bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hafnium Aluminates Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition: Structural Characterization by X-ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Huanca Danilo Roque , Christiano V. , Adelmann C. , Kellerman G. , Verdonck P. , dos Santos Filho S. G.
Published: October 2012

Hafnium aluminates thin films deposited (50% Hf) by atomic layer deposition upon silicon substrate and then annealed by two different methods into two different environments. Their structural and chemical behaviors after thermal treatment were investigated using X-ray spectroscopy. For thin films annealed at 1000°C for 60 s in N2, phase separation take place, promoting the formation of HfO2 spheroidal crystalline nanoparticles embedded in Al2.4 O3.6, while in that annealed by laser HfO2 remains in its amorphous phase, but the aluminum oxide crystallizes in Al2.4O3.6 forming spheroidal nanoparticles.
Influence of a Thickness and Percentage of Ge in Optical Properties of Thin Films of Si1-xGex Grown by LPCVD
Authors: Mederos M. , Mestanza S.N. M. , Doi I. , Diniz J. A.
Published: October 2012

Optical properties of Si1-xGex thin films obtained by LPCVD, with different thickness and percentages of Ge are investigated in this work. Raman spectroscopy was employed for the determination of Ge percentage (x) and strain (ε) present on the films, using equations that involve the frequencies of Si-Si, Si-Ge and Ge-Ge Raman vibrational modes. From these calculations, an increase in the percent of Ge is observed with the rise of time of deposition. The refractive index of each film was determined by Ellisometry, where an abrupt increase of this parameter is detected for films of lower thickness. This result could be due to the quantum confinement effects as a consequence of the thickness of these films, which is comparable with the excitonic Bohr diameter of Ge. The best result was obtained to the film Si0.63Ge0.37 grown at 30s with a refractive index n= 3.141 for λ= 632.9 nm, thickness of 62.7 nm and a density of nanoparticle about 1.0x1010 cm-2 with an average size of ~ 47 nm.
Fine-Pitch UBM Pad Metallization and Flip-Chip Assembly for Plane Arrays Interconnection
Authors: Gomes Eliana , Maiolini Giuliano , Barbosa Felipe Rudge
Published: October 2012

We have developed and successfully obtained stable and reliable processes in our labs for metallization and pad definition of passivated Si substrates for microelectronic flip-chip assembly with solder bumps, applicable to high-density interconnection technology. Patterned samples were prepared with aluminum pads on Si/SiO2 over which the UBM multilayer metals were deposited. Pads are 90x90micron^2 with 185micron pitch. All metal layers show good stability and adherence, and the final processes have good reproducibility and stability. A flip-chip assembly using solder micro-bumps deposited over the pads was used to demonstrate stability and reliability of the process. This set of processes - metallization, pad definition and flip-chip assembly - will next be applied to functional devices.
MEMS-Based Ultrasound Transducer: CMUT Modeling and Fabrication Process
Authors: Oliveira V. I. , Ibrahim R. C. , Barros E. A. , Mendonça L.G. D. , Lima B.L. S. , Piazzeta H. O. , Gobbi A. L.
Published: October 2012

The present work aims to model, simulate and propose a process for manufacturing a MEMS electrostatic device called Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer (CMUT). The finite element method was used for modeling the operating conditions of the devices. Static analysis were made for three different materials Si, Cu, and SU-8. For Si and Cu membranes wider than 800μm in diameter, the CMUT collapsed. As for the SU-8, the collapse of CMUT occurred around 400μm in diameter and 10μm in thickness. Electrostatic and modal analysis were performed subsequently. The modal analysis were made to determine the natural mode shapes of the CMUT membrane. Simulation results gave an approximate idea of suitable dimensions of the devices. In this way, two microfabrication methods are proposed, one for Cu membrane and the other for the SU-8 membrane. Preliminary results allowed us to assert that the process for producing SU-8 CMUTs is very promising.
Innovative Spirulina Platensis-Based Love Wave Microsensor for the Detection of Heavy Metal in Liquid Medium
Authors: Tekaya N. , Gammoudi I. , Moroté F. , Raimbault V. , Sakly N. , Ouada Hat. Ben , Ouada Haf. Ben , Lagarde F. , Jaffrezic-Renault N. , Cohen-Bouhacina T. , Dejous C. , Rebière D.
Published: October 2012

A dried biomass of Arthrospira platensis, called Spirulina (Sp), a filamentous cyanobacterium, a blue-green microalga, is known to bind a wide range of heavy metals [1]. In this work, we propose an innovative approach, based on Spirulina as bioreceptor, combined with highly sensitive Love wave platform for the real-time detection of HM in liquid medium. The real time response to various concentrations of Cadmium (Cd2+) and Mercury (Hg2+), pumped through the microchannels, has been investigated. A detection limit as low as 10-12 mol.l-1 has been obtained. This response has been attributed to changes of microalgae visco-elastic equivalent parameters in presence of heavy metals.
Integration of Microfabricated Capacitive Bridge and Thermistor on the Alumina Substrates
Authors: Costa J. S. , Flacker A. , Nakashima M.H. S. , Fruett F. , Zampieri M. , Longo E.
Published: October 2012

This paper describes a thin film fabrication technique of planar metallic microstructure with geometries between 10 and 20μm on 96% alumina substrate. This technique integrates a microfabricated capacitive bridge and thermistor on the same substrate employing metal and vacuum deposition. The procedure showed good resolution using a substrate with medium grain size between 3-5μm and average peak to valley surface roughness (Ra) 0.1μm. The film adhesion was tested by soldering metallic wires on the capacitor electrodes. These structures can be used for thin film characterization. We also deposited an oxide thin film (TiO2:WO3) by using polymeric precursors method.
Design of a IMS-Cell of Generation and Detection of Ion with Cross-Flow System Fabricated with MEMS Technology
Authors: Ortiz J. J. , Ortiz G. P. , Lasorsa C. , Nigri C.
Published: October 2012

This work was based on the optimization of the design of a microsystems of generation and detection of the IMS (Ion Mobility Spectrometry) gas cross flow (cross flow) system. The objective was to show ingenious solutions in this field of knowledge, which simplify design, simulation and construction in a substantial way.
Improvement of a Vertical Thin Film Transistor Based on Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon Technology by Introduction of an Oxide Barrier between Drain and Source Layers
Authors: Zhang P. , Jacques E. , Rogel R. , Bonnaud O.
Published: October 2012

After the demonstration of feasibility of a new vertical thin film transistor (VTFT) based on low-temperature (T≤600°C) polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) technology, some improvements were performed. The first fabrications gave evidence of some remaining drawbacks due to the relatively large area of common coverage between drain and source. As a result, relatively high offcurrent was observed that decreased the Ion/Ioff ratio. A way to significantly decrease the Ioff current consists in inserting a thin insulating layer between source and drain. Fabrication and electrical characterization of this new device confirmed the good approach that can be extended to other vertical architectures that are on progress.
Preparation and Properties of GaN-Based MOSHFETs
Authors: Kordoš Peter
Published: October 2012

Results obtained on AlGaN/GaN and InAlN/GaN MOSHFETs using Al2O3 as a gate insulator are reviewed. It is shown that the static as well as high-frequency performances can be improved in comparison to the HFET counterparts. Density of trap states in the MOSHFETs with Al2O3 prepared by MOCVD, Al oxidation and ALD techniques are compared. These results underline high prospect of GaN-based MOSHFETs with Al2O3 gate insulator for reliable microwave power devices.
Analysis of the Silicon Film Thickness and the Ground Plane Influence on Ultra Thin Buried Oxide SOI nMOSFETs
Authors: Itocazu V. T. , Sonnenberg V. , Simoen E. , Claeys C. , Martino J. A.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an analysis of the Ground Plane (GP) implantation and silicon film thickness influences on Ultra Thin Buried Oxide (UTBOX) SOI MOSFETs. The results obtained experimentally and by simulations, considering the GP implantation, show that the device must have a GP implantation higher than 1x1018 cm-3 in order to eliminate the substrate effect. In spite of the fact that the substrate influence on the drain current is negligible with a high GP concentration, the coupling between front and back interface increases for thinner silicon films.
Experimental Comparative Study Between the Wave Layout Style and its Conventional Counterpart for Implementation of Analog Integrated Circuits
Authors: Navarenho de Souza R. , Gimenez S. P.
Published: October 2012

This paper performs an experimental comparative study between the Wave layout style (“S” shape gate geometry) and the Conventional (rectangular gate geometry) counterpart in order to verify and quantify the benefits that Wave structure can bring to improve the performance of devices in analog circuit, specially in trasconductance the ratio of transconductance between drain current as a function of the ratio of the drain current normalized by the geometric factor and frequency response (voltage gain and unit voltage gain frequency). By working with Wave structure instead of conventional counterpart, it can improve the device performance in terms of drain current in the triode and saturation regions, consequently better results in the transconductance and unit voltage gain frequency gains.
Experimental Study of the OCTO SOI nMOSFET and Its Application in Analog Integrated Circuits
Authors: Fino L.N. S. , Renaux C. , Flandre D. , Gimenez S. P.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an experimental comparative study between the OCTO, Diamond and Conventional Silicon-On-Insulator nMOSFETs (OSM, DSM and CSM, respectively), considering the same bias condition for all devices. The first comparison between the OSM and the CSM counterpart considers the same gate area and the second between the OSM and DSM regards the same geometric factor, in order to verify the benefits of the octagonal gate geometry, that uses the longitudinal corner effect to increase the resultant longitudinal electric field along of the channel, to improve the device performance and consequently to enhance the performance of analog integrated circuits. These characteristics can be observed on the main analog parameters such as drain current in saturation region, maximum transconductance, transconductance by drain current, voltage gain, unity voltage gain frequency and Early voltage.
Applying the Diamond Layout Style for FinFET
Authors: Neto E. D. , Gimenez S. P.
Published: October 2012

The FinFET devices have been on focus in recent years due its elevated gate control capability over the channel region, what gives this technology a scalability advantage against others. The planar Diamond MOSFET layout, on the other hand, has also shown great results regarding its possible use on integrated circuits applications. In this paper, the concept of the Diamond layout style is extended to its three-dimensional version, the Diamond FinFET. 3D numerical simulations are performed in order to compare the possible advantages and disadvantages between this innovative layout style and its conventional counterpart, keeping the same gate area, geometric factor and bias conditions. It is shown that this new device inherits the qualities of its planar MOSFET version and it is proved that it can reduce significantly the die area of the analog and digital (mixed) low-power low-voltage integrated circuits due to its high capability as current driver.
Role of Ion Channels and Transporters in Cell Migration
Authors: Schwab Albrecht , Fabian Anke , Hanley Peter J. , Stock Christian
Published: October 2012

Cell motility is central to tissue homeostasis in health and disease, and there is hardly any cell in the body that is not motile at a given point in its life cycle. Important physiological processes intimately related to the ability of the respective cells to migrate include embryogenesis, immune defense, angiogenesis, and wound healing. On the other side, migration is associated with life-threatening pathologies such as tumor metastases and atherosclerosis. Research from the last ∼15 years revealed that ion channels and transporters are indispensable components of the cellular migration apparatus. After presenting general principles by which transport proteins affect cell migration, we will discuss systematically the role of channels and transporters involved in cell migration.
Vasopressin V1a and V1b Receptors: From Molecules to Physiological Systems
Authors: Koshimizu Taka-aki , Nakamura Kazuaki , Egashira Nobuaki , Hiroyama Masami , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Tanoue Akito
Published: October 2012

The neurohypophysial hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) is essential for a wide range of physiological functions, including water reabsorption, cardiovascular homeostasis, hormone secretion, and social behavior. These and other actions of AVP are mediated by at least three distinct receptor subtypes: V1a, V1b, and V2. Although the antidiuretic action of AVP and V2 receptor in renal distal tubules and collecting ducts is relatively well understood, recent years have seen an increasing understanding of the physiological roles of V1a and V1b receptors. The V1a receptor is originally found in the vascular smooth muscle and the V1b receptor in the anterior pituitary. Deletion of V1a or V1b receptor genes in mice revealed that the contributions of these receptors extend far beyond cardiovascular or hormone-secreting functions. Together with extensively developed pharmacological tools, genetically altered rodent models have advanced the understanding of a variety of AVP systems. Our report reviews the findings in this important field by covering a wide range of research, from the molecular physiology of V1a and V1b receptors to studies on whole animals, including gene knockout/knockdown studies.
Evolution of Placental Function in Mammals: The Molecular Basis of Gas and Nutrient Transfer, Hormone Secretion, and Immune Responses
Authors: Carter Anthony M.
Published: October 2012

Placenta has a wide range of functions. Some are supported by novel genes that have evolved following gene duplication events while others require acquisition of gene expression by the trophoblast. Although not expressed in the placenta, high-affinity fetal hemoglobins play a key role in placental gas exchange. They evolved following duplications within the beta-globin gene family with convergent evolution occurring in ruminants and primates. In primates there was also an interesting rearrangement of a cassette of genes in relation to an upstream locus control region. Substrate transfer from mother to fetus is maintained by expression of classic sugar and amino acid transporters at the trophoblast microvillous and basal membranes. In contrast, placental peptide hormones have arisen largely by gene duplication, yielding for example chorionic gonadotropins from the luteinizing hormone gene and placental lactogens from the growth hormone and prolactin genes. There has been a remarkable degree of convergent evolution with placental lactogens emerging separately in the ruminant, rodent, and primate lineages and chorionic gonadotropins evolving separately in equids and higher primates. Finally, coevolution in the primate lineage of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and human leukocyte antigens can be linked to the deep invasion of the uterus by trophoblast that is a characteristic feature of human placentation.
S-adenosylmethionine in Liver Health, Injury, and Cancer
Authors: Lu Shelly C. , Mato José M.
Published: October 2012

S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet, also known as SAM and SAMe) is the principal biological methyl donor synthesized in all mammalian cells but most abundantly in the liver. Biosynthesis of AdoMet requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT). In mammals, two genes, MAT1A that is largely expressed by normal liver and MAT2A that is expressed by all extrahepatic tissues, encode MAT. Patients with chronic liver disease have reduced MAT activity and AdoMet levels. Mice lacking Mat1a have reduced hepatic AdoMet levels and develop oxidative stress, steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In these mice, several signaling pathways are abnormal that can contribute to HCC formation. However, injury and HCC also occur if hepatic AdoMet level is excessive chronically. This can result from inactive mutation of the enzyme glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT). Children with GNMT mutation have elevated liver transaminases, and Gnmt knockout mice develop liver injury, fibrosis, and HCC. Thus a normal hepatic AdoMet level is necessary to maintain liver health and prevent injury and HCC. AdoMet is effective in cholestasis of pregnancy, and its role in other human liver diseases remains to be better defined. In experimental models, it is effective as a chemopreventive agent in HCC and perhaps other forms of cancer as well.
Monounireducible Nonhomogeneous Continuous Time Semi-Markov Processes Applied to Rating Migration Models
Authors: D'Amico Guglielmo , Janssen Jacques , Manca Raimondo
Published: October 2012

Monounireducible nonhomogeneous semi-
Markov processes are defined and investigated. The mono-
unireducible topological structure is a sufficient condition
that guarantees the absorption of the semi-Markov process
in a state of the process. This situation is of fundamental
importance in the modelling of credit rating migrations because permits the derivation of the distribution function of
the time of default. An application in credit rating modelling is given in order to illustrate the results.
Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of Interventions in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns Based on Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Jiang Miao , Lu Cheng , Chen Gao , Xiao Cheng , Zha Qinglin , Niu Xuyan , Chen Shilin , Lu Aiping
Published: October 2012

Better effectiveness would be achieved when interventions are used in treating patients with a specific traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern. In this paper, the effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in a randomized clinical trial as reanalyzed after the patients were classified into different TCM patterns and the underlying mechanism of how the TCM pattern influences the clinical effectiveness of interventions (TCM and biomedicine therapy) was explored. The pharmacological networks of interventions were builtup with protein and protein interaction analyses based on all the related targeted proteins obtained from PubChem. The underlying mechanism was explored by merging the pharmacological networks with the molecular networks of TCM cold and hot patterns in RA. The results show that the TCM therapy is better in treating the RA patients with TCM hot pattern, and the biomedical therapy is better in the RA patients with cold pattern. The pharmacological network of TCM intervention is merged well with the molecular network of TCM hot pattern, and the pharmacological network of biomedical therapy is merged well with the network of cold pattern. The finding indicates that molecular network analysis could give insight into the full understanding of the underlying mechanism of how TCM pattern impacts the efficacy.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: Transapical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Li Ming , Mazilu Dumitru , Horvath Keith A.
Published: October 2012

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is less traumatic and therefore leads to quicker recovery. With the assistance of engineering technologies on devices, imaging, and robotics, in conjunction with surgical technique, minimally invasive cardiac surgery will improve clinical outcomes and expand the cohort of patients that can be treated. We used transapical aortic valve implantation as an example to demonstrate that minimally invasive cardiac surgery can be implemented with the integration of surgical techniques and engineering technologies. Feasibility studies and long-term evaluation results prove that transapical aortic valve implantation under MRI guidance is feasible and practical. We are investigating an MRI compatible robotic surgical system to further assist the surgeon to precisely deliver aortic valve prostheses via a transapical approach. Ex vivo experimentation results indicate that a robotic system can also be employed in in vivo models.
Human versus Computer Controlled Selection of Ventilator Settings: An Evaluation of Adaptive Support Ventilation and Mid-Frequency Ventilation
Authors: Mireles-Cabodevila Eduardo , Diaz-Guzman Enrique , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Chatburn Robert L.
Published: October 2012

Background. There are modes of mechanical ventilation that can select ventilator settings with computer controlled algorithms (targeting schemes). Two examples are adaptive support ventilation (ASV) and mid-frequency ventilation (MFV). We studied how different clinician-chosen ventilator settings are from these computer algorithms under different scenarios.Methods. A survey of critical care clinicians provided reference ventilator settings for a 70 kg paralyzed patient in five clinical/physiological scenarios. The survey-derived values for minute ventilation and minute alveolar ventilation were used as goals for ASV and MFV, respectively. A lung simulator programmed with each scenario’s respiratory system characteristics was ventilated using the clinician, ASV, and MFV settings.Results. Tidal volumes ranged from 6.1 to 8.3 mL/kg for the clinician, 6.7 to 11.9 mL/kg for ASV, and 3.5 to 9.9 mL/kg for MFV. Inspiratory pressures were lower for ASV and MFV. Clinician-selected tidal volumes were similar to the ASV settings for all scenarios except for asthma, in which the tidal volumes were larger for ASV and MFV. MFV delivered the same alveolar minute ventilation with higher end expiratory and lower end inspiratory volumes.Conclusions. There are differences and similarities among initial ventilator settings selected by humans and computers for various clinical scenarios. The ventilation outcomes are the result of the lung physiological characteristics and their interaction with the targeting scheme.
Centering Ability and Influence of Experience When Using WaveOne Single-File Technique in Simulated Canals
Authors: Goldberg Mathieu , Dahan Sandrine , Machtou Pierre
Published: October 2012

Introduction. WaveOne is a single endodontic instrument that reciprocates with a dedicated motor to shape root canal systems. The present study assessed the centering ability of this simplified protocol along with the effect of experience in simulated plastic canals.Methods. One experienced operator shaped two groups of simulated canals. Groups 1 and 3 each comprised 30 blinded L-shaped canals or S-shaped canals, respectively. Photographs were taken before and after shaping and digitally assessed centering after superimposition of the pictures. Time of shaping, number of passes, canal aberrations, and instrument degradation were recorded. In group 2 shaping was done on 30 blinded L-shaped canals by 30 different students with no prior experience with WaveOne.Results. All three groups yielded satisfactory, reproducible shaping. Centering ratios were low and homogeneous in all groups, with no significant differences between the experienced operator and the students. Apical transportation values were very low (≤0.138 mm) with no instances of blockage or separation. The average shaping time was short (43 to 101,6 sec).Conclusions. Within the limits of the study, the WaveOne instrument had excellent centering ability with a low risk of fracture or blockage and a short shaping time, regardless of the operator’s level of experience.
Economic Risks of Aflatoxin Contamination in Marketing of Peanut in Benin
Authors: N'dede C. Bley , Jolly C. M. , Vodouhe Simplice D. , Jolly P. E.
Published: October 2012

Aflatoxin (AF) is a human health, nutrition, and financial risk to many people in the developing world. AF contamination in peanut is caused by the fungi:Aspergillus flavusandAspergillus parasiticus. AF is a potent carcinogenic toxin that also causes millions of dollars of financial losses to people in Africa. The fungus producing the AF can be reduced to an acceptable level by proper drying, sorting, storage, and cleaning of peanut. Government intervention and regulation can also encourage market participants to reduce AF contamination. In this paper, we examine the financial risk associated with sorting, and storing of peanut and peanut products along the marketing chain. Study results show that the prices paid for peanut, prices received, the costs of sorting and storage are dominant factors in reducing AF levels in peanut. Practices such as drying, sorting, and storing, however, pose financial risks to market traders of peanut. Unless government intervenes by requesting an AF-reduced peanut and provides assistance for market liberalization where market participants consider quality in trading decisions, suppliers of peanut will be reluctant to adopt AF-reducing techniques.
Transabdominal Migration of Retained Surgical Sponge
Authors: Guner Ali , Hos Gultekin , Kahraman Izzettin , Kece Can
Published: October 2012

Retained surgical sponge (RSS) is a rare surgical complication. The RSSs are mostly located intra-abdominally but they can also be left in the thorax, spine, extremity, cranium, and breast. RSS is often difficult to diagnose because of the nonspecific clinical symptoms and radiologic findings. Clinically, RSS may present as an exudative reaction in the early postoperative period or may also cause an aseptic fibrous tissue response. A foreign body may remain asymptomatically silent for a long time, and it may later present with obstruction, fistulization, or mass formation. In this report, we present a case in which an RSS has migrated through the abdominal wall and caused an anterior abdominal wall abscess.
The Response Frequency Conversion Characteristic of a Nonlinear Curved Panel with a Centre Mass and the Sound Radiations
Authors: Lee Y. Y.
Published: October 2012

This study investigates the response frequency conversion characteristic of a nonlinear curved panel mounted with a centre mass and the sound radiations. A set of coupled governing differential equations is set up and used to generate the nonlinear vibration responses, which are used to calculate the corresponding radiated sounds. The vibration, sound levels, and the ratio of the antisymmetrical to symmetrical mode responses are plotted against the excitation level and compared with a set of experimental data. The frequency conversion characteristic is investigated from the frequency spectrums of the vibration responses.
Large Scale Solid Phase Synthesis of Peptide Drugs: Use of Commercial Anion Exchange Resin as Quenching Agent for Removal of Iodine during Disulphide Bond Formation
Authors: Reddy K. M. Bhaskara , Kumari Y. Bharathi , Mallikharjunasarma Dokka , Bulliraju Kamana , Sreelatha Vanjivaka , Ananda Kuppanna
Published: October 2012

The S-acetamidomethyl (Acm) or trityl (Trt) protecting groups are widely used in the chemical synthesis of peptides that contain one or more disulfide bonds. Treatment of peptides containing S-Acm protecting group with iodine results in simultaneous removal of the sulfhydryl protecting group and disulfide formation. However, the excess iodine needs to be quenched or adsorbed as quickly as possible after completion of the disulfide bond formation in order to minimize side reactions that are often associated with the iodination step. We report here a simple method for simultaneous quenching and removal of iodine and isolation of disulphide bridge peptides. The use of excess inexpensive anion exchange resin to the oxidized peptide from the aqueous acetic acid/methanol solution affords quantitative removal of iodine and other color impurities. This improves the resin life time of expensive chromatography media that is used in preparative HPLC column during the purification of peptide using preparative HPLC. Further, it is very useful for the conversion of TFA salt to acetatein situ. It was successfully applied commercially, to the large scale synthesis of various peptides including Desmopressin, Oxytocin, and Octreotide. This new approach offers significant advantages such as more simple utility, minimal side reactions, large scale synthesis of peptide drugs, and greater cost effectiveness.
Multiple Pigmented Bowen’s Disease: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Dilemma
Authors: Gahalaut Pratik , Rastogi Madhur Kant , Mishra Nitin , Chauhan Sandhya
Published: October 2012

Bowens' disease (BD) is a precancerous condition of skin and/or mucosa with a predilection towards sun-exposed areas. Extensive literature research failed to reveal any case of multiple pigmented BD in type V Fitzpatrick skin. Multiple BD is a therapeutic challenge with a tendency to recur. Here we present an otherwise healthy Indian male having multiple pigmented lesions of BD on sun-protected sites of the body mimicking malignant melanoma. These lesions were refractory to treatment with different modalities. This paper is an attempt to review the available literature regarding the pigmented variant of multiple BD. Rationale for a therapeutic trial of UVB therapy for multiple arsenic induced BD is also discussed.
An Algorithm for Fast Computation of 3D Zernike Moments for Volumetric Images
Authors: Hosny Khalid M. , Hafez Mohamed A.
Published: October 2012

An algorithm was proposed for very fast and low‐complexity computation of three‐dimensional Zernike moments. The 3D Zernike moments were expressed in terms of exact 3D geometric moments where the later are computed exactly through the mathematical integration of the monomial terms over the digital image/object voxels. A new symmetry‐based method was proposed to compute 3D Zernike moments with 87% reduction in the computational complexity. A fast 1D cascade algorithm was also employed to add more complexity reduction. The comparison with existing methods was performed, where the numerical experiments and the complexity analysis ensured the efficiency of the proposed method especially with image and objects of large sizes.
2 Cases of Bullosis Diabeticorum following Long-Distance Journeys by Road: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Bello Fatima , Samaila O. Modupe , Lawal Yakubu , Nkoro U. Kufre
Published: October 2012

Background. Bullosis diabeticorum is a distinct, spontaneous, noninflammatory, and blistering condition of acral skin that is unique to diabetics. It is rare. Exact aetiopathogenesis is not known, but many attributed peripheral neuropathy as a potent risk factor, others hypothesized the role of trauma, UV light, and nephropathy.Aim. To present cases of bullosis diabeticorum following long-distance journeys by road.Methods. History and physical examinations were done on 2 diabetics who presented with bilateral feet bullae following a long journey. Biopsy of a circumferential area of the bullae including adjoining apparently normal skin was done.Results. Features of peripheral neuropathy were noted. One developed digital gangrene without features of peripheral vascular disease. Culture of aspirate from a bullae yieldedStaphylococcus aureus. Tissue biopsy showed hyperkeratotic focally acanthotic pigmented epidermis with subcorneal separation of the granular layer of the epidermis by aggregates of viable and nonviable polymorphs and lymphocytes. There is mild acantholysis of the epidermis, and a fibrocollagenous dermis which is moderately infiltrated by lymphocytes.Conclusion. Long journeys by road is a strong factor in the aetiopathogenesis of bullosis diabeticorum on a background of peripheral neuropathy. Diabetics especially those with peripheral neuropathy should be cautious while traveling long journeys by road.
Surfaces of Constant Curvature in the Pseudo-Galilean Space
Authors: Milin Šipuš Željka , Divjak Blaženka
Published: October 2012

We develop the local theory of surfaces immersed in the pseudo-Galilean space, a special type of Cayley-Klein spaces. We define principal, Gaussian, and mean curvatures. By this, the general setting for study of surfaces of constant curvature in the pseudo-Galilean space is provided. We describe surfaces of revolution of constant curvature. We introduce special local coordinates for surfaces of constant curvature, so-called the Tchebyshev coordinates, and show that the angle between parametric curves satisfies the Klein-Gordon partial differential equation. We determine the Tchebyshev coordinates for surfaces of revolution and construct a surface with constant curvature from a particular solution of the Klein-Gordon equation.
Determining the Feasibility of Ambulance-Based Randomised Controlled Trials in Patients with Ultra-Acute Stroke: Study Protocol for the “Rapid Intervention with GTN in Hypertensive Stroke Trial” (RIGHT, ISRCTN66434824)
Authors: Ankolekar Sandeep , Sare Gillian , Geeganage Chamila , Fuller Michael , Stokes Lynn , Sprigg Nikola , Parry Ruth , Siriwardena A. Niroshan , Bath Philip M. W.
Published: October 2012

Background. Time from acute stroke to enrolment in clinical trials needs to be reduced to improve the chances of finding effective treatments. No completed randomised controlled trials of ambulance-based treatment for acute stroke have been reported in the UK, and the practicalities of recruiting, consenting, and treating patients are unknown.Methods. RIGHT is an ambulance based, single-blind, randomised controlled trial with blinded-outcome assessment. The trial will assess feasibility of using ambulance services to deliver ultra-acute stroke treatments; a secondary aim is to assess the effect of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on haemodynamic variables and functional outcomes. Initial consent, randomisation, and treatment are performed by paramedics prior to hospitalisation. Patients with ultra-acute stroke (≤4 hours of onset) are randomised to transdermal GTN (5 mg/24 hours) or gauze dressing daily for 7 days. The primary outcome is systolic blood pressure at 2 hours. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, haemodynamics, dependency, and other functional outcomes. A nested qualitative study is included.Trial Status. The trial has all relevant ethics and regulatory approvals and recruitment started on February 15, 2010. The trial stopped recruitment in December 2011 after 41 patients were recruited.Trial Registration. The trial registration number is ISRCTN66434824 and EudraCT number is 2007-004766-40.
Drug-Drug Interactions Potential of Icariin and Its Intestinal Metabolites via Inhibition of Intestinal UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases
Authors: Cao Yun-Feng , He Rong-Rong , Cao Jun , Chen Jian-Xing , Huang Ting , Liu Yong
Published: October 2012

Icariin is known as an indicative constituent of theEpimediumgenus, which has been commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine to enhance treat impotence and improve sexual function, as well as for several other indications for over 2000 years. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of icariin and its intestinal metabolites on the activities of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities. Using a panel of recombinant human UGT isoforms, we found that icariin exhibited potent inhibition against UGT1A3. It is interesting that the intestinal metabolites of icariin exhibited a different inhibition profile compared with icariin. Different from icariin, icariside II was a potent inhibitor of UGT1A4, UGT1A7, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7, and icaritin was a potent inhibitor of UGT1A7 and UGT1A9. The potential for drug interactionsin vivowas also quantitatively predicted and compared. The quantitative prediction of risks indicated thatin vivoinhibition against intestinal UGT1A3, UGT1A4, and UGT1A7 would likely occur after oral administration of icariin products.
Random Attractors for Stochastic Retarded Lattice Dynamical Systems
Authors: Ding Xiaoquan , Jiang Jifa
Published: October 2012

This paper is devoted to a stochastic retarded lattice dynamical system with additive white noise. We extend the method of tail estimates to stochastic retarded lattice dynamical systems and prove the existence of a compact global random attractor within the set of tempered random bounded sets.
NMDA Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Activity in Dorsal Motor Nucleus of Vagus Mediates the Enhancement of Gastric Motility by Stimulating ST36
Authors: Gao Xinyan , Qiao Yongfa , Jia Baohui , Jing Xianghong , Cheng Bin , Wen Lei , Tan Qiwen , Zhou Yi , Zhu Bing , Qiao Haifa
Published: October 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of electroacupuncture at ST36 for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. While several lines of evidence suggest that the effect may involve vagal reflex, the precise molecular mechanism underlying this process still remains unclear. Here we report that the intragastric pressure increase induced by low frequency electric stimulation at ST36 was blocked by AP-5, an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Indeed, stimulating ST36 enhanced NMDAR-mediated, but not 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)propanoic-acid-(AMPA-) receptor-(AMPAR-) mediated synaptic transmission in gastric-projecting neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). We also identified that suppression of presynapticμ-opioid receptors may contribute to upregulation of NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission induced by electroacupuncture at ST36. Furthermore, we determined that the glutamate-receptor-2a-(NR2A-) containing NMDARs are essential for NMDAR-mediated enhancement of gastric motility caused by stimulating ST36. Taken together, our results reveal an important role of NMDA receptors in mediating enhancement of gastric motility induced by stimulating ST36.
Tribological Properties of Metal V-Belt Type CVT Lubricant
Authors: Narita Keiichi
Published: October 2012

The priority for lubricant performance for metal V-belt-type CVT (B-CVTFs) should be the improvement of transmittable torque capacity between the belt and pulley plus excellent antishudder properties for lockup clutch used in B-CVTs. This study intends to investigate the effect of lubricant additives for improving these performances of B-CVTs. In addition, surface analysis techniques were utilized to gain a novel insight into the chemical composites and morphology of the tribofilms. As a result, it is vital for greater torque capacity to give higher boundary friction coefficient between the metal contacting interfaces, and the process of boundary lubricant film formation derived from antiwear additives used in B-CVTFs strongly impacts on the torque capacity. Moreover, it is found that a sort of lubricant formulation gave an excellent antishudder performance for wet clutch with keeping higher friction coefficient between the metals, which would result in improving the performance of B-CVTs.
Forced ILW‐Burgers Equation as a Model for Rossby Solitary Waves Generated by Topography in Finite Depth Fluids
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Yin Baoshu , Shi Yunlong , Wang Qingbiao
Published: October 2012

The paper presents an investigation of the generation, evolution of Rossby solitary waves generated by topography in finite depth fluids. The forced ILW‐ (Intermediate Long Waves‐) Burgers equation as a model governing the amplitude of solitary waves is first derived and shown to reduce to the KdV‐ (Korteweg‐de Vries‐) Burgers equation in shallow fluids and BO‐ (Benjamin‐Ono‐) Burgers equation in deep fluids. By analysis and calculation, the perturbation solution and some conservation relations of the ILW‐Burgers equation are obtained. Finally, with the help of pseudospectral method, the numerical solutions of the forced ILW‐Burgers equation are given. The results demonstrate that the detuning parameter α holds important implications for the generation of the solitary waves. By comparing with the solitary waves governed by ILW‐Burgers equation and BO‐Burgers equation, we can conclude that the solitary waves generated by topography in finite depth fluids are different from that in deep fluids.
A Case of a Metastatic Disease to the Pancreas from a Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma Documented by a CT-Scan-Guided Trucut Biopsy: The Diagnostic Role of Cytomorphology and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Bouyahia N. , Daoudi K. , Moumna K. , Hijri F. Z. , Benhammane H. , Brahmi S. A. , Arifi S. , Mellas N. , Amarti A. , El Mesbahi O.
Published: October 2012

Unlike primary pancreatic carcinoma, metastatic lesions of the pancreas are uncommon and account for approximately 2% of pancreatic malignancies. Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) represents a group of highly malignant tumors giving rise to early and widespread metastasis at the time of diagnosis. However, the pancreas is a relatively infrequent site of metastasis by this neoplasm, and reports on metastatic small-cell carcinoma (SCC) in the pancreas, either of pulmonary or extrapulmonary origin, to be diagnosed by CT-scan-guided trucut biopsy (CT-TCB) are very rare. A 56-year-old man presented with a laterocervical lymphadenopathy associated to a mixed-density lung mass and a mass in the pancreatic body. CT-TCB slides from the pancreatic mass contained small, round tumor cells with extensive nuclear molding. The cytomorphological and histological diagnosis was metastatic SCC. Immunocytochemical staining showed that a variable number of neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin 7, TTF1, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin but negative for leukocyte common antigen and cytokeratin 20 with a very high expression of KI67. The transbronchial needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of an SCC. This case represents a rare metastatic lesion in the pancreas from SCLC, diagnosed by CT-TCB histological and immunohistochemical studies.
Noether Symmetries of the Area‐Minimizing Lagrangian
Authors: Aslam Adnan , Qadir Asghar
Published: October 2012

It is shown that the Lie algebra of Noether symmetries for the Lagrangian minimizing an (n − 1)‐area enclosing a constant n‐volume in a Euclidean space is so(n)⊕sℝn and in a space of constant curvature the Lie algebra is so(n). Furthermore, if the space has one section of constant curvature of dimension n1, another of n2, and so on to nk and one of zero curvature of dimension m, with (as some of the sections may have no symmetry), then the Lie algebra of Noether symmetries is .
On Generalized Flett's Mean Value Theorem
Authors: Molnárová Jana
Published: October 2012

We present a new proof of generalized Flett's mean value theorem due to Pawlikowska (from 1999) using only the original Flett's mean value theorem. Also, a Trahan-type condition is established in general case.
Line Search‐Based Inverse Lithography Technique for Mask Design
Authors: Zhao Xin , Chu Chris
Published: October 2012

As feature size is much smaller than the wavelength of illumination source of lithography equipments, resolution enhancement technology (RET) has been increasingly relied upon to minimize image distortions. In advanced process nodes, pixelated mask becomes essential for RET to achieve an acceptable resolution. In this paper, we investigate the problem of pixelated binary mask design in a partially coherent imaging system. Similar to previous approaches, the mask design problem is formulated as a nonlinear program and is solved by gradient‐based search. Our contributions are four novel techniques to achieve significantly better image quality. First, to transform the original bound‐constrained formulation to an unconstrained optimization problem, we propose a new noncyclic transformation of mask variables to replace the wellknown cyclic one. As our transformation is monotonic, it enables a better control in flipping pixels. Second, based on this new transformation, we propose a highly efficient line search‐based heuristic technique to solve the resulting unconstrained optimization. Third, to simplify the optimization, instead of using discretization regularization penalty technique, we directly round the optimized gray mask into binary mask for pattern error evaluation. Forth, we introduce a jump technique in order to jump out of local minimum and continue the search.
Foraging Habitat Distributions Affect Territory Size and Shape in the Tuamotu Kingfisher
Authors: Kesler Dylan C.
Published: October 2012

I studied factors influencing territory configuration in the Tuamotu kingfisher (Todiramphus gambieri). Radiotelemetry data were used to define territory boundaries, and I tested for effects on territory size and shape of landscape habitat composition and foraging patch configuration. Tuamotu kingfisher territories were larger in areas with reduced densities of coconut plantation foraging habitat, and territories were less circular in the study site that had a single slender patch of foraging habitat. Maximum territory length did not differ between study sites, however, which suggested that the size of Tuamotu kingfisher territories might be bounded by the combined influence of maximum travel distances and habitat configurations. Results also suggested that birds enlarge territories as they age. Together, results supported previous work indicating that territory configurations represent a balance between the costs of defending a territory and gains from territory ownership.
A Rate-Distortion-Based Merging Algorithm for Compressed Image Segmentation
Authors: Juang Ying-Shen , Hsin Hsi-Chin , Sung Tze-Yun , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Cattani Carlo
Published: October 2012

Original images are often compressed for the communication applications. In order to avoid the burden of decompressing computations, it is thus desirable to segment images in the compressed domain directly. This paper presents a simple rate-distortion-based scheme to segment images in the JPEG2000 domain. It is based on a binary arithmetic code table used in the JPEG2000 standard, which is available at both encoder and decoder; thus, there is no need to transmit the segmentation result. Experimental results on the Berkeley image database show that the proposed algorithm is preferable in terms of the running time and the quantitative measures: probabilistic Rand index (PRI) and boundary displacement error (BDE).
Plasminogen Binding Proteins and Plasmin Generation on the Surface ofLeptospiraspp.: The Contribution to the Bacteria-Host Interactions
Authors: Vieira Monica L. , Atzingen Marina V. , Oliveira Rosane , Mendes Renata S. , Domingos Renan F. , Vasconcellos Silvio A. , Nascimento Ana L. T. O.
Published: October 2012

Leptospirosis is considered a neglected infectious disease of human and veterinary concern. Although extensive investigations on host-pathogen interactions have been pursued by several research groups, mechanisms of infection, invasion and persistence of pathogenicLeptospiraspp. remain to be elucidated. We have reported the ability of leptospires to bind human plasminogen (PLG) and to generate enzimatically active plasmin (PLA) on the bacteria surface. PLA-coatedLeptospiracan degrade immobilized ECM molecules, an activity with implications in host tissue penetration. Moreover, we have identified and characterized several proteins that may act as PLG-binding receptors, each of them competent to generate active plasmin. The PLA activity associated to the outer surface ofLeptospiracould hamper the host immune attack by conferring the bacteria some benefit during infection. The PLA-coated leptospires obstruct complement C3b and IgG depositions on the bacterial surface, most probably through degradation. The decrease of leptospiral opsonization might be an important aspect of the immune evasion strategy. We believe that the presence of PLA on the leptospiral surface may (i) facilitate host tissue penetration, (ii) help the bacteria to evade the immune system and, as a consequence, (iii) permitLeptospirato reach secondary sites of infection.