bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Country heterogeneity and long‐run determinants of inflation in the Gulf Arab states†
Authors: Basher Syed Abul , Elsamadisy Elsayed Mousa
Published: June 2012

Applying non‐stationary panel data econometric methods, this paper analyses the major sources and transmission of inflation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the 1980–2008 period. We argue that, in GCC countries, money is essentially demand determined, so that the high collinearity between money and aggregate demand indicators such as non‐hydrocarbon output is expected and should be dealt with accordingly. Several important results emerge from the analysis. Firstly, the money supply stands out as a significant determinant of inflation both in short‐run and in long‐run. Both foreign prices and the nominal effective exchange rate are shown to be more successful in explaining inflation in the long‐run than the short‐run. The half‐life of the speed of adjustment reveals that it takes about 2.9 years for 50 per cent of a shock to the long‐run equilibrium to dissipate. An implication of our results is the case it makes for more sovereign monetary policies in GCC countries.
Petroleum consumption—oil price uncertainty nexus in OECD countries: application of EGARCH models and panel cointegration
Authors: Pourshahabi Farshid , Sattari Yaser , Shirazi Ali
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the effects of oil price uncertainty on petroleum consumption in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. We apply panel unit roots and panel cointegration methods to detect long‐run relationships. Moreover, exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models are used to capture the stochastic variation and asymmetries in oil prices by using monthly oil prices data from 1980 to 2008. The result indicates that the coefficients of real oil price and income variables are significant and of expected sign. Furthermore, our empirical results indicate that the effect of oil price uncertainty on petroleum consumption of OECD countries is negative and significant. That is, oil price uncertainty reduces petroleum consumption in OECD countries. Following these results, this paper offers some important and common ways to cope with costs of oil price volatility such as reducing oil price volatility itself, take advantage of hedging, price smoothing, broaden the diversity of energy sources and diminishing the importance of oil consumption.
Price asymmetries and volatility in the Italian gasoline market
Authors: Romano Antonio Angelo , Scandurra Giuseppe
Published: June 2012

The oil price volatility registered in this period has suggested us to investigate the ef that variability has on price transmission mechanism on the Italian gasoline market. In this paper, we investigate the effect that price volatilities have on price speed adjustment in the production–distribution chain. We consider the wholesale and the retail market. We divide the sample into two subsamples and estimate, in the former, industrial gasoline price responses for a period of low volatility and a period with high volatility of oil prices and, in the latter, retail gasoline price responses for the same period of low and high volatilities of industrial prices. In the period marked by a large price volatility, the degree of asymmetry tends to decrease. In fact, the effects of downstream price decrease are larger than those of price increase and do not reflect the consumers' perception.
Coronary artery calcium scanning in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus: A paradigm shift
Authors: Hecht Harvey S. , Narula Jagat
Published: June 2012

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is the most powerful cardiac risk prognosticator in the asymptomatic population, with consistent superiority to all risk factor‐based paradigms. More recently, the strong prognostic value of changes in CAC has been demonstrated. The application of CAC to asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), all of whom have been presumed to be of high risk, has yielded a range of risks from low to high, proportional to the amount of calcified plaque, as in patients without DM. These risks are higher than in non‐diabetic patients at corresponding CAC levels, except for those without CAC who have the same low risk as non‐diabetic patients. In addition, the value of serial scanning to assess plaque progression and prognosis in people with DM has been demonstrated. Therefore, we propose that: (i) DM is not a coronary artery disease equivalent; (ii) CAC can be used routinely in all asymptomatic diabetic patients >40 years of age, as proposed by American College of Cardiology/American heart Association guidelines; and (iii) serial CAC scanning be considered for evaluation of the response to therapy.
Women's Empowerment or Disempowerment through Microfinance: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Isahaque , Hatta Zulkarnain A.
Published: June 2012

Women's empowerment has been one of the declared goals of Bangladesh's national development program, and microfinance is playing a leading role in bringing about the realization of this program. Since one of the intended goals of microfinance is to empower women, this concept paper attempts to investigate the success rate — does microfinance truly empower or is it a case of disempowering through “empowerment”? The effectiveness of microfinance today has been a debatable subject in the economic and social work realms, in which it is considered a viable tool for women's empowerment. Although there are scores of studies that demonstrate that microfinance has a significant impact on livelihood and improves the living standards of women by reducing poverty, this paper contests those claims.
Anti‐Poverty Family Policies in China: A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Gao Qin , Zhai Fuhua
Published: June 2012

Despite its rapid economic growth, China remains a developing country facing serious challenges of poverty and inequality. This article examines the development and effectiveness of China's primary anti‐poverty family policy, the Minimum Living Standard Assurance (MLSA, or Dibao). Using rich administrative data and building on the existing literature, this article provides a critical evaluation of MLSA's benefit generosity, coverage, targeting, and anti‐poverty effectiveness. To help reinforce MLSA's anti‐poverty impacts, local governments in recent years have implemented a series of supplementary policies and programs, including health, education, housing, and work support programs. This article also provides an assessment of these supplementary policies and programs and draws policy implications for the ongoing expansion of the Chinese government's anti‐poverty efforts.
Time Course of Depression and One‐Year Prognosis of Patients with Stroke in Mainland China
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Chun‐Xue , Wang An‐Xin , Bai Ying , Zhou Yong , Wang Yi‐Long , Zhang Tong , Zhou Juan , Yu Xin , Sun Xin‐Yu , Liu Zhao‐Rui , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Yong‐Jun ,   on behalf of the Prospective Cohort study on Incidence and Outcome of Patients with Poststroke Depression in China (PRIOD) Investigators
Published: June 2012

Aims: To investigate the incidence of depression at different time points within the first year after stroke in mainland China and to identify risk factors related to a poor 1‐year prognosis in stroke patients. Methods: Subjects with acute cerebrovascular diseases were recruited and enrolled from 56 hospitals in mainland China between April 2008 and April 2010. Demographic data, previous disease history, and clinical data were collected. Four follow‐up visits were occurred within the first year after stroke. The modified Rankin Scale ≥2 represents an unfavorable prognosis. Depression was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition and was divided into persistent, recurrent and transient types. Results: The 1‐year cumulative incidence of depression in stroke patients was 41.8%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the 1‐year prognosis level was associated with age, disability before onset, neurological functional deficit level at admission, and a range of depression types. The odds ratio for persistent depression is the highest (OR = 7.615, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval 5.011–11.572). Conclusions: In our study, depression occurred in >40% of patients within the first year after stroke. Persistent depression is the first independent determinant of prognosis during the first year after stroke.
Drug Binding Assays do not Reveal Specific Binding of Lacosamide to Collapsin Response Mediator Protein 2 (CRMP‐2)
Authors: Wolff Christian , Carrington Bruce , Varrin‐Doyer Michel , Vandendriessche Anne , Van der Perren Christy , Famelart Michel , Gillard Michel , Foerch Patrik , Rogemond Véronique , Honnorat Jerôme , Lawson Alastair , Miller Karen
Published: June 2012

Aims: Lacosamide (LCM; SPM 927, Vimpat®) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used as adjunctive treatment for adults with partial‐onset seizures. LCM has a different mode of action from traditional sodium channel blocking AEDs in that it selectively enhances slow inactivation of sodium channels without affecting fast inactivation. Initial investigations suggested that LCM might have an additional mode of action by binding to the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP‐2), which is further investigated here. Methods: LCM binding to native and cloned human CRMP‐2 was determined using radioligand binding experiments and surface plasmon resonance measurements. Results: No specific binding of [3H]LCM (free concentration 100–1450 nM) to isolated or membrane bound human CRMP‐2 expressed in mammalian cell systems and bacteria was observed. Surface plasmon resonance analysis also showed that LCM, over a concentration range of 0.39–100 μM, does not specifically bind to human CRMP‐2. Conclusion: The diverse drug binding methods employed here are well suited to detect specific binding of LCM to CRMP‐2 in the micromolar range, yet the results obtained were all negative. Results of this study suggest that LCM does not specifically bind to CRMP‐2.
NPY Intraperitoneal Injections Produce Antidepressant‐Like Effects and Downregulate BDNF in the Rat Hypothalamus
Authors: Gelfo Francesca , Tirassa Paola , De Bartolo Paola , Croce Nicoletta , Bernardini Sergio , Caltagirone Carlo , Petrosini Laura , Angelucci Francesco
Published: June 2012

Aims: Several studies have documented an involvement of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in stress‐related disorders. Stress‐related disorders are also characterized by changes in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophins implicated in the survival and function of neurons. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate whether an NPY intraperitoneal treatment has antidepressant‐like effects in rats subjected to a classical stress paradigm, the Forced Swim Test (FST), in association with changes in local brain neurotrophin production. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with either NPY (60 μg/kg) or a vehicle for three consecutive days between two FST sessions and then tested for time spent (or delay onset) in immobile posture. Moreover, we measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) neurotrophin levels in the hypothalamus and corticosterone levels in plasma. Results: The data showed that NPY induced a significant delay in the onset and a significant reduction in the duration of the immobility posture in FST. We also found that NPY decreased BDNF levels in the hypothalamus and corticosterone levels in plasma. Discussion: Immobility posture in FST can be reduced by antidepressant drugs. Thus, our data show an antidepressant‐like effect of NPY associated with changes in BDNF levels in the hypothalamus and reduced activity of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Conclusion: These findings, while confirming the involvement of the NPY system in stress‐related disorders, suggest that a less invasive route of administration, such as an intraperitoneal injection, may be instrumental in coping with stressful events in animal models and perhaps in humans.
Antidepressant Effects on Emotional Temperament: Toward a Biobehavioral Research Paradigm for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Soskin David P. , Carl Jenna R. , Alpert Jonathan , Fava Maurizio
Published: June 2012

Background: Given the limited efficacy of current pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) and the historical decline in antidepressant development, there is increasing clinical urgency to develop more effective treatments. Objectives: To synthesize findings from clinical psychology and affective neuroscience related to the construct of emotional temperament; to examine the effects of antidepressants on the temperament dimensions of positive (PA) and negative affectivity (NA); and to propose a biobehavioral research paradigm for the treatment of MDD. Methods: We begin with an introduction to PA and NA, which emphasizes their construct development, historical context, and relevance to psychopathology. We then review studies of antidepressant effects on PA and NA, and explore two related hypotheses: (1) Cause‐correction: The antidepressant response may fundamentally occur through changes in emotional temperament, with subsequent spread to syndrome or symptom changes; (2) preferential effects: Antidepressants with different mechanisms of action may have preferential effects on PA or NA. Results: Preliminary findings appear to support the cause‐correction hypothesis; there is insufficient clinical evidence to support the preferential effects hypothesis. Conclusions: PA and NA are biologically based temperament dimensions, which modulate emotional, motivational, and behavioral responses to positive and negative incentives. They can be altered by antidepressants, and may independently contribute to depression improvement. In addition, the distinct biobehavioral features of PA and NA suggest that combined pharmacological and cognitive–behavioral treatments targeting these dimensions may have specific, and perhaps, synergistic antidepressant effects.
Synergic Effects of Levamlodipine and Bisoprolol on Blood Pressure Reduction and Organ Protection in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Yang Yan‐Ling , Yu Li‐Ting , Wu Zhao‐Tang , Yu Jian‐Guang , Zhang Jing‐Ming , Chen Qing‐Hua , Bao Yong‐Chu , Liu Jian‐Guo
Published: June 2012

Aims: Stroke is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. The objective of this work was to study the synergic effects of levamlodipine and bisoprolol on blood pressure reduction and organ protection in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Blood pressure was continuously monitored in conscious SHR. For acute study, a single dose of drugs was administrated via an intragastric catheter. For chronic study (4 months), drugs were delivered via rat chow. Results: A single dose of levamlodipine (from 1 mg/kg), bisoprolol (from 0.125 mg/kg), and their combinations significantly decreased blood pressure. The levamlodipine‐induced tachycardia and the bisoprolol‐induced bradycardia were temporized by the combination of these two drugs. Upon chronic treatment, this combination also decreased blood pressure variability and reduced organ damage. Conclusion: Levamlodipine and bisoprolol produce synergic effects on blood pressure reduction and organ protection in SHR.
Female Early Adult Depression Results in Detrimental Impacts on the Behavioral Performance and Brain Development in Offspring
Authors: Gong Yu , Sun Xiu‐Lan , Wu Fang‐Fang , Su Chun‐Jin , Ding Jian‐Hua , Hu Gang
Published: June 2012

Aims:The present study was to understand whether early adult depressive females implicated their offspring.Methods:Seven‐week‐old female mice were subject to chronic mild stress (CMS) to establish the animal model of depression. The behavioral performance of their offspring were tested via neonatal reflexes tests, hole‐board test, and morris water maze test in different ages. Astrocyte number, hippocampal volume, and neurogenesis were analyzed via immunohistochemical blotting. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and serum cortisol levels were measured by western blotting and ELISA.Results:Female depressive mice had normal fertility, but their offspring had lowered neonatal survival rate and body weight from neonatal period to early adulthood. The offspring of female depressive mice exhibited the impairments of neonatal reflex attainment and memory, but had higher emotionality as adults. Furthermore, the astrocyte number, hippocampal volume, and neurogenesis were reduced in the offspring. However, the expressions of GR were increased in the hippocampus of offspring.Conclusion:This study reveals that female early adult depressive mice have normal reproductive ability, but make long‐term detrimental impacts on the behavioral performance and brain development of their offspring.
The Italian Information System on Zoonoses Data Collection
Authors: Colangeli P. , Iannetti S. , Ruocco L. , Forlizzi L. , Cioci D. , Calistri P.
Published: June 2012

In the framework of the international obligations subscribed by the Italian government, the Italian Ministry of Health should provide the European Union (EU) (European Commission, European Food Safety Authority – EFSA) with a set of data and information related to the report and the spread of zoonoses and to the activities put in place for monitoring and control of zoonoses. In 2008, the Italian Ministry of Health commissioned the Istituto G. Caporale (ICT) to implement an information system able to provide information and data on the monitoring and control of zoonoses in the national territory, in accordance with the national and community legislation. The system is part of the e‐Government process that involves all public administrations of the EU and refers to the use of information and communication technologies for the digital processing of documents in order to obtain simplification and interoperability of administrative procedures through the Internet, as defined in the strategic lines published by the National Centre for Information Systems in Public Administration (DigitPA) in 2009–2011.
In-vitro evaluation of the P-glycoprotein interactions of a series of potentially CNS-active Amaryllidaceae alkaloids
Authors: Eriksson André Huss , Rønsted Nina , Güler Semiha , Jäger Anna Katharina , Sendra Júlia Rodríguez , Brodin Birger
Published: June 2012

Objectives

Drug compounds interacting with the blood–brain barrier efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) might have limited access to brain tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether nine potentially CNS-active Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of the crinine, lycorine and galanthamine types interact with P-gp.

Methods

Alkaloids with inhibitory activity towards either the serotonin reuptake transporter or acetylcholinesterase, or both, were investigated using the calcein-AM efflux assay in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells transfected with human multidrug resistance transporter 1.

Key findings

Powelline and 6-hydroxycrinamine showed an interaction with P-gp, with IC50 values between 300 and 500 µm. 3-O-Acetylhamayne showed a weaker interaction, with an IC50 value above 3 mM. Epibuphanisine, lycorine, 1-epi-deacetylbowdenisine, papyramine and galanthamine all showed weak or no interaction with P-gp. There was no observed correlation between alkaloid type and P-gp interaction.

Conclusions

Structurally similar compounds such as crinine and epibuphanisine showed very different P-gp interactions, highlighting the difficulty in predicting P-gp interactions. Epibuphanisine has previously shown activity in the serotonin reuptake transporter assay and may therefore serve as a lead for serotonin reuptake transporter active compounds. The most potent compound in the acetylcholinesterase assay, the marketed drug compound galanthamine (Reminyl), showed no interaction with P-gp.
Progesterone pharmacokinetics in the mouse: implications for potential stroke therapy
Authors: Wong Raymond , Ray David , Kendall David A
Published: June 2012

Objectives

Progesterone has been shown to be neuroprotective in a number of preclinical central nervous system injury models including cerebral ischaemia. The aim of this study was to clarify differences in outcomes owing to different dosing regimens and the pharmacokinetic profile of progesterone, particularly in relation to brain levels.

Methods

Male C57 Bl/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with progesterone (8 mg/kg in dimethylsulfoxide) or with a bolus injection followed by continuous subcutaneous infusion (1.0 µl/h of a 50 mg/ml progesterone solution) via implanted osmotic minipumps. Plasma and brain samples were collected over 24 h from bolus-injected mice and 48 h from mice implanted with minipumps. Progesterone concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay and pharmacokinetic profiles were constructed.

Key findings

Intraperitoneally injected progesterone had a short half-life (fast component half-life of 0.2 h) in both plasma and brain. Minipump delivery resulted in higher concentrations of progesterone in plasma and particularly in brain over a longer period. The volume of distribution with intraperitoneal injection was 172.78 versus 1641.84 ng/h per g via minipump in the first 24 h.

Conclusions

A bolus intraperitoneal loading dose of progesterone followed by continuous delivery via osmotic minipump is an effective way of delivering progesterone to the brain.
Impact of Chinese one-child policy on sibling structure: experience from rural areas in three provinces
Authors: Hemminki Elina , Long Qian , Wu Zhuochun , Klemetti Reija
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To study the influence of population policy and boy preference on the sibling structure, that is, in which order and combinations boys and girls are born into families.

Design

A population-based survey with a representative sample of new mothers in 2008–2009 in rural China.

Setting

Two provinces (Anhui and Shaanxi) where authorisation for a second child was usually given if the first birth was a daughter and one province (Chongqing) where only one child was authorised.

Participants

The mothers giving birth in 2008–2009 were identified from family planning and hospital birth registers (including births outside hospitals) (n=5049). Of them, 3673 were interviewed by trained medical university staff members and students using structured questionnaire (response rate 73%).

Main outcome measures

Children's distribution by sex and families' distribution by children's birth order and sex composition were calculated and compared with theoretical values based on the assumption that family planning policy is fully followed.

Results

The recommended family policy was varyingly followed in the three provinces. In all provinces, there were more second children than allowed. If the policy allowing a second child only after a first-born girl were fully followed, it would result in a sibling structure in which the one-child family is always with a boy and in the two-child family the first one is always a girl. This sibling structure was partly seen in Anhui but weakly in Shaanxi. The policy allowing only one child would result in an equal number of boys and girls, but in Chongqing, there were more boys. In Anhui, unlike the other provinces, there were many more first-born girls than boys, which the authors could not fully explain.

Conclusion

Population policy and boy preference influence the actual and relative number of girls and boys and also sibling structure.
Injury risk and severity in a sample of Maryland residents with serious mental illness
Authors: McGinty Emma E , Baker Susan P , Steinwachs Donald M , Daumit Gail
Published: June 2012

Objective

Adults with serious mental illness experience premature mortality and heightened risk for medical disease, but little is known about the burden of injuries in this population. The objective of this study was to describe injury incidence among persons with serious mental illness.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 6234 Maryl and Medicaid recipients with serious mental illness from 1994–2001. Injuries were classified using the Barell Matrix. Relative risks were calculated to compare injury rates among the study cohort with injury rates in the United States population. Cox proportional hazards modeling with time dependent covariates was used to assess factors related to risk of injury and injury-related death.

Results

Forty-three percent of the Maryland Medicaid cohort had any injury diagnosis. Of the 7298 injuries incurred, the most common categories were systemic injuries due to poisoning (10.4%), open wounds to the head/face (8.9%), and superficial injuries, fractures, and sprains of the extremities (8.6%, 8.5%, and 8.4%, respectively). Injury incidence was 80% higher and risk for fatal injury was more than four and a half times higher among the cohort with serious mental illness compared to the general population. Alcohol and drug abuse were associated with both risk of injury and risk of injury-related death with hazard ratios of 1.87 and 4.76 at the p<0.05 significance level, respectively.

Conclusions

The superficial, minor nature of the majority of injuries is consistent with acts of minor victimization and violence or falls. High risk of fatal and non-fatal injury among this group indicates need for increased injury prevention efforts targeting persons with serious mental illness and their caregivers.
Flow failure from intracranial atherosclerotic disease: a rationale for endovascular intervention in a population with recurrent symptoms despite maximal medical therapy
Authors: Fargen Kyle Michael , Velat Gregory J , Lawson Matthew Franklin , Khanna Anna Y , Hoh Brian , Mocco J
Published: June 2012

The Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial, the first randomized trial to compare best medical therapies with angioplasty and stenting, was halted prematurely owing to a 30-day stroke rate of 14.7% in the angioplasty and stenting arm compared with 5.8% in the medical management arm. These results have led to a paradigm shift away from interventional therapies and back to dual antiplatelet therapy and aggressive medical therapies only for these patients. However, there appears to be a subset of patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) who are different from the general SAMMPRIS cohort and are defined by flow failure from severe intracranial arterial stenosis resulting in recurrent ischemic symptoms despite maximal medical therapy. Offering the option of endovascular revascularization seems appropriate in this patient population, given their recurrent ischemic events regardless of aggressive medical therapies. This paper provides a rationale for reconsidering the role of interventional therapies in patients with critical intracranial stenosis and presents four patients with flow failure from ICAD and persistent symptoms of ischemia, regardless of dual antiplatelet and adjuvant medical therapies, who subsequently improved with angioplasty. Consideration of alternative patient populations and treatment paradigms seems to carry particular relevance now as the endovascular treatment of intracranial atheromatous disease is currently receiving intense scrutiny by those medical specialties involved in the care of stroke patients, as well as the public at large.
QUANTUM HYPOTHESIS TESTING AND NON-EQUILIBRIUM STATISTICAL MECHANICS
Authors: JAKŠIĆ V. , OGATA Y. , PILLET C.-A. , SEIRINGER R.
Published: June 2012

We extend the mathematical theory of quantum hypothesis testing to the general W*-algebraic setting and explore its relation with recent developments in non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics. In particular, we relate the large deviation principle for the full counting statistics of entropy flow to quantum hypothesis testing of the arrow of time.
Q2-DEPENDENCE OF THE STATISTICAL PARTON DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE VALON APPROACH
Authors: SOHAILY S. , YAZDANPANAH M. M. , MIRJALILI A.
Published: June 2012

We employ the statistical approach to obtain the nucleon parton distributions. Statistical distributions are considered as well for partons in the valon model in which a nucleon is assumed to be a state of three valence quark clusters (valon). Analytic expressions of the x-dependent of parton distribution functions (PDFs) in the valon model are obtained statistically in the whole x region [0, 1] in terms of the statistical parameters such as temperature, chemical potential and accessible volume. Since PDFs are obtained by taking the required sum rules including Gottfried sum rule at different energy scales, the Q2-dependence of these parameters can be obtained. Therefore the parton distributions as a function of Q2will be resulted. To make the calculations more precise, we extend our results to contain three flavors rather than two light u and d quarks.
BRAIDED FIELD QUANTIZATION FROM QUANTUM POINCARÉ COVARIANCE
Authors: LUKIERSKI JERZY , WORONOWICZ MARIUSZ
Published: June 2012

We demonstrate that the covariance of the algebra of quantum NC fields under quantum-deformed Poincaré symmetries implies the appearence of braided algebra of fields and the notion of braided locality in NC QFT. We briefly recall the historical development of NC QFT which was firstly formulated in the framework using classical relativistic symmetries but further it was described as generated by the quantum-deformed symmetries. We argue that consistent covariant quantum-deformed formalism requires "braiding all the way," in particular braided commutator of deformed field oscillators as well as the braid between the field oscillators and noncommutative Fourier exponentials. As example of braided quantum-deformed NC QFT we describe the NC scalar free fields on noncommutative canonical (Moyal–Weyl) space–time with braided c-number field commutator which implies braided locality.
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC PERISTALTIC FLOW OF A COUPLE STRESS FLUID THROUGH COAXIAL CHANNELS CONTAINING A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: TRIPATHI DHARMENDRA , BÉG O. ANWAR
Published: June 2012

This article studies the hydromagnetic peristaltic flow of couple stress fluids through the gap between two concentric channels containing a Darcian porous medium, with the inner channel being rigid. A sinusoidal wave propagates along the outer channel. Long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions are used. The effects of couple stress parameter, magnetic field, permeability, and the channel ratio width on pressure and frictional forces on the inner and outer channels are depicted graphically. Mechanical efficiency and trapping are also studied. Pressure diminishes with increasing coupling and permeability parameters whereas it increases with Hartmann number and channel width ratio. Applications of the model include transport of complex bio-waste fluids and magnetic field control of gastro-intestinal disorders.
A MODEL OF THE FORMATION OF THE CEREBRAL CORTEX THROUGH A MIXED APPROACH OF REACTION DIFFUSION EQUATIONS AND MECHANICAL STRAIN
Authors: GARZÓN-ALVARADO DIEGO A
Published: June 2012

During fetal development the morphology and function of the organs and tissues is determined. An example occurs with the formation of the cerebral cortex. On the external surface of the brain there are numerous folds (gyri, sulci, and fissures) that determine brain function. The exact cause for the formation of patterns of these folds is unknown. This article proposes a reaction-diffusion model in conjunction with a process of surface mechanical strain to explain the morphogenesis of the superficial structure of the brain.The model is solved using finite elements. There have been tests done on the formation of brain patterns through the reaction-diffusion equations with parameters in the space of Turing and by random mechanical strain. Several numerical examples have been developed that show an acceptable correlation between the results and clinical reality. With the model we can represent, qualitatively, the formation of the cerebral cortex by the proposed model. The model can approximate, and explain, lissencephaly and polymicrogyria, diseases that develop in the cerebral cortex and lead to medical complications to sufferers.
ONLINE REMOVAL OF EYE BLINK ARTIFACT FROM SCALP EEG USING CANONICAL CORRELATION ANALYSIS BASED METHOD
Authors: ZHANG LI , WANG YUDING , HE CHUANHONG
Published: June 2012

Eye blink artifact, the main contamination in electroencephalography (EEG), brings serious problems for the analysis of EEG data. In this paper, an online method for eye blink artifact removal is presented. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is used to decompose the recorded signals containing several-channel EEG and one-channel vertical electrooculography (EOG). The identification of the artifactual component is fully automatically implemented based on evaluating the similarity between the reference EOG and decomposed CCA components. This method was compared with an independent component analysis based technique on a synthetic data set and achieved comparable performance for removing eye blink artifact. Moreover, the CCA based method is less time-consuming. The proposed method was finally implemented with Labview for removing eye blink artifact in online test. The online experiment results show that the proposed method could fulfill the identification and suppression of eye blink artifact from contaminated EEG in real-time.
Effects of Annealing Temperature on Electrical Characteristics of Solution-Processed Zinc Tin Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Lee Jeong-Soo , Kim Yong-Jin , Lee Yong-Uk , Kim Yong-Hoon , Kwon Jang-Yeon , Han Min-Koo
Published: June 2012

We investigated the effects of annealing temperature on the electrical characteristics of solution-processed zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). When the annealing temperature increased from 300 to 500 °C, the threshold voltage of solution-processed ZTO TFTs decreased from 16.89 to -0.23 V owing to the increase in electron concentration in the active layer. The increase in electron concentration is caused by the decrease in Cl atomic concentration. When the annealing temperature increased to 500 °C, the saturation mobility increased from 0.18 to 4.75 cm2·V-1·s-1and the threshold voltage shift for positive gate bias stress as a reliability characteristic decreased from 5.34 to 2.6 V, because of the decomposition of halide residues such as Cl and the nanocrystallization.
Modification of Magnetic Nanocontact Structure by a Bias-Voltage-Induced Stress and Its Influence on Magnetoresistance Effect in TaOx Nano-Oxide Layer Spin Valve
Authors: Miyake Kousaku , Saki Yosinobu , Suzuki Ayako , Kawasaki Shohei , Doi Masaaki , Sahashi Masashi
Published: June 2012

A magnetic nanocontact spin valve (NCSV) was fabricated by inserting a TaO
x
nano-oxide layer (NOL) as the spacer layer. Current-perpendicular-to-film-plane (CPP) measurements revealed that the SV had a positive magnetoresistance (MR) ratio. When a high bias voltage was applied to the SV, the fine structure of the NOL changed i.e., the resistance and MR ratio of the device changed irreversibly. The change in device characteristics is attributed to a proportional change in the number of nonmagnetoresistive and magnetoresistive conductive channels in the SV upon high bias voltage application. The decrease in MR ratio accompanied the disappearance of the magnetic nanocontact, suggesting that the positive MR effect was partially due to the presence of magnetic nanocontacts.
Fabrication of Nickel/Organic-Molecule/Nickel Nanoscale Junctions Utilizing Thin-Film Edges and Their Structural and Electrical Properties
Authors: Kaiju Hideo , Kondo Kenji , Basheer Nubla , Kawaguchi Nobuyoshi , White Susanne , Hirata Akihiko , Ishimaru Manabu , Hirotsu Yoshihiko , Ishibashi Akira
Published: June 2012

Metal/organic-molecule/metal nanoscale junctions, which consist of poly(3-hexylthiophene):6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) organic molecules sandwiched between two Ni thin films whose edges are crossed, which are called quantum cross (QC) devices, have been fabricated and their structural and electrical properties have been investigated. The area of the crossed section, which was obtained without using electron-beam or optical lithography, can be as small as 16×16 nm2. We have obtained ohmic current–voltage characteristics, which show quantitative agreement with the theoretical calculation results performed within the framework of the Anderson model under the strong coupling limit. Calculation results also predict that a high on–off ratio beyond 100000:1 can be obtained in Ni/P3HT:PCBM/Ni QC devices under the weak coupling condition. These results indicate that our method utilizing thin-film edges is useful for creating nanoscale junctions and Ni/P3HT:PCBM/Ni QC devices can be expected to have potential application in next-generation switching devices with high on–off ratios.
Study on Ozonated Solution Oxidation of Phosphorus Doped Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Surface for Cu–Mn Alloy Based Electrodes in Thin Film Transistor
Authors: Asanuma Haruhiko , Suzuki Takaaki , Kusunoki Toshiaki
Published: June 2012

For next generation Cu–Mn alloy based interconnects in thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs), we propose the use of an ozonated solution as a promising oxidation pretreatment of phosphorus doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (n+a-Si:H) surface for the self-formation of Mn complex oxide layers. We have investigated the electrical characteristics of TFTs having Cu/Cu–Mn alloy bilayer electrodes with/without ozonated solution oxidation and those having conventional Cr–Mo single layer electrodes. TFTs having Cu/Cu–Mn alloy electrodes oxidized with ozonated solution exhibit very similar transfer characteristics to those of TFTs with conventional material electrodes; however, they also show increases in threshold voltage (V
th) and subthreshold swing (SS) as well as slightly reduced electron mobility and on-current. We have concluded that partial and shallow Cu-diffusion into a n+a-Si:H layer is the most likely reason for the degraded TFT electrical properties.
Enhancing learning objectives by use of simple virtual microscopic slides in cellular physiology and histology: impact and attitudes
Authors: Anyanwu Godson Emeka , Agu Augustine Uchechukwu , Anyaehie Ugochukwu Bond
Published: June 2012

The impact and perception of students on the use of a simple, low technology-driven version of a virtual microscope in teaching and assessments in cellular physiology and histology were studied. Its impact on the time and resources of the faculty were also assessed. Simple virtual slides and conventional microscopes were used to conduct the same examinations for the same students. Students performed significantly better in the examination with the virtual slide and also showed a significantly higher preference for virtual slides. The time and cost implications of conducting examinations using the simple virtual slides were reduced by >1,400%. The results reemphasize the need for the design and adoption of simple sustainable technological innovations in developing countries to bridge gaps in purposeful learning environments.
Multiweek cell culture project for use in upper-level biology laboratories
Authors: Marion Rebecca E. , Gardner Grant E. , Parks Lisa D.
Published: June 2012

This article describes a laboratory protocol for a multiweek project piloted in a new upper-level biology laboratory (BIO 426) using cell culture techniques. Human embryonic kidney-293 cells were used, and several culture media and supplements were identified for students to design their own experiments. Treatments included amino acids, EGF, caffeine, epinephrine, heavy metals, and FBS. Students researched primary literature to determine their experimental variables, made their own solutions, and treated their cells over a period of 2 wk. Before this, a sterile technique laboratory was developed to teach students how to work with the cells and minimize contamination. Students designed their experiments, mixed their solutions, seeded their cells, and treated them with their control and experimental media. Students had the choice of manipulating a number of variables, including incubation times, exposure to treatment media, and temperature. At the end of the experiment, students observed the effects of their treatment, harvested and dyed their cells, counted relative cell numbers in control and treatment flasks, and determined the ratio of living to dead cells using a hemocytometer. At the conclusion of the experiment, students presented their findings in a poster presentation. This laboratory can be expanded or adapted to include additional cell lines and treatments. The ability to design and implement their own experiments has been shown to increase student engagement in the biology-related laboratory activities as well as develop the critical thinking skills needed for independent research.
What is the optimum duration of an asynchronous distance learning course?
Authors: Stephens Philip J.
Published: June 2012

An online, lecture/laboratory course in Human Physiology was run in two sections in five consecutive summers. In each year, the two sections were identical in content, assignments, and assessments but were different in duration; the shorter section was 1 mo and the longer section lasted 2 mo. The shorter section had a higher enrollment and a higher attrition rate. A postcourse survey revealed that the majority of the students in the shorter course believed that they would have spent more time studying and would have received a better grade had they taken the longer class. Interestingly, in any one year, there was no significant difference between the mean final grades earned by students in the two sections and by males and females. All students who completed the longer section and the majority of students in the shorter section of the course stated that they would recommend the longer class to a friend who was committed to taking this online course.
Investigating high school students' conceptualizations of the biological basis of learning
Authors: Fulop Rebecca M. , Tanner Kimberly D.
Published: June 2012

Students go to school to learn. How much, however, do students understand about the biological basis of this everyday process? Blackwell et al. ( 1 ) demonstrated a correlation between education about learning and academic achievement. Yet there are few studies investigating high school students' conceptions of learning. In this mixed-methods research study, written assessments were administered to 339 high school students in an urban school district after they completed their required biology education, and videotaped interviews were conducted with 15 students. The results indicated that the majority of students know little about the biological basis of learning, even with prompting, and they recall having learned little about it in school. Students appear to believe that people control their own ability to learn, and some have developed personal hypotheses to describe the learning process. On written assessments, 75% of participants demonstrated a nonbiological framework for learning, and, during interviews, 67% of participants revealed misconceptions about the biological basis of learning. Sample quotes of these interviews are included in this report, and the implications of these findings are discussed.
Can a tablet device alter undergraduate science students' study behavior and use of technology?
Authors: Morris Neil P. , Ramsay Luke , Chauhan Vikesh
Published: June 2012

This article reports findings from a study investigating undergraduate biological sciences students' use of technology and computer devices for learning and the effect of providing students with a tablet device. A controlled study was conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of a tablet device on students' use of devices and technology for learning. Overall, we found that students made extensive use of the tablet device for learning, using it in preference to laptop computers to retrieve information, record lectures, and access learning resources. In line with other studies, we found that undergraduate students only use familiar Web 2.0 technologies and that the tablet device did not alter this behavior for the majority of tools. We conclude that undergraduate science students can make extensive use of a tablet device to enhance their learning opportunities without institutions changing their teaching methods or computer systems, but that institutional intervention may be needed to drive changes in student behavior toward the use of novel Web 2.0 technologies.
Assessment outcome is weakly correlated with lecture attendance: influence of learning style and use of alternative materials
Authors: Horton Dane M. , Wiederman Steven D. , Saint David A.
Published: June 2012

The relation between lecture attendance and learning is surprisingly weak, and the role of learning styles in this is poorly understood. We hypothesized that 1) academic performance is related to lecture attendance and 2) learning style influences lecture attendance and, consequently, affects performance. We also speculated that the availability of alternative resources would affect this relationship. Second-year Bachelor of Science physiology students ( n = 120) self-reported their lecture attendance in a block of 21 lectures (attendance not compulsory) and use of alternative resources. Overall self-reported lecture attendance was 73 ± 2%. Female students ( n = 71) attended more lectures (16.4 ± 0.6) than male students (14.3 ± 0.08, n = 49) and achieved a higher composite mark in all assessments (73.6% vs. 69.3%, P < 0.02). Marks in the final exam were not statistically different between the sexes and correlated only weakly with lecture attendance ( r = 0.29, n = 49, P < 0.04 for male students; r = 0.10, n = 71, P = not significant for female students; and r =0.21, n = 120, P < 0.02 for the whole class). Of the students who passed the exam, poor attenders (<11 lectures) reported significantly more use of lecture recordings (37 ± 8%, n = 15, vs. 10 ± 1%, n = 85, P < 0.001). In a VARK learning style assessment (where V is visual, A is auditory, R is reading/writing, and K is kinesthetic), students were multimodal, although female students had a slightly higher average percentage of the R learning style (preferred read/write) compared with male students (28.9 ± 0.9%, n = 63, vs. 25.3 ± 1.3%, n = 32, P < 0.03). Lecture attendance was not correlated with measured learning style. We concluded that lecture attendance is only weakly correlated with academic performance and is not related to learning style. The substitution of alternative materials for lecture attendance appears to have a greater role than learning style in determining academic outcomes.
The history of the discovery of blood circulation: unrecognized contributions of Ayurveda masters
Authors: Patwardhan Kishor
Published: June 2012

Ayurveda, the native healthcare system of India, is a rich resource of well-documented ancient medical knowledge. Although the roots of this knowledge date back to the Vedic and post-Vedic eras, it is generally believed that a dedicated branch for healthcare was gradually established approximately between 400 BCE and 200 CE. Probably because the language of documentation of these early textbooks is in Sanskrit, a language that is not in day-to-day use among the general population even in India, many significant contributions of Ayurveda have remained unrecognized in the literature related to the history of medicine. In this communication, the discovery of blood circulation has been taken up as a case, and a few important references from the representative Ayurveda compendia that hint at a preliminary understanding of the cardiovascular system as a “closed circuit” and the heart acting as a pump have been reviewed. The central argument of this review is that these contributions from Ayurveda too must be recorded and credited when reviewing the milestones in the history of medicine, as Ayurveda can still possibly guide various streams of the current sciences, if revisited with this spirit.