bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structuralism Without Structures
Authors: HELLMAN GEOFFREY
Published: April 2012

Recent technical developments in the logic of nominalism make it possible to improve and extend significantly the approach to mathematics developed in Mathematics without Numbers. After reviewing the intuitive ideas behind structuralism in general, the modal-structuralist approach as potentially class-free is contrasted broadly with other leading approaches. The machinery of nominalistic ordered pairing (Burgess-Hazen-Lewis) and plural quantification (Boolos) can then be utilized to extend the core systems of modal-structural arithmetic and analysis respectively to full, classical, polyadic third- and fourthorder number theory. The mathenatics of many structures of central importance in functional analysis, measure theory, and topology can be recovered within essentially these frameworks.
Space, Number and Structure: A Tale of Two Debates
Authors: SHAPIRO STEWART
Published: April 2012

Around the turn of the century, Poincare and Hilbert each published an account of geometry that took the discipline to be an implicit definition of its concepts. The terms ‘point’, ‘line’, and ‘plane’ can be applied to any system of objects that satisfies the axioms. Each mathematician found spirited opposition from a different logicist—Russell against Poincare' and Frege against Hilbert— who maintained the dying view that geometry essentially concerns space or spatial intuition. The debates illustrate the emerging idea of mathematics as the science of structure. The article closes with some remarks on structuralist and nonstructuralist themes in Frege's own development of arithmetic.
Troubles with Indispensability: Applying Pure Mathematics in Physical Theory
Authors: PERESSINI ANTHONY
Published: April 2012

Much of the current thought concerning mathematical ontology in volves in some way the Quine/Putnam indispensability argument. The indispensability approach needs to be more thoroughly specified, however, before substantive progress can be made in assessing it. To this end I examine in some detail the ways in which pure mathematics is applied to physical theory; such considerations give rise to three specific issues with which the indispensability approach must come to grips.
Reals by Abstraction
Authors: HALE BOB
Published: April 2012

On the neo-Fregean approach to the foundations of mathematics, elementary arithmetic is analytic in the sense that the addition of a principle wliich may be held to IMJ explanatory of the concept of cardinal number to a suitable second-order logical basis suffices for the derivation of its basic laws. This principle, now commonly called Hume's principle, is an example of a Fregean abstraction principle. In this paper, I assume the correctness of the neo-Fregean position on elementary aritlunetic and seek to explain one way in which it may be extended to encompass the theory of real numbers, introducing the reals, by means of suitable further abstraction principles, as ratios of quantities.
On Finite Hume
Authors: MACBRIDE FRASER
Published: April 2012

Neo-Ftegeanism contends that knowledge of arithmetic may be acquired by second-order logical reflection upon Hume's principle. Heck argues that Hume's principle doesn't inform ordinary arithmetical reasoning and so knowledge derived from it cannot be genuinely arithmetical. To suppose otherwise, Heck claims, is to fail to comprehend the magnitude of Cantor's conceptual contribution to mathematics. Heck recommends that finite Hume's principle be employed instead to generate arithmetical knowledge. But a better understanding of Cantor's contribution is achieved if it is supposed that Hume's principle really does inform arithmetical practice. More generally, Heck's arguments misconceive the epistemological character of neo-Fregeanism.
Insertion of type O-conserved neutralizing epitope into the foot-and-mouth disease virus type Asia1 VP1 G-H loop: effect on viral replication and neutralization phenotype
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Xue Mei , Yang Decheng , Zhou Guohui , Wu Donglai , Yu Li
Published: April 2012

Previously, we finely mapped the neutralizing epitopes recognized by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type Asia1-specific mAb 3E11 and FMDV type O-specific mAb 8E8. In this study, we engineered recombinant FMDVs of the serotype Asia1 (rFMDVs) displaying the type O-neutralizing epitope recognized by the mAb 8E8. These epitope-inserted viruses were genetically stable and exhibited growth properties that were similar to those of their parental virus. Importantly, the recombinant virus rFMDV-C showed neutralization sensitivity to both FMDV type Asia1 and type O mAbs, as well as to polyclonal antibodies. These results indicated that this epitope-inserted virus has the potential to induce neutralizing antibodies against both FMDV type Asia1 and type O. Our results demonstrated that the G-H loop of FMDV type Asia1 effectively displays the protective neutralizing epitopes of other FMDV serotypes, making this an attractive approach for the design of novel FMDV vaccines.
Heterologous RNA-silencing suppressors from both plant- and animal-infecting viruses support plum pox virus infection
Authors: Maliogka Varvara I. , Calvo María , Carbonell Alberto , García Juan Antonio , Valli Adrian
Published: April 2012

HCPro, the RNA-silencing suppressor (RSS) of viruses belonging to the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae, is a multifunctional protein presumably involved in all essential steps of the viral infection cycle. Recent studies have shown that plum pox potyvirus (PPV) HCPro can be replaced successfully by cucumber vein yellowing ipomovirus P1b, a sequence-unrelated RSS from a virus of the same family. In order to gain insight into the requirement of a particular RSS to establish a successful potyviral infection, we tested the ability of different heterologous RSSs from both plant- and animal-infecting viruses to substitute for HCPro. Making use of engineered PPV chimeras, we show that PPV HCPro can be replaced functionally by some, but not all, unrelated RSSs, including the NS1 protein of the mammal-infecting influenza A virus. Interestingly, the capacity of a particular RSS to replace HCPro does not correlate strictly with its RNA silencing-suppression strength. Altogether, our results suggest that not all suppression strategies are equally suitable for efficient escape of PPV from the RNA-silencing machinery. The approach followed here, based on using PPV chimeras in which an under-consideration RSS substitutes for HCPro, could further help to study the function of diverse RSSs in a ‘highly sensitive’ RNA-silencing context, such as that taking place in plant cells during the process of a viral infection.
MBT/Pas mouse: a relevant model for the evaluation of Rift Valley fever vaccines
Authors: Ayari-Fakhfakh Emna , do Valle Tânia Zaverucha , Guillemot Laurent , Panthier Jean-Jacques , Bouloy Michèle , Ghram Abdeljelil , Albina Emmanuel , Cêtre-Sossah Catherine
Published: April 2012

Currently, there are no worldwide licensed vaccines for Rift Valley fever (RVF) that are both safe and effective. Development and evaluation of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments depend on the availability of appropriate animal models. Animal models are also necessary to understand the basic pathobiology of infection. Here, we report the use of an inbred MBT/Pas mouse model that consistently reproduces RVF disease and serves our purpose for testing the efficacy of vaccine candidates; an attenuated Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and a recombinant RVFV–capripoxvirus. We show that this model is relevant for vaccine testing.
Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation ofGuignardia mangiferaefrom “Tahiti” Acid Lime
Authors: Wickert Ester , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo , Kishi Luciano Takeshi , de Souza Andressa , de Goes Antonio
Published: April 2012

Among the citrus plants, “Tahiti” acid lime is known as a host ofG. mangiferaefungi. This species is considered endophytic for citrus plants and is easily isolated from asymptomatic fruits and leaves.G. mangiferaeis genetically related and sometimes confused withG. citricarpawhich causes Citrus Black Spot (CBS). “Tahiti” acid lime is one of the few species that means to be resistant to this disease because it does not present symptoms. Despite the fact that it is commonly found in citric plants, little is known about the populations ofG. mangiferaeassociated with these plants. Hence, the objective of this work was to gain insights about the genetic diversity of theG. mangiferaepopulations that colonize “Tahiti” acid limes by sequencing cistron ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. It was verified that “Tahiti” acid lime plants are hosts ofG. mangiferaeand also ofG. citricarpa, without presenting symptoms of CBS. Populations ofG. mangiferaepresent low-to-moderate genetic diversity and show little-to-moderate levels of population differentiation. As gene flow was detected among the studied populations and they share haplotypes, it is possible that all populations, from citrus plants and also from the other known hosts of this fungus, belong to one great panmictic population.
Determination of Effective Factors on Power Requirement and Conveying Capacity of a Screw Conveyor under Three Paddy Grain Varieties
Authors: Askari Asli-Ardeh Ezzatollah , Mohsenimanesh Ahmad
Published: April 2012

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of screw speed, inclination angle and variety on the required power, and conveying capacity of a screw conveyor. The experiment was designed with four levels of screw speed (600, 800, 1000, and 1200 rpm), five levels of inclination angle (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80∘), and three levels of variety (Alikazemi, Hashemi, and Khazar). The Length, diameter, and pitch of screw were 2, 0.78, and 0.5 m, respectively. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with factorial layout. Maximum and minimum power requirements of tested screw conveyor were 99.29 and 81.16 Watt corresponding to conveying capacity of 3.210 and 1.975 ton/hour obtained for khazar and Alikazemi varieties, respectively. The results indicated that as screw inclination angle increased from 0 to 80∘, the conveying capacity decreased significantly from 3.581 to 0.932 t/h. It can be concluded that the most conveying capacity was 4.955 t/h at tests with khazar variety and conveyor inclination angle zero degree.
Social Capital and Technological Literacy in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Hsieh-Hua , Huang Fen Fen , Lai Yi-Horng , Yang Hung-Jen , Yu Jui-Chen
Published: April 2012

The burgeoning interest in social capital within the technology community represents a welcome move towards a concern for the social elements of technological adaptation and capacity. Since technology plays an ever larger role in our daily life, it is necessary to articulate social capital and its relationship to technological literacy. A nationwide data was collected by area sampling, and position generator was used to measure social capital. Regression model was constructed for technological literacy. Age, gender, education, income, web access, and social capital were included as independent variables. The results show that age, gender, education, web access, and social capital were good predictors of technological literacy. It is concluded that social capital is helpful in coping with rapid technological change. Theoretical and empirical implications and future research are discussed.
Docking Studies, Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Some Novel Isoxazole-Substituted 9-Anilinoacridine Derivatives
Authors: Kalirajan R. , Rafick M. H. Mohammed , Sankar S. , Jubie S.
Published: April 2012

A convenient synthesis of novel isoxazole-substituted 9-anilinoacridine derivatives5a–jwas reported. The compounds were confirmed by physical and analytical data and screened forin vitroantioxidant activity by DPPH method, reducing power assay and total antioxidant capacity method. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was also studied in HEp-2 cell line. The docking studies of the synthesized compounds were performed towards the key nucleoside dsDNA by using AutoDock vina 4.0 programme. All the isoxazole-substituted compounds have significant activities.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy versus Other PTSD Psychotherapies as Treatment for Women Victims of War-Related Violence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dossa N. Inès , Hatem Marie
Published: April 2012

Although war-trauma victims are at a higher risk of developing PTSD, there is no consensus on the effective treatments for this condition among civilians who experienced war/conflict-related trauma. This paper assessed the effectiveness of the various forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) at lowering PTSD and depression severity. All published and unpublished randomized controlled trials studying the effectiveness of CBT at reducing PTSD and/or depression severity in the population of interest were searched. Out of 738 trials identified, 33 analysed a form of CBTs effectiveness, and ten were included in the paper. The subgroup analysis shows that cognitive processing therapy (CPT), culturally adapted CPT, and narrative exposure therapy (NET) contribute to the reduction of PTSD and depression severity in the population of interest. The effect size was also significant at a level of 0.01 with the exception of the effect of NET on depression score. The test of subgroup differences was also significant, suggesting CPT is more effective than NET in our population of interest. CPT as well as its culturallyadapted form and NET seem effective in helping war/conflict traumatised civilians cope with their PTSD symptoms. However, more studies are required if one wishes to recommend one of these therapies above the other.
Economic Impact of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Haenle Maximilian , Skripitz Christina , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Skripitz Ralf
Published: April 2012

Background.An enormous economic impact can be observed for infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a cost covering treatment of infected TKA is feasible in the German DRG System.Patients and Methods.Average total treatment costs were evaluated for infected TKA and compared with a matched pair of primary TKA. Data was generated using the health record and the hospitals’ health information system. Results were evaluated and compared regarding the total personnel and material costs with respect to the financial receipts.Results.A total of 28 patients diagnosed with an infected TKA were included. A significant increase in the average length of stay, use of medical supplies and third party medical examinations were found for the infected TKA. An average deficiency of 6,356€ per patient was observed for the infected TKA. An average profit of 927€ per patient was made performing primary TKA.Conclusions.A cost-effective treatment of infected TKA was not feasible with the receipts from the German DRG System. An adaption of the receipts has to be evaluated. Moreover, other measures have to be considered in order to achieve a comprehensive medical yet financial reasonable standard in the treatment of infected TKA and THA.
Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Management of Acquired Long QT Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kallergis Eleftherios M. , Goudis Christos A. , Simantirakis Emmanuel N. , Kochiadakis George E. , Vardas Panos E.
Published: April 2012

Long QT syndrome is characterized by prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval on the surface electrocardiogram and is associated with precipitation of torsade de pointes (TdP), a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that may cause sudden death. Acquired long QT syndrome describes pathologic excessive prolongation of the QT interval, upon exposure to an environmental stressor, with reversion back to normal following removal of the stressor. The most common environmental stressor in acquired long QT syndrome is drug therapy. Acquired long QT syndrome is an important issue for clinicians and a significant public health problem concerning the large number of drugs with this adverse effect with a potentially fatal outcome, the large number of patients exposed to these drugs, and our inability to predict the risk for a given individual. In this paper, we focus on mechanisms underlying QT prolongation, risk factors for torsades de pointes and describe the short- and long-term treatment of acquired long QT syndrome.
An Investigation into Occasional White Spot Syndrome Virus Outbreak in Traditional Paddy Cum Prawn Fields in India
Authors: Selvam Deborah Gnana , Mujeeb Rahiman K. M. , Mohamed Hatha A. A.
Published: April 2012

A yearlong (September 2009–August 2010) study was undertaken to find out possible reasons for occasional occurrence of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) outbreak in the traditional prawn farms adjoining Cochin backwaters. Physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of water and sediment from feeder canal and four shrimp farms were monitored on a fortnightly basis. The physicochemical parameters showed variation during the two production cycles and between the farms studied. Dissolved oxygen (DO) content of water from feeder canal showed low oxygen levels (as low as 0.8 mg/L) throughout the study period. There was no disease outbreak in the perennial ponds. Poor water exchange coupled with nutrient loading from adjacent houses resulted in phytoplankton bloom in shallow seasonal ponds which led to hypoxic conditions in early morning and supersaturation of DO in the afternoon besides considerably high alkaline pH. Ammonia levels were found to be very high in these ponds. WSSV outbreak was encountered twice during the study leading to mass mortalities in the seasonal ponds. The hypoxia and high ammonia content in water and abrupt fluctuations in temperature, salinity and pH might lead to considerable stress in the shrimps triggering WSSV infection in these traditional ponds.
New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Seke Etet Paul F. , Fawzi Mahomoodally M.
Published: April 2012

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal if untreated fly-borne neuroinflammatory disease caused by protozoa of the speciesTrypanosoma brucei(T.b.). The increasing trend of HAT cases has been reversed, but according to WHO experts, new epidemics of this disease could appear. In addition, HAT is still a considerable burden for life quality and economy in 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries with 15–20 million persons at risk. Following joined initiatives of WHO and private partners, the fight against HAT was re-engaged, resulting in considerable breakthrough. We present here what is known at this day about HAT etiology and pathogenesis and the new insights in the development of accurate tools and tests for disease staging and severity monitoring in the field. Also, we elaborate herein the promising progresses made in the development of less toxic and more efficient trypanocidal drugs including the potential of medicinal plants and related alternative drug therapies.
Evaluation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. Based on Students’ Weekly Diaries: Findings from Eight Datasets
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Sun Rachel C. F.
Published: April 2012

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (positive adolescent training through holistic social programmes) based on eight datasets collected between 2005 and 2009. A total of 1,138 students who participated in the program were randomly invited (from the whole grade or in some classes) to write a piece of journal in the form of a weekly diary in order to reveal their perceptions and feelings regarding the program and the perceived benefits of the program. Based on an integration of findings from different databases, results showed that the respondents generally (1) had positive views on the program, (2) had positive views on the instructors, and (3) perceived that they had acquired competencies at the societal, school, familial, interpersonal, and personal levels after joining the program. Acknowledging the limitations of diaries, the present qualitative findings provide support for the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
Antitumor and Immunopotentiating Activity of Polysaccharide PST001 Isolated from the Seed Kernel ofTamarindus indica: An In Vivo Study in Mice
Authors: Aravind S. R. , Joseph Manu M. , Varghese Sheeja , Balaram Prabha , Sreelekha T. T.
Published: April 2012

Antitumor activity of polysaccharide PST001 isolated from the seed kernel ofTamarindus indicawas evaluated using different cancer cell lines. Human cancer cell lines A549, KB, and MCF-7 and murine cancer cell lines DLA and EAC were treated with PST001 and cell growth inhibition was assessed by MTT assay. In vivo studies were carried out for toxicity, tumor reduction and immunomodulation. The respective IC50of PST001 in A549, KB, and DLA was at 80.72, 190.99, and 91.14 μg/mL. Significant tumor reduction was obtained in both DLA and EAC tumors on treatment with PST001 which was more prominent when PST001 was administered with CTX/5-fluorouracil. Increase in total WBC, CD4+T-cell population, and bone marrow cellularity suggested strong immunomodulatory activity for this compound. No significant abnormality was observed in toxicity studies. Thus the results of the present study suggest that PST001 has immunomodulatory and tumor inhibitory activities and has the potential to be developed as an anticancer agent and immunomodulator either as a sole agent or as an adjuvant to other chemotherapeutic drugs.
Evaluation of a Positive Youth Development Program Based on the Repertory Grid Test
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: April 2012

The repertory grid test, based on personal construct psychology, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in Hong Kong. One hundred and four program participants (n=104) were randomly invited to complete a repertory grid based on personal construct theory in order to provide both quantitative and qualitative data for measuring self-identity changes after joining the program. Findings generally showed that the participants perceived that they understood themselves better and had stronger resilience after joining the program. Participants also saw themselves as closer to their ideal selves and other positive role figures (but farther away from a loser) after joining the program. This study provides additional support for the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. in the Chinese context. This study also shows that the repertory grid test is a useful evaluation method to measure self-identity changes in participants in positive youth development programs.
The Future of Butyric Acid in Industry
Authors: Dwidar Mohammed , Park Jae-Yeon , Mitchell Robert J. , Sang Byoung-In
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the different applications of butyric acid and its current and future production status are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on the biofuels industry. As such, this paper discusses different issues regarding butyric acid fermentations and provides suggestions for future improvements and their approaches.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia and Lymphoproliferative Disorders: An Infrequent Association
Authors: Vlachaki Efthymia , Diamantidis Michael D. , Klonizakis Philippos , Haralambidou-Vranitsa Styliani , Ioannidou-Papagiannaki Elizabeth , Klonizakis Ioannis
Published: April 2012

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome defined by a progressive normocytic anaemia and reticulocytopenia without leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Secondary PRCA can be associated with various haematological disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The aim of the present review is to investigate the infrequent association between PRCA and lymphoproliferative disorders. PRCA might precede the appearance of lymphoma, may present simultaneously with the lymphoid neoplastic disease, or might appear following the lymphomatic disorder. Possible pathophysiological molecular mechanisms to explain the rare association between PRCA and lymphoproliferative disorders are reported. Most cases of PRCA are presumed to be autoimmune mediated by antibodies against either erythroblasts or erythropoietin, by T-cells secreting factors selectively inhibiting erythroid colonies in the bone marrow or by NK cells directly lysing erythroblasts. Finally, focus is given to the therapeutical approach, as several treatment regimens have failed for PRCA. Immunosuppressive therapy and/or chemotherapy are effective for improving anaemia in the majority of patients with lymphoma-associated PRCA. Further investigation is required to define the pathophysiology of PRCA at a molecular level and to provide convincing evidence why it might appear as a rare complication of lymphoproliferative disorders.
Highlights of Thirty-Year Experience of Laser Use at the Florence (Italy) Department of Dermatology
Authors: Campolmi Piero , Bonan Paolo , Cannarozzo Giovanni , Bassi Andrea , Bruscino Nicola , Arunachalam Meena , Troiano Michela , Lotti Torello , Moretti Silvia
Published: April 2012

The CO2laser has been used extensively in dermatological surgery over the past 30 years and is now recognised as the gold standard for soft tissue vaporization. Considering that the continuous wave CO2laser delivery system and the newer “superpulsed” and scanned CO2systems have progressively changed our practice and patient satisfaction, a long range documentation can be useful. Our experience has demonstrated that the use of CO2laser involves a reduced healing time, an infrequent need for anaesthesia, reduced thermal damage, less bleeding, less inflammation, the possibility of intra-operative histologic and/or cytologic examination, and easy access to anatomically difficult areas. Immediate side effects have been pain, erythema, edema, typically see with older methods, using higher power. The percentage of after-treatment keloids and hypertrophic scars observed was very low (~1%) especially upon the usage of lower parameters. The recurrence of viral lesions (condylomas and warts) have been not more frequent than those due to other techniques. Tumor recurrence is minor compared with radiotherapy or surgery. This method is a valid alternative to surgery and/or diathermocoagulation for microsurgery of soft tissues. Our results are at times not consistent with those published in the literature, stressing the concept that multicentric studies that harmonization methodology and the patient selection are vital.
Phenolic Compounds Analysis of Root, Stalk, and Leaves of Nettle
Authors: Otles Semih , Yalcin Buket
Published: April 2012

Types of nettles (Urtica dioica) were collected from different regions to analyze phenolic compounds in this research. Nettles are specially grown in the coastal part. According to this kind of properties, nettle samples were collected from coastal part of (Mediterranean, Aegean, Black sea, and Marmara) Turkey. Phenolic profile, total phenol compounds, and antioxidant activities of nettle samples were analyzed. Nettles were separated to the part of root, stalk, and leaves. Then, these parts of nettle were analyzed to understand the difference of phenolic compounds and amount of them. Nettle (root, stalk and leaves) samples were analyzed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) to qualitative and quantitative determination of the phenolic compounds. Total phenolic components were measured by using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was measured by using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) which is generally used for herbal samples and based on single electron transfer (SET).
Automatic PET-CT Image Registration Method Based on Mutual Information and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Marinelli Martina , Positano Vincenzo , Tucci Francesco , Neglia Danilo , Landini Luigi
Published: April 2012

Hybrid PET/CT scanners can simultaneously visualize coronary artery disease as revealed by computed tomography (CT) and myocardial perfusion as measured by positron emission tomography (PET). Manual registration is usually required in clinical practice to compensate spatial mismatch between datasets. In this paper, we present a registration algorithm that is able to automatically align PET/CT cardiac images. The algorithm bases on mutual information (MI) as registration metric and on genetic algorithm as optimization method. A multiresolution approach was used to optimize the processing time. The algorithm was tested on computerized models of volumetric PET/CT cardiac data and on real PET/CT datasets. The proposed automatic registration algorithm smoothes the pattern of the MI and allows it to reach the global maximum of the similarity function. The implemented method also allows the definition of the correct spatial transformation that matches both synthetic and real PET and CT volumetric datasets.
Genetic Dissection of Sympatric Populations of Brown Planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål), Using DALP-PCR Molecular Markers
Authors: Latif M. A. , Rafii M. Y. , Mazid M. S. , Ali M. E. , Ahmed F. , Omar M. Y. , Tan S. G.
Published: April 2012

Direct amplified length polymorphism (DALP) combines the advantages of a high-resolution fingerprint method and also characterizing the genetic polymorphisms. This molecular method was also found to be useful in brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugensspecies complex for the analysis of genetic polymorphisms. A total of 11 populations ofNilaparvataspp. were collected from 6 locations from Malaysia. Two sympatric populations of brown planthopper,N. lugens, one from rice and the other from a weed grass (Leersia hexandra), were collected from each of five locations.N. bakeriwas used as an out group. Three oligonucleotide primer pairs, DALP231/DALPR′5, DALP234/DALPR′5, and DALP235/DALPR′5 were applied in this study. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram based on genetic distances for the 11 populations ofNilaparvataspp. revealed that populations belonging to the same species and the same host type clustered together irrespective of their geographical localities of capture. The populations ofN. lugensformed into two distinct clusters, one was insects with high esterase activities usually captured from rice and the other was with low esterase activities usually captured fromL. hexandra. N. bakeri, an out group, was the most isolated group. Analyses of principal components, molecular variance, and robustness also supported greatly to the findings of cluster analysis.
Towards Improved Prognostic Scores Predicting Survival in Patients with Brain Metastases: A Pilot Study of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Marienhagen Kirsten , Dalhaug Astrid , Norum Jan
Published: April 2012

Accurate prognostic information is desirable when counselling patients with brain metastases regarding their therapeutic options and life expectancy. Based on previous studies, we selected serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a promising factor on which we perform a pilot study investigating methodological aspects of biomarker studies in patients with brain metastases, before embarking on large-scale studies that will look at a larger number of candidate markers in an expanded patient cohort. For this retrospective analysis, 100 patients with available information on LDH treated with palliative whole-brain radiotherapy were selected. A comprehensive evaluation of different LDH-based variables was performed in uni- and multivariate tests. Probably, the most intriguing finding was that LDH kinetics might be more important, or at least complement, information obtained from a single measurement immediately before radiotherapy. LDH and performance status outperformed several other variables that are part of prognostic models such as recursive partitioning analyses classes and graded prognostic assessment score. LDH kinetics might reflect disease behaviour in extracranial metastatic and primary sites without need for comprehensive imaging studies and is a quite inexpensive diagnostic test. Based on these encouraging results, confirmatory studies in a larger cohort of patients are warranted.
Upper Respiratory Tract Colonization by Gram-Negative Rods in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Grywalska Ewelina , Chudzik Beata , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka , Malm Anna , Rolinski Jacek
Published: April 2012

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and predisposing factors of colonization of upper respiratory tract by Gram-negative rods (GNRs) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains was determined. A significantly higher frequency of GNR colonization in CLL patients was observed (36.7%) in comparison to healthy volunteers (8.3%). GNR isolates mainly belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Three isolates of GNR demonstrating presence of AmpCβ-lactamases and one ESBL-producing strain were obtained from CLL patients. GNR colonization rate was higher among CLL patients with lower level of IgG in serum (P=0.017), with higher number of neutrophils (P=0.039) or higher number of lymphocytes in serum (P=0.053). The longer the time elapsed since diagnosis, the higher the frequency of GNR colonization observed. Multivariate analysis showed importance of the Rai stage, number, and type of infections as independent predictors of GNR colonization in CLL patients.
Genetic Variation and Population Structure in Jamunapari Goats Using Microsatellites, Mitochondrial DNA, and Milk Protein Genes
Authors: Rout P. K. , Thangraj K. , Mandal A. , Roy R.
Published: April 2012

Jamunapari, a dairy goat breed of India, has been gradually declining in numbers in its home tract over the years. We have analysed genetic variation and population history in Jamunapari goats based on 17 microsatellite loci, 2 milk protein loci, mitochondrial hypervariable region I (HVRI) sequencing, and three Y-chromosomal gene sequencing. We used the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mismatch distribution, microsatellite data, and bottleneck tests to infer the population history and demography. The mean number of alleles per locus was 9.0 indicating that the allelic variation was high in all the loci and the mean heterozygosity was 0.769 at nuclear loci. Although the population size is smaller than 8,000 individuals, the amount of variability both in terms of allelic richness and gene diversity was high in all the microsatellite loci except ILST 005. The gene diversity and effective number of alleles at milk protein loci were higher than the 10 other Indian goat breeds that they were compared to. Mismatch analysis was carried out and the analysis revealed that the population curve was unimodal indicating the expansion of population. The genetic diversity of Y-chromosome genes was low in the present study. The observed mean M ratio in the population was above the critical significance value (Mc) and close to one indicating that it has maintained a slowly changing population size. The mode-shift test did not detect any distortion of allele frequency and the heterozygosity excess method showed that there was no significant departure from mutation-drift equilibrium detected in the population. However, the effects of genetic bottlenecks were observed in some loci due to decreased heterozygosity and lower level of M ratio. There were two observed genetic subdivisions in the population supporting the observations of farmers in different areas. This base line information on genetic diversity, bottleneck analysis, and mismatch analysis was obtained to assist the conservation decision and management of the breed.
Bioimpedance Vector Pattern in Taiwanese and Polish College Students Detected by Bioelectric Impedance Vector Analysis: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Malecka-Massalska Teresa , Smolen Agata , Madro Elzbieta , Surtel Wojciech
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives. The study was conducted to evaluate soft tissue hydration and mass through pattern analysis of vector plots as height, normalized resistance, and reactance measurements by bioelectric impedance vector analysis in Taiwanese and Polish college students.Methods. Whole-body measurements were made with ImpediMed bioimpedance analysis SFB7 BioImp v1.55 (Pinkenba Qld 4008, Australia) in 16 Taiwanese and Polish men and 16 Taiwanese and Polish women.Results. Mean vectors of Taiwanese men and women groups versus the Polish men and women groups were characterized by almost the same normalized resistance component with reactance component (separate 95% confidence limits, ) indicating that there were no differences of soft tissue hydration and mass.Interpretation and Conclusion. The evaluation of soft tissue hydration and mass through pattern analysis of vector plots as height, normalized resistance, and reactance measurements by bioelectric impedance vector analysis in Taiwanese and Polish college students did not differ between these two diverse ethnic groups. Further observational research investigating these properties in larger groups would be welcomed to elucidate and/or confirm these findings.
Supercritical Extraction from Vinification Residues: Fatty Acids,α-Tocopherol, and Phenolic Compounds in the Oil Seeds from Different Varieties of Grape
Authors: Agostini F. , Bertussi R. A. , Agostini G. , Atti dos Santos A. C. , Rossato M. , Vanderlinde R.
Published: April 2012

Supercritical fluid extraction has been widely employed in the extraction of high purity substances. In this study, we used the technology to obtain oil from seeds from a variety of grapes, from vinification residues generated in the Southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This work encompasses three varieties ofVitis vinifera(Moscato Giallo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon) and two ofVitis labrusca(Bordô e Isabel), harvested in 2005 and 2006. We obtained the highest oil content from Bordô (15.40%) in 2005 and from Merlot (14.66%), 2006. The biggest concentration of palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids was observed in Bordô, 2005, and in Bordô, Merlot, and Moscato Giallo, 2006. Bordô showed the highest concentration of oleic acid andα-tocopherol in both seasons too. For the equivalent of procyanidins, we did not notice significant difference among the varieties from the 2005 harvest. In 2006, both varieties Isabel and Cabernet Sauvignon showed a value slightly lower than the other varieties. The concentration of total phenolics was higher in Bordô and Cabernet Sauvignon. The presence of these substances is related to several important pharmacological properties and might be an alternative to conventional processes to obtain these bioactives.
The Confluence of Faraday's and Kirchoff's Laws in Bioelectrochemical Systems
Authors: Seiger Harvey N.
Published: April 2012

When external measurements are made of electrochemical systems, including bioelectrochemical, there results an interaction. Such measurements cause electrochemical processes to take place that are significant. This work looks into the nature and significance of the interfacial processes on membrane and membrane phenomena. The conclusion reached is that interfacial processes are important and cannot be overlooked.
Identification and Mechanism ofEchinochloa crus-galliResistance to Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl with respect to Physiological and Anatomical Differences
Authors: Hamza Amany , Derbalah Aly , El-Nady Mohamed
Published: April 2012

Identification and mechanism ofEchinochloa crus-galli(L.) resistance to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl via physiological and anatomical differences between susceptible and resistant were investigated. The physiological and anatomical differences that were take into account were growth reduction, chlorophyll content reduction, lamina thickness, and xylem vessel diameter in both susceptible and resistant biotypes ofE. crus-galli. The results showed that the growth reduction fifty (GR50) of resistant biotype was 12.07-times higher than that of the susceptible biotype ofE. crus-gallitreated with fenoxaprop-p-ethyl. The chlorophyll content was highly reduced in the susceptible biotype relative to the resistant one ofE. crus-gallitreated with fenoxaprop-p-ethyl. An anatomical test showed significant differences in the cytology of susceptible and resistant biotypes ofE. crus-gallitreated with fenoxaprop-p-ethyl with respect to lamina thickness and xylem vessel diameter. The resistance ofE. crus-gallito fenoxaprop-p-ethyl may be due to the faster metabolism of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl below the physiologically active concentration or the insensitivity of its target enzyme (Acetyl-CoA carboxylase).
In VitroConservation of Twenty-Three Overexploited Medicinal Plants Belonging to the Indian Sub Continent
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Mathur Ajay Kumar , Jain Sheetal Prasad , Mathur Archana
Published: April 2012

Twenty-three pharmaceutically important plants, namely,Elaeocarpus spharicus,Rheum emodi,Indigofera tinctoria,Picrorrhiza kurroa,Bergenia ciliata,Lavandula officinalis,Valeriana wallichii,Coleus forskohlii,Gentiana kurroo,Saussurea lappa,Stevia rebaudiana,Acorus calamus,Pyrethrum cinerariaefolium,Aloe vera,Bacopa monnieri,Salvia sclarea,Glycyrrhiza glabra,Swertia cordata,Psoralea corylifolia,Jurinea mollis,Ocimum sanctum,Paris polyphylla, andPapaver somniferum, which are at the verge of being endangered due to their overexploitation and collection from the wild, were successfully establishedin vitro. Collections were made from the different biodiversity zones of India including Western Himalaya, Northeast Himalaya, Gangetic plain, Western Ghats, Semiarid Zone, and Central Highlands. Aseptic cultures were raised at the morphogenic level of callus, suspension, axillary shoot, multiple shoot, and rooted plants. Synseeds were also produced from highly proliferating shoot cultures ofBacopa monnieri,Glycyrrhiza glabra,Stevia rebaudiana,Valeriana wallichii,Gentiana kurroo,Lavandula officinalis, andPapaver somniferum.In vitroflowering was observed inPapaver somniferum,Psoralea corylifolia, andOcimum sanctumshoots cultures. Out of 23 plants, 18 plants were successfully hardened under glasshouse conditions.
The Clinical and Nonclinical Values of Nonexercise Estimation of Cardiovascular Endurance in Young Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Alomari Mahmoud A. , Shqair Dana M. , Khabour Omar F. , Alawneh Khaldoon , Nazzal Mahmoud I. , Keewan Esraa F.
Published: April 2012

Exercise testing is associated with barriers prevent using cardiovascular (CV) endurance (CVE) measure frequently. A recent nonexercise model (NM) is alleged to estimate CVE without exercise. This study examined CVE relationships, using the NM model, with measures of obesity, physical fitness (PF), blood glucose and lipid, and circulation in 188 asymptomatic young (18–40 years) adults. Estimated CVE correlated favorably with measures of PF (r=0.4-0.5) including handgrip strength, distance in 6 munities walking test, and shoulder press, and leg extension strengths, obesity (r=0.2-0.7) including % body fat, body water content, fat mass, muscle mass, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and waist/hip ratio, and circulation (r=0.2-0.3) including blood pressures, blood flow, vascular resistance, and blood (r=0.2-0.5) profile including glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides. Additionally, differences (P<0.05) in examined measures were found between the high, average, and low estimated CVE groups. Obviously the majority of these measures are CV disease risk factors and metabolic syndrome components. These results enhance the NM scientific value, and thus, can be further used in clinical and nonclinical settings.
An Alternative Paradigm for the Role of Antimalarial Plants in Africa
Authors: Maranz Steven
Published: April 2012

Most investigations into the antimalarial activity of African plants are centered on finding an indigenous equivalent to artemisinin, the compound from which current frontline antimalarial drugs are synthesized. As a consequence, the standard practice in ethnopharmacological research is to usein vitroassays to identify compounds that inhibit parasites at nanomolar concentrations. This approach fails to take into consideration the high probability of acquisition of resistance to parasiticidal compounds since parasite populations are placed under direct selection for genetic that confers a survival advantage. Bearing in mind Africa's long exposure to malaria and extensive ethnobotanical experimentation with both therapies and diet, it is more likely that compounds not readily overcome byPlasmodiumparasites would have been retained in the pharmacopeia and cuisine. Such compounds are characterized by acting primarily on the host rather than directly targeting the parasite and thus cannot be adequately exploredin vitro. If Africa's long history with malaria has in fact produced effective plant therapies, their scientific elucidation will require a major emphasis onin vivoinvestigation.
Inhibitory receptor expression on neonatal immune cells
Authors: Walk J , Westerlaken G H A , van Uden N O , Belderbos M E , Meyaard L , Bont L J
Published: April 2012

Neonates are born with quantitative and qualitative defects in both adaptive and innate immune responses. The immune system is regulated by several mechanisms, including the signalling of inhibitory receptors. Increased expression of inhibitory receptors may result in a higher threshold for activation and suppressed function of neonatal cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of seven inhibitory receptors is increased on neonatal immune cells compared to adult immune cells. In a healthy birth cohort, we examined the expression of seven inhibitory immune receptors on neonatal neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The expression of leucocyte-associated immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1), signal inhibitory receptor on leucocytes-1 (SIRL-1), CD31, signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), Siglec-9, CD200R, immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (IREM-1) and the membrane-bound ligand CD200 was studied by flow cytometry on leucocytes in cord blood (n = 14), neonatal venous blood (n = 24) and adult venous blood (n = 22). Expression of LAIR-1, CD31 and CD200 was increased consistently across all neonatal T cell subsets. Neonatal monocytes exhibited decreased expression of LAIR-1 and IREM-1 compared to adults. Furthermore, cord blood and neonatal venous blood samples contained a distinct LAIR-1-positive neutrophil population, which was not detected in adult blood. We demonstrated distinct expression of inhibitory receptors on neonatal peripheral blood immune cells in a healthy birth cohort. This is the first evidence that inhibitory receptors play a role in regulation of the neonatal immune system. Consistently increased inhibitory receptor expression on T cells may be an important mechanism in preventing the development of allergy and autoimmunity.
Spread and occurrence of tulip tree aphid in Europe: new record of Illinoia liriodendri (Monell, 1879) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Hungary
Authors: Bozsik A.
Published: April 2012

The genus Illinoia is found primarily in North America. Illinoia liriodendri (Monell, 1879), the tulip tree aphid, was observed and identified for the first time in Hungary. Nymphs, apterous and alate viviparous females in colonies of I. liriodendri were found on a tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae), in Debrecen, Hungary. Tulip tree aphids feed on the underside of tulip tree leaves. The consequences of this are honeydew and associated black sooty mould which is unsightly and causes sticky residues to drop onto footpaths and parked cars. If the infestation is very severe this may reduce photosynthesis. A short report is presented here on the first finding of this pest in Hungary, and its characteristics.
First record of Prociphilus (Meliarhizophagus) fraxinifolii (Riley) [Hemiptera: Aphididae] in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Pérez Hidalgo N. , Mier Durante M. P.
Published: April 2012

Prociphilus (Meliarhizophagus) fraxinifolii is recorded for the first time on Fraxinus pennsylvanica in Spain. The species, which is of Nearctic origin, is also present in Europe in Hungary (from 2003), Serbia (from 2006) and Bulgaria (from 2007).