bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Mycoplasma mycoides Subspecies capri from Milk of Natural Goat Mastitis Cases
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Rana Rajneesh , Mehra Somya , Rout Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2013

Association of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri (Mmc) with natural goat mastitis has been studied earlier largely by detecting the Mmc DNA using molecular methods. However, report on detection of cultivable Mmc isolates from natural goat-mastitis milk is still very rare. In this study, Mmc was isolated from milk samples () of goats with or without clinical signs of mastitis. Mmc isolates were further characterized by biochemical and species-specific PCR methods. Intra species strain variation was also studied by 16S amplified rDNA restriction analysis (16S ARDRA). The study recovered a total of 6 Mmc isolates (3.5%). Three types of intraspecies variants among the recovered Mmc isolates were found by 16S ARDRA. The study concluded that Mmc may be an etiological agent of mycoplasmal mastitis in Indian goat herds.
The Pomegranate: Effects on Bacteria and Viruses That Influence Human Health
Authors: Howell Amy B. , D'Souza Doris H.
Published: May 2013

Pomegranates have been known for hundreds of years for their multiple health benefits, including antimicrobial activity. The recent surge in multidrug-resistant bacteria and the possibility of widespread global virus pandemics necessitate the need for additional preventative and therapeutic options to conventional drugs. Research indicates that pomegranates and their extracts may serve as natural alternatives due to their potency against a wide range of bacterial and viral pathogens. Nearly every part of the pomegranate plant has been tested for antimicrobial activities, including the fruit juice, peel, arils, flowers, and bark. Many studies have utilized pomegranate peel with success. There are various phytochemical compounds in pomegranate that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity, but most of the studies have found that ellagic acid and larger hydrolyzable tannins, such as punicalagin, have the highest activities. In some cases the combination of the pomegranate constituents offers the most benefit. The positive clinical results on pomegranate and suppression of oral bacteria are intriguing and worthy of further study. Much of the evidence for pomegranates’ antibacterial and antiviral activities against foodborne pathogens and other infectious disease organisms comes fromin vitrocell-based assays, necessitating further confirmation ofin vivoefficacy through human clinical trials.
Network Pharmacology: A New Approach for Chinese Herbal Medicine Research
Authors: Zhang Gui-biao , Li Qing-ya , Chen Qi-long , Su Shi-bing
Published: May 2013

The dominant paradigm of “one gene, one target, one disease” has influenced many aspects of drug discovery strategy. However, in recent years, it has been appreciated that many effective drugs act on multiple targets rather than a single one. As an integrated multidisciplinary concept, network pharmacology, which is based on system biology and polypharmacology, affords a novel network mode of “multiple targets, multiple effects, complex diseases” and replaces the “magic bullets” by “magic shotguns.” Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been recognized as one of the most important strategies in complementary and alternative medicine. Though CHM has been practiced for a very long time, its effectiveness and beneficial contribution to public health has not been fully recognized. Also, the knowledge on the mechanisms of CHM formulas is scarce. In the present review, the concept and significance of network pharmacology is briefly introduced. The application and potential role of network pharmacology in the CHM fields is also discussed, such as data collection, target prediction, network visualization, multicomponent interaction, and network toxicology. Furthermore, the developing tendency of network pharmacology is also summarized, and its role in CHM research is discussed.
Joint Optimization of Microstrip Patch Antennas Using Particle Swarm Optimization for UWB Systems
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Moinuddin Muhammad
Published: May 2013

Ultra wideband (UWB) systems are the most appropriate for high data rate wireless transmission with low power consumption. However, the antenna design for UWB has been a challenging task. Moreover, it is always desirable to have more freedom by designing different shape antennas with identical characteristics so that they can be used in either transmitter or receiver depending on other physical constraints such as area. To tackle these issues, in this paper, we have investigated a joint optimization of three different shape-printed monopole antennas, namely, printed square monopole antenna, printed circular monopole antenna and printed hexagonal monopole antenna, for UWB applications. More specifically, we have obtained the optimized geometrical parameters of these antennas by minimizing the mean-square-error for desired lower band edge frequency, quality factor, and bandwidth. The objective of joint optimization is to have identical frequency characteristics for the aforementioned three types of PMA which will give a freedom to interchangeably use them at either side, transmitting or receiving. Moreover, we employ particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for our problem as it is well known in the literature that PSO performs well in electromagnetic and antenna applications. Simulation results are presented to show the performance of the proposed design.
Model for the Assessment of Seawater Environmental Quality Based on Multiobjective Variable Fuzzy Set Theory
Authors: Ke Lina , Zhou Huicheng
Published: May 2013

With the rapid development of marine economy industry, the activities for exploring and exploiting the marine resources are increasing, and there are more and more marine construction projects, which contribute to the growing trend of eutrophication and frequent occurrence of red tide. Thus, seawater quality has become the topic which the people generally cared about. The seawater quality evaluation could be considered as an analysis process which combined the evaluation indexes with certainty and evaluation factors with uncertainty and its changes. This paper built a model for the assessment of seawater environmental quality based on the multiobjective variable fuzzy set theory (VFEM). The Qingdao marine dumping site in China is taken as an evaluation example. Through the quantitative research of water-quality data from 2004 to 2008, the model is more reliable than other traditional methods, in which uncertainty and ambiguity of the seawater quality evaluation are considered, and trade the stable results as the final results of seawater quality evaluation, which effectively solved the impact of the fuzzy boundary of evaluation standard and monitoring error, is more suitable for evaluation of a multi-index, multilevel, and nonlinear marine environment system and has been proved to be an effective tool for seawater quality evaluation.
Application of the Classification and Regression Trees for Modeling the Laser Output Power of a Copper Bromide Vapor Laser
Authors: Iliev Iliycho Petkov , Voynikova Desislava Stoyanova , Gocheva-Ilieva Snezhana Georgieva
Published: May 2013

This study examines the available experiment data for a copper bromide vapor laser (CuBr laser), emitting in the visible spectrum at 2 wavelengths—510.6 and 578.2 nm. Laser output power is estimated based on 10 independent input parameters. The CART method is used to build a binary regression tree of solutions with respect to output power. In the case of a linear model, an approximation of 98% has been achieved and 99% for the model of interactions between predictors up to the the second order with an relative error under 5%. The resulting CART tree takes into account which input quantities influence the formation of classification groups and in what manner. This makes it possible to estimate which ones are significant from an engineering point of view for the development and operation of the considered type of lasers, thus assisting in the design and improvement of laser technology.
Nonlinear Robust Observer-Based Fault Detection for Networked Suspension Control System of Maglev Train
Authors: Li Yun , He Guang , Li Jie
Published: May 2013

A fault detection approach based on nonlinear robust observer is designed for the networked suspension control system of Maglev train with random induced time delay. First, considering random bounded time-delay and external disturbance, the nonlinear model of the networked suspension control system is established. Then, a nonlinear robust observer is designed using the input of the suspension gap. And the estimate error is proved to be bounded with arbitrary precision by adopting an appropriate parameter. When sensor faults happen, the residual between the real states and the observer outputs indicates which kind of sensor failures occurs. Finally, simulation results using the actual parameters of CMS-04 maglev train indicate that the proposed method is effective for maglev train.
The Effect of Qigong on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Chong-Wen , Chan Cecilia Lai Wan , Ho Rainbow T. H. , Tsang Hector W. H. , Chan Celia Hoi Yan , Ng Siu-Man
Published: May 2013

Objective. To evaluate clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of qigong exercise on depressive and anxiety symptoms.Methods. Thirteen databases were searched from their respective inception through December 2012. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Effects of qigong across trials were pooled. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the pooled effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using theI2test. Study quality was evaluated using the Wayne Checklist.Results. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analyses suggested a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on depressive symptoms when compared to waiting-list controls or usual care only (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), group newspaper reading (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI, −1.64 to −0.84), and walking or conventional exercise (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI, −0.85 to −0.19), which might be comparable to that of cognitive-behavioral therapy (P=0.54). Available evidence did not suggest a beneficial effect of qigong exercise on anxiety symptoms.Conclusion. Qigong may be potentially beneficial for management of depressive symptoms, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of RCTs and associated methodological weaknesses. Further rigorously designed RCTs are warranted.
Estimating Quartz Reserves Using Compositional Kriging
Authors: Taboada J. , Saavedra Á. , Iglesias C. , Giráldez E.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to determine spatial distribution and volume of four commercial quartz grades, namely, silicon metal, ferrosilicon, aggregate, and kaolin (depending on content in impurities) in a quartz seam. The chemical and mineralogical composition of the reserves in the seam were determined from samples collected from outcrops, blasting operations, and exploratory drilling, and compositional kriging was used to calculate the volume and distribution of the reserves. A more accurate knowledge of the deposit ensures better mine planning, leading to higher profitability and an improved relationship with the environment.
The Study of the Asymmetric Multiple Encounters Problem and Its Application to Obtain Jupiter Gravity Assisted Maneuvers
Authors: dos Santos Denilson Paulo Souza , de Almeida Prado Antônio Fernando Bertachini , Marconi Rocco Evandro
Published: May 2013

The Multiple Encounters Problem is described in the literature as the problem of finding trajectories for a spacecraft that leaves from a mother planet, describes a trajectory in the interplanetary space, and then goes back to the mother planet. The present paper extends the literature and the departure and arrival angles of the spacecraft are generalized to be nonsymmetrical. The solutions are shown in terms of the true (ν) and eccentric anomaly (η). The velocity variation (Δ V) required for the transfer is also shown. Then, this study is generalized to consider the possibility that the spacecraft makes a close approach with the mother planet to change its energy in the return trip. The velocity (Δ V) and energy variation (Δ E) due to this passage are obtained. The topics studied here can be applied in missions that leave and come back to the Earth, with the goal of studying the interplanetary space, as well as for missions whose objective is to make an alteration in the energy of the space vehicle through a swing-by with the mother body.
Targeting Sonic Hedgehog Signaling by Compounds and Derivatives from Natural Products
Authors: Huang Yu-Chuen , Chao K. S. Clifford , Liao Hui-Fen , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: May 2013

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a major cause of cancer treatment failure, relapse, and drug resistance and are known to be responsible for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is crucial to embryonic development. Intriguingly, the aberrant activation of the Shh pathway plays critical roles in developing CSCs and leads to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Natural compounds and chemical structure modified derivatives from complementary and alternative medicine have received increasing attention as cancer chemopreventives, and their antitumor effects have been demonstrated bothin vitroandin vivo. However, reports for their bioactivity against CSCs and specifically targeting Shh signaling remain limited. In this review, we summarize investigations of the compounds cyclopamine, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, resveratrol, zerumbone, norcantharidin, and arsenic trioxide, with a focus on Shh signaling blockade. Given that Shh signaling antagonism has been clinically proven as effective strategy against CSCs, this review may be exploitable for development of novel anticancer agents from complementary and alternative medicine.
Asymptotic Behavior of a Viscoelastic Fluid in a Closed Loop Thermosyphon: Physical Derivation, Asymptotic Analysis, and Numerical Experiments
Authors: Yasappan Justine , Jiménez-Casas Ángela , Castro Mario
Published: May 2013

Fluids subject to thermal gradients produce complex behaviors that arise from the competition with gravitational effects. Although such sort of systems have been widely studied in the literature for simple (Newtonian) fluids, the behavior of viscoelastic fluids has not been explored thus far. We present a theoretical study of the dynamics of a Maxwell viscoelastic fluid in a closed-loop thermosyphon. This sort of fluid presents elastic-like behavior and memory effects. We study the asymptotic properties of the fluid inside the thermosyphon and the exact equations of motion in the inertial manifold that characterizes the asymptotic behavior. We derive, for the first time, the mathematical derivations of the motion of a viscoelastic fluid in the interior of a closed-loop thermosyphon under the effects of natural convection and a given external temperature gradient.
Numerical Solution of Second-Order Fuzzy Differential Equation Using Improved Runge-Kutta Nystrom Method
Authors: Rabiei Faranak , Ismail Fudziah , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil
Published: May 2013

We develop the Fuzzy Improved Runge-Kutta Nystrom (FIRKN) method for solving second-order fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) based on the generalized concept of higher-order fuzzy differentiability. The scheme is two-step in nature and requires less number of stages which leads to less number of function evaluations in comparison with the existing Fuzzy Runge-Kutta Nystrom method. Therefore, the new method has a lower computational cost which effects the time consumption. We assume that the fuzzy function and its derivative are Hukuhara differentiable. FIRKN methods of orders three, four, and five are derived with two, three, and four stages, respectively. The numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the methods.
Adolescent Religiosity and Psychosocial Functioning: Investigating the Roles of Religious Tradition, National-Ethnic Group, and Gender
Authors: Stolz Heidi E. , Olsen Joseph A. , Henke Teri M. , Barber Brian K.
Published: May 2013

This study utilized data from over 9,300 youth from 11 national or within-nation ethnic groups to evaluate the relationship between youth religiosity and youth social outcomes (social initiative, antisocial behavior) and psychological outcomes (self-esteem and depression) considering the roles of religious tradition, national-ethnic group, and gender. We created national-ethnic group by religious tradition (NEG × RT) combinations, partitioned religiosity into between-group and within-group components, and performed a series of mixed model regressions for each outcome. The levels of all four outcomes of interest differed significantly across NEG × RT groups, and these differences were attributable to national-ethnic group rather than religious tradition. Youth reports of antisocial behavior and self-esteem were predicted by between-group religiosity. Additionally, within-group religiosity predicted all four outcomes, indicating that the protective role of religiosity functions in a comparative, or relative, manner with youth who are more religious than others in their group reaping the most benefits.
Theoretical Analysis of the Faraday Effect in Carbon Nanotubes with Arbitrary Chirality
Authors: Zarifi Abbas
Published: May 2013

Using tight-binding model with nearest neighbour interactions, the optical properties of carbon nanotubes under the influence of an external magnetic field are analyzed. First, dipole matrix elements for two cases of light polarized parallel as well as perpendicular to the nanotube axis are analyzed. A close form analytic expression for dipole matrix is obtained for carbon nanotubes with arbitrary chirality in the case of light polarized parallel to the nanotube axis. Then the diagonal and off-diagonal elements of the frequency-dependent susceptibility in the presence of an axial magnetic field are investigated. The off-diagonal elements are applied to calculate the interband Faraday rotation and the Verdet constant. These effects should be clearly detectable under realistic conditions using weak magnetic fields.
Water Extract ofDryopteris crassirhizomaAttenuates Bone Loss by Suppressing Osteoclast Differentiation and Function
Authors: Ha Hyunil , Shim Ki-Shuk , Kim Taesoo , An Hyosun , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: May 2013

The rhizome ofDryopteris crassirhizomahas been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating various inflammatory and infectious diseases such as tapeworm infestation and mumps. In the present study, we investigated the bone protective effect of water extract of the rhizome ofDryopteris crassirhizoma(WEDC). We found that WEDC inhibits osteoclast differentiation via directly acting on osteoclast precursors. In osteoclast precursors, WEDC inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand- (RANKL-) induced expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1, a key downstream target of c-Fos during osteoclast differentiation. We found that WEDC inhibits RNAKL-induced activation of extracellular-regulated kinase and NF-κB that mediates c-Fos expression and osteoclast differentiation. In addition to the inhibitory effect of osteoclast differentiation, WEDC markedly suppressed bon-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts, which was accompanied by disruption of actin ring structure. Furthermore, administration of WEDC suppressed RANKL-induced trabecular bone loss in mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that WEDC inhibits not only osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANK signaling pathways in osteoclast precursors but also bone resorption by disrupting actin ring in mature osteoclasts, thereby contributing to its protective effect on bone loss.
Effect of Maltodextrins on the Rheological Properties of Potato Starch Pastes and Gels
Authors: Juszczak Lesław , Gałkowska Dorota , Witczak Teresa , Fortuna Teresa
Published: May 2013

The study examines the effects of maltodextrins saccharified to various degrees on some rheological properties of potato starch dispersions. Pasting characteristics, flow curves, and mechanical spectra were determined for native potato starch and for its blends with potato maltodextrins having dextrose equivalents (DE) of 10.5, 18.4, and 26.5. The results showed that medium-saccharified maltodextrin (DE = 18.4) gave the strongest effect, manifesting itself as a considerable reduction in the viscosity at pasting, a decrease in apparent viscosity during flow, and a decrease in the storage and loss moduli. Addition of high-(DE = 26.5) or low-(DE = 10.5) saccharified maltodextrins had a markedly smaller effect on the rheological properties of starch. The differences in the effects produced by the maltodextrins are closely connected to the degree of polymerisation of the maltooligosaccharides in the systems.
A New Method with a Different Auxiliary Equation to Obtain Solitary Wave Solutions for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Kiliç Bülent , Bulut Hasan
Published: May 2013

A new method with a different auxiliary equation from the Riccati equation is used for constructing exact travelling wave solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations. The main idea of this method is to take full advantage of a different auxilliary equation from the Riccati equation which has more new solutions. More new solitary solutions are obtained for the RLW Burgers and Hirota Satsuma coupled equations.
Thermal Annealing Effect on Poly(3‐hexylthiophene): Fullerene:Copper‐Phthalocyanine Ternary Photoactive Layer
Authors: Derouiche H. , Mohamed A. B.
Published: May 2013

We have fabricated poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/fullerene (C60) ternary blend films. This photoactive layer is sandwiched between an indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) photoanode and a bathocuproine (BCP)/aluminium photocathode. The thin films have been characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM) and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy in order to study the influence of P3HT doping on the morphological and optical properties of the photoactive layer. We have also compared the
I‐V characteristics of three different organic solar cells: ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CuPc0.5:C600.5/BCP/Al and ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT0.3:CuPc0.3:C600.4/BCP/Al with and without annealing. Both structures show good photovoltaic behaviour. Indeed, the incorporation of P3HT into CuPc:C60 thin film improves all the photovoltaic characteristics. We have also seen that thermal annealing significantly improves the optical absorption ability and stabilizes the organic solar cells making it more robust to chemical degradation.
DiGeorge Syndrome Presenting as Hypocalcaemia-Induced Seizures in Adulthood
Authors: Zammit Adrian , Grech Marguerat Deborah , Psaila Josephine , Attard Alexander
Published: May 2013

Introduction. DiGeorge syndrome is a developmental defect commonly caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22 or less frequently by a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 10.Case report. We report a case of a gentleman with mild dysmorphic features who presented with hypocalcaemia-induced seizures and an associated thyroid mass with a background of learning difficulties and abnormal immune function.Discussion. DiGeorge syndrome was initially described in 1967 by Angelo DiGeorge. The majority of cases are due to a novel mutation. The resulting learning difficulties, congenital heart disease, palatal abnormalities, hypoplasia/aplasia of the parathyroid and thymus glands, and immune deficiency generally lead to diagnosis in childhood. Presentation in adulthood is rare but must be borne in mind when dealing with cases of hypocalcaemia even in the absence of florid phenotypic features. A link with malignant disease has also been reported and should lead to prompt investigation of concerning masses.
Representation of a Solution of the Cauchy Problem for an Oscillating System with Multiple Delays and Pairwise Permutable Matrices
Authors: Diblík Josef , Fečkan Michal , Pospíšil Michal
Published: May 2013

Nonhomogeneous system of linear differential equations of second order with multiple different delays and pairwise permutable matrices defining the linear parts is considered. Solution of corresponding initial value problem is represented using matrix polynomials.
Dividends Sharing Convertible Bonds Pricing and Numerical Evaluation
Authors: Guo Xu , Wang Haiyang
Published: May 2013

The convertible bond is becoming one of the most important financial instruments for the company to raise capital fund since it was first issued by American New York Erie Company in 1843. In this paper, it is the first time to study the pricing problem for convertible bond whose underlying stocks pay dividends via the reflected backward stochastic differential equations. Associating the solutions of reflected BSDEs with the obstacle problems for nonlinear parabolic PDEs, we establish the pricing formulas for convertible bonds with continuous and discrete dividends by means of the viscosity solutions for some PDEs. Besides, we also derive the price of convertible bonds with higher borrowing rate which is realistic in the financial market. Then the numerical evaluations are provided by the radial basis functions method. Moreover, we discuss the influence of dividends paying as well as higher borrowing rate on the convertible bond price at last.
The Occurrence or Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus May Not Be Coincidental: A Report of Four Cases
Authors: González-Cabrera Fayna , Henríquez-Palop Fernando , Ramírez-Puga Ana , Santana-Estupiñán Raquel , Plaza-Toledano Celia , Antón-Pérez Gloria , Marrero-Robayna Silvia , Ramírez-Medina Davinia , Gallego-Samper Roberto , Vega-Díaz Nicanor , Camacho-Galan Rafael , Rodríguez-Pérez José C.
Published: May 2013

Although clinical presentation of fibrillary glomerulonephritis is similar to most forms of glomerulonephritis, it is usually difficult to make the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations include proteinuria, microscopic haematuria, nephrotic syndrome, and impairment of renal function. A diagnosis of fibrillary glomerulonephritis is only confirmed by renal biopsy and it must comprise electronmicroscopy-verified ultrastructural findings. We report four cases between 45–50 years old with documented type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and arterial hypertension. All patients were found to have fibrils on kidney biopsy. The differential diagnosis of fibrils in the setting of diabetes mellitus is also discussed.
A Multihop Key Agreement Scheme for Wireless Ad Hoc NetworksBased on Channel Characteristics
Authors: Hao Zhuo , Zhong Sheng , Yu Nenghai
Published: May 2013

A number of key agreement schemes based on wireless channel characteristics have been proposed recently. However, previous key agreement schemes require that two nodes which need to agree on a key are within the communication range of each other. Hence, they are not suitable for multihop wireless networks, in which nodes do not always have direct connections with each other. In this paper, we first propose a basic multihop key agreement scheme for wireless ad hoc networks. The proposed basic scheme is resistant to external eavesdroppers. Nevertheless, this basic scheme is not secure when there exist internal eavesdroppers or Man‐in‐the‐Middle (MITM) adversaries. In order to cope with these adversaries, we propose an improved multihop key agreement scheme. We show that the improved scheme is secure against internal eavesdroppers and MITM adversaries in a single path. Both performance analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the improved scheme is efficient. Consequently, the improved key agreement scheme is suitable for multihop wireless ad hoc networks.
Photocatalytic BiFeO3Nanofibrous Mats for Effective Water Treatment
Authors: Mojir Shaibani Parmiss , Prashanthi K. , Sohrabi Amirreza , Thundat Thomas
Published: May 2013

One-dimensional BiFeO3(BFO) nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning of a solution of Nylon6/BFO followed by calcination were used for photocatalytic degradation of contaminants in water. The BFO fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The SEM images of the as-spun samples demonstrated the successful production of nanofibers and the SEM images of the samples after calcination confirmed the integrity of the continuous BFO nanofibers. XRD analysis indicated the dominant presence of BFO phase throughout the calcinated nanofibers. Photocatalytic activity of the nanofibers and their application in water purification were investigated against 4-chlorophenol (4CP) as a model water contaminant. The results of the UV-Vis spectroscopy show the degradation of the 4CP by means of the photocatalytic activity of the BFO nanofibers. The kinetics of the photodegradation of 4CP is believed to be governed by a pseudo-first-order kinetics model.
Role of Glutathione in Cancer Progression and Chemoresistance
Authors: Traverso Nicola , Ricciarelli Roberta , Nitti Mariapaola , Marengo Barbara , Furfaro Anna Lisa , Pronzato Maria Adelaide , Marinari Umberto Maria , Domenicotti Cinzia
Published: May 2013

Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in a multitude of cellular processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, and disturbances in GSH homeostasis are involved in the etiology and progression of many human diseases including cancer. While GSH deficiency, or a decrease in the GSH/glutathione disulphide (GSSG) ratio, leads to an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress implicated in the progression of cancer, elevated GSH levels increase the antioxidant capacity and the resistance to oxidative stress as observed in many cancer cells. The present review highlights the role of GSH and related cytoprotective effects in the susceptibility to carcinogenesis and in the sensitivity of tumors to the cytotoxic effects of anticancer agents.
Analysis of Inflammatory Mediators in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Al-Shukaili Ahmed , AL-Ghafri Saif , Al-Marhoobi Safia , Al-Abri Said , Al-Lawati Jawad , Al-Maskari Masoud
Published: May 2013

The main aim of this study is to assess the inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by measuring some cytokines concentrations and lymphocytes subset and correlate them with other laboratory investigations. Fifty-seven patients with type-2 diabetes and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Data for the C-reactive protein (CRP), haemoglobin, HbA1c, and autoantibody levels were obtained from the patients files. The cytokine concentrations were measured in patient’s serum using commercially available ELISA assays. Lymphocytes subsets were measured by flow cytometric methods. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15, and TNF-αwere found to be decreased in T2DM patients, whereas the levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, and caspase-1 were increased, compared to normal controls. T2DM patients with hypertension show significantly decreased levels of IL-1βand caspase-1 compared to patients without hypertension. No significant differences in lymphocytes subset between cases and normal control were observed. Significant correlations were found between HbA1c and IL-6; body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with CRP, TNF-α, and phosphate; the weight (Wt) was associated with CRP and IFN-γ. In conclusion, an alteration in the function of the immune system was observed in T2DM patient.
A Novel Fuzzy-Neural Slack-Diversifying Rule Based on Soft Computing Applications for Job Dispatching in a Wafer Fabrication Factory
Authors: Chen Toly , Romanowski Richard
Published: May 2013

This study proposes a slack-diversifying fuzzy-neural rule to improve job dispatching in a wafer fabrication factory. Several soft computing techniques, including fuzzy classification and artificial neural network prediction, have been applied in the proposed methodology. A highly effective fuzzy-neural approach is applied to estimate the remaining cycle time of a job. This research presents empirical evidence of the relationship between the estimation accuracy and the scheduling performance. Because dynamic maximization of the standard deviation of schedule slack has been shown to improve performance, this work applies such maximization to a slack-diversifying fuzzy-neural rule derived from a two-factor tailored nonlinear fluctuation smoothing rule for mean cycle time (2f-TNFSMCT). The effectiveness of the proposed rule was checked with a simulated case, which provided evidence of the rule’s effectiveness. The findings in this research point to several directions that can be exploited in the future.
A new species of the Gekko japonicus group (Squamata: Sauria: Gekkonidae) from the border region between China and Vietnam
Authors: NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , WANG YING-YONG , YANG JIAN-HUAN , LEHMANN TANJA , LE MINH DUC , ZIEGLER THOMAS , BONKOWSKI MICHAEL
Published: May 2013

We describe a new species of the genus Gekko on the basis of 25 specimens from southern China and northern Vietnam. Gekko adleri sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by a combination of the following characters: size moderate (SVL<80 mm); nares in contact with rostral; internasal single, smaller than supranasal; postmentals enlarged; interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 27–36; dorsal tubercle rows 7–11; ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 168–190; midbody scale rows 123–144; ventral scale rows 35–44; subdigital lamellae on first toe 11–14, on fourth toe 11–15; finger and toe webbing present at base; tubercles absent on upper surface of fore limbs; tubercles on tibia 0–8; precloacal pores 17–21 in males; postcloacal tubercle single; tubercles present on dorsal surface of tail base; subcaudals enlarged; dorsal surface of body with four or five narrow light bands between shoulder and sacrum.
A survey of the genus Sorolopha Lower, 1901 in the northern part of Vietnam (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae, Olethreutinae)
Authors: LE XUANVI , QI MU JIE , PARK KYU-TEK , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: May 2013

A survey of the genus Sorolopha Lower, 1901 in the northern part of Vietnam revealed the presence of 10 species, includ-ing S. cucphuongensis Bae & Le, sp. nov. Most of the species previously were reported by various authors, but S. rube-scens Diakonoff, 1973 and S. cyclotoma Lower, 1901 are newly recorded for the country. All species are diagnosed, and figures of the adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to species of Sorolopha in Vietnam.
Micromoina arboricola n. gen., n. spec. (Crustacea: Cladocera), a new moinid living in a forest tree-hole in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: DUMONT HENRI J. , RIETZLER ARNOLA C. , KALAPOTHAKIS EVANGUEDES
Published: May 2013

With a maximum size of ca 0.5 mm, Micromoina arboricola is among the smallest moinids known to date. It was discov-ered in a flooded treehole in a forest in the Medio Rio Doce Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where it mainly feeds on partic-ulate organic matter derived from the vinhatico tree . However, it is easily cultured in the lab on a diet of green algae plus yeast and pelleted fish food. Structurally, it is a miniature version of a moinid, distinguished by characters on the anten-nules (both sexes) and the postabdomen. The latter is peculiar in shape, in lacking a basal spine, and in having only three lateral plumose setae. A comparative investigation of the barcoding fragment of the COI gene in a number of moinids confirms the family Moinidae as composed of several genera, as well as the status of the new taxon.
The rediscovery of Oplurus bibronii Guichenot, 1848 a valid species of the liolaemid genus Phymaturus (Iguania: Liolaemidae)
Authors: TRONCOSO-PALACIOS JAIME , LOBO FERNANDO , ETHERIDGE RICHARD , ACOSTA JUAN CARLOS , LASPIUR ALEJANDRO
Published: May 2013

Oplurus bibronii was a species described more than 160 years ago from the highlands of Ovalle, Chile. The species was earlier synonymized with Phymaturus palluma and since then its taxonomic status has not been re-examined. In February of 2011, we were successful in capturing specimens of Phymaturus in the highlands of Ovalle and additionally we exami-ned high quality digital pictures of the type series of O. bibronii. Our analysis shows that the type series is composed of two different species, one of which overlaps their diagnostic characters with the characters of the specimens collected in the highlands of Ovalle, and therefore they correspond to Phymaturus bibronii (new combination). In addition, our review of the holotype, and some paratypes and topotypes of the recently described P. paihuanense shows that this is a junior synonym of P. bibronii.
New species of Lebiasina (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Lebiasinidae) from the upper Mazaruni River drainage, Guyana
Authors: NETTO-FERREIRA ANDRÉ L. , LOPEZ-FERNANDEZ HERNÁN , TAPHORN DONALD C. , LIVERPOOL ELFORD A.
Published: May 2013

Lebiasina ardilai is described from the upper Mazaruni in Guyana. The new species differs from all its congeners by its color pattern consisting of: a narrow, nearly straight primary stripe, extending from posterior to humeral blotch to near the vertical through anal-fin origin, being absent or inconspicuous in females and conspicuously marked in males; the pres-ence of four series of dark blotches at the distal border of the scales of longitudinal series 2–5; the faint secondary stripe running onto scales of second and third longitudinal row of scales; intermediate stripe absent; and the posteriorly displaced caudal blotch, not reaching the posterior tip of caudal peduncle.
Description of the female of Aysha yacupoi Brescovit 1992 (Araneae: Anyphaenidae)
Authors: ARGAÑARAZ CARINA I. , RUBIO GONZALO D. , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D.
Published: May 2013

The female of Aysha yacupoi Brescovit, 1992 is described and illustrated for the first time. Males and female specimens were observed together in the same plants. Some data on natural history are presented.
CMIP5 Projected Changes in the Annual Cycle of Precipitation in Monsoon Regions
Authors: Seth Anji , Rauscher Sara A. , Biasutti Michela , Giannini Alessandra , Camargo Suzana J. , Rojas Maisa
Published: May 2013

Analyses of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) experiments show that the global monsoon is expected to increase in area, precipitation, and intensity as the climate system responds to anthropogenic forcing. Concurrently, detailed analyses for several individual monsoons indicate a redistribution of rainfall from early to late in the rainy season. This analysis examines CMIP5 projected changes in the annual cycle of precipitation in monsoon regions, using a moist static energy framework to evaluate competing mechanisms identified to be important in precipitation changes over land. In the presence of sufficient surface moisture, the local response to the increase in downwelling energy is characterized by increased evaporation, increased low-level moist static energy, and decreased stability with consequent increases in precipitation. A remote mechanism begins with warmer oceans and operates on land regions via a warmer tropical troposphere, increased stability, and decreased precipitation. The remote mechanism controls the projected changes during winter, and the local mechanism controls the switch to increased precipitation during summer in most monsoon regions. During the early summer transition, regions where boundary layer moisture availability is reduced owing to decreases in evaporation and moisture convergence experience an enhanced convective barrier. Regions characterized by adequate evaporation and moisture convergence do not experience reductions in early summer precipitation.

This enhanced convective barrier leads to a redistribution of rainfall from early to late summer, and is robust in the American and African monsoons but muddled in Asia. As described here, viewing monsoons from their inherent ties to the annual cycle could help to fingerprint changes as they evolve.
Characteristics of Subsurface Ocean Response to ENSO Assessed from Simulations with the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Wang Hui , Kumar Arun , Wang Wanqiu
Published: May 2013

The subsurface ocean temperature response to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is examined based on 31-yr (1981–2011) simulations with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) coupled model. The model sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Pacific is relaxed to observations to ensure realistic ENSO variability in the simulations.

In the tropical Pacific, the subsurface temperature response to the ENSO SST is closely related to the variability of thermocline. The subsurface response is stronger and deeper in the tropical Indian Ocean than in the tropical Atlantic. The analysis at three selected locations reveals that the peak response of the subsurface temperature to ENSO lags the Niño-3.4 SST by 3, 6, and 6 months, respectively, in the southern tropical Indian Ocean, the northern tropical Atlantic, and the North Pacific, where SSTs are also known to be strongly influenced by ENSO. The ENSO-forced temperature anomalies gradually penetrate to the deeper ocean with time in the North Pacific and the tropical Atlantic, but not in the tropical Indian Ocean where the subsurface response at different depths peaks almost at the same time (i.e., at about 3–4 months following ENSO). It is demonstrated that the ENSO-induced surface wind stress plays an important role in determining the time scale and strength of the subsurface temperature response to ENSO in the North Pacific and the northern tropical Atlantic. Additionally, the ENSO-related local surface latent heat flux also contributes to the subsurface response to ENSO in these two regions.
Future Changes in Northern Hemisphere Snowfall
Authors: Krasting John P. , Broccoli Anthony J. , Dixon Keith W. , Lanzante John R.
Published: May 2013

Using simulations performed with 18 coupled atmosphere–ocean global climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), projections of the Northern Hemisphere snowfall under the representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5) scenario are analyzed for the period 2006–2100. These models perform well in simulating twentieth-century snowfall, although there is a positive bias in many regions. Annual snowfall is projected to decrease across much of the Northern Hemisphere during the twenty-first century, with increases projected at higher latitudes. On a seasonal basis, the transition zone between negative and positive snowfall trends corresponds approximately to the −10°C isotherm of the late twentieth-century mean surface air temperature, such that positive trends prevail in winter over large regions of Eurasia and North America. Redistributions of snowfall throughout the entire snow season are projected to occur—even in locations where there is little change in annual snowfall. Changes in the fraction of precipitation falling as snow contribute to decreases in snowfall across most Northern Hemisphere regions, while changes in total precipitation typically contribute to increases in snowfall. A signal-to-noise analysis reveals that the projected changes in snowfall, based on the RCP4.5 scenario, are likely to become apparent during the twenty-first century for most locations in the Northern Hemisphere. The snowfall signal emerges more slowly than the temperature signal, suggesting that changes in snowfall are not likely to be early indicators of regional climate change.
Seasonal Cycle of the Mixed Layer Heat Budget in the Northeastern Tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Foltz Gregory R. , Schmid Claudia , Lumpkin Rick
Published: May 2013

The seasonal cycle of the mixed layer heat budget in the northeastern tropical Atlantic (0°–25°N, 18°–28°W) is quantified using in situ and satellite measurements together with atmospheric reanalysis products. This region is characterized by pronounced latitudinal movements of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and strong meridional variations of the terms in the heat budget. Three distinct regimes within the northeastern tropical Atlantic are identified. The trade wind region (15°–25°N) experiences a strong annual cycle of mixed layer heat content that is driven by approximately out-of-phase annual cycles of surface shortwave radiation (SWR), which peaks in boreal summer, and evaporative cooling, which reaches a minimum in boreal summer. The surface heat-flux-induced changes in the mixed layer heat content are damped by a strong annual cycle of cooling from vertical turbulent mixing, estimated from the residual in the heat balance. In the ITCZ core region (3°–8°N) a weak seasonal cycle of mixed layer heat content is driven by a semiannual cycle of SWR and damped by evaporative cooling and vertical turbulent mixing. On the equator the seasonal cycle of mixed layer heat content is balanced by an annual cycle of SWR that reaches a maximum in October and a semiannual cycle of turbulent mixing that cools the mixed layer most strongly during May–July and November. These results emphasize the importance of the surface heat flux and vertical turbulent mixing for the seasonal cycle of mixed layer heat content in the northeastern tropical Atlantic.
Nonlinear Radiating Instability of a Barotropic Eastern Boundary Current
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Spall Michael A. , Flierl Glenn R. , Malanotte-Rizzoli Paola
Published: May 2013

Linear and nonlinear radiating instabilities of an eastern boundary current are studied using a barotropic quasigeostrophic model in an idealized meridional channel. The eastern boundary current is meridionally uniform and produces unstable modes in which long waves are most able to radiate. These long radiating modes are easily suppressed by friction because of their small growth rates. However, the long radiating modes can overcome friction by nonlinear energy input transferred from the more unstable trapped mode and play an important role in the energy budget of the boundary current system. The nonlinearly powered long radiating modes take away part of the perturbation energy from the instability origin to the ocean interior. The radiated instabilities can generate zonal striations in the ocean interior that are comparable to features observed in the ocean. Subharmonic instability is identified to be responsible for the nonlinear resonance between the radiating and trapped modes, but more general nonlinear triad interactions are expected to apply in a highly nonlinear environment.
Reconstructing the Ocean's Interior from Surface Data
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Flierl Glenn R. , LaCasce Joseph H. , McClean Julie L. , Mahadevan Amala
Published: May 2013

A new method is proposed for extrapolating subsurface velocity and density fields from sea surface density and sea surface height (SSH). In this, the surface density is linked to the subsurface fields via the surface quasigeostrophic (SQG) formalism, as proposed in several recent papers. The subsurface field is augmented by the addition of the barotropic and first baroclinic modes, whose amplitudes are determined by matching to the sea surface height (pressure), after subtracting the SQG contribution. An additional constraint is that the bottom pressure anomaly vanishes. The method is tested for three regions in the North Atlantic using data from a high-resolution numerical simulation. The decomposition yields strikingly realistic subsurface fields. It is particularly successful in energetic regions like the Gulf Stream extension and at high latitudes where the mixed layer is deep, but it also works in less energetic eastern subtropics. The demonstration highlights the possibility of reconstructing three-dimensional oceanic flows using a combination of satellite fields, for example, sea surface temperature (SST) and SSH, and sparse (or climatological) estimates of the regional depth-resolved density. The method could be further elaborated to integrate additional subsurface information, such as mooring measurements.