bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTICAL LAYOUT ANALYSIS OF POLARIZATION INTERFERENCE IMAGING SPECTROMETER BY JONES CALCULUS IN VIEW OF BOTH OPTICAL THROUGHPUT AND INTERFERENCE FRINGE VISIBILITY
Authors: ZHANG XUANNI , ZHANG CHUNMIN
Published: December 2012

A polarization interference imaging spectrometer based on Savart polariscope was presented. Its optical throughput was analyzed by Jones calculus. The throughput expression was given, and clearly showed that the optical throughput mainly depended on the intensity of incident light, transmissivity, refractive index and the layout of optical system. The simulation and analysis gave the optimum layout in view of both optical throughput and interference fringe visibility, and verified that the layout of our former design was optimum. The simulation showed that a small deviation from the optimum layout influenced interference fringe visibility little for the optimum one, but influenced severely for others, so a small deviation is admissible in the optimum, and this can mitigate the manufacture difficulty. These results pave the way for further research and engineering design.
ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR OF ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO) UNDER CHEMICAL STRESS USING HIDDEN MARKOV MODEL
Authors: LI YAN , LEE JANG-MYUNG , CHON TAE-SOO , LIU YUEDAN , KIM HUNGSOO , BAE MI-JUNG , PARK YOUNG-SEUK
Published: December 2012

Based on computer vision techniques, the movement tracks of an indicator species (zebrafish) were continuously observed in two dimensions before and after the treatments with a toxic chemical (formaldehyde, 2.5 ppm). Behavioral patterns based on the shape of movement segments were regarded as states, while linear and angular speeds measured from the movement segments were used as observed events for training with a hidden Markov model (HMM). The state sequences were estimated by HMM based on transition and emission probability matrices, and observed events. The movement tracks were further reconstructed based on behavior state sequences generated by HMM. Subsequently, permutation entropy and fractal dimension were calculated to monitor behavioral changes before and after the treatments. Both parameters based on the real and reconstructed data significantly decreased after the treatments, and individual variability was minimized with the parameters obtained from the reconstructed tracks. The parameter extraction based on optimal state sequence by HMM was suitable for resolving the problem of variability in behavioral data, and would be an effective means of monitoring chemical stress in the environment.
DEPENDENCE OF THE OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF CHEMICALLY ANNEALED VACUUM-DEPOSITED a-Si:H FILMS ON THE DEPOSITION RATE
Authors: EL-NAGGAR AHMED M.
Published: December 2012

The influence of the deposition rate of chemically annealed vacuum-deposited a-Si : H films on its optical and electrical properties was studied. The optical parameters were studied using spectrophotometric measurements of the film transmittance in the wavelength range 200–3000 nm. It was found that with increasing the silicon deposition rate from 0.09 to 0.23 nm/s, the refractive index, n, decreases from 3.78 to 3.45 at 1.5 μm, and the optical energy gap, Eg, decreases from 1.74 to 1.66 eV, while the Urbach parameter, ΔE, increases from 77 to 99 meV. The dark conductivity was measured at temperatures descending from 480 to 170 K. It was found that the room temperature dark conductivity values decreased from 1.11 × 10-6 (Ω⋅ cm )-1 to 2.08 × 10-10 (Ω⋅ cm )-1 with increasing the deposition rate from 0.09 to 0.23 nm/s respectively, while the activation energy Ea increased from 0.53 to 0.84 eV with increasing deposition rate. As a result, a good quality a-Si : H film with optical energy gap of 1.74 eV, Urbach parameter of 77 meV, dark conductivity of 1.11 × 10-6 (Ω⋅ cm )-1, and activation energy of 0.53 eV was successfully prepared at a low deposition rate of 0.09 nm/s.
MAGNETIC FIELDS MODULATED EXTENDED SPIN FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS WITH UNPARALLEL FERROMAGNETIC LEADS
Authors: XIAO YUN-CHANG , LUO WEI , ZHONG QING-HU , ZHU RUI , DENG WEN-JI
Published: December 2012

Electron spin polarization properties of the Datta–Das spin field effect transistors are studied by taking into account the coexistence of the Rashba and Dresselhaus effects and an in-plane magnetic field. The transistor is connected to ferromagnetic leads with unparallel polarization. Transmission coefficients can be calculated and thus the Landauer–Büttiker conductance are obtained. Numerical results for the spin polarization of the conductance were discussed in detail.
DEFINABLE SETS IN A HYPERBOLIC GROUP
Authors: KHARLAMPOVICH OLGA , MYASNIKOV ALEXEI
Published: December 2012

We give a description of definable sets P = (p1,…,pm) in a free non-abelian group F and in a torsion-free non-elementary hyperbolic group G. As a corollary we show that proper non-cyclic subgroups of F and G are not definable. This answers Malcev's question posed in 1965 for F.
NONLINEAR OSCILLATION MODEL FOR EXPLAINING THE DISTRIBUTION OF POSITION DEVIATION IN SELF-ORGANIZED NANOPARTICLES
Authors: MASTURI  , AJI MAHARDIKA PRASETYA , ALIAH HASNIAH , SUSTINI EUIS , KHAIRURRIJAL  , ABDULLAH MIKRAJUDDIN
Published: December 2012

A model for explaining deviations of positions in self-organized nanoparticles on a substrate from their corresponding positions in perfect organization is proposed. The model predictions were compared with SEM/TEM images and reported by some authors. We found a consistence between the model predictions with the data of Ag , Fe3O4 and SiO2 nanoparticles organization on various substrates.
Comparative approaches to the study of physiology:Drosophilaas a physiological tool
Authors: Neckameyer Wendi S. , Argue Kathryn J.
Published: December 2012

Numerous studies have detailed the extensive conservation of developmental signaling pathways between the model system, Drosophila melanogaster, and mammalian models, but researchers have also profited from the unique and highly tractable genetic tools available in this system to address critical questions in physiology. In this review, we have described contributions that Drosophila researchers have made to mathematical dynamics of pattern formation, cardiac pathologies, the way in which pain circuits are integrated to elicit responses from sensation, as well as the ways in which gene expression can modulate diverse behaviors and shed light on human cognitive disorders. The broad and diverse array of contributions from Drosophila underscore its translational relevance to modeling human disease.
Interaction between nitric oxide and superoxide in the macula densa in aldosterone-induced alterations of tubuloglomerular feedback
Authors: Zhang Qian , Lin Lin , Lu Yan , Liu Haifeng , Duan Yanhua , Zhu Xiaolong , Zou Chengwei , Manning R. Davis , Liu Ruisheng
Published: December 2012

Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF)-mediated constriction of the afferent arteriole is modulated by a balance between release of superoxide (O2−) and nitric oxide (NO) in macula densa (MD) cells. Aldosterone activates mineralocorticoid receptors that are expressed in the MD and induces both NO and O2− generation. We hypothesize that aldosterone enhances O2− production in the MD mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), which buffers the effect of NO in control of TGF response. Studies were performed in microdissected and perfused MD and in a MD cell line, MMDD1 cells. Aldosterone significantly enhanced O2− generation both in perfused MD and in MMDD1 cells. When aldosterone (10−7 mol/l) was added in the tubular perfusate, TGF response was reduced from 2.4 ± 0.3 μm to 1.4 ± 0.2 μm in isolated perfused MD. In the presence of tempol, a O2− scavenger, TGF response was 1.5 ± 0.2 μm. In the presence of both tempol and aldosterone in the tubular perfusate, TGF response was further reduced to 0.4 ± 0.2 μm. To determine if PKC is involved in aldosterone-induced O2− production, we exposed the O2− cells to a nonselective PKC inhibitor chelerythrine chloride, a specific PKCα inhibitor Go6976, or a PKCα siRNA, and the aldosterone-induced increase in O2− production was blocked. These data indicate that aldosterone-stimulated O2− production in the MD buffers the effect of NO in control of TGF response, an effect that was mediated by PKCα.
Synaptic NMDA receptors in basolateral amygdala principal neurons are triheteromeric proteins: physiological role of GluN2B subunits
Authors: Delaney Andrew J. , Sedlak Petra L. , Autuori Elenora , Power John M. , Sah Pankaj
Published: December 2012

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are heteromultimeric ion channels that contain an essential GluN1 subunit and two or more GluN2 (GluN2A–GluN2D) subunits. The biophysical properties and physiological roles of synaptic NMDA receptors are dependent on their subunit composition. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA), it has been suggested that the plasticity that underlies fear learning requires activation of heterodimeric receptors composed of GluN1/GluN2B subunits. In this study, we investigated the subunit composition of NMDA receptors present at synapses on principal neurons in the BLA. Purification of the synaptic fraction showed that both GluN2A and GluN2B subunits are present at synapses, and co-immunoprecipitation revealed the presence of receptors containing both GluN2A and GluN2B subunits. The kinetics of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents and pharmacological blockade indicate that heterodimeric GluN1/GluN2B receptors are unlikely to be present at glutamatergic synapses on BLA principal neurons. Selective RNA interference-mediated knockdown of GluN2A subunits converted synaptic receptors to a GluN1/GluN2B phenotype, whereas knockdown of GluN2B subunits had no effect on the kinetics of the synaptically evoked NMDA current. Blockade of GluN1/GluN2B heterodimers with ifenprodil had no effect, but knockdown of GluN2B disrupted the induction of CaMKII-dependent long-term potentiation at these synapses. These results suggest that, on BLA principal neurons, GluN2B subunits are only present as GluN1/GluN2A/GluN2B heterotrimeric NMDA receptors. The GluN2B subunit has little impact on the kinetics of the receptor, but is essential for the recruitment of signaling molecules essential for synaptic plasticity.
Sound-driven enhancement of vision: disentangling detection-level from decision-level contributions
Authors: Pérez-Bellido Alexis , Soto-Faraco Salvador , López-Moliner Joan
Published: December 2012

Cross-modal enhancement can be mediated both by higher-order effects due to attention and decision making and by detection-level stimulus-driven interactions. However, the contribution of each of these sources to behavioral improvements has not been conclusively determined and quantified separately. Here, we apply psychophysical analysis based on Piéron functions in order to separate stimulus-dependent changes from those accounted by decision-level contributions. Participants performed a simple visual speeded detection task on Gabor patches of different spatial frequencies and contrast values, presented with and without accompanying sounds. On one hand, we identified an additive cross-modal improvement in mean reaction times across all types of visual stimuli that would be well explained by interactions not strictly based on stimulus-driven modulations (e.g., due to reduction of temporal uncertainty and motor times). On the other hand, we singled out an audio-visual benefit that strongly depended on stimulus features such as frequency and contrast. This particular enhancement was selective to low-visual spatial frequency stimuli, optimized for magnocellular sensitivity. We therefore conclude that interactions at detection stages and at decisional processes in response selection that contribute to audio-visual enhancement can be separated online and express on partly different aspects of visual processing.
Seizures as imbalanced up states: excitatory and inhibitory conductances during seizure-like events
Authors: Žiburkus Jokūbas , Cressman John R. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: December 2012

Precisely timed and dynamically balanced excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) conductances underlie the basis of neural network activity. Normal E/I balance is often shifted in epilepsy, resulting in neuronal network hyperexcitability and recurrent seizures. However, dynamics of the actual excitatory and inhibitory synaptic conductances ( geand gi, respectively) during seizures remain unknown. To study the dynamics of E and I network balance, we calculated geand giduring the initiation, body, and termination of seizure-like events (SLEs) in the rat hippocampus in vitro. Repetitive emergent SLEs in 4-aminopyridine (100 μM) and reduced extracellular magnesium (0.6 mM) were recorded in the identified CA1 pyramidal cells (PC) and oriens-lacunosum moleculare (O-LM) interneurons. Calculated ge/ giratio dynamics showed that the initiation stage of the SLEs was dominated by inhibition in the PCs and was more balanced in the O-LM cells. During the body of the SLEs, the balance shifted toward excitation, with geand gipeaking in both cell types at nearly the same time. In the termination phase, PCs were again dominated by inhibition, whereas O-LM cells experienced persistent excitatory synaptic barrage. In this way, increased excitability of interneurons may play roles in both seizure initiation (Žiburkus J, Cressman JR, Barreto E, Schiff SJ. J Neurophysiol 95: 3948–3954, 2006) and in their termination. Overall, SLE stages can be characterized in PC and O-LM cells by dynamically distinct changes in the balance of geand gi, where a temporal sequence of imbalance shifts with the changing firing patterns of the cellular subtypes comprising the hyperexcitable microcircuits.
Relationship between transcranial magnetic stimulation measures of intracortical inhibition and spectroscopy measures of GABA and glutamate+glutamine
Authors: Tremblay Sara , Beaulé Vincent , Proulx Sébastien , de Beaumont Louis , Marjańska Małgorzata , Doyon Julien , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Lassonde Maryse , Théoret Hugo
Published: December 2012

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can provide an index of intracortical excitability/inhibition balance. However, the neurochemical substrate of these measures remains unclear. Pharmacological studies suggest the involvement of GABAAand GABABreceptors in TMS protocols aimed at measuring intracortical inhibition, but this link remains inferential. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) permits measurement of GABA and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) concentrations in the human brain and might help in the direct empirical assessment of the relationship between TMS inhibitory measures and neurotransmitter concentrations. In the present study, MRS-derived relative concentrations of GABA and Glx measured in the left M1 of healthy participants were correlated with TMS measures of intracortical inhibition. Glx levels were found to correlate positively with TMS-induced silent period duration, whereas no correlation was found between GABA concentration and TMS measures. The present data demonstrate that specific TMS measures of intracortical inhibition are linked to shifts in cortical Glx, rather than GABA neurotransmitter levels. Glutamate might specifically interact with GABABreceptors, where higher MRS-derived Glx concentrations seem to be linked to higher levels of receptor activity.
Two heads are better than one: both complementary and synchronous strategies facilitate joint action
Authors: Masumoto Junya , Inui Nobuyuki
Published: December 2012

If two people lift and carry an object, they not only produce complementary forces on the object but also walk in synchrony. Previous studies have not examined how two types of coordination strategy are adopted simultaneously. The present study thus tested the hypothesis that complementary and synchronous strategies simultaneously facilitate the action coordination performed by two people. Ten pairs of participants produced periodic isometric forces such that the sum of forces they produced was the target force cycling between 5% and 10% of maximum voluntary contraction with an interval of 1,000 ms (joint action), while individuals alone produced the same target forces with the right hand (individual action). The correlation between forces produced by two participants was highly negative when the total force was visible, indicating that the two participants produced complementary forces. When the image of the total or partner force was presented, the coherence between force-time series produced by two participants was highest at 1 Hz. The relative phase angles were also distributed at the 0–20° phase region. These innovative findings indicate that two participants simultaneously adopted both complementary and temporal synchronous strategies exclusively when the total force was visible. With the vision of total force, surprisingly, while the joint action exhibited a less variable force than the individual action, the joint action exhibited a smaller absolute error of forces than the individual action. These new findings indicated that the joint action controlled force more accurately than the individual action.
Cutaneous anesthesia of the forearm enhances sensorimotor function of the hand
Authors: Petoe Matthew A. , Jaque Felipe A. Molina , Byblow Winston D. , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: December 2012

Temporary deafferentation of the upper limb, with ischemic or anesthetic nerve block, has rapid effects on sensorimotor cortex. Cutaneous anesthesia of the forearm has recently been found to improve sensory and motor function of the paretic hand in chronic stroke patients. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of cutaneous forearm anesthesia. Twenty-five healthy right-handed adults participated in this double-blind, randomized study. Participants completed two sessions, with either a topical anesthesia cream (EMLA) or placebo applied to their left forearm in each session. Thresholds for cutaneous sensation and spatial acuity of the left hand were measured before and after the intervention. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure corticomotor excitability and short-interval intracortical inhibition in the left first dorsal interosseous and abductor digiti minimi muscles before and after the intervention. Manual dexterity was assessed with the grooved pegboard task after the intervention in each session. Left-hand dexterity improved to a greater extent after treatment with EMLA than placebo, and this was related to improved spatial acuity at the fingertips. Corticomotor excitability remained stable, and short-interval intracortical inhibition increased after EMLA treatment. We have confirmed and extended previous reports that cutaneous forearm anesthesia results in improved spatial acuity and manual dexterity of the ipsilateral hand. The neurophysiological mechanisms involve an increase in intracortical inhibition, which may improve the precision of voluntary movement. These results lend support to the therapeutic application of EMLA in movement rehabilitation.
Constitutively active 5-HT2/α1 receptors facilitate muscle spasms after human spinal cord injury
Authors: D'Amico Jessica M. , Murray Katherine C. , Li Yaqing , Chan K. Ming , Finlay Mark G. , Bennett David J. , Gorassini Monica A.
Published: December 2012

In animals, the recovery of motoneuron excitability in the months following a complete spinal cord injury is mediated, in part, by increases in constitutive serotonin (5-HT2) and norepinephrine (α1) receptor activity, which facilitates the reactivation of calcium-mediated persistent inward currents (CaPICs) without the ligands serotonin and norepinephrine below the injury. In this study we sought evidence for a similar role of constitutive monoamine receptor activity in the development of spasticity in human spinal cord injury. In chronically injured participants with partially preserved sensory and motor function, the serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram facilitated long-lasting reflex responses (spasms) previously shown to be mediated by CaPICs, suggesting that in incomplete spinal cord injury, functional descending sources of monoamines are present to activate monoamine receptors below the lesion. However, in participants with motor or motor/sensory complete injuries, the inverse agonist cyproheptadine, which blocks both ligand and constitutive 5-HT2/α1 receptor activity, decreased long-lasting reflexes, whereas the neutral antagonist chlorpromazine, which only blocks ligand activation of these receptors, had no effect. When tested in noninjured control participants having functional descending sources of monoamines, chlorpromazine was effective in reducing CaPIC-mediated motor unit activity. On the basis of these combined results, it appears that in severe spinal cord injury, facilitation of persistent inward currents and muscle spasms is mainly mediated by the activation of constitutive 5-HT2 and α1 receptor activity. Drugs that more selectively block these constitutively active monoamine receptors may provide better oral control of spasticity, especially in motor complete spinal cord injury where reducing motoneuron excitability is the primary goal.
Speech Processing Disorder in Neural Hearing Loss
Authors: Pillion Joseph P.
Published: December 2012

Deficits in central auditory processing may occur in a variety of clinical conditions including traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disease, auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony syndrome, neurological disorders associated with aging, and aphasia. Deficits in central auditory processing of a more subtle nature have also been studied extensively in neurodevelopmental disorders in children with learning disabilities, ADD, and developmental language disorders. Illustrative cases are reviewed demonstrating the use of an audiological test battery in patients with auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony syndrome, bilateral lesions to the inferior colliculi, and bilateral lesions to the temporal lobes. Electrophysiological tests of auditory function were utilized to define the locus of dysfunction at neural levels ranging from the auditory nerve, midbrain, and cortical levels.
Non-MHC Risk Alleles in Rheumatoid Arthritis and in the Syntenic Chromosome Regions of Corresponding Animal Models
Authors: Besenyei Timea , Kadar Andras , Tryniszewska Beata , Kurko Julia , Rauch Tibor A. , Glant Tibor T. , Mikecz Katalin , Szekanecz Zoltan
Published: December 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a polygenic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the synovial joints. Numerous animal models show similarities to RA in humans; some of them not only mimic the clinical phenotypes but also demonstrate the involvement of homologous genomic regions in RA. This paper compares corresponding non-MHC genomic regions identified in rodent and human genome-wide association studies (GWAS). To date, over 30 non-MHC RA-associated loci have been identified in humans, and over 100 arthritis-associated loci have been identified in rodent models of RA. The genomic regions associated with the disease are designated by the name(s) of the gene having the most frequent and consistent RA-associated SNPs or a function suggesting their involvement in inflammatory or autoimmune processes. Animal studies on rats and mice preferentially have used single sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) markers to identify disease-associated qualitative and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the genome of F2 hybrids of arthritis-susceptible and arthritis-resistant rodent strains. Mouse GWAS appear to be far ahead of rat studies, and significantly more mouse QTLs correspond to human RA risk alleles.
The Optimal Dispatch of Traffic and Patrol Police Service Platforms
Authors: Zhao Ke Quan , Luo Li , Xia Yuan Mei
Published: December 2012

The main goal of this paper is to present a minmax programming model for the optimal dispatch of Traffic and Patrol Police Service Platforms with single traffic congestion. The objective is to minimize the longest time of the dispatch for Traffic and Patrol Police Service Platforms. Some numerical experiments are carried out, and the optimal project is given.
In Silico Inhibition Studies of Jun-Fos-DNA Complex Formation by Curcumin Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Anil , Bora Utpal
Published: December 2012

Activator protein-1 (AP1) is a transcription factor that consists of the Jun and Fos family proteins. It regulates gene expression in response to a variety of stimuli and controls cellular processes including proliferation, transformation, inflammation, and innate immune responses. AP1 binds specifically to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) responsive element 5′-TGAG/CTCA-3′ (AP1 site). It has been found constitutively active in breast, ovarian, cervical, and lung cancers. Numerous studies have shown that inhibition of AP1 could be a promising strategy for cancer therapeutic applications. The present in silico study provides insights into the inhibition of Jun-Fos-DNA complex formation by curcumin derivatives. These derivatives interact with the amino acid residues like Arg155 and Arg158 which play a key role in binding of Jun-Fos complex to DNA (AP1 site). Ala151, Ala275, Leu283, and Ile286 were the residues present at binding site which could contribute to hydrophobic contacts with inhibitor molecules. Curcumin sulphate was predicted to be the most potent inhibitor amongst all the natural curcumin derivatives docked.
On (α, β)‐Derivations in BCI‐Algebras
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Al-Roqi Abdullah M.
Published: December 2012

The notion of (regular) (α, β)‐derivations of a BCI‐algebra X is introduced, some useful examples are discussed, and related properties are investigated. The condition for a (α, β)‐derivation to be regular is provided. The concepts of a d(α,β)‐invariant (α, β)‐derivation and α‐ideal are introduced, and their relations are discussed. Finally, some results on regular (α, β)‐derivations are obtained.
Photocatalytic Treatment of Rhodamine 6G in Wastewater Using Photoactive ZnO
Authors: Lutic Doina , Coromelci-Pastravanu Cristina , Cretescu Igor , Poulios Ioannis , Stan Catalina-Daniela
Published: December 2012

The photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide, prepared by precipitation followed by calcination, was tested using rhodamine 6G as a rebel organic compound. The experiments were planned in order to allow an optimization procedure, by investigating the effects of different parameters such as the preparative method of the solid, amount of photocatalyst, pH of the reaction medium, and initial concentration of the dye. The results were compared with those obtained on P-25 Titania, and one of the samples had similar performances in terms of dye degradation degree, but needed higher pH values to prevent the photocatalyst degradation.
Assessment of Anticholinesterase Activity ofGelidiella acerosa: Implications for Its Therapeutic Potential against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Syad Arif Nisha , Shunmugiah Karutha Pandian , Kasi Pandima Devi
Published: December 2012

The effect of various solvent extracts ofGelidiella acerosaon acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities was investigated. AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. Phytochemical screening of the compounds present in the solvent extracts was done qualitatively. Characterization of the compounds present in the benzene extract ofG. acerosawas done by GC-MS analysis. The results showed that, at 487.80 μg/mL, benzene extract showed significant (P<0.05) inhibitory activity against both AChE and BuChE with the percentage of inhibition54.18±5.65% (IC50 = 434.61±26.53 μg/mL) and78.43±0% (IC50 = 163.01±85.35 μg/mL), respectively. The mode of inhibition exhibited by benzene extract against the AChE and BuChE was found to be competitive and uncompetitive type of inhibition, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis coupled with GC-MS illustrates that the benzene extract possesses high amount of terpenoids, which could be the reason for potential cholinesterase inhibitory activity.
Depression, Comorbidities, and Prescriptions of Antidepressants in a German Network of GPs and Specialists with Subspecialisation in Anthroposophic Medicine: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Jeschke Elke , Ostermann Thomas , Vollmar Horst C. , Tabali Manuela , Matthes Harald
Published: December 2012

Background. Depression is a major reason for counselling in primary care. Our study aims at evaluating pharmacological treatment strategies among physicians specialised in anthroposophic medicine (AM).Methods. From 2004 to 2008, twenty-two German primary care AM-physicians participated in this prospective, multicentre observational study. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with a prescription of any antidepressant medication.Results. A total of 2444 patients with depression were included (mean age: 49.1 years (SD: 15.4); 77.3% female). 2645 prescriptions of antidepressants for 833 patients were reported. Phytotherapeutic preparations fromHypericum perforatumwere the most frequently prescribed antidepressants over all (44.6% of all antidepressants), followed by amitriptyline (16.1%). The likelihood of receiving an antidepressant medication did not depend on comorbidity after controlling for age, gender, physician specialisation, and type of depression (adjusted OR(AOR)=1.01; CI: 0.81–1.26). Patients who had cancer were significantly less likely to be prescribed an antidepressant medication than those who had no cancer (AOR=0.75; CI: 0.57–0.97).Conclusion. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of everyday practice for the treatment of depression in AM -physicians. Further analysis regarding the occurrence of critical combinations is of high interest to health services research.
Characterization of Ant Communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Twigs in the Leaf Litter of the Atlantic Rainforest and Eucalyptus Trees in the Southeast Region of Brazil
Authors: de Souza Debora R. , Fernandes Tae T. , Nascimento José R. de Oliveira , Suguituru Silvia S. , Morini M. Santina de C.
Published: December 2012

Fragments of Atlantic Rainforest and extensive eucalyptus plantations are part of the landscape in the southeast region of Brazil. Many studies have been conducted on litter ant diversity in these forests, but there are few reports on the nesting sites. In the present study, we characterized the ant communities that nest in twigs in the leaf litter of dense ombrophilous forests and eucalyptus trees. The colony demographics associated with the physical structure of the nest were recorded. In the eucalyptus forests, the study examined both managed and unmanaged plantations. During five months, all undecomposed twigs between 10 and 30 cm in length containing ants found within a 16-m2area on the surface of the leaf litter were collected. A total of 307 nests and 44 species were recorded.Pheidole,Solenopsis,andCamponotuswere the most represented genera.Pheidolesp.13,Pheidolesp.43 andLinepithema neotropicumwere the most populous species. The dense ombrophilous forest and a eucalyptus plantation unmanaged contained the highest number of colonized twigs; these communities were the most similar and the most species rich. Our results indicate that the twigs are important resources as they help to maintain the litter diversity of dense rain forest and abandoned eucalypt crops.
Interhemispheric Control of Unilateral Movement
Authors: Beaulé Vincent , Tremblay Sara , Théoret Hugo
Published: December 2012

To perform strictly unilateral movements, the brain relies on a large cortical and subcortical network. This network enables healthy adults to perform complex unimanual motor tasks without the activation of contralateral muscles. However, mirror movements (involuntary movements in ipsilateral muscles that can accompany intended movement) can be seen in healthy individuals if a task is complex or fatiguing, in childhood, and with increasing age. Lateralization of movement depends on complex interhemispheric communication between cortical (i.e., dorsal premotor cortex, supplementary motor area) and subcortical (i.e., basal ganglia) areas, probably coursing through the corpus callosum (CC). Here, we will focus on transcallosal interhemispheric inhibition (IHI), which facilitates complex unilateral movements and appears to play an important role in handedness, pathological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery.
Retrovirus Entry by Endocytosis and Cathepsin Proteases
Authors: Kubo Yoshinao , Hayashi Hideki , Matsuyama Toshifumi , Sato Hironori , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: December 2012

Retroviruses include infectious agents inducing severe diseases in humans and animals. In addition, retroviruses are widely used as tools to transfer genes of interest to target cells. Understanding the entry mechanism of retroviruses contributes to developments of novel therapeutic approaches against retrovirus-induced diseases and efficient exploitation of retroviral vectors. Entry of enveloped viruses into host cell cytoplasm is achieved by fusion between the viral envelope and host cell membranes at either the cell surface or intracellular vesicles. Many animal retroviruses enter host cells through endosomes and require endosome acidification. Ecotropic murine leukemia virus entry requires cathepsin proteases activated by the endosome acidification. CD4-dependent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is thought to occur via endosomes, but endosome acidification is not necessary for the entry whereas entry of CD4-independent HIVs, which are thought to be prototypes of CD4-dependent viruses, is low pH dependent. There are several controversial results on the retroviral entry pathways. Because endocytosis and endosome acidification are complicatedly controlled by cellular mechanisms, the retrovirus entry pathways may be different in different cell lines.
Absolute Difference and Low‐Power Bus Encoding Method for LCD Digital Display Interfaces
Authors: Fang Chia-Hao , Lung I-tao , Fan Chih-Peng
Published: December 2012

Power dissipation has been an inevitable problem of LCD systems for years. To ease the problem, many encoding methods have been developed, such as the methods of transition minimized differential signaling, the most popular one in use for DVI to date, chromatic encoding, and limited intraword transition. In this paper, the authors present the absolute difference and low‐power encoding method for the serial transmission of LCD digital DVI display interface. In regard to the LCD digital display interface with UMC 90 nm technology, the proposed method minimizes the architectural complexity and reduces the power dissipation by about 67% and 12%, respectively, compared with the transition minimized differential signaling and limited intraword transition. In short, the proposed method is an efficient bus encoding method to largely decrease the dynamic and total power dissipation of the LCD digital display interfaces.
Solvability of Three‐Point Boundary Value Problems at Resonance with a p‐Laplacian on Finite and Infinite Intervals
Authors: Lian Hairong , Wong Patricia J. Y. , Yang Shu
Published: December 2012

Three‐point boundary value problems of second‐order differential equation with a p‐Laplacian on finite and infinite intervals are investigated in this paper. By using a new continuation theorem, sufficient conditions are given, under the resonance conditions, to guarantee the existence of solutions to such boundary value problems with the nonlinear term involving in the first‐order derivative explicitly.
Studies on Synthetic and Natural Melanin and Its Affinity for Fe(III) Ion
Authors: Costa T. G. , Younger R. , Poe C. , Farmer P. J. , Szpoganicz B.
Published: December 2012

In this work, we measured the metal-binding sites of natural and synthetic dihydroxyindole (DHI) melanins and their respective interactions with Fe(III) ions. Besides the two acid groups detected for the DHI system: catechol (Cat) and quinone-imine (QI), acetate groups were detected in the natural oligomer by potentiometric titrations. At acidic pH values, Fe(III) complexation with synthetic melanin was detected in an Fe(OH)(CatH2Cat) interaction. With an increase of pH, three new interactions occurred: dihydroxide diprotonated catechol, Fe(OH)2(CatH2Cat)−, dihydroxide monoprotonated catechol, [Fe(OH)2(CatHCat)]2−, and an interaction resulting from the association of one quinone-imine and a catechol group, [Fe(OH)2(Qi−)(CatHCat)]3−. In the natural melanin system, we detected the same interactions involving catechol and quinone-imine groups but also the metal interacts with acetate group at pH values lower than 4.0. Furthermore, interactions in the synthetic system were also characterized by infrared spectroscopy by using the characteristic vibrations of catechol and quinone-imine groups. Finally, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis were used to examine the differences in morphology of these two systems in the absence and presence of Fe(III) ions. The mole ratio of metal and donor atoms was obtained by the EDS analysis.
Exercise-Induced Hematuria as the Main Manifestation of Migration of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device into the Bladder
Authors: Mascarenhas Michel Platiny , Tiraboschi Ricardo Brianezi , Paschoalin Victor Pereira , Costa Ellen Almeida Possidonio , Suzuki Bellucci Carlos Henrique , Bessa Junior José
Published: December 2012

Intrauterine device (IUD) is a common contraceptive method, due to its cost-effectiveness and low complication rates. Uterine perforation is a possible complication and IUD migration to the bladder is a rare and morbid condition. The present report describes an interesting case in which the urinary manifestations started 13 years after insertion, and the main clinical finding was exercise-induced hematuria.
Cost-Effectiveness of Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Yamamoto David , Campbell Jonathan D.
Published: December 2012

Objective. To provide a current and comprehensive understanding of the cost-effectiveness of DMTs for the treatment of MS by quantitatively evaluating the quality of recent cost-effectiveness studies and exploring how the field has progressed from past recommendations.Methods. We assessed the quality of studies that met our systematic literature search criteria using the Quality of Health Economic Studies validated instrument.Results. Of the 82 studies that met our initial search criteria, we included 22 in this review. Four studies (18%) achieved quality category 2, three studies (14%) achieved quality category 3, and 15 studies (68%) achieved the highest quality category 4. 91% of studies were simulation models. 13 studies (59%) had quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the primary outcome measure, included a societal perspective in the analysis, and utilized time horizons of 10 years to lifetime.Conclusions. To continue to improve the cost-effectiveness evidence of DMTs, we recommend: lifetime horizons, societal perspectives, and QALYs; supplemental evidence with shorter horizons, payer perspectives, and clinical outcomes to inform multiple decision makers; development of modeling and input standards for comparability; head-to-head RCTs between DMTs and long-term prospective studies; and comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies that compare all appropriate DMTs.
Multiplexed FBG Monitoring System for Forecasting Coalmine Water Inrush Disaster
Authors: Liu B. , Li S. C. , Wang J. , Sui Q. M. , Nie L. C. , Wang Z. F.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a novel fiber-Bragg-grating- (FBG-) based system which can monitor and analyze multiple parameters such as temperature, strain, displacement, and seepage pressure simultaneously for forecasting coalmine water inrush disaster. The sensors have minimum perturbation on the strain field. And the seepage pressure sensors adopt a drawbar structure and employ a corrugated diaphragm to transmit seepage pressure to the axial strain of FBG. The pressure sensitivity is 20.20 pm/KPa, which is 6E3 times higher than that of ordinary bare FBG. The FBG sensors are all preembedded on the roof of mining area in coalmine water inrush model test. Then FBG sensing network is set up applying wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology. The experiment is carried out by twelve steps, while the system acquires temperature, strain, displacement, and seepage pressure signals in real time. The results show that strain, displacement, and seepage pressure monitored by the system change significantly before water inrush occurs, and the strain changes firstly. Through signal fusion analyzed it can be concluded that the system provides a novel way to forecast water inrush disaster successfully.
Comparison of the Ant Assemblages in Three Phytophysionomies: Rocky Field, Secondary Forest, and Riparian Forest—A Case Study in the State Park of Ibitipoca, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Juliane Floriano Santos , Hallack Noelle Martins dos Reis , Sales Tatiane Archanjo de , Brugger Mariana Silva , Ribeiro Laila Fieto , Hastenreiter Isabel Neto , Camargo Roberto da Silva
Published: December 2012

Ant assemblages are almost all related with the vegetation composition and so can provide us important information for conservation strategies, which are especially relevant to an environmentally protected area. We sampled the ant fauna in three different phytophysionomies in order to verify if the composition of ant species is different among the areas, especially because one of the areas is a Rocky Field and there is little information about the ant fauna in this habitat. A total of 8730 individuals were registered and an NMDS analysis showed that the ant assemblies are different at the three phytophysionomies (Rocky Field, Riparian Forest, and Secondary Forest). This study shows that the species that compose the ant assemblies in different phytophysionomies are a reflex of the environment, supporting the hypothesis that the vegetational composition results in different compositions in the ant assembly. Vegetal composition is determinant in the formation of the litter and consequently in the occurrence of ant species that depend on this layer of organic matter for nesting and foraging.
Self‐Adaptive and Relaxed Self‐Adaptive Projection Methods for Solving the Multiple‐Set Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Chen Ying , Guo Yuansheng , Yu Yanrong , Chen Rudong
Published: December 2012

Given nonempty closed convex subsets Ci⊆Rm, i = 1, 2, …, t and nonempty closed convex subsets Qj⊆Rn, j = 1, 2, …, r, in the n‐ and m‐dimensional Euclidean spaces, respectively. The multiple‐set split feasibility problem (MSSFP) proposed by Censor is to find a vector such that , where A is a given M × N real matrix. It serves as a model for many inverse problems where constraints are imposed on the solutions in the domain of a linear operator as well as in the operator’s range. MSSFP has a variety of specific applications in real world, such as medical care, image reconstruction, and signal processing. In this paper, for the MSSFP, we first propose a new self‐adaptive projection method by adopting Armijo‐like searches, which dose not require estimating the Lipschitz constant and calculating the largest eigenvalue of the matrix ATA; besides, it makes a sufficient decrease of the objective function at each iteration. Then we introduce a relaxed self‐adaptive projection method by using projections onto half‐spaces instead of those onto convex sets. Obviously, the latter are easy to implement. Global convergence for both methods is proved under a suitable condition.
Multivoxel Pattern Analysis for fMRI Data: A Review
Authors: Mahmoudi Abdelhak , Takerkart Sylvain , Regragui Fakhita , Boussaoud Driss , Brovelli Andrea
Published: December 2012

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) exploits blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) contrasts to map neural activity associated with a variety of brain functions including sensory processing, motor control, and cognitive and emotional functions. The general linear model (GLM) approach is used to reveal task-related brain areas by searching for linear correlations between the fMRI time course and a reference model. One of the limitations of the GLM approach is the assumption that the covariance across neighbouring voxels is not informative about the cognitive function under examination. Multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) represents a promising technique that is currently exploited to investigate the information contained in distributed patterns of neural activity to infer the functional role of brain areas and networks. MVPA is considered as a supervised classification problem where a classifier attempts to capture the relationships between spatial pattern of fMRI activity and experimental conditions. In this paper , we review MVPA and describe the mathematical basis of the classification algorithms used for decoding fMRI signals, such as support vector machines (SVMs). In addition, we describe the workflow of processing steps required for MVPA such as feature selection, dimensionality reduction, cross-validation, and classifier performance estimation based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Age-Specific Mechanisms in an SSVEP-Based BCI Scenario: Evidences from Spontaneous Rhythms and Neuronal Oscillators
Authors: Ehlers Jan , Valbuena Diana , Stiller Anja , Gräser Axel
Published: December 2012

Utilizing changes in steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) is an established approach to operate a brain-computer interface (BCI). The present study elucidates to what extent development-specific changes in the background EEG influence the ability to proper handle a stimulus-driven BCI. Therefore we investigated the effects of a wide range of photic driving on children between six and ten years in comparison to an adult control group. The results show differences in the driving profiles apparently in close communication with the specific type of intermittent stimulation. The factor age gains influence with decreasing stimulation frequency, whereby the superior performance of the adults seems to be determined to a great extent by elaborated driving responses at 10 and 11 Hz, matching the dominant resonance frequency of the respective background EEG. This functional interplay was only partially obtained in higher frequency ranges and absent in the induced driving between 30 and 40 Hz, indicating distinctions in the operating principles and developmental changes of the underlying neuronal oscillators.
Weight Gain in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate without Use of Palatal Plates
Authors: da Silva Freitas Renato , Lopes-Grego Andrey Bernardo , Dietrich Helena Luiza Douat , Cerchiari Natacha Regina de Moraes , Nakakogue Tabatha , Tonocchi Rita , Gabardo Juarez , da Silva Éder David Borges , Forte Antonio Jorge
Published: December 2012

Goals/Background. To evaluate children’s growth in the first year of life, who have cleft palate and lip, without the use of palatal plates. Materials/Method. Chart review was conducted, retrospectively, in the Center for Integral Assistance of Cleft Lip and Palate (CAIF), in Brazil, between 2008 and 2009. Results for both genders were compared to the data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding average weight gain in children during their first year of life. Results. Patients with syndromic diagnosis and with cleft classified as preforamen were excluded, resulting in a final number of 112 patients: 56 male and 56 female. Similar patterns were seen comparing the two genders. Although it was observed weight gain below the average until the 11th month in male patients and until 9 months in female patients, both genders remained at the 50th percentile (p50) and improved after the 4th month of age for boys and the 9th month of age for girls. Conclusion. Children with cleft palate weigh less than regular children during their first months of life. At the end of the first year, weight gain is similar comparing normal and affected children. However, factors that optimized weight gain included choosing the best treatment for each case, proper guidance, and multiprofessional integrated care.