bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azole Binding Properties of
Candida albicans
Sterol 14-α Demethylase (CaCYP51)
Authors: Warrilow Andrew G. S. , Martel Claire M. , Parker Josie E. , Melo Nadja , Lamb David C. , Nes W. David , Kelly Diane E. , Kelly Steven L.
Published: July 2010

Purified
Candida albicans
sterol 14-α demethylase (CaCYP51) bound the CYP51 substrates lanosterol and eburicol, producing type I binding spectra with

K
s

values of 11 and 25 μM, respectively, and a

K
m

value of 6 μM for lanosterol. Azole binding to CaCYP51 was “tight” with both the type II spectral intensity (Δ
A
max
) and the azole concentration required to obtain a half-Δ
A
max
being proportional to the CaCYP51 concentration. Tight binding of fluconazole and itraconazole was confirmed by 50% inhibitory concentration determinations from CYP51 reconstitution assays. CaCYP51 had similar affinities for clotrimazole, econazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and voriconazole, with

K
d

values of 10 to 26 μM under oxidative conditions, compared with 47 μM for fluconazole. The affinities of CaCYP51 for fluconazole and itraconazole appeared to be 4- and 2-fold lower based on CO displacement studies than those when using direct ligand binding under oxidative conditions. Econazole and miconazole were most readily displaced by carbon monoxide, followed by clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole, and then voriconazole (7.8 pmol min
−1
), but itraconzole could not be displaced by carbon monoxide. This work reports in depth the characterization of the azole binding properties of wild-type
C. albicans
CYP51, including that of voriconazole, and will contribute to effective screening of new therapeutic azole antifungal agents. Preliminary comparative studies with the I471T CaCYP51 protein suggested that fluconazole resistance conferred by this mutation was through a combination of increased turnover, increased affinity for substrate, and a reduced affinity for fluconazole in the presence of substrate, allowing the enzyme to remain functionally active, albeit at reduced velocity, at higher fluconazole concentrations.
High Cefepime Plasma Concentrations and Neurological Toxicity in Febrile Neutropenic Patients with Mild Impairment of Renal Function
Authors: Lamoth F. , Buclin T. , Pascual A. , Vora S. , Bolay S. , Decosterd L. A. , Calandra T. , Marchetti O.
Published: July 2010

High-dose cefepime therapy is recommended for febrile neutropenia. Safety issues have been raised in a recent meta-analysis reporting an increased risk of mortality during cefepime therapy. Cefepime-related neurological toxicity has been associated with overdosing due to severe renal dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the association between cefepime plasma concentrations and neurological toxicity in febrile neutropenic patients. Cefepime trough concentrations (by high-performance liquid chromatography) were retrospectively analyzed for 30 adult febrile neutropenic patients receiving the recommended high-dose regimen (6 g/day for a glomerular filtration rate [GFR] of >50 ml/min). The dose adjustment to renal function was evaluated by the ratio of the cefepime daily dose per 100 ml/min of glomerular filtration. The association between cefepime plasma concentrations and neurological toxicity was assessed on the basis of consistent neurological symptoms and/or signs (by NCI criteria). The median cefepime concentration was 8.7 mg/liter (range, 2.1 to 38 mg/liter) at a median of 4 days (range, 2 to 15 days) after the start of therapy. Neurological toxicity (altered mental status, hallucinations, or myoclonia) was attributed to cefepime in 6/30 (20%) patients (median GFR, 45 ml/min; range, 41 to 65 ml/min) receiving a median dose of 13.2 g/day per 100 ml/min GFR (range, 9.2 to 14.3 g/day per 100 ml/min GFR). Cefepime discontinuation resulted in complete neurological recovery for five patients and improvement for one patient. A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed high cefepime concentrations as an independent predictor of neurological toxicity, with a 50% probability threshold at ≥22 mg/liter (
P
= 0.05). High cefepime plasma concentrations are associated with neurological toxicity in febrile neutropenic patients with mild renal dysfunction. Careful adherence to normalized dosing per 100 ml/min GFR is crucial. Monitoring of plasma concentrations may contribute to preventing neurological toxicity of high-dose therapy for this life-threatening condition.
Role of Catabolite Control Protein A in the Regulation of Intermedilysin Production byStreptococcus intermedius
Authors: Tomoyasu Toshifumi , Tabata Atsushi , Hiroshima Riki , Imaki Hidenori , Masuda Sachiko , Whiley Robert A. , Aduse-Opoku Joseph , Kikuchi Ken , Hiramatsu Keiichi , Nagamune Hideaki
Published: July 2010

Streptococcus intermediusis an opportunistic pathogen of humans that causes purulent infections, including brain and liver abscesses. This pathogen secretes a human-specific cytolysin, intermedilysin, which has been recognized as a major virulence factor. However, most of the expressional control mechanisms ofilyare still unknown. To determine these mechanisms, we analyzed the nucleotide sequence of theilypromoter region. We found a highly homologous region to the catabolite-repressible element (cre) in theilypromoter region and observed a considerable decrease in the amount of secreted intermedilysin when cells were grown in a culture medium containing high concentrations of glucose/utilizable carbohydrates. Disruption of theccpAgene, which encodes catabolite control protein A, did not induce catabolite repression ofilyby glucose/utilizable carbohydrates. Incremutants, catabolite repression ofilywas partially restored, and purified catabolite control protein A bound to an oligonucleotide containing thecreconsensus sequence in theilypromoter region. In addition, a prolonged lag phase and slower doubling time of theccpAmutant cells were observed. Our data show thatS. intermediuscan modulateilyexpression and growth rate through catabolite control protein A-mediated monitoring of the extracellular glucose/utilizable carbohydrate concentration.
Novel Conserved Group A Streptococcal Proteins Identified by the Antigenome Technology as Vaccine Candidates for a Non-M Protein-Based Vaccine
Authors: Fritzer Andrea , Senn Beatrice M. , Minh Duc Bui , Hanner Markus , Gelbmann Dieter , Noiges Birgit , Henics Tamás , Schulze Kai , Guzman Carlos A. , Goodacre John , von Gabain Alexander , Nagy Eszter , Meinke Andreas L.
Published: July 2010

Group A streptococci (GAS) can cause a wide variety of human infections ranging from asymptomatic colonization to life-threatening invasive diseases. Although antibiotic treatment is very effective, when left untreated,Streptococcus pyogenesinfections can lead to poststreptococcal sequelae and severe disease causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. To aid the development of a non-M protein-based prophylactic vaccine for the prevention of group A streptococcal infections, we identified novel immunogenic proteins using genomic surface display libraries and human serum antibodies from donors exposed to or infected byS. pyogenes. Vaccine candidate antigens were further selected based on animal protection in murine lethal-sepsis models with intranasal or intravenous challenge with two different M serotype strains. The nine protective antigens identified are highly conserved; eight of them show more than 97% sequence identity in 13 published genomes as well as in approximately 50 clinical isolates tested. Since the functions of the selected vaccine candidates are largely unknown, we generated deletion mutants for three of the protective antigens and observed that deletion of the gene encoding Spy1536 drastically reduced binding of GAS cells to host extracellular matrix proteins, due to reduced surface expression of GAS proteins such as Spy0269 and M protein. The protective, highly conserved antigens identified in this study are promising candidates for the development of an M-type-independent, protein-based vaccine to prevent infection byS. pyogenes.
Genetic Study of Capsular Switching between
Neisseria meningitidis
Sequence Type 7 Serogroup A and C Strains
Authors: Wang Quan , Shao Zhujun , Wang Xiaoting , Gao Yuan , Li Machao , Xu Li , Xu Jianguo , Wang Lei
Published: July 2010

Neisseria meningitidis
is a leading cause of septicemia and meningitis worldwide.
N. meningitidis
capsular polysaccharides have been classified into 13 distinct serogroups which are defined by antibody reactivity and structural analysis, and the capsule plays an important role in virulence. Serogroups A, B, C, W135, and Y have been reported to be clinically important. Several newly identified serogroup C isolates belonging to the unique sequence type 7 (ST-7) were identified in China. Since most ST-7 isolates from China belonged to serogroup A, the newly identified ST-7 serogroup C strains were proposed to have arisen from those belonging to ST-7 serogroup A. In this study, six ST-7 serogroup C and three ST-7 serogroup A isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to confirm their sequence type. In order to clarify the genetic basis of capsular switching between ST-7 serogroup A and C strains, the whole capsular gene clusters and surrounding genes of the two representative ST-7 strains belonging to serogroups A and C, respectively, were sequenced and compared. Potential recombination sites were analyzed using the RDP3 beta software, and recombination-related regions in two other ST-7 serogroup A and five ST-7 serogroup C strains were also sequenced and compared to the representative ST-7 serogroup A and C strain sequences.
Manage Migraine with Acupuncture: A Review of Acupuncture Protocols in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Hui , Chen Min , Wu Xi , Li Ying , Liang Fan-Rong
Published: July 2010

The aim of this article is to present a standardized protocol of acupuncture for the management of migraine. A systematic review of available randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for migraineurs was conducted in the five following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Information of selected acupoints and treatment course was extracted from the included trials. Then we analyzed the treatment methods used in these trials, to identify any similarities of therapeutic approaches. Additionally, quality of all the included trials was assessed. At last, the extracted information of acupuncture protocols was analyzed, and the similarities of therapeutic approaches were summed up. Bilateral use of the following points is recommended: Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), etc. De-qi sensation is requested in acupuncture manipulating procedure, and manual stimulation is suggested. The optimal treatment frequency is twice a week with one week rest between the first 10 and the last 10 sessions. Additionally, the duration of one treatment session ought to be 30 minutes, while it is recommended to use about 20 needles in one session. The total duration of an acupuncture treatment should be at least 10 weeks. The protocol analyzed from trials with positive results is different from trials with negative in number of treatment sessions. Therefore in future trials, enough acupuncture treatment sessions should be fully considered.
Chinese Medicine Acupoint Herbal Patching for Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hsu Wei-Hung , Ho Tsung-Jung , Huang Chih-Yang , Ho Hsu-Chueh , Liu Yi-Ling , Liu Hsu-Jan , Lai Ning-Sheng , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study is pursue the effect of herbal point-patch treatment on allergic rhinitis patients by investigation of the changes of serum total IgE (T-IgE) and eosinophile cationic protein (ECP) levels and through assessment of the results of SF-36 and rhinitis severity questionnaires. A prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel, controlled study was used. Forty- three eligible participants were selected from outpatients of the Dept. of Ear, Nose, and Throat and Chinese medicine clinic, and 33 eligible participants completed the treatment satisfactorily. Participants used a Chinese herbal point-patch or a placebo patch once a week, for three hours at a time, after being randomly assigned to a control or an experimental group. Each treatment course was three weeks in duration, and each participant underwent two courses of treatment. Before and after each course, participants evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment by completing a questionnaire, and blood samples were collected for T-IgE and ECP analysis. The data revealed that the acupoint herbal patch is a valuable treatment for allergic rhinitis, especially in the symptoms of sneezing, running and itchy nose. The results of the SF-36 indicate a distinct improvement in GH (general health) and VT (vitality) in patients treated with acupoint herbal patches. This study supports the belief that the acupoint herbal patch is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and can significantly improve general health, social life and vitality in quality of life.
External Qigong for Chronic Pain
Authors: Vincent Ann , Hill Jamia , Kruk Kelly M. , Cha Stephen S. , Bauer Brent A.
Published: July 2010

External qigong as a pharmacotherapy adjunct was investigated in 50 subjects with chronic pain (pain lasting > 3 months with pain score of ≥ 3 on 0–10 numeric analog scale) who presented to a qigong healing center. Participants were randomized to receive either external qigong treatment (EQT) or equivalent attention time (EAT) in weekly 30-min sessions for four consecutive weeks. Outcomes were assessed before and after sessions. The primary outcome measure was intensity of pain by a 10-cm visual analog scale used to rate all pain severity measurements. At 8-week follow-up, participants were contacted by telephone and mailed a questionnaire. Most had experienced pain for > 5 years (66%); the rest, for > 3 to 5 years (8%), 1 to 3 years (10%), or < 1 year but > 3 months (10%). The most frequent concomitant diagnoses were multifactorial (26%), osteoarthritis (18%), and low back pain (12%). Most patients were also receiving other treatments (74%); none previously had EQT. Participants were randomly assigned to EQT ( n = 26) or EAT ( n = 24). These groups had no significant differences at baseline except for prior awareness of qigong (EQT 31% vs. EAT 63%; p = 0.025). Compared to the EAT group, EQT participants had a significant decrease in pain intensity in the 2nd ( p = 0.003), 3rd ( p < 0.001), and 4th weeks of treatment ( p = 0.003). At week 8, these differences in overall decreased pain intensity persisted but were not statistically significant.
Uncaria rhynchophyllaUpregulates the Expression of MIF and Cyclophilin A in Kainic Acid-Induced Epilepsy Rats: A Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Lo Wan-Yu , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Tang Nou-Ying , Su Shan-Yu , Lin Shinn-Zong , Chen Chun-Chung , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: July 2010

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is a traditional Chinese herb and is used for the treatment of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy. Our previous study has shown that UR, as well as its major component rhynchophylline (RH), has an anticonvulsive effect and this effect is closely related to its scavenging activities of oxygen free radicals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of (UR) on the expression of proteins using a proteomics analysis in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures. We profiled the differentially expressed proteins on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) maps derived from the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rat brain tissue 24 hours after KA-induced epileptic seizures. The results indicated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and cyclophilin A were under expressed in frontal cortex by an average of 0.19- and 0.23-fold, respectively. In the frontal cortex, MIF and cyclophilin A were significantly decreased in the KA group and these decreases were confirmed by the Western blots. However, in the hippocampus, only cyclophilin A was significantly decreased in the KA group. In addition, in real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), MIF and cyclophilin A gene expressions were also significantly under expressed in the frontal cortex, and only the cyclophilin A gene was also significantly under expressed in the hippocampus in the KA group. These under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A could be overcome by the treatment of UR and RH. In conclusion, the under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in KA-treated rats, which were overcome by both UR and UH treatment, suggesting that both MIF and cyclophilin A at least partly participate in the anticonvulsive effect of UR.
Hepatoprotective Effect ofScoparia dulcison Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Tsai Jen-Chieh , Peng Wen-Huang , Chiu Tai-Hui , Huang Shun-Chieh , Huang Tai-Hung , Lai Shang-Chih , Lai Zhen-Rung , Lee Chao-Ying
Published: July 2010

This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and active constituents of the ethanol extract of Scoparia dulcis (SDE). The hepatoprotective effect of SDE (0.1, 0.5 and 1 g/kg) was evaluated on the carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4)-induced acute liver injury. The active constituents were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mice pretreated orally with SDE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) and silymarin (200 mg/kg) for five consecutive days before the administering of a single dose of 0.2% CCl4(10 ml/kg of bw, ip) showed a significant inhibition of the increase of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Histological analyses also showed that SDE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) and silymarin reduced the extent of liver lesions induced by CCl4, including vacuole formation, neutrophil infiltration and necrosis. Moreover, SDE decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and elevated the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver as compared to those in the CCl4group. Furthermore, SDE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) enhanced the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The quantities of active constituents in SDE were about 3.1 mg luteolin/g extract and 1.1 mg apigenin/g extract. The hepatoprotective mechanisms of SDE were likely associated to the decrease in MDA level and increase in GSH level by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, GRd and GST. These results demonstrated that SDE could alleviate CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice.
Inhibitory Effects of Active Fraction and Its Main Components of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction on Uterus Contraction
Authors: Su Shulan , Hua Yongqing , Duan Jin-Ao , Zhou Wei , Shang Erxin , Tang Yuping
Published: July 2010

Shaofu Zhuyu decoction is a famous formula for treating primary dysmenorrhea in China since the Qing dynasty. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of active-guided fraction and its main bioactive components of Shaofu Zhuyu decoction on a model of non-pregnant mice uterine contraction induced by oxytocin in vitro were investigated. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses were used to correlate the chemical composition of active fraction with the spasmolytic effects. Seven ingredients in the active fraction were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD. Three ingredients, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and typhaneoside, were evaluated for their effects on mice isolated uterine contraction induced by oxytocin in vitro. The ED50 of them were 63.0 μg/ml, 57.6 μg/ml, 109.7 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of the combination of these three compounds was prior to the fraction and seven compounds group. The ED50 was 65.5 μg/ml. The data stated that ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and typhaneoside were possibly the main active components in the bioactive fraction of Shaofu Zhuyu decoction. The study also implied that Shaofu Zhuyu decoction may have direct inhibitory effects on the contractility of the mice uterus and justified the traditional use of the prescription for treating the uterine cramping associated dysmenorrhea.
Extract ofTripterygium wilfordiiHook F Protect Dopaminergic Neurons Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Damage
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Chen Hui-Ling , Yang Gengliang
Published: July 2010

Activation of microglia is a critical pathological marker of Parkinson's disease. Activated microglia produces proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors, which cause neurons to induce neurodegeneration. Although it is believed that Chinese herbs, such as Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, can ease inflammatory diseases, little is known about its benefit to neurodegenerative disease, like Parkinson's disease. In this study, we report the extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F with a novel extraction method significantly protected dopaminergic neurons from LPS-induced degeneration in rat mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures. Cells pretreated with the extract have shown dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced TNFα and excessive NO production. More importantly, the total number of activated microglia was greatly reduced in these pretreated cells. Our results suggest that the extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F has a strong bioactive function to diminish the pro-inflammatory factors, such as TNFα and NO. These data might also shed light for future neurodegenerative disease therapy.
EFFICIENT NEIGHBORHOOD SEARCH FOR THE PROBABILISTIC MULTI-VEHICLE PICKUP AND DELIVERY PROBLEM
Authors: BERALDI PATRIZIA , GHIANI GIANPAOLO , MUSMANNO ROBERTO , VOCATURO FRANCESCA
Published: July 2010

This paper deals with the probabilistic multi-vehicle pickup and delivery problem. We develop an efficient neighborhood evaluation procedure which allows to reduce the computational complexity by two orders of magnitude with respect to a straightforward approach. The numerical experiments indicate that, if incorporated in a local search strategy, our neighborhood evaluation technique, provides very good results in terms of computation time reduction and equity of the workload distribution among the available vehicles.
A MIXED-INTEGER LINEAR PROGRAMMING (MILP) MODEL FOR SHORT-RANGE PRODUCTION SCHEDULING OF CEMENT QUARRY OPERATIONS
Authors: REHMAN SAFI UR , ASAD MOHAMMAD WAQAR ALI
Published: July 2010

A limestone quarry is the major source for supplying raw materials for cement manufacturing operations. Depending upon the available reserves, a quarry is divided into thousands of mineable blocks. Hence, raw materials inventory is identified in terms of a block model projecting the quantity and quality of critical chemical constituents desired in the cement manufacturing process. An individual block never satisfies the process quality constraints; therefore, the blending of various quarry blocks with few additives purchased from the market becomes a prerequisite. As each block is represented as an integer (0-1) variable, the objective of an optimal quarry production scheduling model is sequential mining of these blocks such that the plant quantity and quality requirements are satisfied at the lowest possible cost. This paper presents a new mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) based blending optimization model accomplishing the defined objective as a short-range production planning tool. The benefits of the model are established through a case study of an existing cement manufacturing operation in the northern part of Pakistan, ensuring significant cost savings compared to schedules produced manually.
NEW SIMULATED ANNEALING ALGORITHMS FOR CONSTRAINED OPTIMIZATION
Authors: ÖZDAMAR LINET , PEDAMALLU CHANDRA SEKHAR
Published: July 2010

We propose a Population based dual-sequence Non-Penalty Annealing algorithm (PNPA) for solving the general nonlinear constrained optimization problem. The PNPA maintains a population of solutions that are intermixed by crossover to supply a new starting solution for simulated annealing throughout the search. Every time the search gets stuck at a local optimum, this crossover procedure is triggered and simulated annealing search re-starts from a new subspace. In both the crossover and simulated annealing procedures, the objective function value and the total solution infeasibility degrees are treated as separate performance criteria. Feasible solutions are assessed according to their objective function values and infeasible solutions are assessed with regard to their absolute degree of constraint infeasibility. In other words, in the proposed approach, there exist two sequences of solutions: the feasible sequence and the infeasible sequence. We compare the population based dual sequence PNPA with the standard single sequence Penalty Annealing (the PA), and with the random seed dual sequence Non-Penalty Annealing (NPA). Numerical experiments show that PNPA is more effective than its counterparts.
DEA PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT OF THE NATIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEM IN ASIA AND EUROPE
Authors: PAN TA-WEI , HUNG SHIU-WAN , LU WEN-MIN
Published: July 2010

This paper reconciles diverse efficiency measures to characterize the operating performance of the National Innovation System (NIS) in 33 Asian and European countries. NIS efficiency rating should be considered as a key element for achieving greater innovation and competitive advantages. This study applies the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach with the traditional DEA models, bilateral models, and critical performance measures, respectively, combing multiple outputs and inputs to measure the magnitude of performance difference between the countries. Empirical results indicate that the overall technical inefficiencies of the NIS activities in these countries are primarily due to the pure technical inefficiencies rather than the scale inefficiencies. Korea and Taiwan perform very well on their NISs and rank numbers 1 and 2 respectively on the Asian list, while Romania ranks number 1 among the European countries. In addition, the Asian countries are generally better performers than the European countries in production activities. Finally, the key input/output influencing the countries' NIS performance have been identified. The innovative features of Korea, Taiwan and Romania are also discussed.
INTEGRATED DYNAMIC PRICING FOR SEASONAL PRODUCTS WITH PRICE AND TIME DEPENDENT DEMAND
Authors: SAHA SUBRATA , BASU MANJUSRI
Published: July 2010

In this paper, an inventory model for deteriorating items with ramp-type time and price dependent consumption rate over a finite planning horizon is considered. In contrast to the traditional deterministic inventory model with static price over the entire planning horizon or fixed number of price changes over the finite time horizon, an alternative model is derived in which prices and the number of price change are to be decision variables. We show that the total profit function is concave. With the concavity, a solution procedure is presented to determine optimal prices, optimal number of pricing cycles and optimal lot size and optimal profit. We illustrate the model with numerical examples. Sensitivity analysis of the model is also carried out.
OPTIMAL MANPOWER PLANNING DECISION WITH SINGLE EMPLOYEE TYPE CONSIDERING MINIMAL EMPLOYMENT PERIOD CONSTRAINT
Authors: LI YONGJIAN , CHEN JIAN , CAI XIAOQIANG , TU BENGSHENG
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we investigate a manpower planning problem with single employee type over a long planning horizon. The dynamic demand for manpower must be fulfilled by allocating enough number of employees and each employee has a minimal employment period. A cost objective is concerned where the costs for every employee include salary, recruitment and dismissal costs, in particular, setup cost when recruitment activity occurs in one period. In this paper we first formulate the problem as a dynamic programming model. Then we derive properties of the problem and propose an algorithm to minimize the total manpower-related cost over the entire planning horizon. Next we discuss the influence on the optimal states of changing some parameters and provide the sensitivity analysis of the optimal states concerning the future demands. Finally, we report computational results to illustrate the correctness of the approach and to analyze the influence on the optimal states of changing parameters or changing future demands.
DOUBLE-REFERENCE INDEX FOR MOTION RETRIEVAL BY ISOMAP DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION
Authors: XIANG JIAN , ZHENG ZHIJUN
Published: July 2010

Along with the development of the motion capture (mocap) technique, large-scale 3D motion databases have become increasingly available. In this paper, a novel approach is presented for motion retrieval based on double-reference index (DRI). Due to the high dimensionality of motion's features, Isomap nonlinear dimension reduction is used. In addition, an algorithmic framework is employed to approximate the optimal mapping function by a Radial Basis Function (RBF) in handling new data. Subsequently, a DRI is built based on selecting a small set of representative motion clips in the database. Thus, the candidate set is obtained by discarding the most unrelated motion clips to significantly reduce the number of costly similarity measures. Finally, experimental results show that these approaches are effective for motion data retrieval in large-scale databases.
AUTOMATED MICROARRAY IMAGE GRIDDING USING IMAGE PROJECTION VECTORS COUPLED WITH POWER SPECTRUM MODEL
Authors: DENG NING , DUAN HUILONG
Published: July 2010

Microarray technology has been increasingly recognized as a powerful means for monitoring the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. Microarray image processing is an essential aspect of microarray experiment, of which gridding is thought to be the most important step of spot recognition. Many times, microarray image gridding requires assisted intervention to achieve the acceptable accuracy. In this paper, an automatic microarray image gridding algorithm was presented by using image projection vectors together with power spectrum model. For obtaining grid position, the image projection vectors were utilized by adequately considering the grid parameters. On the other hand, as a preprocessing procedure of microarray gridding, detection of the grid rotation was involved in our study by using power spectrum analyses of the image projection vectors. Our approach has been evaluated by three different microarray datasets. Experimental comparisons with up-to-date approaches by using both synthetic and real image data are demonstrated. The gridding result was shown to be very accurate, and able to provide correct gridding dataset for the downstream microarray analyses. In summary, our study demonstrated the combination of image projection vectors with power spectrum model as a powerful strategy for microarray image gridding.
ON THE NEW DESIGN OF SINUSOID VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATORS USING MULTIPLIER IN CFA-BASED DOUBLE INTEGRATOR LOOP
Authors: NAGARIA R. K. , SINGH RAKESH KUMAR , WAIRYA SUBODH
Published: July 2010

The design and analysis of some new voltage controlled oscillators with sinewave output are proposed. The configurations are based on the implementation of double-integrator loop (DIL) using the Current Feedback Amplifier (CFA) device. For voltage control of the time constants of the DIL, the ICL-8013 multiplier element has been appropriately utilized in a feedforward/feedback connection within the loop. The oscillation frequency (ωo) is tunable by the d.c. control voltage (Vc) of the multiplier. The active ωo-sensitivity relative to the CFA port errors (ε) is quite low. The VCO practical performance had been tested both with hardware implementation and with PSPICE macromodel simulation, in a typical frequency range of 50 KHz–1.5 MHz.
NEW REALIZATIONS OF VOLTAGE-MODE QUADRATURE OSCILLATORS USING CURRENT DIFFERENCING BUFFERED AMPLIFIERS
Authors: LAHIRI ABHIRUP
Published: July 2010

A number of sinusoidal oscillators using current differencing buffered amplifiers (CDBAs) have been reported in the literature. However, only three of them are canonic quadrature oscillators (i.e., requiring two capacitors). The aim of this letter is to present additional realizations of single/dual-resistance-controlled quadrature oscillators using CDBAs. Four voltage-mode quadrature oscillators are proposed, which provide the following advantageous features: (i) use of reduced and canonic component count, viz. two CDBAs, three/four resistors and two capacitors, (ii) all passive components are grounded or virtually grounded, which is favorable from integration point of view and (iii) independent and non-interactive resistor control of the condition of oscillation (CO) and the frequency of oscillation (FO). Simulation results verifying the workability of the proposed circuits have been included.
A COMPACT MEMORY-FREE ARCHITECTURE FOR THE AES ALGORITHM USING RESOURCE SHARING METHODS
Authors: JEON YONG-SUNG , KIM YOUNG-JIN , LEE DONG-HO
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a resource-shared 8-bit (RS8) architecture for the AES algorithm, which aims at compacting the hardware architecture and allows hardware resources to be shared efficiently between encryption and decryption without using a memory. The RS8 architecture only requires one combined S-box/S-1-box for encryption, decryption and key expansion. The RS8 architecture implements the multiplicative inverse in the composite field GF((24)2) with resource sharing methods. In addition, the number of XOR gates used by the proposed combined MixColumns/InvMixColumns module is less than half that of the conventional 32-bit architecture. When comparing the RS8 architecture with the conventional 32-bit architecture on a Xilinx Spartan2 FPGA, the number of total equivalent slices is reduced by 51%. Additionally, the highest operation frequency of the RS8 architecture is 66 MHz, and the throughput is 24 Mbps. Therefore, the performance of the RS8 architecture is sufficient for low-area applications such as wireless network devices and radio frequency identification (RFID).
THE EFFECT OF CORTICO-THALAMIC CONNECTIONS ON THE DIVERSITY OF CORTICAL ACTIVATIONS AS MODELED BY THE ISING MODEL
Authors: DA SILVA RENATO APARECIDO PIMENTEL , COSTA LUCIANO DA FONTOURA
Published: July 2010

The influence of the thalamus on the diversity of cortical activations is investigated in terms of the Ising model with respect to progressive levels of cortico-thalamic connectivity. The results show that better diversity is achieved at lower modulation levels, being higher than those obtained with counterpart network models.
SIMPLEST CHAOTIC CIRCUIT
Authors: MUTHUSWAMY BHARATHWAJ , CHUA LEON O.
Published: July 2010

A chaotic attractor has been observed with an autonomous circuit that uses only two energy-storage elements: a linear passive inductor and a linear passive capacitor. The other element is a nonlinear active memristor. Hence, the circuit has only three circuit elements in series. We discuss this circuit topology, show several attractors and illustrate local activity via the memristor's DC vM - iM characteristic.
MODELING POLYMERIC CONTROLLED DRUG RELEASE AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN THE ARTERIAL TISSUE
Authors: FORMAGGIA L. , MINISINI S. , ZUNINO P.
Published: July 2010

We introduce and analyze a model for simulating the release of a drug from a polymeric matrix into the arterial tissue, with the aim to describe the phenomena that occur after the implantation of a cardiovascular drug eluting stent (DES). The main processes occurring in the polymeric matrix are drug dissolution and diffusion. Moreover, surface erosion, which consists in mass loss due to the degradation of the polymeric network, is considered as well. The drug eluted from the matrix is released in the arterial wall, modeled as a homogeneous porous medium. By consequence, we assume that drug molecules are transported by diffusion and convection. Moreover, inside the tissue the reversible reaction of the drug with specific binding sites is taken into account and the coupled problem of mass transfer between matrix and tissue is formulated. It is shown that the mass conservation principle leads to nonstandard boundary coupling conditions to describe the transfer of the drug between the matrix and the arterial wall. Then, the problem at hand is solved numerically, highlighting the importance of enforcing mass conservation and focusing on the influence of the polymer erosion on the drug release profile and drug distribution in the tissue.
ON GLOBAL SPATIAL REGULARITY AND CONVERGENCE RATES FOR TIME-DEPENDENT ELASTO-PLASTICITY
Authors: KNEES DOROTHEE
Published: July 2010

We study the global spatial regularity of solutions of generalized elasto-plastic models with linear hardening on smooth domains. Under natural smoothness assumptions on the data and the boundary we obtain u ∈ L∞((0, T); H3/2-δ(Ω)) for the displacements and z ∈ L∞((0, T); H1/2-δ(Ω)) for the internal variables. The proof relies on a reflection argument which gives the regularity result in directions normal to the boundary on the basis of tangential regularity results. Based on the regularity results we derive convergence rates for a finite element approximation of the models.
EXISTENCE RESULT FOR THE COUPLING PROBLEM OF TWO SCALAR CONSERVATION LAWS WITH RIEMANN INITIAL DATA
Authors: BOUTIN BENJAMIN , CHALONS CHRISTOPHE , RAVIART PIERRE-ARNAUD
Published: July 2010

This paper is devoted to the coupling problem of two scalar conservation laws through a fixed interface located for instance at x = 0. Each scalar conservation law is associated with its own (smooth) flux function and is posed on a half-space, namely x < 0 or x > 0. At interface x = 0 we impose a coupling condition whose objective is to enforce in a weak sense the continuity of a prescribed variable, which may differ from the conservative unknown (and the flux functions as well). We prove the existence of a solution to the coupled Riemann problem using a constructive approach. The latter allows in particular to highlight interesting features like non-uniqueness of both continuous and discontinuous (at interface x = 0) solutions. The behavior of some numerical scheme is also investigated.
ACTIVE INNOVATION — CASE STUDY IN SMART EXERCISE ENVIRONMENTS: COMPARING TRADITIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INNOVATION METHODS
Authors: JÄRVILEHTO MIKKO , SIMILÄ JOUNI , LIUKKUNEN KARI
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this paper is to improve the existing methods of building new product concepts in a qualitative "two-case" case study with action research approach combined with method comparison. Companies need an effective method to create radical product concepts and product visions. The commonly used focus group method is too simplistic for achieving deep understanding about the user needs. Innovation competitions are seen as a solution to the following major industry challenges: ineffectiveness of traditional market research, structural innovation gap, closed innovation paradigm, and the low amount, low quality and low variance of innovation opportunities. A new design for next generation innovation competition, the "InnoCoop" method, is introduced. InnoCoop produces more holistic product concepts, involves management in participation, is active in terms of working methods, offers more surprise elements, and produces more creative ideas. Traditional method produces singular, but concrete ideas and is more passive in terms of working methods.
FORGING INTO THE INNOVATION LEAD — A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY
Authors: CHUANG YUN-WEN , LEE LING-CHU , HUNG WEN-CHI , LIN PIN-HUA
Published: July 2010

This study, through bibliometric data, adopts the concept of Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) to apply in publication of scientific fields for observing the feature of scientific capacity of a nation. Following that, we utilize a hierarchical clustering method to conduct national clustering according to the RCA scores of publication in 24 scientific fields of each nation. A nation can thoroughly review its relative position, identify other nations with the same characteristics, and understand different clusters' features of scientific capacity. The result also provides a reference that enables researchers to review, explore, and learn about the factors behind the innovation system in the representative clusters or nations. By leveraging the clustering result, this knowledge also allows the nation to grasp opportunities to create innovation by cooperating with other nations that have different comparative advantages. As a result, by accumulating innovation capacity in these research network collaborations, the nation can maintain its innovation momentum and then forge into the innovation lead constantly.
On the V‐Line Radon Transform and Its Imaging Applications
Authors: Morvidone M. , Nguyen M. K. , Truong T. T. , Zaidi H.
Published: July 2010

Radon transforms defined on smooth curves are well known and extensively studied in the literature. In this paper, we consider a Radon transform defined on a discontinuous curve formed by a pair of half‐lines forming the vertical letter V. If the classical two‐dimensional Radon transform has served as a work horse for tomographic transmission and/or emission imaging, we show that this V‐line Radon transform is the backbone of scattered radiation imaging in two dimensions. We establish its analytic inverse formula as well as a corresponding filtered back projection reconstruction procedure. These theoretical results allow the reconstruction of two‐dimensional images from Compton scattered radiation collected on a one‐dimensional collimated camera. We illustrate the working principles of this imaging modality by presenting numerical simulation results.
A Simple Theoretical Comparison between Two Basic Schemes in Function of the Earth's North Pole Detection: The Static Method
Authors: Sandoval-Romero G. Eduardo , Argueta-Díaz Víctor
Published: July 2010

The objective of this paper is to compare two gyrocompass' schemes for the detection of Earth's true north. These schemes are refered to as dynamic and static methods. We present a model to characterize the sensitivity of each model as a function of the output signal of the sensor element. We use a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) as the sensor element.
Chaos Control of a Fractional‐Order Financial System
Authors: Abd-Elouahab Mohammed Salah , Hamri Nasr-Eddine , Wang Junwei
Published: July 2010

Fractional‐order financial system introduced by W.‐C. Chen (2008) displays chaotic motions at order less than
3. In this paper we have extended the nonlinear feedback control in ODE systems to fractional‐order systems, in order to eliminate the chaotic behavior. The results are proved analytically
by applying the Lyapunov linearization method and stability condition for fractional system.
Moreover numerical simulations are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control
scheme.
The Near‐Ring of Lipschitz Functions on a Metric Space
Authors: Farag Mark , van der Merwe Brink
Published: July 2010

This paper treats near‐rings of zero‐preserving Lipschitz functions on metric spaces that are also abelian groups, using pointwise addition of functions as addition and composition of functions as multiplication. We identify a condition on the metric ensuring that the set of all such Lipschitz functions is a near‐ring, and we investigate the complications that arise from the lack of left distributivity in the resulting right near‐ring. We study the behavior of the set of invertible Lipschitz functions, and we initiate an investigation into the ideal structure of normed near‐rings of Lipschitz functions. Examples are given to illustrate the results and to demonstrate the limits of the theory.
Segregation and Integration: A Study of the Behaviors of Investors with Extended Value Functions
Authors: Egozcue Martin , Wong Wing-Keung
Published: July 2010

This paper extends prospect theory, mental accounting, and the hedonic editing model by developing an analytical theory to explain the behavior of investors with extended value functions in segregating or integrating multiple outcomes when evaluating mental accounting.
CMV Enteritis Causing Massive Intestinal Hemorrhage in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Morunglav Mihaiela , Theate Ivan , Bertin Gilles , Hantson Philippe
Published: July 2010

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is rare in previously immunocompetent patients. We report a case of CMV enteritis complicated by massive intestinal bleeding.Case History. A 72-year-old immunocompetent patient was admitted for diarrhea and abdominal pain. Aspecific pattern of duodenitis was found at abdomen computed tomography and on biopsies during endoscopy. A diagnosis of vasculitis was suspected on the basis of the clinical and biological course (skin lesions, arthralgias, proteinuria, low complement C3 and C4 fractions, etc.) and pulse steroid therapy was prescribed. The patient developed multiple episodes of intestinal bleeding with shock and required urgent laparotomy. Jejunitis due to CMV vasculitis was proven by histological examination of the operative specimen. Treatment with ganciclovir was initiated. No bleeding recurrence was noted. No other lesions from CMV infection were observed. The patient died from unrelated complications.Discussion. CMV enteritis is a rare cause of intestinal bleeding particularly in previously immunocompetent patients. Aging could be accompanied by a relative immune weakness and specific antiviral therapy seems to be indicated.
Mycoplasma,Ureaplasma, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Fresh Look
Authors: Larsen Bryan , Hwang Joseph
Published: July 2010

Recent work on the Molicutes that associate with genital tract tissues focuses on four species that may be of interest in potential maternal, fetal, and neonatal infection and in contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes.Mycoplasma hominisandUreaplasma urealyticumhave historically been the subject of attention, butMycoplasma genitaliswhich causes male urethritis in addition to colonizing the female genital tract and the division ofUreaplasmainto two species,urealyticumandparvum, has also added new taxonomic clarity. The role of these genital tract inhabitants in infection during pregnancy and their ability to invade and infect placental and fetal tissue is discussed. In particular, the role of some of these organisms in prematurity may be mechanistically related to their ability to induce inflammatory cytokines, thereby triggering pathways leading to preterm labor. A review of this intensifying exploration of the mycoplasmas in relation to pregnancy yields several questions which will be important to examine in future research.
Strategies for Cancer Vaccine Development
Authors: Vergati Matteo , Intrivici Chiara , Huen Ngar-Yee , Schlom Jeffrey , Tsang Kwong Y.
Published: July 2010

Treating cancer with vaccines has been a challenging field of investigation since the 1950s. Over the years, the lack of effective active immunotherapies has led to the development of numerous novel strategies. However, the use of therapeutic cancer vaccines may be on the verge of becoming an effective modality. Recent phase II/III clinical trials have achieved hopeful results in terms of overall survival. Yet despite these encouraging successes, in general, very little is known about the basic immunological mechanisms involved in vaccine immunotherapy. Gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern the specific immune responses (i.e., cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4 T helper cells, T regulatory cells, cells of innate immunity, tumor escape mechanisms) elicited by each of the various vaccine platforms should be a concern of cancer vaccine clinical trials, along with clinical benefits. This review focuses on current strategies employed by recent clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccines and analyzes them both clinically and immunologically.
An Introduction to Continuum Distorted Wave Theory
Authors: Crothers D. S. F.
Published: July 2010

The author gives an introduction to Continuum Distorted Wave theory, in the form of a brief review.