bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterisation of an H3N8 equine influenza virus in Australia, 2007
Authors: Watson J , Halpin K , Selleck P , Axell A , Bruce K , Hansson E , Hammond J , Daniels P , Jeggo M
Published: June 2011

Before 2007, equine influenza had never been diagnosed in Australia. On 22 August 2007, infection was confirmed in horses at Eastern Creek Animal Quarantine Station near Sydney. The virus subsequently isolated (A/equine/Sydney/2888‐8/2007) was confirmed by sequence analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) gene as an H3 virus of the variant American Florida lineage that is now referred to as Clade 1. The HA sequence of the virus was identical to that of a virus isolated from a contemporaneous outbreak in Japan and showed high homology to viruses circulating in North America.
Surveillance and prevention in a non‐affected state: Victoria
Authors: Paskin R
Published: June 2011

The equine influenza outbreak detected in August 2007 in New South Wales and Queensland did not enter Victoria, which was, however, considered at risk because of its sizable border with New South Wales. Accordingly, Victoria implemented a response plan to prevent disease entry and enable early detection of any disease. Horse movement restrictions, surveillance strategies and public awareness formed a large part of this response.
Equine influenza immunity in the Special Restricted Area (Purple Zone) of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Wilson G , Cooper K , Williams J , Eastwood S , Peake C
Published: June 2011

The 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak in New South Wales (NSW) consisted of a central infected area that extended south from the lower New England Tableland, across the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and the Sydney basin, and a series of isolated clusters outside this area across rural NSW. The central area was assigned the status of a Purple Zone (Special Restricted Area, SRA) approximately 1 month after the outbreak commenced. Within this SRA, the eradication program's focus was to increase the proportion of horses immune to EI via vaccination, thus reducing the susceptible proportion to a level below the critical threshold for EI spread. An estimated 84–87% of all horse‐owning premises achieved immunity to EI by the end of the outbreak. A high proportion (60–90%) of premises within most parts of the SRA became naturally infected with EI, and the rate of newly infected premises fell to low levels before EI vaccination commenced. Immunity to EI from very rapid natural spread appears to have been the most important factor in disease eradication within the SRA.
Hygiene practices to prevent the spread of equine influenza by humans
Authors: Major DA
Published: June 2011

This paper describes a protocol for hygiene practices that was devised by a practice in which all veterinarians were involved on a daily basis in visiting infected premises, including sampling, treatment of clinical cases and general veterinary work. This protocol was strictly followed when attending an infected or at risk property.
Impact of the Australian equine influenza outbreak on a small business that was not infected
Authors: Myers J
Published: June 2011

At the outbreak of equine influenza (EI) we chose to close our horse‐based business, as we did not want to risk our horses contracting the disease and the demand for our services ceased. We report our experiences of the outbreak.
Internet‐based survey of horse owners for mortality and morbidity related to equine influenza in the 2007 Australian epidemic
Authors: Smyth GB , Dagley K
Published: June 2011

Anecdotally, some sections of the horse community were under the impression that there was a high mortality rate in horses in 2007 because of the EI epidemic. A survey of horse deaths in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (NSW) in 2007 indicated that there were few infections and deaths attributable to equine influenza (EI) infections in foals, but other authors found a very high seroprevalence across all age classes. This study aimed to generate objective information on mortality and morbidity rates associated with EI in Australian horses during the 2007 epidemic.
Proof of freedom from equine influenza infection in Australia in 2007–08
Authors: Scott‐Orr H
Published: June 2011

The challenges faced in demonstrating Australia's freedom from equine influenza following the outbreak in 2007–08 and the responding strategy developed by the Proof of Freedom Working Group are presented.
Peptide Release upon Photoconversion of 2‐Nitrobenzyl Compounds into Nitroso Derivatives
Authors: Nakayama Koji , Heise Inge , Görner Helmut , Gärtner Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

The photoinduced conversion via the aci‐nitro into the nitroso form was studied for 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl alcohols attached to various leaving groups: amino acids histidine (NHis) and aspartate (NAsp) as well as their fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl derivatives (FHis) and (FAsp). In addition, two peptides containing either of the two amino acids were studied, carrying the photoreactive group attached to a histidine (PHis), or to an aspartate (PAsp). The aci‐nitro forms with maximum at λaci = 420 nm were observed for FHis and FAsp after the decay of a triplet–triplet absorption, analogous to those of other 2‐nitrobenzyl type compounds. For both FHis and FAsp the quantum yield of photoconversion Φp is 0.03 and for the peptides PHis and PAsp ca 0.01 and 0.005, respectively.
A Metamorphic Core Complex Model for the Host of Uranium Mineralization in the Khoshoumi Mountain, Central Iran
Authors: YASSAGHI Ali , MASOODI Mehdi
Published: June 2011

A metamorphic core complex model is proposed for Khoshoumi Mountain uranium mineralization located in the Bafq–Saghand metallogenic zone of central Iran. Uranium mineralization occurred in the Chapedoni metamorphic complex. Detailed structural analysis of the complex leads to the interpretation that the mineralization is spatially concentrated in a low angle shear zone of mylonitized migmatite, the lower ductile part of the Chapedoni metamorphic complex. The shear zone that has top to the NE sense of shear in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the mountain and top to the WNW sense of shear in the southwestern part is a detachment zone to the Chapedoni Metamorphic Core Complex (CMCC). The Eocene granite is the plutonic core to the CMCC. The shear zone is cut by several NE‐trending left‐lateral strike‐slip faults. This later faulting is interpreted to account for the significant enrichment of uranium in the southern part of the mountain. The bimodal distribution of radiometric data gathered from exploratory drill holes in this part of the mountain constrains this interpretation. That is, the lower value is from the shear zone across the area but the higher value is from the places that the shear zone is cut by the transverse faults.
Comparisons of computed tomography, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging in horses with lameness localised to the foot. Part 2: Lesion identification
Authors: VALLANCE S. A. , BELL R. J. W. , SPRIET M. , KASS P. H. , PUCHALSKI S. M.
Published: June 2011

Reasons for performing study: No previous study compares computed tomography (CT), contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (LFMRI) to detect lesions in horses with lameness localised to the foot. This study will help clinicians understand the limitations of these techniques.

Objectives: To determine if CT, CECT and LFMRI would identify lesions within the distal limb and document discrepancies with lesion distribution and lesion classification.

Methods: Lesions in specific structures identified on CT and MR images of feet (31 limbs) from the same horse were reviewed and compared. Distributions of lesions were compared using a Chi‐squared test and techniques analysed using the paired marginal homogeneity test for concordance.

Results: Lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) were most common and CT/CECT identified more lesions than LFMRI. Deep digital flexor tendon lesions seen on LFMRI only were frequently distal to the proximal extent of the distal sesamoid and DDFT lesions seen on CT/CECT only were frequently proximal to the distal sesamoid. Lesions identified on LFMRI only were core (23.3%) or splits (43.3%), whereas lesions identified only on CT were abrasions (29.8%), core (15.8%), enlargement (15.8%) or mineralisation (12.3%). Contrast‐enhanced CT improved lesion identification at the DDFT insertion compared to CT and resulted in distal sesamoidean impar ligament and collateral sesamoidean ligament vascular enhancement in 75% of cases. Low‐field MRI and CT/CECT failed to identify soft tissue mineralisation and bone oedema, respectively.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Multiple lesions are detected with CT, CECT and LFMRI but there is variability in lesion detection and classification. LFMRI centred only on the podotrochlear apparatus may fail to identify lesions of the pastern or soft tissue mineralisation. Computed tomography may fail to identify DDFT lesions distal to the proximal border of the distal sesamoid.
Identification of risk factors for traumatic injury in the general horse population of north‐west England, Midlands and north Wales
Authors: OWEN K. R. , SINGER E. R. , CLEGG P. D. , IRELAND J. L. , PINCHBECK G. L.
Published: June 2011

Reasons for performing study: Traumatic injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the horse and consequently pose a serious threat to horses' wellbeing. To date, there have been no published studies assessing the frequency of injuries in the general horse population of the UK.

Objectives: To obtain information regarding husbandry management strategies and injury prevalence in horses aged ≤15 years, with the aim of identifying predisposing risk factors for injury.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected sample of horse owners across north‐west England, Midlands and north Wales. Factors associated with injury were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis performed with the binary outcome variable defined as whether or not the horse had sustained an injury within the previous 12 months.

Results: A usable questionnaire response rate of 68% (652/953) was achieved. Forty percent of horses had sustained a traumatic injury within the past year, of which 62% occurred in the field and 13% during ridden exercise. Factors identified as being associated with an increased risk of traumatic injury included the following: breed other than cob or pony (P = 0.001), shorter duration of ownership (P = 0.002), being turned out with an increasing number of horses (P = 0.001), being used for competitive (P = 0.001) or Parelli (P = 0.006) purposes. Stabling at all times during the spring (P = 0.005), the use of wood fencing in paddocks (P = 0.05) and being prone to becoming distressed if left alone in a field (P = 0.04) were also found to be associated with an increased risk of injury. Stabling at all times during winter was associated with a decreased risk of injury (P = 0.006).

Conclusions and potential relevance: Risk factors for sustaining injuries have been identified in association with management practices. This information may be used to educate owners regarding management of their horse(s) in order to prevent injury.
Implementation and faculty assessment of an oral examination in a therapeutics course in a distance synchronous education pharmacy programme
Authors: Benavides Sandra , Borja-Hart Nancy L , Maniscalco-Feichtl Maria
Published: June 2011

Objectives

To describe the process and implementation of an oral exam in a large class with distance synchronous education technology and to evaluate the faculty's perspective of the development, administration, and assessment of the oral exam.

Methods

The Department of Pharmacy Practice at Nova Southeastern University, USA, created two patient cases for the oral exam per course over two semesters within the Therapeutics and Pathophysiology course sequence to be distributed across three campus sites. The faculty's perspective was evaluated utilizing a questionnaire distributed via an online survey.

Key findings

The oral exam was administered simultaneously across three campuses to a total of 464 students over two semesters. A total of 42 faculty members assisted in the exam process. Four cases were developed for the two exams, with detailed answer keys to minimize subjectivity in grading. Twenty-eight faculty members (66%) completed the assessment questionnaire. Most faculty were in support of continuing to administer the oral exam in subsequent therapeutic courses.

Conclusions

Implementation of an oral exam in a large class with synchronous education via distance campuses is feasible. However, exam coordinators must take into account logistics such as time commitment from faculty, adequate facilities and detailed case and key development.
The Nerve of Those β Cells
Authors: Cheng Mickie H.
Published: June 2011

The α cells of the human pancreas secrete acetylcholine that regulates insulin secretion.
Use of Filter Paper as a Transport Medium for Laboratory Diagnosis of Cholera under Field Conditions
Authors: Page Anne-Laure , Alberti Kathryn P. , Guénolé Alain , Mondongue Vital , Lonlas Mayele Sylvaine , Guerin Philippe J. , Quilici Marie-Laure
Published: June 2011

Confirmation of a cholera epidemic is based on bacteriological identification of the agent and requires the sending of samples to a culture laboratory, often in countries with limited resources. Comparison of the use of filter paper with the use of Cary-Blair reference medium for stool transport showed that this simple transport medium is appropriate for the recovery of
Vibrio cholerae
.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Promotes Hepatic Gluconeogenesis through an NS5A-Mediated, FoxO1-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Deng Lin , Shoji Ikuo , Ogawa Wataru , Kaneda Shusaku , Soga Tomoyoshi , Jiang Da-peng , Ide Yoshi-Hiro , Hotta Hak
Published: June 2011

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is often associated with type 2 diabetes. However, the precise mechanism underlying this association is still unclear. Here, using Huh-7.5 cells either harboring HCV-1b RNA replicons or infected with HCV-2a, we showed that HCV transcriptionally upregulated the genes for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase), the rate-limiting enzymes for hepatic gluconeogenesis. In this way, HCV enhanced the cellular production of glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) and glucose. PEPCK and G6Pase gene expressions are controlled by the transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1). We observed that although neither the mRNA levels nor the protein levels of FoxO1 expression were affected by HCV, the level of phosphorylation of FoxO1 at Ser319 was markedly diminished in HCV-infected cells compared to the control cells, resulting in an increased nuclear accumulation of FoxO1, which is essential for sustaining its transcriptional activity. It was unlikely that the decreased level of FoxO1 phosphorylation was mediated through Akt inactivation, as we observed an increased phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 in HCV-infected cells compared to control cells. By using specific inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), we demonstrated that HCV infection induced JNK activation via increased mitochondrial ROS production, resulting in decreased FoxO1 phosphorylation, FoxO1 nuclear accumulation, and, eventually, increased glucose production. We also found that HCV NS5A mediated increased ROS production and JNK activation, which is directly linked with the FoxO1-dependent increased gluconeogenesis. Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis through an NS5A-mediated, FoxO1-dependent pathway.
Disulfide Bond Formation Contributes to Herpes Simplex Virus Capsid Stability and Retention of Pentons
Authors: Szczepaniak Renata , Nellissery Jacob , Jadwin Joshua A. , Makhov Alexander M. , Kosinski Athena , Conway James F. , Weller Sandra K.
Published: June 2011

Disulfide bonds reportedly stabilize the capsids of several viruses, including papillomavirus, polyomavirus, and simian virus 40, and have been detected in herpes simplex virus (HSV) capsids. In this study, we show that in mature HSV-1 virions, capsid proteins VP5, VP23, VP19C, UL17, and UL25 participate in covalent cross-links, and that these are susceptible to dithiothreitol (DTT). In addition, several tegument proteins were found in high-molecular-weight complexes, including VP22, UL36, and UL37. Cross-linked capsid complexes can be detected in virions isolated in the presence and absence of
N
-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a chemical that reacts irreversibly with free cysteines to block disulfide formation. Intracellular capsids isolated in the absence of NEM contain disulfide cross-linked species; however, intracellular capsids isolated from cells pretreated with NEM did not. Thus, the free cysteines in intracellular capsids appear to be positioned such that disulfide bond formation can occur readily if they are exposed to an oxidizing environment. These results indicate that disulfide cross-links are normally present in extracellular virions but not in intracellular capsids. Interestingly, intracellular capsids isolated in the presence of NEM are unstable; B and C capsids are converted to a novel form that resembles A capsids, indicating that scaffold and DNA are lost. Furthermore, these capsids also have lost pentons and peripentonal triplexes as visualized by cryoelectron microscopy. These data indicate that capsid stability, and especially the retention of pentons, is regulated by the formation of disulfide bonds in the capsid.
cis
-Acting Effects on RNA Processing and Drosha Cleavage Prevent Epstein-Barr Virus Latency III BHRF1 Expression
Authors: Xing Li , Kieff Elliott
Published: June 2011

In Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency III (LTIII) infection, BHRF1 encodes three microRNAs (miRNAs). Herein we report that Drosha cleavage of LTIII BHRF1 RNA and
cis
-acting splicing effects inhibit splicing and inhibit BHRF1 RNA and protein expression. Evidence shown here supports the view that Drosha cleavage to generate mature miRNAs and
cis
-acting sequences that prevent mRNA maturation are independent processes that prevent LTIII BHRF1 expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines.
Campylobacter jejuni Group III Phage CP81 Contains Many T4-Like Genes without Belonging to the T4-Type Phage Group: Implications for the Evolution of T4 Phages
Authors: Hammerl Jens A. , Jäckel Claudia , Reetz Jochen , Beck Sebastian , Alter Thomas , Lurz Rudi , Barretto Caroline , Brüssow Harald , Hertwig Stefan
Published: June 2011

CP81 is a virulent
Campylobacter
group III phage whose linear genome comprises 132,454 bp. At the nucleotide level, CP81 differs from other phages. However, a number of its structural and replication/recombination proteins revealed a relationship to the group II
Campylobacter
phages CP220/CPt10 and to T4-type phages. Unlike the T4-related phages, the CP81 genome does not contain conserved replication and virion modules. Instead, the respective genes are scattered throughout the phage genome. Moreover, most genes for metabolic enzymes of CP220/CPt10 are lacking in CP81. On the other hand, the CP81 genome contains nine similar genes for homing endonucleases which may be involved in the attrition of the conserved gene order for the virion core genes of T4-type phages. The phage apparently possesses an unusual modification of C or G bases. Efficient cleavage of its DNA was only achieved with restriction enzymes recognizing pure A/T sites. Uncommonly, phenol extraction leads to a significant loss of CP81 DNA from the aqueous layer, a property not yet described for other phages belonging to the T4 superfamily.
Emergence of Genotype I of Japanese Encephalitis Virus as the Dominant Genotype in Asia
Authors: Pan Xiao-Ling , Liu Hong , Wang Huan-Yu , Fu Shi-Hong , Liu Hai-Zhou , Zhang Hai-Lin , Li Ming-Hua , Gao Xiao-Yan , Wang Jing-Lin , Sun Xiao-Hong , Lu Xin-Jun , Zhai You-Gang , Meng Wei-Shan , He Ying , Wang Huan-Qin , Han Na , Wei Bo , Wu Yong-Gan , Feng Yun , Yang Du-Juan , Wang Li-Hua , Tang Qin , Xia Guoliang , Kurane Ichiro , Rayner Simon , Liang Guo-Dong
Published: June 2011

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is one of the major causes of viral encephalitis worldwide. Previous phylogenetic studies based on the envelope protein indicated that there are four genotypes, and surveillance data suggest that genotype I is gradually replacing genotype III as the dominant strain. Here we report an evolutionary analysis based on 98 full-length genome sequences of JEV, including 67 new samples isolated from humans, pigs, mosquitoes, midges. and bats in affected areas. To investigate the relationships between the genotypes and the significance of genotype I in recent epidemics, we estimated evolutionary rates, ages of common ancestors, and population demographics. Our results indicate that the genotypes diverged in the order IV, III, II, and I and that the genetic diversity of genotype III has decreased rapidly while that of genotype I has increased gradually, consistent with its emergence as the dominant genotype.
Chimeric Chikungunya Viruses Are Nonpathogenic in Highly Sensitive Mouse Models but Efficiently Induce a Protective Immune Response
Authors: Wang Eryu , Kim Dal Young , Weaver Scott C. , Frolov Ilya
Published: June 2011

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an important pathogen causing outbreaks of highly debilitating and often chronic, arthralgic human disease. We have designed chimeric alphaviruses encoding CHIKV-specific structural proteins but no structural or nonstructural proteins capable of interfering with development of cellular antiviral response. These chimeras demonstrate a highly attenuated phenotype in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised (A129) mice. However, after a single vaccination, they induced protective immune response against subsequent CHIKV challenge, characterized by high titers of neutralizing antibodies. The rational design of alphavirus genomes provides a strong basis for the development of new recombinant alphaviruses with irreversible, highly attenuated, cell type-restricted phenotypes.
Improved delivery of the Neuroform 3 stent: technical note
Authors: Ferrell Andrew Stephen , Golshani Kiarash , Zomorodi Ali , Smith Tony P , Britz Gavin W
Published: June 2011

Background

Intracranial stents have expanded endovascular therapy to wide neck aneurysms whose dimensions and configurations are not amendable to coil embolization alone. Stents however have not eliminated all problems due to technical factors with their delivery systems. The Neuroform stent system is one of the most widely used for this purpose and has undergone several technical modifications to improve deliverability. Despite improvements in the delivery system there are still reports of failure of stent deployment with the Neuroform 3. Here a simple back table modification is described in which the stent is pushed several centimeters back into the delivery catheter from its manufactured location. This makes the catheter tip more flexible and in our experience improves navigation through vessel curvature and increases deployment rate.

Methods

Our institution's cerebrovascular database was reviewed retrospectively in compliance with institutional review board approval to identify all Neuroform 3 stents used for assistance with aneurysm embolization since the current stent design became clinically available. Records were reviewed to identify cases of failure of stent placement using the above described technical modification.

Results

139 Neuroform 3 stents were placed at our institution for assistance with aneurysm embolization with the technique described above. Only three instances of failure of stent placement related to trackability of the delivery system were identified for a technical failure rate of 2.2%.

Conclusions

A simple back table modification to the Neuroform 3 delivery system is described which in our single center experience may improve trackability and ultimately successful stent deployment.
Development of negative skin friction on single piles: uncoupled analysis based on nonlinear consolidation theory with finite strain and the load-transfer method
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Joo , Mission Jose Leo C.
Published: June 2011

The development of negative skin friction (NSF) on single piles is investigated based on an uncoupled method of analysis with the Mikasa (1963) generalized nonlinear consolidation theory in terms of finite strain and the nonlinear load-transfer method. Predicted results are compared with results based on the conventional linear consolidation theory with infinitesimal strains. It is found that predicted development of dragload using the conventional consolidation theory is slightly greater and conservative compared to that using the nonlinear consolidation theory based on effective stress (β method). Effective stress predictions using the conventional theory are larger due to the faster dissipation of excess pore pressures, with the assumption of constant coefficient of consolidation and permeability. However, since the relative displacements required to mobilize the ultimate skin friction are small, and piles are usually installed near the final stages of soil consolidation, the differences in the predictions for the development of dragload on piles between the two consolidation theories are overshadowed. Using the uncoupled model for pile NSF, it is therefore found that the most significant factor for the estimation of dragload and downdrag is the proper selection of the β value rather than the consolidation theory used.
ERIDIS: ENERGY-EFFICIENT RESERVATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LARGE-SCALE DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
Authors: ORGERIE ANNE-CECILE , LEFEVRE LAURENT
Published: June 2011

At the age of petascale machines, cloud computing and peer-to-peer systems, large-scale distributed systems need an ever-increasing amount of energy. These systems urgently require effective and scalable solutions to manage and limit their electrical consumption. As of now, most efforts are focused on energy-efficient hardware designs. Thus, the challenge is to coordinate all these low-level improvements at the middleware level to improve the energy efficiency of the overall systems. Resource-management solutions can indeed benefit from a broader view to pool the resources and to share them according to the needs of each user. In this paper, we propose ERIDIS, an Energy-efficient Reservation Infrastructure for large-scale DIstributed Systems. It provides a unified and generic framework to manage resources from Grids, Clouds and dedicated networks in an energy-efficient way.
OmpSs: A PROPOSAL FOR PROGRAMMING HETEROGENEOUS MULTI-CORE ARCHITECTURES
Authors: DURAN ALEJANDRO , AYGUADÉ EDUARD , BADIA ROSA M. , LABARTA JESÚS , MARTINELL LUIS , MARTORELL XAVIER , PLANAS JUDIT
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we present OmpSs, a programming model based on OpenMP and StarSs, that can also incorporate the use of OpenCL or CUDA kernels. We evaluate the proposal on different architectures, SMP, GPUs, and hybrid SMP/GPU environments, showing the wide usefulness of the approach. The evaluation is done with six different benchmarks, Matrix Multiply, BlackScholes, Perlin Noise, Julia Set, PBPI and FixedGrid. We compare the results obtained with the execution of the same benchmarks written in OpenCL or OpenMP, on the same architectures. The results show that OmpSs greatly outperforms both environments. With the use of OmpSs the programming environment is more flexible than traditional approaches to exploit multiple accelerators, and due to the simplicity of the annotations, it increases programmer's productivity.
DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING OF PARALLEL COMPUTATIONAL ITERATIVE ROUTINES ON HIGHLY HETEROGENEOUS HPC PLATFORMS
Authors: CLARKE DAVID , LASTOVETSKY ALEXEY , RYCHKOV VLADIMIR
Published: June 2011

Traditional load balancing algorithms for data-intensive iterative routines can successfully load balance relatively small problems. We demonstrate that they may fail on highly heterogeneous HPC platforms. Traditional algorithms use models of processors' performance which are too simplistic to reflect the many aspects of heterogeneity. This paper presents a new class of dynamic load balancing algorithms based on the advanced functional performance models. The models are functions of problem size and are built adaptively by measuring the execution time of each iteration. Two particular load balancing algorithms of this class are presented in the paper. The low execution cost of distribution of computations between heterogeneous processors in these algorithms make them suitable for employment in self-adaptable applications. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithms can successfully balance data-intensive iterative routines on parallel platforms with high heterogeneity for the whole range of problem sizes.
Effects of Root and Stem Extracts of Asparagus cochinchinensis on Biochemical Indicators Related to Aging in the Brain and Liver of Mice
Authors: Xiong Dasheng , Yu Long-Xi , Yan Xiao , Guo Chunqiu , Xiong Ying
Published: June 2011

Asparagus cochinchinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating lung and spleen-related diseases. In this study, we compared the medicinal effects of A. cochinchinensis root and stem extracts on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the content of malonaldehyde (MDA) and total protein content in the brain, liver and plasma of mice. Polysaccharides and aqueous extracts of the roots significantly increased the spleen index and the SOD activity but reduced the MDA content and slowed down the aging process. In contrast, feeding with the stem extracts significantly reduced the SOD activity and increased the MDA accumulation in the brain and liver of mice, suggesting that the stem extracts may not be appropriate for treating aging-related diseases.
Trilinolein Inhibits Proliferation of Human Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma A549 Through the Modulation of PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Chou Pei-Yu , Huang Guan-Jhong , Pan Chun-Hsu , Chien Yi-Chung , Chen Ying-Yi , Wu Chieh-Hsi , Sheu Ming-Jyh , Cheng Hsu-Chen
Published: June 2011

Trilinolein has been identified as one of the active constituents isolated from Panax notoginseng used widely in traditional Chinese medicine. Protective actions of Panax notoginseng against cerebral ischemia, beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, and hemostatic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, renoprotective and estrogen-like activities have been illustrated. In the present study, the effects of trilinolein on the growth of non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 were investigated. It was found that the exposure of A549 cells to trilinolein resulted in the growth inhibition and the induction of apoptosis in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Trilinolein treatment induced the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, which was associated with the proteolytic activation of caspases and the concomitant degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein. Intracellular reactive oxygen species seem to play a role in the trilinolein-induced apoptosis, since ROS were produced early in the trilinolein treatment. Moreover, the activity of PI3K/Akt was downregulated in trilinolein-treated cells. Our results demonstrated that the most important regulators of trilinolein-induced apoptosis are Bcl-2 family and caspase-3, which are associated with cytochrome c release and dephosphorylation on the Akt signaling pathway.
Rhein Lysinate Induced S-Phase Arrest and Increased the Anti-Tumor Activity of 5-FU in HeLa Cells
Authors: Lin Ya-Jun , Zhen Yong-Zhan , Zhao Yu-Fang , Wei Jie , Hu Gang
Published: June 2011

Rhein lysinate (RHL), easily dissolved in water, is one of the anthraquinones, and has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in different human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we observed that RHL could cause vacuolar degeneration in HeLa cells, which was not observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and other cell lines (SKOV-3 and SK-BR-3). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of rhein lysinate on human cervix cancer HeLa cells. The results indicated that RHL could induce HeLa cell S-phase arrest and RHL (higher than 80 μM) also induced HeLa cell G2/M-phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the HeLa cells, RHL induced HUVECs G1-phase arrest at all dose levels tested in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with RHL led to a significant S or G2/M-phase arrest through promoting the expression of p53 and p21 and the phosphorylation of p53. Moreover, 80 μM RHL could increase 5-FU anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, RHL could be a novel chemotherapeutic drug candidate for the treatment of human cervix cancer in the future.
THE DISLOCATION ENERGY, PEIERLS BARRIER AND STRESS FOR ZIGZAG SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: ZHANG HUI LI , WANG SHAO FENG , WU XIAO ZHI
Published: June 2011

The dislocation energy, Peierls barrier and Peierls stress of pentagon–heptagon (p–h) pair dislocation in zigzag single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) are studied by the improved Peierls–Nabarro (P–N) theory. The contribution of the strain energy is considered in evaluating the dislocation energy and Peierls barrier and stress. Using the γ-surface obtained from the first-principle calculations, it is found that the misfit energies of p–h pair dislocations are weakly dependent on the perimeters of the SWCNTs, while the strain and total energies have logarithmic behaviors with the perimeters of larger SWCNTs (N>10). For the smaller SWCNTs (N⩽10), the strain and total energies have a little deviation from the logarithmic behaviors due to the curvature and size effects. The calculated Peierls barrier and Peierls stress are about 4.2–4.8 eV and 0.3μ, respectively. For the (12,0)–(11,0) carbon nanotube with different modification factors, the dislocation energy remains almost invariant (about 18 eV). The Peierls barrier and Peierls stress increase linearly with the increasing of the modification factor. When modification factor changes from 0.10 to 0.45, the Peierls barrier changes from 3.6 eV to 7.4 eV, and the Peierls stress changes from 0.2μ to 0.5μ.
SURVEILLANCE TEST INTERVAL OPTIMIZATION FOR NUCLEAR PLANTS USING MULTI OBJECTIVE REAL PARAMETER GENETIC ALGORITHMS
Authors: CHOWHURY SOUMIK , VARDE P. V.
Published: June 2011

Surveillance Test Interval is an important parameter for the standby systems of a plant with respect to its availability, cost and other issues. Stand-by systems are not required during normal operations but are essentially required when demanded by the plant operations. Stand-by systems are tested and maintained periodically in order to ensure their serviceability.

In this paper an attempt has been done to optimize the unavailability, cost and manrem consumption with respect to Surveillance Test Interval for the standby systems of nuclear plants. In this work a novel approach has been introduced where Real Parameter Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been used for the multi-objective optimization problem in hand. Application of Genetic Algorithms in similar problems has been reported in literature. But the approach proposed in this paper differs from the exixting methods significantly. In this work real-parameter GA has been used which makes the algorithm simple by not having the overhead of encoding and decoding of solutions. More-over a multi-objective optimization method has been proposed that not only takes care of optimizing the unavailability but also cost and manrem consumption. Here we have mainly concentrated on the Emergency Core Cooling System of a Research Reactor, but the same idea can easily be extended for the other standby systems.
APPROACH FOR COMPUTER SYSTEMS DESIGN
Authors: SCHNEIDEWIND NORMAN
Published: June 2011

We develop a computer design process that uses an architectural approach, involving the definition and analysis of sequences of functions. This approach allowed us to configure a system at a high level, and provides a mechanism for predicting performance, reliability, availability, and security. A key feature of the design approach is sequence and system complexity that we found to be a good predictor of system properties, such as reliability. Both non-concurrent and concurrent processing, using multiple parallel processors, methods are evaluated with respect to performance, reliability, availability, security, and cost. We evaluated the tradeoffs between performance and cost, and found that a two-processor system provides a good balance between performance and cost. Our major contribution to the field of computer design is our innovative approach of using sequences as the basis of design and the application of complexity metrics as a predictor of system attributes, an approach we did not find in an extensive review of the literature.
THREE-QUBITS GROUND STATE AND THERMAL ENTANGLEMENT OF ANISOTROPIC HEISENBERG (XXZ) AND ISING MODELS WITH DZYALOSHINSKII-MORIYA INTERACTION
Authors: JAFARI R. , LANGARI A.
Published: June 2011

We have studied the symmetric and non-symmetric pairwise ground state and thermal entanglement in three-qubits system. We have considered the anisotropic Heisenberg (XXZ) model in the presence of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction in addition to the Ising model in a magnetic field with DM interaction. We have found that the increment of DM interaction and magnetic field can enhance and reduce the entanglement of the system. We have shown that the non-symmetric pairwise state has higher value concurrence and critical temperature (above which the entanglement vanishes) than the symmetric pairwise one. For the negative anisotropy, the non-symmetric entanglement is a monotonic function of DM interaction while for positive anisotropy, it has a maximum versus DM parameter and vanishes for larger values of DM interaction. The conditions for the existence of thermal entanglement are discussed in detail. The most remarkable result appears at zero temperature where the three-qubits ground state entanglement of the system (in spite of two-qubits counterpart) shows the fingerprint of the quantum phase transition for a system of infinite number of qubits.
Luminous Front in an Electric Shock Tube Having a Coaxial Gun
Authors: Matsuzaki Ri'ichi
Published: June 2011

The date of receipt has been omitted by a editrial error. Please add above the abstract:(Received October 17, 1966)
O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine supports p38 MAPK activation by high glucose in glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Goldberg Howard , Whiteside Catharine , Fantus I. George
Published: June 2011

Hyperglycemia augments flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and subsequent O-linkage of single β- N-acetyl-d-glucosamine moieties to serine and threonine residues on cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins ( O-GlcNAcylation). Perturbations in this posttranslational modification have been proposed to promote glomerular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy, but clear evidence and mechanism are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that O-GlcNAcylation enhances profibrotic signaling in rat mesangial cells. An adenovirus expressing shRNA directed against O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) markedly reduced basal and high-glucose-stimulated O-GlcNAcylation. Interestingly, O-GlcNAc depletion prevented high-glucose-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase phosphorylation. Downstream of p38, O-GlcNAc controlled the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor-β, important factors in matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy. Treating mesangial cells with thiamet-G, a highly selective inhibitor of O-GlcNAc-specific hexosaminidase ( O-GlcNAcase), increased O-GlcNAcylation and p38 phosphorylation. The high-glucose-stimulated kinase activity of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream MAPK kinase kinase for p38 that is negatively regulated by Akt, was inhibited by OGT shRNA. Akt Thr308and Ser473phosphorylation were enhanced following OGT shRNA expression in high-glucose-exposed mesangial cells, but high-glucose-induced p38 phosphorylation was not attenuated by OGT shRNA in cells pretreated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY-294002. OGT shRNA also reduced high-glucose-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. In contrast, diminished O-GlcNAcylation caused elevated ERK phosphorylation and PKCδ membrane translocation. Thus, O-GlcNAcylation is coupled to profibrotic p38 MAPK signaling by high glucose in part through Akt and possibly through ROS.
Effects of chronic dietary salt loading on the renin angiotensin and adrenergic systems of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Perry Steve F. , Ellis Kate , Russell Jordan , Bernier Nicholas J. , Montpetit Colin
Published: June 2011

Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic dietary salt loading causes hypertension and a decreased sensitivity of the systemic vasculature to α-adrenergic stimulation and other hypertensive stimuli (e.g. hypercapnia) in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). This reduced sensitivity to hypertensive stimuli is consistent with a possible blunting of homeostatic responses normally aimed at raising blood pressure. To test this idea, we examined the consequences of long-term salt feeding and the associated hypertension on the interactive capacities of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and adrenergic systems to elevate blood pressure in trout. Secretion of catecholamines in response to a range of doses of homologous ANG II in vivo and in situ (using a perfused posterior cardinal vein preparation) was reduced in the salt-fed fish. The reduced sensitivity to ANG II could not be explained by alterations in stored catecholamine (adrenaline or noradrenaline) levels or the general responsiveness of the chromaffin cells to depolarizing stimuli (60 mmol/l KCl). Despite the decreased responsiveness of the chromaffin cells to ANG II, plasma catecholamines were increased to a greater extent in the salt-fed fish during acute hypoxia (a condition that activates the RAS). Interestingly, the pressor effects of ANG II in vivo were actually heightened in the salt-fed fish. The increased pressor response to exogenous ANG II was likely attributable to its direct interaction with vascular ANG II receptors because the effect persisted even after blockade of α-adrenergic receptors. Treating fish with the vascular smooth muscle relaxant papaverine caused similar reductions in blood pressure and increases in plasma ANG II levels regardless of diet. Similarly, inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme with lisinopril reduced blood pressure equally in control and salt-fed fish. These results indicate that, while long-term dietary salt loading blunts the response of trout chromaffin cells to ANG II, the RAS itself appears to be unaffected. Indeed, the capacity of ANG II to elevate blood pressure is not compromised nor do fish exhibit a reduced capacity to mount an acute humoral adrenergic stress response during acute hypoxia.
Effects of cytochromeP-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)
Authors: Pavlov Tengis S. , Ilatovskaya Daria V. , Levchenko Vladislav , Mattson David L. , Roman Richard J. , Staruschenko Alexander
Published: June 2011

Sodium reabsorption via the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron plays a central role in the regulation of body fluid volume. Previous studies have indicated that arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolite 11,12-EET but not other regioisomers of EETs inhibit ENaC activity in the collecting duct. The goal of this study was to investigate the endogenous metabolism of AA in cultured mpkCCDc14principal cells and the effects of these metabolites on ENaC activity. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of the mpkCCDc14cells indicated that these cells produce prostaglandins, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, 14,15-EET, 5-HETE, 12/8-HETE, and 15-HETE, but not 20-HETE. Single-channel patch-clamp experiments revealed that 8,9-EET, 14,15-EET, and 11,12-EET all decrease ENaC activity. Neither 5-, 12-, nor 15-HETE had any effect on ENaC activity. Diclofenac and ibuprofen, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, decreased transepithelial Na+transport in the mpkCCDc14cells. Inhibition of cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) with MS-PPOH activated ENaC-mediated sodium transport when cells were pretreated with AA and diclofenac. Coexpression of CYP2C8, but not CYP4A10, with ENaC in Chinese hamster ovary cells significantly decreased ENaC activity in whole-cell experiments, whereas 11,12-EET mimicked this effect. Thus both endogenously formed EETs and their exogenous application decrease ENaC activity. Downregulation of ENaC activity by overexpression of CYP2C8 was PKA dependent and was prevented by myristoylated PKI treatment. Biotinylation experiments and single-channel analysis revealed that long-term treatment with 11,12-EET and overexpression of CYP2C8 decreased the number of channels in the membrane. In contrast, the acute inhibitory effects are mediated by a decrease in the open probability of the ENaC. We conclude that 11,12-EET, 8,9-EET, and 14,15-EET are endogenously formed eicosanoids that modulate ENaC activity in the collecting duct.
EEGIFT: Group Independent Component Analysis for Event-Related EEG Data
Authors: Eichele Tom , Rachakonda Srinivas , Brakedal Brage , Eikeland Rune , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: June 2011

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a powerful method for source separation and has been used for decomposition of EEG, MRI, and concurrent EEG-fMRI data. ICA is not naturally suited to draw group inferences since it is a non-trivial problem to identify and order components across individuals. One solution to this problem is to create aggregate data containing observations from all subjects, estimate a single set of components and then back-reconstruct this in the individual data. Here, we describe such a group-level temporal ICA model for event related EEG. When used for EEG time series analysis, the accuracy of component detection and back-reconstruction with a group model is dependent on the degree of intra- and interindividual time and phase-locking of event related EEG processes. We illustrate this dependency in a group analysis of hybrid data consisting of three simulated event-related sources with varying degrees of latency jitter and variable topographies. Reconstruction accuracy was tested for temporal jitter 1, 2 and 3 times the FWHM of the sources for a number of algorithms. The results indicate that group ICA is adequate for decomposition of single trials with physiological jitter, and reconstructs event related sources with high accuracy.
Effects of Mixed Isoenergetic Meals on Fat and Carbohydrate Metabolism during Exercise in Older Men
Authors: Bassami Minoo , MacLaren Donald P. M. , Ahmadizad Sajad , Doran Dominic
Published: June 2011

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of four different meals on fat and CHO metabolism during subsequent exercise in elderly males. Eight healthy males (age: 63.3 ± 5.2 years) reported to the physiology laboratory on four separate occasions, each of which was allocated for the performance of a 30-minute exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% after having normal (N), high fat (HF), high carbohydrate high glycaemic index (HGI) and high carbohydrate low glycaemic index (LGI) meals. Fat oxidation during exercise after the meals ( g/min;  g/min;  g/min;  g/min) was not significant (), and neither were the rates of carbohydrate oxidation (, , , and  g/m). NEFA concentration increased after HF () but decreased after HGI and LGI (). Glucose concentration decreased as a result of exercise after HF, and LGI () whereas insulin concentration decreased significantly during exercise after N, HF, and HGI (). It can be concluded that, in elderly males, feeding isoenergetic meals containing different proportions of carbohydrate and fat do not significantly alter oxidation of fat and CHO during exercise in spite of changes in some circulating metabolites.