bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on the Black–Scholes implied volatility with default risk
Authors: Ohsaki Shuichi , Ozeki Takaaki , Umezawa Yuji , Yamazaki Akira 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper focuses on a theoretical aspect of relations between the Black–Scholes implied volatility and the default probability in a general framework that the stock price is fixed at zero after default occurs. It is shown that the default probability of the company under a risk‐neutral measure significantly links to the implied volatility skew at extremely small strike. Moreover, it is proved that the divergence speed of the implied volatility must be determined uniquely in any defaultable economy under arbitrage‐free condition. Finally, through a numerical test, we show whether our model‐free formula is applicable or not in practice. Copyright © 2010 Wilmott Magazine Ltd.
Viroids: self‐replicating, mobile, and fast‐evolving noncoding regulatory RNAs
Authors: Ding Biao 
Published: June 2010

AbstractViroids are small, circular, and noncoding RNAs that infect plants. They replicate in the nucleus or chloroplast and then traffic from cell to cell and from organ to organ to establish systemic infection. Viroids achieve nearly all of the biological functions by directly interacting with host cellular factors. Viroid replication, together with replication of human hepatitis delta virus, demonstrates the biological novelty and significance of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase activities of DNA‐dependent RNA polymerases. Viroid systemic infection uncovers a new biological principle—the role of three‐dimensional RNA structural motifs mediating RNA trafficking between specific cells. Viroid diseases are virtually the consequences of host gene regulation by noncoding RNAs. A viroid RNA has the highest in vivo mutation rate among all known nucleic acid replicons. The host range of many viroids is expanding, essentially as a result of continuing and fast evolution of noncoding sequences/structures to gain new biological functions. Here, I discuss recent progress in these areas, emphasizing the broad significance of viroid research to the discovery of fundamental biological principles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Determination of Alcohol Ethoxylates derivatized with Naphthoyl Chloride, in Waste Water Treatment Plant Influent, Effluent and Sludge Samples by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cassani Giorgio , Tibaldi Francesca , Donato Graziano , Andriollo Nunzio 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA new analytical procedure for the determination of alcohol ethoxylates (AE) in environmental samples such as influents, effluents and sludge from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) was developed. Although some work had been previously published on the detection of AE in water samples, this is the first paper that deals with AE in sludge. Alcohol ethoxylates were removed from water samples by sorption on polymeric discs followed by extraction with methanol. The methanol extracts were cleaned up with two alumina solid‐phase extractions (SPE) at different conditions of solvent polarity, one before and the other after derivatization with naphthoyl chloride. A final polishing step was carried out on a Florisil SPE column. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization was used to quantify AE as naphthoyl derivatives. The detection limits for AE ethoxymers range from 0.07 to 0.005 μg/L in water samples. The method was applied to an Italian WWTP in order to follow the fate of AE during treatment, AE concentrations of 839 μg/L, 0.46 μg/L and 10.6 mg/kg were respectively found in the inlet, outlet and sludge samples. AE removals of each ethoxymer in the plant were in the range 99.6–100% and no difference was observed between high or low‐mole ethoxymers and between AE with odd or even carbon chain lengths. An overall 99.7% removal was also determined on the mass balance of AE in the inlet, the outlet, and sludge of the plant.
Electronegative Low‐Density Lipoprotein is Associated with Dense Low‐Density Lipoprotein in Subjects with Different Levels of Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: de Queiroz Mello Ana Paula , da Silva Isis Tande , Oliveira Aline Silva , Nunes Valéria Sutti , Abdalla Dulcineia Saes Parra , Gidlund Magnus , Damasceno Nágila Raquel Teixeira 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDyslipidemias and physicochemical changes in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) are very important factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, pathophysiological properties of electronegative low‐density lipoprotein [LDL(−)] remain a controversial issue. Our objective was to investigate LDL(−) content in LDL and its subfractions (phenotypes A and B) of subjects with different cardiovascular risk. Seventy‐three subjects were randomized into three groups: normolipidemic (N; n = 30) and hypercholesterolemic (HC; n = 33) subjects and patients with CAD (n = 10). After fasting, blood samples were collected and total, dense and light LDL were isolated. LDL(−) content in total LDL and its subfractions was determined by ELISA. LDL(−) content in total LDL was lower in the N group as compared to the HC (P < 0.001) and CAD (P = 0.006) groups. In the total sample and in those of the N, HC, and CAD groups, LDL(−) content in dense LDL was higher than in light LDL (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.033, respectively) The impact of LDL(−) on cardiovascular risk was reinforced when LDL(−) content in LDL showed itself to have a positive association with total cholesterol (β = 0.003; P < 0.001), LDL‐C (β = 0.003; p < 0.001), and non‐HDL‐C (β = 0.003; P < 0.001) and a negative association with HDL‐C (β = −0.32; P = 0.04). Therefore, LDL(−) is an important biomarker that showed association with the lipid profile and the level of cardiovascular risk.
DNA-based discrimination and frequency of phytoplasma infection in the two hawthorn-feeding species, Cacopsylla melanoneura and Cacopsylla affinis, in northwestern Italy
Authors: Tedeschi R. , Nardi F. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA molecular tool, focused on the mitochondrial Control Region (CR), was developed to discriminate the two hawthorn-feeding psyllid species, Cacopsylla melanoneura (Förster) and C. affinis (Löw), and to estimate their frequencies in mixed populations. The test was carried out in paired and single-tube amplifications and validated analysing 52 male specimens previously determined by morphological analysis. The frequencies of the two species in mixed populations in the Aosta Valley (northwestern Italy) were analysed. The presence and type of 16SrX-group phytoplasmas was detected by nested PCR and RFLP tests in both species. C. melanoneura was the predominant species (86.5%; 80.4–91.2 CI); of these, 0.9% of the samples were positive for ‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’ and 1.8% for ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’. One of 21 specimens of C. affinis was positive for ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’. The test also allowed us to identify two genetic variants of C. melanoneura, depending on the presence or absence of a 56 bp indel; these were named WI (with indel) and WOI (without indel), respectively. Further analyses were carried out on C. melanoneura specimens collected in apple orchards at six different locations in northern Italy where different levels of transmission efficiency have been described. Our preliminary observations suggest that some differences might exist between the two genetic variants in their ability to transmit phytoplasmas and to colonise different host plants.
Association between the squat lobsterGastroptychus formosusand cold-water corals in the North Atlantic
Authors: Le Guilloux E. , Hall-Spencer J.M. , Söffker M.K. , Olu K. 
Published: June 2010

Although there are no previous descriptions of the habits of chirostylids in the North Atlantic, it is likely that species in the generaUroptychus,EumunidaandGastroptychushave close ecological ties with deep-sea corals since they have all been recorded in trawl samples containing corals from >200 m depth. We analysedin situdistribution ofGastroptychus formosusand potential hosts using a ROV at a range of north-eastern Atlantic sites and found that this species forms a close association with deep-sea corals that resembles the chirostylid–anthozoan associations reported in shallow Indo-Pacific waters. We update the known distribution forG. formosus, confirming that it is an amphiatlantic species that occurs along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at least as far south as the Azores and along continental margins from the Canary Islands to Scotland at depths of 600–1700 m. The adults have very specific habitat preferences, being only found on gorgonian and antipatharian corals with a strong preference forLeiopathessp. as a host. This highly restricted habitat preference is likely to render chirostylids vulnerable to the impacts of demersal fishing both directly, as by-catch, and indirectly through habitat loss.
The hydrothermal vent community of a new deep-sea field, Ashadze-1, 12°58′N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Fabri M-C. , Bargain A. , Briand P. , Gebruk A. , Fouquet Y. , Morineaux M. , Desbruyeres D. 
Published: June 2010

Ashadze-1 (12° 58′N 44° 51′W, 4080 m) on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is the deepest known active hydrothermal vent field. The first observations on this site were numerous clear and black smokers and surprisingly few known symbiotic species dominant in other vent areas on the MAR. The species most abundant at Ashadze-1 are those usually found at the periphery of hydrothermal communities: sea-anemones Maractis rimicarivora and chaetopterid polychaetes Phyllochaetopterus sp. nov. This study comprised site mapping and faunal sampling and Ashadze-1 was completely mapped by using the remote operated vehicle ‘Victor 6000’ and a new high resolution tool available for deep-sea research. A photo-mapping survey was carried out with a long range optical black and white camera. Digitization of substrata and sea-anemones visible on the images was performed by GIS. Spatial distribution of Ma. rimicarivora was distinguished by high densities of 32 ind.m−2 on the western side of the main smoker area. Submersible sampling operations allowed taxonomic identification within a 200 × 110 m area. Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopic ratios were measured in four dominant species to identify their trophic position. The present paper gives the complete maps and describes the faunal community of the Ashadze-1 vent field. The results obtained led us to consider this site as an ecosystem in its declining stage. Finally we compare the similarities of this community to other hydrothermal communities on the northern MAR.
On Philosophy's (lack of) Progress: From Plato to Wittgenstein (and Rawls)
Authors: Read R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractI argue that the type of progress exhibited by philosophy is not that exhibited by science (as analysed e.g. by Thomas Kuhn), but rather is akin to the kind of progress exhibited (say) be someone becoming ‘older and wiser’. However, as actually-existing philosophy has gotten older, it has not always gotten wiser. As an illustration, I consider Rawls's conception of justification. I argue that Rawls's notion of what it is to have a philosophical justification exhibits no progress at all from Euthyphro's. In fact, drawing on a remark of Wittgenstein's, I suggest that Rawls's conception is inferior to the situation as depicted in Plato's famous dialogue – because at least in the case of Plato's Euthyphro, there is no illusion of justification.
The Ibāḍī “stages of religion” re-examined: Tracing the history of the Masālik al-Dīn
Authors: Gaiser Adam 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWith few exceptions, scholarly presentations of the Ibāḍī “stages of religion” (masālik al-dīn) and their corresponding Imāms (i.e. imām al-ẓuhūr, imām al-difāʿ, imām al-shirā', and imām al-kitmān) propose a simplified overview of the institution that is based on post-Ibāḍī renaissance thought on the Imāmate. This paper investigates the pre-renaissance usages of the masālik al-dīn by comparing sixth/twelfth-century Arabian and North African Ibāḍī texts on the subject. It demonstrates that Eastern and Western Ibāḍīs manipulated the concepts central to the later masālik al-dīn ideal to reflect the particular needs of each respective community. While the articulations of the masālik al-dīn differed according to region, they simultaneously utilized a similar vocabulary. This convergence implies an earlier and inherited conceptual system (most likely from the earliest Basran Ibāḍī umma) that was adapted in the medieval period to fulfil the unique needs of each community.
Issues of causation in homicide decisions of the Qing Board of Punishments from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
Authors: MacCormack Geoffrey 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper explores in decisions of the Qing Board of Punishments the importance of the identification of the “cause of death” for the allocation of liability in cases of homicide. The Board's preoccupation with the issue of causation is discussed through its use of three formulae which express in different ways the causal link between the elements in the chain of causation culminating in death:yin/you … so zhi(“cause … as a result of which”),zui zuo so you/yin(“offence liable that which causes”), andzhaoxin(“beginning of the trouble”). Some remarks are added on the relationship between the concepts of “causation” and “fault” in the historical development of the traditional Chinese law of homicide.
Hpo Hlaing on Buddhist law
Authors: Huxley Andrew 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis article introduces an English version (translator unknown) of a Burmese law report: Judge Hpo Hlaing's ruling in Ma Hla v. Ma Wa, delivered in Mandalay in 1877. The judgement contains a paragraph dealing with the sources of Buddhist Law which appears to be a riposte to work published earlier that year in Lower Burma. That the judge was Burma's leading political philosopher gives special resonance to his views on law. His list of five law reports from the Pali canon and related texts is of interest. A reading is advanced in which the five cases link to Burmese ideas about legal pluralism.
Time course of meiotic spindle development in MII oocytes
Authors: Kilani Suha , Cooke Simon , Chapman Michael 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine changes in meiotic spindle morphology over time to potentially optimize timing for ICSI. Using polarized light microscopy, images of MII oocytes were captured after retrieval of oocytes in stimulated cycles at six time intervals in culture: 36–36.5 h, 36.5–37.0 h, 38–38.5 h, 39–39.5 h, 40–40.5 h and 40.5–41 h post hCG. Captured images were analysed for spindle presence and their retardance. Results showed that spindles were detected in 58% (45/78) of oocytes at 36–36.5 h. This percentage rose to a peak (96% vs. 58%, p < 0.001) at 39–39.5 h and stabilized between 39–40.5 h post trigger then significantly declined at 40.5–41 h post hCG (96% vs. 77%, p < 0.001). Average spindle retardance increased from 36–36.5 h (1.8 ± 0.7 nm) until it peaked at 39–40.5 h (3.8 ± 0.8 nm, p < 0.0001) and then declined significantly after 40.5–41 h (3.2 ± 0.9 nm, p = 0.0001). These results show that the meiotic spindle appearance is time dependent with the majority of oocytes having detectable spindles and highest retardance between 39–40.5 h post hCG under currently used stimulation protocol after which they start to disaggregate. 39–40.5 h post hCG may be the optimal time for ICSI.
Optimization of artificial fertilization in the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Christopher J. Godwin , Murugesan A.G. , Sukumaran N. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryDetermination of optimum sperm requirement in artificial breeding helps to improve the fertilization efficiency, sperm economy and minimize the sacrificing of males for milt. Quantification of sperm cells was done by spectrophotometer at 420 nm followed by haemocytometer counting. Best correlation (r2 = 0.97) was recorded. The minimum number of sperm required for optimal fertilization success in Heteropneustes fossilis was determined. An average fertilization success of 78–93% was recorded at 8 × 103 to 8 × 107 sperm per egg. The optimum contact duration of gametes was 5 minutes. The highest fertilization rate of 98.18% was recorded at 8 × 107 spermatozoa.egg−1.
Ultraviolet radiation and handling medium osmolarity affect chimaerism success in zebrafish
Authors: Francisco-Simão M. , Cardona-Costa J. , Pérez-Camps M. , García-Ximénez F. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe effects of a predefined ultraviolet radiation dose (0.529 mW/cm2for 30s) together with two different micromanipulation medium osmolarities (30 mOsm/kg vs 300 mOsm/kg) were tested on embryo survival at different developmental stages and on the somatic (skin) and germ-line chimaerism rates. Somatic (13%, 6/47 adults) and germ-line chimaerism (50% pigmented F1 larvae) were detected only in the UV-treated recipient embryos micromanipulated in a 300 mOsm/kg medium. From the results obtained, we concluded that the conditions cited above were the most suitable to improve somatic and germ-line chimaerism rates in zebrafish.
Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase may not be involved in AICAR- and metformin-mediated meiotic arrest in bovine denuded and cumulus-enclosed oocytes in vitro
Authors: Bilodeau-Goeseels Sylvie , Panich Paul L. , Kastelic John P. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators, 5′-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and metformin (MET), inhibit resumption of meiosis in bovine cumulus-enclosed oocytes (CEO) and denuded oocytes (DO). The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the effects of AMPK inhibitors on bovine oocyte meiosis in vitro; and (2) determine if AICAR or MET activates oocyte and/or cumulus cell AMPK. The AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC; 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 μM) did not reverse the inhibitory effects of AICAR (1 mM) and MET (2 mM) on bovine oocyte meiosis. Additionally, CC (5 and 10 μM) inhibited meiosis (p < 0.05) in CEO and DO cultured for 7 h. Okadaic acid (1 μM) reversed the inhibitory effect of MET (2 mM) and CC (5 μM; p < 0.05) but not of AICAR (1 mM). Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of AMPK on Thr172 is required for activation. Based on western blot analysis, AICAR, MET and CC did not affect Thr172 phosphorylation levels in DO and oocytes from complexes (p > 0.05). In cumulus cells, Thr172 phosphorylation decreased after 3 h of culture (p < 0.05), regardless of the presence of AMPK modulators in the culture medium. Higher concentrations of AICAR (2 mM) and MET (10 mM) did not affect Thr172 phosphorylation, but phosphorylation on Ser79 of ACC, a substrate of AMPK, was increased in response to MET (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we inferred that the inhibitory effect of AICAR and MET on bovine oocyte meiosis was probably not mediated through activation of AMPK. Moreover, these compounds probably inhibited meiosis through different pathways.
Protective melatonin effect on oxidative stress induced by okadaic acid into rat brain
Authors: Túnez Isaac , Del Carmen Muñoz M. , Feijóo Montserrat , Muñoz‐Castañeda Juan R. , Bujalance Inmaculada , Valdelvira M. Elías , López Pedro Montilla 
Published: June 2010

Abstract:We studied the effect of melatonin on the oxidative changes produced by the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of okadaic acid (200 ng/kg BW) in the Wistar rat. The effects of okadaic acid were evaluated as changes in the quantity of lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione content (GSH) and activity of antioxidative enzymes. Okadaic acid caused lipid peroxidation (5.35 ± 0.47 μmol/g tissue in the i.c.v. vehicle group versus 10.14 ± 0.88 μmol/g tissue in the okadaic acid group, P < 0.001), GSH consumption (0.115 ± 0.0065 μmol/g tissue in the i.c.v. vehicle group versus 0.024 ± 0.0021 μmol/g tissue, P < 0.001), and a reduction in the activity of GSH‐peroxidase, GSH‐reductase and GSH‐transferase between 60–80%. All these changes were prevented by pre‐injection of 4.5 mg melatonin per kg BW 2 hr before okadaic acid. These findings indicate: (i) okadaic acid induces a status of oxidative stress in the brain, characterized by a high level of lipid peroxidation, decreases in GSH content and diminished activities of antioxidative enzymes, and (ii) melatonin prevents the deleterious effects induced by okadaic acid. In conclusion, the results show the ability of melatonin to modify the neural response to okadaic acid with the protective mechanism likely involving the antioxidative processes of melatonin.
Melatonin inhibits growth of diethylstilbestrol‐induced prolactin‐secreting pituitary tumor in vitro: possible involvement of nuclear RZR/ROR receptors
Authors: Karasek Michal , Gruszka Anna , Lawnicka Hanna , Kunert‐Radek Jolanta , Pawlikowski Marek 
Published: June 2010

Abstract:Melatonin exerts a marked antiproliferative action in numerous experimentally‐induced tumors in vivo as well as in both animal and human cell lines in vitro. However, the mechanisms of oncostatic action of melatonin is not clear, and the involvement of both membrane and nuclear receptors are suggested. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of melatonin, and both agonist (CGP 52608), and antagonist (CGP 55644) of RZR/ROR nuclear receptors on the growth of diethylstilbestrol‐induced rat prolactin‐secreting pituitary tumor cells in vitro.Pituitary tumors were induced by subcutaneous implantation of a single silastic capsule containing 10 mg of diethylstilbestrol in 4‐wk‐old male Fischer 344 rats. Four months after the implantation of capsules the animals were killed by decapitation, pituitary tumors were aseptically removed, mechanically dispersed, and enzymatically digested with 0.2% collagenase and 0.2% hyaluronidase. The cells (6 × 105 cells/well) were incubated for 24 hr in the presence of melatonin, CGP 52608, CGP 55644 and CGP 55644 plus melatonin (at the concentrations of 107 and 10−9 m) at 37°C in the humidified atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO2. The group with the addition of solvent only served as control. The growth of cell was measured using the EZ4U system. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by LSD test.Both melatonin and CGP 52608 significantly suppressed growth of tumor cells in vitro in both used concentrations. CGP 55644 stimulated growth of tumor cells and blocked the inhibitory effects of melatonin in vitro.Results of the present study as well as other experimental evidence strongly support the hypothesis that both membrane and nuclear receptors are involved in the oncostatic action of melatonin, and indicate that nuclear signalling plays an important role in this process.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO
2 photocatalyst doped by transition metal ions (Fe
3+, Cr
3+ and V
5+)
Authors: Tuan Vu Anh , Tuan Nguyen Quoc , Linh Bui Thi Hai , Cuong Tran Manh , Phuong Dang Tuyet , Hoa Tran Thi Kim 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Nano TiO
2 was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The sample was doped with transition metal ions (V, Cr and Fe) and non-metal (N). Doped TiO
2 samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Photocatalytic activity in the mineralization of xylene (vapor phase), methylene blue and active dyer PR (liquid phase) was tested. In comparison with non-doped TiO
2, V-, Cr-, Fe-doped TiO
2 and N-doped TiO
2 samples exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity using visible light instead of UV.
On the elliptic equation 𝐷ᵢ[𝑎ᵢⱼ(𝑥)𝐷ⱼ𝑈]-𝑘(𝑥)𝑈+𝐾(𝑥)𝑈^{𝑝}=0
Authors: Lin Fang-Hua 
Published: June 2010

The problem of the existence and nonexistence of entire, positive solutions to the uniformly elliptic, semilinear equation

D
i

[

a

i
j

(
x
)

D
j

U
]
−
k
(
x
)
U
+
K
(
x
)

U
p

=
0

{D_i}[{a_{ij}}(x){D_j}U] - k(x)U + K(x){U^p} = 0

in

R

n

{{\mathbf {R}}^n}

, where

p
>
1

p > 1

, is studied. A limiting case when

K
(
x
)

K(x)

is negative and has quadratic decay at infinity is also treated.