bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEAN FIRST PASSAGE TIME OF RANDOM WALKS ON THE GENERALIZED PSEUDOFRACTAL WEB
Authors: LI LONG , SUN WEIGANG , CHEN JING , WANG GUIXIANG
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we study the scaling for mean first passage time (MFPT) of random walks on the generalized pseudofractal web (GPFW) with a trap, where an initial state is transformed from a triangle to a r-polygon and every existing edge gives birth to finite nodes in the subsequent step. We then obtain an analytical expression and an exact scaling for the MFPT, which shows that the MFPT grows as a power-law function in the large limit of network order. In addition, we determine the exponent of scaling efficiency characterizing the random walks, with the exponent less than 1. The scaling exponent of the MFPT is same for the initial state of the web being a polygon with finite nodes. This method could be applied to other fractal networks.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FLUCTUATION ACTIVATED NONEQUILIBRIUM REACTIVE RATE PROCESS
Authors: WANG CHUN-YANG
Published: March 2013

An externally activated nonequilibrium anomalous reactive rate process is studied by taking into account both internal and external fluctuations in a unified way. The probability of diffusion passing over the saddle point and the reactive rate together with the effective transmission coefficient are calculated by the method of reactive flux. It is found that the fierceness of internal fluctuation is always harmful to the diffusion of particles. However, the external activation may be beneficial to the rate process.
PREDICTIONS FOR p+PbCOLLISIONS AT $\sqrt{s_{_{\it NN}}} = 5$
Authors: ALBACETE JAVIER L. , ARMESTO NESTOR , BAIER RUDOLF , BARNAFÖLDI GERGELY G. , BARRETTE JEAN , DE SOMNATH , DENG WEI-TIAN , DUMITRU ADRIAN , DUSLING KEVIN , ESKOLA KARI J. , FRIES RAINER , FUJII HIROTSUGU , GELIS FRANCOIS , GYULASSY MIKLOS , HE YUNCUN , HELENIUS ILKKA , KANG ZHONG-BO , KOPELIOVICH BORIS Z. , KUTAK KRZYSZTOF , LEVAI PETER , LIN ZI-WEI , MUELLER ALFRED H. , NARA YASUSHI , NEMCHIK JAN , PAPP GÁBOR , PETROVICI MIHAI , QIU JIAN-WEI , REZAEIAN AMIR H. , RU PENG , SCHIFF DOMINIQUE , SAPETA SEBASTIAN , POP VASILE TOPOR , TRIBEDY PRITHWISH , VENUGOPALAN RAJU , VITEV IVAN , VOGT RAMONA , WANG ENKE , WANG XIN-NIAN , XING HONGXI , XU RONG , ZHANG BEN-WEI , ZHANG WEI-NING
Published: March 2013

Predictions for charged hadron, identified light hadron, quarkonium, photon, jet and gauge bosons in p+ Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] are compiled and compared. When test run data are available, they are compared to the model predictions.
FREE INFINITE DIVISIBILITY FOR ULTRASPHERICALS
Authors: ARIZMENDI OCTAVIO , BELINSCHI SERBAN T.
Published: March 2013

We prove that the integral powers of the semicircular distribution are freely infinitely divisible. As a byproduct we get another proof of the free infinite divisibility of the classical Gaussian distribution.
WEYL INVARIANT STANDARD MODEL AND ITS SYMMETRY BREAKING
Authors: DRECHSLER WOLFGANG
Published: March 2013

A standard model is formulated in a Weyl space, W4, yielding a Weyl covariant dynamics of massless chiral Dirac fermion fields for leptons and quarks as well as the gauge fields involved for the groups D(1) (Weyl), U(1)Y × SU (2)W (electroweak), SU (3)c (color), SO(3, 1) (gravity) and SO(4, 1) (strong interaction, symmetry breaking). The dynamics is based on a gauge and Weyl invariant Lagrangian density [Formula: see text]. Gravitation is included from the beginning as the gauge aspect of the Lorentz group which is here extended in the hadronic sector of the model to the ten-parameter SO(4, 1) de Sitter group. A part of the dynamics is, as usual, a scalar isospinor field ϕ being a section on a bundle related to the electroweak gauge group and to symmetry breaking. In parallel to ϕ on the leptonic side a section [Formula: see text] on the hadronic side is considered as part of the dynamics, governing the symmetry breaking SO(4, 1) → SO(3, 1) and recovering gravitation in the symmetry breaking limit outside the regions in space–time where strong interactions persist. Besides spin, isospin and helicity the Weyl weights determine the form of the contributions of fields in [Formula: see text]. Of particular interest is the appearance of a current–current self-interaction of quark fields allowed by the Weyl weight changing the debate about quark masses. In a second step the D(1)-Weyl symmetry is explicitly broken and a universal mass scale is established through the mass of the ϕ-field appearing in the symmetry breaking Lagrangian [Formula: see text]. The Weyl symmetry breaking is governed by the relation DμΦ2 = 0, where Φ is the norm of ϕ. After D(1) symmetry breaking the masses of the weak bosons and of the electron appear on the scene through the energy–momentum tensor of the ϕ-field.
ORDERING IN DENSE FIBER BUNDLES, THE PHYLLOTACTIC SOLUTION AND ITS APPLICATION TO COLLAGEN FIBRILS
Authors: CHARVOLIN JEAN , SADOC JEAN-FRANÇOIS
Published: March 2013

The shape of the cross section of a dense fiber bundle is related to the symmetry of its molecular packing. However, this statement might be belied by type I collagen fibrils which have a rounded section of high symmetry while structural studies suggest that their molecules are assembled with a long range lateral order of lower symmetry. We examine how phyllotaxis, which is a nonconventional crystallographic solution to packing efficiency in situations of high radial symmetry, can establish a link between those two apparently conflicting points. The lateral order imposed by the algorithm of phyllotaxis, which implies an enlargement of the notion of long range lateral order beyond that used for classical crystals, provides a basis for a new analysis of the experimental data.
Integrated magnetobiostratigraphy of the middle Eocene–lower Oligocene interval from the Monte Cagnero section, central Italy
Authors: Jovane Luigi , Savian Jairo F. , Coccioni Rodolfo , Frontalini Fabrizio , Bancalà Giuseppe , Catanzariti Rita , Luciani Valeria , Bohaty Steven M. , Wilson Paul A. , Florindo Fabio
Published: March 2013

The Monte Cagnero sedimentary section, which crops out in the northeastern Apennines near Urbania in the Umbria–Marche Basin (Italy), contains well-exposed strata spanning the middle Eocene to lower Oligocene interval. We use an integrated magnetobiostratigraphic approach to generate a high-resolution age model for the Monte Cagnero section, with the goal of obtaining a reliable chronostratigraphic framework for studying Eocene–Oligocene palaeoceanographic changes during the switch from greenhouse to icehouse conditions. The studied sediments consist of alternating reddish and greenish limestones and marlstones. A new integrated age model for the section is based on high-resolution palaeomagnetic analyses, combined with detailed planktonic foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic results. Rock magnetic measurements show that the magnetic mineralogy is dominated by a mixture of high- and low-coercivity minerals, probably representing a combination of hematite and magnetite. A robust magnetostratigraphic signal, together with the identification of key planktonic foraminiferal and nannofossil biostratigraphic events, allows construction of a detailed age model for the section. Based on these results, we infer that the section spans a continuous interval (within magnetochron resolution) from the middle Eocene to lower Oligocene (
c
. 41–27 Ma; Chrons C18r–C12r). The Monte Cagnero section, therefore, represents a sequence that is suitable for studying the impact of the Neo-Tethyan gateway closure on subtropical Eocene circulation and determining the nature and timing of palaeoceanographic changes in the Tethys through the late middle Eocene to early Oligocene interval.
Middle Eocene to early Oligocene magnetostratigraphy of ODP Hole 711A (Leg 115), western equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Savian Jairo F. , Jovane Luigi , Bohaty Steven M. , Wilson Paul A.
Published: March 2013

Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 711, located in the western equatorial Indian Ocean near the Seychelles Archipelago on Madingley Rise, is an important site for studying middle Eocene to early Oligocene climatic evolution. This site is ideal for studying the impact of Neo-Tethyan gateway closure on Indian Ocean currents and circulation to further understand global climate changes through the greenhouse to icehouse transition. Middle Eocene-to-lower Oligocene strata recovered within Hole 711A (Cores 711A-14X to 21X) primarily consist of clay-bearing nannofossil oozes/chalks, with layers rich in radiolarians. Here, we report a high-resolution magnetostratigraphic record and a new integrated age model for the middle Eocene-to-lower Oligocene section of Hole 711A. Correlation of the polarity pattern to the geomagnetic polarity timescale provides a record from Chron C19r (middle Eocene) to C12r (early Oligocene). Our results extend the existing polarity record down into the middle Eocene and confirm published results from the lower Oligocene section of the hole. Overall, these new results from Hole 711A have important implications for identifying and dating global climate change events, and for reconstructing calcite compensation depth history at this site.

Supplementary material:

Magnetostratigraphic data used for construction of age models for Hole 711A included in this study are available at:
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18595
Expression and Functional Analysis of Storage Protein 2 in the Silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Yu Wei , Wang Meihui , Zhang Hanming , Quan Yanping , Zhang Yaozhou
Published: March 2013

Storage protein 2 (SP2) not only is an important source of energy for the growth and development of silkworm but also has inhibitory effects on cell apoptosis. Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis is an important contributing factor in the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, study of the antiapoptotic activity of SP2 on ECs provides information related to the treatment of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. In this study, thesp2gene was cloned and expressed inEscherichia colito produce a 6xHis-tagged fusion protein, which was then used to generate a polyclonal antibody. Western blot results revealed that SP2 levels were higher in the pupal stage and hemolymph of fifth-instar larvae but low in the egg and adult stages. Subcellular localization results showed that SP2 is located mainly on the cell membrane. In addition, a Bac-to-Bac system was used to construct a recombinant baculovirus for SP2 expression. The purified SP2 was then added to a culture medium for human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs), which were exposed to staurosporine. A cell viability assay demonstrated that SP2 could significantly enhance the viability of HUVEC. Furthermore, both ELISA and flow cytometry results indicated that SP2 has anti-apoptotic effects on staurosporine-induced HUVEC apoptosis.
Growth and Physical Property Study of Single Nanowire (Diameter ~45 nm) of Half Doped Manganite
Authors: Datta Subarna , Chandra Sayan , Samanta Sudeshna , Das K. , Srikanth H. , Ghosh Barnali
Published: March 2013

We report here the growth and characterization of functional oxide nanowire of hole doped manganite of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (LSMO). We also report four‐probe electrical resistance measurement of a single nanowire of LSMO (diameter ~45 nm) using focused ion beam (FIB) fabricated electrodes. The wires are fabricated by hydrothermal method using autoclave at a temperature of 270 °C. The elemental analysis and physical property like electrical resistivity are studied at an individual nanowire level. The quantitative determination of Mn valency and elemental mapping of constituent elements are done by using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) in the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) mode. We address the important issue of whether as a result of size reduction the nanowires can retain the desired composition, structure, and physical properties. The nanowires used are found to have a ferromagnetic transition (TC) at around 325 K which is very close to the bulk value of around 330 K found in single crystal of the same composition. It is confirmed that the functional behavior is likely to be retained even after size reduction of the nanowires to a diameter of 45 nm. The electrical resistivity shows insulating behavior within the measured temperature range which is similar to the bulk system.
A Shannon-Runge-Kutta-Gill Method for Convection-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Duan Xiaoming , Leng Jinsong , Cattani Carlo , Li Caiyun
Published: March 2013

A Shannon-Rugge-Kutta-Gill method for solving convection-diffusion equations is discussed. This approach transforms convection-diffusion equations into one-dimensional equations at collocations points, which we solve by Runge-Kutta-Gill method. A concrete example solved is used to examine the method’s feasibility.
Stochastic Differential Equations with Multi-Markovian Switching
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Ke
Published: March 2013

This paper is concerned with stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with multi-Markovian switching. The existence and uniqueness of solution are investigated, and thepth moment of the solution is estimated. The classical theory of SDEs with single Markovian switching is extended.
Spontaneous Pelvic Rupture as a Result of Renal Colic in a Patient with Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Reva Sergey , Tolkach Yuri
Published: March 2013

We present the case of a young man with Klinefelter syndrome, who was admitted to our clinic with renal colic. Shortly after admittance, spontaneous decrease in pain has occurred. Ultrasound and intravenous contrast computed tomography were performed, which showed the evidence of urine extravasation at the level of left renal pelvis and a 4 mm stone in the lower third of the left ureter. The management with a double-J ureteric stent for three weeks was successful. Then, the stent was removed and computed tomography confirmed the absence of urine extravasation. We also analyze the literature related to this case and discuss the main mechanisms of collecting system rupture.
A New Method on Software Reliability Prediction
Authors: Xiaonan Zhang , Junfeng Yang , Siliang Du , Shudong Huang
Published: March 2013

As we all know, relevant data during software life cycle can be used to analyze and predict software reliability. Firstly, the major disadvantages of the current software reliability models are discussed. And then based on analyzing classic PSO-SVM model and the characteristics of software reliability prediction, some measures of the improved PSO-SVM model are proposed, and the improved model is established. Lastly, simulation results show that compared with classic models, the improved model has better prediction precision, better generalization ability, and lower dependence on the number of samples, which is more applicable for software reliability prediction.
Initial Ideals of Tangent Cones to the Richardson Varieties in the Orthogonal Grassmannian
Authors: Upadhyay Shyamashree
Published: March 2013

A Richardson variety in the Orthogonal Grassmannian is defined to be the intersection of a Schubert variety in the Orthogonal Grassmannian and an opposite Schubert variety therein. We give an explicit description of the initial ideal (with respect to certain conveniently chosen term order) for the ideal of the tangent cone at any T-fixed point of , thus generalizing a result of Raghavan and Upadhyay (2009). Our proof is based on a generalization of the Robinson-Schensted-Knuth (RSK) correspondence, which we call the Orthogonal-bounded-RSK (OBRSK).
Assessment of the Reproductive Health Status of Adult Prison Inmates in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olugbenga-Bello A. I. , Adeoye O. A. , Osagbemi K. G.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. All over the world, numbers of prisoners have being increasing with majority in the sexually active age group; hence diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis are more prevalent in prisons than in the community. This study thus aims to provide an overview of the reproductive health status of adult prison inmates in Osun State.Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study among adult inmates in Osun State prison. Data was obtained from 209 selected respondents using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire.Result. Majority of the respondents were in the age group 20–39 years with mean age of30.9+7.5. 73.2% are aware of STIs, 93.3% HIV/AIDS and 81.3% contraception. 54.6% had multiple sexual partners before incarceration and 23.3% of them used condom always. 89.5% were not involved in any sexual practice inside the prison, 9.1% masturbated and 1.4% had homosexual partners. Less than 6% had access to male condoms gotten from prison staffs and prison clinics.Conclusion and recommendation. No comprehensive reproductive health care system to address reproductive health services in prisons. Respondents’ knowledge about STIs, HIV/AIDS and contraception is good, but their condom usage is low compared with the knowledge. Government should put in place specific reproductive health programmes in prisons.
Lattice-Valued Topological Systems as a Framework for Lattice-Valued Formal Concept Analysis
Authors: Solovyov Sergey A.
Published: March 2013

Recently, Denniston, Melton, and Rodabaugh presented a new categorical outlook on a certain lattice-valued extension of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) of Ganter and Wille; their outlook was based on the notion of lattice-valued interchange system and a category of Galois connections. This paper extends the approach of Denniston et al. clarifying the relationships between Chu spaces of Pratt, many-valued formal contexts of FCA, lattice-valued interchange systems, and Galois connections.
Eigenvalue Decomposition-Based Modified Newton Algorithm
Authors: Wang Wen-jun , Zhu Ju-bo , Duan Xiao-jun
Published: March 2013

When the Hessian matrix is not positive, the Newton direction may not be the descending direction. A new method named eigenvalue decomposition-based modified Newton algorithm is presented, which first takes the eigenvalue decomposition of the Hessian matrix, then replaces the negative eigenvalues with their absolute values, and finally reconstructs the Hessian matrix and modifies the searching direction. The new searching direction is always the descending direction. The convergence of the algorithm is proven and the conclusion on convergence rate is presented qualitatively. Finally, a numerical experiment is given for comparing the convergence domains of the modified algorithm and the classical algorithm.
Some Bounded Linear Integral Operators and Linear Fredholm Integral Equations in the SpacesHα,δ,γ((a,b)×(a,b),X)andHα,δ((a,b),X)
Authors: Özdemir İsmet , Akhmedov Ali M. , Temizer Ö. Faruk
Published: March 2013

The spacesHα,δ,γ((a,b)×(a,b),ℝ)andHα,δ((a,b),ℝ)were defined in ((Hüseynov (1981)), pages 271–277). Some singular integral operators on Banach spaces were examined, (Dostanic (2012)), (Dunford (1988), pages 2419–2426 and (Plamenevskiy (1965)). The solutions of some singular Fredholm integral equations were given in (Babolian (2011), Okayama (2010), and Thomas (1981)) by numerical methods. In this paper, we define the setsHα,δ,γ((a,b)×(a,b),X)andHα,δ((a,b),X)by taking an arbitrary Banach spaceXinstead ofℝ, and we show that these sets which are different from the spaces given in (Dunford (1988)) and (Plamenevskiy (1965)) are Banach spaces with the norms∥·∥α,δ,γand∥·∥α,δ. Besides, the bounded linear integral operators on the spacesHα,δ,γ((a,b)×(a,b),X)andHα,δ((a,b),X), some of which are singular, are derived, and the solutions of the linear Fredholm integral equations of the formf(s)=ϕ(s)+λ∫abA(s,t)f(t)dt,f(s)=ϕ(s)+λ∫abA(t,s)f(t)dtandf(s,t)=ϕ(s,t)+λ∫abA(s,t)f(t,s)dtare investigated in these spaces by analytical methods.
A Coons Patch Spanning a Finite Number of Curves Tested for Variationally Minimizing Its Area
Authors: Ahmad Daud , Masud Bilal
Published: March 2013

In surface modeling a surface frequently encountered is a Coons patch that is defined only for a boundary composed offouranalytical curves. In this paper we extend the range of applicability of a Coons patch by telling how to write it for a boundary composed of an arbitrary number of boundary curves. We partition the curves in a clear and natural way into four groups and then join all the curves in each group intooneanalytic curve by using representations of the unit step function including one that isfully analytic. Having a well-parameterized surface, we do some calculations on it that are motivated by differential geometry but give a better optimized and possibly more smooth surface. For this, we use an ansatz consisting of the original surface plus a variational parameter multiplying the numerator part of its mean curvature function and minimize with the respect to it the rms mean curvature and decrease the area of the surface we generate. We do a complete numerical implementation for a boundary composed of five straight lines, that can model a string breaking, and get about 0.82 percent decrease of the area. Given the demonstrated ability of our optimization algorithm to reduce area by as much as 23 percent for a spanning surface not close of being a minimal surface, this much smaller fractional decrease suggests that the Coons patch we have been able to write is already close of being a minimal surface.
Static Switching Dynamic Buffer Circuit
Authors: Pandey A. K. , Mishra R. A. , Nagaria R. K.
Published: March 2013

We proposed footless domino logic buffer circuit. It minimizes redundant switching at the dynamic and the output nodes. The proposed circuit avoids propagation of precharge pulse to the output node and allows the dynamic node which saves power consumption. Simulation is done using 0.18 µm CMOS technology. We have calculated the power consumption, delay, and power delay product of the proposed circuit and compared the results with the existing circuits for different logic function, loading condition, clock frequency, temperature, and power supply. Our proposed circuit reduces power consumption and power delay product as compared to the existing circuits.
Salidroside Improves Homocysteine-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Leung Sin Bond , Zhang Huina , Lau Chi Wai , Huang Yu , Lin Zhixiu
Published: March 2013

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases through increased oxidative stress. Salidroside is an active ingredient of the root ofRhodiola roseawith documented antioxidative, antihypoxia and neuroprotective properties. However, the vascular benefits of salidroside against endothelial dysfunction have yet to be explored. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate the protective effect of salidroside on homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction. Functional studies on the rat aortas were performed to delineate the vascular effect of salidroside. DHE imaging was used to evaluate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in aortic wall and endothelial cells. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression associated with oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Exposure to homocysteine attenuated endothelium-dependent relaxations in rat aortas while salidroside pretreatment rescued it. Salidroside inhibited homocystein-induced elevation in the NOX2 expression and ROS overproduction in both aortas and cultured endothelial cells and increased phosphorylation of eNOS which was diminished by homocysteine. The present study shows that salidroside is effective in preserving the NO bioavailability and thus protects against homocysteine-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations, largely through inhibiting the NOX2 expression and ROS production. Our results indicate a therapeutic potential of salidroside in the management of oxidative-stress-associated cardiovascular dysfunction.
Restrictedp-Isometry Properties of Partially Sparse Signal Recovery
Authors: Bi Haini , Kong Lingchen , Xiu Naihua
Published: March 2013

By generalizing the restrictedp-isometry property to the partially sparse signal recovery problem, we give a sufficient condition for exactly recovering partially sparse signal via the partiallpminimization (truncatedlpminimization) problem withp∈(0,1]. Based on this, we establish a simpler sufficient condition which can show how thep-RIP bounds vary corresponding to differentps.
Housing and Health: Very Old People with Self-Reported Parkinson’s Disease versus Controls
Authors: Nilsson Maria H. , Haak Maria , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: March 2013

Objectives.To explore whether aspects of housing and health among very old people with self-reported Parkinson’s disease (PD) differ from matched controls.Methods.Data from the ENABLE-AGE Survey Study were used to identify people with self-reported PD (n=20) and three matched controls/individual (n=60). The matching criteria were age (mean = 82 years), sex, country, and type of housing. The analyses targeted problems in activities of daily living, objective and perceived aspects of housing, for example, number of environmental barriers, accessibility (i.e., person-environment fit), and usability.Results.The number of physical environmental barriers did not differ (P=0.727) between the samples. The PD sample had more (P<0.001) accessibility problems than controls and perceived their homes as less (P=0.003) usable in relation to activities. They were less independent and had more functional limitations (median 5 versus 2;P<0.001), and 70% experienced loss of stamina or poor balance.Conclusions.Due to the fact that they have more functional limitations than very old people in general, those with self-reported PD live in housing with more accessibility problems. This explorative study has implications for rehabilitation as well as societal planning, but larger studies including people with a confirmed PD diagnosis are needed.
Short-Term Memory of the Amplitude of Body Rotation in Orienting Behavior of African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis)
Authors: Okazawa Gouki , Funahashi Shintaro
Published: March 2013

African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) can orient its body toward the prey by analyzing the direction of approaching water waves.Xenopusaccurately orients toward the source of the stimulus when the stimulus is generated several cm away from its body. However, althoughXenopusorientation behavior fluctuates when the stimulus is generated very near or above its body, the amplitude of the body rotation in the orienting behavior was affected by the preceding orienting behavior that had been performed several seconds before. In particular, the amplitude of the rotation in response to the stimulus applied above the body was positively correlated with that of the preceding rotation behavior in response to a stimulus generated several cm away from the body, indicating thatXenopustends to repeat the preceding behavior if the direction of the stimulus is ambiguous. The results presented show the evidence thatXenopuscan retain the amplitude of the rotation of the preceding orienting behavior for several seconds.
Electroless Deposited Gold Nanoparticles on Glass Plates as Sensors for Measuring the Dielectric Constant of Solutions
Authors: Kobayashi Y. , Ishii Y.
Published: March 2013

This work describes a method for the deposition of Au nanoparticles on glass plates (Au-glass). An electroless metal plating technique was extended to the Au nanoparticle deposition. The technique consisted of three steps that took place on the glass plate: (1) adsorption of Sn2+ ions, (2) deposition of metallic Ag nuclei generated by reducing Ag+ ions with Sn2+ ions on the Sn-adsorbed sites, and (3) deposition of Au nanoparticles by reducing Au+ ions on the Ag surface. TEM observation revealed that metallic Au nanoparticles with a size of  nm were formed on the glass surface. A surface plasmon resonance absorption peak was observed, and its peak wavelength redshifted by immersing the Au-glass into a solution with a large dielectric constant. The redshift corresponded qualitatively to the calculation by the Mie theory accompanying the Drude expression, which was based on the change of the dielectric constant of the solution. The obtained results indicated that the Au-glass functioned as a sensor for measuring the dielectric constant of the solution.
An Overlapping Clustering Approach for Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Qin Zhenquan , Ma Can , Wang Lei , Xu Jiaqi , Lu Bingxian
Published: March 2013

The design and analysis of routing algorithm is an important issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Most traditional geographical routing algorithms cannot achieve good performance in duty-cycled networks. In this paper, we propose a k-connected overlapping clustering approach with energy awareness, namely, k-OCHE, for routing in WSNs. The basic idea of this approach is to select a cluster head by energy availability (EA) status. The k-OCHE scheme adopts a sleep scheduling strategy of CKN, where neighbors will remain awake to keep it k connected, so that it can balance energy distributions well. Compared with traditional routing algorithms, the proposed k-OCHE approach obtains a balanced load distribution, consequently a longer network lifetime, and a quicker routing recovery time.
GNSS Reliability Testing in Signal-Degraded Scenario
Authors: Angrisano A. , Gioia C. , Gaglione S. , del Core G.
Published: March 2013

Multiconstellation satellite navigation is critical in signal-degraded environments where signals are strongly corrupted. In this case, the use of a single GNSS system does not guarantee an accurate and continuous positioning. A possible approach to solve this problem is the use of multiconstellation receivers that provide additional measurements and allows robust reliability testing; in this work, a GPS/GLONASS combination is considered. In urban scenario, a modification of the classical RAIM technique is necessary taking into account frequent multiple blunders. The FDE schemes analysed are the “Observation Subset Testing,” “Forward-Backward Method,” and “Danish Method”; they are obtained by combining different basic statistical tests. The considered FDE methods are modified to optimize their behaviour in urban scenario. Specifically a preliminary check is implemented to screen out bad geometries. Moreover, a large blunder could cause multiple test failures; hence, a separability index is implemented to avoid the incorrect exclusion of blunder-free measurements. Testing the RAIM algorithms of GPS/GLONASS combination to verify the benefits relative to GPS only case is a main target of this work too. The performance of these methods is compared in terms of RMS and maximum error for the horizontal and vertical components of position and velocity.
Therapeutic Effect of MG132 on the Aortic Oxidative Damage and Inflammatory Response in OVE26 Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Miao Xiao , Cui Wenpeng , Sun Weixia , Xin Ying , Wang Bo , Tan Yi , Cai Lu , Miao Lining , Fu Yaowen , Su Guanfang , Wang Yuehui
Published: March 2013

The present study tested whether MG132 increases vascular nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) expression and transcription to provide a therapeutic effect on diabetes-induced pathogenic changes in the aorta. To this end, three-month-old OVE26 diabetic and age-matched control mice were intraperitoneally injected with MG-132, 10 μg/kg daily for 3 months. OVE26 transgenic type 1 diabetic mice develop hyperglycemia at 2-3 weeks of age and exhibit albuminuria at 3 months of age with mild increases in TNF-αexpression and 3-NT accumulation in the aorta. Diabetes-induced significant increases in the wall thickness and structural derangement of aorta were found in OVE26 mice with significant increases in aortic oxidative and nitrosative damage, inflammation, and remodeling at 6 months of diabetes, but not at 3 months of diabetes. However, these pathological changes seen at the 6 months of diabetes were abolished in OVE26 mice treated with MG-132 for 3 months that were also associated with a significant increase in Nrf2 expression in the aorta as well as transcription of downstream genes. These results suggest that chronic treatment with low-dose MG132 can afford an effective therapy for diabetes-induced pathogenic changes in the aorta, which is associated with the increased Nrf2 expression and transcription.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Some New Heterocyclic Compounds Based on 6‐Chloropyridazine‐3(2H)‐thione
Authors: Abd El-Salam Nasser M. , Mostafa Mohamed S. , Ahmed Gamal A. , Alothman Othman Y.
Published: March 2013

Three tricyclic ring system, pyridazino[6,1‐b]quinazolin‐10‐ones, benzimidazolo‐pyridazine thione, and 1,2,4‐benzotriazino‐pyridazinethione along with imidazo‐[1,2‐b]‐pyridazinethione, 1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazine‐thione derivatives were synthesized starting from 6‐chloropyridazin3‐(2H)‐thione. Some disulfide and sulfide derivatives were also prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was tested. Some of these compounds possess a highly response against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria as well as fungi.
Adherence to Medications after Hospital Discharge in the Elderly
Authors: Mulhem Elie , Lick David , Varughese Jobin , Barton Eithne , Ripley Trevor , Haveman Joanna
Published: March 2013

Objectives. To evaluate the adherence rate to prescribed medications in elderly patients 24–48 hours after being discharged from the hospital. Methods. Family medicine residents visited patients over the age of 65 years at their homes one to two days after being discharged from the hospital and documented all the medications that they were taking since coming home from the hospital. The list of medications was later compared to the medications recorded in hospital discharge instructions. Results. Complete data was available for 46 participants. The average patient age was 76 years; 54.4% were women. Only three patients (6.5%) adhered completely to the discharge medication list found in the medical record. Thirty-six patients (78.2%) reported taking at least one additional prescription medication, twenty patients (43.4%) missed at least one prescription medication, twenty patients (43.4%) reported taking the wrong dose of at least one medication, and nineteen patients (41.3%) reported taking medications at an incorrect frequency. Conclusion. The vast majority of elderly patients in our study did not adhere to the medication regimen in the first two days after hospital discharge. Cost-effective improvements to hospital discharge processes are needed to improve adherence and reduce preventable posthospitalization complications.
Analysis of Similarity/Dissimilarity of DNA Sequences Based on Chaos Game Representation
Authors: Deng Wei , Luan Yihui
Published: March 2013

The Chaos Game is an algorithm that can allow one to produce pictures of fractal structures. Considering that the four bases A, G, C, and T of DNA sequences can be divided into three classes according to their chemical structure, we propose different kinds of CGR-walk sequences. Based on CGR coordinates of random sequences, we introduce some invariants for the DNA primary sequences. As an application, we can make the examination of similarity/dissimilarity among the first exon ofβ-globin gene of different species. The results indicate that our method is efficient and can get more biological information.
Role of Proopiomelanocortin Neuron Stat3 in Regulating Arterial Pressure and Mediating the Chronic Effects of Leptin
Authors: Dubinion John H. , do Carmo Jussara M. , Adi Ahmad , Hamza Shereen , da Silva Alexandre A. , Hall John E.
Published: March 2013

Although signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a key second messenger by which leptin regulates appetite and body weight, its role in specific neuronal populations in metabolic regulation and in mediating the chronic effects of leptin on blood pressure is unknown. The current study tested the hypothesis that Stat3 signaling in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons mediates the chronic effects of leptin on mean arterial pressure (MAP), as well as on glucose regulation, energy expenditure, and food intake. Stat3
flox/flox
mice were crossed with POMC-Cre mice to generate mice with Stat3 deletion specifically in POMC neurons (Stat3
flox/flox
/POMC-Cre). Oxygen consumption (V
o
2
), carbon dioxide respiration (V
co
2
), motor activity, heat production, food intake, and MAP were measured 24 hours/d. After baseline measurements, leptin was infused (4 μg/kg per min, IP) for 7 days. Stat3
flox/flox
/POMC-Cre mice were hyperphagic, heavier, and had increased respiratory quotients compared with control Stat3
flox/flox
mice. Baseline MAP was not different between the groups, and chronic leptin infusion reduced food intake similarly in both groups (27 versus 29%). V
o
2
, V
co
2
, and heat production responses to leptin were not significantly different in control and Stat3
flox/flox
/POMC-Cre mice. However, leptin-mediated increases in MAP were completely abolished, and blood pressure responses to acute air–jet stress were attenuated in male Stat3
flox/flox
/POMC-Cre mice. These results indicate that Stat3 signaling in POMC neurons is essential for leptin-mediated increases in MAP, but not for anorexic or thermogenic effects of leptin.
Mortality and Morbidity During and After Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial
Authors: Oparil Suzanne , Davis Barry R. , Cushman William C. , Ford Charles E. , Furberg Curt D. , Habib Gabriel B. , Haywood L. Julian , Margolis Karen , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Whelton Paul K. , Wright Jackson T.
Published: March 2013

To determine whether an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril) or calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) is superior to a diuretic (chlorthalidone) in reducing cardiovascular disease incidence in sex subgroups, we carried out a prespecified subgroup analysis of 15 638 women and 17 719 men in the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). Total follow-up (active treatment + passive surveillance using national administrative databases to ascertain deaths and hospitalizations) was 8 to 13 years. The primary outcome was fatal coronary heart disease or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, stroke, combined cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, coronary revascularization, heart failure [HF], or peripheral vascular disease), and end-stage renal disease. In-trial rates of HF, stroke, and combined cardiovascular disease were significantly higher for lisinopril compared with chlorthalidone, and rates of HF were significantly higher for amlodipine compared with chlorthalidone in both men and women. There were no significant treatment sex interactions. These findings did not persist through the extension period with the exception of the HF result for amlodipine versus chlorthalidone, which did not differ significantly by sex. For both women and men, rates were not lower in the amlodipine or lisinopril groups than in the chlorthalidone group for either the primary coronary heart disease outcome or any other cardiovascular disease outcome, and chlorthalidone-based treatment resulted in the lowest risk of HF. Neither lisinopril nor amlodipine is superior to chlorthalidone for initial treatment of hypertension in either women or men.

Clinical Trial Registration—

clinicaltrials.gov
; Identifier: NCT00000542.
Targeted Delivery of Carbaprostacyclin to Ischemic Hindlimbs Enhances Adaptive Remodeling of the Microvascular Network
Authors: Liu Xiaobing , Terry Toya , Pan Su , Yang Zhongwei , Willerson James T. , Dixon Richard A.F. , Liu Qi
Published: March 2013

Prostacyclin and its stable analogs play an important vascular protective role by promoting angiogenesis, but their role in arteriolar growth is unclear. Here, we examined the effect of prostacyclin stable analog carbaprostacyclin on arteriolar growth in mouse hindlimb ischemia. Using an osmotic-controlled release system to continuously deliver carbaprostacyclin or saline (control) to ischemic mouse hindlimbs for up to 14 days, we found that blood perfusion was significantly better at 7 and 14 days in carbaprostacyclin-treated mice than in saline-treated mice. Microscopic examination of the microvasculature showed more morphological signs of arteriolar formation in carbaprostacyclin- versus saline-treated legs. A double-blind, quantitative microcomputed tomography analysis indicated that carbaprostacyclin-treated legs had markedly increased vascular volume and small- to medium-sized vessel numbers that correspond to decreased vessel separation. A proteome profiler antibody array demonstrated that carbaprostacyclin-treated ischemic muscles secreted significantly higher amounts of acidic fibroblast growth factor and other chemokines. Conditioned media containing those secreted factors promoted smooth muscle cell growth and migration. Additionally, increased acidic fibroblast growth factor protein levels were detected in smooth muscle cells and skeletal myotubes at different time periods after carbaprostacyclin treatment. Furthermore, the selective peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor β/δ antagonist significantly suppressed carbaprostacyclin-induced acidic fibroblast growth factor protein production. Collectively, our data provide the first morphological and molecular evidence that local delivery of carbaprostacyclin promotes vascular growth in hindlimb ischemia, and that peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor β/δ signaling plays a critical role in inducing acidic fibroblast growth factor expression.
Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Profile After Placental Abruption
Authors: Veerbeek Jan H.W. , Smit Janine G. , Koster Maria P.H. , Uiterweer Emiel D. Post , van Rijn Bas B. , Koenen Steven V. , Franx Arie
Published: March 2013

The prevalence of premature cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increased in women with a history of maternal placental syndromes, including pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders (eg, preeclampsia), fetal growth restriction, and placental abruption. Whereas previous studies have shown a high prevalence of CVD risk factors after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, this has not been studied for women with a history of placental abruption. To explore the association of placental abruption with CVD risk factors after delivery, we compared 75 women with a history of placental abruption with a control group of 79 women with uneventful pregnancies at 6 to 9 months postpartum for the presence of common CVD risk factors. In a subanalysis, data were stratified according to the presence or absence of concomitant hypertensive disease and further adjusted for potential confounders. Women with previous placental abruption had significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure, body-mass index, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol as compared with controls with only uneventful pregnancies. In the subanalysis, all differences remained significant for women with a history of placental abruption only (ie, without concomitant gestational hypertension), except for the associations with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Most likely, the identified CVD risk factors predispose to placental abruption and development of premature CVD later in life.
Role of T Regulatory Lymphocytes in the Pathogenesis of High-Fructose Diet–Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Leibowitz Avshalom , Rehman Asia , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: March 2013

We recently showed that T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg), which are immune suppressors of inflammatory responses, play a role blunting the development of hypertension-induced injury. Treg are unchanged or decreased in children with metabolic syndrome, and therefore, their role in metabolic syndrome remains unclear. We hypothesized that Treg number or function would be depressed in a high-fructose diet–induced metabolic syndrome-like model in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed normal chow or a high-fructose diet for 5 weeks. The high-fructose diet–induced a 3.8-fold increase in plasma triglycerides and a 14% reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
P
<0.001). The high-fructose diet increased reactive oxygen species in aorta and periaortic adipose tissue 2.8-fold (
P
<0.05), and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity 1.9-fold in aorta, and 2.5-fold in the heart (
P
<0.05). It also increased plasma nitric oxide metabolite levels 6.4-fold (
P
<0.001). Western blots showed that the high-fructose diet increased ≥2.3-fold vascular and in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 in aorta (
P
<0.01). It did not affect monocyte/macrophage aortic infiltration but caused a 2.4-fold increase in collagen deposition in the aortic media (
P
<0.01). No change in plasma interleukin-10 was detected. The percentage of spleen CD4
+
CD25
−
and Treg (CD4
+
CD25
high
) cells was unaltered by the high-fructose diet. However, cultured Treg from high-fructose diet–fed rats secreted 62% less interleukin-10 than control cells (
P
<0.05), suggesting a decreased Treg function, which could play a role in the development of cardiovascular complications of the metabolic syndrome.
Fifty Shades of Grey: giving colour to the poorly known Angolan Ashy reed frog (Hyperoliidae: Hyperolius cinereus), with the description of a new species
Authors: CONRADIE WERNER , BRANCH WILLIAM R. , TOLLEY KRYSTAL A.
Published: March 2013

Phylogenetic reconstruction using the mitochondrial 16S marker shows that geographically separated populations of the poorly known Hyperolius cinereus (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Angola form two distinct clades. The description of H. cinereus was originally based on only a single preserved adult male. Fresh material of both sexes allowed a detailed redescription of the species, which is restricted mainly to the south-draining Cunene and Cubango river systems. Bioacoustic and morphological characters, in conjunction with colouration differences, allow the description of a cryptic sister species from Lagoa Carumbo in north-eastern Angola, occurring in the Luele and Lovuo river systems of the Congo drainage basin. Tadpoles, for H. cinereus and the new species, are described.
Three new species of Idiops Perty, 1833 (Araneae: Idiopidae) from India
Authors: GUPTA NEHA , GANESHKUMAR M. , DAS SANJAY KESHARI , SILIWAL MANJU
Published: March 2013

Three new species of the front-eyed trapdoor genus Idiops, viz., Idiops joida sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, I. mettupalayam sp. nov. from the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and I. oriya sp. nov. from Odhisa, are described. Natural history information for all these species is provided as is an identification key to Idiops species from South andSoutheast Asia.
Cyrtodactylus sanook (Squamata: Gekkonidae), a new cave-dwelling gecko from Chumphon Province, southern Thailand
Authors: PAUWELS OLIVIER S.G. , SUMONTHA MONTRI , LATINNE ALICE , GRISMER L. LEE
Published: March 2013

We describe a new cave-dwelling species, Cyrtodactylus sanook sp. nov., from Tham Sanook, Chumphon Province, southern Thailand, characterized by a maximum SVL of 79.5 mm; 18–20 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles at midbody; a continuous series of enlarged femoral and precloacal scales, no femoral pores, three or four precloacal pores in males (no pores in females), no precloacal groove nor depression; 19–20 subdigital lamellae on 4th toe; transversally enlarged subcaudal plates; and 6–7 irregular pale narrow dorsal bands between limb insertions. It seems endemic to this cave and is the 7th Thai Cyrtodactylus species that is known only from a cave environment.
Two new remarkable Callimicra Deyrolle, 1864 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae) from Central America
Authors: HESPENHEIDE HENRY A.
Published: March 2013

Collections from Panamá and the recent Arthropods of La Selva biodiversity inventory project in Costa Ricayielded specimens of two unusual species of the genus Callimicra Deyrolle, both of which exhibit striking color patterns. A brief review of the history of treatment of the genus is presented and the two new species are described and illustrated: Callimicra timmonsae sp.n. species, and C. prenai sp.n.