bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON ARBITRARY SIZE WAKSMAN NETWORKS AND THEIR VULNERABILITY
Authors: BEAUQUIER B. , DARROT E.
Published: December 2002

Motivated by problems in telecommunication satellites, we investigate rearrangeable permutation networks made of binary switches. A simple counting argument shows that the number of switches necessary to build a n × n rearrangeable networks (i.e. capable of realizing all one-to-one mappings of its n inputs to its n outputs) is at least ⌈ log 2 (n!) ⌉ = n log 2 n - n log 2 e + o(n) as n → ∞. For n = 2r, the r-dimensional Beneš network gives a solution using [Formula: see text] switches. Waksman, and independently Goldstein and Leibholz, improved these networks using n log 2 n - n + 1 switches. We provide an extension of this result to arbitrary values of n, using [Formula: see text] switches. Finally the fault-tolerance issue of these networks is discussed.
EMBEDDINGS INTO THE PANCAKE INTERCONNECTION NETWORK
Authors: LAVAULT CHRISTIAN
Published: December 2002

Owing to its nice properties, the pancake is one of the Cayley graphs that were proposed as alternatives to the hypercube for interconnecting processors in parallel computers. In this paper, we present embeddings of rings, grids and hypercubes into the pancake with constant dilation and congestion. We also extend the results to similar efficient embeddings into star graph.
OPERATING SYSTEMS TECHNIQUES FOR PARALLEL COMPUTATION IN INTELLIGENT MEMORY
Authors: OSKIN MARK , KEEN DIANA , HENSLEY JUSTIN , LITA LUCIAN-VLAD , CHONG FREDERIC T.
Published: December 2002

Advances in DRAM density have led to several proposals to perform computation in memory [1] [2] [3]. Active Pages is a page-based model of intelligent memory that can exploit large amounts of parallel computation in data-intensive applications. With a simple VLIW processor embedded near each page on DRAM, Active Page memory systems achieve up to 1000X speedups over conventional memory systems [4].

Active Pages are specifically designed to support virtualized hardware resources. In this study, we examine operating system techniques that allow Active Page memories to share, or multiplex, embedded VLIW processors across multiple physical Active Pages. We explore the trade-off between individual page-processor performance and page-level multiplexing. We find that hardware costs of computational logic can be reduced from 31% of DRAM chip area to 12%, through multiplexing, without significant loss in performance. Furthermore, manufacturing defects that disable up to 50% of the page processors can be tolerated through efficient resource allocation and associative multiplexing.
MUTUAL EXCLUSION ON OPTICAL BUSES
Authors: KAVI KRISHNA M. , MEHTA DINESH P.
Published: December 2002

This paper presents two algorithms for mutual exclusion on optical bus architectures including the folded one-dimensional bus, the one-dimensional array with pipelined buses (1D APPB), and the two-dimensional array with pipelined buses (2D APPB). The first algorithm guarantees mutual exclusion, while the second guarantees both mutual exclusion and fairness. Both algorithms exploit the predictability of propagation delays in optical buses.
TIME OPTIMAL n-SIZE MATCHING PARENTHESES AND BINARY TREE DECODING ALGORITHMS ON A p-PROCESSOR BSR
Authors: XIANG LIMIN , USHIJIMA KAZUO , ZHAO JIANJUN
Published: December 2002

Time optimal algorithms on an n-processor BSR PRAM for many n-size problems can be found in the literature. They outpace those on EREW, CREW or CRCW PRAM for the same problems. When only p (1 < p < n) processors are available, efficient algorithms on a p-processor BSR for some n-size problems can not be obtained from those on an n-processor BSR, and they have to be reconsidered. In this paper, we discuss and give two algorithms on a p-processor BSR for the two n-size problems of matching parentheses and decoding a binary tree from its bit-string, respectively, and show that they are time optimal.
OPTIMAL LIST RANKING ON ONE-DIMENSIONAL ARRAYS
Authors: SIBEYN JOP F.
Published: December 2002

List ranking is considered for linear and circular arrays with P processing units. It was known that this problem can be solved with O(P) communication steps. In this paper we show that the optimal number of communication steps, P - 1 and P/2, respectively, can be achieved.
Effects of Orengedoku-to and Scutellariae Radix Extract on Aqueous Flare Elevation Induced by Intravitreal IL-1α in Pigmented Rabbits
Authors: Nakamura Nobuo , Nagaki Yasunori , Haysaka Seiji , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: December 2002

We investigated the effects of Orengedoku-to (Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang in Chinese) and Scutellariae radix extract on experimental aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits. To produce the elevation of aqueous flare in rabbits, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) was injected intravitreally. Animals were pretreated with oral administration of 150 g/day of food containing 0.07%, 0.2% or 0.7% (w/w) Orengedoku-to: or 0.02%, 0.07% or 0.2% Scutellariae radix extract for 5 days. The animals were further treated with the same food for 7 days after intravitreal injection of IL-1 α. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. Treatment with 0.2% or 0.7% Orengedoku-to and 0.07% or 0.2% Scutellariae radix extract significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed elevation of aqueous flare induced by IL-1α. Thus, Orengedoku-to and Scutellariae radix extract have an inhibitory effect on experimental elevation of aqueous flare induced by IL-1α in rabbits.
Effect of Kampo Herbal Medicines on Murine Water Metabolism in a Microgravity Environment
Authors: Song Qing-Hua , Toriizuka Kazuo , Kobayashi Takao , Iijima Koji , Hong Tie , Cyong Jong-Chol
Published: December 2002

To determine the possibility of new applications of Oriental medicines, we examined the changes in water metabolism of mice that underwent microgravity and were treated with Kampo medicines. Male ICR mice were used in this experiment. Eight extracts of Kampo herbal medicines were dissolved in water and added to the drinking water administered to mice at 1 g/kg body weight for two days. The microgravity experiment was performed at the Japan Microgravity Center. We used a drop-shaft type microgravity experimental system with a free fall of 490 m. Before the drop, 7 ml of physiological saline was injected intraperitoneally. Under fasting and dehydration, body weights were measured and loss of body weight was calculated as urine. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after the microgravity experiment, and the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in plasma related to water metabolism was measured by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Heat shock protein in the spleen was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosolvent assay (ELISA) method. In the Hachimi-jio-gan and Hochu-ekki-to groups in microgravity, a decrease of urine was observed, which significantly suppressed the increase of ADH due to microgravity. Hachimi-jio-gan reduced the content of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 in the spleen. It is suggested that Hachimi-jio-gan and Hochu-ekki-to could be used as water metabolism adjustment reagents in a space environment. Furthermore, it is suggested that Hachimi-jio-gan could ease the stresses caused by microgravity. The physiological changes resulting from a microgravity environment are serious problems for space flight. Pre-treatment with Kampo medicines is expected to prevent, ease and treat these problems.
Protective Effects of Wuyaoshunqisan Against H2O2-Induced Apoptosis on Hippocampal Cell Line HiB5
Authors: Je Jeong-Jin , Shin Hyun-Taeg , Chung Seok-Hee , Lee Jong-Soo , Kim Sung-Soo , Shin Hyun-Dae , Jang Mi-Hyeon , Kim Youn-Jung , Chung Joo-Ho , Kim Ee-Hwa , Kim Chang-Ju
Published: December 2002

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative disorders. To investigate the protective effects of Wuyaoshunqisan against H 2 O 2-induced apoptosis in the central nervous system, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method, flow cytometric analysis, and the DNA fragmentation assay were performed on cells of the hippocampal cell line HiB5. Through the morphological and biochemical analyses, it was shown that HiB5 cells treated with H 2 O 2 exhibit classical apoptotic features, while the occurrence of such changes is reduced in cells pre-treated with Wuyaoshunqisan prior to H 2 O 2 exposure.
Effects of Qi-Training on Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Lee Myeong Soo , Huh Hwa Jeong , Kim Byung Gi , Ryu Hoon , Lee Ho-Sub , Kim Jong-Moon , Chung Hun-Tae
Published: December 2002

This study investigates changes in autonomic nervous function through Qi-training. The power spectrum of heart rate variability (HRV) was examined in 20 sedentary healthy subjects and 20 Qi-trainees. It was found that Qi-training in healthy young subjects during controlled respiration increases the high frequency (HF) power and decreases the low frequency / high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio of HRV. These results support the hypothesis that Qi-training increases cardiac parasympathetic tone. In addition, Qi-trainees were found to have higher parasympathetic heart modulation compared with their age-matched, sedentary counterparts. This augmented HRV in Qi-trainees provides further support for long-term Qi-training as a possible non-pharmacological cardio-protective maneuver. In conclusion, Qi-training may stabilize the autonomic nervous system by modulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Isocupressic Acid Blocks Progesterone Production from Bovine Luteal Cells
Authors: Wu L. S. , Chen Joyce C. , Sheu S. Y. , Huang C. C. , Kuo Y. H. , Chiu C. H. , Lian W. X. , Yang C. J. , Kaphle K. , Lin J. H.
Published: December 2002

The needles of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) were reported to induce abortions when fed to late-term pregnant beef cows in North America. An in vivo study of pregnant cows suggested that isocupressic acid (IA) was the main abortifacient isolated from needles and bark of the pine. However, the mechanism of abortifacient activity of IA is not clear yet. In a pregnant cow, the corpus luteum of the ovary helps the maintenance of pregnancy by its progesterone production. This study involved the IA extracted from the root of the Taiwan cypress (Juniperus formosana) and used a frozen-thawed bovine luteal cell culture system to investigate the action of IA on progesterone production.

Thawed bovine luteal cells (1 × 105 cells/ml/well) in M199 medium were cultured in 24-well culture plates at 37°C in a 5% CO 2 incubator. Ten ml of tested drugs, IA at 1 to 1000 ng/ml and/or ovine luteinizing hormone (oLH) at 1 to 100 ng/μl or 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) with 0.1-10 mM, were added into each well. After 4 hours of incubation, the media were harvested and assayed for progesterone by an enzyme immunoassay. Progesterone production from cells was the indicator used to evaluate the action of IA. All tested doses of IA significantly inhibited progesterone production in both basal and oLH stimulating conditions. Also those dosages inhibited cyclic adenosine-3', 5'- monophosphate (cAMP) stimulation, suggesting a post-cAMP mechanism is involved in the IA action. We concluded that IA can induce pregnant cows to abort partly through blocking luteal function and may be identified as a new abortifacient chemical.
Effectiveness of Auricular Therapy on Sleep Promotion in the Elderly
Authors: Suen Lorna K.P. , Wong Thomas K.S. , Leung Albert W.N.
Published: December 2002

Sleep disturbances are a particularly common problem in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of auricular therapy on sleep behaviors in the elderly. One hundred and twenty participants of 60 years old or above and who were suffering from sleep disturbances were invited to participate in this study. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive auricular therapy using Junci Medulla (Group A = 30), Semen Vaccariae (Group B = 30) or magnetic pearls (Group C = 60). Groups A and B were the control groups, while Group C was the experimental group. Seven auricular points which are thought to have an effect on promoting sleep were selected. The total treatment course lasted for three weeks. Objective measurement using actigraphic monitoring was performed before the therapy commenced, in the middle period of the therapy, and within one week after the therapy had been completed. After the therapy, there were significant differences among the three groups in terms of the nocturnal sleep time (NST) ( F 2, 117 = 6.84, p < 0.05) and sleep efficiency (SE) ( F 2, 117 = 7.69, p < 0.05). Significant improvement in the sleep behaviors was observed in the experimental group using magnetic pearls. In a backward multiple regression, the effect of auricular therapy on SE after allowing for age in female participants is of high statistical significance ( F 3, 106 = 9.04, p < 0.001). The paper concludes that auricular therapy using magnetic pearls is an effective means of improving the quantity and quality of sleep in the elderly.
Toxicological Interactions of Cassia Senna and Nerium oleander in the Diet of Rats
Authors: Al-Yahya M. A. , Al-Farham A. H. , Adam S. E. I.
Published: December 2002

The toxic effects of diet containing 10% of C. senna L. fruits or 10% of N. oleander L. leaves or their 1 : 1 mixture (5%+5%) on male Wistar rats treated for 6 weeks were investigated. Diarrhea was a prominent sign of C. senna L. toxicosis. In both phytotoxicities, there were decreases in body weight gains, inefficiency of feed utilization, dullness and enterohepatonephropathy. These findings accompanied by leukopenia and anemia were correlated with alterations of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea and other serum constituents. In both phytotoxicities, the ability of the liver to excrete bilirubin remained unchanged. Feeding the mixture of C. senna L. fruits and N. oleander L. leaves caused more serious effects and death of rats. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Effects of Hydroxyapatite in Combination with Far-Infrared Rays on Spontaneous Mammary Tumorigenesis in SHN Mice
Authors: Udagawa Yoko , Ishigame Harumichi , Nagasawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2002

We have found that the administration of a diet containing 5% hydroxyapatite (HAP) derived from pig and cattle bones, and exposure to far-infrared rays (FIR) markedly inhibited spontaneous mammary tumorigenesis in SHN mice. Thus, the effect of combined treatment with HAP and FIR on mammary tumorigenesis was examined. The significant inhibition of tumor development by individual treatment with HAP or FIR was not enhanced by combined treatment; instead, the decrease in the inhibitory effect of HAP with age was ameliorated. Associated with this, life span was elongated and a decline in ovarian function was prevented by HAP plus FIR. Normal and preneoplastic growth of mammary glands and plasma component levels were not significantly affected by any treatment. The findings indicate that HAP and FIR have characteristics common to most natural products; in combination with other agents, they have little additive effect, when each is highly active.
Tokishakuyakusan Directly Attenuates PACAP's Luteolytic Action on Luteal Function in the Rat Ovary
Authors: Usuki Satoshi , Kotani Eri
Published: December 2002

We investigated the potential direct effects of Tokishakuyakusan (TS) on progestin [progesterone and 20 α-hydroxyprogesterone (20 α-OH-P)] and cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) production in cultured rat luteal cells. In addition, we examined whether TS regulates the inhibitory effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a newly found peptide, on luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated progesterone production. TS significantly stimulated progesterone, but not 20α-OH-P, production and cAMP accumulation through 24 hours of culture. PACAP-38 significantly elevated progesterone, 20α-OH-P and cAMP levels at all concentrations studied. On the other hand, PACAP-38 inhibited the production of progesterone and the accumulation of cAMP enhanced by LH, while the ratio of progesterone to 20α-OH-P was significantly decreased by PACAP-38 + LH. Concomitant treatment with TS and PACAP-38 + LH increased the ratio of progesterone to 20α-OH-P more than with PACAP-38 + LH. The present data have demonstrated that TS stimulates progesterone production in rat luteal cells, reconfirming our previous evidence that TS stimulates luteal steroidogenesis. The data further suggest that TS tends to attenuate PACAP's inhibition of LH-stimulated progesterone production, suggesting a luteotrophic effect within the corpus luteum.
Fabrication and Evaluation of a New Composite Composed of Tricalcium Phosphate, Gelatin and Chi-Li-Saan as a Bone Substitute
Authors: Yao Chun-Hsu , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chang Chen-Jung , Liu Bai-Shuan , Lin Chun-Ching , Tsuang Yang-Hwei
Published: December 2002

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the feasibility and biocompatibility of a new composite as a bone substitute. The new composite (GTGC) was mainly composed of tricalcium phosphate ceramics and gelatin to which Chi-Li-Saan, a Chinese medicinal remedy was added. The GTGC composite was manually packed into cylindrical Teflon molds, dried overnight in an oven and sterilized by γ-ray prior to use. Mature New Zealand rabbits, weighting 3–3.5 kg, underwent full-thickness excision of the parietal bone. In the experimental group, bone defects of 12 animals were filled with the GTGC composites and another 12 unreconstructed rabbits were considered as controls. Three rabbits were examined for each group in every time period at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. There was no evidence of adverse tissue reaction to the GTGC composite. In addition, examination with light and fluorescent microscopy revealed a significantly greater amount of new bone ingrowth in the GTGC group at the same implantion time as compared with the controls. Therefore, the GTGC composite could serve as a useful substitute when repairing bone defects.
A Hospital-Based Study on the use of Alternative Medicine in Patients with Chronic Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Yang Zinger C. , Yang Sien-Hung , Yang Sien-Sing , Chen; Ding-Shim
Published: December 2002

To determine the extent to which Taiwanese patients use alternative medicine, we interviewed 500 consecutive patients with chronic liver and gastrointestinal disorders at an outpatient-service. Forty-two patients were excluded due to incomplete data. The percentages of patients with chronic liver (102/269, 37.9%) and gastrointestinal (74/189, 39.2%) diseases using alternative medicine were not significantly different (p = 0.70). The patients who used alternative medicine were not statistically different in gender (p = 0.37), age (p = 0.59), education level (p - 0.83), family income (p = 0.90), or occupation (p = 0.72). Only 36% (64/176) of patients informed their doctors of their use of alternative medicine. The kinds of alternative medicine used by the 176 patients included: Chinese/herbal medicine, 169 (96%); acupuncture, 31 (18%); nutritional supplements, 22 (13%); chiropractic, 17 (10%); scratching, 14 (8%); Qigong, 13 (7%); cupping, 13 (7%); and incense ash, 3 (2%). Sixty-six percent (111/169) of patients used Chinese/herbal medicine in addition to Western allopathic medicine. Only 11% (19/169) of them believed that Chinese/herbal medicine had side effects. Our study indicates the use of alternative medicine occurs across all demographic groups in one-third of patients with chronic liver and gastrointestinal diseases at a major general hospital in Taipei. We suggest that the doctors question all patients for history of alternative therapy use.
Neurotransmitter Levels in Brains of Chronically Jiawey Siwu-Treated Rats
Authors: Yu Sue , Ng Yee-Yung , Jian Zhi-Hong , Chen Chien-Chih , Lu Mei-Shiun , Lu Hsi-Yen , Chu Chih-Pang
Published: December 2002

Levels of monoamines and metabolites, excitatory amino acids, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were investigated in discrete brain areas of chronic Jiawey Siwu (JS)-treated rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed orally for 3 months with normal saline or JS at 0.21, 1.05 or 4.2 g/kg/day. Body weights of these four groups were similar over 3 months. Most effects of JS revealed a dose dependency with levels of neurotransmitters. Levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) in cerebral cortex; EPI, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in medulla oblongata; DA in midbrain; NE and 5-HT in amygdala; and 5-HT in hypothalamus had decreased in JS-treated rats. 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT) in cerebral cortex; 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in medulla oblongata; NE, 3-MT and homovanillic acid (HVA) in pons; EPI and 3-MT in midbrain; 3-MT and HVA in amygdala; 3-MT, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), HVA and 5-HIAA in cerebellum; HVA in hypothalamus; and DOPAC and HVA in hippocampus had all increased in JS-treated rats. In pons, 5-HT increased with low and decreased with high JS doses. Ratios of DA/3-MT in pons and midbrain; DA/HVA in pons and cerebellum; and 5-HT/5-HIAA in medulla oblongata, cerebellum and hypothalamus had decreased. Furthermore, aspartate (ASP) and glutamate (GLU) levels had decreased in cerebral cortex, midbrain, hypothalamus and hippocampus or amygdala, and increased in pons. GABA levels were reduced in cerebral cortex, and higher in medulla oblongata, pons, amygdala, cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum of JS-treated rats. These results indicate that the synthesis and (or) metabolism of NE, DA, EPI and 5-HT, and the levels of ASP, GLU and GABA in rat brains were differentially regionally altered by JS, which may contribute to the central manifestations of JS treatment.
The Combination Therapy of Ephedra Herb and Loxoprofen Caused Gastric Lesions in Mice
Authors: Cho Shigefumi , Hong Tie , Jin Guang-Bi , Yoshino Gen , Miura Myota , Aikawa Yoshihiro , Yasuno Fumiko , Cyong Jong-Chol
Published: December 2002

The combination therapy of a Kampo formula and an analgesic- antipyretic agent is often used for the common cold in Japan. We investigated the effect of such a combination therapy, using the Ephedra herb, which is a common ingredient of Kakkon-to and Mao-to, and Loxoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on fever induced in an experimental model of mice under strong stress. The combination therapy of Ephedra herb and Loxoprofen caused gastric mucosal lesions and loss of body weight. It is considered that this combination therapy should be avoided because of its adverse effects.
Effect of Tetramethylpyrazine on Lipid Peroxidation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lee Liang-Ming , Liu Chi-Feng , Yang Pao-Pao
Published: December 2002

Oxygen free radicals have been suggested to be a contributory factor in complications of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg), an active component of a Chinese medicinal plant Ligusticum wallich Franch (Chuanxiang), on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male ICR mice. STZ was injected as a single daily dose (4 mg/kg i.p. in buffered citrate solution, pH 4.0) for one week. A single daily dose of TMP (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg i.p.) was administered for 2 weeks to the STZ-induced diabetic mice immediately following 1 week STZ induction. Plasma glucose and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were estimated at the time of sacrifice. Malonialdehyde (MDA) formation was measured from the liver and kidney tissues. TMP dose dependently inhibited glucose concentration and BUN elevation. TMP also remarkably reduced the degree of lipoperoxidation. Our results indicate that TMP may be an effective agent for treatment of diabetes mellitus complications with oxidative stress.
A Chinese Herbal Medicine, Fu-Ling, Regulates Interleukin-10 Production by Murine Spleen Cells
Authors: Liou Chian-Jiun , Tseng Jerming
Published: December 2002

Fu-Ling is one of the most widely used Chinese herbal medicines. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effect of Fu-Ling on interleukin-10 (IL-10) production in vivo. Mice were i.p. administered 0.1 mg to 1.0 mg Fu-Ling per gram body weight daily for three days. The spleen cells were isolated and assayed for both IL-10 and immunoglobulin (Ig) production. Results indicated that the mice treated with Fu-Ling had significantly increased spleen cell ability to secrete IL-10. Spleen cells isolated from the mice injected with either 0.1 mg or 1.0 mg Fu-Ling per gram body weight also showed an increase in IL-10 mRNA expression. As IL-10 is a potent differentiation factor of B-lymphocytes, the possible effect of Fu-Ling on Ig production was also studied. Results indicated that Fu-Ling significantly induced an increase in IgG and IgA secretion by spleen cells but showed no effect on IgM secretion. Thus, Fu-Ling may affect the function of B-lymphocytes via stimulating IL-10 production.
Effect of Berberine on Regression of Pressure-Overload Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats
Authors: Hong Ying , Hui Siu-Chun , Chan Tak-Yuen , Hou Jia-Yu
Published: December 2002

Berberine is the basic chemical component of a Chinese herb, Coptis chinensis Franch (coptis), considered to be useful in treating some diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension and chronic heart failure (CHF). In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effect of berberine on experimental cardiac hypertrophy, which is regarded as a risk factor of CHF and other heart diseases. Forty-two male SD rats were divided into four groups: age-matched control, aortic banding model, berberine-treated group and captopril-treated group. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by suprarenal abdominal aorta constriction (banding). The drugs were orally administered for 8 weeks starting from 4 weeks after surgery at dosage of berberine 10 mg/kg and captopril 50 mg/kg. Blood pressure (BP) was measured four times during the period of the experiment, and hemodynamic parameters, cardiac index, cell size of left ventricular myocardium and total protein of left ventricular tissue were detected 8 weeks after treatment with drugs. The data from the present study showed that: (1) The BP of the aorta banded rats was increased compared with those of the normal ( p < 0.001) and the age-matched control rats ( p < 0.001), and berberine showed no significant effect on it. (2) After 8 weeks of treatment with berberine, the elevated left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was slightly decreased compared with the aortic banded rats. Meanwhile, the maximum rates of contraction and relaxation (± dp/dt max) was increased ( p < 0.05) and the time to reach the point of maximum rate from beginning of contraction (t-dp/dt) was shortened ( p < 0.01), indicating that the functions of heart, both contraction and relaxation, were improved. (3) Cardiac growth was inhibited by treatment with berberine. Both whole heart and left ventricular weight were notably decreased compared with the banded rats ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). (4) The cell size of left ventricular myocardium was significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) and the total protein of left ventricular tissue was slightly down-regulated by treatment with berberine. These data suggest that berberine can improve abnormal cardiac function and can prevent the development of left ventricular hypertrophy induced by pressure overload. This indicates that it may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of CHF.
Effects of Red Ginseng Upon Postoperative Immunity and Survival in Patients with Stage III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Suh Sung Ock , Kroh Matthew , Kim Nam Ryeol , Joh Yong Geul , Cho Min Young
Published: December 2002

In this paper, we present evidence that the red ginseng powder from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer inhibits the recurrence of AJCC stage III gastric cancer and shows immunomodulatory activities during postoperative chemotherapy, after a curative resection with D2 lymph node dissection. Flow cytometric analyses for peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets showed that the red ginseng powder restored CD4 levels to the initial preoperative values during postoperative chemotherapy. Depression of CD3 during postoperative chemotherapy was also inhibited by the red ginseng powder ingestion. This study demonstrated a five-year disease free survival and overall survival rate that was significantly higher in patients taking the red ginseng powder during postoperative chemotherapy versus control (68.2% versus 33.3%, 76.4% versus 38.5%, respectively, p < 0.05). In spite of the limitation of a small number of patients (n = 42), these findings suggest that red ginseng powder may help to improve postoperative survival in these patients. Additionally, red ginseng powder may have some immunomodulatory properties associated with CD3 and CD4 activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer during postoperative chemotherapy.
A MODIFIED MOYAL REPRESENTATION AND THE PANCHARATNAM PHASE OF TWO-LEVEL SYSTEMS
Authors: LI LING , LI BO-ZANG
Published: December 2002

By including a pre-phase-factor, the Moyal representation for the spin-1/2 (or two-level) system is modified. Such a modification is necessary for describing completely the quantum evolution and calculating exactly the quantum phase. In our modified Moyal representation (MMR) the geometrical expression of the most general quantum phase, i.e., the Pancharatnam phase, is deduced in a much simpler way and without the restriction of cyclic evolution. Two simple examples of application of the MMR are given.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LANTHANUM DOPED SODIUM BISMUTH TITANATE
Authors: APARNA M. , BHIMASANKARAM T. , KUMAR G. S. , PRASAD G.
Published: December 2002

Impedance spectroscopic studies on polycrystalline sintered discs of lanthanum doped Na 1/2( La x Bi 1-x)1/2 TiO 3 ceramics with x = 0, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2, have been carried out in the temperature region ranging from room temperature to 550°C and in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. Impedance data is presented in frequency explicit plots and Cole–Cole plots. The relaxation behavior of the charge entities in the above samples is studied as a function of temperature. The structural phase transitions present in the samples showed interesting changes with composition frequency and temperature. An attempt is made to correlate the results obtained to the phase transitions present in the samples.
MESOSCOPIC CIRCUIT WITH LINEAR DISSIPATION
Authors: LU TING , LI YOU-QUAN
Published: December 2002

We firstly demonstrate the main ideas of quantum theory for mesoscopic electric circuits, which we proposed several years ago. In the theory, the importance of the charge discreteness in a mesoscopic electric circuit is addressed. As a further development, we discuss the mesoscopic electric circuit in the presence of linear dissipation as well as magnetic flux. We propose a quantum Kirchoff equation for the LCR circuit and discuss the oscillations for different criterion factors. We also solve the energy spectra and eigenvalues of the physical current under a soluble symmetry hypothesis.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL RATCHETS WITH NON-CONSERVATIVE IMPULSIVE FORCE
Authors: ZHAO TONG-JUN , ZHUO YI-ZHONG , ZHAN YONG , JI QING , CAO TIAN-GUANG
Published: December 2002

We discuss the directed motion of overdamped Brownian particles based on a two-dimensional ratchet model with a non-conservative impulsive force field. We consider the combined effects on the stationary current due to local spatial asymmetry in the longitudinal direction as well as the constrained harmonic force in the transverse direction. We notice that the current reversal is induced by the change of colored noise strength and the dynamics in the transverse direction influences the directed motion in the longitudinal direction significantly. The non-conservative impulsive force that represents the chemical energy consumed in the conformation changing process is a crucial factor to the directed motion of the Brownian motors.
PHASE SHIFT AND ABSORBED PROBABILITY OF PHOTONS IN A SINGLE ATOM HIGH Q CAVITY ANALYZED BY SUPERSYMMETRY
Authors: LIANG XIAN-TING
Published: December 2002

In this paper, we investigate the phase shift and absorbed probability of photons in a single atom high Q cavity. It is shown that by adjusting the coupling constant of interaction between atom and cavity field we can obtain a large, stable phase shift with low absorption of photons, which is needed by a qubit for quantum computation. Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) and supersymmetry are used in the analysis.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF THE MAGNETIC EXCITATIONS IN COMPOUND Pr2BaNiO5
Authors: SONG YUN , TANG HUAMING
Published: December 2002

A three-dimensional mixed-spin antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model is introduced to describe the interesting property of the coexistence of Haldane gap and antiferromagnetic long-range order in compound Pr 2 BaNiO 5. Within the Schwinger-boson mean-field theory, we investigate the temperature dependences of the Haldane gap and ordered parameters both below and above the Néel temperatures, and establish a theoretical explanation for the increase of the Haldane gap below the Néel temperature. Our results are in good agreement with neutron scattering experiments.
PERISTALTIC TRANSPORT OF A THIRD-ORDER FLUID IN A CIRCULAR CYLINDRICAL TUBE
Authors: HAYAT T. , WANG Y. , SIDDIQUI A. M. , HUTTER K. , ASGHAR S.
Published: December 2002

The effect of a third-order fluid on the peristaltic transport is analysed in a circular cylindrical tube, such as some organs in the living body. The third-order flow of an incompressible fluid in a circular cylindrical tube, on which an axisymmetric travelling sinusoidal wave is imposed, is considered. The wavelength of the peristaltic waves is assumed to be large compared to the tube average radius, whereas the amplitude of the wave need not be small compared to the average radius. Both analytic (perturbation) and numerical solutions are given. For the perturbation solution, a systematic approach based on an asymptotic expansion of the solution in terms of a small Deborah number is used and solutions up to the first order are presented in closed forms. The numerical solution, valid for any Deborah number, represents a new approach to peristaltic flows, and its features illuminate the physical behaviour much more than the analytical research on this problem. Comparison is made between the analytic (perturbation) and numerical results. Furthermore, the obtained results could also have applications to a range of peristaltic flows for a variety of non-Newtonian fluids such as aqueous solutions of high-molecular weight polyethylene oxide and polyacrylamide.
INTERFACE TREATMENT OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL HYBRID INVISCID/VISCOUS FLOW PROBLEM
Authors: WU ZI-NIU
Published: December 2002

In Ref. 13, an interface treatment for two-dimensional hybrid inviscid/viscous flow problem has been discussed and the linear well-posedness is proved. The interface treatment is uniformly valid for problems with smooth and discontinuous solutions at the interface. It satisfies the requirement of conservation and nonlinear uniqueness for cases where the interface coincides with a shock. In this paper we extend the results to three-dimensional problems. For smooth solutions, the interface conditions are exactly the same as the Gastaldi and Quarteroni interface condition based on variational analysis. We shall prove that the three-dimensional interface problem with the Gastaldi and Quarteroni interface condition is linearly well-posed for gas dynamic equations.
FREE BOUNDARY PROBLEM FOR AN INCOMPRESSIBLE IDEAL FLUID WITH SURFACE TENSION
Authors: OGAWA MASAO , TANI ATUSI
Published: December 2002

We prove that a free boundary problem for an incompressible Euler equation with surface tension is uniquely solvable, locally in time, in a class of functions of finite smoothness. Moreover, it is shown that the solution of this problem converges to the solution of the problem without surface tension as the coefficient of the surface tension tends to zero.
ON FAST AND SLOW TIMES IN MODELS WITH DIFFUSION
Authors: DE ANGELIS M. , MONTE A. M. , RENNO P.
Published: December 2002

The linear Kelvin–Voigt operator ℒε is a typical example of wave operator ℒ0 perturbed by higher-order viscous terms as εuxxt. If [Formula: see text] is a prefixed boundary value problem for ℒε, when ε = 0, ℒε turns into ℒ0 and [Formula: see text] into a problem [Formula: see text] with the same initial–boundary conditions of [Formula: see text]. Boundary layers are missing and the related control terms depending on the fast time are negligible. In a same time interval, the wave behavior is a realistic approximation of uε when ε → 0. On the contrary, when t is large, diffusion effects should prevail and the behavior of uε for ε → 0 and t → ∞ should be analyzed. For this, a suitable functional correspondence between the Green functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is derived and its asymptotic behavior is rigorously examined. As a consequence, the interaction between diffusion effects and pure waves is evaluated by means of the slow time εt; the main results show that in time intervals as (ε, 1/ε) pure waves are quasi-undamped, while damped oscillations predominate as from the instant t > 1/ε.
STABILITY IN A NONLINEAR POPULATION MATURATION MODEL
Authors: MISCHLER STÉPHANE , PERTHAME BENOÎT , RYZHIK LENYA
Published: December 2002

We consider models for population structured by maturation/maturation speed proposed by Rotenberg. It is a variant of transport equations for age-structured populations which presents particularly interesting mathematical difficulties. It allows one to introduce more stochasticity in the birth process and in the aging phenomena. We present a new method for studying the time asymptotics which is also illustrated on the simpler McKendrick–Von Foerster model. The nonlinear variants of these models are shown to exhibit either nonlinear stability or periodic solutions depending on the datum.
A MODEL FOR THE QUASI-STATIC GROWTH OF BRITTLE FRACTURES BASED ON LOCAL MINIMIZATION
Authors: DAL MASO G. , TOADER R.
Published: December 2002

We study a variant of the variational model for the quasi-static growth of brittle fractures proposed by Francfort and Marigo.9 The main feature of our model is that, in the discrete-time formulation, in each step we do not consider absolute minimizers of the energy, but, in a sense, we look for local minimizers which are sufficiently close to the approximate solution obtained in the previous step. This is done by introducing in the variational problem an additional term which penalizes the L2-distance between the approximate solutions at two consecutive times. We study the continuous-time version of this model, obtained by passing to the limit as the time step tends to zero, and show that it satisfies (for almost every time) some minimality conditions which are slightly different from those considered in Refs. 9 and 8, but are still enough to prove (under suitable regularity assumptions on the crack path) that the classical Griffith's criterion holds at the crack tips. We also prove that, if no initial crack is present and if the data of the problem are sufficiently smooth, no crack will develop in this model, provided the penalization term is large enough.
ON THE MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW I: FLUID DYNAMIC AND KINETIC MODELLING
Authors: BELLOMO N. , DELITALA M. , COSCIA V.
Published: December 2002

This review reports the existing literature on traffic flow modelling in the framework of a critical overview which aims to indicate research perspectives. The contents mainly refer to modelling by fluid dynamic and kinetic equations and are arranged in three parts. The first part refers to methodological aspects of mathematical modelling and to the interpretation of experimental results. The second part is devoted to modelling and deals both with methodological aspects and with the description of some specific models. The third part reports about an overview on applications and research perspectives.
ON THE PROBLEM OF TRAINING THE COULOMB ENERGY NETWORK
Authors: VASSILOPOULOS JOHN F. , KOUTSOUGERAS CRIS , HERNÁNDEZ-AGUIRRE ARTURO
Published: December 2002

The Coulomb Energy network offers a unique perspective towards nonlinear transformations. However, its training as it was originally proposed by C. Scofield [1] presented difficulties that prevented its general use. We have investigated this model and we present here the reasons for its shortcomings. Further we propose refinements to the model and its training algorithm, and we present the study and results of various other modifications. We address these problems by constraining its architecture (topology) and present a derivation of the associated training algorithm. We also discuss further refinements of this algorithm. Existing genetic algorithms and simulated annealing are also evaluated as training techniques. Simulation results are also presented.
SAMPLE COMPLEXITY FOR FUNCTION LEARNING TASKS THROUGH LINEAR NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-AGUIRRE ARTURO , KOUTSOUGERAS CRIS , BUCKLES BILL
Published: December 2002

We find new sample complexity bounds for real function learning tasks in the uniform distribution by means of linear neural networks. These bounds, tighter than the distribution-free ones reported elsewhere in the literature, are applicable to simple functional link networks and radial basis neural networks.
VISUAL TARGET TRACKING, EXTRACTION AND RECOGNITION FROM A SEQUENCE OF IMAGES USING THE LG GRAPH APPROACH
Authors: BOURBAKIS NIKOLAOS G.
Published: December 2002

This paper presents a methodology for visually tracking, extracting and recognizing targets from a sequence of images (video). The methodology is based on the local-global (LG) graph as a combination of algorithms, such as fuzzy-like segmentation, edge detection, thinning, region growing, fractals, feature extraction, region-graph with attributes, etc., appropriately used for tracking, extracting and recognizing targets under various conditions, such as moving target - still camera, still camera - moving target, moving target - moving camera. The main contribution of this paper is the real-time combination of algorithms that provides a human-like feedback geometric approach of processing low resolution information in a sequence of consecutive images. Simulated results of the metholodology are presented for synthetic and real images.
THE PARETO DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION ALGORITHM
Authors: ABBASS H. A. , SARKER R.
Published: December 2002

The use of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to solve problems with multiple objectives (known as Vector Optimization Problems (VOPs)) has attracted much attention recently. Being population based approaches, EAs offer a means to find a group of pareto-optimal solutions in a single run. Differential Evolution (DE) is an EA that was developed to handle optimization problems over continuous domains. The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel Pareto Differential Evolution (PDE) algorithm to solve VOPs. The solutions provided by the proposed algorithm for five standard test problems, is competitive to nine known evolutionary multiobjective algorithms for solving VOPs.
GOING BEYOND EXPLICIT KNOWLEDGE FOR IMPROVED SEMANTIC BASED INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Authors: MIHALCEA RADA F.
Published: December 2002

This paper proposes a novel model that incorporates word semantics into information retrieval, enabling a whole new range of semantic based retrieval applications. Concepts can be sought instead of simple words, and the retrieval of words that are semantically related to the input keywords is also possible. A novel encoding scheme applied to words creates the groundwork for this model and enables the application of complex semantic operators.

One of the most powerful operators introduced by the model is the semantic wildcard, able to fulfill information requests expressed along general-specific lines. For instance, a search for animal# will match any concept that is of type animal, going beyond the explicit knowledge stated in texts. Additionally, a new lexical locality operator is introduced, making possible the retrieval of paragraphs rather than entire documents.

Both semantic indexing and paragraph indexing paradigms proposed in the model have been implemented in a system that was tested on questions run against an index of 130,000 documents. A significant improvement was observed over classic keyword based retrieval systems, in terms of precision, recall and success rate.
LEARNING THE STRUCTURE OF AUGMENTED BAYESIAN CLASSIFIERS
Authors: KEOGH EAMONN J. , PAZZANI MICHAEL J.
Published: December 2002

The naïve Bayes classifier is built on the assumption of conditional independence between the attributes given the class. The algorithm has been shown to be surprisingly robust to obvious violations of this condition, but is is natural to ask if it is possible to further improve the accuracy by relaxing this assumption. We examine an approach where naïve Bayes is augmented by the addition of correlation arcs between attributes. We explore two methods for finding the set of augmenting arcs, a greedy hill-climbing search, and a novel, more computationally efficient algorithm that we call SuperParent. We compare these methods to TAN; a state-of the-art distribution-based approach to finding the augmenting arcs.
SPECTRA OF RECURRENCE DIMENSION FOR ADIC SYSTEMS
Authors: SIRVENT VÍCTOR F.
Published: December 2002

We compute the spectra of the recurrence dimension for adic systems and sub-adic systems. This dimension is characterized by the Poincaré recurrence of the system, and known in the literature as Afraimovich–Pesin dimension. These spectra are invariant under bi-Lipschitz transformations. We show that there is a duality between the spectra of an adic system and the corresponding subshift of finite type. We also consider Billingsley-like definition of the spectra of the recurrence dimension.
LONG-TERM BEHAVIOUR OF LARGE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS WITH RANDOM INITIAL DATA
Authors: KUPFERMAN R. , STUART A. M. , TERRY J. R. , TUPPER P. F.
Published: December 2002

We study the long-time behaviour of large systems of ordinary differential equations with random data. Our main focus is a Hamiltonian system which describes a distinguished particle attached to a large collection of heat bath particles by springs. In the limit where the size of the heat bath tends to infinity, the trajectory of the distinguished particle can be weakly approximated, on finite time intervals, by a Langevin stochastic differential equation. We examine the long-term behaviour of these trajectories, both analytically and numerically. We find ergodic behaviour manifest in both the long-time empirical measures and in the resulting auto-correlation functions.
MODEL REDUCTION AND STOCHASTIC RESONANCE
Authors: IMKELLER P. , PAVLYUKEVICH I.
Published: December 2002

We provide a mathematical underpinning of the physically widely known phenomenon of stochastic resonance, i.e. the optimal noise-induced increase of a dynamical system's sensitivity and ability to amplify small periodic signals. The effect was first discovered in energy-balance models designed for a qualitative understanding of global glacial cycles. More recently, stochastic resonance has been rediscovered in more subtle and realistic simulations interpreting paleoclimatic data: the Dansgaard–Oeschger and Heinrich events. The underlying mathematical model is a diffusion in a periodically changing potential landscape with large forcing period. We study optimal tuning of the diffusion trajectories with the deterministic input forcing by means of the spectral power amplification measure. Our results contain a surprise: due to small fluctuations in the potential valley bottoms the diffusion — contrary to physical folklore — does not show tuning patterns corresponding to continuous time Markov chains which describe the reduced motion on the metastable states. This discrepancy can only be avoided for more robust notions of tuning, e.g. spectral amplification after elimination of the small fluctuations.