bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression analysis of defense-related genes in wheat in response to infection byFusarium graminearumContribution from Purdue University Agricultural Research Programs as journal article No. 2007-18090.
Authors: Kong Lingrang , Ohm Herbert W. , Anderson Joseph M.
Published: November 2007

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungi Fusarium g raminearum and Fusarium culmorum , is a worldwide disease of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). The Chinese cultivar Ning 7840 is one of a few wheat cultivars with resistance to FHB. GeneCalling™, an open-architecture mRNA-profiling technology, was used to identify differentially expressed genes induced or suppressed in spikes of Ning 7840 after infection by F. graminearum. One hundred and twenty-five cDNA fragments representing transcripts differentially expressed in wheat spikes were identified. Based on BLASTN and BLASTX analyses, putative functions were assigned to some of the genes: 28 were assigned functions in primary metabolism and photosynthesis, 7 were involved in defense response, 14 were involved in gene expression and regulation, 24 encoded proteins associated with structure and protein synthesis, 42 lacked homology to sequences in the database, and 3 were similar to cloned multidrug resistance or disease resistance proteins. Of particular interest in this study were genes associated with resistance and defense against pathogen infection. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR indicated that of 51 genes tested, 19 showed 2-fold or greater induction or suppression in infected Ning 7840 in comparison with the water-treated control. The remaining 32 genes were not significantly induced or suppressed in infected Ning 7840 compared with the control. Subsequently, these 19 induced or suppressed genes were examined in the wheat line KS24-1, containing FHB resistance derived from Lophopyrum elongatum , and Len, an FHB-susceptible wheat cultivar. The temporal expression of some of these sequences encoding resistance proteins or defense-related proteins showed FHB (resistance specific) induction, suggesting that these genes play a role in protection against toxic compounds in plant–fungus interactions. On the basis of comprehensive expression profiling of various biotic or abiotic stress response genes revealed by quantitative PCR in this study and other supporting data, we hypothesized that the plant–pathogen interactions may be highly integrated into a network of diverse biosynthetic pathways.
Characterization of Coffea chloroplast microsatellites and evidence for the recent divergence of C. arabica and C. eugenioides chloroplast genomes
Authors: Tesfaye Kassahun , Borsch Thomas , Govers Kim , Bekele Endashaw
Published: November 2007

Comparative sequencing of >7 kb of highly variable chloroplast genome regions (atpB–rbcL, trnS–trnG, rpl22–rps19, and rps19–rpl2 spacers; introns in atpF, trnG, trnK, and rpl16) with microsatellites known from other angiosperms was carried out in Coffea . Samples comprised 8 diploid species of Coffea, 5 individuals of tetraploid C. arabica representing geographically distant wild populations from Ethiopia, 2 commercial cultivars of C. arabica, and Psilanthus leroyi and Ixora coccinea as outgroups. Phylogeny reconstruction using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference resulted in congruent topologies with high support for C. arabica and C. eugenioides being sisters. Partitioned analyses showed that all regions except the atpB–rbcL spacer resolved this sister-group, although this was often unsupported. The large sequence data set further shows that chloroplast genomes of C. arabica and C. eugenioides each possess apomorphies, indicating that not C. eugenioides but an ancestor or close relative of C. eugenioides is the maternal parent of C. arabica. Seven variable chloroplast microsatellites were characterized in Coffea. Most microsatellites are poly(A/T) stretches, whereas one in the trnS–trnG spacer has an (AT)n motif. Most strikingly, all individuals of C. arabica possess identical sequences, suggesting a single chloroplast haplotype. This can be explained by a recent origin of C. arabica in a unique allopolyploidization event, or by severe bottleneck effects in the evolutionary history of the species. Reconstruction of the evolution of microstructural mutations shows much higher levels of homoplasy in microsatellite loci than in other parts of spacers and introns. Microsatellites are inferred to evolve by insertion and deletion of 1 to 3 motif copies in one step.
SSR marker diversity of soybean aphid resistance sources in North America
Authors: Chen Charles Y. , Gu Cuihua , Mensah Clarice , Nelson Randall L. , Wang Dechun
Published: November 2007

The soybean aphid ( Aphis glycines Matsumura) has become a major pest of soybean in North America since 2000. Seven aphid resistance sources, PI 71506, Dowling, Jackson, PI 567541B, PI 567598B, PI 567543C, and PI 567597C, have been identified. Knowledge of genetic relationships among these sources and their ancestral parents will help breeders develop new cultivars with different resistance genes. The objective of this research was to examine the genetic relationships among these resistance sources. Sixty-one lines were tested with 86 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from 20 linkage groups. Non-hierarchical (VARCLUS) and hierarchical (Ward’s) clustering and multidimensional scaling (MDS) were used to determine relationships among the 61 lines. Two hundred and sixty-two alleles of the 86 SSR loci were detected with a mean polymorphism information content of 0.36. The 61 lines were grouped into 4 clusters by both clustering methods and the MDS results consistently corresponded to the assigned clusters. The 7 resistance sources were clustered into 3 different groups corresponding to their geographical origins and known pedigree information, indicating genetic differences among these sources. The largest variation was found among individuals within different clusters by analysis of molecular variance.
Promoting food intake in older adults living in the community: a review
Authors: Keller Heather H.
Published: November 2007

Older adults (>65 y) living in the community have the potential to have significant nutrition concerns and deficits owing to the physiological, social, and psychological changes that occur with ageing. However, poor nutrition should not be considered an inevitable consequence of ageing. Older adults are quite heterogenous, including those ageing “successfully”, “usually”, and at “accelerated” rates. By improving the nutritional status of older adults, significant health and quality of life gains can be realized. These three subgroups of older adults have different concerns and risk factors and thus need different interventions. A substantial amount of research on older adult nutrition needs, determinants of food intake, risk of poor nutrition, and interventions has occurred in the past decade in Canada. The purpose of this review is to summarize this research and identify how nutrition promotion for older adults can be improved. Research to date indicates that the need for nutrition promotion is substantial. A variety of interventions have improved food intake and health of participants, although most programs are provided at a tertiary prevention level. Nutrition screening can help to identify in a timely manner those older adults who may benefit from limited services and which secondary prevention activities need to be increased. Nutrition promotion policy is currently lacking for older adults in Canada and is an important barrier to improving food intake in this growing segment of the population.
Minimal whey protein with carbohydrate stimulates muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise in trained young men
Authors: Tang Jason E. , Manolakos Joshua J. , Kujbida Greg W. , Lysecki Paul J. , Moore Daniel R. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: November 2007

Whey protein is a supplemental protein source often used by athletes, particularly those aiming to gain muscle mass; however, direct evidence for its efficacy in stimulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS) is lacking. We aimed to determine the impact of consuming whey protein on skeletal muscle protein turnover in the post-exercise period. Eight healthy resistance-trained young men (age = 21 ± 1 .0 years; BMI = 26.8 ± 0.9 kg/m2 (means ± SE)) participated in a double-blind randomized crossover trial in which they performed a unilateral leg resistance exercise workout (EX: 4 sets of knee extensions and 4 sets of leg press; 8–10 repetitions/set; 80% of maximal), such that one leg was not exercised and acted as a rested (RE) comparator. After exercise, subjects consumed either an isoenergetic whey protein plus carbohydrate beverage (WHEY: 10 g protein and 21 g fructose) or a carbohydrate-only beverage (CHO: 21 g fructose and 10 g maltodextran). Subjects received pulse-tracer injections of l-[ring-2H5]phenylalanine and l-[15N]phenylalanine to measure MPS. Exercise stimulated a rise in MPS in the WHEY-EX and CHO-EX legs, which were greater than MPS in the WHEY-RE leg and the CHO-RE leg (all p < 0.05), respectively. The rate of MPS in the WHEY-EX leg was greater than in the CHO-EX leg (p < 0.001). We conclude that a small dose (10 g) of whey protein with carbohydrate (21 g) can stimulate a rise in MPS after resistance exercise in trained young men that would be supportive of a positive net protein balance, which, over time, would lead to hypertrophy.
Dietary intake, capillary blood glucose, and activity level of activity-restricted, hospitalized, pregnant women in the third trimester: a pilot study
Authors: Tomkins Christy C. , Mottola Michelle F. , Giroux Isabelle
Published: November 2007

Activity restriction in hospital is commonly prescribed by care providers to decrease the incidence of maternal or fetal morbidity in high-risk pregnancies. The purpose of this pilot descriptive study was to collect preliminary data on dietary intake, capillary blood glucose concentrations, and activity level in high-risk, activity-restricted, pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Dietary food intake records, capillary blood glucose, and daily pedometer step totals were investigated in 20 activity-restricted women over 7 consecutive days in hospital. Subjects were asked to collect hospital meal tickets, as well as record any additional items not provided by the hospital in a dietary log each day. Capillary blood glucose was collected every morning (fasting) as well as 1 h after breakfast (post-prandial) using a glucometer. Subjects wore a pedometer 24 h/d, and recorded step totals 4 times daily in a pedometer log. In the analysis, average energy and macronutrient intakes met dietary reference intake (DRI) recommendations, as did average intakes of all micronutrients, including maternal supplementation. Without supplementation, vitamin E and iron intakes were lower (p < 0.05) than the DRI recommendations. Average fasting (4.6 ± 0.5 mmol/L) and post-prandial (7.1 ± 1.0 mmol/L) blood glucose concentrations in subjects without gestational diabetes (GDM) did not exceed Canadian Diabetes Association cut-off values for screening of GDM. The mean daily step total of 1579 ± 936 was lower than ambulatory third-trimester women (6495 ± 2282 steps; p < 0.001). Results from this pilot study suggest that with maternal supplementation, these activity-restricted, hospitalized, pregnant women were meeting dietary recommendations, and did not have elevated capillary blood glucose. However, given the severity of activity restriction, these women may be at risk for consequences of extreme inactivity.
Effect of timing of energy and carbohydrate replacement on post-exercise insulin action
Authors: Stephens Brooke R. , Sautter Jeffrey M. , Holtz Kaila A. , Sharoff Carrie G. , Chipkin Stuart R. , Braun Barry
Published: November 2007

The nutritional environment surrounding an exercise bout modulates post-exercise insulin action. The purpose of this study was to determine how timing energy and carbohydrate replacement proximate to an exercise bout influences exercise-enhanced insulin action. To create an appropriate baseline, sensitivity to insulin was reduced in 9 healthy young men (n = 6) and women (n = 3) by 2 days of energy surplus and detraining. Then, insulin action (glucose uptake per unit plasma insulin) was assessed by stable isotope dilution during a continuous glucose infusion 12 h after a standardized meal under 4 conditions. In 3 conditions, the meal replaced the energy and carbohydrate expended during an exercise bout (62.9 ± 2.8 min cycle ergometry at 65% VO2 peak followed by ten 30 s sprints). The meal was given before (Pre), immediately after (ImmPost), or 3 h after exercise (Delay). The 4th condition was a no-exercise control (Control). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with planned contrasts. Relative to Control, insulin action increased by 22% in Pre (p = 0.05), 44% in ImmPost (p < 0.01), and 19% in Delay (p = 0.09). Non-oxidative disposal was higher, and oxidative disposal was lower in ImmPost relative to Control and Pre (p < 0.05). Hepatic glucose production was suppressed by the infusion to a greater extent in Pre and Delay (76.9% ± 8.8% and 81.2% ± 4.7%) compared with ImmPost (64.7% ± 10.0%). A bout of exercise enhances insulin action even when expended energy and carbohydrate are replaced. Further, timing of energy and carbohydrate consumption subtly modulates the effectiveness of exercise to enhance insulin action.
Time-course of changes in cardiac function during recovery after acute exercise
Authors: Wonders Karen Y. , Hydock David S. , Hayward Reid
Published: November 2007

Exercise-induced cardiac dysfunction (EICD) has been observed immediately following exhaustive exercise in trained individuals, but limited and conflicting data are available regarding EICD in a previously untrained population days after an exhaustive exercise bout. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a single bout of acute exercise on cardiac function during the 72 h after exercise and identify potential contributing mechanisms. After completing an acute exercise bout on a motorized treadmill (25 m/min, 5% grade, 60 min), rats were sacrificed immediately, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h after the exercise bout. At the scheduled time of sacrifice, hearts were isolated and perfused for determination of ex vivo cardiac function, and examined for malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation index, and antioxidant potential (AOP). During the 48 h post exercise, left ventricular developed pressure decreased by 30%, dP/dtmax declined by 37%, and dP/dtmin showed a 34% decrease (p < 0.05). By 72 h, cardiac function had returned to control levels. MDA was increased immediately after the exercise bout and at the 24 and 48 h intervals (p < 0.05). Conversely, AOP progressively decreased at the 24 and 48 h intervals. As with cardiac function, MDA and AOP had returned to control levels by 72 h post-exercise. These data indicate that a single bout of prolonged, moderately intense exercise performed by previously sedentary rats impaired cardiac function for up to 48 h. This decrement in cardiac function was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant potential.
Effect of pharmacological lowering of plasma urate on exercise-induced oxidative stress
Authors: McAnulty S. R. , Hosick P. A. , McAnulty L. S. , Quindry J. C. , Still L. , Hudson M. B. , Dibarnardi A. N. , Milne G. L. , Morrow J. D. , Austin M. D.
Published: November 2007

Urate is a metabolic end product of purine metabolism that contributes about 66% of the antioxidant capacity of plasma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of plasma urate as an antioxidant using pharmacological lowering and examining the impact on plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress after intense exercise. Fifteen subjects ran for 45 min at ~80% VO2 max under the influence of probenecid (1 g/d) (PRO) or placebo (PLA) in a double-blind, crossover design. Blood samples obtained at baseline, pre-exercise, and immediately post-exercise were analyzed for F2-isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides (LHs), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), urate, ascorbate (AA), and nitrite. A 2 (group) × 2 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison tests, and Student’s t tests were used for statistical analysis. PRO exhibited lowered urate and FRAP compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.05), and group effects existed for the exercise trials (p = 0.023 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively) versus PLA. F2-isoprostanes, nitrite, and AA were increased after exercise (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively), but the pattern of change was not different between treatments. This study indicates that plasma markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress were not affected by below-normal physiological concentrations of urate and a diminished antioxidant capacity within the plasma compartment.
Competitive inhibition of histone deacetylase activity by trichostatin A and butyrate
Authors: Sekhavat Anoushe , Sun Jian-Min , Davie James R.
Published: November 2007

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a pivotal role in gene expression through their involvement in chromatin remodeling. The abnormal targeting or retention of HDACs to DNA regulatory regions is observed in many cancers, and hence HDAC inhibitors are being tested as promising anti-tumor agents. The results of previous kinetic studies, characterizing trichostatin A (TSA), as well as butyrate, as HDAC noncompetitive inhibitors, conflict with crystallographic and homology modeling data suggesting that TSA should act as a competitive inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that each of the HDAC inhibitors TSA and butyrate inhibits HDAC activity in a competitive fashion. Co-immunoprecipitation studies show that the inhibition of HDAC1 and HDAC2 activity by TSA does not disturb the extensive level of their association in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Moreover, the inhibition of HDAC activity by TSA does not interfere with the interaction of HDAC1 and HDAC2 with Sin3A, a core component of the Sin3 complex. Thus, repressor complexes such as Sin3, appear to be stable in the presence of TSA. The association of HDAC2 with transcription factor Sp1 is also not affected by TSA.
A pentacene intermediate via formal intramolecular photoredox of a 6,13-pentacenequinone in aqueous solution
Authors: Hou Yunyan , Wan Peter
Published: November 2007

The formal intramolecular photoredox reaction (or tandem phototautomerizations) of aromatic ketones in aqueous solution discovered in our laboratory has been extended to a number of acenequinones. In particular, we were interested in whether the photoredox reaction could be applied to 2-(hydroxymethyl)-6,13-pentacenequinone (4), which would result in 2-formyl-6,13-dihydroxypentacene (10) and hence offer a photochemical method for synthesizing a pentacene derivative. Whereas a number of acenequinones displayed a range of photoredox reactivity, photolysis of 4 in acidic aqueous solution (pH < 3) resulted in a clean intramolecular photoredox reaction, via an enol intermediate, to give 10 (green compound; Φ ~ 0.2 at pH 1), which was too reactive for isolation or trapping by standard ArOH trapping agents such as acetic anhydride. These reactions may be viewed as a one-way photochemical intramolecular “redox switch” from quinone to hydroquinone with concurrent oxidation of an attached hydroxymethyl (alcohol) moiety. Without the attached alcohol moiety, these acenequinones are photostable in aqueous solution. The trend in observed relative reactivity may be partially rationalized by examining changes in molecular orbital coefficients observed in the calculated HOMOs and LUMOs (at the AM1 level).Key words: pentacene, acenequinones, photoredox, enol, acid catalysis.
Accurate UV–visible spectral analysis of thiomolybdates
Authors: Reid R Stephen , Clark Rhett J , Quagraine Emmanuel K
Published: November 2007

The UV–visible spectra of various thiomolybdates have been studied. Cross-contamination during synthesis and extensive overlap in the spectra have hindered the UV–vis characterization to date. We report the use of multivariate curve fitting for the accurate quantification of the composition of thiomolybdate mixtures as well as the molar absorptivities at key wavelengths of the spectrum of each pure thiomolybdate. The synthesis and isolation of all four thiomolybdates by a common synthetic route using (NH4)2S is also reported. This is the first time that monothiomolybdate has been isolated from aqueous solution.Key words: Thiomolybdates, UV–visible spectroscopy, speciation, curve fitting.
Primary ion fluence dependence in time-of-flight SIMS of a self-assembled monolayer of octadecylphosphonic acid molecules on mica discussion of static limit
Authors: Nieradko M , Ghonaim N W , Xi L , Nie H Y , Francis J , Grizzi O , Yeung K , Lau W M
Published: November 2007

By using a self-assembled monolayer of octadecylphosphonic acid molecules, CH3(CH2)17PO(OH)2, on mica as a model of the “soft” materials, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and multilayers in many biological systems as well as artificially engineered molecular electronic systems, we have examined the effects of primary ion fluence on time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) of the technologically important model. Our measurements clearly show that although the intensity per unit primary ion fluence of most atomic ions and many small fragment ions do not vary by more than 10% for the fluence range of 1010–1013 cm–2, the intensity of the parent molecular ion can drop by two orders of magnitude in this fluence range. While the changes are different for the primary ion beams of Bi3+ (25 keV, 45°), Bi+ (25 keV, 45°), and Ar+ (8 keV, 45°), they are all substantial, with the damage cross section induced by the Bi3+ beam being the largest (6 000 Å2). Since different secondary ions have quite different intensity changes, the analytical results derived from TOF-SIMS can vary significantly by the time and duration of the measurements in the TOF-SIMS experiment. Therefore, our results suggest that for TOF-SIMS of molecular layers such as SAMs, the primary ion fluence condition should be recorded and reported. In general, the validity of the static condition becomes questionable when the cumulative primary ion fluence exceeds 1 × 1011 cm–2.Key words: SIMS, static SIMS, TOF-SIMS, soft materials, self-assembled monolayer, bilayer, surface of biological materials.
EXTENDED PHASE DIAGRAM OF THE LORENZ MODEL
Authors: DULLIN H. R. , SCHMIDT S. , RICHTER P. H. , GROSSMANN S. K.
Published: November 2007

The parameter dependence of the various attractive solutions of the three variable nonlinear Lorenz equations is studied as a function of r, the normalized Rayleigh number, and of σ, the Prandtl number. Previous work, either for fixed σ and all r or along σ ∝ r and [Formula: see text], is extended to the entire (r, σ) parameter plane. An onion-like periodic pattern is found which is due to the alternating stability of symmetric and nonsymmetric periodic orbits. This periodic pattern is explained by considering non-trivial limits of large r and σ and thus interpolating between the above mentioned cases. The mathematical analysis uses Airy functions as introduced in previous work, but instead of concentrating on the Lorenz map we analyze the trajectories in full phase space. The periodicity of the Airy function allows to calculate analytically the periodic onion structure in the (r, σ)-plane. Previous observations about sequences of bifurcations are confirmed, and more details regarding their symmetry are reported.
AN ASSOCIATIVE NETWORK WITH CHAOTIC NEURONS AND DYNAMIC SYNAPSES
Authors: WANG ZHIJIE , FAN HONG , AIHARA KAZUYUKI
Published: November 2007

Chaotic neurons are interconnected with each other through a matrix of dynamic synaptic weights to constitute an associative network. First, the dynamics of the two chaotic neurons connected with dynamic synapses is analyzed. A quick memory switching phenomenon in the Associative Network with Chaotic Neurons and Dynamic Synapses (ANCNDS) is then demonstrated. It is further discovered that the memory retrieval frequency of the network among stored patterns distributes more uniformly, and is much higher than that of a chaotic network without dynamic synapses. Moreover, the network acts as a peculiar pattern recognition system when applied with external stimulations. If the external stimulation is close to only one stored pattern, the network recalls the stored pattern exactly. On the other hand, if the external stimulation shares similarity with two or several stored patterns, the network transits among these related stored patterns. When the external stimulation does not resemble any stored patterns, the network wanders among all the stored patterns.
PATTERNS OF OSCILLATION IN A RING OF IDENTICAL CELLS WITH DELAYED COUPLING
Authors: BUNGAY SHARENE D. , CAMPBELL SUE ANN
Published: November 2007

We investigate the behavior of a neural network model consisting of three neurons with delayed self and nearest-neighbor connections. We give analytical results on the existence, stability and bifurcation of nontrivial equilibria of the system. We show the existence of codimension two bifurcation points involving both standard and D3-equivariant, Hopf and pitchfork bifurcation points. We use numerical simulation and numerical bifurcation analysis to investigate the dynamics near the pitchfork–Hopf interaction points. Our numerical investigations reveal that multiple secondary Hopf bifurcations and pitchfork bifurcations of limit cycles may emanate from the pitchfork–Hopf points. Further, these secondary bifurcations give rise to ten different types of periodic solutions. In addition, the secondary bifurcations can lead to multistability between equilibrium points and periodic solutions in some regions of parameter space. We conclude by generalizing our results into conjectures about the secondary bifurcations that emanate from codimension two pitchfork–Hopf bifurcation points in systems with Dn symmetry.
ON A DYNAMICAL SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE CHAOTIC ATTRACTORS
Authors: LUO XIAODONG , SMALL MICHAEL , DANCA MARIUS-F. , CHEN GUANRONG
Published: November 2007

The chaotic behavior of the Rabinovich–Fabrikant system, a model with multiple topologically different chaotic attractors, is analyzed. Because of the complexity of this system, analytical and numerical studies of the system are very difficult tasks. Following the investigation of this system carried out in [Danca & Chen, 2004], this paper verifies the presence of multiple chaotic attractors in the system. Moreover, the Monte Carlo hypothesis test (or, equivalently, surrogate data test) is applied to the system for the detection of chaos.
A NOVEL INTEGRATED CELL-BASED BIOSENSOR FOR EXTRACELLULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING
Authors: XU YING , YU HUI , CAI HUA , LIU QINGJUN , WANG PING
Published: November 2007

A rigorous preselection of identified compounds by in vitro cellular screening is necessary prior to using the drug candidates for the further time consuming and parallel monitoring stage. In this paper we introduced an integrated cell based chip which can detect changes of electrophysiological parameters by using microelectronic chips such as Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors (LAPS), Micro-electrodes Array Sensors (MEAS) and Interdigitated Array Sensor (IDA) etc. to record the extracellular metabolism chemical and biological substances, action potential and living characteristics of cells representing the different response. In this research we presented novel ideas including an integrating multifunctional cell sensors chip, obtaining the living cells as the source of cell sensors with cardiac myocytes. The characteristic curve and primary electrophysiological measurement of each part were tested. Further developments will be done by culturing living olfactory and taste cells on surface of the devices. Now, we have completed the fabrication of the sensor and obtained some promising experiments results in different sensor units. This research will be interesting and useful for parallel extracellular monitoring.
OBJECT RECOGNITION BY SEGMENTED REGIONS USING MULTIPLE CUES ON OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Authors: KIM DAE-NYEON , TRINH HOANG-HON , JO KANG-HYUN
Published: November 2007

This work describes a method to allow objects for autonomous robot navigation on outdoor environment. The proposition of the method segments and recognizes the object from an image taken by moving robot on outdoor environment. We classify the object natural and artificial. We classify trees as natural objects and buildings as artificial objects. Then we define their characteristics individually. In the process, we segment objects included by preprocessing using multiple cues and show the method of segmentation based on low-level features using multiple cues. Multiple cues are color, line segment, context information, HCM (Hue Co-occurrence Matrix), PCs (Principal Components), vanishing point. Objects can be recognized when we combine predefined multiple cues. The correct object recognition of proposed system is over 92% among our test database which consist of about 1200 images. We accomplish the result of image segmentation using multiple cues and object recognition through experiments.
ABNORMAL GAIT DETECTION USING INTELLIGENT SHOES
Authors: CHEN MENG , HUANG BUFU , XU YANGSHENG
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a method for modeling abnormal human gait using hidden Markov model under the framework of a shoe-integrated system. The intelligent system focuses on modeling the following patterns: normal gait, toe in abnormality, and toe out abnormality. In the developed prototype, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) consisting of three-dimensional gyroscopes and accelerometers is employed to measure the angular velocities and accelerations of the foot. Four force sensing resistors (FSRs) and one bend sensor are arranged on the insole of each foot for force and flexion information acquisition. The proposed method is mainly based on supervised Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) for feature generation and hidden Markov model (HMM) for multi-pattern modeling. The "similarity distance measure" criterion is introduced to do model-to-model evaluation. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed approach is robust and efficient in detecting abnormal gait patterns. Our goal is to provide a cost-effective system for detecting gait abnormalities in order to assist persons with abnormal gaits in developing a normal walking pattern in their daily life.
GENERALIZED SOLUTION FOR SEISMIC UPLIFT CAPACITY OF STRIP ANCHORS USING PSEUDO-STATIC APPROACH
Authors: CHOUDHURY DEEPANKAR , SUBBA RAO K. S.
Published: November 2007

Generalized solutions for uplift capacity of inclined shallow strip anchors embedded in general c–ϕ soils with inclined slope carrying a uniform surcharge is developed in this paper for seismic condition. The individual effects of unit weight, surcharge and cohesion components on the computation of uplift capacity of anchors are considered. Limit equilibrium method with logspiral failure surface is adopted in the analysis and the effects of seismic forces are considered as pseudo-static forces. The results have been presented in the form of seismic uplift capacity factors as functions of anchor inclination, ground inclination, embedment ratio, soil friction angle and seismic acceleration coefficients both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Both the seismic accelerations change significantly the uplift capacity of anchors. Effect of the vertical seismic acceleration coefficient has been found to always reduce the uplift capacity whereas the effect of horizontal seismic acceleration coefficient has been found to reduce the uplift capacity in most of the cases. Results are presented in graphical and tabular forms. Estimation of error while using the principle of superposition to compute the seismic uplift capacity is also conducted. A comparative study between the present theory and available results in literature shows the merits and requirement of the present analysis.
Evaluation of real-world and computer-generated stylized facial expressions
Authors: Wallraven Christian , Bülthoff Heinrich H. , Cunningham Douglas W. , Fischer Jan , Bartz Dirk
Published: November 2007

The goal of stylization is to provide an abstracted representation of an image that highlights specific types of visual information. Recent advances in computer graphics techniques have made it possible to render many varieties of stylized imagery efficiently making stylization into a useful technique, not only for artistic, but also for visualization applications. In this paper, we report results from two sets of experiments that aim at characterizing the perceptual impact and effectiveness of three different stylization techniques in the context of dynamic facial expressions. In the first set of experiments, animated facial expressions are stylized using three common techniques (brush, cartoon, and illustrative stylization) and investigated using different experimental measures. Going beyond the usual questionnaire approach, these experiments compare the techniques according to several criteria ranging from subjective preference to task-dependent measures (such as recognizability, intensity) allowing us to compare behavioral and introspective approaches. The second set of experiments use the same stylization techniques on real-world video sequences in order to compare the effect of stylization on natural and artificial stimuli. Our results shed light on how stylization of image contents affects the perception and subjective evaluation of both real and computer-generated facial expressions.
Why Evidence?
Authors: McCartney Robert , Tenenberg Josh
Published: November 2007

A goal of JERIC is to support educational practice by publishing articles that are useful to classroom instructors. One way of ensuring this utility is to require that claims are backed up by evidence. This evidence allows the reader to evaluate the potential effectiveness and transferability of any appraoches presented in these articles to their own courses and situations.
Succinct indexable dictionaries with applications to encoding
k
-ary trees, prefix sums and multisets
Authors: Raman Rajeev , Raman Venkatesh , Satti Srinivasa Rao
Published: November 2007

We consider the
indexable dictionary
problem, which consists of storing a set
S
⊆ {0,…,
m
− 1} for some integer
m
while supporting the operations of rank(
x
), which returns the number of elements in
S
that are less than
x
if
x
∈
S
, and −1 otherwise; and select(
i
), which returns the
i
th smallest element in
S
. We give a data structure that supports both operations in
O
(1) time on the RAM model and requires B(
n, m
) +
o
(
n
) +
O
(lg lg
m
) bits to store a set of size
n
, where B(
n, m
) = ⌊lg (
m
/
n
)⌋ is the minimum number of bits required to store any
n
-element subset from a universe of size
m
. Previous dictionaries taking this space only supported (yes/no) membership queries in
O
(1) time. In the cell probe model we can remove the
O
(lg lg
m
) additive term in the space bound, answering a question raised by Fich and Miltersen [1995] and Pagh [2001].

We present extensions and applications of our indexable dictionary data structure, including:

—an information-theoretically optimal representation of a
k
-ary cardinal tree that supports standard operations in constant time;

—a representation of a multiset of size
n
from {0,…,
m
− 1} in B(
n, m
+
n
) +
o
(
n
) bits that supports (appropriate generalizations of) rank and select operations in constant time; and +
O
(lg lg
m
)

—a representation of a sequence of
n
nonnegative integers summing up to
m
in B(
n, m
+
n
) +
o
(
n
) bits that supports prefix sum queries in constant time.
Packing element-disjoint steiner trees
Authors: Cheriyan Joseph , Salavatipour Mohammad R.
Published: November 2007

Given an undirected graph
G
(
V
,
E
) with terminal set
T
⊆
V
, the problem of packing element-disjoint Steiner trees is to find the maximum number of Steiner trees that are disjoint on the nonterminal nodes and on the edges. The problem is known to be NP-hard to approximate within a factor of Ω(log
n
), where
n
denotes |
V
|. We present a randomized
O
(log
n
)-approximation algorithm for this problem, thus matching the hardness lower bound. Moreover, we show a tight upper bound of
O
(log
n
) on the integrality ratio of a natural linear programming relaxation.
A Framework for Web service negotiation
Authors: Paurobally Shamimabi , Tamma Valentina , Wooldrdige Michael
Published: November 2007

In a survey on the theory and practice of agent system deployment, conducted by the AgentLink workgroup on networked agents, it was found that there are an increasing number of initiatives for the migration of agents research towards new Internet technologies such as the semantic web, Grid, and Web services. In fact, Grid computing and multi-agent systems research have similar objectives. They both aim to achieve “large-scale open distributed systems, capable of being able to effectively and dynamically deploy and redeploy computational (and other) resources as required, to solve computationally complex problems” [Foster and Kesselman 2003]. On the one hand, service-oriented Grid architectures need to support dynamic cooperation, negotiation, and adaptive interactions between Web services controlling Grid resources for efficient resource and task allocation and execution. On the other hand, the Grid can facilitate agent communication, life-cycle management, and access to resources for agents. Although the relevance of Grid for agent research and vice versa has been identified in several forums, actual collaborative applications are still in their infancy. In this article, we discuss our recent work on deploying multi-agent negotiation techniques to facilitate dynamic negotiation for Grid resources as a step closer to an adaptive and autonomous Grid. In particular, we describe a Web service development of the Contract Net Protocol for negotiation between insurance companies and repair companies. We evaluate our approach to show the added value of negotiable interactions between Web services as opposed to inflexible single-shot interactions that are currently the state of the art.
Web services discovery in secure collaboration environments
Authors: Shehab Mohamed , Bhattacharya Kamal , Ghafoor Arif
Published: November 2007

Multidomain application environments where distributed domains interoperate with each other is a reality in Web-services-based infrastructures. Collaboration enables domains to effectively share resources; however, it introduces several security and privacy challenges. In this article, we use the current web service standards such as SOAP and UDDI to enable secure interoperability in a service-oriented mediator-free environment. We propose a multihop SOAP messaging protocol that enables domains to discover secure access paths to access roles in different domains. Then we propose a path authentication mechanism based on the encapsulation of SOAP messages and the SOAP-DISG standard. Furthermore, we provide a service discovery protocol that enables domains to discover service descriptions stored in private UDDI registries.
An optimized protocol for mobile network authentication and security
Authors: Yi Xun , Okamoto Eiji , Lam Kwok Yan
Published: November 2007

Recent years have seen an explosive growth of interest in mobile networks that support the mobility. The mobility of users, the transmission of signals through open air and the requirement of low power consumption by a mobile user bring to a mobile network a large number of new security issues. In this paper, we propose an optimized protocol for mobile network authentication and security. The particular features of the new proposal are: (1) only a public parameter (a large prime p) and the public key of the certification authority (y
ca
) is required knowledge for all network participants; (2) only a block cipher is used as both the secret-key encryption algorithm and the underlying cipher of the hash function.
Bluetooth
Authors: Haartsen Jaap , Naghshineh Mahmoud , Inouye Jon , Joeressen Olaf J. , Allen Warren
Published: November 2007

A few years ago it was recognized that the vision of a truly low-cost, low-power radio-based cable replacement was feasible. Such a ubiquitous link would provide the basis for portable devices to communicate together in an ad hoc fashion by creating
personal area networks
which have similar advantages to their office environment counterpart - the local area network (LAN). Bluetooth is an effort by a consortium of companies to design a royalty free technology specification enabling this vision. This article describes the vision and goals of the Bluetooth program and introduces the radio-based technology.
The thinnest of clients
Authors: Stajano Frank , Jones Alan
Published: November 2007

The
thin client
paradigm aims to give users access to central resources through inexpensive and easily deployed computing systems. But, however "thin" the client hardware, mobile users in the field still have the burden of carrying it. To alleviate this problem, we decided to adopt as our client a piece of hardware that many mobile users already carry with them anyway: the cellphone. This paper presents our experience in researching, implementing, deploying and using a system whereby users, wherever they are, can query and control their personalised computing resources and services by typing short messages on the keypad of their cellphone. Our system has been deployed and in use for over a year and has given us valuable insights on how to design and build a personal information service.
A performance analysis of the IRIDIUM® low earth orbit satellite system with a degraded satellite constellation
Authors: Fossa Carl E. , Raines Richard A. , Gunsch Gregg H. , Temple Michael A.
Published: November 2007

There are currently several commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems under development that will provide worldwide voice, data, facsimile, and paging services. This article presents a performance analysis of the IRIDIUM® LEO satellite system, as several satellites become non-operational. The analysis is conducted using a computer simulation of the system. First, it examines the system's capability to meet real-time communications constraints of end-to-end delay and packet rejection rate with non-operational satellites. Then, it examines the effects of these non-operational satellites on a user's ability to access the network. The analysis is conducted at low, medium and high traffic loading levels with both uniform and non-uniform traffic distributions. The results indicate that the IRIDIUM® system is capable of providing real-time voice communications with several non-operational satellites. Both the loading level and the traffic distribution have a significant effect on the performance of the system.
Mobile ad hoc networking and the IETF
Authors: Macker Joseph P. , Corson M. Scott
Published: November 2007

This article provides a snapshot of work underway within the Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET) Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The article summarizes the proceedings of the last MANET WG meeting, presents some issues currently under discussion on the MANET mailing list
(manet@itd.nrl.navy.mil)
, and gives some rationale behind the architectural design approach being promoted within the group.
InfoPad - past, present and future
Authors: Brodersen Robert W.
Published: November 2007

The InfoPad project was a large interdisciplinary effort, which had a goal of implementing a complete system for wireless access of multimedia data from a high bandwidth wired infrastructure. The basic approach was to minimize the cost and energy consumption of the portable user device by using network based resources. A system approach was taken in this investigation, which attempted to optimize all aspects of the design from the user interface to the low power design of the terminal hardware, which uncovered a need to deal with the issues of project management and intergroup communications. From what was learned in this project a new effort is now underway investigating the present and future capabilities of implementing single chip wireless systems in advanced CMOS technology.
Mobile ad hoc networking and the IETF
Authors: Macker Joseph P. , Corson M. Scott
Published: November 2007

This is a continuing article in a series [2, 3, 4, 5] providing a snapshot of work underway within the Mobile Ad hoc Networks (manet) Working Group (WG) of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) [1]. This article summarizes proceedings of the last manet WG meeting held in December 1998 and presents issues currently under discussion within the WG.
Standards development and diffusion
Authors: Boh Wai Fong , Soh Christina , Yeo Steven
Published: November 2007

The RosettaNet consortium aligns its diffusion strategies with its development processes while adapting them to the local conditions in the home countries of its member organizations.
Rosuvastatin provides pleiotropic protection against pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and coronary endothelial dysfunction in rats
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Ku David D.
Published: November 2007

We recently reported that increased vascular endothelial nitric oxide production could protect against the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in rats ( 32 ). The present study investigated whether the pleiotropic action of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors in upregulating endothelial function could also protect against the MCT-induced end-organ damages. Rosuvastatin (2 mg·kg−1·day−1 via oral gavage) or placebo was initiated 1 wk before or 1 wk after MCT (60 mg/kg ip) administration. One month after MCT, significant PAH developed in the placebo rats, which were accompanied by histological evidence of pulmonary vascular thickening and right ventricular hypertrophy. The coronary endothelial vasodilatory function, assessed with endothelial/nitric oxide-dependent responses to acetylcholine and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), was depressed, while the constrictory responses to known coronary constrictors was enhanced. In rats that received rosuvastatin treatment 1 wk before MCT administration, a significantly reduced PAH and RVH was observed, as well as reduced pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodelings. Rosuvastatin 1-wk posttreatment had no effect on PAH, but inhibited RVH. Right coronary endothelial dysfunction, which was shown in placebo rats, was effectively prevented by both pre- and postrosuvastatin treatment, while this effect was more dramatic in the pretreated group. Left coronary endothelial function, which was not affected by MCT, also showed an upregulation by rosuvastatin. Taken together, our results demonstrated the pleiotropic protection of rosuvastatin against the development of PAH and RVH and confirmed our previous finding that the targeted preservation of coronary endothelial function and vasoactivity may provide a novel approach to protect against cardiac remodeling.