bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadmium tolerance plasticity inRhizobium leguminosarumbv. viciae: glutathione as a detoxifying agent
Authors: Figueira Etelvina Maria de Almeida Paula , Gusmão Lima Ana Isabel , Pereira Sofia Isabel Almeida
Published: March 2005

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strains expressing different degrees of tolerance to metal stress were used in this work to study the basic mechanisms underlying heavy metal tolerance. We used various parameters to evaluate this response. The strains' growth responses under different Cd2+concentrations were determined and we reported variation in Cd2+tolerance. Total soluble protein content decreased drastically, revealing the toxic effects that intracellular Cd2+imposes on cellular metabolism, but this decrease in protein content was particularly evident in sensitive and moderately tolerant strains. Tolerant strains presented the highest intracellular and wall-bound Cd2+concentrations. Cd2+induced increases in the expression of some specific proteins, which were identical in all tolerant strains. Glutathione levels remained unaltered in the sensitive strain and increased significantly in tolerant and moderately tolerant strains, suggesting the importance of glutathione in coping with metal stress. This work suggests that efflux mechanisms may not be the only system responsible for dealing with heavy metal tolerance. A clear correlation between glutathione levels and Cd2+tolerance is reported, thus adding a novel aspect in bacteria protection against heavy metal deleterious effects.Key words: glutathione, heavy metal, protein expression, rhizobia, thiol quantification.
Isolation of wood-inhabiting fungi from Canadian hardwood logs
Authors: Yang Dian-Qing
Published: March 2005

Wood-inhabiting fungi include many molds, wood-staining fungi, and decay fungi. Most of these fungal species can result in economic losses to wood users. Studies on molds, staining fungi, and decay fungi are necessary to be able to control their growth on wood and wood products. In this study, wood-inhabiting fungi were isolated from logs of 3 major Canadian hardwood species: sugar maple, white birch, and yellow birch. Two media were used for isolation. From these 3 wood species, a total of 1198 fungal cultures were obtained from summer- and winter-harvested logs in dry storage and under water sprinkling. The results showed that most fungal species were not host specific and affected all of the wood species tested. Frequently isolated molds were Alternaria alternata, Trichoderma species, and Mucor/Rhizopus (Zygomycota) species, frequently isolated staining fungi were Ophiostoma piceae and Ophiostoma piliferum, a frequently isolated bark saprophyte was Nectria cinnabarina, and frequently isolated decay fungi were taxa of the phylum Basidiomycota. More fungal species were isolated from summer-harvested logs than from winter-harvested logs. Fewer fungal cultures, especially decay fungi, were isolated from logs in early storage than from logs in late storage.Key words: molds, wood-staining fungi, decay fungi, fungal isolation, log storage.
Overexpression of the ftsZ gene from Corynebacterium glutamicum (Brevibacterium lactofermentum) in Escherichia coli
Authors: Honrubia-Marcos María Pilar , Ramos Angelina , Gil José A
Published: March 2005

Our goal in this work was to overexpress the essential cell division FtsZ protein from Corynebacterium glutamicum (Brevibacterium lactofermentum) (FtsZCG) in Escherichia coli to produce anti-FtsZCG polyclonal antibodies. Previous results from our laboratory showed that ftsZCG was not expressed in E. coli in a sufficient amount to purify FtsZCG. However, when ftsZCG (without upstream sequences) was transcriptionally fused to the T7 promoter, different truncated FtsZCG proteins (28–32 kDa) were overexpressed in E. coli, and in all cases, stop codons were created because of DNA deletions or rearrangements. Nevertheless, we were able to overexpress and purify an N-terminally hexa-His-tagged FtsZCG from uninduced E. coli cells carrying a pET-28a(+) derivative, yielding about 5 mg of 98% pure protein per 100-mL culture.Key words: Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Corynebacterium glutamicum, FtsZ overexpresssion, hexa-His-tagged FtsZ.
Influence of carbon source and surface hydrophobicity on the aggregation of the yeastKluyveromyces bulgaricus
Authors: Thiebault F , Coulon J
Published: March 2005

Aggregation of the yeast Kluyveromyces bulgaricus is mediated by the galactose-specific lectin KbCWL1. This lectin contains hydrophobic amino acids and its activity is calcium dependent. A specific fluorescent probe, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid in the free acid form (ANS; Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri), was used to study the hydrophobic areas on the cellular surface of K. bulgaricus. Changes in surface hydrophobicity during the growth and aggregation of yeast cells were studied. Surface hydrophobicity increased during growth and depended on the amount of yeast cells in the culture medium. During growth, the size of the hydrophobic areas on the cell surface was measured using ANS and was found to increase with the percentage of flocculating yeasts. Our results strongly suggest that the hydrophobic areas of the cell walls of yeast cells are involved in the aggregation of K. bulgaricus.Key words: aggregation, carbon source, fluorescence probe, hydrophobicity, yeast.
Characteristics of the rhizobia associated with Dalea spp. in the Ordway, Kellogg–Weaver Dunes, and Hayden prairies
Authors: Tlusty B , Berkum P van , Graham P H
Published: March 2005

Habitat fragmentation affects the biodiversity and function of aboveground organisms in natural ecosystems but has not been studied for effects on belowground species. In this paper, we consider the diversity of the rhizobia associated with the indigenous legume Dalea purpurea in 3 residual prairie areas in Minnesota and Iowa. Using Dalea purpurea as a trap host, 218 rhizobia were recovered from these soils then characterized using BOXA1R PCR. Three major and 13 minor groups were distinguished based on a similarity of greater than 75% in fingerprint patterns. Each major group consisted almost exclusively of rhizobia from a single prairie, with the diversity of Dalea rhizobia recovered from the Hayden Prairie less than that obtained with rhizobia from the other prairies. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, isolates from the Hayden, Ordway, and Kellogg–Weaver Dunes prairies were most similar to Rhizobium etli and Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium gallicum, and Mesorhizobium amorphae and Mesorhizobium huakuii, respectively. This variation in the dominant microsymbiont species across the 3 prairies studied was unexpected but could have been influenced by the limited number of samples that we were allowed to take, by unanticipated cross-nodulation between native legumes, and by variation in the range of legume species present in each residual prairie area. While some of the rhizobia from Dalea nodulated Phaseolus vulgaris, Macroptilium atropurpureum, Leucaena leucocephala, and Onobrychis viciifolia in addition to the Dalea species tested, others nodulated Astragalus canadensis or Amorpha canescens.Key words: Rhizobium, Dalea, prairie, diversity, fragmentation, rep PCR.
Isolation and PCR amplification of a species-specific oxidoreductase-coding gene region in Listeria grayi
Authors: Liu Dongyou , Lawrence Mark L , Ainsworth A Jerald , Austin Frank W
Published: March 2005

Listeria grayi is a nonpathogenic Gram-positive bacterium that demonstrates considerable similarities to other members in the genus Listeria, including the foodborne human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and the animal pathogen Listeria ivanovii. A rapid diagnostic test to identify and diagnose listeriosis would be valuable, especially in cases where the presence of L. grayi may complicate diagnosis. This test would be based on a unique gene present in L. grayi. In this study, after comparative screening of a recombinant L. grayi DNA library by dot blot hybridization, an L. grayi specific clone (lgr20-246) with an insert of 722 bp was isolated. By applying PCR primers derived from a distinct region of the clone not shared by other bacteria, a specific band of 420 bp was amplified from the genomic DNA of L. grayi only and not of other Listeria species or common bacteria. These results suggest that the PCR assay employing primers lgr20-246F and lgr20-246R provides an independent and precise means of distinguishing L. grayi from other Listeria species and common bacteria. Therefore, it would be another useful technique for laboratory differentiation of Listeria bacteria.Key words: Listeria grayi, PCR, identification, diagnosis.
Incidence de l'aération sur le traitement par compostage des sous-produits du palmier dattier contaminés parFusarium oxysporumf.sp.albedinis
Authors: Chakroune K , Bouakka M , Hakkou A
Published: March 2005

Composting of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) residues contaminated with Fusarium f.sp oxysporum albedinis, causal agent of the vascular wilt (Bayoud) of the date palm, has been achieved. The effect of the aeration of the piles by manual turning has been studied. The maintenance of an adequate humidity of 60%–70%, necessary to the good progress of the composting process, required the contribution of 11.4 L of water/kg of the dried residues. The evolution of the temperatures in the three piles presents the same phases. A latency phase, followed after 2–3 d of composting by a thermophilic phase, which lasts about 24 d, where the temperature remains elevated between 50 and 70 °C. Then a cooling phase that takes about 15 d, during which the temperatures fall to values between 25 and 35 °C, near room temperature. Fusarium f.sp oxysporum albedinis is eliminated completely during the thermophilic phase of composting, and increasing frequencies of turning accelerate its disappearance to a certain extent. On the other hand, pH remained steady and relatively basic oscillating between 8.2 and 8.7. Ninety percent (90%) of the the date palm residues are composed exclusively of organic matters. The total nitrogen represents only 0.4%. The contribution of manure decreases the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) from 115 to 48 in the initial mixture. After 80 d of composting and according to the frequency of return up, there is a reduction of the granulometry of the substratum, the C/N ratio (from 29% to 44%), the organic matter (from 15% to 23%), the total volume (from 25% to 35%), and of the dry weight of the swaths (from 16% to 24%). On the other hand there is an increase in total nitrogen rate (from 20% to 40%) and in the mineral matter (from 23% to 35%).Key words: composting, palm date, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis.
Genome-wide comparison of phage M13-infected vs. uninfectedEscherichia coli
Authors: Karlsson Fredrik , Malmborg-Hager Ann-Christin , Albrekt Ann-Sofie , Borrebaeck Carl A.K
Published: March 2005

To identify Escherichia coli genes potentially regulated by filamentous phage infection, we used oligonucleotide microarrays. Genome-wide comparison of phage M13-infected and uninfected E. coli, 2 and 20 min after infection, was performed. The analysis revealed altered transcription levels of 12 E. coli genes in response to phage infection, and the observed regulation of phage genes correlated with the known in vivo pattern of M13 mRNA species. Ten of the 12 host genes affected could be grouped into 3 different categories based on cellular function, suggesting a coordinated response. The significantly upregulated genes encode proteins involved in reactions of the energy-generating phosphotransferase system and transcription processing, which could be related to phage transcription. No genes belonging to any known E. coli stress response pathways were scored as upregulated. Furthermore, phage infection led to significant downregulation of transcripts of the bacterial genes gadA, gadB, hdeA, gadE, slp, and crl. These downregulated genes are normally part of the host stress response mechanisms that protect the bacterium during conditions of acid stress and stationary phase transition. The phage-infected cells demonstrated impaired function of the oxidative and the glutamate-dependent acid resistance systems. Thus, global transcriptional analysis and functional analysis revealed previously unknown host responses to filamentous phage infection.Key words: filamentous phage infection, global transcriptional analysis, AR, Escherichia coli.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of lactic acid bacteria isolated from a cheese environment
Authors: Flórez Ana Belén , Delgado Susana , Mayo Baltasar
Published: March 2005

In the production of the Spanish traditional blue-veined Cabrales cheese, lactic acid bacteria strains free of antibiotic resistance that have a transferrable capacity are necessary as components of a specific starter. To select for these bacteria, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12 antibiotics and 2 mixtures (containing β-lactamase inhibitor and penicillin) were determined by microbroth and agar dilution techniques in 146 strains belonging to the genera Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc. The antibiotic-resistance profiles of Lactococcus and Enterococcus species were different from those of Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc, but clear genus- or species-associated patterns were not observed. Cefoxitin and metronidazole were not effective against bacteria of these genera. The MICs of β-lactam antibiotics for lactobacilli and leuconostoc isolates were higher than those for lactococci and enterococci, but no strain was clinically resistant. All lactobacilli and leuconostoc isolates were resistant to high levels of vancomycin, a type of resistance not seen among the tested members of the genera Lactococcus and Enterococcus. The majority of the observed resistance appeared to be either intrinsic or nonspecific, although some strains of Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. were resistant to antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, clindamycin, or tetracycline.Key words: Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, lactic acid bacteria, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobials.
Polarity withinpMandpEpromoted phage lambdacI-rexA-rexBtranscription and its suppression
Authors: Hayes Sidney , Slavcev Roderick A
Published: March 2005

The cI-rexA-rexB operon of bacteriophage λ confers 2 phenotypes, Imm and Rex, to lysogenic cells. Immunity to homoimmune infecting λ phage depends upon the CI repressor. Rex exclusion of T4rII mutants requires RexA and RexB proteins. Both Imm and Rex share temperature-sensitive conditional phenotypes when expressed from cI[Ts]857 but not from cI+λ prophage. Plasmids were made in which cI-rexA-rexB was transcribed from a non-lambda promoter, pTet. The cI857-rexA-rexB plasmid exhibited Ts conditional Rex and CI phenotypes; the cI+-rexA-rexB plasmid did not. Polarity was observed within cI-rexA-rexB transcription at sites in cI and rexA when CI was nonfunctional. Renaturation of the Ts CI857 repressor, allowing it to regain functionality, suppressed the polar effect on downstream transcription from the site in cI. The second strong polar effect near the distal end of rexA was observed for transcription initiated from pE. The introduction of a rho Ts mutation into the host genome suppressed both polar effects, as measured by its suppression of the conditional Rex phenotype. Strong suppression of the conditional Rex[Ts] phenotype was imparted by ssrA and clpP (polar for clpX) null mutations, suggesting that RexA or RexB proteins made under conditions of polarity are subject to 10Sa RNA tagging and ClpXP degradation.Key words: bacteriophage lambda (λ), Rex exclusion, CI and Cro repressors, Rho, ClpXP, 10Sa RNA tagging.
Characterization and regulation of new secondary metabolites fromAspergillus ochraceusM18 obtained by UV mutagenesis
Authors: Awad Gamal , Mathieu Florence , Coppel Yannick , Lebrihi Ahmed
Published: March 2005

UV irradiation of Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 conidia led to stable mutations in ochratoxin and penicillic-acid pathways. These mutants, especially M18, produced an unexpectedly large number of new metabolites. Two new compounds were purified by TLC and HPLC and their chemical structures were determined. They are 2,10-dimethyl 4-hydroxy-6-oxo-4-undecen-7-yne (1) and 4-(3-methyl-2- butenyl) oxy 1-phenyl acetic acid (2). Compound 1 is very active against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, but inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. However, compound 2 has no antibiotic activity. The production of 1 was generally associated with growth, whereas that of compound 2 was dissociated from growth. The biosynthesis of these 2 metabolites was influenced by the sources of carbon and nitrogen.Key words: Aspergillus ochraceus, ochratoxin, penicillic acid, secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, regulation.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: KREINOVICH VLADIK
Published: March 2005

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstract (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here), to vladik@cs.utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
HIERARCHICAL SPHERICAL CLUSTERING
Authors: TORRA VICENÇ , MIYAMOTO SADAAKI
Published: March 2005

This work introduces an alternative representation for large dimensional data sets. Instead of using 2D or 3D representations, data is located on the surface of a sphere. Together with this representation, a hierarchical clustering algorithm is defined to analyse and extract the structure of the data. The algorithm builds a hierarchical structure (a dendrogram) in such a way that different cuts of the structure lead to different partitions of the surface of the sphere. This can be seen as a set of concentric spheres, each one being of different granularity. Also, to obtain an initial assignment of the data on the surface of the sphere, a method based on Sammon's mapping has been developed.
CONCEPTS ASSOCIATED TO CRITERIA: A METHOD FOR KNOWLEDGE PROCESSING FROM FUZZY CONTEXTS
Authors: BURUSCO ANA , FUENTES-GONZALEZ RAMON
Published: March 2005

The objective of the work is the study of the information that stems from the L-Fuzzy contexts according to some criteria that are considered interesting.

We begin defining the L-Fuzzy C-contexts [Formula: see text] where X, Y and C are the sets of objects, attributes and criteria, and [Formula: see text] represents the relationship between the objects and the attributes.

Below we obtain some information from them through the L-Fuzzy C-concepts. These new concepts will allow us to set up a ranking in the object set X and the attribute set Y, according to the different criteria.
IRREDUCIBLE REPRESENTATIONS OF A CERTAIN JORDAN SUPERALGEBRA
Authors: TRUSHINA M. N.
Published: March 2005

A classification of unital finite-dimensional irreducible Jordan representations of the simple superalgebra D(t) in the case of characteristic 0 was obtained. As a corollary we obtain a classification of finite-dimensional irreducible representations of the Kaplansky superalgebra K3 in the case of characteristic 0.
PRIME ELEMENTS IN PARTIALLY ORDERED GROUPOIDS APPLIED TO MODULES AND HOPF ALGEBRA ACTIONS
Authors: LOMP CHRISTIAN
Published: March 2005

Primeness on modules can be defined by prime elements in a suitable partially ordered groupoid. Using a product on the lattice of submodules ℒ(M) of a module M defined in [3] we revise the concept of prime modules in this sense. Those modules M for which ℒ(M) has no nilpotent elements have been studied by Jirasko and they coincide with Zelmanowitz' "weakly compressible" modules. In particular we are interested in representing weakly compressible modules as a subdirect product of "prime" modules in a suitable sense. It turns out that any weakly compressible module is a subdirect product of prime modules (in the sense of Kaplansky). Moreover if M is a self-projective module, then M is weakly compressible if and only if it is a subdirect product of prime modules (in the sense of Bican et al.). An application to Hopf actions is given.
SPLITTING ALGEBRAS, SYMMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND GALOIS THEORY
Authors: EKEDAHL T. , LAKSOV D.
Published: March 2005

We present a theory for splitting algebras of monic polynomials over rings, and apply the results to symmetric functions, and Galois theory.
REPRESENTATIONS OF THE EXCEPTIONAL LIE SUPERALGEBRA E(3,6) III: CLASSIFICATION OF SINGULAR VECTORS
Authors: KAC VICTOR G. , RUDAKOV ALEXEI
Published: March 2005

We continue the study of irreducible representations of the exceptional Lie superalgebra E(3,6). This is one of the two simple infinite-dimensional Lie superalgebras of vector fields which have a Lie algebra sℓ(3) × sℓ(2) × gℓ(1) as the zero degree component of its consistent ℤ-grading. We provide the classification of the singular vectors in the degenerate Verma modules over E(3,6), completing thereby the classification and construction of all irreducible E(3,6)-modules that are L0-locally finite.
CERTAIN MODULES OVER (Z/p)m AND THEIR RELATION TO STEENROD'S PROBLEM
Authors: WALDSCHMIDT MARK
Published: March 2005

Steenrod's problem of realizing modules has been solved by Arnold and Vogel for groups of a cyclic nature, and has counterexamples given by Carlsson, Vogel, Benson and Habegger, most concretely for Z/2×Z/2. The last two authors develop nontrivial methods to realize other modules for this group, but they do not extend to the general case Z/p×Z/p. In this paper we give some positive results for groups (Z/p)m. Of interest we find that relevant sequences and their duals are both realizable. Also we establish an invariance of the Steenrod problem suggested by Benson and Habeggers' approach.
IMAGE DE-NOISING USING DOUBLE DENSITY WAVELET TRANSFORM BASED ADAPTIVE THRESHOLDING TECHNIQUE
Authors: GNANADURAI D. , SADASIVAM V.
Published: March 2005

This paper describes an efficient and adaptive method of threshold estimation for removing impulse noise from images, based on Double Density Wavelet Transform (DDWT). The performance of image de-noising algorithms using wavelet transforms can be improved significantly by fixing an optimum threshold value, based on the analysis of the statistical parameters of subband coefficients. In this proposed method, the choice of the threshold estimation is carried out by analyzing the statistical parameters of the wavelet subband coefficients like standard deviation, arithmetic mean and geometrical mean. Here the noisy image is first decomposed into many levels to obtain different frequency bands using DDWT. Then soft thresholding method is used to remove the noisy coefficients, by fixing the optimum threshold value by the proposed method. Experimental results on several test images by using the proposed method show that, the proposed method yields significantly superior image quality and better Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR). Some comparisons with the best available results will be given in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
NON-SEPARABLE 2D BIORTHOGONAL WAVELETS WITH TWO-ROW FILTERS
Authors: ZHAN YINWEI , HEIJMANS HENK J. A. M.
Published: March 2005

In the literature 2D (or bivariate) wavelets are usually constructed as a tensor product of 1D wavelets. Such wavelets are called separable. However, there are various applications, e.g. in image processing, for which non-separable 2D wavelets are prefered. In this paper, we investigate the class of compactly supported orthonormal 2D wavelets that was introduced by Belogay and Wang.2 A characteristic feature of this class of wavelets is that the support of the corresponding filter comprises only two rows. We are concerned with the biorthogonal extension of this kind of wavelets. It turns out that the 2D wavelets in this class are intimately related to some underlying 1D wavelet. We explore this relation in detail, and we explain how the 2D wavelet transforms can be realized by means of a lifting scheme, thus allowing an efficient implementation. We also describe an easy way to construct wavelets with more rows and shorter columns.
A WAVELET ANALYSIS TOOLBOX FOR EXCEL
Authors: ARTAIL HASSAN A.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents an implementation of a wavelet analysis toolbox and its integration within Excel. The toolbox includes the discrete wavelet transform, inverse wavelet transform, wavelet-based de-noising, and an associated plotting utility. The transforms and the de-noising algorithms were implemented in a DLL using C++ while the user interfaces were developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) forms. A simple technique was used to automate the transfer of data, associated properties, and user selections from the worksheet to the DLL, and the computed values from the DLL back to the worksheet. We show how the grouping and presentation of computed wavelet coefficients allow for multiresolution analysis and further processing within Excel. We highlight the benefits behind implementing the basic wavelet analysis functions in Excel with reference to MATLAB.
DUAL-TREE COMPLEX WAVELET TRANSFORM IN THE FREQUENCY DOMAIN AND AN APPLICATION TO SIGNAL CLASSIFICATION
Authors: NEUMANN JULIA , STEIDL GABRIELE
Published: March 2005

We examine Kingsbury's dual-tree complex wavelet transform in the frequency domain where it can be formulated for standard wavelet filters without special filter design. We prove that the dual-tree filter bank construction leads to wavelets with vanishing negative frequency parts, present numerical examples illustrating the improvement of translation and rotation invariance for various standard wavelet filters and apply the method to the classification of signals.
VISUAL HAND GESTURES CLASSIFICATION USING WAVELET TRANSFORM AND MOMENT BASED FEATURES
Authors: KUMAR SANJAY , KUMAR DINESH K.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents a novel technique for classifying human hand gestures based on stationary wavelet transform (SWT) and classification based on geometrical based moments and compares the results with the classification based on Hu-moments and wavelet approximate images. The technique uses view-based approach for representation of hand actions, and uses a cumulative image-difference technique where the time between the sequences of images is implicitly captured in the representation of action resulting in Motion History Images (MHI). These MHIs are decomposed into wavelet sub-images using SWT. Translation and scaling invariant moments are then computed from the resulting high scale low pass residue of the wavelet sub-images. These geometrical moments are used as the global image descriptors and are fed to Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for classification. The recognition criterion is established using backpropagation based multilayer perceptron (MLP). The experiments show that such a system can classify human hand gestures with a classification accuracy of 97%.
CONTINUOUS WAVELET TRANSFORM MODULUS MAXIMA ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: BEAT CHARACTERISATION AND BEAT-TO-BEAT MEASUREMENT
Authors: LEGARRETA I. ROMERO , ADDISON P. S. , REED M. J. , GRUBB N. , CLEGG G. R. , ROBERTSON C. E. , WATSON J. N.
Published: March 2005

The problem of automatic beat recognition in the ECG is tackled using continuous wavelet transform modulus maxima (CWTMM). Features within a variety of ECG signals can be shown to correspond to various morphologies in the CWTMM domain. This domain has an easy interpretation and offers a useful tool for the automatic characterization of the different components observed in the ECG in health and disease. As an application of this enhanced time-frequency analysis technique for ECG signals, an R-wave detector is developed and tested using patient signals recorded in the Coronary Care Unit of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (attaining a sensitivity of 99.53% and a positive predictive value of 99.73%) and with the MIT/BIH database (attaining a sensitivity of 99.70% and a positive predictive value of 99.68%).
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF CURRENT CORPORATE PRACTICE AND STRATEGIC INTENT
Authors: GADENNE DAVID , ZAMAN MONIR
Published: March 2005

This paper investigates the current state of corporate Australia's environmental management accounting practices and environmental management accountants' perceptions of how environmental management accounting information should be accounted for and reported in the annual report of an environmentally sensitive corporation. The results indicate that many Australian companies have not yet developed a holistic approach to environmental costing, and that environmental management accountants believe that environmentally induced costs and expenses should be reported as notes to financial statements, rather than in the profit and loss statement in the corporate annual report. However, results are inconclusive as to whether certain environmentally induced expenditure should be capitalised and amortised separately in the balance sheet, while there is some support for environmentally induced end-of-pipe and integrated technologies being recognised separately as assets in the balance sheet.
PROMOTING MORE SUSTAINABLE RURAL LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY IN EASTERN EUROPE USING BAYESIAN NETWORK MODELS
Authors: BACON PHILIP J. , CAIN JEREMY D. , KOZAKIEWICZ MICHAL , BRZEZINSKI MARCIN , LIRO ANNA
Published: March 2005

A Bayesian Network approach to developing effective policies for more sustainable rural land use and development is presented which:

• incorporates several different stakeholder viewpoints

• integrates and balances the results from different viewpoints, and thus facilitates compromise land use solutions

• elucidates the main factors affecting stakeholders' decisions, on which policy levers will operate more effectively

• allows differences between "expected change" and "observed change" to be understood as arising from uncertainty and variation about "the average situation"

• demonstrates the crucial roles of beliefs and uncertainties in determining the preferred options of different groups

• emphasises the need to know the beliefs and uncertainties of local land managers

• incorporates public participation and social learning while such necessary data are gathered.

The approach's merits for fostering pro-active policy design and subsidiarity, and for focusing the research needed to underpin rural policy are discussed.
The bovine PPARGC1A gene: molecular characterization and association of an SNP with variation of milk fat synthesis
Authors: Weikard Rosemarie , Kühn Christa , Goldammer Tom , Freyer Gertraude , Schwerin Manfred
Published: March 2005

Several studies in a variety of breeds have reported at least two QTL for milk production traits, including milk fat synthesis on bovine chromosome 6 (BTA6), comprising a region that comparatively has been mapped to equivalent syntenic chromosome intervals in human, pig, and mouse harboring loci associated with type II diabetes and obesity-related traits. We identified the bovine peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α gene (PPARGC1A) as a plausible positional and functional candidate gene for a previously described QTL for milk fat yield on BTA6 because of its chromosomal position and its key role in energy, fat, and glucose metabolism. To analyze the role of the bovine PPARGC1A gene in regulation of milk fat synthesis in dairy cattle, we determined its cDNA sequence, genomic organization, chromosomal localization, and expression pattern. The bovine PPARGC1A gene is organized in 13 exons comprising 6,261 bp and is expressed at different levels in a large number of tissues. Bovine PPARGC1A cDNA and protein sequences showed substantial similarity (92–95%) to its respective orthologs from human, rat, and mouse. Screening for polymorphisms in the coding sequence, exon/intron boundaries, 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions, and promoter region of the PPARGC1A gene in sires with a different genotype at the QTL for milk fat yield as well as in a multibreed panel revealed a total of 11 polymorphic loci. A significant association between an SNP in intron 9 of the PPARGC1A gene and milk fat yield was observed in a major dairy cattle population, indicating that the PPARGC1A gene could be involved in genetic variation underlying the QTL for milk fat synthesis on BTA6.
Differential gene expression profiling in whole blood during acute systemic inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats
Authors: Fannin Rick D. , Auman J. Todd , Bruno Maribel E. , Sieber Stella O. , Ward Sandra M. , Tucker Charles J. , Merrick B. Alex , Paules Richard S.
Published: March 2005

Microarrays have been used to evaluate the expression of thousands of genes in various tissues. However, few studies have investigated the change in gene expression profiles in one of the most easily accessible tissues, whole blood. We utilized an acute inflammation model to investigate the possibility of using a cDNA microarray to measure the gene expression profile in the cells of whole blood. Blood was collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats at 2 and 6 h after treatment with 5 mg/kg (ip) LPS. Hematology showed marked neutrophilia accompanied by lymphopenia at both time points. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were markedly elevated at 2 h, indicating acute inflammation, but by 6 h the levels had declined. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood and hybridized to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Rat Chip v.3.0. LPS treatment caused 226 and 180 genes to be differentially expressed at 2 and 6 h, respectively. Many of the differentially expressed genes are involved in inflammation and the acute phase response, but differential expression was also noted in genes involved in the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, oxidative respiration, and transcription. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed the differential regulation of a representative subset of genes. Principal component analysis of gene expression discriminated between the acute inflammatory response apparent at 2 h and the observed recovery underway at 6 h. These studies indicate that, in whole blood, changes in gene expression profiles can be detected that are reflective of inflammation, despite the adaptive shifts in leukocyte populations that accompany such inflammatory processes.
Hardy‐type inequalities for integral transforms associated with Jacobi operator
Authors: Dziri M. , Rachdi L. T.
Published: March 2005

We establish Hardy‐type inequalities for the Riemann‐Liouville and Weyl transforms associated with the Jacobi operator by using Hardy‐type inequalities for a class of integral operators.
Causality and stochastic realization
Authors: Petrović Ljiljana
Published: March 2005

We consider a problem (that follows directly from realization problem) on finding Markovian representations for a given family of Hilbert spaces such that each of these two families provides exactly the same amount of information about some other family of Hilbert spaces.
Spaces of DLp type and a convolution product associated with the spherical mean operator
Authors: Dziri M. , Jelassi M. , Rachdi L. T.
Published: March 2005

We define and study the spaces ℳp(ℝ × ℝn), 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞, that are of type. Using the harmonic analysis associated with the spherical mean operator, we give a new characterization of the dual space and describe its bounded subsets. Next, we define a convolution product in , 1 ≤ r ≤ p < ∞, and prove some new results.
Harmonic morphisms and subharmonic functions
Authors: Choi Gundon , Yun Gabjin
Published: March 2005

Let M be a complete Riemannian manifold and N a complete noncompact Riemannian manifold. Let ϕ : M → N be a surjective harmonic morphism. We prove that if N admits a subharmonic
function with finite Dirichlet integral which is not harmonic, and ϕ has finite energy, then ϕ is a constant map. Similarly, if f is a subharmonic function on N which is not harmonic and such that |df| is bounded, and if ∫M|dϕ| < ∞, then ϕ is a constant map. We also show that if Nm(m ≥ 3) has at least two ends of infinite volume satisfying the Sobolev inequality or positivity of the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian, then there are no nonconstant surjective harmonic morphisms with finite energy. For p‐harmonic morphisms, similar results hold.
Semidiscrete central difference method in time for determining surface temperatures
Authors: Qian Zhi , Fu Chu-Li , Xiong Xiang-Tuan
Published: March 2005

We consider an inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) in a quarter plane. We want to know the distribution of surface temperature in a body from a measured temperature history at a fixed location inside the body. This is a severely ill‐posed problem in the sense that the solution (if exists) does not depend continuously on
the data. Eldén (1995) has used a difference method for solving this problem, but he did not obtain the convergence at x = 0. In this paper, we gave a logarithmic stability of the approximation solution at x = 0 under a stronger a priori assumption ‖u(0,t)‖p ≤ E with p > 1/2. A numerical example shows that the computational effect of this method is satisfactory.
Existence, comparison, and compactness results for quasilinear variational‐hemivariational inequalities
Authors: Carl S. , Le Vy K. , Motreanu D.
Published: March 2005

We consider quasilinear elliptic variational‐hemivariational inequalities involving the indicator function of some closed convex set and a locally Lipschitz functional. We provide a generalization of the fundamental notion of sub‐ and supersolutions, on the basis of which we then develop the sub‐supersolution method for variational‐hemivariational inequalities, including existence, comparison, compactness, and extremality results.
Bilevel programs with extremal value function: global optimality
Authors: Aboussoror Abdelmalek , Babahadda Hicham , Mansouri Abdelatif
Published: March 2005

For a bilevel program with extremal value function, a necessary and sufficient condition for global optimality is given, which reduces the bilevel program to a max‐min problem with linked constraints. Also, for the case where the extremal value function is polyhedral, this optimality condition gives the possibility of a resolution via a maximization problem of a polyhedral convex function over a convex set. Finally, this case is completed by an algorithm.
Rough subalgebras of some binary algebras connected with logics
Authors: Dudek Wiesław A. , Jun Young Bae
Published: March 2005

Properties of rough subalgebras and ideals of some binary algebras playing a central role in the theory of algebras connected with different types of nonclassical logics are described.
Complemented subalgebras of the Baire‐1 functions defined on the interval [0, 1]
Authors: Shatery H. R.
Published: March 2005

We prove that if the Banach algebra of bounded real Baire‐1 functions (resp., small Baire class ξ), defined on [0, 1], is the direct sum of two subalgebras, then one of its components contains a copy of it as a complemented subalgebra.
Set partitions with successions and separations
Authors: Munagi Augustine O.
Published: March 2005

Partitions of the set {1, 2, …, n} are classified as having successions if a block contains consecutive integers, and separated otherwise. This paper constructs enumeration formulas for such set partitions and some variations using Stirling numbers of the second kind.
Subspace gaps and Weyl′s theorem for an elementary operator
Authors: Duggal B. P.
Published: March 2005

A range‐kernal orthogonality property is established for the elementary operators and , where A = (A1, A2, …, An) and B = (B1, B2, …, Bn) are n‐tuples of mutually commuting scalar operators (in the sense of Dunford) in the algebra B(H) of operators on a Hilbert space H. It is proved that the operator ℰ satisfies Weyl′s theorem in the case in which A and B are n‐tuples of mutually commuting generalized scalar operators.
Another version of “exotic characterization of a commutative H∗‐algebra”
Authors: Saworotnow Parfeny P.
Published: March 2005

Commutative H∗‐algebra is characterized in a somewhat unusual fashion without assuming either Hilbert space structure or commutativity. Existence of an involution is not postulated also.
A note on Diophantine approximation
Authors: Almira J. M. , Toro N. Del , López-Moreno A. J.
Published: March 2005

We prove the existence of a dense subset Δ of [0, 4] such that for all α ∈ Δ there exists a subgroup Xα of infinite rank of ℤ[z] such that Xα is a discrete subgroup of C[0, β] for all β ≥ α but it is not a discrete subgroup of C[0, β] for any β ∈ (0, α).

Given a set of nonnegative real numbers , a Λ‐polynomial (or Müntz polynomial) is a function of the form (n ∈ ℕ). We denote by Π(Λ) the space of Λ‐polynomials and by the set of integral Λ‐polynomials. Clearly, the sets Πℤ(Λ) are subgroups of infinite rank of ℤ[x] whenever Λ ⊂ ℕ, #Λ = ∞ (by infinite rank, we mean that the real vector space spanned by X does not have finite dimension. In all what follows we are uniquely interested in groups of infinite rank). Now, it is well known that the problem of approximation of functions on intervals [a, b] by polynomials with integral coefficients is solvable only for intervals [a, b] of length smaller than four and functions f which are interpolable by polynomials of ℤ[x] on a certain set (which we call the algebraic kernel of the interval [a, b])  (a, b). Concretely, it is well known that ℤ[x] is a discrete subgroup of C[a, b] whenever b − a ≥ 4 and 4 is the smallest number with this property (for these and other interesting results about approximation by polynomials with integral coefficients, see [1,3] and the references therein. See also the other references at the end of this note). This motivates the following concept.
Pharmacological Relapse Prevention of Alcoholism: Clinical Predictors of Outcome
Authors: Kiefer Falk , Helwig Hauke , Tarnaske Timo , Otte Christian , Jahn Holger , Wiedemann Klaus
Published: March 2005

Objective: The efficacy of pharmacological relapse prevention in alcoholism with acamprosate and naltrexone has been supported by several controlled trials. It remains uncertain whether any differential indication for treatment exists. Methods: We evaluated outcome data of a controlled trial on acamprosate and naltrexone in patients with low vs. high baseline somatic distress, depression and anxiety (Symptom Checklist-90, SCL-90), low vs. high baseline craving, and according to typological differentiation as proposed by Cloninger and Lesch. These variables have previously been suggested to be predictors of outcome. Results: Comparing the course of abstinence rates, acamprosate was mainly efficacious in patients with low baseline somatic distress, whereas naltrexone was effective especially in patients with high baseline depression. Baseline craving showed no predictive value. Pharmacological treatment was efficacious in type II alcoholics according to Cloninger. Applying Lesch’s typological differentiation, acamprosate was shown to be mainly effective in type I, whereas naltrexone revealed best treatment effects in type III and IV. Conclusion: The study supports the hypothesis that different subgroups of alcohol dependent subjects might benefit from a differential treatment with either naltrexone or acamprosate. Baseline psychopathology and especially typological differentiation might be useful in matching patients to distinct pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
Association between Early Onset of Cigarette, Alcohol and Cannabis Use and Later Drug Use Patterns: An Analysis of a Survey in European Metropolises
Authors: Baumeister S.E. , Tossmann P.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: The study presents data about age of onset of alcohol, cigarette and cannabis use and investigates the association between age of onset and later drug use patterns. Methods: Using a sample from a cross-sectional multi-site study, personal interviews were conducted with 3,503 individuals aged 12–49 years. Last-month prevalence, age of onset and associations with subsequent use patterns were investigated. Results: Having started with cannabis before the age of 16 years was associated with an odds ratio of 1.6 for heavy cannabis use. For males, the odds ratio of heavy cannabis use was 1.7, when cannabis was already initiated by the age of 16. Heavy use of ecstasy, amphetamines, hallucinogens and cocaine is associated with use of cigarettes before 13 (OR = 1.9). For males, the odds ratio was 2.2 and for women 1.9. Conclusions: Early use of alcohol, according to this data, does not seem to be related to subsequent heavy drug use. Early onset cannabis users show increasing probabilities of heavy use patterns. Preventive intervention programs have to start earlier than school-based programs normally do and specific developmental pathways need to be addressed.
Methadone Maintenance Treatment in the Swiss Canton of Vaud: Demographic and Clinical Data on 1,782 Ambulatory Patients
Authors: Pelet Anne , Doll Sébastien , Huissoud Thérèse , Resplendino Janine , Besson Jacques , Favrat Bernard
Published: March 2005

Using data from the Public Health Service, we studied the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,782 patients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) during 2001 in the Swiss Canton of Vaud, comparing our findings with the results of a previous study from 1976 to 1986. In 2001, most patients (76.9%) were treated in general practice. Mortality is low in this MMT population (1%/year). While patient age and sex profiles were similar to those found in the earlier study, we did observe a substantial increase in the number of patients and the number of practitioners treating MMT patients, probably reflecting the low-threshold governmental policies and the creation of specialized centers. In conclusion, easier access to MMT enhances the number of patients, but new concerns about the quality of management emerge: benzodiazepine as a concomitant prescription; low rates of screening for hepatitis B, C and HIV, and social and psychiatric preoccupations.
Vascularity and Fractal Dimension of the Dermo-Epidermal Interface in Guttate and Plaque-Type Psoriasis
Authors: Uhoda Isabelle , Piérard Gérald E. , Piérard-Franchimont Claudine , Arrese Jorge E. , Goffin Véronique , Nikkels Arjen , Paquet Philippe , Quatresooz Pascale
Published: March 2005

Background: Histological structures of the skin are often irregular in size and shape. Euclidean geometry and fractal analysis are complementary for assessing distinct aspects of their dimensions. Objective: To determine and compare the variations in shape of the dermo-epidermal junction and the size of the superficial vessels in psoriatic lesions. Method: The relative microvasculature area and the fractal dimension D of the dermo-epidermal interface were measured inside and outside growth-stunted guttate lesions (n = 22) and expanding plaques (n = 37) in psoriasis of the trunk. Results: The median D values of the dermo-epidermal interface were significantly larger (p < 0.01) in psoriatic plaques (D = 1.15) than in guttate lesions (D = 1.08), and these D values on lesional skin were significantly larger (p < 0.01) than in the uninvolved skin (D = 1.03). The microvasculature was significantly (p < 0.01) more developed in lesional (plaque: 13%, guttate: 8.20%) than in uninvolved skin (3.60 and 3.85%). No correlations were found between the relative microvasculature areas and the D values of the dermo-epidermal interface, both in the uninvolved and lesional skins of each psoriatic type. Conclusion: The absence of a relationship between modulations of the dermo-epidermal junction and vascular hyperplasia, both in expanding and stable psoriasis lesions, suggests that these events are regulated by different mechanisms and do not depend on each other.