bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRECOCIOUS METAMORPHOSIS INDUCED BY PRECOCENES ON OXYCARENUS LAVATERAE
Authors: BELLÉS X. , BALDELLOU M. I.
Published: April 2011

Induction of precocious metamorphosis in the bug Oxycarenus lavaterae by application of precocenes on third instar larvae is reported. Compounds used were precocene 1 (P1), precocene 2 (P2) and ethoxyprecocene 2 (EP2). EP2 proved to be the most active compound eliciting 100% of precocious adults at 10 μg dose; P1 was inactive at the doses tested and P2 was clearly less active than EP2. Precocious adults appeared at both fourth and fifth instars. Those of the fifth instar showed a high degree of uniformity and also more evident adultoid features, whereas precocious adults of the fourth instar exhibited a considerable variability and, in general, moderate adultoid characters.

Induction anticipée de métamorphoses par des précocènes chez Oxycarenus lavaterae

Les résultats concernent l'induction de métamorphoses anticipées sur l'hétéroptère Oxycarenus lavaterae (Heteroptera, Lygaeidae, Oxycareninae), après application de précocènes sur des larves du troisième stade.

Le précocène 1, le précocène 2 et l'éthoxyprécocène 2 ont été utilisés. Les résultats de ces expériences montrent que l'éthoxyprécocène 2 est le plus actif: donnant un taux de 100% d'adultiformes à la dose de 10 μg par individu et étant encore actif à la dose de 1 μg (avec à peu près 30% d'adultiformes); le précocène 1 était inactif aux concentrations essayées; le précocène 2 était bien moins actif que l'éthoxyprécocène 2, étant inactif à une dose de 1 μg.

Les adultiformes ont été obtenus au quatrième et au cinquième stades; à ce stade, ils montrent une remarquable uniformité morphologique et des caractères adultoides très évidents, tandis que ceux du quatrième stade sont très variables et, en général, montrent des caractères adultoïdes plus faibles.

L'étude de l'influence du temps de présence au troisième stade sur l'acquisition de caractères adultoïdes chez les adultiformes du quatrième stade, a permis de démontrer que ces deux variables sont étroitement liées. On peut penser qu'une présence plus longue au stade de traitement permet une reprogrammation mieux définie de la mue suivante, se traduisant par une plus grande acquisition de caractères adultoïdes.
TESTS FOR EFFECTS OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE GENES IN ANOPHELES GAMBIAE ON FITNESS IN THE ABSENCE OF INSECTICIDES
Authors: EMEKA‐EJIOFOR S. A. I. , CURTIS C. F. , DAVIDSON G.
Published: April 2011

Possible effects of insecticide resistance genes, or genes closely linked to them, on larval development time were investigated by crossing resistant and susceptible strains, rearing an F2 and testing the mosquitoes emerging on successive days with insecticide dosages which discriminate between different resistance genotypes. In the case of a semi‐dominant dieldrin resistance gene, insecticide mortality declined significantly on the later days of emergence indicating slower development of the resistants, and calculations from the results indicated an increase of about half a day in the mean development time of resistant homozygotes compared with susceptibles. No such effects were established for dominant dieldrin or DDT resistance genes. Studies of the mortality in dieldrin tests of 1st instar larvae derived from successive ovipositions by F2 females gave some evidence for differential survival or persistence of fecundity in resistant and susceptible females. However, comparison of the 1st instar tests with tests of the same generation reared through to young adults gave no evidence for significant differential survival of the aquatic stages. The magnitude of the effects found would be expected to lead only to mild pressures of natural selection.

Expériences sur les effets des gènes de résistance aux insecticides sur l'adaptabilité d'Anopheles gambiae en absence d'insecticides

L'étude a porté sur les effets possibles de gènes de résistance aux insecticides — ou de gènes qui leur sont étroitement liés — en croisant des lignées résistantes et sensibles, en élevant des F2 et en soumettant les moustiques provenant d'émergences de plusieurs jours consécutifs à différentes doses d'insecticides pour distinguer différents génotypes résistants. Dans le cas d'un gène semi‐dominant de résistance à la dieldrine, la mortalité à l'insecticide diminue significativement les jours d'émergence les plus tardifs, ce qui indique un développement plus lent des individus résistants. Ces résultats ont permis de montrer une augmentation moyenne d'un demi‐jour de la durée de développement des homozygotes résistants par rapport aux sensibles. On n'a pas observé de tels effets pour les gènes dominants de résistance à la dieldrine ou au DDT. Les études sur la mortalité avec les tests à la dieldrine des larves de premier stade provenant des pontes successives des femelles de F2 laissent supposer une survie différentielle ou une persistance de la fécondité chez les femelles résistantes et sensibles. Cependant, la comparaison des essais au premier stade avec des essais sur la měme génération élevée jusqu'à l'adulte ne démontre pas une survie différentielle significative pendant les stades aquatiques. On devrait s'attendre d'après l'ampleur des effets observés à seulement de faibles pressions de la sélection naturelle.
THE EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD BY THE RED ANT, MYRMICA RUBRA
Authors: HAND LINDA , SMEETON NÉE
Published: April 2011

The effect of photoperiod on the egg production of queens and their attendant workers, and on the egg production of workers in the absence of queens was investigated. The quantity and timing of egg production by queens and of that by their attendant workers was not affected by the daylength. Workers alone, however, consistently produced more eggs under daylengths of 16 hr and 24 hr of light per day than under 0 hr, and more under 0 hr than 8 hr. The results are compared with those of other authors on the same species and possible reasons for the differences in results are discussed.

Influence de la photopériode sur la production d'oeufs par la fourmi rouge, Myrmica rubra

L'influence de la photopériode a été examinée sur la production d'oeufs d'un cǒté par les reines et leur escorte d'ouvrières, de l'autre par des ouvrières en absence de reines.

La quantité et le rythme de production par les reines ou leur escorte d'ouvrières ne sont pas affectés par la longueur du jour. Les ouvrières seules, cependant, produisent nettement plus d'œufs avec des photophases de 16 h et 24 h par jour que de 0 h, et plus avec 0 h que 8 h.

Les résultats sont comparés à ceux d'autres auteurs sur la měme espèce et les raisons plausibles de ces différences sont discutées.
SUITABILITY OF SELECTED LEGUMINOUS PLANTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MARUCA TESTULALIS LARVAE
Authors: JACKAI LOUIS E. N. , SINGH S. R.
Published: April 2011

Flowers of eight plant species were evaluated under laboratory conditions for their suitability as larval growth media for the cowpea pod borer, Maruca testulalis. The plants tested were Crotalaria retusa, C. juncea, C. saltiana, C. misereniensis, C. amazonas, Cajanus cajan and the principal host of the borer, Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), was included for comparison. Based on the data obtained on larval mortality and growth indices (GI) the plants were divided into 3 categories namely: I: Those causing 0–30% mortality and having GI value ≥ 60% form suitable host plants. This group only included V. unguiculata. — II: Those plant species causing 30 ≤ 50% larval mortality and having GI value 30% ≤ 60% of the principal host plant (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria amazonas, C. saltiana, C. mucronata). This group of species is marginally suitable as hosts. — III: Plants causing 50–100% larval mortality and having GI value ≤ 30% of principal host plant (C. retusa, C. juncea and C. misereniensis).

Previously published data on the oviposition preference of the adult moth are discussed in the light of the present findings and the use of C. juncea as a possible trap crop.

Possibilités de développement de Maruca testulalis sur differentes legumineuses

Les possibilités de développement larvaire de Maruca testulalis sur les fleurs de huit espèces végétales ont été examinées en laboratoire. La comparaison a porté sur Crotalaria refusa, C. juncea, C. saltiana, C. miseremensis, C. mucronata, C. amazonas, Cajanus cajan et l'hǒte principal de cette chenille, Vigna unguiculata. En tenant compte de la mortalité larvaire et des indices de croissance (G.I.), ces plantes ont été divisées en trois catégories principales:

1 celles provoquant une mortalité larvaire de 0–30% et ayant des G.I. ≥ 60%, constituent les plantes hǒtes convenables (Vigna unguiculata seule);

2 les plantes qui provoquent une mortalité larvaire de 30 ≤ 50% et ont des G.I. de 30 à 60% de la plante hǒte principale (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria amazonas, C. saltiana, C. mucronata;

3 les plantes qui causent 50–100% de mortalité larvaire et dont les G.I. sont inférieurs à 30% de la plante hǒte principale (Crotalaria retusa, C. juncea, C. misereniensis).

Les résultats déjà publiés sur les choix du lieu de ponte des femelles et l'utilisation de C. juncea comme plante piège, sont discutés à la lumière de ces données nouvelles.
Review article: How useful are laboratory investigations in the Emergency Department evaluation of possible osteomyelitis?
Authors: Harris Joseph C , Caesar Dave H , Davison Carol , Phibbs Rebecca , Than Martin P
Published: April 2011

We conducted a literature review to determine which laboratory investigations are useful for the ED evaluation of osteomyelitis. Thirty‐six relevant papers were identified. We concluded that in adult and paediatric patients with a clinically low level of suspicion of osteomyelitis, an age‐adjusted normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) <5 mg/L should reassure the clinician that no further urgent investigation is required. For patients with risk factors for osteomyelitis or a clinically high level of suspicion, a normal ESR or CRP <5 mg/L should not rule out the diagnosis of osteomyelitis, especially in patients with puncture wounds or foot ulcers/infections. In patients with any suspicion of osteomyelitis and otherwise unexplained ESR >30 mm/h and/or CRP >10–30 mg/L further definitive investigation is required. The white blood count is not helpful in the evaluation of osteomyelitis.
An Investigation of Service Mix within the Home and Community Care Programme
Authors: Vecchio Nerina , Stevens Stella
Published: April 2011

Given Australia’s ageing population, the demand for Home and Community Care services is expected to escalate to unprecedented levels. A skilled and flexible aged care workforce, together with other broader aged care workforce planning needs, has become a priority at both the national and state levels. This study examined the Australian government’s Home and Community Care programme to identify regional differences in service hours received by clients and associations between services. Analysis was based on the Minimum Data Set of 2007/08 and confined to Queensland clients aged 18 and over. Investigations revealed that clients residing in regional and remote areas were more likely to receive nursing services but less likely to receive allied health services compared to those residing in a major city. This reflected the specific health professional to population ratio of the area. For clients residing outside the city, an inverse relationship existed between allied health and nursing hours. Possibly certain categories of staff supplemented the shortfall in other skilled labour present in regional and remote areas. The findings are part of the initial steps in examining the potential opportunities available to government in implementing skill mix reforms within the health sector.
Fiscal Limits in Advanced Economies*
Authors: Leeper Eric M. , Walker Todd B.
Published: April 2011

Ageing populations in advanced economies are placing ever‐increasing demands on government spending in the form of old‐age benefits, particularly for health care. Economies that have promised substantially more benefits than they have made provision to finance are heading into a prolonged era of fiscal stress. Unresolved fiscal stress raises the possibility that the economies will hit their fiscal limits where taxes and spending no longer adjust to stabilise debt. In such economies, monetary policy may lose its ability to control inflation and influence the economy in the usual ways. The paper discusses models of fiscal limits and their implications and lays out a research agenda to integrate political economy and empirical considerations with general equilibrium models of monetary and fiscal interactions.
Influence of organozinc ligand design on growth and material properties of ZnS and ZnO deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Tanskanen Jukka T. , Bakke Jonathan R. , Pakkanen Tapani A. , Bent Stacey F.
Published: April 2011

Deposition of ZnS and ZnO by the atomic layer deposition technique is performed using both dimethylzinc (DMZn) and diethylzinc (DEZn) as the metal source and H2S or H2O as the counter-reactant. The deposited films are characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible measurements, and particular emphasis is placed on the influence of the metal precursor on material growth and properties. The use of DMZn as the Zn source results in faster material deposition than growth with DEZn due to a less significant steric factor with DMZn. The material properties of the deposited ZnS films are nearly identical for the DMZn/H2S and DEZn/H2S processes, whereas XRD provided evidence for slight variations in the material properties of the DMZn/H2O and DEZn/H2O grown films. Overall, pure and crystalline ZnS and ZnO films can be deposited via either DMZn or DEZn, and ZnO growth is more affected by the modification of the ligand of the Zn precursor from methyl to ethyl.
Effect of substrate microstructure on the misorientation of a-plane ZnO film investigated using x-ray diffraction
Authors: Chen Jinju , Deng Hong , Ji Hong , Tian Yanlei
Published: April 2011

( 11 2 ¯ 0 ) ZnO (nonpolar a-plane ZnO) films were grown on (11¯02) Al2O3 (r-plane sapphire) substrates by single-source chemical vapor deposition. The misorientation in the film was investigated in detail using x-ray diffraction techniques, including 2θ-ω scan, reciprocal space mapping (RSM), and double- and triple-crystal x-ray diffraction analysis. 2θ-ω scan and RSM measurements suggest that ZnO film grows on r-plane sapphire substrate epitaxially along the [112¯0] orientation, and the (112¯0) plane of the ZnO film tilts with respect to the (11¯02) plane of the substrate. RSM measurement for sapphire substrate shows that the diffraction intensity distribution around (22¯04) reciprocal lattice point presents a curved band along the 2θ-ω scan direction, which can be attributed to a strained layer (or a lattice distortion layer) at the substrate surface. Double- and triple-crystal x-ray diffraction measurements imply that anisotropic mosaic exists in sapphire substrate. The strained layer and tilt mosaic in sapphire substrate may be the important reasons for the tilted growth of the (112¯0) plane of a-plane ZnO film relative to (11¯02) plane of the Al2O3 substrate.
Poly(ADP-Ribose) (PAR) Binding to Apoptosis-Inducing Factor Is Critical for PAR Polymerase-1–Dependent Cell Death (Parthanatos)
Authors: Wang Yingfei , Kim No Soo , Haince Jean-Francois , Kang Ho Chul , David Karen K. , Andrabi Shaida A. , Poirier Guy G. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M.
Published: April 2011

Poly(ADP-ribose) binds to apoptosis-inducing factor to trigger its release from mitochondria and induce cell death.
ATM Is a Redox Sensor Linking Genome Stability and Carbon Metabolism
Authors: Krüger Antje , Ralser Markus
Published: April 2011

By linking genome stability, the cell cycle, and carbon catabolism, ATM emerges as a central regulator of cancer cell metabolism.
Plant Ultraviolet Perception
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: April 2011

A plant ultraviolet-B photoreceptor uses a tryptophan-based chromophore.
Stress Relief
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: April 2011

Guanabenz, a small-molecule inhibitor, protects cells from lethal accrual of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Mechanism of Action and Limited Cross-Resistance of New Lipopeptide MX-2401
Authors: Rubinchik E. , Schneider T. , Elliott M. , Scott W. R. P. , Pan J. , Anklin C. , Yang H. , Dugourd D. , Müller A. , Gries K. , Straus S. K. , Sahl H. G. , Hancock R. E. W.
Published: April 2011

MX-2401 is a semisynthetic calcium-dependent lipopeptide antibiotic (analogue of amphomycin) in preclinical development for the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections.
In vitro
and
in vivo
, MX-2401 demonstrates broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against Gram-positive organisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of MX-2401 and compare it with that of the lipopeptide daptomycin. The results indicated that although both daptomycin and MX-2401 are in the structural class of Ca
2+
-dependent lipopeptide antibiotics, the latter has a different mechanism of action. Specifically, MX-2401 inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis by binding to the substrate undecaprenylphosphate (C
55
-P), the universal carbohydrate carrier involved in several biosynthetic pathways. This interaction resulted in inhibition, in a dose-dependent manner, of the biosynthesis of the cell wall precursors lipids I and II and the wall teichoic acid precursor lipid III, while daptomycin had no significant effect on these processes. MX-2401 induced very slow membrane depolarization that was observed only at high concentrations. Unlike daptomycin, membrane depolarization by MX-2401 did not correlate with its bactericidal activity and did not affect general membrane permeability. In contrast to daptomycin, MX-2401 had no effect on lipid flip-flop, calcein release, or membrane fusion with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-
sn
-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-
sn
-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) (POPG) liposomes. MX-2401 adopts a more defined structure than daptomycin, presumably to facilitate interaction with C
55
-P. Mutants resistant to MX-2401 demonstrated low cross-resistance to other antibiotics. Overall, these results provided strong evidence that the mode of action of MX-2401 is unique and different from that of any of the approved antibiotics, including daptomycin.
Plasma and Intracellular Tenofovir Pharmacokinetics in the Neonate (ANRS 12109 Trial, Step 2)
Authors: Hirt Déborah , Ekouévi Didier K. , Pruvost Alain , Urien Saïk , Arrivé Elise , Blanche Stéphane , Avit Divine , Amani-Bosse Clarisse , Nyati Mandisa , Legote Shini , Ek Meng L. , Say Leakhena , McIntyre James , Dabis François , Tréluyer Jean-Marc
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate for the first time tenofovir (TFV) pharmacokinetics in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the neonate. HIV-1-infected pregnant women received two tablets of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg) and emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) at onset of labor and then one tablet daily for 7 days postpartum. A single dose of 13 mg/kg of body weight of TDF was administered to 36 neonates within 12 h of life after the HIV-1-infected mothers had been administered two tablets of TDF-emtricitabine at delivery. A total of 626 samples collected within the 2 days after the drug administration were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and analyzed by a population approach. In the neonate, the median TFV plasma area under the curve and minimal and maximal concentrations, respectively, were 3.73 mg/liter · h and 0.076 and 0.29 mg/liter. In PBMCs, TFV concentrations were detectable in all fetuses, whereas tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) was quantifiable in only two fetuses, suggesting a lag in appearance of TFV-DP. The median TFV-DP neonatal concentration was 146 fmol/10
6
cells (interquartile range [IQR], 53 to 430 fmol/10
6
cells); two neonates had very high TFV-DP concentrations (1,530 and 2963 fmol/10
6
cells). The 13-mg/kg TDF dose given to neonates produced plasma TFV and intracellular active TFV-DP concentrations similar to those in adults. This dose should be given immediately after birth to reduce the delay before the active compound TFV-DP appears in cells.
The Bordetella avium
BAV1965
-
1962
Fimbrial Locus Is Regulated by Temperature and Produces Fimbriae Involved in Adherence to Turkey Tracheal Tissue
Authors: Loker Stewart B. , Temple Louise M. , Preston Andrew
Published: April 2011

Bordetella pertussis
,
Bordetella parapertussis
, and
Bordetella bronchiseptica
cause respiratory tract disease in mammals, whereas
Bordetella avium
causes respiratory tract disease in avian hosts. While there are striking similarities between the diseases caused by the mammalian- and avian-adapted bordetellae, differences at the genetic level may account for their different host tropisms. Bacterial pathogens utilize the chaperone-usher pathway to assemble extracellular multisubunit structures (fimbriae) that play a role in virulence. Fimbriae of the mammalian bordetellae mediate attachment to the host respiratory epithelium. They are assembled by a single chaperone/usher system encoded by the fimbrial biogenesis operon
fimA-D
.
B. avium
contains a homologous fimbrial operon (
BAV1965
-
1962
), and we report here the functionality of this locus. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated that transcription of the locus is regulated by temperature. By immuno-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BAV1965-containing fimbriae were observed on bacteria grown at 37°C but not those grown at 22°C. A mutant in which
BAV1965
-
1962
was deleted displayed significantly lower levels of adherence to turkey tracheal rings than the wild type. Thus, the
BAV1965
-
1962
fimbrial locus is functional, its expression is regulated in response to temperature, and it produces fimbriae involved in adherence to host respiratory tract tissue.
Tryptophan Prototrophy Contributes to Francisella tularensis Evasion of Gamma Interferon-Mediated Host Defense
Authors: Chu Ping , Rodriguez Annette R. , Arulanandam Bernard P. , Klose Karl E.
Published: April 2011

Francisella tularensisis able to survive and replicate within host macrophages, a trait that is associated with the high virulence of this bacterium. ThetrpABgenes encode the enzymes required for the final two steps in tryptophan biosynthesis, with TrpB being responsible for the conversion of indole to tryptophan. Consistent with this function, anF. tularensissubsp.novicidatrpBmutant is unable to grow in defined medium in the absence of tryptophan. ThetrpBmutant is also attenuated for virulence in a mouse pulmonary model of tularemia. However, thetrpBmutant remains virulent in gamma interferon receptor-deficient (IFN-γR−/−) mice, demonstrating that IFN-γ-mediated signaling contributes to clearance of thetrpBmutant. IFN-γ limits intracellular survival of thetrpBmutant within bone marrow-derived macrophages from wild-type but not IFN-γR−/−mice. AnF. tularensissubsp.tularensis trpBmutant is also attenuated for virulence in mice and survival within IFN-γ-treated macrophages, indicating that tryptophan prototrophy is also important in a human-virulentF. tularensissubspecies. These results demonstrate thattrpBcontributes toF. tularensisvirulence by enabling intracellular growth under IFN-γ-mediated tryptophan limitation.
Cooperative Role for Tetraspanins in Adhesin-Mediated Attachment of Bacterial Species to Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Green Luke R. , Monk Peter N. , Partridge Lynda J. , Morris Paul , Gorringe Andrew R. , Read Robert C.
Published: April 2011

The tetraspanins are a superfamily of transmembrane proteins with diverse functions and can form extended microdomains within the plasma membrane in conjunction with partner proteins, which probably includes receptors for bacterial adhesins.
Neisseria meningitidis
, the causative agent of meningococcal disease, attaches to host nasopharyngeal epithelial cells via type IV pili and opacity (Opa) proteins. We examined the role of tetraspanin function in
Neisseria meningitidis
adherence to epithelial cells. Tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD151 were expressed by HEC-1-B and DETROIT 562 cells. Coincubation of cells with antibodies against all three tetraspanin molecules used individually or in combination, with recombinant tetraspanin extracellular domains (EC2), or with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) significantly reduced adherence of
Neisseria meningitidis
. In contrast, recombinant CD81, a different tetraspanin, had no effect on meningococcal adherence. Antitetraspanin antibodies reduced the adherence to epithelial cells of
Neisseria meningitidis
strain derivatives expressing Opa and pili significantly more than isogenic strains lacking these determinants. Adherence to epithelial cells of strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Neisseria lactamica
,
Escherichia coli
, and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
was also reduced by pretreatment of cells with tetraspanin antibodies and recombinant proteins. These data suggest that tetraspanins are required for optimal function of epithelial adhesion platforms containing specific receptors for
Neisseria meningitidis
and potentially for multiple species of bacteria.
Determination of chloramphenicol by differential pulse voltammetry at carbon paste electrodes – The use of sodium sulfite for removal of oxygen from electrode surface
Authors: Pastor Ferenc T. , Dejmková Hana , Zima Jiří , Barek Jiří
Published: April 2011

The possibility of determination of chloramphenicol by differential pulse voltammetry at four different carbon paste electrodes, in the full pH range (2–12) of Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer was investigated. Electrodes were prepared by mixing spectroscopic graphite powder or glassy carbon microbeads with mineral oil (Nujol) or tricresyl phosphate. Under optimal conditions (BR buffer pH 12, the electrode prepared from glassy carbon microbeads and tricresyl phosphate), linear calibration graph was obtained only in 10–5 M chloramphenicol concentration range. Determination of lower concentrations of chloramphenicol was complicated by irreproducible peak of oxygen from the carbon paste which overlapped with peak of chloramphenicol. Addition of sodium sulfite removed the oxygen peak without influence on the peak of chloramphenicol. Under optimal conditions (electrode paste made from glassy carbon microbeads, BR buffer pH 10 and 0.5 M sodium sulfite), straight calibration line was obtained in the 10–6 and 10–5 M chloramphenicol concentration range. Limit of determination was 5 × 10–7 mol/l.
COMPARING TEHRAN STOCK EXCHANGE AS AN EMERGING MARKET WITH A MATURE MARKET BY RANDOM MATRIX APPROACH
Authors: NAMAKI A. , RAEI R. , JAFARI G. R.
Published: April 2011

We analyze cross-correlation between return fluctuations of stocks of an emerging market by using random matrix theory (RMT). We test the statistics of eigenvalues of cross-correlation (C) between stocks of the Tehran Price Index (TEPIX) as an emerging market and compare these with a mature market (US market). According to the "null hypothesis," a random correlation matrix constructed from mutually uncorrelated time series, the deviation from the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble of RTM is a good criterion. We find that a majority of the eigenvalues of C fall within the bulk (RMT bounds between λ+and λ-) for the eigenvalues of the random correlation matrices. Further, we find that the distribution of eigenvector components for the eigenvectors corresponding to the largest deviating eigenvalues, display systematic deviations from the RMT prediction. Analyzing the components of the deviating eigenvectors by Inverse Participation Ratio, leads us to know that the largest eigenvalue corresponds to an influence common to the whole market. Our analysis of the other deviating eigenvectors shows distinct industries, whose identities corresponds to the structure of the Iran business environment.
A STUDY OF A QUADRUPLE CO-EVOLUTIONARY MODEL AND ITS RECIPROCITY PHASE FOR VARIOUS PRISONER'S DILEMMA GAME
Authors: TANIMOTO JUN
Published: April 2011

We present and numerically investigate a quadruple co-evolutionary model for 2 × 2 Prisoner's Dilemma games which allows not only for agents to adopt strategy (Cooperation C or Defection D) and for network topology, but also for the probability of link rewiring that controls the speed of network evolution and the updating rule itself. The results of a series of simulations reveal that C agents in a coexisting phase increase their rewiring probability to avoid neighboring D agents' exploitation through the Game Exit Option. This evolutionary process leads most agents to adopt pairwise updating even though Imitation Max update adopted by all agents brings a higher payoff.
SYNCHRONIZATION BEHAVIOR IN DISCRETE SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHENG JIAN-FENG , GAO ZI-YOU , YANG LING-XIAO , FU BAI-BAI
Published: April 2011

This work explores the synchronization behavior in discrete systems with both discrete time and discrete state. In order to describe the self-driven function of the node’s state, a state transfer matrix is introduced. Three typical network structures (random network, small-world network and scale-free network) are numerically studied in order to investigate the impact of network structure. Simulation results show that, according to the phase synchronization index, the coupling strength is divided into four regions: the increasing region, the maximum region, the decreasing region and the oscillation region. Moreover, the size of the oscillation region seems to be changeless, independent of the network structure and a parameter describing the number of total node’s states.
SELF-ORGANIZED CRITICALITY IN AN EARTHQUAKE MODEL BASED ON ASSORTATIVE SCALE-FREE NETWORKS
Authors: LIN MIN , WANG GANG
Published: April 2011

A modified Olami–Feder–Christensen (OFC) earthquake model on scale-free networks with assortative mixing is introduced. In this model, the distributions of avalanche sizes and areas display power-law behaviors. It is found that the period distribution of avalanches displays a scale-invariant law with the increment of range parameter d. More importantly, different assortative topologies lead to different dynamical behaviors, such as the distribution of avalanche size, the stress evolution process, and period distribution.
POWER LAW MAPPING IN HUMAN AREA PERCEPTION
Authors: LONGJAS ANTHONY , LEGARA ERIKA FILLE , MONTEROLA CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2011

We investigate how humans visually perceive and approximate area or space allocation through visual area experiments. The participants are asked to draw a circle concentric to the reference circle on the monitor screen using a computer mouse with area measurements relative to the area of the reference circle. The activity is repeated for triangle, square and hexagon. The area estimated corresponds to the area estimates of a participant (perceived) for a corresponding requested area to be drawn (stimulus). The area estimated fits very well (goodness of fit R2 > 0.97) to a power law given by r2α where r is the radius of the circle or the distance of the edge for triangle, square and hexagon. The power law fit demonstrates that for all shapes sampled, participants underestimated area for stimulus that are less than ~100% of the reference area and overestimated area for stimulus greater than ~100% of the reference area. The value of α is smallest for the circle (α∘ ≈ 1.33) and largest for triangle (α△ ≈ 1.56) indicating that in the presence of a reference area with the same shape, circle is perceived to be smallest among the figures considered when drawn bigger than the reference area, but largest when drawn smaller than the reference area. We also conducted experiments on length estimation and consistent with the results of Dehaene et al., Science 2008, we recover a linear relationship between the perceived length and the stimulus. We show that contrary to number mapping into space and/or length perception, human's perception of area is not corrected by the introduction of cultural interventions such as formal education.
GLOBAL CLASSIFICATION OF A CLASS OF CUBIC VECTOR FIELDS WHOSE CANONICAL REGIONS ARE PERIOD ANNULI
Authors: CAUBERGH M. , LLIBRE J. , TORREGROSA J.
Published: April 2011

We study cubic vector fields with inverse radial symmetry, i.e. of the form ẋ = δx - y + ax2+ bxy + cy2+ σ(dx - y)(x2+ y2), ẏ = x + δy + ex2+ fxy + gy2+ σ(x + dy) (x2+ y2), having a center at the origin and at infinity; we shortly call them cubic irs-systems. These systems are known to be Hamiltonian or reversible. Here we provide an improvement of the algorithm that characterizes these systems and we give a new normal form.

Our main result is the systematic classification of the global phase portraits of the cubic Hamiltonian irs-systems respecting time (i.e. σ = 1) up to topological and diffeomorphic equivalence. In particular, there are 22 (resp. 14) topologically different global phase portraits for the Hamiltonian (resp. reversible Hamiltonian) irs-systems on the Poincaré disc.

Finally we illustrate how to generalize our results to polynomial irs-systems of arbitrary degree. In particular, we study the bifurcation diagram of a 1-parameter subfamily of quintic Hamiltonian irs-systems. Moreover, we indicate how to construct a concrete reversible irs-system with a given configuration of singularities respecting their topological type and separatrix connections.
THE ACTIVE UNIVERSE
Authors: GLÜCK ALEXANDER , HÜFFEL HELMUTH , ILIJIĆ SAŠA , KELNHOFER GERALD
Published: April 2011

Active motion is a concept in complex systems theory and was successfully applied to various problems in nonlinear dynamics. Explicit studies for gravitational potentials were missing so far. We interpret the Friedmann equations with cosmological constant as a dynamical system, which can be made "active" in a straightforward way. These active Friedmann equations lead to a cyclic universe, which is shown numerically.
LOCALIZATION OF COMPACT INVARIANT SETS OF DISCRETE-TIME NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
Authors: KANATNIKOV ANATOLY N. , KRISHCHENKO ALEXANDER P.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we examine the localization problem of compact invariant sets of discrete-time nonlinear systems. The localization procedure consists in applying the iterative algorithm based on the extremum condition. An analysis of a location of compact invariant sets of the Henon system is realized for all values of its parameters.
QUARK AND SIGMA MASS DEPENDENCE OF NUCLEON PROPERTIES FROM LINEAR SIGMA MODEL
Authors: ALI T. S. T.
Published: April 2011

The sensitivity of static nucleon properties (magnetic moment, axial-vector coupling constant gA, pion–nucleon coupling constant gπNN and sigma commutator term σπN) to the quark and sigma masses have been investigated in the mean-field approximation. We have solved the field equations in the mean-field approximation with different sets of model parameters. Good results have been obtained in comparison with the other models and experimental data.
THE PION MODEL
Authors: SIDHARTH B. G.
Published: April 2011

We revisit the problem of a mechanism that generates the mass spectrum of elementary particles. This has vexed physicists for several decades now. In this connection, we deduce a formula that gives the masses of all known elementary particles, even though other quantum numbers are suppressed. These considerations become important in view of the Large Hadron Collider which is expected to attain 14 TeV by 2013.
The effects of photodynamic therapy with Photodithazine on HPV 16 E6/E7 associated cervical cancer model
Authors: Wen Lan Ying , Bae Su-Mi , Do Jin Hwan , Park Kye-Shin , Ahn Woong Shick
Published: April 2011

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for cancer that has been recently accepted in the clinic. In this study, we examined a biological significance of PDT with a chlorin-based photosensitizer, Photodithazine, on cervical cancer model. When human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)- transformed mouse TC-1 cells were exposed to varied doses of Photodithazine with light irradiation (6.25 J/cm2), the significant growth inhibition of TC-1 cells was observed at 0.75 μg/mL of Photodithazine. The damaged cells by Photodithazine/PDT were categorized to be early and late apoptosis, as determined by annexin V staining. Photodithazine was primarily localized at lysosome apparatus within TC-1 cells while it was rapidly accumulated and sustained for initial 3 h in tumor tissue of TC-1 tumor bearing mice after IV injection. The tumor growth inhibition by Photodithazine/PDT with light irradiation (300 J/cm2) was examined after injection of various concentration of Photodithazine in tumor mice system. Our results show that Photodithazine/PDT might have significant advantages in the selective killing of tumor lesions in HPV 16 E6/E7 associated cervical cancer model, both in vitro and in vivo.
Elevated insulin sensitivity and β-cell function during pregnancy in mothers of growth-restricted newborns
Authors: Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Pacini Giovanni , Parretti Elena , Ragazzi Eugenio , Mello Giorgio , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: April 2011

The “Barker hypothesis” suggests that low birth weight might predict future risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Identification of the causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is critical for preventive and management strategies. Some studies indicate that maternal carbohydrate metabolism might be involved in FGR development. We aimed to evaluate, in a large number of normotensive pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance, the effect of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function on unexplained fetal growth. A total of 1,814 Caucasian pregnant women with normal prepregnancy body mass index were tested with a 75-g, 2-h glucose load (24–28 gestation wk). Insulin sensitivity was evaluated with fasting (QUICKI) and dynamic index (OGIS) and β-cell function with a modified insulinogenic index as ΔAUCinsulin/ΔAUCglucose and disposition index. FGR was a birth weight below the 5th percentile for gestational age. FGR developed in 99 (5.5%) pregnant women that showed significantly higher QUICKI, OGIS, insulinogenic, and disposition index with respect to women with normal-weight babies ( P < 0.0001). By using multiple regression analysis in the FRG group, QUICKI and OGIS appeared as significant independent variables ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0366, respectively). We conclude that elevated insulin sensitivity seems to be one of the factors involved in determining unexplained fetal growth retardation; its assessment, even only in the fasting state, could be useful to guide any possible monitoring and therapeutic strategies to reduce fetal complications.
Role of RNA-Binding Proteins in MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway
Authors: Sugiura Reiko , Satoh Ryosuke , Ishiwata Shunji , Umeda Nanae , Kita Ayako
Published: April 2011

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are found in all eukaryotes, are signal transducing enzymes playing a central role in diverse biological processes, such as cell proliferation, sexual differentiation, and apoptosis. The MAPK signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of gene expression through the phosphorylation of transcription factors. Recent studies have identified several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) as regulators of MAPK signaling because these RBPs bind to the mRNAs encoding the components of the MAPK pathway and regulate the stability of their transcripts. Moreover, RBPs also serve as targets of MAPKs because MAPK phosphorylate and regulate the ability of RBPs to bind and stabilize target mRNAs, thus controlling various cellular functions. In this review, we present evidence for the significance of the MAPK signaling in the regulation of RBPs and their target mRNAs, which provides additional information about the regulatory mechanism underlying gene expression. We further present evidence for the clinical importance of the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA stability and its implications for drug discovery.
Gamma Radiolytic Formation of Alloyed Ag‐Pt Nanocolloids
Authors: Temgire M. K. , Bellare Jayesh , Joshi S. S.
Published: April 2011

Colloidal dispersions of Ag‐Pt composite nanoparticles were prepared by gamma radiolysis technique in the presence of nonionic surfactant Brij′97. Simultaneous as well as sequential reduction methods were employed in order to study the structural formation of Ag‐Pt bimetallic clusters. Similar shape and trend was observed in optical spectra for both methods. Radiolysis yielded nearly spherical Ag‐Pt bimetallic clusters by use of AgNO3 instead of AgClO4. The disappearance of the silver resonance and the simultaneous growth of the 260 nm resonance are independent of cluster structure and degree of alloying. To understand formation of Ag‐Pt aggregate, the optical studies were also done as a function of amount of dose absorbed, concentration of surfactant, that is, Brij′97. The shape of the absorption spectrum did not change with increase in gamma radiation dose. TEM analysis exhibited fine dispersions of Ag‐Pt clusters surrounded by a mantle when capped with Brij′97. The particle size obtained was in the range of 5–9 nm. On the basis of optical, XRD, and TEM analysis, alloy formation is discussed.
Changes in the 24 h Rhythmicity of Liver PPARs and Peroxisomal Markers When Feeding Is Restricted to Two Daytime Hours
Authors: Rivera-Zavala Julieta B. , Báez-Ruiz Adrián , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio
Published: April 2011

Restricted feeding (RF) during daytime is associated with anticipatory activity before feeding, marked hyperphagia after mealtime, adjustments in hepatic metabolism, and the expression of a food-entrained oscillator (FEO). 24 h rhythmicity of liver PPARα, β, and γ, peroxisomal markers (PMP70, AOX, and catalase), and free fatty acids (FFAs) during RF was evaluated. The effect of fasting-refeeding was also studied. Results showed (1) higher levels of FFA before feeding, (2) a shift of PPARα and PPARγ before and of PPARβ peaks after feeding, (3) an increase in peroxisomal markers, (4) a shift of PMP70 and AOX peaks before feeding, and of maximal catalase activity in the dark period, (5) changes in the fasting-refeeding response, and (6) high correlations (>0.9) of serum corticosterone with PPARα and PPARγ and of PMP70 with PPARβ. In conclusion, 24 h rhythmicity of FFA, liver PPARs, and peroxisomal markers are biochemical adaptations associated with daytime RF and FEO expression.
SoC: A Real Platform for IP Reuse, IP Infringement, and IP Protection
Authors: Saha Debasri , Sur-Kolay Susmita
Published: April 2011

Increased design complexity, shrinking design cycle, and
low cost—this three-dimensional demand mandates advent
of system-on-chip (SoC) methodology in semiconductor industry.
The key concept of SoC is reuse of the intellectual
property (IP) cores. Reuse of IPs on SoC increases the risk
of misappropriation of IPs due to introduction of several
new attacks and involvement of various parties as adversaries.
Existing literature has huge number of proposals
for IP protection (IPP) techniques to be incorporated in the
IP design flow as well as in the SoC design methodology.
However, these are quite scattered, limited in possibilities in
multithreat environment, and sometimes mutually conflicting.
Existing works need critical survey, proper categorization,
and summarization to focus on the inherent tradeoff,
existing security holes, and new research directions. This
paper discusses the IP-based SoC design flow to highlight
the exact locations and the nature of infringements in the
flow, identifies the adversaries, categorizes these infringements,
and applies strategic analysis on the effectiveness of
the existing IPP techniques for these categories of infringements.
It also clearly highlights recent challenges and new
opportunities in this emerging field of research.
Molecular SPECT Imaging: An Overview
Authors: Khalil Magdy M. , Tremoleda Jordi L. , Bayomy Tamer B. , Gsell Willy
Published: April 2011

Molecular imaging has witnessed a tremendous change over the last decade. Growing interest and emphasis are placed on this specialized technology represented by developing new scanners, pharmaceutical drugs, diagnostic agents, new therapeutic regimens, and ultimately, significant improvement of patient health care. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have their signature on paving the way to molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. The former will be the topic of the current paper where the authors address the current position of the molecular SPECT imaging among other imaging techniques, describing strengths and weaknesses, differences between SPECT and PET, and focusing on different SPECT designs and detection systems. Radiopharmaceutical compounds of clinical as well-preclinical interest have also been reviewed. Moreover, the last section covers several application, of SPECT imaging in many areas of disease detection and diagnosis.
Convection-Enhanced Delivery of Topotecan into a PDGF-Driven Model of Glioblastoma Prolongs Survival and Ablates Both Tumor-Initiating Cells and Recruited Glial Progenitors
Authors: Lopez Kim A. , Tannenbaum Aaron M. , Assanah Marcela C. , Linskey Katy , Yun Jonathan , Kangarlu Alayar , Gil Orlando D. , Canoll Peter , Bruce Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2011

The contribution of microenvironment to tumor growth has important implications for optimizing chemotherapeutic response and understanding the biology of recurrent tumors. In this study, we tested the effects of locally administered topotecan on a rat model of glioblastoma that is induced by intracerebral injection of PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-IRES (internal ribosome entry site)-GFP (green fluorescent protein)–expressing retrovirus, treated the tumors by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of topotecan (136 μmol/L) for 1, 4, or 7 days, and then characterized the effects on both the retrovirus-transformed tumor cells (GFP+ cells) as well as the uninfected glial progenitor cells (GFP− cells) that are recruited to the tumor. Topotecan treatment reduced GFP+ cells about 10-fold and recruited progenitors by about 80-fold while providing a significant survival advantage that improved with greater treatment duration. Regions of glial progenitor ablation occurred corresponding to the anatomic distribution of topotecan as predicted by MRI of a surrogate tracer. Histopathologic changes in recurrent tumors point to a decrease in recruitment, most likely due to the chemotherapeutic ablation of the recruitable progenitor pool. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3963–71. ©2011 AACR.