bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Plant-Soil-Enzyme Interactions on Plant Composition, Biomass and Diversity of Alpine Meadows in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Changting , Wang Genxu , Liu Wei , Wu Pengfei
Published: June 2011

Four different alpine meadow communities were studied to examine the effects of plant-soil-enzyme interactions on plant composition and diversity. Enzyme activities differed by meadow type, and in general were higher in the upper soil layers (0–10 and 10–20 cm) than in the 20–40 cm layer. Community differences in plant composition or functional group composition were reflected in plant biomass distribution. The identity of a species (or a functional group) was a greater determinant of ecosystem function than the number of plant species. A significant correlation was found between the coverage per functional group and the aboveground biomass of functional groups in four alpine meadows. Soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) and enzyme activity were each affected by both functional group biomass andCABin the different meadow types. The negative correlation between diversity andCABin theKTSmay be influenced by a high soil nutrients input as a result of a higher litter input because of high aboveground biomass. Soil enzyme activities have been related to soil physio-chemical characters and plant primary production to change in vegetation. The original soil conditions, plant community composition, and community productivity are very important in regulating plant community productivity and microbial biomass and activity.
The Multifaceted Use of a Written Artifact in Student Supervision
Authors: Jansson Gunilla
Published: June 2011

This article explores the use of a written artifact, an assessment form encompassing a checklist with health care terms, in supervised nurse student-patient interactions during assessment interviews in a Swedish hospital ward. The students were doing their clinical practice and were in their first year of a three-year nursing degree. Even though the students are not in charge of the situation, they are expected to perform a professional task for which they lack adequate skills. As demonstrated, the use of the assessment form provided a useful way for the participants to manage specific tasks in an apprenticeship context, such as regulating affect display, demonstrating uptake of the patient's concerns and staging the interview as an exercise. For this article, three excerpts have been selected from history-taking sequences, when the patient's previous illness history is created. The analysis illustrates the affordances provided by the assessment form to handle perspective shifts, when the patient departs from a general pattern of unelaborated answers and offers a window into his/her concerns. Importantly, however, the students' feedback talk with the nurse preceptor offers evidence that the artifact also constrains their forms of action in the practice of gathering assessment data. The article argues for ward-level practices that socialize students into reflective ways of using the artifact.
Clostridium septicumSepsis and Colon Carcinoma: Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Mao Eric , Clements Aine , Feller Edward
Published: June 2011

An association exists between colon carcinoma andClostridium septicuminfection, especially bacteremia. We reviewed retrospectively all positive blood cultures for this organism at a 300-bed general hospital over 4 years. Four of 15 cases were associated with concurrent colon carcinoma.C. septicuminfection was the presenting feature of previously undiagnosed large bowel malignancy in three patients. We report this small case series to alert clinicians to the diverse spectrum and diagnostic difficulties of this rare, potentially catastrophic association. Although commonly associated with necrotizing skin or soft tissue infections, this bacterium can present with nonspecific or atypical symptoms. All patients with positive blood cultures forC. septicum, even without clinical suspicion of large bowel malignancy, should undergo colonoscopy to evaluate for colon carcinoma.
Secondary Pharmacotherapeutic Prevention among German Primary Care Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Müller-Bühl Uwe , Laux Gunter , Szecsenyi Joachim
Published: June 2011

Background. The aim of the study was to determine the secondary preventive medical supply of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in German primary care.Methods and Results. A population-based case control study was conducted using electronic medical records of patients extracted from the CONTENT primary care database of Heidelberg, Germany, between April 2007 and March 2010. The prescription rates of cardiovascular medication among symptomatic PAD patients were analysed by means of the ATC classification and compared with those of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). 479 cases with PAD and 958 sex- and age-matched control CVD patients were identified. PAD patients showed significantly lower prescription rates for cardiac agents (21.7% versus 37%),β-blockers (50.1% versus. 66.2%), and lipid-lowering agents (50.3% versus 55.9%) compared to CVD patients. In contrast, significantly more prescriptions of antidiabetic agents (28.2% versus 20.3%), particularly insulin and analogues (12.5% versus 8%), and calcium channel blockers (29.2% versus 24.3%) were found in PAD patients. Low-dose aspirin use among both PAD and CVD patients was underestimated, as it is available without a prescription.Conclusions. Optimal pharmacotherapeutical care of patients with PAD requires more intensive cardioprotective medication in primary care settings.
Efficient Load Forecasting Optimized by Fuzzy Programming and OFDM Transmission
Authors: Sachdeva Sandeep , Singh Maninder , Singh U. P. , Arora Ajat Shatru
Published: June 2011

Today, it is very important for developed and developing countries to consume electricity more efficiently. Though developed countries do not want to waste electricity and developing countries cannot waste electricity. This leads to the concept: load forecasting. This paper is written for the short-term load forecasting on daily basis, hourly, or half-hourly basis or real time load forecasting. But as we move from daily to hourly basis of load forecasting, the error of load forecasting increases. The analysis of this paper is done on previous year's load data records of an engineering college in India using the concept of fuzzy methods. The analysis has been done on Mamdani-type membership functions and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) transmission scheme. To reduce the error of load forecasting, fuzzy method has been used with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and OFDM transmission is used to get data from outer world and send outputs to outer world accurately and quickly. The error has been reduced to a considerable level in the range of 2-3%. For further reducing the error, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) can be used with Reed-Solomon (RS) encoding. Further studies are going on with Fuzzy Regression methods to reduce the error more.
Ovarian Epithelial-Stromal Interactions: Role of Interleukins 1 and 6
Authors: Woolery Kamisha T. , Kruk Patricia A.
Published: June 2011

Ovarian epithelial cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. The high mortality is attributed to the fact that most cases typically present in late stage when ovarian cancer (OC) has already spread beyond the ovary. Ovarian epithelial cancer cells are shed into intraperitoneal ascites and easily disseminate throughout the peritoneal cavity with preferential metastasis to the omentum, peritoneum, and local organs. Understanding how ovarian epithelial cells interact with and modulate their microenvironment can provide insight into the molecular mechanism(s) involved with malignant transformation and progression which may eventually identify novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief consideration of ovarian surface epithelial-stromal interactions in regard to normal physiological function and tumor progression as influenced by two potentially key interleukins, interleukins-1 (IL-1) and -6 (IL-6), present in the microenvironment. Lastly, we will consider the clinical implications of IL-1 and IL-6 for OC patients.
Improving the Hydrophobicity of ZnO by PTFE Incorporation
Authors: Srivastava Meenu , Basu Bharathi Bai J. , Rajam K. S.
Published: June 2011

The objective of the present study is to obtain a zinc oxide- (ZnO-) based superhydrophobic surface in a simple and cost-effective manner. Chemical immersion deposition being simple and economical has been adopted to develop modified ZnO coating on glass substrate. Several modifications of ZnO like treatment with alkanoic acid (stearic acid) and fluoroalkylsilane to tune the surface wettability (hydrophobicity) were attempted. The effect of thermal treatment on the hydrophobic performance was also studied. It was observed that thermal treatment at 70°C for 16 hrs followed by immersion in stearic acid resulted in high water contact angle (WCA), that is, a superhydrophobic surface. Thus, a modified ZnO superhydrophobic surface involves the consumption of large amount of electrical energy and time. Hence, the alternate involved the incorporation of low surface energy fluoropolymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the ZnO coating. The immersion deposited ZnO-PTFE composite coating on modification with either stearic acid or fluoroalkylsilane resulted in a better superhydrophobic surface. The coatings were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for the surface morphology. It was found that microstructure of the coating was influenced by the additives employed. A flower-like morphology comprising of needle-like structure arranged in a radial manner was exhibited by the superhydrophobic coating.
Analysing the Temperature Effect on the Competitiveness of the Amine Addition versus the Amidation Reaction in the Epoxidized Oil/Amine System by MCR-ALS of FTIR Data
Authors: del Río Vanessa , Callao M. Pilar , Larrechi M. Soledad
Published: June 2011

The evaluation of the temperature effect on the competitiveness between the amine addition and the amidation reaction in a model cure acid-catalysed reaction between the epoxidized methyl oleate (EMO), obtained from high oleic sunflower oil, and aniline is reported. The study was carried out analysing the kinetic profiles of the chemical species involved in the system, which were obtained applying multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) to the Fourier transform infrared spectra data obtained from the reaction monitoring at two different temperatures (60 °C and 30 °C). At both experimental temperatures, two mechanisms were postulated: non-autocatalytic and autocatalytic. The different behaviour was discussed considering not only the influence of the temperature on the amidation reaction kinetic, but also the presence of the homopolymerization of the EMO reagent.
Research Strategies in the Study of the Pro-Oxidant Nature of Polyphenol Nutraceuticals
Authors: Babich Harvey , Schuck Alyssa G. , Weisburg Jeffrey H. , Zuckerbraun Harriet L.
Published: June 2011

Polyphenols of phytochemicals are thought to exhibit chemopreventive effects against cancer. These plant-derived antioxidant polyphenols have a dual nature, also acting as pro-oxidants, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and causing oxidative stress. When studying the overall cytotoxicity of polyphenols, research strategies need to distinguish the cytotoxic component derived from the polyphenolper sefrom that derived from the generated ROS. Such strategies include (a) identifying hallmarks of oxidative damage, such as depletion of intracellular glutathione and lipid peroxidation, (b) classical manipulations, such as polyphenol exposures in the absence and presence of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., catalase and superoxide dismutase) and of antioxidants (e.g., glutathione andN-acetylcysteine) and cotreatments with glutathione depleters, and (c) more recent manipulations, such as divalent cobalt and pyruvate to scavenge ROS. Attention also must be directed to the influence of iron and copper ions and to the level of polyphenols, which mediate oxidative stress.
Dietary Exercise as a Novel Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome: Effects on Skeletal Muscle Function
Authors: Aoi Wataru , Naito Yuji , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: June 2011

A sedentary lifestyle can cause metabolic syndrome to develop. Metabolic syndrome is associated with metabolic function in the skeletal muscle, a major consumer of nutrients. Dietary exercise, along with an adequate diet, is reported to be one of the major preventive therapies for metabolic syndrome; exercise improves the metabolic capacity of muscles and prevents the loss of muscle mass. Epidemiological studies have shown that physical activity reduces the risk of various common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer; it also helps in reducing visceral adipose tissue. In addition, laboratory studies have demonstrated the mechanisms underlying the benefits of single-bout and regular exercise. Exercise regulates the expression/activity of proteins associated with metabolic and anabolic signaling in muscle, leading to a change in phenotype. The extent of these changes depends on the intensity, the duration, and the frequency of the exercise. The effect of exercise is also partly due to a decrease in inflammation, which has been shown to be closely related to the development of various diseases. Furthermore, it has been suggested that several phytochemicals contained in natural foods can improve nutrient metabolism and prevent protein degradation in the muscle.
-Based Organic Hybrid Solar Cells with Doping
Authors: Alparslan Zühal , Kösemen Arif , Örnek Osman , Yerli Yusuf , San S. Eren
Published: June 2011

A hybrid solar cell is designed and proposed as a feasible and reasonable alternative, according to acquired efficiency with the employment of TiO2(titanium dioxide) and Mn-doped TiO2thin films. In the scope of this work, TiO2(titanium dioxide) and Mn:TiO2hybrid organic thin films are proposed as charge transporter layer in polymer solar cells. Poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT: PCBM) is used as active layer. When the Mn-doped TiO2solar cells were compared with pure TiO2cells, Mn-doped samples revealed a noteworthy efficiency enhancement with respect to undoped-TiO2-based cells. The highest conversion efficiency was obtained to be 2.44% at the ratio of 3.5% (wt/wt) Mn doping.
Chlamydia trachomatisVaccine Research through the Years
Authors: Schautteet Katelijn , De Clercq Evelien , Vanrompay Daisy
Published: June 2011

Chlamydia trachomatisis a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium. It is the leading cause of bacterial sexual transmitted infections (STIs). World Health Organization figures estimated that over 90 million new cases of genitalC. trachomatisinfections occur worldwide each year. A vaccination program is considered to be the best approach to reduce the prevalence ofC. trachomatisinfections, as it would be much cheaper and have a greater impact on controllingC. trachomatisinfections worldwide rather than a screening program or treating infections with antibiotics. Currently, there are no vaccines available which effectively protect against aC. trachomatisgenital infection despite the many efforts that have been made throughout the years. In this paper, the many attempts to develop a protective vaccine against a genitalC. trachomatisinfection will be reviewed.
Comparative Immature Morphology of Brazilian Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae:Solenopsis)
Authors: Fox Eduardo Gonçalves Paterson , Solis Daniel Russ , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , de Souza Rodrigo Fernando , Bueno Odair Correa
Published: June 2011

Although common in Brazil, the biology of the fire antSolenopsis saevissima(Smith) is still poorly studied. Larval descriptions are useful to genus-level ant systematics and sometimes to species-level taxonomy. This study presents a detailed description of juveniles ofS. saevissimafrom Brazil, which were compared with Brazilian specimens ofSolenopsis invictaBuren,Solenopsis geminata(Fabricius), andSolenopsis altipunctataPitts. Different larval instars were separated by diagnostic morphological traits which were confirmed by observing moults. Reproductive larvae could be easily sorted by their distinctive body dimensions and shape. Contrary to previous reports on this species, the larvae ofS. saevissimaproved to be generally identical to those ofS. invicta, while a few specimens resembled those of other close species, such asSolenopsis megergatesTrager. Mature larvae thus presented considerable intraspecific variation in some characters recently proposed to aid fire ant species separation (morphology of head hairs).
Improvement in Comprehensive Properties of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)‐Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte by a Core‐Shell Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)‐Grafted Ordered Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Xu Lixin , Xu Feng , Chen Feng , Yang Jintao , Zhong Mingqiang
Published: June 2011

A novel strategy, herein, is demonstrated for improving comprehensive properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)‐based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with a core‐shell PMMA‐grafted ordered mesoporous silica (OMS‐g‐PMMA). The OMS‐g‐PMMA was synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate from the exterior surface of OMS particle. A series of PMMA‐based GPE membrances, filled with the OMS‐g‐PMMA of different contents, were further prepared by solution casting technique. The OMS‐g‐PMMA was confirmed to possess regular core‐shell structure, in which a PMMA shell is chemically grafted to the exterior surface of silica core remaining intact mesoporous characteristics. Compared to the bare OMS, the OMS‐g‐PMMA is found to more effectively improve the comprehensive properties of PMMA‐based GPE including ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties as well. For the PMMA‐based GPE filled with 15 phr OMS‐g‐PMMA, the ionic conductivity at 25°C reaches 1.59 × 10−4 S·cm−1, which is higher by nearly two orders than that of the corresponding filler‐free parent GPE. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and Young′s modulus increase by 2.39 and 2.41 times, respectively, with an improvement in glass‐transition temperature (Tg) about 10°C. The excellent comprehensive properties make the PMMA‐based GPE filled with OMS‐g‐PMMA as potential candidate for electrochemical devices.
Cardioprotective Effects of Salvianolic Acid A on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion InjuryIn VivoandIn Vitro
Authors: Fan Huaying , Yang Liu , Fu Fenghua , Xu Hui , Meng Qinggang , Zhu Haibo , Teng Lirong , Yang Mingyan , Zhang Leiming , Zhang Ziliang , Liu Ke
Published: June 2011

Salvianolic acid A (SAA), one of the major active components of Danshen that is a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to possess protective effect in cardiac diseases and antioxidative activity. This study aims to investigate the cardioprotection of SAAin vivoandin vitrousing the model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rat and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts apoptosis. It was found that SAA significantly limited infarct size of ischemic myocardium when given immediately prior to reperfusion. SAA also significantly suppressed cellular injury and apoptotic cell death. Additionally, the results of western blot and phospho-specific antibody microarray analysis showed that SAA could up-regulate Bcl-2 expression and increase the phosphorylation of proteins such as Akt, p42/p44 extracellular signal-related kinases (Erk1/2), and their related effectors. The phosphorylation of those points was related to suppress apoptosis. In summary, SAA possesses marked protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is related to its ability to reduce myocardial cell apoptosis and damage induced by oxidative stress. The protection is achieved via up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and affecting protein phosphorylation. These findings indicate that SAA may be of value in cardioprotection during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, which provide pharmacological evidence for clinical application.
Complete PSA Remission without Adjuvant Therapy after Secondary Lymph Node Surgery in Selected Patients with Biochemical Relapse after Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Winter Alexander , Uphoff Jens , Henke Rolf-Peter , Wawroschek Friedhelm
Published: June 2011

Introduction. To evaluate whether secondary resection of lymph node (LN) metastases (LNMs) can result in PSA remission, we analysed the PSA outcome after resection of LNM detected on PET/CT in patients with biochemical failure.Materials and Methods. 11 patients with PSA relapse (mean 3.02 ng/mL, range 0.5–9.55 ng/mL) after radical prostatectomy without adjuvant therapy were included. Suspicious LN (1–3) detected on choline PET/CT and nearby LN were openly dissected (09/04–02/11). The PSA development was examined. Histological and PET/CT findings were compared.Results. 9 of 10 patients with histologically confirmed LNM showed a PSA response. 4 of 9 patients with single LNM had a complete permanent PSA remission (mean followup 31.8, range 1–48 months). Of metastasis-suspicious LNs (14) 12 could be histologically confirmed. The additionally removed 25 LNs were all correctly negative.Conclusions. The complete PSA remissions after secondary resection of single LNM argue for a feasible therapeutic benefit without adjuvant therapy. For this purpose the choline PET/CT is in spite of its limitations currently the most reliable routinely available diagnostic tool.
ESBLs: A Clear and Present Danger?
Authors: Dhillon Rishi H.-P. , Clark John
Published: June 2011

Extended spectrumβ-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by a variety of Gram negative bacteria which confer an increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. They are a worrying global public health issue as infections caused by such enzyme-producing organisms are associated with a higher morbidity and mortality and greater fiscal burden. Coupled with increasing prevalence rates worldwide and an ever diminishing supply in the antibiotic armamentarium, these enzymes represent a clear and present danger to public health. This article aims to give an overview of the current situation regarding ESBLs, with a focus on the epidemiology and management of such infections.
Genetic Polymorphisms of ADH1C and CYP2E1 and Risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Brocic Miroslav , Supic Gordana , Zeljic Katarina , Jovic Nebojsa , Kozomara Ruzica , Zagorac Sladjana , Zlatkovic Milica , Magic Zvonko
Published: June 2011

Objective

Several studies have suggested that the metabolism of alcohol is modulated by the polymorphisms in genes encoding ethanol‐metabolizing enzymes, including alcohol dehydrogenase 1C, ADH1C, and cytochrome P450‐dependent monooxygenase, CYP2E1. Genetic polymorphisms of ethanol‐metabolizing enzymes may affect individual susceptibility to oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between ADH1C and CYP2E1 gene polymorphisms with oral squamous cell carcinoma in an ethnically homogeneous Caucasian population.

Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Serbian national general hospital.

Subjects and Methods

The study was conducted on 123 oral cancer patients and a control group of 177 individuals of the Caucasian race and the same ethnicity, matched in age and gender, without previous cancer history. The control group consisted of 120 population‐based and 57 hospital‐based controls of heavy‐drinking individuals. Genetic polymorphisms of ADH1C SspI, ADH1C HaeIII, CYP2E1 RsaI, and CYP2E1 Ins were determined by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

Results

After adjustment by potential confounders, the significant increase of oral cancer risk, independent of alcohol drinking, was observed in individuals with the variant ADH1C SspI*2/*2 genotype (odds ratio, 3.029; P =. 014) and in combined ADH1C SspI*1/*2 and ADH1C SspI*2/*2 genotypes (odds ratio, 2.605; P =. 002), compared to the ADH1C*1/1* wild type. The association of other polymorphisms under study was not observed.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the ADH1C SspI polymorphism could play a significant role in the etiology of oral cancer, whereas ADH1C HaeIII, CYP2E1 RsaI, and CYP2E1 Ins could have minor influence.
The co-expression of 4-hydroxynonenal and prominin-1 in glioblastomas
Authors: Kolenc Danijela , Jakovčević Antonia , Macan Marija , Žarković Kamelija
Published: June 2011

Oxidative stress (OS) is the condition that occurs when the anti-oxidative capacity of tissues and cells is overcome. The oxidative damage of cells is caused by free radicals which are products of OS. Lipid peroxidation is an autocatalitic process caused by OS which damages lipids and causes production of highly reactive species such as 4-hyroxynonenal (HNE). Recent findings have shown an increase in HNE-immunopositivity when compared to grade of astrocytic tumors. The cancer stem cell hypothesis suggests that not all cells in the tumor have the same ability to proliferate and maintain the growth of the tumor. Only a relatively small fraction of cells in the tumor, termed cancer stem cells, posses the ability to proliferate and self-renew extensively and expresses the surface marker CD133 (prominin-1). CNS tissue damage via trauma, viruses and ishaemia, increases the amount of OS production, which damages endothelial cells and consequently results in excess production of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs are immunoreactive for CD133 and CD34 and are thus important in the process of angiogenesis. Results of our study confirmed the main hypothesis, i.e.the proportional expression and distribution of CD133 and HNE in tumor cells, mesenchymal stroma, blood vessels and in the areas of necrosis, probably due to permanent OS in tumors, whose products continue to damage the endothelial cells and cause an excess production of EPCs. Identification of coexpression HNE and CD133 in GBM has important implication for the understanding of propagation of tumors into higher grade.
Genetic defects causing functional and structural isolated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Petkovic Vibor , Mullis Primus
Published: June 2011

Normal somatic growth requires the integrated function of many of the hormonal, metabolic, and other growth factors involved in the hypothalamo-pituitary-somatotrope axis. Human growth hormone (hGH) causes a variety of physiological and metabolic effects in humans and its pivotal role in postnatal growth is undisputed. Disturbances that occur during this process often cause subnormal GH secretion and/or subnormal GH sensitivity/responsiveness resulting in short stature. Despite the complexity of this linear growth process, the growth pattern of children, if evaluated in the context of normal standards, is rather predictable. Children presenting with short stature (i.e out of normal standards) are treated with daily injections of recombinant human GH (rhGH), which leads in almost all cases to an increase of height velocity. Although it is becoming more and more evident that many genes are involved in controlling the regulation of growth, the main aim of this review is to focus on the GH-1 gene, the various gene alterations and their important physiological and pathophysiological role in growth.
“Prolonged” migraine aura: New information on underlying mechanisms
Authors: Viola Stefano , Viola Paolo , Litterio Pasqualino , Buongarzone Maria , Fiorelli Luisa
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study is to identify the pathophysiology of “prolonged” migraine aura not clearly understood. We studied cortical cerebral microcirculation by Near Infrared Spectroscopy system (NIRS) and cerebral macrocirculation by transcranial Doppler (TCD) in 8 subjects (3 M and 5 F, age range 21–41 years) during spontaneous “prolonged” migraine aura in according to ICHD-II criteria 2004 (code 1.6.2.) up to 24 hours after the end of aura and compared the results with the headache-free periods. During aura NIRS showed a significant decrease of the Arterial Pulse Wave of Cerebral Microcirculation (APWCM) amplitude (−33 % ± 5.7), p<0.001, and a significant increase of Cerebral Tissue Oxygen Saturation (SctO2) (+15.5 % ± 5.1), p<0.001 contralateral to the symptoms of aura compared with the headache-free periods; TCD showed a significant increase of Pulsatility Index (+36.5 % ± 6.5), p<0.001 and a significant decrease of the diastolic velocity in the posterior and middle cerebral artery contralateral to the symptoms of aura compared with the headache-free periods. In conclusion during “prolonged” migraine aura we find areas of cortical hypoperfusion corresponding to the topography of aura symptoms that are the result of a decreased metabolic demand rather than an ischemic mechanism.
Stem cells in brain diseases: From cell replacement to disease modeling
Authors: Kosi Nina , Mitrečić Dinko
Published: June 2011

Neurological diseases are recognized as one of the most significant burdens of the modern society. Therefore, a new therapeutic approach applicable to nervous system represents priority of today’s medicine. A rapid development of stem cell technology in the last two decades introduced a possibility to regenerate disease-affected nervous tissue. In this vein, stem cells are envisioned as a replacement for lost neurons, a source of trophic support, a therapeutic vehicle, and as a tool for in vitro modeling. This article reviews the current concepts in stem cell-based therapy of neurological diseases and comments ongoing efforts aiming at clinical translation.
Recent advances in psychoneuroimmunology: Inflammation in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Debnath Monojit , Doyle Karen , Langan Camilla , McDonald Colm , Leonard Brian , Cannon Dara
Published: June 2011

Psychiatric disorders are common and complex and their precise biological underpinnings remain elusive. Multiple epidemiological, molecular, genetic and gene expression studies suggest that immune system dysfunction may contribute to the risk for developing psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. However, the precise mechanisms by which inflammation-related events confer such risk are unclear. In this review, we examine the peripheral and central evidence for inflammation in psychiatric disorders and the potential molecular mechanisms implicated including inhibition of neurogenesis, apoptosis, the HPA-axis, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the interplay between the glutamatergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems.
CNS findings in congenital muscular dystrophy 1A (with laminin alpha-2-deficiency)
Authors: Köhler Cornelia , Weigt-Usinger Katharina , Heyer Christoph , Thiels Charlotte , Dekomien Gabriele , Vorgerd Matthias , Lücke Thomas
Published: June 2011

Congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC) is a group of rare hereditary myopathies with an early onset of progressive muscle weakness and dystrophic changes as evidenced by muscle biopsy. Some forms are associated with severe malformations of the brain. This study presented 2 pediatric patients with genetically diagnosed congenital muscular dystrophy 1A. The patients exhibited a typical combination of muscular hypotonia, joint contractures and elevated creatine kinase levels. Characteristic white matter lesions were not present in an early MRI scan of one patient, but could be detected at the age of 18 months. The second patient showed both severe white and grey matter abnormalities (pachy microgyria) in the MRI scan. In both cases, MRI findings did not correlate with the mental development of the patients.
Mechanisms of general anesthetic action: Focus on the cellular network
Authors: Turina Dean , Björnström Karin
Published: June 2011

The discovery of general anesthetics had a tremendous impact on development of surgery and medicine in general, during the last century. Despite the widespread use of general anesthetics, the mechanisms by which they produce their effects in the central nervous system are still poorly understood. Over the past decade, several new findings have contributed significantly to a better understanding of general anesthetic mechanisms. The current review summarizes recent data on different anesthetic neuronal targets that might be involved in the mechanism of action of general anesthetics, giving special attention to the importance of binding pockets for anesthetics within transmembrane receptors and cellular signaling leading to morphological changes of neuronal cells. Several lines of evidence suggest that disruption in brain network connectivity is important for anaesthesia-induced loss of consciousness and this is discussed in relation to morphological changes.
RECONSTRUCTION OF A SOURCE TERM IN A PARABOLIC INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION FROM FINAL DATA
Authors: Kasemets Kairi , Janno Jaan
Published: June 2011

The identification of a source term in a parabolic integro-differential equation is considered. We study the existence of the quasi-solution to this problem, Tikhonov regularization and a related gradient method.
SPECIAL SOLUTIONS OF HUXLEY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: Navickas Zenonas , Ragulskis Minvydas , Bikulčienė Liepa
Published: June 2011

The conditions when solutions of Huxley equation can be expressed in special form and the procedure of finding exact solutions are presented in this paper. Huxley equation is an evolution equation that describes the nerve propagation in biology. It is often useful to obtain a generalized solitary solution for fully understanding its physical meanings. It is shown that the solution produced by the Exp-function method may not hold for all initial conditions. It is proven that the analytical condition describing the existence of the produced solution in the space of initial conditions (or even in the space of the system's parameters) can not be derived by the Exp-function method because the question about the existence of that solution is omitted. The proposed operator method, on the contrary, brings the load of symbolic computations before the structure of the solution is identified. The method for the derivation of the solution is based on the concept of the rank of the Hankel matrix constructed from the sequence of coefficients representing formal solution in the series form. Moreover, the structure of the algebraic-analytic solution is generated automatically together with all conditions of the solution's existence. Computational experiments are used to illustrate the properties of derived analytical solutions.
A FIXED POINT APPROACH TO STATIONARY HEAT TRANSFER IN ELECTRIC CABLES
Authors: Dvorsky Karl , Gwinner Joachim , Liess Hans-Dieter
Published: June 2011

In this paper we present a novel procedure for the determination of temperature in electric conductors. A Helmholtz-to-Poisson estimate is proved, that justifies to restrict the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity to the conductor boundary. Hence we obtain a nonlinear potential problem for the relevant boundary temperatures, where the temperature dependence of the heat transfer coefficient is fully regarded. Using boundary integral operators, we represent the unknowns as the fixed point of a contraction. Finally a benchmark example is given in the rotationally symmetric case.
EVENTUAL STABILITY AND EVENTUAL BOUNDEDNESS FOR IMPULSIVE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH “SUPREMUM”
Authors: Stamova Ivanka
Published: June 2011

Eventual stability and eventual boundedness for nonlinear impulsive differential equations with supremums are studied. The impulses take place at fixed moments of time. Piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions have been applied. Method of Razumikhin as well as comparison method for scalar impulsive ordinary differential equations have been employed.
EXACT PERIODIC WAVE SOLUTIONS OF A SINGULAR INTEGRABLE EQUATION
Authors: Xie Shaolong , Gao Bin
Published: June 2011

In this paper, theory of dynamical systems is employed to investigate periodic waves of a singular integrable equation. These periodic waves contain smooth periodic waves, periodic cusp waves and periodic cusp loop waves. Under fixed parameter conditions, their exact parametric expressions are given.
A MULTIPLE CRITERIA ENERGY DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM / ENERGETIKOS DAUGIAKRITERINĖ SPRENDIMŲ PARAMOS SISTEMA
Authors: Atici Kazim Baris , Ulucan Aydin
Published: June 2011

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques are particularly suitable for Energy and Environment (E&E) decisions due to multiple criteria nature of these types of problems and they have been widely applied in this area. Main points that can be taken into consideration when examining the MCDA literature related to E&E are the selection of appropriate method, selection of criteria to be used and the widely distributed application areas. The motivation behind this study is designing such a Decision Support System (DSS) that enables the energy decision makers to perform analysis using different methods of MCDA and different criteria from various application areas and test the applicability of the system through an application in Turkish Energy Sector. The system includes several methods of MCDA and common parameters from previous studies in order to provide different approaches of evaluating decision problems. With this feature, the system stands on the intersection of MCDA and E&E fields. Moreover, an application of MCDA in Turkish Energy Sector has been performed to test the applicability of the system and some conclusions about electricity distribution in Turkey are put forth. Santrauka Daugiakriterinės sprendimų analizės (DKSA) metodai yra ypač tinkami energetikos ir aplinkos (E ir A) sprendimams priimti dėl daugiakriterinio problemų pobūdžio ir šioje srityje metodai buvo plačiai naudojami. Svarbiausi punktai, į kuriuos gali būti atsižvelgta nagrinėjant DKSA literatūrą, susijusą su E ir A, yra tinkamo metodo parinkimas, galimų rodiklių parinkimas ir plačiai paplitusios taikymo sritys. Šio mokslinio straipsnio motyvas yra suformuoti tokias sprendimų paramos sistemas (SPS), kurios leidžia energetikos sprendimus priimantiems asmenims atlikti analizę naudojant įvairius DKSA metodus ir skirtingus rodiklius iš įvairių taikymo sričių bei bandyti pritaikyti šią sistemą remiantis Turkijos energetikos sektoriumi. Sistema apima kelis DKSA metodus ir bendrus parametrus, iš ankstesnių mokslinių straipsnių, siekiant užtikrinti skirtingų požiūrių buvimą vertinant sprendimų priėmimo problemas. Šiame straipsnyje sprendimų sistema yra sankirtoje tarp DKSA bei E ir A. Be to, buvo atliktas DKSA pritaikymas Turkijos energetikos sektoriuje siekiant patikrinti sistemos pritaikomumą bei yra pateikti keli pasiūlymai dėl elektros paskirstymo Turkijoje.
A FUZZY MULTI-ATTRIBUTE DECISION-MAKING METHOD UNDER RISK WITH UNKNOWN ATTRIBUTE WEIGHTS / NERAIŠKUSIS MAŽESNĖS RIZIKOS DAUGIATIKSLIS SPRENDIMŲ PRIĖMIMO METODAS SU NEŽINOMAIS PRISKIRIAMAIS REIKŠMINGUMAIS
Authors: Han Zuosheng , Liu Peide
Published: June 2011

This paper aims at solving hybrid multiple attributes decision-making problems under risk with attribute weight known and a new decision approach based on entropy weight and TOPSIS is proposed. First, the risk decision matrix is transformed into the certain decision matrix based on the expectation value. Then, the deviation entropy weight method is used to determine the attribute weights. And according to the definitions of the distance and the positive/negative ideal solutions for different data types, the relative closeness coefficients can be calculated by TOPSIS. Furthermore, the alternatives are ranked by the relative closeness coefficients. Finally, an application case is given to demonstrate the steps and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje siekiama išspręsti mišrias mažesnės rizikos daugiatiksles sprendimo priėmimo problemas su žinomu priskiriamu reikšmingumu bei yra siūlomas naujas sprendimų priėmimo metodas grindžiamas entropijos reikšmingumu ir TOPSIS. Pirmiausia, rizikos sprendimų matrica yra transformuojama į tam tikrą sprendimų matricą, grindžiamą galimybės verte. Tuomet yra naudojamas entropijos reikšmingumo nuokrypio metodas norint nustatyti priskiriamą reikšmingumą. Atsižvelgiant į atstumo apibrėžimus ir teigiamus / neigiamus idealius sprendimus skirtingiems duomenų tipams, santykinio artumo koeficientas gali būti apskaičiuojami remiantis TOPSIS. Be to, alternatyvos yra reitinguojamos pagal santykinio artumo koeficientus. Galiausiai, yra pateiktas pritaikymo atvejis, siekiant parodyti visus žingsnius ir siūlomo metodo veiksmingumą.
NEW INTERNAL RATING APPROACH FOR CREDIT RISK ASSESSMENT / NAUJAS VIDAUS REITINGU MODELIS KREDITO RIZIKOS VERTINIMUI
Authors: Boguslauskas Vytautas , Mileris Ričardas , Adlytė Rūta
Published: June 2011

The assessment and modeling of the credit risk is one of the most important topics in the field of financial risk management. In this investigation the credit risk assessment model was developed and tested for Lithuanian companies. 20 financial ratios of the companies were calculated for each year of the 3 year period of interest. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were applied and the set of variables reduced from 60 to 25. Logistic regression was used for the classification of the companies into reliable and not reliable ones. Financial ratios, having the highest correlation to the possibility of default were selected for further investigation and several credit ratings were attributed to the companies according to these variables’ values. The average values of Mahalanobis Distances calculated for the most reliable companies were the lowest and these values increased with a decreased reliability of the company. The differences between Mahalanobis Distances of the companies having different credit ratings confirmed the reliability of the model results.

Santrauka

Kredito rizikos vertinimas ir modeliavimas – viena iš aktualiausiu temų, kalbant apie finansinės rizikos valdymą. Atlikto tyrimo metu buvo sukurtas kredito rizikos modelis. šis modelis išbandytas 198 Įmonių aibėje, skaičiuojant po 20 finansinių rodiklių 3 analizuojamų metu laikotarpiu. Panaudojus ANOVA metodą ir Kolmogorovo – Smirnovo statistiką, kintamųjų kiekis buvo sumažintas nuo 60 iki 25 rodiklių. Įmonįu klasifikavimui į 2 grupes: patikimus ir nepatikimus banko klientus, atsižvelgiant į jų įsipareigojimų nevykdymo tikimybę, buvo naudojama logistinė regresija. 97 proc. patikimų (nebankrutavusių) ir 82 proc. nepatikimų (bankrutavusių) įmonių suklasifikuotos teisingai. Tolimesniam tyrimui atrinkti 7 finansiniai rodikliai, kurių koreliacinis ryšys su įsipareigojimų nevykdymo tikimybe buvo didžiausias. Atsižvelgiant į šių kintamųjų reikšmės, įmonėms buvo priskirti 9 kredito reitingai. Vidutines Mahalanobio atstumu reikšmes, apskaiČiuotos patikimiausioms kompanijoms buvo mažiausios; šios reikšmės didėjo, mažejantįmonių patikimumui. Skirtingį reitingį įmonėms apskaiČiuoti Mahalanobio atstumų skirtumai, pagrindė modelio rezultatų patikimumą.
AN APPLICATION OF LOGISTIC CAPITAL MANAGEMENT THEORY MODEL TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH CYCLE IN LITHUANIA / LOGISTINĖS KAPITALO VALDYMO TEORIJOS MODELIO TAIKYMAS LIETUVOS EKONOMINIO AUGIMO CIKLUI
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Barakauskaitė-Jakubauskienė Neringa
Published: June 2011

The article analyses one of the most recent theories of economic growth prof. Girdzijauskas (2002, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010) created logistic growth theory, whose main idea is based on market saturation and the concept of limitation. The essential claims of the theory are being tried to adjust analysing the economic growth cycle of Lithuania in 1995–2009 period. Performed logistic analysis of Lithuania's GDP (Loglet Lab2), macro–economic indicators’ and factors’ affecting them correlation regression analysis (SPSS15,0). The article concludes of the presentation of the created economic growth cycles and the bubble formation mechanism combining hypothetical Lithuanian economic growth cycle assessment model. Santrauka Straipsnyje analizuojama viena iš naujausių ekonominio augimo teorijų – prof. S. Girdzijausko (2006, 2008) sukurta logistine kapitalo augimo teorija, kurios pagrindine idėja remiasi rinkos prisisotinimo ir ribotumo sąvokomis. Teorijos esminius teiginius siekiama pritaikyti, vertinant Lietuvos ekonominio augimo ciklą 1995–2009 metų laikotarpiu. Atliekama Lietuvos BVP logistinė analizė (LogletLab2), makroekonominių rodiklių bei jiems įtaką darančių veiksnių koreliacinė regresinė analizė (SPSS 15,0). Straipsnio pabaigoje pateikimas sukurtas ekonominio augimo ciklus ir burbulo susiformavimo mechanizmą apjungiantis hipotetinis Lietuvos ekonominio augimo ciklo vertinimo modelis.
HOUSEHOLD MONEY DEMAND IN ROMANIA. EVIDENCE FROM COINTEGRATED VAR / PINIGŲ POREIKIO RUMUNIJOS NAMŲ ŪKIUOSE TYRIMAS NAUDOJANT KOINTEGRUOTUS AUTOREGRESINIUS VEKTORIUS
Authors: Ruxanda Gheorghe , Muraru Andreea
Published: June 2011

By the means of cointegrated VAR we investigated the money demand behaviour of households. Using the traditional determinants and adding variables specific for the sector we succeeded to obtain a relevant description of what influences individuals’ money holdings, gradually increasing the number of variables but also restricting on the irrelevant ones. Santrauka Autoriai, naudodami kointegruotus autoregresinius vektorius, tyrė pinigų poreikio pokyčius namų ūkiuose. Tyrimuose buvo naudojami tiek tradiciniai, tiek šiam sektoriui būdingi veiksniai. Nustatyti veiksniai, kurie turi didžiausią įtaką namų ūkiams, taip pat identifikuoti nereikšmingi.
MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION MAKING (MCDM) METHODS IN ECONOMICS: AN OVERVIEW / DAUGIATIKSLIAI SPRENDIMŲ PRIĖMIMO METODAI EKONOMIKOJE: APŽVALGA
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Turskis Zenonas
Published: June 2011

The main research activities in economics during the last five years have significantly increased. The main research fields are operation research and sustainable development. The philosophy of decision making in economics is to assess and select the most preferable solution, implement it and to gain the biggest profit. Preferences are used in a lot of problem situations both in individual and organizational decision making processes. A number of effective decision making methods that support decisions under conditions of multiple criteria have appeared in the last decade. This paper presents a panorama of decision making methods in economics and summarizes the most important results and applications over the last five years. This paper considers decision making in light of the recent developments of multiple criteria decision making methods (because classical methods are overviewed in a lot of earlier publications). Authors of different approaches, pioneering studies and works are presented in short. Santrauka Priimant ekonominius sprendimus pagrindinis tikslais gali būti: įvertinti tikslingas altrenatyvas, parinkti geriausią alternatyvą, įgyvendinti parinktą sprendimą ir gauti didžiausią naudą. Sprendimus gali parinkti tiek atskiri veikėjai tiek ir veikėjų grupės. Vertinamų sprendimų pasekmės įtakoja tiek sprendėjų tiek ir visuomenės poreikius. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiama sprendimų priėmimo metodų, kuriuos galima taikyti ekonomikoje, apžvalga. Straipnyje pateikiama paskutinių penkerių metų svarbiausių tyrimų apžvalga. Taip pat pristatyti populiariausių daugiatikslių sprendimų priėmimo metodų, kurie taikomi ir kuriuos galima taikyti priimant sprendimus ekonomikoje, autoriai.