bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distance‐based methods for the analysis of maps produced by species distribution models
Authors: Wilson Peter D.
Published: June 2011

1. Species distribution models (SDMs) are now widely applied to determine the potential distributions of species in relation to environmental covariates. Many modelling tools are available, and large sets of maps may be produced easily.

2. A wide range of methods have been developed for the comparison or analysis of raster images and SDM output maps including pairwise (two‐sample) tests and overall measures of similarity such as correlation coefficients and distance measures.

3. I present an analytical framework applying a distance‐based approach to the ordination and analysis of maps produced by species distribution modelling tools. The method combines aspects of image analysis with distance‐based statistical tests and allows ecologists to apply familiar forms of ordination and analysis to SDM output maps. A novel method of recombining elements of information extracted from distance‐based map analysis is also presented.
THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE STATE IN MYCENAEAN GREECE
Authors: SHELMERDINE CYNTHIA W.
Published: June 2011

Understanding of Mycenaean palatial administration has moved from a monolithic view of the palace as having total control over the economy of a given state, to a binary model that imagines a non-palatial sector of the state economy alongside the palatial. Further research suggests, however, that we should rather think of a continuum, with individuals and groups involved in various ways and to various degrees with the central palatial administration, from full-time interaction to no contact at all. The evidence shows the negotiating power of individuals, and also the role of the palace as a consumer rather than simply as a producer. This paper brings together some indications of such a continuum, drawn chiefly from the Linear B tablets. It closes with a brief look at relevant archaeological evidence: the use of seals to indicate status and authority, and the evidence of non-palatial settlements within palatial states.
Differences between girls and boys in emerging language skills: Evidence from 10 language communities
Authors: Eriksson Mårten , Marschik Peter B. , Tulviste Tiia , Almgren Margareta , Pérez Pereira Miguel , Wehberg Sonja , Marjanovič‐Umek Ljubica , Gayraud Frederique , Kovacevic Melita , Gallego Carlos
Published: June 2011

The present study explored gender differences in emerging language skills in 13,783 European children from 10 non‐English language communities. It was based on a synthesis of published data assessed with adapted versions of the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) from age 0.08 to 2.06. The results showed that girls are slightly ahead of boys in early communicative gestures, in productive vocabulary, and in combining words. The difference increased with age. Boys were not found to be more variable than girls. Despite extensive variation in language skills between language communities, the difference between girls and boys remained. This suggests that the difference is caused by robust factors that do not change between language communities.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Film Cooling of Waist-Shaped Slot Holes Comparing With Converging Slot Holes
Authors: Liu Cun-liang , Zhu Hui-ren , Bai Jiang-tao , Xu Du-chun
Published: June 2011

Film cooling performance of a new shaped hole, waist-shaped slot hole, is studied in this paper. Experimental measurement and numerical simulation are carried out to investigate the film cooling character and physics of this new shaped hole. And comparisons between the waist-shaped slot hole and two kinds of console holes are also performed. Both the cooling effectiveness distribution and the heat transfer coefficient distribution of the waist-shaped slot hole are similar with those of the console hole with a large divergence angle because of the effect of the waist-shaped slot hole’s structure. The middle constriction structure of the waist-shaped slot hole and the coupled vortices makes jets from the waist-shaped slot holes produce higher cooling effectiveness in the midspan region between adjacent holes. And also due to the effect of the middle constriction structure, the heat transfer coefficient of the waist-shaped slot hole is very high in the upstream midspan region between adjacent holes. However, the heat transfer coefficient in the downstream midspan region is lower than that in the region near the hole centerline because of the effect of the coupled vortices. The waist-shaped slot holes provide the surface with very good thermal protection, especially in the upstream region. Although the console holes with small a exit-entry area ratio provide better thermal protection than the waist-shaped slot holes due to small turbulence intensity, the flow resistance characteristic of the waist-shaped slot hole, which has a larger exit-entry area ratio, is much better.
A Heat Transfer Model Based on Finite Difference Method for Grinding
Authors: Shen Bin , Shih Albert J. , Xiao Guoxian
Published: June 2011

A heat transfer model for grinding has been developed based on the finite difference method (FDM). The proposed model can solve transient heat transfer problems in grinding, and has the flexibility to deal with different boundary conditions. The model is first validated by comparing it with the traditional heat transfer model for grinding which assumes the semiinfinite workpiece size and adiabatic boundary conditions. Then it was used to investigate the effects of workpiece size, feed rate, and cooling boundary conditions. Simulation results show that when the workpiece is short or the feed rate is low, transient heat transfer becomes more dominant during grinding. Results also show that cooling in the grinding contact zone has much more significant impact on the reduction of workpiece temperature than that in the leading edge or trailing edge. The model is further applied to investigate the convection heat transfer at the workpiece surface in wet and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) grinding. Based on the assumption of linearly varying convection heat transfer coefficient in the grinding contact zone, FDM model is able to calculate convection coefficient from the experimentally measured grinding temperature profile. The average convection heat transfer coefficient in the grinding contact zone was estimated as 4.2 × 105 W/m2-K for wet grinding and 2.5 × 104 W/m2-K for MQL grinding using vitrified bond CBN wheels.
Research on Yarn Tension Modeling in Carpet Tufting Equipment System
Authors: Yang Xu , Zhijun Sun , Zhuo Meng , Yize Sun , Guangfeng Chen
Published: June 2011

Precise pile height is an essential quality measurement for sculptured-style jacquard carpet. Constructing correct the yarn tension model is the key to accurately control carpet pile height during manufacturing carpet. This paper described a standard tufting equipment system with essential components in the yarn path. First, the relationship of pile height and pile tension is formulated. Then, the A. P. Minakov Euler formula is introduced into yarn tension modeling which including the yarn guides, sub-line frame, and puller rollers parts. Finally, this tension model is validated by comparing yarn tension simulation result data and experimental measuring data.
Magnetosphere Sawtooth Oscillations Induced by Ionospheric Outflow
Authors: Brambles O. J. , Lotko W. , Zhang B. , Wiltberger M. , Lyon J. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: June 2011

Numerical simulations show that a magnetospheric disturbance is caused by an influx of O
+
ions from the ionosphere.
Residue-Specific Vibrational Echoes Yield 3D Structures of a Transmembrane Helix Dimer
Authors: Remorino Amanda , Korendovych Ivan V. , Wu Yibing , DeGrado William F. , Hochstrasser Robin M.
Published: June 2011

Vibrational spectroscopy coupled with isotopic substitution can probe protein structure.
Increased Structure and Active Learning Reduce the Achievement Gap in Introductory Biology
Authors: Haak David C. , HilleRisLambers Janneke , Pitre Emile , Freeman Scott
Published: June 2011

A focus on problem-solving skills reduced achievement gaps in university classes.
Io's Tortured Interior
Authors: Coates Andrew J.
Published: June 2011

Magnetic measurements made by the Galileo spacecraft reveal an ocean of magma under Io's frozen surface.
Potential Solutions for Creating Responsive Materials
Authors: Sieradzki Karl
Published: June 2011

Plastic deformation of a nanoporous material can be altered by changing its surface via an electrochemical potential.
Concerns About Arsenic-Laden Bacterium Aired
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: June 2011

The debate that erupted 5 months ago over whether a bacterium could thrive on arsenic, even incorporating the element in its DNA, is finally being aired in the scientific literature rather than on blogs.
Wellcome Puts Its Money on Elite Researchers
Authors: Macilwain Colin
Published: June 2011

The Wellcome Trust, the world's largest research charity, this week announced the first winners of a program of large single-investigator awards to prominent biomedical researchers.
Possible Sighting of Dark Matter Fires Up Search and Tempers
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: June 2011

A second experiment may have spotted hypothetical dark matter particles called WIMPs, but its leader's take-no-prisoners attitude has competitors steaming.
Adherence to CLSI Recommendations for Testing of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Louisiana Hospitals: Report of a Clinical Failure and Results of a Questionnaire Study
Authors: Patra Kamakshya P. , Vanchiere John A. , Bocchini Joseph A.
Published: June 2011

We report a case of failure of clindamycin therapy due to inducible clindamycin resistance. We surveyed and found that only 52% of reporting hospitals in the state of Louisiana were performing the D test for inducible clindamycin resistance according to guidelines recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (formerly the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards).
Impact of Intra- and Interspecies Variation of Occludin on Its Function as Coreceptor for Authentic Hepatitis C Virus Particles
Authors: Ciesek Sandra , Westhaus Sandra , Wicht Melanie , Wappler Ilka , Henschen Sylvana , Sarrazin Christoph , Hamdi Nabila , Abdelaziz Ahmed I. , Strassburg Christian P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Manns Michael P. , Pietschmann Thomas , von Hahn Thomas
Published: June 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is characterized by a narrow host range and high interindividual variability in the clinical course of infection. Both of these traits are thought to be largely due to genetic variation between species and between individual hosts. The tight junction component occludin (OCLN) is essential for HCV entry into host cells, and the differences between human and murine OCLN are thought to account in part for the inability of HCV to infect mice and hence preclude their use as a convenient small-animal model. This study assesses the impact of genetic variation in OCLN on cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc) using a newly generated and characterized OCLN
low
subclone of the Huh-7.5 cell line (Huh-7.5 subclone in which endogenous OCLN expression has been downregulated by a short hairpin RNA). We report the frequency of coding nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms, i.e., polymorphisms resulting in amino acid exchanges, present in the human population and determine their ability to function as HCV (co)receptors. Moreover, we show that murine OCLN can sustain HCVcc entry, albeit with about 5-fold reduced efficiency compared to that of human OCLN. This reduction in efficiency is due solely to two amino acid residues previously identified by others using an HCV pseudoparticle approach. Finally, we use the Huh-7.5/OCLN
low
cell line to show that HCV spread between neighboring cells is strictly dependent on OCLN.
Genetic Editing of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Epstein-Barr Herpesvirus Genomes by Human APOBEC3 Cytidine Deaminases in Culture and
In Vivo
Authors: Suspène Rodolphe , Aynaud Marie-Ming , Koch Stefanie , Pasdeloup David , Labetoulle Marc , Gaertner Barbara , Vartanian Jean-Pierre , Meyerhans Andreas , Wain-Hobson Simon
Published: June 2011

Human APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases target and edit single-stranded DNA, which can be of viral, mitochondrial, or nuclear origin. Retrovirus genomes, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genomes deficient in the
vif
gene and the hepatitis B virus genome, are particularly vulnerable. The genomes of some DNA viruses, such as human papillomaviruses, can be edited
in vivo
and in transfection experiments. Accordingly, herpesviruses should be no exception. This is indeed the case for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in tissue culture, where APOBEC3C (A3C) overexpression can reduce virus titers and the particle/PFU ratio ∼10-fold. Nonetheless, A3A, A3G, and AICDA can edit what is presumably a small fraction of HSV genomes in an experimental setting without seriously impacting the viral titer. Hyperediting was found in HSV genomes recovered from 4/8 uncultured buccal lesions. The phenomenon is not restricted to HSV, since hyperedited Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes were readily recovered from 4/5 established cell lines, indicating that episomes are vulnerable to editing. These findings suggest that the widely expressed A3C cytidine deaminase can function as a restriction factor for some human herpesviruses. That the
A3C
gene is not induced by type I interferons begs the question whether some herpesviruses encode A3C antagonists.
Mx Is Dispensable for Interferon-Mediated Resistance of Chicken Cells against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Schusser Benjamin , Reuter Antje , von der Malsburg Alexander , Penski Nicola , Weigend Steffen , Kaspers Bernd , Staeheli Peter , Härtle Sonja
Published: June 2011

The type I interferon (IFN) system plays an important role in antiviral defense against influenza A viruses (FLUAV), which are natural chicken pathogens. Studies of mice identified the Mx1 protein as a key effector molecule of the IFN-induced antiviral state against FLUAV. Chicken
Mx
genes are highly polymorphic, and recent studies suggested that an Asn/Ser polymorphism at amino acid position 631 determines the antiviral activity of the chicken Mx protein. By employing chicken embryo fibroblasts with defined Mx-631 polymorphisms and retroviral vectors for the expression of Mx isoforms in chicken cells and embryonated eggs, we show here that neither the 631Asn nor the 631Ser variant of chicken Mx was able to confer antiviral protection against several lowly and highly pathogenic FLUAV strains. Using a short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown approach, we noted that the antiviral effect of type I IFN in chicken cells was not dependent on Mx, suggesting that some other IFN-induced factors must contribute to the inhibition of FLUAV in chicken cells. Finally, we found that both isoforms of chicken Mx protein appear to lack GTPase activity, which might explain the observed lack of antiviral activity.
Protection against Rectal Transmission of an Emtricitabine-Resistant Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV162p3M184VMutant by Intermittent Prophylaxis with Truvada
Authors: Cong Mian-er , Youngpairoj Ae S. , Zheng Qi , Aung Wutyi , Mitchell James , Sweeney Elizabeth , Hanson Debra L. , Hendry R. Michael , Dobard Charles , Heneine Walid , García-Lerma J. Gerardo
Published: June 2011

Daily preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with Truvada (emtricitabine [FTC] and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF]) is a novel HIV prevention strategy recently found to reduce HIV incidence among men who have sex with men. We used a macaque model of HIV transmission to investigate if Truvada maintains prophylactic efficacy against an FTC-resistant isolate containing the M184V mutation. Five macaques received a dose of Truvada 3 days before exposing them rectally to the simian/human immunodeficiency virus mutant SHIV162p3M184V, followed by a second dose 2 h after exposure. Five untreated animals were used as controls. Virus exposures were done weekly for up to 14 weeks. Despite the high (>100-fold) level of FTC resistance conferred by M184V, all five treated animals were protected from infection, while the five untreated macaques were infected (P= 0.0008). Our results show that Truvada maintains high prophylactic efficacy against an FTC-resistant isolate. Increased susceptibility to tenofovir due to M184V and other factors, including residual antiviral activity by FTC and/or reduced virus fitness due to M184V, may all have contributed to the observed protection.
Host Response to Polyomavirus Infection Is Modulated by RNA Adenosine Deaminase ADAR1 but Not by ADAR2
Authors: George Cyril X. , Samuel Charles E.
Published: June 2011

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) catalyze the C-6 deamination of adenosine (A) to produce inosine (I), which behaves as guanine (G), thereby altering base pairing in RNAs with double-stranded character. Two genes,
adar1
and
adar2
, are known to encode enzymatically active ADARs in mammalian cells. Furthermore, two size forms of ADAR1 are expressed by alternative promoter usage, a short (p110) nuclear form that is constitutively made and a long (p150) form that is interferon inducible and present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. ADAR2 is also a constitutively expressed nuclear protein. Extensive A-to-G substitution has been described in mouse polyomavirus (PyV) RNA isolated late times after infection, suggesting modification by ADAR. To test the role of ADAR in PyV infection, we used genetically null mouse embryo fibroblast cells deficient in either ADAR1 or ADAR2. The single-cycle yields and growth kinetics of PyV were comparable between
adar1
−/−
and
adar2
−/−
genetic null fibroblast cells. While large T antigen was expressed to higher levels in
adar1
−/−
cells than
adar2
−/−
cells, less difference was seen in VP1 protein expression levels between the two knockout MEFs. However, virus-induced cell killing was greatly enhanced in PyV-infected
adar1
−/−
cells compared to that of
adar2
−/−
cells. Complementation with p110 protected cells from PyV-induced cytotoxicity. UV-irradiated PyV did not display any enhanced cytopathic effect in
adar1
−/−
cells. Reovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus single-cycle yields were comparable between
adar1
−/−
and
adar2
−/−
cells, and neither reovirus nor VSV showed enhanced cytotoxicity in
adar1
−/−
-infected cells. These results suggest that ADAR1 plays a virus-selective role in the host response to infection.
The impact of genital warts: loss of quality of life and cost of treatment in eight sexual health clinics in the UK
Authors: Woodhall S C , Jit M , Soldan K , Kinghorn G , Gilson R , Nathan M , Ross J D , Lacey C J N
Published: June 2011

Objectives

To estimate the loss of quality of life and cost of treatment associated with genital warts seen in sexual health clinics.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire study and case note review of individuals with genital warts, carried out in eight sexual health clinics in England and Northern Ireland. Individuals with genital warts attending the participating clinics were invited to take part in the questionnaire study. 895 participants were recruited. A separate sample of 370 participants who had attended a participating clinic with a first visit for a first or recurrent episode of genital warts between April and June 2007 was included in the case note review. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire and the cost of an episode of care was derived from the case note review.

Results

The weighted mean EQ-5D index score was 0.87 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.89). The weighted mean disutility was 0.056 (95% CI 0.038 to 0.074). The estimated mean loss of quality-adjusted life-years associated with an episode of genital warts was 0.018 (95% CI 0.0079 to 0.031), equivalent to 6.6 days of healthy life lost per episode. The weighted mean cost per episode of care was £94 (95% CI £84 to £104), not including the cost of a sexually transmitted infection screen.

Conclusions

Genital warts have a substantial impact on the health service and the individual. This information can be utilised for economic evaluation of human papillomavirus vaccination.
Selection and characterization ofSpiroplasma citrimutants by random transposome mutagenesis
Authors: Mutaqin Kikin , Comer Jana L. , Wayadande Astri C. , Melcher Ulrich , Fletcher Jacqueline
Published: June 2011

Phytopathogenic spiroplasmas can multiply in vascular plants and insects. A deeper understanding of this dual-host life could be furthered through the identification by random mutagenesis of spiroplasma genes required. The ability of the EZ::TN™  Tnp transposome™ system to create random insertional mutations in the genome of Spiroplasma citri was evaluated. The efficiency of electroporation-mediated transformation of S. citri BR3-3X averaged 28.8 CFUs/ng transposome for 109spiroplasma cells. Many transformants appearing on the selection plates were growth impaired when transferred to broth. Altering broth composition in various ways did not improve their growth. However, placing colonies into a small broth volume resulted in robust growth and successful subsequent passages of a subset of transformants. PCR using primers for the dihydrofolate reductase gene confirmed the transposon’s presence in the genomes of selected transformants. Southern blot hybridization and nucleotide sequencing suggested that insertion was random within the chromosome and usually at single sites. The insertions were stable. Growth rates of all transformants were lower than that of the wild-type S. citri, but none lost the ability to adhere to a Circulifer tenellus (CT-1) cell line. The EZ::TN™  Tnp transposome™ system represents an additional tool for genetic manipulation of the fastidious spiroplasmas.
Involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats
Authors: Wang Yun , Zhang Xin-Hua , Wang Huai-Liang
Published: June 2011

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor II (BMPR2) are associated with the apoptosis of the pulmonary artery endothelial cells and the loss of the pulmonary small vessels. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats. Models of pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered once a day. After 21 days, MCT caused pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling and significantly reduced the BMPR2 expression in lungs and pulmonary arteries. Fluoxetine dose-dependently inhibited MCT-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and effectively protected the lungs against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis, reduction in the number of alveolar sacs, and loss of the pulmonary small vessels. Fluoxetine reversed the expression of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-dependent kinase І, BMPR2, phospho-Smad1, β-catenin, and reduced the expression of caspase 3 in rat lungs. These findings suggest that BMPR2 is probably involved in the protective effect of fluoxetine against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats.
Protective effect ofl-citrulline against acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by ischemia–reperfusion in rats
Authors: Gou Lingshan , Zhang Ling , Yin Cui , Jia Genguang , Yin Xiaoxing , Zhuang Xuemei , Xu Xiaodong , Liu Yi
Published: June 2011

The present study investigated the protective effect of l-citrulline on gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia–reperfusion (IR) in rats. Under anesthesia, the celiac artery was clamped for 30 min, and then the clamp was removed for 60 min reperfusion. Sixty minutes before ischemia, l-citrulline was administered intragastrically at doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg. After the experiment, the stomachs were removed for biochemical and histological examinations. Pretreatment with l-citrulline (300, 600, and 900 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the gastric damage caused by IR. Moreover, l-citrulline prevented the production of lipid peroxidation and inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase activity. The elevation in total nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, inducible NOS activity, and inducible NOS protein expression as well as the decrease in constitutive NOS activity and gastric mucus level in the gastric mucosa induced by IR were significantly prevented. However, the protective effect mediated by l-citrulline was significantly antagonized by coadministration of l-nitroarginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg, s.c.). These results suggest that part of the mechanism of gastric protection by l-citrulline might be through inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and preserving gastric mucus synthesis and secretion in rats, functions that are closely related to the maintenance of constitutive NOS activity.
LOCALLY LINEAR EMBEDDING: A REVIEW
Authors: CHEN JING , MA ZHENGMING
Published: June 2011

The goal of nonlinear dimensionality reduction is to find the meaningful low dimensional structure of the nonlinear manifold from the high dimensional data. As a classic method of nonlinear dimensional reduction, locally linear embedding (LLE) is more and more attractive to researchers due to its ability to deal with large amounts of high dimensional data and its noniterative way of finding the embeddings. However, several problems in the LLE algorithm still remain open, such as its sensitivity to noise, inevitable ill-conditioned eigenproblems, the inability to deal with the novel data, etc. The existing extensions are comprehensively reviewed and discussed classifying into different categories in this paper. Their strategies, advantages/disadvantages and performances are elaborated. By generalizing different tactics in various extensions related to different stages of LLE and evaluating their performances, several promising directions for future research have been suggested.
IMPACT OF TERM DEPENDENCY AND CLASS IMBALANCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FEATURE RANKING METHODS
Authors: MAKREHCHI MASOUD , KAMEL MOHAMED S.
Published: June 2011

Feature ranking is widely employed to deal with high dimensionality in text classification. The main advantage of feature ranking methods is their low cost and simple algorithms. However, they suffer from some drawbacks which cause low performance compared to wrapper approach feature selection methods. In this paper, three major drawbacks of feature ranking methods are discussed. First, we show that feature ranking methods are highly problem dependent. For designing an effective feature ranking method and appropriate ranking threshold, we need background knowledge including the data set characteristics as well as the classifier to be used. Second, the feature ranking methods are univariate functions, while the nature of text classification is multivariate. It means that in these methods, correlation between terms is ignored. Finally, they fail in multiple class problems with unbalanced class distribution because they pay more attention to the simpler and larger classes. In this paper, these drawbacks, especially the last two issues, are experimentally investigated using a set of extensive numerical experiments with several data sets and feature scoring measures.
RELAXATION TWO-PHASE FLOW MODELS AND THE SUBCHARACTERISTIC CONDITION
Authors: FLÅTTEN TORE , LUND HALVOR
Published: June 2011

The subcharacteristic condition for hyperbolic relaxation systems states that wave velocities of an equilibrium system cannot exceed the corresponding wave velocities of its relaxation system. This condition is central to the stability of hyperbolic relaxation systems, and is expected to hold for most such models describing natural phenomena.

In this paper, we study a hierarchy of two-phase flow models. We consider relaxation with respect to volume transfer, heat transfer and mass transfer. We formally verify that our relaxation processes are consistent with the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and present analytical expressions for the wave velocities for each model in the hierarchy. Through an appropriate choice of variables, we prove directly by sums-of-squares that for all relaxation processes considered, the subcharacteristic condition holds for any thermodynamically stable equation of state.
QUASISTATIC ISOTHERMAL EVOLUTION OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS
Authors: FRIGERI SERGIO , KREJČÍ PAVEL , STEFANELLI ULISSE
Published: June 2011

This paper focuses on a three-dimensional phenomenological model for the isothermal evolution of a polycrystalline shape memory alloy. The model, originally proposed by Auricchio, Taylor, and Lubliner in 1997, is thermodynamically consistent and reproduces the crucial martensitic reorientation effect as well as the tension-compression asymmetric behavior of the material. We prove the existence of a weak solution of the corresponding quasistatic evolution problem by passing to the limit within a time-discretization procedure.
GLOBAL AND LOCAL EFFECTS OF ROTATION: OBSERVATIONAL ASPECTS
Authors: GODŁOWSKI WŁODZIMIERZ
Published: June 2011

In this paper we discussed the observational aspects of rotation in the Universe on different scales. We show dependence between the angular momentum of the structures and their size. The presented observational situation is that the galaxies, their pairs and compact groups have a non-vanishing angular momentum. In the structures of mass corresponding to groups of galaxies, this feature has not been found, while in the clusters and superclusters, alignment of galaxy orientation has been actually found. Also we know that galaxies have net angular momentum due to the fact that we actually measure the rotation curves of galaxies. These facts lead to the conclusion that theories which connect galaxy angular momentum with its surrounding structure are at some extend favored by data. We show that in the light of scenarios of galaxy formations this result could be interpreted as an effect of tidal force's mechanism, but it is also consistent with Li's model, in which galaxies form in the rotating universe. The theoretical and observational aspects of possible global rotation of the Universe were discussed as well.
EFFECTS OF THE COMPOSITION ON TRANSONIC PROPERTIES OF ACCRETION FLOWS AROUND BLACK HOLES
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY INDRANIL , CHAKRABARTI SANDIP K.
Published: June 2011

We study the properties of a steady, multi-species, low angular momentum accretion flow around a Schwarzschild black hole. Each species is described by a relativistic equation of state. We find that the transonic properties depend strongly on the composition of the flow. We find that an electron-positron pair plasma is the least relativistic one. This flow produces only one sonic point very close to the event horizon and does not show multiple critical points for any angular momentum or energy. When the baryons are present, the number of critical points depend on the specific energy content. Since the number of critical points decide whether the flow will have nonlinearities or shock waves, our results imply that whether standing shocks will form or not depends on the flow composition. Thus, for instance, a pure electron-positron pair plasma will never undergo a shock transition, while mixing it with some baryons (common in outflows and jets, for example) as in a completely ionized gas, will have shocks. We study in detail how the baryon loading affects the shock properties and discuss the implications in astrophysical observations.
PREVALENCE OF CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS IN CELL PHONE USERS
Authors: Eapen Charu , Kumar Bhaskaranand , Bhat Anil K.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: In recent years, ownership and usage of cell phones have become widespread, especially amongst young people. The increasing use of text messaging on mobile phones has focused concern on possible musculoskeletal disorders for the users. Hence the purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper limb in cell phone users. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was undertaken to detect the prevalence of CTDs in 1500 college students. Results: The response rate of the survey was 91.9%. Overall prevalence of CTD in the upper limb was found to be 18.5%. Maximum symptoms were noted in thumb (52%). Pain (61.7%) and fatigue (44.3%) were the two most common symptoms reported by the respondents. Conclusions: Mild form of CTD is present in students using cell phones and mainly depends on the pattern of phone usage.
A CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN PLASMA MYOSTATIN AND PEAK TORQUE STRENGTH GAINS OF BILATERAL KNEE EXTENSORS AND FLEXORS AFTER RESISTANCE TRAINING IN HEALTHY ASIAN INDIANS
Authors: Sandhu Jaspal S. , Trivedi Shiva Shankar , Shenoy Shweta
Published: June 2011

Objective: To accurately quantify percentage changes in strength gains and correlate it with percentage changes in plasma myostatin levels. Study design: Same Subject Experimental Study. Setup: Faculty of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. Method of study: We used a longitudinal experimental design in which our subjects were assessed before and after the resistance training programs designed to induce muscle hypertrophy. A total of 18 subjects were selected, including both males (N = 15) and females (N = 3), to begin the study. Subjects were given circuit resistance training program for a period of six weeks. Subject's maximal isometric voluntary contraction for both the limbs knee extensors and flexors were measured using HUR 5340 Leg Extension/curl computer controlled machine prior to the training and after the training. The plasma myostatin levels were determined by ELISA analysis. Results: We have found a strong negative correlation of -0.73 (p < 0.01) and -0.75 (p < 0.05) between percentage change in plasma myostatin and percentage peak torque gains in bilateral knee extensors and flexors, respectively. Conclusion: Myostatin is negatively correlated to the strength gains in the bilateral knee extensors and flexors with resistance training.
SHIFT INVARIANT SPACES FOR LOCAL FIELDS
Authors: AHMADI A. , HEMMAT A. ASKARI , TOUSI R. RAISI
Published: June 2011

This paper is an investigation of shift invariant subspaces of L2(G), where G is a locally compact abelian group, or in general a local field, with a compact open subgroup. In this paper we state necessary and sufficient conditions for shifts of an element of L2(G) to be an orthonormal system or a Parseval frame. Also we show that each shift invariant subspace of L2(G) is a direct sum of principle shift invariant subspaces of L2(G) generated by Parseval frame generators.
INTERACTIVE CHEBYSHEV–LEGENDRE ALGORITHM FOR LINEAR QUADRATIC OPTIMAL REGULATOR SYSTEMS
Authors: EL-KADY M. , BIOMY M.
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we derive an algorithm to solve the linear quadratic (LQ) optimal regulator problems. The new approach is based on efficient Legendre and Chebyshev formulae at the Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobatto points. The technique enjoys advantages of both the Legendre and Chebyshev approximations near the end points. To show the numerical behavior of the proposed method, the simulation results of an example are presented.
SPLINE WAVELETS WITH BOUNDARY VALUES AND VANISHING MOMENTS
Authors: CHUANG ZHITAO , LIU YOUMING
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the construction of spline wavelets on the interval [0, 1], which have zero boundary values and vanishing moments. One begins with some primal scaling functions and their biorthogonal duals. Then desired biorthogonal wavelets are given by the method of Dahmen, Kunoth and Urban. Since the structure of those wavelets looks complicated, one tries to construct those types of wavelets only in primal side finally, without using any dual informations. Some numerical experiments show good effects, although the uniform stability remains to be proved theoretically.
MODELING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DRUG RESISTANCES UNDER CHINA'S "FOUR-FREE-ONE-CARE POLICY"
Authors: LOU JIE , BU LINGCHEN , HAN ESTHER , RUAN YUHUA , XING HUI , SHAO YIMING
Published: June 2011

We propose a mathematical model to evaluate the effect of China's "Four-Free-One-Care Policy" in MSM population in Beijing. We divided the drug resistant HIV patients into two sub-populations: primary drug resistance and secondary drug resistance. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis based on Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) were used for these thresholds of our model. We find that drug-resistant HIV will spread fast in MSM population under China's current treatment policy. Especially, primary-resistant strain is very likely to dominate the HIV positive MSM individuals after 10 years. The conclusions hint that, China's outlook on HIV infections is not optimistic if sufficient kinds free second-line drugs in China cannot be put into use in the near future.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A DISCRETE NONLINEAR DELAY SURVIVAL RED BLOOD CELLS MODEL
Authors: MA SHUFANG , ZU YUANGANG
Published: June 2011

In this article we consider the kth-order discrete delay survival red blood cells model. The general form of the discrete dynamical system is rewritten as xn+1 = f(Pn, δn, xn, …, xn+1) where Pn, δn converge to the parametric values P and δ. We show that when the parameters are replaced by sequences, the stability results of the original system still hold.
MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION AND TISSUE VIABILITYIN VIVO: FROM ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS TO CLINICAL APPLICATIONS. FORTY YEARS OF FRUITFUL COLLABORATION WITH BRITTON CHANCE
Authors: MAYEVSKY AVRAHAM
Published: June 2011

The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in many pathophysiological conditions and human diseases is well documented. In order to evaluate mitochondrial function in vitro, many experimental systems have been developed. Nevertheless the number of in vivo monitoring systems for the evaluation of mitochondrial activities in intact animals and patients is relatively limited. The pioneering development of the conceptual and technological aspects of mitochondrial monitoring, in vitro and in vivo, was done by the late Prof. Britton Chance (July 24, 1913–November 16, 2010) since the early 1950s. It was my privilege to join his laboratory in 1972 and collaborate with him for almost four decades. The main achievements of our collaboration are presented in this paper. Our activities included cycles of technology development, followed by its applications to study various pathophysiological conditions. In the initial stage, the first fiber-optic–based NADH fluorometer was developed. This device enabled us to monitor various organs in anesthetized animals as well as the brain of nonanesthetized small animals. Later on, the addition of various physiological parameters to NADH monitoring enabled us to correlate mitochondrial function with other cellular functions. The application of the developed technology to clinical situations was a major interest of Prof. Chance and indeed this goal was achieved in the last decade. As of today, the basic tool for NADH monitoring and the large database of results are available for large-scale experimental and clinical applications.
In dialyzed squid axons oxidative stress inhibits the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by impairing the Cai2+-regulatory site
Authors: DiPolo Reinaldo , Beaugé Luis
Published: June 2011

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, a major mechanism by which cells extrude calcium, is involved in several physiological and physiopathological interactions. In this work we have used the dialyzed squid giant axon to study the effects of two oxidants, SIN-1-buffered peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the absence and presence of MgATP upregulation. The results show that oxidative stress induced by peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide inhibits the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by impairing the intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+)-regulatory sites, leaving unharmed the intracellular Na+− and Ca2+−transporting sites. This effect is efficiently counteracted by the presence of MgATP and by intracellular alkalinization, conditions that also protect Hi+ and (Hi+ + Nai+) inhibition of Cai2+-regulatory sites. In addition, 1 mM intracellular EGTA reduces oxidant inhibition. However, once the effects of oxidants are installed they cannot be reversed by either MgATP or EGTA. These results have significant implications regarding the role of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in response to pathological conditions leading to tissue ischemia-reperfusion and anoxia/reoxygenation; they concur with a marked reduction in ATP concentration, an increase in oxidant production, and a rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that seems to be the main factor responsible for cell damage.
Marker expression, behaviors, and responses vary in different lines of conditionally immortalized cultured podocytes
Authors: Chittiprol Seetharamaiah , Chen Phylip , Petrovic-Djergovic Danica , Eichler Tad , Ransom Richard F.
Published: June 2011

The state-of-the-art cultured podocyte is conditionally immortalized by expression of a temperature-sensitive mutant of the SV40 large-T antigen. These cultures proliferate at 33°C and differentiate at 37°C into arborized cells that more closely resemble in vivo podocytes. However, the degree of resemblance remains controversial. In this study, several parameters were measured in podocyte cell lines derived from mouse (JR, KE), human (MS), and rat (HK). In all lines, the quantities of NEPH1 and podocin proteins and NEPH1 and SYNPO mRNAs were comparable to glomeruli, while synaptopodin and nephrin proteins and NPHS1 and NPHS2 mRNAs were <5% of glomerular levels. Expression of Wilms' tumor-1 (WT1) mRNA in mouse lines was comparable to glomeruli, but rat and human lines expressed little WT1. Undifferentiated human and mouse lines had similar proliferation rates that decreased after differentiation, while the rate in rat cells remained constant. The motility of different lines varied as measured by both general motility and wound-healing assays. The toxicity of puromycin aminonucleoside was MS ∼ JR >> KE, and of doxorubicin was JR ∼ KE > MS, while HK cells were almost unaffected. Process formation was largely a result of contractile action after formation of lamellipodia. These findings demonstrate dramatic differences in marker expression, response to toxins, and motility between lines of podocytes from different species and even between similarly-derived mouse lines.
Angiotensin II evokes sensory long-term facilitation of the carotid body via NADPH oxidase
Authors: Peng Ying-Jie , Raghuraman Gayatri , Khan Shakil A. , Kumar Ganesh K. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: June 2011

We previously reported that reactive oxygen species generated by NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) induces sensory plasticity of the carotid body, manifested as a progressive increase in baseline sensory activity or sensory long-term facilitation (sLTF). ANG II, a peptide generated within the carotid body, is a potent activator of Nox2. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ANG II evokes sLTF of the carotid body via Nox2 activation. Experiments were performed on carotid bodies ex vivo from adult rats and mice. Sensory activity was recorded from the carotid sinus nerve. Repetitive (5 times for 30 s each at 5-min intervals), but not continuous (for 150 s), application of 60 pM ANG II evoked robust sLTF of the carotid body. ACh, ATP, substance P, and KCl, when applied repetitively, stimulated the carotid body but did not evoke sLTF. Reactive oxygen species levels increased in response to repetitive applications of ANG II, and this effect was blocked by apocynin, an inhibitor of Nox2, as well as losartan, an angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist. Losartan, apocynin, and 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride prevented ANG II-induced sLTF, which was absent in mice deficient in gp91phox, the catalytic subunit of the Nox2 complex. These results demonstrate that repetitive application of ANG II induces sLTF of the carotid body via activation of Nox2 by AT1 receptors.
Immunoreactive and bioactive growth hormone responses to resistance exercise in men who are lean or obese
Authors: Thomas Gwendolyn A. , Kraemer William J. , Kennett Mary J. , Comstock Brett A. , Maresh Carl M. , Denegar Craig R. , Volek Jeff S. , Hymer Wesley C.
Published: June 2011

It has been suggested that obese individuals have a blunted growth hormone (GH) response to spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a high-volume, whole body acute resistance exercise (RE) protocol on immunoreactive GH (iGH), bioactive GH (bGH), and GH-binding protein (GHBP) in sedentary lean and obese men. Nine obese (mean ± SD: 20.8 ± 2.1 yr old, 177.0 ± 4.1 cm height, 108.7 ± 15.9 kg body mass, 37.6 ± 5.29% body fat) and nine lean (20.1 ± 2.1 yr old, 177.8 ± 8.7 cm height, 71.7 ± 5.8 kg body mass, 14.7 ± 3.54% body fat) men completed an acute RE protocol (6 exercises, 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 85–95% of 10 repetitions maximum with 120- and 90-s rest periods), and blood samples were collected before, at the midpoint, and immediately after exercise and during recovery (+50, +70, and +110). In contrast to prior studies, which examined acute responses to cardiovascular exercise protocols, groups did not differ in iGH response to the exercise stimulus. However, bGH concentrations overall were significantly lower in the obese than the lean participants ( P < 0.001). Additionally, obese individuals had significantly higher GHBP concentrations ( P < 0.001). Results suggest that obese and lean sedentary men performing a high-volume, whole body acute RE protocol demonstrate similar increases in iGH. Blunted bGH and elevated GHBP concentrations are indicative of altered GH activity associated with obesity. Prior research findings of blunted iGH response may be attributable to RE protocols not equated on relative intensity or volume. These results underscore the complexity of pituitary biology and its related mechanisms and may have implications for exercise prescription in the treatment of obesity.
Metabolic disruptions induced by reduced ambulatory activity in free-living humans
Authors: Thyfault John P. , Krogh-Madsen Rikke
Published: June 2011

Physical inactivity likely plays a role in the development of insulin resistance and obesity; however, direct evidence is minimal and mechanisms of action remain unknown. Studying metabolic outcomes that occur after transitioning from higher to lower levels of physical activity is the best tool to answer these questions. Previous studies have successfully used more extreme models of inactivity, including bed rest, or the cessation of exercise in highly trained endurance athletes, to provide novel findings. However, these models do not accurately reflect the type of inactivity experienced by a large majority of the population. Recent studies have used a more applicable model in which active (∼10,000 steps/day), healthy young controls are asked to transition to an inactive lifestyle (∼1,500 steps/day) for a 14-day period. The transition to inactivity resulted in reduced insulin sensitivity and increased central adiposity. This review will discuss the outcomes of these studies, their implications for the cause/effect relationship between central adiposity and insulin resistance, and provide rationale for why inactivity induces these factors. In addition, the experimental challenges of directly linking acute responses to inactivity to chronic disease will also be discussed.
An Efficient Method for Solving System of Third‐Order Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Noor Muhammad , Noor Khalida , Waheed Asif , Al-Said Eisa A.
Published: June 2011

we use the modified variation of parameters method for finding the analytical solution of a system of third‐order nonlinear boundary value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. The results are calculated in terms of convergent series with easily computable components. The suggested technique is applied without any discretization, perturbation, transformation, and restrictive assumptions. Moreover, it is free from round off errors. Some examples are given to illustrate the implementation and efficiency of the modified variation of parameters method.