bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of kinesin velocity distribution on slow axonal transport
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The goal of this paper is to investigate the effect that a distribution of kinesin motor velocities could have on cytoskeletal element (CE) concentration waves in slow axonal transport. Previous models of slow axonal transport based on the stop-and-go hypothesis (P. Jung, A. Brown, Modeling the slowing of neurofilament transport along the mouse sciatic nerve, Physical Biology 6 (2009) 046002) assumed that in the anterograde running state all CEs move with one and the same velocity as they are propelled by kinesin motors. This paper extends the aforementioned theoretical approach by allowing for a distribution of kinesin motor velocities; the distribution is described by a probability density function (PDF). For a two kinetic state model (that accounts for the pausing and running populations of CEs) an analytical solution describing the propagation of the CE concentration wave is derived. Published experimental data are used to obtain an analytical expression for the PDF characterizing the kinesin velocity distribution; this analytical expression is then utilized as an input for computations. It is demonstrated that accounting for the kinesin velocity distribution increases the rate of spreading of the CE concentration waves, which is a significant improvement in the two kinetic state model.
Status and plans of the ion program of NA61 at the CERN SPS
Authors: Grebieszkow Katarzyna 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The NA61/SHINE at the CERN SPS is a new experiment to study hadron production in p+p, p+A, h+A and A+A interactions. The main goal of the NA61 ion program is to explore the phase diagram (T − µB) of strongly interacting matter. In particular, we plan to study the properties of the onset of deconfinement and to search for the signatures of the critical point. A two-dimensional scan of the phase diagram will be performed by varying the energy (13A–158A GeV) and system size (p+p, Be+Be, Ar+Ca, Xe+La) of collisions. This paper summarizes the status and plans of the NA61/SHINE ion program. In particular the detector upgrades, data taking schedule and the first results on spectra and correlations are discussed.
Phylogenetic origin and transcriptional regulation at the post-diauxic phase of SPI1, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cardona Fernando , Olmo Marcel.Lí , Aranda Agustín 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe gene SPI1, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encodes a cell wall protein that is induced in several stress conditions, particularly in the postdiauxic and stationary phases of growth. It has a paralogue, SED1, which shows some common features in expression regulation and in the null mutant phenotype. In this work we have identified homologues in other species of yeasts and filamentous fungi, and we have also elucidated some aspects of the origin of SPI1, by duplication and diversification of SED1. In terms of regulation, we have found that the expression in the post-diauxic phase is regulated by genes related to the PKA pathway and stress response (MSN2/4, YAK1, POP2, SOK2, PHD1, and PHO84) and by genes involved in the PKC pathway (WSC2, PKC1, and MPK1).
Seasonal changes of Rubisco content and activity in Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies affected by elevated CO2 concentration
Authors: Hrstka Miroslav , Urban Otmar , Babák Libor 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe studied Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) content and activity in juvenile tree species — broadleaved Fagus sylvatica L. and coniferous Picea abies (L.) Karsten exposed for three growing seasons to ambient (A = 385 μmol mol−1) and elevated (E = 700 μmol mol−1) CO2 concentrations. Rubisco content was determined by the SDS-PAGE method, Rubisco activity was assayed spectrophotometrically. The highest content of Rubisco enzyme in F. sylvatica was measured immediately after full leaf development followed by a gradual decrease throughout the growing season. By contrast, Rubisco content in P. abies increased markedly during the growing season. In both tree species, down-regulation of Rubisco content in trees cultivated under elevated CO2 concentration was observed. Rubisco activity was stimulated in F. sylvatica by E treatment but not in P. abies. Because no significant differences were found in Rubisco activation state between A and E, we assume that stimulation of Rubisco activity in E is not a consequence of higher carbamylation but could be caused by the release of inhibitors from active sites of Rubisco under elevated CO2.
Effect of substrate on phase formation and surface morphology of sol-gel lead-free KNbO3, NaNbO3, and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 thin films
Authors: Bruncková Helena , Medvecký Ľubomír , Hvizdoš Pavol 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEnvironmentally acceptable lead-free ferroelectric KNbO3 (KN) or NaNbO3 (NN) and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) thin films were prepared using a modified sol-gel method by mixing potassium acetate or sodium acetate or both with the Nb-tartrate complex, deposited on the Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/SiO2/Si substrates by a spin-coating method and sintered at 650°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the NN and KNN films on the Pt/SiO2/Si substrate possessed a single perovskite phase, while NN and KNN films on the Pt/Al2O3 substrate contained a small amount of secondary pyrochlore phase, as did KN films on both substrates. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and atomic force microscopic (AFM) analyses confirmed that roughness R q of the thin KNN/Pt/SiO2/Si film (≈ 7.4 nm) was significantly lower than that of the KNN/Pt/Al2O3 film (≈ 15 nm). The heterogeneous microstructure composed of small spherical and larger needle-like or cuboidal particles were observed in the KN and NN films on both substrates. The homogeneous microstructure of the KNN thin film on the Pt/SiO2/Si substrate was smoother and contained finer spherical particles (≈ 50 nm) than on Pt/Al2O3 substrates (≈ 100 nm). The effect of different substrates on the surface morphology of thin films was confirmed.
Photosynthesis-inhibiting effects of 2-benzylsulphanylbenzimidazoles in spinach chloroplasts
Authors: Kráľová Katarína , Šeršeň František , Peško Matúš , Klimešová Věra , Waisser Karel 
Published: May 2012

AbstractInhibition of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach chloroplasts by nineteen 2-benzylsulphanylbenzimidazoles (BZA) was studied. BZA were found to inhibit photosynthetic electron transport (PET) and for their inhibitory efficiency, electronic properties of the R substituent on the benzyl moiety are decisive. The PET inhibiting activity of the studied BZA expressed as IC50 varied in the range from 28.5 μM (R = 3,5-(CF3)2) to 394.5 μM (R = 2,4-(NO2)2). For compounds with R = H, 4-CH3, 3-CH3, 3-OCH3, 4-F, 3-F, 4-Cl, 3-Cl, 2-Cl, 4-Br, 3-Br, 3,4-F2, 3,4-Cl2, 3-CF3, 3,5-(CF3)2 linear increase of the inhibitory activity with the increasing value of the substituent’s σ constant up to 0.86 was observed. Further increase of the σ constant resulted in a sharp activity decrease of the corresponding compounds (R = 2-F-6-Cl, 2-NO2, 3,5-(NO2)2, 2,4-(NO2)2). Using EPR spectroscopy and an artificial electron donor diphenyl carbazide it was found that the site of BZA action in the photosynthetic apparatus is situated on the donor side of PS 2, prior to the Z·/D· intermediate.
Lenticular arrays based on liquid crystals
Authors: Urruchi Del Pozo V. , Algorri Genaro J. , Sánchez-Pena J. , Geday M. , Arregui X. , Bennis N. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractLenticular array products have experienced a growing interest in the last decade due to the very wide range of applications they can cover. Indeed, this kind of lenses can create different effects on a viewing image such as 3D, flips, zoom, etc. In this sense, lenticular based on liquid crystals (LC) technology is being developed with the aim of tuning the lens profiles simply by controlling the birefringence electrically. In this work, a LC lenticular lens array has been proposed to mimic a GRIN lenticular lens array but adding the capability of tuning their lens profiles. Comb control electrodes have been designed as pattern masks for the ITO on the upper substrate. Suitable high resistivity layers have been chosen to be deposited on the control electrode generating an electric field gradient between teeth of the same electrode. Test measurements have allowed us to demonstrate that values of phase retardations and focal lengths, for an optimal driving waveform, are fairly in agreement. In addition, results of focusing power of tuneable lenses were compared to those of conventional lenses. The behaviour of both kinds of lenses has revealed to be mutually similar for focusing collimated light and for refracting images.
Analysis of Competitiveness and Support Instruments for Heat and Electricity Production from Wood Biomass in Latvia
Authors: Klavs G. , Kudrenickis I. , Kundzina A. 
Published: May 2012

Analysis of Competitiveness and Support Instruments for Heat and Electricity Production from Wood Biomass in Latvia
Utilisation of renewable energy sources is one of the key factors in a search for efficient ways of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and improving the energy supply security. So far, the district heating supply in Latvia has been based on natural gas, with the wood fuel playing a minor role; the same is true for decentralised combined heat-power (CHP) production. The paper describes a method for evaluation of the economic feasibility of heat and electricity production from wood biomass under the competition between different fuel types and taking into account the electricity market. For the simulation, a cost estimation model is applied. The results demonstrate that wood biomass can successfully be utilised for competitive heat production by boiler houses, while for electricity production by CHP utilities it cannot compete on the market (even despite the low prices on wood biomass fuel) unless particular financial support instruments are applied. The authors evaluate the necessary support level and the impact of two main support instruments - the investment subsidies and the feed-in tariff - on the economic viability of wood-fuelled CHP plants, and show that the feed-in tariff could be considered as an instrument strongly affecting the competitiveness of such type CHP. Regarding the feed-in tariff determination, a compromise should be found between the economy-dictated requirement to develop CHP projects concerning capacities above 5 MWel - on the one hand, and the relatively small heat loads in many Latvian towns - on the other.
Characteristics of an Image Sensor with Early-Vision Processing Fabricated in Standard 0.35 μm Cmos Technology
Authors: Jendernalik Waldemar , Jakusz Jacek , Blakiewicz Grzegorz , Szczepański Stanisław , Piotrowski Robert 
Published: May 2012

Characteristics of an Image Sensor with Early-Vision Processing Fabricated in Standard 0.35 μm Cmos TechnologyThe article presents measurement results of prototype integrated circuits for acquisition and processing of images in real time. In order to verify a new concept of circuit solutions of analogue image processors, experimental integrated circuits were fabricated. The integrated circuits, designed in a standard 0.35 μm CMOS technology, contain the image sensor and analogue processors that perform low-level convolution-based image processing algorithms. The prototype with a resolution of 32 × 32 pixels allows the acquisition and processing of images at high speed, up to 2000 frames/s. Operation of the prototypes was verified in practice using the developed software and a measurement system based on a FPGA platform.
Liveness Measurements Using Optical Flow for Biometric Person Authentication
Authors: Smiatacz Maciej 
Published: May 2012

Liveness Measurements Using Optical Flow for Biometric Person Authentication
Biometric identification systems, i.e. the systems that are able to recognize humans by analyzing their physiological or behavioral characteristics, have gained a lot of interest in recent years. They can be used to raise the security level in certain institutions or can be treated as a convenient replacement for PINs and passwords for regular users. Automatic face recognition is one of the most popular biometric technologies, widely used even by many low-end consumer devices such as netbooks. However, even the most accurate face identification algorithm would be useless if it could be cheated by presenting a photograph of a person instead of the real face. Therefore, the proper liveness measurement is extremely important. In this paper we present a method that differentiates between video sequences showing real persons and their photographs. First we calculate the optical flow of the face region using the Farnebäck algorithm. Then we convert the motion information into images and perform the initial data selection. Finally, we apply the Support Vector Machine to distinguish between real faces and photographs. The experimental results confirm that the proposed approach could be successfully applied in practice.
Using A Segmented Voltage Sweep Mode and A Gaussian Curve Fitting Method to Improve Heavy Metal Measurement System Performance
Authors: Pereira José , Postolache Octavian , Girão Pedro 
Published: May 2012

Using A Segmented Voltage Sweep Mode and A Gaussian Curve Fitting Method to Improve Heavy Metal Measurement System PerformanceThis paper presents a voltammetric segmented voltage sweep mode that can be used to identify and measure heavy metals' concentrations. The proposed sweep mode covers a set of voltage ranges that are centered around the redox potentials of the metals that are under analysis. The heavy metal measurement system can take advantage of the historical database of measurements to identify the metals with higher concentrations in a given geographical area, and perform a segmented sweep around predefined voltage ranges or, alternatively, the system can perform a fast linear voltage sweep to identify the voltammetric current peaks and then perform a segmented voltage sweep around the set of voltages that are associated with the voltammetric current peaks. The paper also includes the presentation of two auto-calibration modes that can be used to improve system's reliability and proposes the usage of a Gaussian curve fitting of voltammetric data to identify heavy metals and to evaluate their concentrations. Several simulation and experimental results, that validate the theoretical expectations, are also presented in the paper.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients With Neck Pain Likely to Benefit From Thrust Joint Manipulation to the Cervical Spine
Authors: Puentedura Emilio J. , Cleland Joshua A. , Landers Merrill R. , Mintken Paul , Louw Adriaan , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César 
Published: May 2012

Study Design Prospective cohort/predictive validity study. Objective To determine the predictive validity of selected clinical examination items and to develop a clinical prediction rule to determine which patients with neck pain may benefit from cervical thrust joint manipulation (TJM) and exercise. Background TJM to the cervical spine has been shown to be effective in patients presenting with a primary report of neck pain. It would be useful for clinicians to have a decision-making tool, such as a clinical prediction rule, that could accurately identify which subgroup of patients would respond positively to cervical TJM. Methods Consecutive patients who presented to physical therapy with a primary complaint of neck pain completed a series of self-report measures, then received a detailed standardized history and physical examination. After the clinical examination, all patients received a standardized treatment regimen consisting of cervical TJM and range-of-motion exercise. Depending on response to treatment, patients were treated for 1 or 2 sessions over approximately 1 week. At the end of their participation in the study, patients were classified as having experienced a successful outcome based on a score of +5 (“quite a bit better”) or higher on the global rating of change scale. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for all potential predictor variables. Univariate techniques and stepwise logistic regression were used to determine the most parsimonious set of variables for prediction of treatment success. Variables retained in the regression model were used to develop a multivariate clinical prediction rule. Results Eighty-two patients were included in data analysis, of whom 32 (39%) achieved a successful outcome. A clinical prediction rule with 4 attributes (symptom duration less than 38 days, positive expectation that manipulation will help, side-to-side difference in cervical rotation range of motion of 10° or greater, and pain with posteroanterior spring testing of the middle cervical spine) was identified. If 3 or more of the 4 attributes (positive likelihood ratio of 13.5) were present, the probability of experiencing a successful outcome improved from 39% to 90%. Conclusion The clinical prediction rule may improve decision making by providing the ability to a priori identify patients with neck pain who are likely to benefit from cervical TJM and range-of-motion exercise. However, this is only the first step in the process of developing and testing a clinical prediction rule, as future studies are necessary to validate the results and should include long-term follow-up and a comparison group. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(7):577–592, Epub 14 May 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4243
Aperçu de l’analyse du professeur Jean-Paul Brodeur sur la sécurité privée, au chapitre 8 de son livre The Policing Web
Authors: Stenning Philip 
Published: May 2012

Dans cette contribution, je me penche sur la manière dont Jean-Paul Brodeur aborde le sujet de la sécurité privée dans le huitième chapitre de son livre, The Policing Web. J’estime que ce livre représente la première tentative « sérieuse » par un chercheur spécialisé dans les questions policières de développer une « théorie du policing » qui intègre le phénomène moderne de la sécurité privée et « plurielle ». Cet objectif n’est toutefois pas complètement atteint dans le livre, pour des raisons que Jean-Paul Brodeur expose lui-même à ses lecteurs. J’examine son argumentaire sur les difficultés d’obtenir une définition consensuelle de la « sécurité privée », l’importance qu’il accordait à l’étude de l’évolution des technologies de sécurité et leurs implications pour sa théorie du policing, ainsi que sur sa qualification de la sécurité privée comme une modalité de la haute police. Selon moi, ses réflexions représentent une contribution significative à la littérature et nous incitent à combler le déficit de connaissances au sujet de la sécurité privée au XXIe siècle.
Terrorisme et antiterrorisme : le jeu du pire
Authors: Leman-Langlois Stéphane 
Published: May 2012

Les recherches de Jean-Paul Brodeur sur le terrorisme ont porté sur deux aspects de la question, également importants et indissociables. Le premier est celui du fonctionnement, des objectifs et des méthodes des groupes qu’on nomme « terroristes », tout en considérant les résultats réels obtenus. Le second est celui de la régulation, de l’organisation, du financement et des conséquences des stratégies, organismes et programmes mis sur pied ou modifiés afin de leur faire face. Plus d’une décennie après le 11 septembre 2001, il semble bien que les plus graves dangers auxquels font face les Canadiens, comme la plupart des Occidentaux, proviennent du second aspect.
Terrorism and counter-terrorism: a choice between two evils
Authors: Leman-Langlois Stéphane 
Published: May 2012

Les recherches de Jean-Paul Brodeur sur le terrorisme ont porté sur deux aspects de la question, également importants et indissociables. Le premier est celui du fonctionnement, des objectifs et des méthodes des groupes qu’on nomme « terroristes », tout en considérant les résultats réels obtenus. Le second est celui de la régulation, de l’organisation, du financement et des conséquences des stratégies, organismes et programmes mis sur pied ou modifiés afin de leur faire face. Plus d’une décennie après le 11 septembre 2001, il semble bien que les plus graves dangers auxquels font face les Canadiens, comme la plupart des Occidentaux, proviennent du second aspect.
Parasitism by Cotesia flavipes alters the haemocyte population and phenoloxidase activity of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis
Authors: Mahmoud A.M.A. , De Luna-Santillana E.J. , Guo X. , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractParasitism of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae by Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) or injection of C. flavipes polydnavirus causes numerous alterations in host physiology including developmental arrest, abrogation of host immunity, and biochemical changes in proteins, carbohydrates, glycogen, and lipids. This study focused on changes in haemocyte composition occurring in the cellular immune system of parasitised D. saccharalis larvae. We also analysed the effects of parasitisation by C. flavipes on humoral immunity in terms of phenoloxidase (PO) activity in the host. In nonparasitised D. saccharalis larvae, granular cells represented the main haemocyte type (39%) and plasmatocytes were also present at around 35% among the total haemocytes. The percentages of these two major haemocytes decreased significantly in parasitised larvae after 6 days of parasitoid oviposition and the total haemocyte counts exhibited a significant reduction in parasitised larvae 3 and 6 days following parasitisation. The parasitised larvae also showed a significant decrease in humoral immune capacity as evidenced by reduction of PO activity. Moreover, the plasma had more PO activity than the haemocytes and the parasitised larvae showed less PO activity than the control larvae. This research demonstrates that the parasitism of C. flavipes adversely affects the total haemocyte populations and PO activity of D. saccharalis larvae, which would contribute to host immunosuppression.
Development of Mature and Functional Human Myeloid Subsets in Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Engrafted NOD/SCID/IL2rγKO Mice
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Saito Yoriko , Kunisawa Jun , Kurashima Yosuke , Wake Taichi , Suzuki Nahoko , Shultz Leonard D. , Kiyono Hiroshi , Ishikawa Fumihiko 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Although physiological development of human lymphoid subsets has become well documented in humanized mice, in vivo development of human myeloid subsets in a xenotransplantation setting has remained unevaluated. Therefore, we investigated in vivo differentiation and function of human myeloid subsets in NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (NSG) mouse recipients transplanted with purified lineage−CD34+CD38− cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. At 4–6 mo posttransplantation, we identified the development of human neutrophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes, and conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the recipient hematopoietic organs. The tissue distribution and morphology of these human myeloid cells were similar to those identified in humans. After cytokine stimulation in vitro, phosphorylation of STAT molecules was observed in neutrophils and monocytes. In vivo administration of human G-CSF resulted in the recruitment of human myeloid cells into the recipient circulation. Flow cytometry and confocal imaging demonstrated that human bone marrow monocytes and alveolar macrophages in the recipients displayed intact phagocytic function. Human bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages were further confirmed to exhibit phagocytosis and killing of Salmonella typhimurium upon IFN-γ stimulation. These findings demonstrate the development of mature and functionally intact human myeloid subsets in vivo in the NSG recipients. In vivo human myelopoiesis established in the NSG humanized mouse system may facilitate the investigation of human myeloid cell biology including in vivo analyses of infectious diseases and therapeutic interventions.