bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability Propagation and Yield Optimization for Analog Circuits
Authors: O. Topaloglu Rasit , Yu Guo , Li Peng
Published: November 2012

Monte Carlo analysis has so far been the corner stone for analog statistical simulations. Fast and accurate
simulations are necessary for stringent time-to-market, design for manufacturability and yield concerns in the
analog domain. Although Monte Carlo attains accuracy, it does so with a sacrifice in run-time for analog simulations.
In this chapter, we propose a fast and accurate probabilistic simulation method alternative to Monte
Carlo using deterministic sampling and weight propagation. We furthermore propose accuracy improvement
algorithms and a fast yield calculation method. The proposed method shows accuracy improvement combined
with a 100-fold reduction in run-time with respect to a 1000 sample Monte Carlo analysis.

Hierarchical optimization using circuit block Pareto performance models is an efficient and well established
approach for optimizing the nominal performances of large analog circuits. However, the extension
to yield-aware hierarchical methodology, as dictated by the need for safeguarding chip manufacturability in
scaled technologies, is completely nontrivial. We address two fundamental difficulties in achieving such a
methodology: yield-aware Pareto performance characterization at the building block level and yield-aware
system-level optimization problem formulation. It is shown that our approach is not only able to effectively
capture the block performance trade-offs at different yield levels, but also correctly formulate the whole system
yield and efficiently perform system-level optimization in presence of process variations. Our approach
extends the efficiency of hierarchical analog optimization, improving nominal circuit performance metrics
towards yield-aware optimization. Our methodology is demonstrated by the hierarchical optimization of a
phase-locked loop (PLL) consisting of multiple circuit blocks.
Chip-Level Statistical Leakage Modeling and Analysis
Authors: X.-D. Tan Sheldon , Shen Ruijing
Published: November 2012

This chapter reviews the recent chip-level statistical leakage power analysis methods. We first show
main sources of leakage from a chip, which consists of three main components: subthreshold leakage,
gate oxide leakage and junction tunnelling leakage. We then study the leakage variational models and
show that one needs to consider both intra-die and inter-die variations with spatial correlations. Then we
review recently proposed statistical leakage analysis methods. These methods include the Monte-Carlo
based method, the grid-based method, the gate-based spectral stochastic method and the projection-based
method. Brief descriptions, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are also presented
in this chapter. Numerical examples are further provided to give quantitative comparisons among these
methods.
Noise-Driven In-Package Decoupling Capacitor Optimization for Power Integrity
Authors: Shi Yiyu , Yu Hao , He Lei
Published: November 2012

Off-chip decoupling capacitor (decap) allocation is a demanding task during package and chip co-design.
Most existing optimization approaches use the input impedance of package as the constraints. However, our
research indicates that such practice may lead to large overdesign, and better solutions can be achieved when
noise derived from the time-domain waveform is used as the constraint. To illustrate the point, we start with
a basic algorithm using simulated annealing (SA) to minimize the total cost of decoupling capacitors under
the constraints of worst case noise. The key enabler for efficient optimization with SA is an incremental
worst-case noise computation based on FFT over incremental impedance matrix evaluation. Simple as it is,
the complexity of SA still limits the applicability of the method, especially in the presence of large numbers
of I/O counts and large numbers of legal decap positions for modern packages. To address this issue, we
further propose a fast decoupling capacitor allocation method which uses spectral clustering and partitioning,
localized macromodeling and sensitivity based iterative optimization to speedup the decap allocation process.
We experimentally demonstrate our methods using package designs from industry
Index
Authors: Onur Topaloglu Rasi , Li Peng
Published: November 2012

Full text available.
Reviewers
Authors: K. Bhowmik Pankaj , K. Basu Saikat , Goyal Aakash
Published: November 2012

Full text available.
BASICS OF MOLECULAR GENETIC MAPPING AND QTL ANALYSIS IN PLANTS
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Pratap Aditya , Solanki RK
Published: November 2012

Genetic mapping refers to the determination of distance and order of genes/QTL on the chromosome.
The conventional linkage analysis has been used to this purpose leading to publication of first genetic map of 6 sexlinked
genes on a fruit fly chromosome. In plants, genetic linkage maps have been developed for major gene
controlling the qualitative traits in several crops. However, the possibility of locating the QTL controlling the
quantitative traits has also been investigated earlier using morphological traits as genetic markers. However, the advent
of molecular markers has sped up the development of dense molecular maps and QTL analysis in crop plants. This led
to the identification of QTL for desirable traits of agronomic importance. In this chapter, we discussed the basic
principles of molecular genetic mapping and QTL analysis in plants.
GENE ISOLATION PRIOR TO IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEINS
Authors: M. Ntwasa Monde
Published: November 2012

Forward genetics seeks to identify and clone genes that are associated with mutant phenotypes. Such
cloning can be accomplished by various strategies whose development has become more sophisticated and efficient
with the concurrent developments in sequencing technologies. There is, at the same time, heavy reliance on protein
information to identify genes due to the advent of high throughput nucleic acid sequencing technologies and advanced
proteomics analysis techniques. These protein sequence-based cloning techniques are sometimes inadequate in
biotechnology especially in the absence of comprehensive nucleic acid sequence databases for the target organism.
Discovery of specific genes is a key factor in biotechnology because identification of drug targets is a commonplace
activity and often a defining step in the discovery process. Forward genetics or other methods of isolation of novel
genes that do not rely on previous protein identification (or reverse genetics) is useful and has proved to be successful
in finding novel genes and, in some cases, immediately assign them to a pathological condition because of the obvious
phenotype of the mutation. This paper gives an overview of currently used techniques in the area of forward genetics
and molecular biology-based gene discovery. Very often these techniques are modified and are improved versions of
methods whose theoretical bases were laid in the 1970’s when molecular biology took giant leaps. Although
mutagenesis predates current technologies, there is a highly beneficial synergy between retroviral mutagenesis strategy
and high throughput sequencing.
MYCOSYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Acharya Krishnendu , Sarkar Joy , S. Deo Siddhartha
Published: November 2012

The field of nanotechnology has generated great enthusiasm in recent years. The development of
reliable, eco-friendly process for the synthesis of nano scale materials is an important aspect of nanotechnology. In this
context a wide range of biological organisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, fungus etc. were listed for the
development of clean, nontoxic and environmentally acceptable “green chemistry” procedure. This review covers a
brief overview of the worldwide research efforts on the use of fungus in the biosynthesis of inorganic nanoparticles.
ACCEPTANCE OF GMOS WORLDWIDE: A CONSUMER AND PRODUCER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: S. Bhullar Gurbir , K. Bhullar Navreet
Published: November 2012

During the first decade of commercialization of genetically engineered crops, they have received mixed
response from different parts of the global community ranging from well accepted to total non-acceptance. The major
concerns raised against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are regarding their presumed ill-effects on health,
environment and bio diversity. Despite the opposition, data reveals that GMOs have been well accepted in many parts
of the world. First generation GMOs have mainly benefited the producers by reducing the input and management costs,
whereas second generation GM crops are expected to provide benefits to consumers e.g. with enhanced food quality
parameters. Third generation of genetically engineered crops is being developed specifically for industrial purposes.
Gene technology carries immense potential for producers, consumers, industry and economy, however the potential
risks involved in realizing these benefits, need to be addressed appropriately. This chapter reviews the level of
acceptance of GMOs in developed and developing world giving due consideration to the concerns against and
arguments in favour of biotechnology. Potential benefits of GMOs for eco-efficient crop production and the future
opportunities are discussed.
ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY: TAIWAN’S PROSPECTS
Authors: Agoramoorthy Govindasamy , J. Hsu Minna
Published: November 2012

Taiwan is determined to lead Asia in genomic research, human clinical trials, and
subtropical floriculture supported by a vibrant and biotech-focused capital economy. Taiwan’s economy is
robust and ranks as the 17th largest economy in the world. Agriculture contributes only 2% to GDP, down
from 32% in 1952. Only 1% of Taiwan’s population lives below the poverty line. Because of its
conservative financial approach and its entrepreneurial strengths, Taiwan suffered little compared with
many of its neighbors from the Asian financial crisis in 1998. Exports to China, mainly parts and
equipment for the assembly of goods for export to developed countries drove Taiwan’s economic recovery
in 2002. Although the SARS epidemic, typhoons, corporate scandals, and a drop in consumer spending
caused GDP growth to contract to 3.2% in 2003, an increasingly strong export performance kept Taiwan’s
economy on track, and the government expects the economy to grow over 4.1% during 2008-2009. To
support the economic growth the government aims to invest USD 4.5 billion by 2010 as part of the
Promotion Plan for the biotech industry. This chapter describes details on Taiwan’s future biotechnology
prospects.
Index
Authors: K. Bhowmik Pankaj , K. Basu Saikat , Goyal Aakash
Published: November 2012

Full text available.
Consent: Practical Principles For Clinicians
Authors: McILwain Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2012

Obtaining proper patient consent in clinical care is vital in current times. The approach of 'doctor knows best' is now superseded by patient rights to make decisions. The approach of this book from the author's experience of 13 years in Clinical Risk Management with a special interest in generic consent is to combine different disciplines into a more unified approach that reflects every day practice, rather than citing individual examples of law case studies. By analyzing the elements of these different disciplines a more logical, practical and synergistic approach to consent is achieved. This book differs from others in that the principle elements are combined into one text. The book should help professional and trainee clinicians to acquire a wider understanding of the fundamental principles of medical law, ethics and risk management and their combined role in many situations, particularly in the NHS.
Basic Ethics and Consent
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

There are many ethical principles that guide doctors and underpin their approach to care. In recent times an ascendant principle has been autonomy - the right of a person to make decisions for and about themselves.
Types of Consent
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

The degree of recording of consent is generally proportionate to the potential risks that may occur or significance of the procedure. There is the usage of standardised consent forms for various purposes. The duration of consent does remain elusive as to exact guidance.
Who can take Consent?
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

As times change so has the role and nature of the person taking consent. No longer is it a case of simply signing a form. The information giving to the patient relies upon a person who is knowledgeable about the procedure and can answer questions. There is no legal demarcation zone between doctors and others concerning who can take consent and it is also proportionate to whether the consent taker is taking consent for procedures that they will perform themselves, or, are taking consent on behalf of another - delegated consent taking. There are indeed official statements about delegating consent.
Research Consent
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

Following the Second World War, and uncovered atrocities, the Nuremburg Code for medical research was established. This then became the Declaration of Helsinki in 1964 which has eight specific topics detailing consent in research. It is important that any clinician engaging in medical research has access to and adheres to these international guidance topics.
Consent in Death
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

If an autopsy is required, the role of the Coroner or Medical Examiner has certain legally determined functions. Further, the person who would normally be the consent giver is now dead and so it must be clear whom has the authority and responsibility for the dead including a refusal of autopsy.
Consent and Governance
Authors: Jeffrey C. McILwain
Published: November 2012

Governance

Prior to the more corporate approach to health services it was taken to be the case that consent was a matter between a clinician and a patient. However, today there is more and more inspection and regulation of an organisation's approach to consent taking. This includes the formal details as laid out by regulatory and licensing bodies. By the nature of a public service such aspects of inspection may change more frequently than that of ethics or law pertaining to consent.
On Nonsmooth Constrained Optimization Involving Generalized Type-I Conditions.
Authors: K. Mishra S. , S. Rautelay J. , Oli Sanjay
Published: November 2012

The goal of this paper is to obtain Kuhn-Tucker type necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for nonsmooth constrained optimization problems involving generalized type-I functions on the objective and constraint functions involved in the
problem. Further we study the duality results in the presence of the aforesaid weaker
assumptions.
Functional-analysis and partial difference equation
Authors: N. Petropoulou Eugenia , D. Siafarikas Panayiotis
Published: November 2012

In this review paper, the aim is to present a functional-analytic method developed relevantly recently by the authors for the study of partial difference equations in the spaces l1 and l2. The method is demonstrated using two illustrative examples. At the same time an effort is made in order top resent several other methods used by other researchers, which make use of functional analysis and operator theory.

Mathematics Subject Classification. 39-02, 39A05, 39All, 47N99
Numerical schemes and difference equations
Authors: E. Tzirtzilakis Efstratios , G. Kafoussias Nikolaos
Published: November 2012

In this study we investigate the connection of difference equations and numerical schemes through the study of a simple partial differential equation (pde). After an introduction to different numerical schemes, we use some well known finite differences schemes to discretize the simple linear pde ut+2ux = 0 with initial condition (x,0) = x. The different discretization schemes lead to different, consistent to the original pde, numerical schemes which constitute corresponding partial difference equations. The solution of the above mentioned pde is attained numerically as well as by analytic solution of the corresponding difference equations. The results show that the solution is always attained by using the analytic solution of difference equations where as, limitations should be taken into consideration when we try to achieve the solution numerically. These results indicate that the analytic solution of difference equations, resulting from application of numerical schemes, could be of extreme importan ce for the estimation of the solution of a pde.
Snoring and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Authors: Kannan Ramar  , Eric J. Olson
Published: November 2012

Snoring is a common phenomenon and results from vibration of the soft tissue structures in the upper airway. Snoring may occur alone or as a sign of upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Snoring carries social consequences and has been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, although this relationship may be confounded by undiagnosed OSA. UARS is characterized by daytime dysfunction and repetitive respiratory effort-related arousals, episodes of increasingly intense breathing efforts that terminate with an arousal from sleep before a hypopnea (episode of partial airflow reduction) or apnea (episode of complete airflow reduction) occur. There is controversy whether UARS is a distinct clinical entity or part of the OSA spectrum. Long-term cardiovascular consequences of UARS are unclear. Risk factors for snoring and UARS are similar and include obesity, nasal congestion, ingestion of pharyngeal relaxing substances before bed such as alcohol, hypnotics, and skeletal muscle relaxants, and abnormalities of the bony and soft tissue structures of the head and neck. Treatment options for snoring and UARS overlap and include risk factor modifications, oral appliances to advance the mandible during sleep, continuous positive airway pressure, and upper airway surgeries.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Arman Qamar  , Eric J. Olson  , Kavitha S. Kotha  , Octavian C. Ioachimescu
Published: November 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of apnea and hypopnea (partial apnea) during sleep. Characteristic symptoms include loud snoring, witnessed apneas, gasping and choking sensations at night, nocturnal awakenings resulting in poor sleep quality, fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography is the “gold standard” test for the diagnosis of OSA. The number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI) is the metric most commonly used to determine the severity of OSA. AHI between 5 and 14 represents mild OSA, between 15 and 29 moderate OSA and 30 or higher is severe OSA. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the preferred option for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA and optional for mild OSA.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Authors: Saiprakash B. Venkateshiah
Published: November 2012

Suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master circadian clock that regulates various endogenous circadian rhythms. Light and social cues are important factors that help align the endogenous circadian rhythms to the 24 hour day. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders can be due to abnormalities in the endogenous circadian clock (“intrinsic disorders”) such as delayed sleep phase type, advanced sleep phase type, free running type, and irregular sleep wake rhythm type. Shift work or air travel leads to an artificial mismatch between the endogenous circadian clock and the external environment (“extrinsic disorders”) leading to shift work disorder and jet lag disorder. Individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorders are presented with insomnia or excessive sleepiness or both.

These disorders are under recognized in the general population but they can affect a significant number of people if a the large number of shift workers and air travelers are considered. The symptoms may be misdiagnosed for other common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Meticulous history and sleep diary data are integral tools in diagnosing CRSD. Actigraphs (activity monitors) may supplement the sleep diary data. In the past two decades major advances have been made in understanding the genetic basis of these disorders. Understanding the circadian principles has led to various therapeutic options such as phototherapy and exogenous melatonin.
Parasomnias
Authors: Kumar S. Budur
Published: November 2012

Parasomnias are any undesirable physical events or experiences that happen during falling asleep, staying asleep or during arousals from sleep. Parasomnias are classified primarily based on the stage of sleep from which they originate i.e. NREM or REM sleep and by the nature of symptoms, i.e. sleep terrors, sleep walking, sleep eating, etc. These disorders vary both in frequency and severity and range from relatively benign events such as occasional episode of sleep paralysis to potentially serious and sometimes life-threatening events such as REM sleep behavior disorder. Parasomnias are also considered to be automatisms since the subjects sometimes do not have conscious awareness during these episodes resulting in some medico-legal consequences. Parasomnias can significantly affect the quality of sleep resulting in daytime impairments and they can also affect sleep and safety of the bed-partners. However, a thorough clinical assessment, appropriate tests where indicated, and judicious use of medications can help a vast majority of patients with parasomnia disorders.
Sleep and Aging
Authors: Yohannes Endeshaw
Published: November 2012

Advances in science and technology over the last century have resulted in a steady increase in the average life expectancy of human beings, especially in developed countries. This trend implies a gradual increase in the proportion of older adults in the general population and that this group of the population will account for an increasing and significant proportion of patients seen by physicians in most clinical disciplines in the near future. For this reason, understanding the aging process and associated changes that occur in the different organs and systems is of paramount importance. Accordingly, age-related changes occur in sleep and wake system and these are described below.
Medications and Sleep
Authors: Francoise J. Roux  , Meir H. Kryger
Published: November 2012

Sleep is essential for optimal mental, physical and social wellbeing (or, generically, health). Sleep disruption and/or deprivation can have adverse health consequences, promoting or worsening cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The sleep-wake cycle is a very tightly regulated process that involves multiple neuropharmacological reciprocal interactions. It was recently shown that sleep deprivation and sleep disorders can have adverse metabolic consequences. Multiple medications have a direct or indirect impact on sleep and the waking state. In this article, we review the effects of commonly prescribed medications on the sleep-wake cycle.
Notions about Optics and Sensors
Authors: Bruna A. , Capra A. , Guarnera M. , Messina G.
Published: November 2012

This Chapter gives information about the optics and the sensor in an image acquisition
system. Optic is the first stage of the image acquisition system and is composed by one or more
lenses aiming to concentrate the light in the physical sensor obtaining an in focus image. It is one
of the most expensive parts of an imaging system. In mobile cameras usually a lens is compound
of a system of plastic and glass lenses stacked together, while in single lens reflex cameras (SLR)
a group of several glass lenses system is employed to reduce image artifacts. In this Chapter
an overview of the lenses will be discussed. Moreover, some typical artifacts will be introduced
(e.g., cross talk and chromatic aberration). The sensor is the part that converts the optical image
(light) to an electric signal. There are several kinds of sensors depending on the technology
(CCD - Charge Coupled Device and CMOS - Complementary MetalOxideSemiconductor), on the
color filter array (Bayer , Foveon, 3CCD, Panchromatic), on the transducer function (LDR - low
dynamic range, WDR - wide dynamic range and HDR - high dynamic range sensors).
Exposure Correction
Authors: Castorina A. , Messina G.
Published: November 2012

The problem of the proper exposure settings for image acquisition is of course strictly
related with the dynamic range of the real scene. In many cases some useful insights can be
achieved by implementing ad-hoc metering strategies. Alternatively, it is possible to apply some
tone correction methods that enhance the overall contrast of the most salient regions of the picture.
The limited dynamic range of the imaging sensors doesn’t allow to recover the dynamic of the real
world. In this Chapter we present a brief review of automatic digital exposure correction methods
trying to report the specific peculiarities of each solution. Starting from exposure metering techniques,
which are used to establish the correct exposition settings, we describe automatic methods
to extract relevant features and perform corrections.
Index
Authors: Battiato Sebastiano , Ranieri Bruna Arcangelo , Messina Giuseppe , Puglisi Giovanni
Published: November 2012

Full text available
Intra- and Intercellular Molecular Mechanisms in Regulation of Meiosis in Murid Rodents
Authors: Tsafriri Alex , Dekel Nava
Published: November 2012

Overviewed is the life history of murid female germ cells from their first appearance as primordial
germ cells during embryogenesis, their migration, proliferation and colonization of the genital ridge, the
prospective gonad; the differentiation of primordial germ cells into oocytes that embark on the protracted meiosis
in the embryo; the arrest of the meiosis in the newborn; the resumption of meiosis in the sexually mature animal,
and finally the release of fertilizable ovum at ovulation. Emphasized are recent advances in the molecular
regulation of meiosis initiation in the embryo and its resumption in the mature follicles in response to the
ovulatory stimulus by luteinizing hormone.

Advances in the understanding of the regulation of meiotic resumption are presented in their historical
perspective and the development of appropriate experimental models. Within the context of somatic cell
regulation of meiosis resumption, the apparent paradoxical involvement of 3’5’ cyclic adenosine monophosphate
in both inhibition and stimulation of meiosis are discussed; the role of somatic cell-oocyte gap junctions and the
recently established obligatory role of follicular epidermal growth factor-like molecules in the mediation of the
gonadotropic stimulation of meiosis and ovulation.

The involvement of steroids in mediating the gonadotropic stimulation of meiotic resumption in fishes and
amphibians is well established. Nevertheless, the available data do not seem to support an obligatory role of
steroids in meiotic resumption in mammals, and, particularly, not in murids. Apparently the evolution of
hierarchical follicle growth and the consequent high intraovarian steroid levels resulted in the abandonment of
steroids as a reliable signal for meiosis in mammals.
The Enhancers of Oocyte Competence
Authors: JR. Menezo Yves , Elder Kay
Published: November 2012

During oocyte maturation, nuclear maturation i.e. the condensation of chromosomes and formation of
the meiotic apparatus is generally considered as the most significant physiological process. However, disruption
of the contact between granulosa cells and the oocyte leads to spontaneous nuclear maturation of oocytes which,
however, have poor or nil developmental competence after fertilisation. Acquisition of cytoplasmic competence,
i.e., the ability to sustain early development of embryos with high developmental potential, is the result of
concomitant synergic actions of gonadotrophins and growth factors. The transforming growth factor beta
superfamiliy, the epidermal growth factor network, insulin growth factors and growth hormone together with
Leukaemia inhibiting factor are partners in the mechanism of acquisition of developmental competence in
oocytes. These interactions allow the (quantitatively and qualitatively) correct storage of mRNAs and proteins
necessary for the early embryonic divisions prior to genomic activation. However, the quality of the endogenous
pool of metabolic intermediates such as (sulphur) amino acids is a mandatory prerequisite for oocyte activation,
sperm decondensation and further on early embryo divisions. A correct timing of translation of the mRNAs stored
during oocyte maturation is mandatory for the successful passage of the maternal to zygotic transition, usually
considered as the critical step in early embryonic developmental arrest.
In Vitro Fertilisation
Authors: Elder Kay
Published: November 2012

The historic birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the world’s first “test tube baby” justifiably ranks as a
major milestone in the history of both medicine and science. This remarkable achievement represented the
culmination of several different lines of research and investigation carried out by Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards
and their respective colleagues: (i) More than two decades of laboratory research into the science of oocyte
maturation and fertilization; (ii) Clinical observation and studies of the endocrinology and physiology of
ovulation and implantation; (iii) Technological advances in the use of laparoscopy to observe the pelvic organs
and rescue mature oocytes just prior to ovulation.

On the medical side, the results of their unique achievement offered treatment to couples who previously had no
hope of having a child of their own; scientifically, the ability to initiate the creation of new life in the laboratory
brought a revolution in biotechnology, and opened new vistas in our understanding of cell biology, the regulation
of cell growth, and the events and control mechanisms surrounding fertilization and early preimplantation embryo
development. This chapter will outline the current steps and procedures that are required for the successful
establishment of a pregnancy when a couple undertake a cycle of assisted reproductive treatment by In Vitro
Fertilization.
Current State of the Art in Large Animal Cloning: Any Lesson?
Authors: Loi Pasqualino , Ptak Grazyna
Published: November 2012

Following fertilisation, major changes occur in the organisation of chromosomes and genes in the
zygote that contributes to the formation of totipotent cells and their ensuing differentiation to the diverse cell
lineages in the organism. The aim of animal cloning through Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is to reestablish
the reprogramming that occurs in the fertilized embryo. SNCT often leads to abnormal development
with a majority of concepti lost before birth. Imprinted genes are amongst the most frequently affected genes, and
their altered expression could in part explain the observed developmental phenotypes. Here, we report our
experience in sheep cloning. We describe the major phenotypic abnormalities observed in the extraembryonic
tissues of sheep clones and suggest some possible strategies to improve SCNT.
miRNA Biology
Authors: Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2012

This first chapter of the book aims to provide readers the basic information necessary for better
understanding the contents of other chapters. The chapter begins with the stories or history of discovery of
miRNAs. From this section, readers can get a sense on how some groundbreaking scientific findings could be
achieved from small but mysterious things. In the second section, the whole pathway of biogenesis of miRNAs is
described in detail, from transcription to maturation. This is followed by the section on action of miRNAs
describing how mature miRNAs are hooked up to the protein complex and guide the complex to target genes to
execute repression of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Finally, some important issues related to
miRNA function are introduced in the section entitled “Some conceptual notes about miRNA function.”
miRNAs in Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2012

Several processes including endothelial angiogenesis, vascular neointimal lesion formation, vascular
inflammation process, lipoprotein metabolism, and hypertension are critically involved in atherosclerosis. This
chapter aims to introduce the role of miRNAs in lipoprotein metabolism. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
when oxidized by oxygen free radicals and coming into contact with arterial wall, causes atherosclerotic lesions
leading to increase in endothelial permeability and adhesiveness. In response to the damage to the artery wall and
endothelial dysfunction, the immune system responds by recruiting white blood cells to adsorb the oxidized-LDL.
The stimulation of lipid uptake into these cells by oxidized-LDL is critical to the initiation and development of
atherosclerosis. miR-122 has been documented to regulate cholesterol synthesis and miR-125a to regulate lipid
uptake in monocytes/macrophages.
miRNAs and Hypertension
Authors: Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2012

Several processes including endothelial angiogenesis, vascular neointimal lesion formation, vascular
inflammation process, lipoprotein metabolism, and hypertension are critically involved in atherosclerosis. This
chapter aims to introduce the role of miRNAs in hypertension. Angiotensin II, the major bioactive peptide of the
renin–angiotensin system, plays a crucial role in controlling various cardiovascular diseases, especially
hypertension. Endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO) formation has been reproducibly demonstrated to be
reduced in patients with essential hypertension compared with normotensive control subjects. Formation of NO in
endothelial cells depends on an adequate and continuing supply of its key substrate, L-arginine. Studies on
miRNAs in hypertension have been rather sparse, though miRNAs have been reported to play a role in
hypertension. In particular, miR-155 regulates angiotensin II type 1 receptor and miR-122 regulates L-arginine
transport.
Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers for Cardiac Disease
Authors: Wang Zhiguo
Published: November 2012

This chapter aims to discuss recent advances of circulating miRNAs as new and promising biomarkers
for cardiac disease. The elucidation of miRomes between diseased and normal cardiovascular tissues or between
different cardiovascular disease types, stages and grades, gives the chance to identify the miRNAs most probably
involved in cardiovascular disease and to establish new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Recent findings
suggest that circulating miRNAs may be plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis of lung, colorectal, and prostate
cancers. These findings have been also tested for cardiovascular disease. miRNAs are present in human plasma in
a remarkably stable form that is protected from endogenous RNase activity. The levels of miRNAs in serum are
reproducible and consistent among individuals of the same species. In particular, blood miR-1, miR-133, miR-
208a and miR-499 have been suggested as biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction; miR-208, miR-423-5p and
some other miRNAs in the circulation are correlated with heart failure; and miR-122, miR-124 and miR-133 may
be used to predict cerebral artery occlusion stroke.
Review of Theoretical Concepts
Authors: Luis A. Balona
Published: November 2012

Fundamental aspects of pulsation theory are brie y discussed such as the solution of the hydrodynamic equations by means of perturbation theory and the important role of opacity. The concept of pressure and gravity modes is introduced. A discussion of regularities in frequency and period spacing in the asymptotic limit leads to the idea of using the large and small separations for estimating the mean density and age of the star. The Petersen diagram is often used for radial modes, but results can be a ected by metallicity and rotation. The e ects of rotation on the pulsation frequencies profound: even slow rotation can destroy the regularities in frequency and period spacing predicted by the asymptotic approximation. Nonperturbative methods of solution for models of rapidly rotating stars o er promising prospects. The excitation mechanisms at work in di erent classes of stars are discussed. The role of convection in driving and damping of pulsations is still poorly understood, in spite of recent advances. Solution of the full nonlinear pulsation equations is the ultimate goal, but at present this is still con ned to radial pulsation. Nonlinear e ects which determine the mode amplitude are brie y discussed. Much e ort has been devoted to develop methods which allow mode identi cation using multicolour photometry or high-resolution spectroscopy. The advantages and drawbacks of each method discussed. In the conclusion, the topics which require further study are highlighted and brieefly discussed.
Timing and Iterative IBI and ICI Cancellation
Authors: Li Geoffrey Ye , Wang Xia , Hu Hongjie , Qin Long , Soong Anthony  C. K.
Published: November 2012

Cyclic prefix or guard interval is usually used in OFDM to mitigate interblock interference (IBI). It must be longer than the delay span of wireless channels to completely cancel IBI. In some environments, the delay span of wireless channels is very large; therefore, the efficiency of OFDM is significantly reduced if it is still designed with long enough cyclic prefix. An alternative way is to use certain cyclic prefix to deal with those channels with reasonable length of delay span and to apply signal processing techniques at the receiver to deal with IBI caused by the channels with extremely long delay spans. In this chapter, we first analyze IBI and inter-carrier interference (ICI) for OFDM systems with insufficient cyclic prefix or zero-padding guard interval and propose a dynamic and static timing approach to mitigate ICI and IBI. We then develop iterative signal detection approaches for OFDM systems with insufficient cyclic prefix and zero-padding guard interval, respectively.
Gaussian and Hyperbolic Scattering Channels in Mobile OFDM Systems: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Khoa N. Le
Published: November 2012

Inter-carrier interference power PICI of Gaussian and hyperbolic scattering channels in a mobile orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system using their angle-of-arrival (AoA) probability density functions (pdf) is estimated. The PICI difference of the two channels is estimated and plotted as functions of ( ,τ ζ), ( ,) and ( τ, fdTs). Experimental PICI difference for = 0, ζ = 0 and fdTs = 0.05 is obtained and plotted with the simulated results for comparison purposes. The ICI power is also plotted against (fdTs,), (fdTs,ζ), and (ζ,) for specific values of . Closed-form bit error rate (BER) expressions of OFDM communication systems in an added white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading environments using bipolar phase shift keying (BPSK), OFDM-BPSK, are derived.
Planning of OFDM/OFDMA Cellular Networks
Authors: Romeo Giuliano, Franco Mazzenga, Marco Vari
Published: November 2012

Actual systems for broadband wireless access adopt multi-carrier signals
based on OFDM and OFDMA formats. These systems are practically deployed as traditional
cellular networks, i.e. their planning is based on classical single carrier based
strategies. However, these methodologies do not account for the features of a multicarrier
systems in which coded bits in a block are transmitted over M spared sub-carriers
undergoing (possibly) uncorrelated fading and interference effects. In this case the decoder
in the receiver can be able to mitigate the detrimental channel effects even when
some sub-carriers are received with individual SINR below the specified target quality
level. In order to account for this aspect, network planning based on single SINR needs
to be extended to multi-carrier. As shown in this work, this extension can be achieved by
reformulating the planning procedure in terms of the effective SINR which, in general,
is a combination of the SINRs received on the M sub-carriers.
Evolution and Epidemiology of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli
Authors: D Williams Nina , G Torres Alfredo , J Lloyd Sonja
Published: November 2012

The emergence and evolution of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains associated with diarrheal diseases
have become a topic of active investigation in recent years due to the emergence of more virulent strains and the
association of new serotypes with disease. Outbreak studies indicate that most patients with an intestinal E. coli
infection develop mild, uncomplicated diarrhea. However, a significant risk exists that infections caused by highly
virulent E. coli isolates, such as the enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7, develop into serious and potentially lifethreatening
complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome. The relative contribution of recombination events in
the generation of new categories of pathogenic E. coli varies among the E. coli population, and it is represented by
the wide variety of mobile elements found in different diarrheal strains (e.g. pathogenicity islands, phages,
transposons, pathoadaptive mutations, etc). Understanding the population structure of pathogenic E. coli is
important, since it impacts the effectiveness of molecular epidemiological studies. Such studies are needed to
understand the increasingly recognized diversity of enterotoxigenic E. coli, a leading cause of pediatric and travelers’
diarrhea. In addition, factors underlying the emergence of enteroaggregative and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli
strains associated with persistent diarrhea are unknown. Horizontal transfer of genetic elements that affect virulence
of diarrheagenic E. coli strains and changes in global agricultural processes, as well as movement of humans and
animals, may contribute to the complex natural history of diarrheagenic E. coli.
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: EC Guth Beatriz , Prado Valeria , Rivas Marta
Published: November 2012

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can produce a wide spectrum of human diseases, being
an important cause of both outbreaks and sporadic cases of bloody and non-bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis,
the diarrhea-associated form of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. HUS is a major cause of acute renal
failure in children. Albeit O157:H7 is by far the most important serotype in human infections, several different O:H
serotypes of E. coli can harbor Shiga toxin (stx) genes, and actually some non-O157 strains cause illnesses that are
comparable in severity to O157-induced diseases, posing a substantial concern to public health. Infections due to
STEC have a proven zoonotic character as these bacteria are largely distributed among both domestic and wildlife
animal species. STEC infections are transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, and contact with
infected animals or people. The cascade leading from gastrointestinal infection to renal impairment is complex,
being the production of Stx the major pathogenicity determinant of STEC. However, a mosaic of different
virulence traits comprising several adhesins and other toxins that may play a role in pathogenesis has also been
described. There is no specific treatment to reduce the progression of HUS. Research is still necessary to improve
our knowledge on the mechanisms of Stx infections and the pathophysiology of cell injury in HUS to lead to better
therapeutic strategies to prevent the acute mortality and the long-term morbidity of HUS.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Flores Jose , C. Okhuysen Pablo
Published: November 2012

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) have been identified as a major bacterial pathogen
responsible for infantile diarrhea in developing nations. ETEC are also the most common bacterial pathogen
responsible of acute infectious diarrhea in adults traveling from industrialized nations to less developed countries.
After ingestion, ETEC first attaches to epithelial cells lining the small intestine mucosa through an interaction
mediated by adhesins known as colonization factor antigens (CFA), ETEC then produce either one or both of the
well identified heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins. The LT of ETEC is structurally and
immunologically related to the pentameric V. cholerae enterotoxin while ST is a small, non immunogenic peptide.
Polymorphisms in host blood group antigens and the IL-10 gene promoter have been associated with diarrheal
disease due to ETEC. The diagnosis of ETEC depends on the identification of the LT and ST toxin by molecular
probes or immune based assays. Clinically, diarrhea due to ETEC cannot be differentiated from diarrhea due to
other enteropathogens. The correction and maintenance of hydration is essential to prevent dehydration due to
ETEC. . Several antimicrobials have demonstrated efficacy to treat ETEC associated travelers’ diarrhea, including
Rifaximin, various fluoroquinolones and Azithromycin. Strategies for ETEC vaccines have focused on targeting
CFAs of ETEC (CFA/I, CFA/II, and CFA/IV), the immunogenic LT or the use of whole cell killed organisms
expressing CFAs.
Clinical Management of Escherichia coli Cases (The Latin America Experience)
Authors: A Repetto Horacio
Published: November 2012

Shiga toxin--producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a leading cause of bacterial enteric infections in
the United States and have become a significant problem in several countries in Latin America. Prompt, accurate
diagnosis of STEC infection is important because appropriate treatment early in the course of infection might
decrease the risk for serious complications such as renal damage and improve overall patient outcome. This
chapter provides a short review of the clinical experiences of a physician dealing with STEC and Hemolytic
Uremic Syndrome patients in Argentina.
Escherichia coli Situation in Brazil
Authors: EC Guth Beatriz , F Picheth Cyntia , AT Gomes Tania
Published: November 2012

Data from the health information system of Brazil showed that more than 17 million cases of acute
diarrheal diseases (ADD) were notified from 2000 to 2007
(http://portal.saude.gov.br/portal/saude/profissional/area.cfm?id_area=1549). The number of hospitalizations due
to ADD is still high in children less than 5 years of age, and varies depending on the region, with several numbers
of deaths, representing a serious prejudice to the population health. Among the several bacterial agents,
responsible for gastrointestinal infections in Brazil, diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) accounts for an expressive
number of cases. In this chapter we will present an overview on the E. coli situation in Brazil, regarding the most
significant DEC pathotypes associated with intestinal infections.