique on the e-nose and acoustic data, the classification for maturity and ripeness levels using LDA was improved. However, no significant improvement was observed using PCA with data fusion technique. Further work using a hybrid LDA-Competitive Learning Neural Network was performed to validate the fusion technique and classify the samples. It was found that the LDA-CLNN was also improved significantly when data fusion was applied.
Inertial Sensor-Based Methods in Walking Speed Estimation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Shuozhi , Li Qingguo
Published: May 2012

Self-selected walking speed is an important measure of ambulation ability used in various clinical gait experiments. Inertial sensors, i.e., accelerometers and gyroscopes, have been gradually introduced to estimate walking speed. This research area has attracted a lot of attention for the past two decades, and the trend is continuing due to the improvement of performance and decrease in cost of the miniature inertial sensors. With the intention of understanding the state of the art of current development in this area, a systematic review on the exiting methods was done in the following electronic engines/databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, SportDiscus and IEEE Xplore. Sixteen journal articles and papers in proceedings focusing on inertial sensor based walking speed estimation were fully reviewed. The existing methods were categorized by sensor specification, sensor attachment location, experimental design, and walking speed estimation algorithm.
luxS Mutant Regulation: Quorum Sensing Impairment or Methylation Disorder?
Authors: Wang Qian , He Zhiyan , Hu Yuejian , Jiang Yuntao , Ma Rui , Tang Zisheng , Liang Jingping , Liu Zheng , Huang Zhengwei
Published: May 2012

AI-2–mediated quorum sensing has been identified in various bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, and numerous phenotypes have been reported to be regulated by this mechanism, using the luxS-mutant strain. But the AI-2 production process confused this regulatory function; some considered this regulation as the result of a metabolic change, which refers to an important metabolic cycle named activated methyl cycle (AMC), caused by luxS-mutant simultaneously with the defect of AI-2. Herein we hypothesized that the quorum sensing system—not the metabolic aspect—is responsible for such a regulatory function. In this study, we constructed plasmids infused with sahH and induced protein expression in the luxS-mutant strain to make the quorum-sensing system and metabolic system independent. The biofilm-related genes were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the results demonstrated that the quorum-sensing completed strain restored the gene expression of the defective strain, but the metabolically completed one did not. This evidence supported our hypothesis that the autoinducer-2-mediated, quorum-sensing system, not the AMC, was responsible for luxS mutant regulation.
Exploring Future Impacts of Environmental Constraints on Human Development
Authors: Hughes Barry B. , Irfan Mohammod T. , Moyer Jonathan D. , Rothman Dale S. , Solórzano José R.
Published: May 2012

Environmental constraints have always had, and will always have, important consequences for human development. They have sometimes contributed to, or even caused, the reversal of such development. The possibility that such constraints, including climate change, will grow significantly this century raises the concern that the very significant advances in human development across most of the world in recent decades will slow or even reverse. We use the International Futures (IFs) integrated forecasting system to explore three scenarios: a Base Case scenario, an Environmental Challenge scenario, and an Environmental Disaster scenario. Our purpose is to consider the impact of different aspects and levels of environmental constraint on the course of future human development. Using the Human Development Index (HDI) and its separate components as our key measures of development, we find that environmental constraints could indeed greatly slow progress and even, in disastrous conditions, begin to reverse it. Least developed countries are most vulnerable in relative terms, while middle-income countries can suffer the greatest absolute impact of constraints, and more developed countries are most resilient. Education’s advance is the aspect of development tapped by the HDI that is most likely to continue even in the face of tightening environmental constraints, and that is one reason why human development shows great momentum even in the face of environmental challenges.
Transmettre une entreprise de création : la démarche originale de Renzo Piano
Authors: Goubet Philippe , Vincent Alain
Published: May 2012

Résumé Le jour de ses soixante ans, Renzo Piano fait part à ses équipes de sa volonté d’initier un processus de transmission. Quatorze ans plus tard, la transmission a été préparée, sans garantie, néanmoins...
Les smart shoppers : profils et reactions de ces acheteurs « malins » face à des réductions de prix immédiates
Authors: Labbé-Pinlon Blandine , Lombart Cindy , Louis Didier
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’objectif de cette recherche est de dresser un profil actuel des smart shoppers pour des produits d’achats courants et de différencier les réactions en magasins (perceptions et comportements) de ces acheteurs « malins » face à des réductions de prix immédiates, de celles des autres acheteurs, notamment des acheteurs utilitaires. L’expérimentation menée dans un magasin laboratoire confirme que les smart shoppers prêtent plus attention aux promotions-prix et achètent plus de produits en promotion que les autres acheteurs. Ils seraient toutefois plus réactifs au signal promotionnel qu’au bénéfice économique réel dans la mesure où ils ont les mêmes réactions face à des réductions de prix faibles versus fortes.
Implication et employabilité : un engagement réciproque entre salarié et employeur à construire
Authors: Véniard Antoine
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’implication des salariés n’a jamais été autant sollicitée dans les entreprises, à la fois pour répondre à la crise économique qui réduit les ressources humaines en interne mais aussi pour faire face à une concurrence internationale de plus en plus agressive. Or cette implication, qui a reposé longtemps sur une relation contractuelle forte entre le salarié et l’employeur et qui les engageait réciproquement, l’un sur la sécurité de l’emploi, l’autre sur son implication, ne peut plus reposer aujourd’hui sur les mêmes fondements. Une autre forme de contrat tacite voit le jour dans la relation professionnelle. Celle-ci repose sur l’employabilité externe du salarié. L’employabilité externe constituerait le substitut direct à la perte de la sécurité et de la stabilité de la relation.