bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEVANLINNA THEORY FOR HOLOMORPHIC CURVES FROM PUNCTURED DISKS INTO SEMI-ABELIAN VARIETIES
Authors: QUANG SI DUC
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to show a second main theorem with truncated counting function for holomorphic curves from punctured disks into semi-Abelian varieties. The second is to give an alternative proof of a Big Picard's theorem for algebraically non-degenerate holomorphic curves by Nevanlinna theory.
ANOMALOUS ISOTOPE EFFECTS OF FULLERIDE SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: FAN WEI
Published: November 2011

The numerical calculations of the standard Eliashberg–Nambu strong coupling theory and a formula of isotope effect derived in this paper provide direct evidences that an-harmonic vibrations of lattice enhance isotope effect with anomalous coefficient α>1/2. The results in this paper explain very well the wide distributed α values for the samples with different ratios of substitutions of 12 C by 13 C of fulleride superconductor Rb 3 C 60. The calculations of isotope effects indicate that the intra-molecule radial modes have more important contributions to superconductivity than the intra-molecule tangential modes with higher phonon frequencies.
HASH FUNCTION CONSTRUCTION BASED ON THE CHAOTIC LOOK-UP TABLE WITH CHANGEABLE PARAMETER
Authors: LI YANTAO , XIAO DI , DENG SHAOJIANG
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for one-way hash function construction based on the chaotic look-up table with changeable parameter. First, the original message with padding is divided into block messages as groups and then further broken into sub-block messages, which are translated into corresponding ASCII codes by groups. Then the group ASCII codes are successively inputted into the chaotic look-up table updated by changeable parameter to permute corresponding values. Finally, based on the calculation of the values, 128-bit hash value is generated. Performance analysis indicates that our proposed algorithm satisfies sensitive requirements and can resist all kinds of attacks.
THE WIDTH OF VERBAL SUBGROUPS IN THE GROUP OF UNITRIANGULAR MATRICES OVER A FIELD
Authors: BIER AGNIESZKA
Published: November 2011

Let K be a field and let UTn(K) and Tn(K) denote the groups of all unitriangular and triangular matrices over field K, respectively. In the paper, the lattices of verbal subgroups of the above groups are characterized. Consequently, the equalities between certain verbal subgroups and their verbal width are determined. The considerations bring a series of verbal subgroups with exactly known finite width equal to 2. An analogous characterization and results for the groups of infinitely dimensional triangular and unitriangular matrices are established in the last part of the paper.
PIEZOELECTRIC ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS WITH FRACTAL GEOMETRY
Authors: MULHOLLAND A. J. , WALKER A. J.
Published: November 2011

Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers typically employ composite structures to improve their transmission and reception sensitivities. The geometry of the composite is regular with one dominant length scale and, since these are resonant devices, this dictates the central operating frequency of the device. In order to construct a wide bandwidth device it would seem natural therefore to utilize resonators that span a range of length scales. In this article we consider such a device and build a theoretical model to predict its performance. A fractal medium is used as this contains a wide range of length scales and yields to a renormalization approach. The propagation of an ultrasonic wave in this heterogeneous medium is then analyzed and used to construct expressions for the electrical impedance, and the transmission and reception sensitivities of this device as a function of the driving frequency. The results presented show a marked increase in the reception sensitivity of the device.
Biases in three-dimensional vorticity analysis using porphyroclast system: limits and application to natural examples
Authors: Iacopini D. , Frassi C. , Carosi R. , Montomoli C.
Published: November 2011

A description of the systematic errors associated with the measurement of the vorticity number from poryhroclasts in natural systems is presented and discussed. We show that strong biases and systematic errors could derive both from some erroneous physical (i.e. no slip across clast/matrix boundary, homogeneity within the matrix) as well as geometrical assumptions (i.e. the radius ratio and angular measurements carried out in two dimensions on outcrop surfaces and thin section). By comparing natural datasets of porphyroclast shape preferred orientation (SPO) with different theoretical curves plots, we suggest that at least one of the Jeffery physical assumptions can be tested when applying vorticity techniques. The comparison of different possible sources of systematic errors indicates that, for medium-to-low vorticity numbers (
W
m
<0.8), vorticity data are strongly biased and that a minimum systematic error of 0.2 should be taken into account. Finally, we use data from natural shear zones from the Southern Variscan Belt in Sardinia to test and discuss the starting assumptions of the Jeffery model.
Dissolution precipitation creep versus crystalline plasticity in high-pressure metamorphic serpentinites
Authors: Wassmann Sara , Stöckhert Bernhard , Trepmann Claudia A.
Published: November 2011

Serpentinite is widely assumed to constitute weak material in subduction zones and to play an essential role for the development of a subduction channel. Information on deformation mechanisms and appropriate rheological models to describe these large-scale flow processes can only be obtained from natural serpentinites exhumed from ancient subduction zones. We examine the microstructural record of HP-metamorphic (
P c.
2±0.5 GPa,
T c.
550±50 °C) serpentinites exposed in the Zermatt–Saas zone, Western Alps, using optical and scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The schistose and compositionally layered rocks show pervasive small-scale folding. There is no evidence for any significant deformation by dislocation creep. Instead, the microfabrics including strain shadows and crenulation cleavage indicate that high strain is accumulated by dissolution precipitation creep. In terms of rheology, this suggests Newtonian behaviour and a low viscosity for the long-term flow of serpentinites in deeper levels of subduction zones. This does not preclude dislocation creep and a power law rheology at higher stress levels, as realized at local sites of stress concentration and transient episodes of post-seismic creep.
Performer-centered visual feedback for human-machine improvisation
Authors: François Alexandre R. J. , Chew E. , Thurmond Dennis
Published: November 2011

This article describes the design and implementation of the Multimodal Interactive Musical Improvisation (Mimi) system. Unique to Mimi is its visual interface, which provides the performer with instantaneous and continuous information on the state of the system, in contrast to other human-machine improvisation systems, which require performers to grasp and intuit possible extemporizations in response to machine-generated music without forewarning. In Mimi, the information displayed extends into the near future and reaches back into the recent past, allowing the performer awareness of the musical context so as to plan their response accordingly. This article presents the details of Mimi's system design, the visual interface, and its implementation using the formalism defined by François' Software Architecture for Immersipresence (SAI) framework. Mimi is the result of a collaborative iterative design process. We have recorded the design sessions and present here findings from the transcripts that provide evidence for the impact of visual support on improvisation planning and design. The findings demonstrate that Mimi's visual interface offers musicians the opportunity to anticipate and to review decisions, thus making it an ideal performance and pedagogical tool for improvisation. It allows novices to create more contextually relevant improvisations and experts to be more inventive in their extemporizations.
Security, privacy, and personalization
Authors: Bernhaupt Regina , Pirker Michael M. , Weiss Astrid , Wilfinger David , Tscheligi Manfred
Published: November 2011

The success of the next-generation of interactive TV systems will depend on the type and form of user interaction these systems can support. New services like social TV, direct image, and data up- and download from the set-top box, connectivity of the iTV system to the PC and other mobile media devices, pose the question of how to support security, privacy, and personalization. To investigate the (sometimes naïve) concepts of users of what changes an interactive TV system will bring for their living room behaviors in terms of security and privacy, and how to support these aspects regarding user interaction, we set up two ethnographic studies. Study one investigated users' assumptions and ideas on the concepts of security, privacy, and personalization in households that did currently not use interactive TV. This allowed us to understand possible problems in terms of security and privacy before the introduction of interactive TV. Study two investigated current practices and usages of media and devices, to understand what type of interaction concept would support the practices of the user best. The results show that new forms of user interaction must support personalized access to the content on the TV, that they must support security and privacy, and that they should enable new forms of connectivity for all devices used in the living room.
Adoption versus use diffusion of iDTV in flanders - personalized television content as a tool to cross the chasm?
Authors: Schuurman Dimitri , De Marez Lieven , Berte Katrien
Published: November 2011

Digital television was introduced to the Belgian market in 2005, which is fairly late compared to other European countries. By 2010, in Flanders the 50% penetration threshold of digital television households was surpassed. Considering previous research into the adoption of digital television in Belgium, it can be stated that the “majority segments” have embraced iDTV. However, research suggests that this has not necessarily induced a change in their viewing habits and that interactive applications such as video on demand, time-shifted viewing, voting, email, etc., have remained “underused.” Therefore, the user adoption rate of 50% for iDTV does not automatically imply a 50% use diffusion rate of interactive services.

Within the iDTV industry, an important challenge will be to convince the remaining 50% of analog viewers to make the switch to digital television. A review of the literature on the adoption and diffusion processes of technologies shows that these later adopters (laggards and late majority) base their decision on the behavior of peers who have already acquired the technology. As they are the least innovative market segment, they will require some compelling arguments to adopt iDTV. These selling arguments could be related to the added value of interactive services which are currently not being used to their full potential by iDTV subscribers. One of the ideas that is currently explored is personalized television content, recommended to television viewers based on their viewing behavior.

This article discusses three important research questions based on quantitative empirical data. Firstly, what is the current state-of-the-art in Flanders regarding the adoption and use diffusion of digital television in Flanders? Secondly, what is the interest in a personalization and recommendation tool for iDTV in Flanders? Thirdly, how would an introduction of this tool affect the adoption and use diffusion of iDTV in Flanders? Based on the results presented in this article, it seems that the implementation of a personalization and recommendation tool might stimulate the adoption as well as the use diffusion of digital TV in Flanders.
Potential role of insulin signaling on vascular smooth muscle cell migration, proliferation, and inflammation pathways
Authors: Cersosimo Eugenio , Xu Xiaojing , Musi Nicolas
Published: November 2011

To investigate the role of insulin signaling pathways in migration, proliferation, and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we examined the expression of active components of the phosphatidyl inositol 3 (PI-3) kinase (p-Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p-Erk) in primary cultures of VSMCs from human coronary arteries. VSMCs were treated in a dose-response manner with insulin (0, 1, 10, and 100 nM) for 20 min, and Akt and Erk phosphorylation were measured by Western blot analysis. In separate experiments, we evaluated the effect of 200 μM palmitate, in the presence and absence of 8 μM pioglitazone, on insulin-stimulated (100 nM for 20 min) Akt and Erk phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of Akt and Erk in VSMCs exhibited a dose dependency with a three- to fourfold increase, respectively, at the highest dose (100 nM). In the presence of palmitate, insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation was completely abolished, and there was a threefold increase in p-Erk. With addition of pioglitazone, the phosphorylation of Akt by insulin remained unchanged, whereas insulin-stimulated Erk phosphorylation was reduced by pioglitazone. These data in VSMCs indicate that high palmitate decreases insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and stimulates MAPK, whereas preexposure peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone preserves Akt phosphorylation and simultaneously attenuates MAPK signaling. Our results suggest that metabolic and mitogenic insulin signals have different sensitivity, are independently regulated, and may play a role in arterial smooth muscle cells migration, proliferation, and inflammation in conditions of acute hyperinsulinemia.
Increased urinary protein excretion in the “normal” range is associated with increased renin-angiotensin system activity
Authors: Nicholl David D. M. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Turin Tanvir C. , MacRae Jennifer M. , Muruve Daniel A. , Sola Darlene Y. , Ahmed Sofia B.
Published: November 2011

Increased levels of albuminuria and proteinuria, both linked to augmented renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity, are associated with adverse kidney and cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between variations in urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and total protein excretion (UTPE) in the normal range and RAS activity is unclear. We examined the association between UAE and UTPE and the hemodynamic response to angiotensin II (ANG II) challenge, a well-accepted indirect measure of RAS activity, in healthy individuals with normal UAE and UTPE. Forty subjects (15 men, 25 women; age 38 ± 2 yr; UAE, 3.32 ± 0.55 mg/day; UTPE, 56.8 ± 3.6 mg/day) were studied in high-salt balance. Blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness determined by applanation tonometry, and circulating RAS components were measured at baseline and in response to graded ANG II infusion. The primary outcome was the BP response to ANG II challenge at 30 and 60 min. UAE was associated with a blunted diastolic BP response to ANG II infusion (30 min, P = 0.005; 60 min, P = 0.17), a relationship which remained even after adjustment (30 min, P < 0.001; 60 min, P = 0.035). Similar results were observed with UTPE (30 min, P = 0.031; 60 min, P = 0.001), even after multivariate analysis (30 min, P = 0.008; 60 min, P = 0.001). Neither UAE nor UTPE was associated with systolic BP, circulating RAS components, or arterial stiffness responses to ANG II challenge. Among healthy individuals with UAE and UTPE in the normal range, increased levels of these measures were independently associated with a blunted diastolic BP response to ANG II, indicating increased vascular RAS activity, which is known to be deleterious to both renal and cardiac function.
Defensive peripersonal space: the blink reflex evoked by hand stimulation is increased when the hand is near the face
Authors: Sambo C. F. , Liang M. , Cruccu G. , Iannetti G. D.
Published: November 2011

Electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist may elicit a blink reflex [hand blink reflex (HBR)] mediated by a neural circuit at brain stem level. As, in a Sherringtonian sense, the blink reflex is a defensive response, in a series of experiments we tested, in healthy volunteers, whether and how the HBR is modulated by the proximity of the stimulated hand to the face. Electromyographic activity was recorded from the orbicularis oculi, bilaterally. We observed that the HBR is enhanced when the stimulated hand is inside the peripersonal space of the face, compared with when it is outside, irrespective of whether the proximity of the hand to the face is manipulated by changing the position of the arm ( experiment 1) or by rotating the head while keeping the arm position constant ( experiment 3). Experiment 2 showed that such HBR enhancement has similar magnitude when the participants have their eyes closed. Experiments 4 and 5 showed, respectively, that the blink reflex elicited by the electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve, as well as the N20 wave of the somatosensory evoked potentials elicited by the median nerve stimulation, are entirely unaffected by hand position. Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence that the brain stem circuits mediating the HBR in humans undergo tonic and selective top-down modulation from higher order cortical areas responsible for encoding the location of somatosensory stimuli in external space coordinates. These findings support the existence of a “defensive” peripersonal space, representing a safety margin advantageous for survival.
Neural Degeneration in the Retina of the Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Model
Authors: Ozawa Yoko , Kurihara Toshihide , Sasaki Mariko , Ban Norimitsu , Yuki Kenya , Kubota Shunsuke , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: November 2011

Diabetic retinopathy, a vision-threatening disease, has been regarded as a vascular disorder. However, impaired oscillatory potentials (OPs) in the electroretinogram (ERG) and visual dysfunction are recorded before severe vascular lesions appear. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying the retinal neural degeneration observed in the streptozotocin-(STZ-) induced type 1 diabetes model. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) both cause OP impairment and reduced levels of synaptophysin, a synaptic vesicle protein for neurotransmitter release, most likely through excessive protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. ROS also decrease brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inner retinal neuronal cells. The influence of both RAS and ROS on synaptophysin suggests that RAS-ROS crosstalk occurs in the diabetic retina. Therefore, suppressors of RAS or ROS, such as angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers or the antioxidant lutein, respectively, are potential candidates for neuroprotective and preventive therapies to improve the visual prognosis.
Effect of Partial Shrouds on the Performance and Flow Field of a Low-Aspect-Ratio Axial-Flow Fan Rotor
Authors: Sitaram N. , Sivakumar G. Ch. V.
Published: November 2011

The flow field at the rotor exit of a low aspect ratio axial flow fan for different tip geometries and for different flow coefficients is measured in the present study. The following configurations are tested: (1) rotor without partial shroud, designated as rotor (wos), (2) rotor with partial shroud, designated as rotor (ws), and (3) rotor with perforated (perforations in the shape of discrete circular holes) partial shroud, designated as rotor (wps). From steady state measurements, the performance of rotor (wps) is found to be the best. Both the rotors with partial shrouds have stalled at a higher flow coefficient compared to that of rotor (wos). From periodic flow measurements, it is concluded that the low velocity region near the tip section is considerably reduced with the use of partial shrouds with perforations. The extent of this low velocity region for both rotor (wos) and rotor (wps) increases with decreasing flow coefficient due to increased stage loading. This core of low momentum fluid has moved inwards of the annulus and towards the pressure side as the flow coefficient decreases. The extent of the low momentum fluid is smaller for rotor (wps) than that of rotor (wos) at all flow coefficients.
Static Analysis of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Beams under Thermo-Electro-Mechanical Loads
Authors: Komeili Amin , Akbarzadeh Abdol Hamid , Doroushi Arezou , Eslami Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the analysis of static bending of beams made of functionally graded piezoelectric materials (FGPMs) under a combined thermo-electro-mechanical load. The Euler Bernoulli theory (EBT), first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) were employed to compare the accuracy and the reliability of each theory in applications. The material properties vary continuously through the thickness direction. The material compositions were selected from the PZT family. The governing equations were derived from Hamilton's principle and solved using the finite element method and Fourier series method. Cubic Hermit interpolation shape function was used for estimating the transverse deflection, and the linear interpolation function was used for the axial displacement and the shear rotation as well. Fourier series expansion, based on the boundary conditions, were employed to solve the governing equations analytically. The accuracy of the method was validated by comparing the results with the previous studies. Finite element results were compared with the analytical results presented in this paper. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to show the influence of the voltage, shear deformation, material composition, end supports, and the slenderness ratio on the thermo-electro-mechanical characteristic.
New Properties of Complex Functions with Mean Value Conditions
Authors: Bai Yuzhen , Wu Lei
Published: November 2011

We apply mollifiers to study the properties of real functions which satisfy mean value conditions and present new equivalent conditions for complex analytic functions. New properties of complex functions with mean value conditions are given.
Paediatric Blunt Laryngeal Trauma: A Review
Authors: Oosthuizen J. C.
Published: November 2011

Paediatric blunt laryngeal trauma is infrequently encountered; however, it can have fatal consequences if managed inappropriately. This paper provides an overview of the relatively limited literature available on the subject and highlights current controversies and recent advances in the management of these injuries.
Finding the Roots of System of Nonlinear Equations by a Novel Filled Function Method
Authors: Wang Wei-Xiang , Shang You-Lin , Sun Wei-Gang , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2011

We present a novel filled function approach to solve box‐constrained system of nonlinear equations. The system is first transformed into an equivalent nonsmooth global minimization problem, and then a new filled function method is proposed to solve this global optimization problem. Numerical experiments on several test problems are conducted and the computational results are also reported.
Existence and Global Attractivity of Positive Periodic Solutions for a Two‐Species Competitive System with Stage Structure and Impulse
Authors: Xu Changjin , Chen Daxue
Published: November 2011

A class of nonautonomous two‐species competitive system with stage structure
and impulse is considered. By using the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, we derive a set of easily verifiable sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of at least a positive periodic solution, and, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, the uniqueness and global attractivity of the positive periodic solution are presented. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the correctness of the obtained results.
Public Spaces in Lithuanian Cities: Legacy of Dependence and Recent Tendencies
Authors: Buivydas Rimantas , Samalavičius Almantas
Published: November 2011

The object of discussion of the current paper is transformations of urban public spaces since Czarist Russia′s colonial rule up to the period after the restoration of Lithuania′s independence. While reviewing the transformations of public spaces (first and foremost squares) of the country′s larger cities, the authors noted that this field is distinguished by extremely contradictory tendencies: on one hand, we are dealing with the urban legacy of previous regime as well as its impact on the “physiognomies” of Lithuanian cities as well as hurried often premature attempts to change the earlier function of public spaces simply by eliminating the symbols of Soviet ideology continued; on the other, a rapid campaign for creating new ideological symbols related to independence was launched, which often involved sacrificing the actual function of public spaces and the artistic quality of monuments. It is noted that similar processes took place in the earlier periods of history: whenever the repertoire of certain visual signs and symbols was exhausted, in urbanistic spaces it would be replaced with the visual symbols of the new era and a new structure of a public space. One more tendency of restructuring public spaces has recently become distinct: under the influence of interests of private capital, part of the former traditional city squares with monuments is being converted into parking lots or other uses changing their functions and meaning.
Biologics in Paediatric Crohn's Disease
Authors: Gouldthorpe Oliver , Catto-Smith Anthony G. , Alex George
Published: November 2011

Crohn's disease affects increasing numbers of children worldwide. Generally, childhood-onset disease runs a more severe course than in adults and has a greater impact on quality of life. Therapy in children must take account of a different set of risks for toxicity compared to adults, but also to their longevity. Biologic drugs present remarkable advantages in terms of disease control for children, especially in those whose disease cannot be controlled with conventional therapies, but their long-term risks are still being assessed. Data regarding biologic use in children is limited and mostly amounts to case series, but results have been promising, both in terms of controlling disease activity and improving growth parameters. Adverse reactions are infrequent in the short term, but loss of response is a long-term problem, particularly in children. More information is needed about very long term risks. Infliximab and adalimumab are the most studied agents in children, while there is relatively limited data on certolizumab and natalizumab. Further collection of data on these agents is still needed, but this should not restrict access to these agents for children in whom no other agent is effective.
Comparison of the Laryngeal View during Tracheal Intubation Using Airtraq and Macintosh Laryngoscopes by Unskillful Anesthesiology Residents: A Clinical Study
Authors: Ferrando Carlos , Aguilar Gerardo , Belda F. Javier
Published: November 2011

Background and Objective. The Airtraq laryngoscope (Prodol Meditec, Vizcaya, Spain) is a novel tracheal intubation device. Studies, performed until now, have compared the Airtraq with the Macintosh laryngoscope, concluding that it reduces the intubation times and increase the success rate at first intubation attempt, decreasing the Cormack-Lehane score. The aim of the study was to evaluate if, in unskillful anesthesiology residents during the laryngoscopy, the Airtraq compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope improves the laryngeal view, decreasing the Cormack-Lehane score.Methods. A prospective, randomized, crossed-over trial was carried out on 60 patients. Each one of the patients were intubated using both devices by unskillful (less than two hundred intubations with the Macintosh laryngoscope and 10 intubations using the Airtraq) anesthesiology residents. The Cormack-Lehane score, the success rate at first intubation attempt, and the laryngoscopy and intubation times were compared.Results. The Airtraq significantly decreased the Cormack-Lehane score (). On the other hand, there were no differences in times of laryngoscopy (; IC 95% 3.1, +4.8) and intubation (; C95%  −6.1, +10.0) between the two devices. No relevant complications were found during the maneuvers of intubation using both devices.Conclusions. The Airtraq is a useful laryngoscope in unskillful anesthesiology residents improving the laryngeal view and, therefore, facilitating the tracheal intubation.
Role of Interleukin‐10 in Malaria: Focusing on Coinfection with Lethal and Nonlethal Murine Malaria Parasites
Authors: Niikura Mamoru , Inoue Shin-Ichi , Kobayashi Fumie
Published: November 2011

Interleukin‐ (IL‐) 10, anti‐inflammatory cytokine, is known to inhibit the protective immune responses against malaria parasites and to be involved in exacerbating parasitemia during Plasmodium infection. In contrast, IL‐10 is regarded as necessary for suppressing severe pathology during Plasmodium infection. Here, we summarize the role of IL‐10 during murine malaria infection, focusing especially on coinfection with lethal and nonlethal strains of malaria parasites. Recent studies have demonstrated that the major sources of IL‐10 are subpopulations of CD4+ T cells in humans and mice infected with Plasmodium. We also discuss the influence of innate immunity on the induction of CD4+ T cells during murine malaria coinfection.
Sulfurous Gases As Biological Messengers and Toxins: Comparative Genetics of Their Metabolism in Model Organisms
Authors: Mathew Neal D. , Schlipalius David I. , Ebert Paul R.
Published: November 2011

Gasotransmitters are biologically produced gaseous signalling molecules. As gases with potent biological activities, they are toxic as air pollutants, and the sulfurous compounds are used as fumigants. Most investigations focus on medical aspects of gasotransmitter biology rather than toxicity toward invertebrate pests of agriculture. In fact, the pathways for the metabolism of sulfur containing gases in lower organisms have not yet been described. To address this deficit, we use protein sequences fromHomo sapiensto query Genbank for homologous proteins inCaenorhabditis elegans,Drosophila melanogaster, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae. InC. elegans, we find genes for all mammalian pathways for synthesis and catabolism of the three sulfur containing gasotransmitters, H2S, SO2and COS. The genes for H2S synthesis have actually increased in number inC. elegans. Interestingly,D. melanogasterand Arthropoda in general, lack a gene for 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, an enzym for H2S synthesis under reducing conditions.
β-Cell Specific Overexpression of GPR39 Protects against Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemia
Authors: Egerod Kristoffer L. , Jin Chunyu , Petersen Pia Steen , Wierup Nils , Sundler Frank , Holst Birgitte , Schwartz Thue W.
Published: November 2011

Mice deficient in the zinc-sensor GPR39, which has been demonstrated to protect cells against endoplasmatic stress and cell deathin vitro, display moderate glucose intolerance and impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion. Here, we use the Tet-On system under the control of the proinsulin promoter to selectively overexpressGPR39in theβcells in a double transgenic mouse strain and challenge them with multiple low doses of streptozotocin, which in the wild-type littermates leads to a gradual increase in nonfasting glucose levels and glucose intolerance observed during both food intake and OGTT. Although the overexpression of the constitutively active GPR39 receptor in animals not treated with streptozotocin appeared by itself to impair the glucose tolerance slightly and to decrease theβ-cell mass, it nevertheless totally protected against the gradual hyperglycemia in the steptozotocin-treated animals. It is concluded that GPR39 functions in aβ-cell protective manner and it is suggested that it is involved in some of the beneficial,β-cell protective effects observed for Zn++and that GPR39 may be a target for antidiabetic drug intervention.
Note on Some Nonlinear Integral Inequalities and Applications to Differential Equations
Authors: Boukerrioua Khaled
Published: November 2011

Using ideas from Boukerrioua and Guezane‐Lakoud (2008), some nonlinear integral inequalities are established.
A Note on Normal Families of Meromorphic Functions Concerning Shared Values
Authors: Wenjun Yuan , Jinjin Wei , Jianming Lin
Published: November 2011

We study the normality of families of meromorphic functions related to a Hayman conjecture. We consider whether a family of meromorphic functions ℱ is normal in D if, for every pair of functions f and g in ℱ, f′ − afn and g′ − agn share the value b for n = 1, 2, and 3, where a and b ≠ 0 are two finite complex numbers. Some examples show that the conditions in our results are the best possible.
On the Values of the Weighted q‐Zeta and L‐Functions
Authors: Kim T. , Lee S. H. , Han Hyeon-Ho , Ryoo C. S.
Published: November 2011

Recently, the modified q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials are introduced in (D. V. Dolgy et al., in press). These numbers are valuable to study the weighted q‐zeta and L‐functions. In this paper, we study the weighted q‐zeta functions and weighted L‐functions from the modified q‐Bernoulli numbers and polynomials with weight α.
The Lagrangian Stability for a Class of Second‐Order Quasi‐Periodic Reversible Systems
Authors: Shi Yanling , Li Jia
Published: November 2011

We study the following two‐order differential equation, (Φp(x′))′ + f(x, t)Φp(x′) + g(x, t) = 0, where Φp(s) = |s|(p−2)s, p > 0. f(x, t) and g(x, t) are real analytic functions in x and t, 2aπp− periodic in x, and quasi‐periodic in t with frequencies (ω1, …, ωm). Under some odd‐even property of f(x, t) and g(x, t), we obtain the existence of invariant curves for the above equations by a variant of small twist theorem. Then all solutions for the above equations are bounded in the sense of supt∈R|x′(t)| < +∞.
PPAR-αAgonist Fenofibrate Upregulates Tetrahydrobiopterin Level through Increasing the Expression of Guanosine 5′-Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase-I in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Liu Jinbo , Lu Changlin , Li Fuwang , Wang Haining , He Liyun , Hao Yanting , Chen Alex F. , An Huijie , Wang Xian , Hong Tianpei , Wang Guang
Published: November 2011

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Guanosine 5′-triphosphate cyclohydrolase-I (GTPCH-I) is a key limiting enzyme for BH4 synthesis. In the present in vitro study, we investigated whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPAR-α) agonist fenofibrate could recouple eNOS by reversing low-expression of intracellular BH4 in endothelial cells and discussed the potential mechanisms. After human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours, the levels of cellular eNOS, BH4 and cell supernatant NO were significantly reduced compared to control group. And the fluorescence intensity of intracellular ROS was significantly increased. But pretreated with fenofibrate (10 umol/L) for 2 hours before cells were induced by LPS, the levels of eNOS, NO, and BH4 were significantly raised compared to LPS treatment alone. ROS production was markedly reduced in fenofibrate group than LPS group. In addition, our results showed that the level of intracellular GTPCH-I detected by western blot was increased in a concentration-dependent manner after being treated with fenofibrate. These results suggested that fenofibrate might help protect endothelial function and against atherosclerosis by increasing level of BH4 and decreasing production of ROS through upregulating the level of intracellular GTPCH-I.
Stability of an Additive‐Cubic‐Quartic Functional Equation in Multi‐Banach Spaces
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Li Xiaopei , Rassias Themistocles M.
Published: November 2011

We prove the Hyers‐Ulam stability of the additive‐cubic‐quartic functional equation in multi‐Banach spaces by using the fixed
point alternative method. The first results on the stability in the multi‐Banach spaces were presented in (Dales and Moslehian 2007).
Role of Donepezil in Autism: Its Conduciveness in Psychopharmacotherapy
Authors: Srivastava Rohit Kant , Agarwal Medhavi , Pundhir Ashish
Published: November 2011

A woman consulted psychiatric Out-Patient Department (OPD) for her 5-year and 2-month-old son presenting with typical autistic symptoms like social, behavioural, and communicational ineptitudeness. Subsequent treatment with Donepezil resulted in marked improvement in the aforementioned symptomatology. Recent studies in autistic child have shown diminished acetylcholine and nicotinic receptor activity, thus an acetylcholinergic enhancer, Donepezil, likely accounts for improvement in autistic symptoms. Evidently, the case report consolidates Donepezil role as a potentially useful agent in the treatment of cognitive and behavioural symptoms observed in this disorder.
A Study of Factors Contributing to Denture Stomatitis in a North Indian Community
Authors: Naik Amit Vinayak , Pai Ranjana C.
Published: November 2011

Factors like oral and denture hygiene, presence of saliva, age of the denture, and degree of colonization withCandida albicansare to be evaluated as local contributing factors for causing denture stomatitis. 100 patients aged 30 to 70 years were selected for the study. Among these, 70 patients were labeled test group showing signs of stomatitis and 30 patients as control group as they showed no inflammatory signs. Clinical tests included oral and denture hygiene evaluation, salivary measurements, and age of the dentures, and microscopic investigations were done. Results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of saliva, oral and denture hygiene habits, and denture age. Test group showed stomatitis in patients who were wearing dentures for 5 to 10 years compared to control group who were wearing dentures for 10 years and above. Denture age was proportional toCandidacolonization and not to degree of inflammation. Significant differences were found inCandidacolonization of the fitting surface of the denture between stomatitis and control groups. Poor denture hygiene habits are the most prominent contributing factor for denture stomatitis and colonization.
An Unusual Case of Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with Coeliac Disease
Authors: Gwiggner M. , Patel P.
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the journey of a patient with coeliac disease who presented with overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy did not reveal a source of bleeding, but an abdominal CT scan detected abnormal lymphadenopathy and a wireless capsule endoscopy diagnosed a jejunal tumour, which was surgically removed. Gastrointestinal bleeding is rare in celiac disease. Malignant tumours of the small intestine are generally uncommon, but celiac disease represents a significant risk factor. Wireless capsule endoscopy has been a useful tool to investigate patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
The Need for High-Fidelity Robotics Sensor Models
Authors: Durst Phillip J. , Goodin Christopher , Gates Burhman Q. , Cummins Christopher L. , McKinley Burney , Priddy Jody D. , Rander Peter , Browning Brett
Published: November 2011

Simulations provide a safe, controlled setting for testing and are therefore ideal for rapidly developing and testing autonomous mobile robot behaviors. However, algorithms for mobile robots are notorious for transitioning poorly from simulations to fielded platforms. The difficulty can in part be attributed to the use of simplistic sensor models that do not recreate important phenomena that affect autonomous navigation. The differences between the output of simple sensor models and true sensors are highlighted using results from a field test exercise with the National Robotics Engineering Center's Crusher vehicle. The Crusher was manually driven through an area consisting of a mix of small vegetation, rocks, and hay bales. LIDAR sensor data was collected along the path traveled and used to construct a model of the area. LIDAR data were simulated using a simple point-intersection model for a second, independent path. Cost maps were generated by the Crusher autonomy system using both the real-world and simulated sensor data. The comparison of these cost maps shows consistencies on most solid, large geometry surfaces such as the ground, but discrepancies around vegetation indicate that higher fidelity models are required to truly capture the complex interactions of the sensors with complex objects.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from a Population-Based Survey in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Myasoedova Elena , Talley Nicholas J. , Manek Nisha J. , Crowson Cynthia S.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. To compare the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus non-RA subjects and to describe determinants of GI disorders in RA.Methods. The bowel disease questionnaire was completed by RA and non-RA subjects. RA patients also completed the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ).Results. The study responders included 284 RA and 233 non-RA subjects. Abdominal pain/discomfort, postprandial fullness, nausea, and stool leakage were significantly more common in RA versus non-RA (odds ratios [OR] = 1.8; 1.9; 4.0; 8.2, resp.). The use of laxatives, proton pump inhibitors, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and narcotics was more commonly reported in RA versus non-RA (OR = 2.0; 1.7; 3.0; 2.0; 1.9, resp.). Age < 60 and HAQ ≥ 1 were associated with dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and GI symptom complex overlap in RA.Conclusion. Several upper and lower GI disorders were significantly more prevalent in RA versus non-RA subjects. Age <60 and physical function impairment (HAQ ≥ 1) were associated with GI disorders in RA.
Oral Health Knowledge and Practices of Secondary School Students, Tanga, Tanzania
Authors: Carneiro Lorna , Kabulwa Msafiri , Makyao Mathias , Mrosso Goodluck , Choum Ramadhani
Published: November 2011

A good quality of life is possible if students maintain their oral health and become free of oral disease. A structured questionnaire assessed 785 students' level of oral health knowledge and practices. About 694 (88.4%) students had adequate level of knowledge on causes, prevention, and signs of dental caries, 760 (96.8%) on causes and prevention of periodontal diseases, 695 (88.5%) on cigarette smoking as cause of oral cancer, and 770 (98.1%) students on importance of dental checkups. Majority 717 (91.3%) had adequate practice of sugary food consumption; while 568 (72.4%) had acceptable frequency of tooth brushing, 19 (2.4%) brushed at an interval of twelve hours, and 313 (39.9%) visited for checkup. Majority of students had an adequate level of knowledge on oral health but low level of oral health practices. Both genders had similar level of knowledge with male predominance in oral health practices. Age had no influence on the level of oral health knowledge and practices of students.
Number of Natural Teeth and Oral Impacts: A Study on Sri Lankan Adults
Authors: Perera Roshnal , Ekanayake Lilani
Published: November 2011

The aim of the study was to determine the association between the number of natural teeth and oral impacts in Sri Lankan adults. The sample consisted of 476, 40–59 and 452, ≥60 year olds. Oral impacts were assessed using a validated Sinhalese translation of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scale. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the number of natural teeth that would best discriminate those with oral impacts from those without. Oral impacts were reported by 26% of the 40–59 year olds and 34% of the older individuals. In both groups there was a significant negative correlation between the number of teeth present and oral impacts. The ROC curve for the 40–59 year olds gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.758 (95% CI = 0.702–0.814; ) with an optimal cut-off of 24/25 teeth while for the ≥60 year olds, the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.737 (95% CI = 0.684–0.790; ) with an optimal cut-off of 18/19 teeth. Based on the ROC curves the optimal cutoffs of the number of natural teeth that best discriminated between those with and without oral impacts for 40–59 and ≥60 year olds were 24-25 and 18-19, respectively.
Plasma and BIAS Modeling: Self‐Consistent Electrostatic Particle‐in‐Cell with Low‐Density Argon Plasma for TiC
Authors: Geiser Jürgen , Blankenburg Sven
Published: November 2011

We motivate our study by simulating the particle transport of a thin film deposition process done by PVD (physical vapor deposition)
processes. In this paper we present a new model taken into account a self‐consistent electrostatic‐particle in cell model with low density Argon plasma. The collision model are based of Monte Carlo simulations is discussed for DC sputtering in lower pressure regimes. In order to simulate transport phenomena within sputtering processes realistically, a spatial and temporal knowledge of the plasma density and electrostatic field configuration is needed. Due to relatively low plasma densities, continuum fluid equations are not applicable. We propose instead a Particle‐in‐cell (PIC) method, which allows the study of plasma behavior by computing the trajectories of finite‐size particles under the action of an external and self‐consistent electric field defined in a grid of points.
Strong Cation Exchange Chromatography in Analysis of Posttranslational Modifications: Innovations and Perspectives
Authors: Edelmann Mariola J.
Published: November 2011

Strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography has been utilized as an excellent separation technique that can be combined with reversed‐phase (RP) chromatography, which is frequently used in peptide mass spectrometry. Although SCX is valuable as the second component of such two‐dimensional separation methods, its application goes far beyond efficient fractionation of complex peptide mixtures. Here I describe how SCX facilitates mapping of the protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs), specifically phosphorylation and N‐terminal acetylation. The SCX chromatography has been mainly used for enrichment of these two PTMs, but it might also be beneficial for high‐throughput analysis of other modifications that alter the net charge of a peptide.
The Anti-Inflammatory Role of Vitamin E in Prevention of Osteoporosis
Authors: Nazrun A. S. , Norazlina M. , Norliza M. , Nirwana S. Ima
Published: November 2011

There is growing evidence that inflammation may be one of the causal factors of osteoporosis. Several cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, RANKL, OPG, and M-CSF were implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. These cytokines are important determinants of osteoclast differentiation and its bone resorptive activity. Anticytokine therapy using cytokine antagonists such as IL-receptor antagonist and TNF-binding protein was able to suppress the activity of the respective cytokines and prevent bone loss. Several animal studies have shown that vitamin E in the forms of palm-derived tocotrienol and α-tocopherol may prevent osteoporosis in rat models by suppressing IL-1 and IL-6. Free radicals are known to activate transcription factor NFκB which leads to the production of bone resorbing cytokines. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, may be able to neutralise free radicals before they could activate NFκB, therefore suppressing cytokine production and osteoporosis. Vitamin E has also been shown to inhibit COX-2, the enzyme involved in inflammatory reactions. Of the two types of vitamin E studied, tocotrienol seemed to be better than tocopherol in terms of its ability to suppress bone-resorbing cytokines.