bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella enterica Induces Joint Inflammation and Expression of Interleukin-17 in Draining Lymph Nodes Early after Onset of Enterocolitis in Mice
Authors: Noto Llana Mariángeles , Sarnacki Sebastián Hernán , Vázquez María Victoria , Gartner Alejandra Sonia , Giacomodonato Mónica Nancy , Cerquetti María Cristina
Published: April 2012

In developing countries, one-third of reactive arthritis (ReA) cases are associated withSalmonellaenterocolitis; nevertheless, there is no animal model for studying this pathology. Here we induced a self-limitingSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis enterocolitis in mice to analyze the onset of ReA. BALB/c mice received orally 20 μg of streptomycin 24 h before intragastric inoculation of a low dose (3 × 103to 4 × 103CFU) ofS. Enteritidis. In response toSalmonellainfection, a 30-fold increase in the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17), measured by quantitative PCR, was observed in mesenteric lymph nodes 5 days postinfection. At this time synovitis was already evident, and concomitantly, a significant increase in joint tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The early development of joint lesions was accompanied by an increased expression of IL-17 in inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes. Infection with 107CFU of an isogenic ΔinvGmutant bearing a defective type III secretion system ofSalmonellaencoded in the pathogenicity island 1 apparatus (TTSS-1) induced enterocolitis histologically similar to that triggered by the wild-type strain. Interestingly, despite the higher infective dose used, the mutant did not trigger intestinal IL-17. Moreover, no synovitis was observed in mice suffering ΔinvGenterocolitis. Neutralization of IL-17 in mice infected withS. Enteritidis prevented both synovitis and the increment of TNF-α in the joints, suggesting that IL-17 participates in the generation ofSalmonella-induced ReA through the induction of TNF-α in the joints.
Complete Genomic Sequence of an Equine Herpesvirus Type 8 Wh Strain Isolated from China
Authors: Liu Cuiyun , Guo Wei , Lu Gang , Xiang Wenhua , Wang Xiaojun
Published: April 2012

A new strain of equine herpesvirus type 8 (EHV-8), Wh, has been isolated from horses in China, and its complete genome has been sequenced and analyzed. The result indicates that the new strain has the same constitution and arrangement of open read frames as EHV-1 and EHV-9. This work is the first announced complete genome sequence of EHV-8.
THEORETICAL STUDIES ON BOND PROPERTIES AND HARDNESS OF ABC2(A = Zn, Cd, Cu, Ag; B = Si, Ge, Sn; C = P, As, S, Se, Te) SEMICONDUCTOR WITH CHALCOPYRITES STRUCTURE
Authors: ZHAO GUANGPING , YU BINGJIE
Published: April 2012

The chemical bond parameters of II–IV–V2 and I–III–VI2 compounds have calculated using the chemical bond theory of complex crystals. Their hardnesses have been predicted by the chemical bond definition of hardness. The calculated results are in agreement with their experimental values. The calculation of hardness indicates that all of compounds possess good mechanical properties.
PONZI FINANCE AND THE HEDGE FUND INDUSTRY
Authors: SEMMLER WILLI , CHAPPE RAPHAELE
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a stochastic dynamic model that can be used to describe situations in asset management where hedge funds may inadvertently find themselves running a Ponzi financing scheme. Greater transparency is necessary to reduce such opportunities, such as audited financials, and disclosure of valuation methodologies. In that respect, new regulatory frameworks enacted by the Obama administration and the European Union are welcome developments.
THE ROLE OF HAPLOTYPE COMPLEMENTATION AND PURIFYING SELECTION IN THE GENOME EVOLUTION
Authors: CEBRAT STANISŁAW , WAGA WOJCIECH , STAUFFER DIETRICH
Published: April 2012

We discuss two different ways of evolution for chromosomes and genomes. Purifying selection dominates in large panmictic populations, where the Mendelian law of independent gene assortment is valid. If instead the populations are small, recombination processes are not effective enough to ensure an independent assortment of linked genes, and larger clusters of genes could be inherited as genetic units. There are whole clusters of genes which tend to complement in such conditions instead of single pairs of alleles like in the case of purifying selection. Computer simulations have shown that switching between complementation and purification strategies has the characteristic of a phase transition. This is also responsible for specific distribution of recombination events observed along eukaryotic chromosomes (a higher recombination rate is observed in subtelomeric regions than in central parts of chromosomes) and for sympatric speciation.
THE ECONOMY AS A COMPLEX SYSTEM: THE BALANCE SHEET DIMENSION
Authors: BEZEMER DIRK J
Published: April 2012

Given the economy's complex behavior and sudden transitions as evidenced in the 2007–2008 crisis, agent-based models are widely considered a promising alternative to current macroeconomic research dominated by DSGE models. Their failure is commonly interpreted as a failure to incorporate heterogeneous interacting agents. This paper explains that complex behavior and sudden transitions also arise from the economy's financial structure as reflected in its balance sheets, not just from heterogeneous interacting agents. It introduces "flow-of-funds" or "accounting" models, which were pre eminent in successful anticipations of the recent crisis. In illustration, a simple balance sheet model of the economy is developed to demonstrate that non-linear behavior and sudden transition may arise from the economy's balance sheet structure, even without any micro-foundations. The paper concludes by discussing one recent example of combining flow-of-funds and agent-based models. This appears a promising avenue for future research.
COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF ANTIMALARIAL 10-SUBSTITUTED DEOXOARTEMISININS
Authors: CRISTINO MARIA DA GLÓRIA G. , DE MENESES CARLA CAROLINA F. , SOEIRO MALÚCIA MARQUES , FERREIRA JOÃO ELIAS V. , DE FIGUEIREDO ANTONIO FLORÊNCIO , BARBOSA JARDEL PINTO , DE ALMEIDA RUTH C. O. , PINHEIRO JOSÉ C. , PINHEIRO ANDRÉIA DE LOURDES R.
Published: April 2012

Nineteen 10-substitued deoxoartemisinin derivatives and artemisinin with activity against D-6 strains of malarial falciparum designated as Sierra Leone are studied. We use molecular electrostatic potential maps in an attempt to identify key structural features of the artemisinins that are necessary for their activities and molecular docking to investigate the interaction with the molecular receptor (heme). Chemometric modeling: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) and Stepwise Discriminant Analysis (SDA) are employed to reduce dimensionality and investigate which subset of descriptors are responsible for the classification between more active (MA) and less active (LA) artemisinins. The PCA, HCA, KNN, SIMCA and SDA studies showed that the descriptors LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) energy, DFeO1(Distance between the O1atom from ligand and iron atom from heme), X1A (Average Connectivity Index Chi-1) and Mor15u (Molecular Representation of Structure Based on Electron Diffraction) code of signal 15, unweighted, are responsible for separating the artemisinins according to their degree of antimalarial activity. The prediction study was done with a new set of eight artemisinins by using the chemometric methods and five of them were predicted as active against D-6 strains of falciparum malaria. In order to verify if the key structural features that are necessary for their antimalarial activities were investigated for the interaction with the heme, we also carried out calculations of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and molecular docking. MEP maps and molecular docking were analyzed for more active compounds of the prediction set.
INTERMOLECULAR CHARGE TRANSFER ENHANCED RESONANCE RAMAN SCATTERING OF CHARGE TRANSFER COMPLEX
Authors: LI YUANZUO , ZHAO XIUMING , LI YONGQING , SONG PENG , DING YONG , JI LILI , LU XIAOGUANG , CHEN MAODU
Published: April 2012

Intermolecular charge transfer (ICT) enhanced resonance Raman scattering of charge transfer complex is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The evidence for intermolecular charge transfer on resonance electronic transition is visualized with charge difference density. The resonant Raman spectra reveal that the intensity of Raman peaks are strongly enhanced on the order of 104, by comparing with the normal Raman scattering spectrum. ICT complexes can be used in fluorescence-, photoluminescence-, and electrochemistry-based techniques for sensing target molecules. These strong charge-transfer Raman peaks would enable discrimination of important target molecules from interferants that is normal Raman scattering for the isolated target molecules.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE MECHANISM OF ACTIVATION OF AMMONIA BY A p-DIMETHYLAMINOPYRIDINE COORDINATED SI=O DOUBLE BOND
Authors: HE YUN-QING , CHEN ZE-QIN , XUE YING
Published: April 2012

Recently, Xiong et al. reported an activation of ammonia by p-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) coordinated silanone (DMAP→Si(L)=O, DS) affording a unique pair of sila-hemiaminal (SH) and silanoic amide (SA) tautomers (Xiong Y, Yao S, Müller R, Kaupp M, Driess M, J Am Chem Soc132:6912, 2010). In this paper, the mechanisms of the activation of ammonia affording SH and SA, the successive generation of hydrogen bonded complex pair SH–SA and the tautomerization between SH and SA have been intensively investigated computationally for the first time at MP2/6-311+G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level in toluene. The concerted Paths C and D with ammonia assistance are determined by our calculations to be the dominant pathways corresponding to forming SH and SA from DS, respectively. The free energy barrier of Path C affording SH from DS is 14.45 kcal/mol, and that of Path D affording SA is 21.46 kcal/mol. So it is determined theoretically that Path C is dynamically dominant over Path D. And the pair SH–SA is formed then spontaneously by intermolecular hydrogen bond (O–H ⋯ O′) without any barrier. While the tautomerization between SH and SA is nonsignficant resulting from the corresponding relative high barriers (23.79 kcal/mol for process from SH to SA and 26.52 kcal/mol for process from SA to SH). Our results are in good agreement with and good interpretation of the experimental results by Xiong et al.
THE PHOTON-LIKE FLYING QUBIT IN THE COUPLED CAVITY ARRAY
Authors: HUO MING-XIA , LI YING , SONG ZHI , SUN CHANG-PU
Published: April 2012

We propose the simulation for an effective scheme to realize a spin network with tunable long-range couplings in the coupled cavity array with external multi-driving lasers. Via this scheme, the linear photon-like dispersion relation is achievable, which could be employed to perform a perfect quantum state transfer. Numerical results show that when applying two lasers in each cavity, the fidelity is higher than the highest fidelity of a classical transfer even for the transfer distance l increases up to 100 sites. In the simulation, as the number of lasers increases, the fidelity will be evidently enhanced for a wide range of l.
ON THE VON NEUMANN AND SHANNON ENTROPIES FOR QUANTUM WALKS ON Z2
Authors: AMPADU CLEMENT
Published: April 2012

We give asymptotic behaviors of the von Neumann entropy and the Shannon entropy of discrete-time time quantum walks on Z2.
THE SPACETIME VIEW OF THE INFORMATION PARADOX
Authors: NIKOLIĆ HRVOJE
Published: April 2012

In semiclassical gravity, the final state of black-hole evaporation cannot be described by a pure state. Nevertheless, we point out that the system can be described by a generalized pure state, which is not defined on a three-dimensional hypersurface but on the four-dimensional spacetime describing the whole Universe at all times. Unlike the conventional quantum state, such a generalized state treats time on an equal footing with space, which makes it well suited for systems that are both quantum and relativistic. In particular, such a generalized state contains a novel type of information encoded in the correlations between future and past, which avoids the black-hole information paradox.
QUANTUM WALKS ON NECKLACES AND MIXING
Authors: KIEFEROVÁ MÁRIA , NAGAJ DANIEL
Published: April 2012

We analyze continuous-time quantum walks on necklace graphs — cyclical graphs consisting of many copies of a smaller graph (pearl). Using a Bloch-type ansatz for the eigenfunctions, we block-diagonalize the Hamiltonian, reducing the effective size of the problem to the size of a single pearl. We then present a general approach for showing that the mixing time scales (with growing size of the necklace) similarly to that of a simple walk on a cycle. Finally, we present results for mixing on several necklace graphs.
AN ARTIFICIAL IMMUNE SYSTEM FOR CLASSIFYING AERODYNAMIC INSTABILITIES OF CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSORS
Authors: SCHULZE RICO , DIETEL FRANZ , JÄKEL JENS , RICHTER HENDRIK
Published: April 2012

Anomaly detection prevents rotating machinery from unforeseeable faults. Using such detection methods, we consider the problem of identifying aerodynamic instabilities in centrifugal compressors by analyzing just the compressor's sound signal. Therefore, an artificial immune system (AIS)-based classification is applied. The deployed v-detectors work according to the negative selection principle and were optimized in position and shape by using a novel procedure of detector generation. This allows reducing the number of detectors while maintaining classification success. Ideas such as multiple layer AIS and fuzzy detector edges enhance the tuning of the classification response. Numerical results demonstrate the design, show the validity for the presented application and give an example for adopting soft computing methods for condition monitoring.
A FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF CLONES IN A CLASS OF ARTIFICIAL IMMUNE SYSTEMS
Authors: CARRARO LUIZ ANTONIO , DE CASTRO LEANDRO NUNES , DE RE ANGELITA MARIA , DE FRANÇA FABRĹCIO OLIVETTI
Published: April 2012

Artificial immune systems are composed of techniques inspired by immunology. The clonal selection principle ensures the organism adaptation to fight invading antigens by an immune response activated by the binding of antigens and antibodies. Since the immune response must correctly allocate the available resources in order to attack an antigen with its best available antibody while trying to learning an even better one, the reproduction rate of each immune cell must be carefully determined. This paper presents a novel fuzzy inference technique to calculate the suitable number of clones for immune inspired algorithms that uses the clonal selection process as the evolutionary process. More specifically, this technique is applied to the CLONALG algorithm for solving pattern recognition tasks and to the copt-aiNet algorithm for solving combinatorial optimization tasks, particularly the Traveling Salesman Problem. The obtained results show that the fuzzy approach makes it possible to automatically determine the number of clones in CLONALG and copt-aiNet, thus eliminating this key user-defined parameter.
TWO-SCALE MICROSTRUCTURE DYNAMICS
Authors: BEREZOVSKI ARKADI , BEREZOVSKI MIHHAIL , ENGELBRECHT JÜRI
Published: April 2012

Wave propagation in materials with embedded two different microstructures is considered. Each microstructure is characterized by its own length scale. The dual internal variables approach is adopted yielding in a Mindlin-type model including both microstructures. Equations of motion for microstructures are coupled with the balance of linear momentum for the macromotion, but not coupled with each other. Corresponding dispersion curves are provided and scale separation is pointed out.
A DISTRIBUTIONAL STRUCTURED SEMANTIC SPACE FOR QUERYING RDF GRAPH DATA
Authors: FREITAS ANDRÉ , CURRY EDWARD , OLIVEIRA JOÃO GABRIEL , O'RIAIN SEÁN
Published: April 2012

The vision of creating a Linked Data Web brings together the challenge of allowing queries across highly heterogeneous and distributed datasets. In order to query Linked Data on the Web today, end users need to be aware of which datasets potentially contain the data and also which data model describes these datasets. The process of allowing users to expressively query relationships in RDF while abstracting them from the underlying data model represents a fundamental problem for Web-scale Linked Data consumption. This article introduces a distributional structured semantic space which enables data model independent natural language queries over RDF data. The center of the approach relies on the use of a distributional semantic model to address the level of semantic interpretation demanded to build the data model independent approach. The article analyzes the geometric aspects of the proposed space, providing its description as a distributional structured vector space, which is built upon the Generalized Vector Space Model (GVSM). The final semantic space proved to be flexible and precise under real-world query conditions achieving mean reciprocal rank = 0.516, avg. precision = 0.482 and avg. recall = 0.491.
Integrity quantification model for object oriented design
Authors: Khan Suhel Ahmad , Khan Raees Ahmad
Published: April 2012

Various surveys indicate that over the past several years software security has risen in priority for many software organizations. Security quantification in early stage of software development life cycle assists security experts to address security related problems well in advance. Security assessment using model is proved to be one of the established methods. Keeping in view of the same, an Integrity Quantification Model (IQM) is proposed in this paper. An effort is made by authors to correlate design integrity with complexity factors. Object oriented design metrics are used to quantify complexity factors. The developed model has been validated with realistic (small set of) data to prove the significance.
Are we there yet?
Authors: Koulouri Theodora , Lauria Stanislao , Macredie Robert D. , Chen Sherry
Published: April 2012

Many studies have identified gender differences in communication related to spatial navigation in real and virtual worlds. Most of this research has focused on single-party communication (monologs), such as the way in which individuals either give or follow route instructions. However, very little work has been reported on spatial navigation
dialogs
and whether there are gender differences in the way that they are conducted. This article will address the lack of research evidence by exploring the dialogs between partners of the same and of different gender in a simulated Human-Robot Interaction study. In the experiments discussed in this article, pairs of participants communicated remotely; in each pair, one participant (the instructor) was under the impression that s/he was giving route instructions to a robot (the follower), avoiding any perception of gendered communication. To ensure the naturalness of the interaction, the followers were given no guidelines on what to say, however, each had to control a robot based on the user's instructions. While many monologe-based studies suggest male superiority in a multitude of spatial activities and domains, this study of dialogs highlights a more complex pattern of results. As anticipated, gender influences task performance and communication. However, the findings suggest that it is the interaction—the combination of gender and role (i.e., instructor or follower)—that has the most significant impact. In particular, pairs of female users/instructors and male “robots”/followers are associated with the fastest and most accurate completion of the navigation tasks. Moreover, dialoge-based analysis illustrates how pairs of male users/instructors and female “robots”/followers achieved successful communication through “alignment” of spatial descriptions. In particular, males seem to adapt the content of their instructions when interacting with female “robots”/followers and employ more landmark references compared to female users/instructors or when addressing males (in male-male pairings). This study describes the differences in how males and females interact with the system, and proposes that any female “disadvantage” in spatial communication can disappear through interactive mechanisms. Such insights are important for the design of navigation systems that are equally effective for users of either gender.
The Space Between: An Interview with Craig Wiggins
Authors: Campos Jeannette
Published: April 2012

Craig Wiggins prioritizes paper and pencil over authoring tools and talks to eLearn Magazine about storyboarding as the essential for all designers.
Skeletal muscle respiratory capacity is enhanced in rats consuming an obesogenic Western diet
Authors: Stephenson Erin J. , Camera Donny M. , Jenkins Trisha A. , Kosari Sepideh , Lee Jong Sam , Hawley John A. , Stepto Nigel K.
Published: April 2012

Obesity-induced lipid oversupply promotes skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. Previous investigations have utilized extreme high-fat diets (HFD) to induce such mitochondrial perturbations despite their disparity from human obesogenic diets. Here, we evaluate the effects of Western diet (WD)-induced obesity on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Long-Evans rats were given ad libitum access to either a WD [40% energy (E) from fat, 17% protein, and 43% carbohydrate (30% sucrose); n = 12] or a control diet (CON; 16% of E from fat, 21% protein, and 63% carbohydrate; n = 12) for 12 wk. Rats fed the WD consumed 23% more E than CON ( P = 0.0001), which was associated with greater increases in body mass (23%, P = 0.0002) and adiposity (17%, P = 0.03). There were no differences in fasting blood glucose concentration or glucose tolerance between diets, although fasting insulin was increased by 40% ( P = 0.007). Fasting serum triglycerides were also elevated in WD (86%, P = 0.001). The maximal capacity of the electron transfer system was greater following WD (37%, P = 0.02), as were the maximal activities of several mitochondrial enzymes (citrate synthase, β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase). Protein expression of citrate synthase, UCP3, and individual respiratory complexes was greater after WD ( P < 0.05) despite no differences in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α, PPARδ, or PPARγ coactivator-1 mRNA or protein abundance. We conclude that the respiratory capacity of skeletal muscle is enhanced in response to the excess energy supplied by a WD. This is likely due to an increase in mitochondrial density, which at least in the short term, and in the absence of increased energy demand, may protect the tissue from lipid-induced impairments in glycemic control.
Association between the C242T polymorphism in the p22phox gene with arterial stiffness in the Brazilian population
Authors: de Oliveira Alvim Rafael , Santos Paulo Caleb Junior Lima , Dias Rodrigo Gonçalves , Rodrigues Mariliza Velho , de Sa Cunha Roberto , Mill José Geraldo , Junior Wilson Nadruz , Krieger José Eduardo , Pereira Alexandre Costa
Published: April 2012

NADPH oxidase p22phox subunit is responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species in the vascular tissue. The C242T polymorphism in the p22phox gene has been associated with diverse coronary artery disease phenotypes, but the findings about the protective or harmful effects of the T allele are still controversial. Our main aim was to assess the effect of p22phox C242T genotypes on arterial stiffness, a predictor of late morbidity and mortality, in individuals from the general population. We randomly selected 1,178 individuals from the general population of Vitoria City, Brazil. Genotypes for the C242T polymorphism were detected by PCR-RFLP, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were measured with a noninvasive automatic device Complior. p22phox and TNF-α gene expression were quantified by real-time PCR in human arterial mammary smooth muscle cells. In both the entire and nonhypertensive groups: individuals carrying the TT genotype had higher PWV values and higher risk for increased arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.92 and OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.07–2.95, respectively] compared with individuals carrying CC+CT genotypes, even after adjustment for covariates. No difference in the p22phox gene expression according C242T genotypes was observed. However, TNF-α gene expression was higher in cells from individual carrying the T allele, suggesting that this genetic marker is associated with functional phenotypes at the gene expression level. In conclusion, we suggest that p22phox C242T polymorphism is associated with arterial stiffness evaluated by PWV in the general population. This genetic association shed light on the understanding of the genetic modulation on vascular dysfunction mediated by NADPH oxidase.
Semiconductor Disk Lasers: Recent Advances in Generation of Yellow-Orange and Mid-IR Radiation
Authors: Guina Mircea , Härkönen Antti , Korpijärvi Ville-Markus , Leinonen Tomi , Suomalainen Soile
Published: April 2012

We review the recent advances in the development of semiconductor disk lasers (SDLs) producing yellow-orange and mid-IR radiation. In particular, we focus on presenting the fabrication challenges and characteristics of high-power GaInNAs- and GaSb-based gain mirrors. These two material systems have recently sparked a new wave of interest in developing SDLs for high-impact applications in medicine, spectroscopy, or astronomy. The dilute nitride (GaInNAs) gain mirrors enable emission of more than 11 W of output power at a wavelength range of 1180–1200 nm and subsequent intracavity frequency doubling to generate yellow-orange radiation with power exceeding 7 W. The GaSb gain mirrors have been used to leverage the advantages offered by SDLs to the 2–3 μm wavelength range. Most recently, GaSb-based SDLs incorporating semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors were used to generate optical pulses as short as 384 fs at 2 μm, the shortest pulses obtained from a semiconductor laser at this wavelength range.
The Radiological Manifestations of the Aberrant Air Surrounding the Pleura: In the Embryological View
Authors: Lee Shih-Yi , Chen Chih-Hao , Sheu Chin-Yin , Tai Julie Hua Ying , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Chen Chao-Hsien
Published: April 2012

The radiological manifestations of the aberrant air surrounding the pleura are varied because of the air outlining the organs in and out of the visceral space. The continuity of the visceral space from the neck, mediastinum to the retroperitoneum is originated from embryological development, which is compatible with the findings through laboratory experiments, cadaveric anatomy, and thoracic computer tomography image. We reviewed the embryo development to understand the anatomy of body cavity, which can determine the radiological findings of pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.
Adaptive Regularized Level Set Method for Weak Boundary Object Segmentation
Authors: Li Meng , He Chuanjiang , Zhan Yi
Published: April 2012

An adaptive regularized level set method for image segmentation is proposed. A weighted p(x)‐Dirichlet integral is presented as a geometric regularization on zero level curve, which is used to diminish the influence of image noise on level set evolution while ensuring the active contours not to pass through weak object boundaries. The idea behind the new energy integral is that the amount of regularization on the zero level curve can be adjusted automatically by the variable exponent p(x) to fit the image data. This energy is then incorporated into a level set formulation with an external energy term that drives the motion of the zero level set toward the desired objects boundaries, and a level set function regularization term that is necessary for maintaining stable level set evolution. The proposed model has been applied to a wide range of both real and synthetic images with promising results.
Effect of Vitronectin Bound to Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 on Porcine Enamel Organ-Derived Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shinohara Yoshinori , Tsuchiya Shuhei , Hatae Kazuo , Honda Masaki J.
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper was to determine whether the interaction between IGF, IGFBP, and VN modulates the functions of porcine EOE cells. Enamel organs from 6-month-old porcine third molars were dissociated into single epithelial cells and subcultured on culture dishes pretreated with VN, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 (IGF-IGFBP-VN complex). The subcultured EOE cells retained their capacity for ameloblast-related gene expression, as shown by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Amelogenin expression was detected in the subcultured EOE cells by immunostaining. The subcultured EOE cells were then seeded onto collagen sponge scaffolds in combination with fresh dental mesenchymal cells and transplanted into athymic rats. After 4 weeks, enamel-dentin-like complex structures were present in the implanted constructs. These results show that EOE cells cultured on IGF-IGFBP-VN complex differentiated into ameloblasts-like cells that were able to secrete amelogenin proteins and form enamel-like tissuesin vivo. Functional assays demonstrated that the IGF/IGFBP/VN complex significantly enhanced porcine EOE cell proliferation and tissue forming capacity for enamel. This is the first study to demonstrate a functional role of the IGF-IGFBP-VN complex in EOE cells. This application of the subculturing technique provides a foundation for further tooth-tissue engineering and for improving our understanding of ameloblast biology.
Pathological Scenario with the Mannose-Binding Lectin in Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Ohsawa Isao , Ishii Masaya , Ohi Hiroyuki , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: April 2012

A deeper understanding of the mechanism of complement activation may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Traditionally, the activation of an alternative pathway (AP) has been recognized as an enhancer mechanism of glomerular damage. This paper documents contemporary information concerning the possible pathological mechanisms of the lectin pathway (LP) in the circulation and in the glomerulus. The circulating initiator of LP activation is not fully understood. However, ligands for mannose-binding lectin (MBL) which are among the starter molecules of the LP are aberrant glycosylated molecules-containing immune complex. Recent reports have focused onN-glycans on secretory IgA as a candidate ligand. Mesangial deposits of MBL are seen in 25% of patients with IgAN. Mesangial deposits of MBL and C4 and/or C4 breakdown products are implicated as markers for disease progression of IgAN. On the other hand, patients with MBL deficiency tend to show better clinical presentation and lower levels of urinary protein and serum creatinine than MBL-sufficient patients. It is now recognized that involvement of AP and LP constitutes an additional mechanism for explaining the progression of IgAN.
The Uptake of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Files in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlShwaimi Emad
Published: April 2012

Aim. We surveyed the uptake of nickel-titanium rotary files (NTRFs) among all dentists in Saudi Arabia.Methodology. A questionnaire encompassing endodontic performance and NTRF uptake was e-mailed to all members of the Saudi Dental Society. Data were collected from participants during a three-month period and were analyzed usingχ2tests and correlation coefficients. Level of significance was set atP=0.05.Results. The overall response rate was 30.6% (n=490), and 82.9% were found to perform root canal treatment (RCT). Among the 406 RCT performers, general dentists formed the bulk (45%). Among endodontists, 91.5% were using NTRF (P<0.001). Those who graduated between 1991 and 2000 used NTRF more than any other group did (78.4%,P=0.05). Graduates from Europe and Australia used NTRF most frequently (100%,P=0.001), followed by those from North America (87%,P=0.001), and finally by Saudi Arabian graduates (68.7%). Male respondents performed more endodontic procedures and used NTRF significantly more often than female respondents did (males: 73%; females: 56.2%) (P=0.001). The most significant reasons for not using NTRF were “unavailability” (64.7%,P≤0.05) and “lack of experience” (54.1%,P≤0.001).Conclusions. We found that NTRF usage was not as widespread in Saudi Arabia as in other developing countries. Therefore, we suggest an improved implementation of NTRF in undergraduate and postgraduate curriculums and the provision of educational courses with a greater focus on this development.
A State‐Based Modeling Approach for Efficient Performance Evaluation of Embedded System Architectures at Transaction Level
Authors: Barreteau Anthony , Le Nours Sébastien , Pasquier Olivier
Published: April 2012

Abstract models are necessary to assist system architects in the evaluation process of hardware/software architectures and to cope with the still increasing complexity of embedded systems. Efficient methods are required to create reliable models of system architectures and to allow early performance evaluation and fast exploration of the design space. In this paper, we present a specific transaction level modeling approach for performance evaluation of hardware/software architectures. This approach relies on a generic execution model that exhibits light modeling effort. Created models are used to evaluate by simulation expected processing and memory resources according to various architectures. The proposed execution model relies on a specific computation method defined to improve the simulation speed of transaction level models. The benefits of the proposed approach are highlighted through two case studies. The first case study is a didactic example illustrating the modeling approach. In this example, a simulation speed‐up by a factor of 7,62 is achieved by using the proposed computation method. The second case study concerns the analysis of a communication receiver supporting part of the physical layer of the LTE protocol. In this case study, architecture exploration is led in order to improve the allocation of processing functions.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Alissa Eman M. , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: April 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of death globally and is a growing health concern. Dietary factors are important in the pathogenesis of CVD and may to a large degree determine CVD risk, but have been less extensively investigated. Functional foods are those that are thought to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond their basic nutritional functions. The food industry has started to market products labelled as “functional foods.” Although many review articles have focused on individual dietary variables as determinants of CVD that can be modified to reduce the risk of CVD, the aim of this current paper was to examine the impact of functional foods in relation to the development and progression of CVD. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the association between certain dietary patterns and cardiovascular health. Research into the cardio-protective potential of their dietary components might support the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. This paper will also compare the effect of individual bioactive dietary compounds with the effect of some dietary patterns in terms of their cardiovascular protection.
Port-Site Metastasis after Laparoscopic Surgery for Urological Malignancy: Forgotten or Missed
Authors: Kadi N. , Isherwood M. , Al-Akraa M. , Williams S.
Published: April 2012

Purpose. Port-site metastasis has been a concern with the common use of laparoscopy in urologic oncology. We conducted this study to provide a review of port-site metastases reported after the laparoscopy in managing urologic malignancies, possible contributing factors and preventative measures.Materials and Methods.An electronic search of MEDLINE using the combined MESH key words “port-site metastasis” and “Urology”.Results. 51 articles addressing port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy were identified.Conclusion. Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy is rare. The incidence is comparable to the rate for surgical wound metastases.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization for Solving Bilevel Multiobjective Programming Problem
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hu Tiesong , Zheng Yue , Guo Xuning
Published: April 2012

An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed for solving bilevel multiobjective programming problem (BLMPP). For such problems, the proposed algorithm directly simulates the decision process of bilevel programming, which is different from most traditional algorithms designed for specific versions or based on specific assumptions. The BLMPP is transformed to solve multiobjective optimization problems in the upper level and the lower level interactively by an improved PSO. And a set of approximate Pareto optimal solutions for BLMPP is obtained using the elite strategy. This interactive procedure is repeated until the accurate Pareto optimal solutions of the original problem are found. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.
Is the BCG Vaccine Safe for Undernourished Individuals?
Authors: Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , da Rosa Larissa Camargo , França Thais Graziela Donegá , Peres Raphael Sanches , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , Zorzella-Pezavento Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves , Sartori Alexandrina
Published: April 2012

Cellular immunity is critical for protection against tuberculosis, but its integrity is compromised during undernutrition. The present study was designed to evaluate if the attenuated mycobacterium BCG is a safe vaccine for undernourished individuals. An experimental model of undernutrition was established by subjecting BALB/c mice to dietary restriction. These animals received 70% of the amount of food consumed by the healthy control group and exhibited physiological alterations compatible with malnutrition, including body weight loss, reduced levels of triglycerides and glucose, and reduced lymphocyte numbers. Undernourished mice were immunized with BCG, and the mycobacterial loads in lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, and thymus were determined. A much higher proportion of undernourished mice exhibited bacterial dissemination to the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. In addition, only undernourished animals had bacteria in the lungs and thymus. Concomitant with higher mycobacterial loads and more widespread BCG dissemination in undernourished mice, production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 was also diminished in these mice. Taken together, these results indicate that BCG infection is more severe in undernourished mice. Whether a similar phenomenon exists in undernourished children or not remains to be thoroughly investigated.
Solving Scattering from Conducting Body Coated by Thin-Layer Material by Hybrid Shell Vector Element with Boundary Integral Method
Authors: Lei Lin , Hu Jun , Hu Hao-Quan
Published: April 2012

The finite element boundary integral (FEM-BI) method is widely used in the scattering and radiating problems. But for the conducting body coated by thin-layer material, plenty of fine meshes are required to discretize the geometry in the traditional FEM. It requires very expensive storage and CPU time. In this paper, the hybrid shell vector element with the boundary integral method is used to expedite the solution of thin coating problems. The shell vector elements are used to discretize thin-layer material instead of traditional tetrahedral elements. Consequently, the volume integral can be simplified into surface integral. This method reduces the number of unknowns greatly and is also extended into the complicated case of multi-thin-layer coating materials. Several numerical results are presented to prove the accuracy and efficiency of this present method.
Brönsted Acidic Ionic Liquid 1-(1-Propylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium-Chloride Catalyzed Hydrolysisof D-Cellobiose in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Amarasekara Ananda S. , Wiredu Bernard
Published: April 2012

Brönsted acidic ionic liquid 1-(1-propylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride (PSMIMCl) shows a higher catalytic activity than sulfuric acid in the hydrolysis of D-cellobiose to D-glucose in water at 90–120°C. This catalytic activity enhancement is more significant at higher temperatures, and at 120°C, PSMIMCl produced 64.5% glucose yield, whereas H2SO4 produced only 42.2% after 40 min. reaction, and this is a 52.8% enhancement of catalytic activity due to the alkylimidazolium group attached to the sulfonic acid group. 1H NMR monitoring of the D-cellobiose hydrolysis in PSMIMCl and sulfuric acid mediums failed to reveal intermediates in the hydrolysis reaction, and this is probably due to rapid conversion of the intermediate(s) to a mixture of D-glucose anomers with α:β≈1:1.6.
Targeting Top Terrorists: How Leadership Decapitation Contributes to Counterterrorism
Authors: Price Bryan C.
Published: April 2012

Several states, including Israel and the United States, have put decapitation tactics, which seek to kill or capture leaders of terrorist organizations, at the forefront of their counterterrorism efforts. The vast majority of scholarly work on decapitation suggests, however, that leadership decapitation is ineffective at best and counterproductive at worst. Contrary to this conventional wisdom, leadership decapitation significantly increases the mortality rate of terrorist groups, although the results indicate that the effect of decapitation decreases with the age of the group, even to a point where it may have no effect at all. This finding helps to explain the previously perplexing mixed record of decapitation effectiveness. Terrorist groups are especially susceptible to leadership decapitation because their organizational characteristics (they are violent, clandestine, and values based) amplify the difficulties of leadership succession. Additionally, in contrast to the conventional wisdom regarding the durability of terrorist groups, politically relevant terrorist groups (defined as those with at least four attacks including one attack resulting in a fatality) endure significantly longer than previously believed.
Confronting Soviet Power: U.S. Policy during the Early Cold War
Authors: Avey Paul C.
Published: April 2012

Many self-identified realist, liberal, and constructivist scholars contend that ideology played a critical role in generating and shaping the United States' decision to confront the Soviet Union in the early Cold War. A close look at the history reveals that these ideological arguments fail to explain key aspects of U.S. policy. Contrary to ideological explanations, the United States initially sought to cooperate with the Soviet Union, did not initially pressure communist groups outside the Soviet orbit, and later sought to engage communist groups that promised to undermine Soviet power. The U.S. decision to confront the Soviets stemmed instead from the distribution of power. U.S. policy shifted toward a confrontational approach as the balance of power in Eurasia tilted in favor of the Soviet Union. In addition, U.S. leaders tended to think and act in a manner consistent with balance of power logic. The primacy of power over ideology in U.S. policymaking—given the strong liberal tradition in the United States and the large differences between U.S. and Soviet ideology—suggests that relative power concerns are the most important factors in generating and shaping confrontational foreign policies.
The Autograph Manuscripts Containing Eustathius’ Commentary on the Odyssey
Authors: Cullhed Eric
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This paper calls into question established views on the relationship between the two autograph MSS containing Eustathius’ commentary on the Odyssey, suggesting that we should pay attention to the ‘stratigraphy’ of Marc. gr. 460 in order to better understand the way in which these manuscripts were produced.
The Prologue of Iphigenia Aulidensis Reconsidered
Authors: Pietruczuk Katarzyna
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The authenticity of the prologue ofIphigenia Aulidensis, as it is preserved in the MSS, has been questioned by many scholars. Apart from its metrical form and style (which are discussed only briefly here), the students of the play point out two crucial problems concerning the internal consistency of the plot. First, lines 124-32 become superfluous when they are confronted with lines 106-7. Secondly, there is an inconsistency between the passages implying that Calchas’ oracle and the plan of luring Iphigenia to Aulis was known only to Calchas, Odysseus, Menelaus and Agamemnon and those according to which the whole Greek army was aware of Agamemnon’s ruse. The present discussion aims to show that the simplest way to remove both inconsistencies is to exclude as interpolated lines 105-10, without the necessity either of deleting the subsequent passage (lines 111-14), suspected by many scholars, or of questioning the authenticity of the prologue as a whole. Additionally, it is suggested that the interpolator was probably thinking of E.IT15-25 and 521-49.
Comparison of migration, penetration, development and reproduction of Meloidogyne graminicola on susceptible and resistant rice genotypes
Authors: Cabasan Ma. Teodora Nadong , Kumar Arvind , De Waele Dirk
Published: April 2012

Migration, penetration, development and reproduction of the rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola, in the resistant African rice genotypes TOG5674, TOG5675, CG14 and RAM131, and in the susceptible Asian rice genotypes IR64 and UPLRi-5 were studied and compared. The number of second-stage juveniles (J2) that had migrated horizontally and vertically towards the rhizosphere at 48 h after inoculation was comparable in both resistant and susceptible rice genotypes. Penetration of J2 was significantly lower in the resistant rice genotypes compared with the susceptible rice genotypes at 3 and 7 days after inoculation (DAI). Nematode development in the resistant rice genotypes was slower than in the susceptible rice genotypes. Nematode reproduction was significantly lower in the resistant rice genotypes, which supported fewer eggs per g of roots and eggs per female. A significantly higher percentage of egg-laying females was found in the susceptible rice genotypes. Mature females that had developed in the resistant rice genotypes were significantly smaller than the ones in the susceptible rice genotypes. The resistant rice genotypes had significantly fewer galls than the susceptible rice genotypes.