bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High pulse energy and symmetrical far field from an optical parametric oscillator in the red spectral range
Authors: Rustad Gunnar , Farsund Øystein
Published: February 2012

Red pulses with >30 mJ energy and < 0.6 nm bandwidth have been demonstrated using a type 2 phase matched optical parametric oscillator pumped at 532 nm. A symmetrical signal beam with beam diameter-divergence product of 3 mm·mrad was obtained by applying KTA and BBO crystals in the same resonator.
Numerical correction of X-ray detector backlighting
Authors: Lange Axel , Hentschel Manfred P. , Kupsch Andreas , Müller Bernd R.
Published: February 2012

A novel approach to strongly suppress artifacts in radiography and computed tomography caused by the effect of diffuse background signals (“backlighting”) of 2D X-ray detectors is suggested. Depending on the detector geometry the mechanism may be different, either based on the optical scattering by the fluorescent screen materials into optical detection devices or Compton or X-ray fluorescence scattering by the detector components. Consequently, these erroneous intensity portions result in locally different violations of Lambert–Beer's law in single projections (radiographs).

When used as input data for computed tomography these violations are directly observed via modulation of the projected mass as a function of the rotation phase and the sample's aspect ratio (dynamics). The magnitude of the diffuse background signal depends on the detector area covered by the projected sample. They are more pronounced the smaller the shadowed area and the stronger the total attenuation. This implies that the reconstruction suffers from additional anisotropic artifacts caused by elongated sample structures.

This issue is studied simply by absorption of flat plates in a conventional laboratory radiography set-up and at a synchrotron radiation facility. In the latter case beam hardening artifacts can be excluded due to the monochromatic radiation. The proposed correction procedure requires simple integral intensity offsets as a constant (non-local) light scattering mechanism is assumed.
Three-dimensional morphology and mechanics of bone scaffolds fabricated by rapid prototyping
Authors: Yoon Jin Yu Simon , Deyhle Hans , Gbureck Uwe , Vorndran Elke , Beckmann Felix , Müller Bert
Published: February 2012

Alpha-beta-tri-calcium phosphate is a promising biomaterial to fabricate scaffolds for the reconstruction of osseous defects. In the present study, we demonstrate that three-dimensional printing allows tailoring the porosity and the mechanical properties of nature-analogue designed scaffolds. Sophisticated software tools applied to the acquired tomography data were used to characterize the printing quality and the porosity by means of the distance transform, the radial density distribution and the accessibility by virtual spheres. Analyzing the stress – strain curves of the scaffolds, the Young's modulus and the ultimate compressive strength were obtained. To reach mechanical properties comparable to those of jaw bone, the scaffolds were treated with phosphoric acid. Depending on the design, the compressive strength of the bone scaffolds lies between 30 and 60 MPa and their Young's modulus is between 50 and 140 MPa. Hence, prototypes for clinical trials can be fabricated in near future.
Damage fluctuations in creep deformed copper studied with synchrotron X-ray microtomography
Authors: Abbasi Ramin , Renversade Loic , Dzieciol Krzysztof , Borbély András , Kaysser-Pyzalla Anke R.
Published: February 2012

Damage localization during power law creep of copper has been investigated in situ with synchrotron X-ray microtomography. The analysis of the area fraction of cavities corresponding to a given material slice has revealed that damage localization begins relatively early at half of the creep lifetime. The amplitude of the maximum fluctuation shows parabolic behavior as a function of mean void volume fraction. Existing models of damage evolution underpredict the amount of real damage and overpredict power-law creep life-time.
3D imaging of complex materials: the case of cement
Authors: Artioli Gilberto , Chiara Dalconi Maria , Parisatto Matteo , Valentini Luca , Voltolini Marco , Ferrari Giorgio
Published: February 2012

Absorption-based X-ray micro-tomography (X-μCT) provides fundamental in-situ information on the 3D microstructure of complex multiphase materials such as cements. However, since the phases present in a hydrating cement paste may be characterized by similar values of the attenuation coefficient, leading to low absorption contrast between different crystalline or amorphous phases, micro-structural interpretation can be equivocal. 3D phase mapping by X-ray diffraction micro-tomography proved to be a successful technique for investigating the spatial distribution of the products in the paste during the hydration process, in a totally non-invasive mode and with enhanced phase selectivity compared to absorption tomography. Phase-selective maps, in the case of crystalline phases, can be extracted from single Bragg peaks or from the Rietveld-refined scale factor. However, even poorly crystalline and/or amorphous phases present in the cement paste, such as calcium silicate hydrates, can be successfully mapped by the use of selected portions of the measured powder data containing the relevant scattering of the phase. The reconstructed maps can be directly modeled by multifractal analysis and compared with computer-generated distributions.
Synchrotron and neutron laminography for three-dimensional imaging of devices and flat material specimens
Authors: Helfen Lukas , Morgeneyer Thilo F. , Xu Feng , Mavrogordato Mark N. , Sinclair Ian , Schillinger Burkhard , Baumbach Tilo
Published: February 2012

Computed laminography has been introduced to synchrotron and neutron imaging set-ups to complement computed tomography for three-dimensional imaging of laterally extended (i. e. plate-like) specimens. The wide application field of computed laminography due to different contrast modes (X-ray or neutron absorption and X-ray phase contrast) and spatial resolutions ranging from some 100 down to approximately 0.5 μm is demonstrated. Selected examples from device inspection and from materials science are reported. They outline the interest of the method for non-destructive and in-situ measurements of regions of interest in large planar specimens where engineering-relevant boundary conditions have to be met. With a materials science background, the in-situ investigation of crack propagation in aluminium sheets and carbon-fibre composite panels under mechanical loading is reported.
Neutron strain tomography using Bragg-edge transmission
Authors: Abbey Brian , Zhang Shu Yan , Xie Mengyin , Song Xu , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: February 2012

Predicting the fatigue lifetime of components relies on a knowledge of the residual elastic strain present throughout the bulk of the material. Non-destructively mapping the complete strain distribution throughout large volumes presents significant practical challenges. Recently a technique known as Bragg-edge neutron transmission has been developed as a means of non-destructive bulk elastic strain evaluation. Whilst conventional radiography measures the integral absorption, Bragg-edge neutron transmission probes the average strain along the incident beam direction. A “strain radiogram” is thus a two-dimensional average projection of the strain within the sample. Here we demonstrate how strain radiograms can be used for “neutron strain tomography” and we present and contrast two different approaches to the problem of characterising spatially resolved elastic strains.
Morphometric Characterization And Relationship Of Body Weight With Linear Body Measurements In Black Bengal Buck
Authors: Rahman AHMS Sylvia , Khandoker MAMY , Husain SS , Apu AS , Mondal A , Notter DR
Published: February 2012

The present study was conducted at the Artificial Insemination Center, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to record the Black Bengal bucks morphology and to relate body weight with different body measurements. A total of 22 Black Bengal bucks of different ages were taken and were divided into six age groups (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months). The body weight of Black Bengal bucks at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age were 1.21 ± 0.12, 4.26 ± 0.25, 7.68 ± 0.31, 12.76 ± 0.42, 16.56 ± 0.57 and 21.82 ± 0.70 kg respectively. Age had a significant effect (P<0.05) on heart girth, body length and height at wither (P<0.05) except the measurement of height at wither at 0 and 3 months. The measurement of fore and hind leg length, head length and width, ear length and breadth and also tail length differed significantly (P<0.05) between the age groups. The average scrotal circumferences (SC) were recorded as 4.85 ± 0.22, 10.35 ± 0.39, 15.42 ± 0.34, 18.05 ± 0.24, 19.72 ± 0.33 and 20.83 ± 0.41 cm at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age, respectively and differed significantly (P<0.05) with the advancement of age. Animals of the same age group supposed to be similar in conformation. Body weight was highly correlated (P<0.01) with heart girth (0.94), body length (0.95) and height at wither (0.96). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9876 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 8-16
Investigation On Seminal Attributes And Fertility Of Black Bengal Goat
Authors: Apu AS , Husain SS , Khandoker MAMY , Rahman AHMS , Notter DR
Published: February 2012

A total of 120 ejaculates from six adult Black Bengal bucks were studied to determine the semen attributes and evaluate their fertility. The various semen attributes of fresh semen were volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, live spermatozoa and normal spermatozoa percentage. All the semen attributes differed significantly (P<0.05) except normal spermatozoa percentage between the bucks. A total of 129 goats were inseminated with diluted semen to assess the fertility rate of Black Bengal buck. The mean values for the various semen attributes were: volume 0.58 ± 0.03 ml; sperm concentration 2797.22 ± 18.73 × 106/ml; mass motility 77.82 ± 0.61%; live spermatozoa 86.72 ± 0.54% and normal spermatozoa 91.39 ± 0.24%, respectively in fresh semen. With regard to the diluted semen, individual bucks showed significant difference (P<0.05) on motility, live and normal spermatozoa percentages. The diluted semen motility varied from 68.64 ± 1.66 to 74.55 ± 1.06%. On the other hand, the live and normal spermatozoa percentages of the diluted semen varied from 83.73 ± 0.94 to 89.27 ± 1.40% and 88.73 ± 0.54 to 91.91 ± 0.78%, respectively. From the insemination trial, the average kidding rate obtained was 58.9% in Black Bengal goat. It is suggested that selection of good quality buck semen could improve the overall fertility of Black Bengal goat. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9877 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 17-24
Repeatability Estimates For Seminal Traits And Their Phenotypic Relationships With Testes Measurements And Performance Traits In Black Bengal Buck
Authors: Rajuana AK , Tayabur MR , Hoque MA , Husain SS , Sultana Z
Published: February 2012

Repeatability for seminal traits and their phenotypic relationships with testes measurements and performance traits in Black Bengal bucks were estimated from a total of 116 repeated observations on 15 young Black Bengal bucks. Performance traits included age, body condition and body weight of bucks. Testes measurements were testes length, breadth and volume, and scrotal circumference, while seminal traits were ejaculate volume, semen density, mass activity, sperm motility, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculation and percent of normal sperm. High positive correlations (ranging from 0.81 to 0.90) were found between body weight and testes measurements. Semen volume and percent of normal sperm were positively correlated with age, body condition and body weight of bucks (ranging from 0.24 to 0.60). The testes measurements were strongly and positively correlated with semen volume and total sperm per ejaculation (ranging from 0.53 to 0.61), while the correlations between testes measurement and percent of normal sperm were moderate (ranging from 0.34 to 0.44). Among seminal traits, strong correlations were found between semen volume and total sperm per ejaculation (0.81) and, between mass activity and sperm motility (0.82). Repeatability of ejaculate volume was higher (r = 0.78) which indicated that selection or culling for semen ejaculate volume could be practiced from single or few observations. It could be concluded that bucks’ age, body weight and body condition along with testes volume should be considered as selection criteria for improving semen quality and semen production of breeding bucks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9879 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 34-41
Effect Of Addition Of Molasses And Period Of Preservation On Physical And Nutritional Properties Of Maize Stover Silage
Authors: Bostami ABMR , Khan RI , Amin MR , Sarker NR , Pervage S , Hasan K
Published: February 2012

An experiment was undertaken to determine the physical and nutritional properties, in vitro digestibility and metabolizable energy of maize stover ensiled with different levels of molasses at three different ensiling times (45, 90 and 135 days). Maize stover was collected from field immediately after harvesting the corn, chopped and were preserved in plastic containers under normal condition and were treated as control (T0) (sample only), sample ensiled without additives (T1), sample with addition of 20% water (T2), sample with addition of 20% water and 2% molasses (T3), samples with addition of 20% water and 4% molasses (T4), sample with addition of 20% water and 6% molasses (T5). After completion of each ensiled period, physical and nutritional properties, in-vitro digestibility and metabolizable energy were determined. The result reveals that physical properties (color, smell, softness and fungal growth) of maize stover were improved in molasses treatments. It was also improved with increasing the ensiling time from 45 to 135 days. Among the treatments T4 was found best, as there were no fungal growth. The crude protein (CP) content of maize stover was increased (P<0.01) and the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude fibre (CF) contents were decreased (P<0.01) after ensiling and addition of molasses. The highest DM, OM and CF content was found to be 72.33, 87.70 and 37.08% in T0 and highest CP was found to be 10.67% in T4 but the lowest DM, OM, CF and CP was found to be 63.17% in T2, 82.68% in T3, 28.18% in T5 and 6.28% in T0. The DM, OM, CP and CF contents were similar (P>0.01) at different ensiling time (45 to 135 days). The OMD (organic matter digestibility) and ME (metabolizable energy) contents were increased by ensiling with molasses. The highest OMD and ME values were observed in treatment T4 which were 42.01% and 6.50 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of molasses improved the physical and nutritional properties and preservation capacity of maize stover after 135 days of ensiling. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9880 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 42-51
Effect Of The Application Of Dried Slurry On Yield And Chemical Composition Of Maize Fodder (Zea Mays)
Authors: Islam MR , Rahman SME , Islam KMS , Chowdhury R
Published: February 2012

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of dried slurry (DS) as source of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and chemical composition of maize fodder (Zea mays). Four levels of DS (0, 10, 12 and 14 ton/ha) were applied in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). Green biomass yields was significantly higher in DS incorporated groups compared to control. The highest (P<0.01) biomass yield was observed at the application of 12 ton DS/ha. Application of 12 ton DS/ha resulted highest plant height, number of leaves and leaves area (cm2) and stem circumference of maize fodder (P<0.01). Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) content of maize fodder was increased (P<0.01) with an application of 12 ton DS/ha while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total ash contents were decreased with an increased level of DS. Organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of green grass were non significant for the incorporation of different levels of DS. From the results of the present study it is evident that, maize fodder can be cultivated through the application of 12 ton DS/ha for obtaining higher yield and nutrient content. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9881 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 52-57
Evaluation Of A High Performance Liquid Chromolography (Hplc) Mehtod For Amino Acid Analysis In Feed With Precolumn Derivatization And Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Khaleduzzaman ABM , Khandaker ZH , Khan MSH , Banu LA , Khan MKA
Published: February 2012

An experiment was conducted to determine the amino acids content in wheat sample which is often used as internal check in animal feed analysis by pre-column derivatization method using ortho-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) and betamercaptoethanol followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fluorescence detection was used for the assay of OPA derivatives of amino acids with the detection wavelength set at Ex 340 nm and Em 455 nm. Ortho-phthaldialdehyde reagent itself does not fluorescence and hence produces no peak on the chromatogram and also produces a very low level of background noise. From standard amino acid mixture fourteen amino acids (Asp, Glu, Ser, Gly, Thr, Arg, Ala, Tyr, Met, Val, Phe, Ile, Leu, and Lys) were separated in 55 min with fine resolution. Good reproducibility and accuracy of the method were demonstrated by the determination of amino acids in wheat sample. The precision for the retention time of amino acids (n = 10 injections over 3 days) between the days showed average standard deviation (SD) of 0.43 and coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.32%. The average SD and CV of peak area repeatability over n = 10 injections were 0.72 and 14.93% also indicated the higher sensitivity of the method. The results of the amino acids in wheat samples suggested that the method can be potentially applied for the determination of amino acids in wheat as well as other cereal feeds used in animal diets. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9883 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 66-73
Effect Of Supplementation Of Organic Acids On Laying Performance, Body Fatness And Egg Quality Of Hens
Authors: Rahman MS , Howlider MAR , Mahiuddin M , Rahman MM
Published: February 2012

The study was conducted to determine the effect of organic acids supplementation on body weight changes, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production, egg weight and egg quality in laying hens at age between 67 and 74 weeks. A total of 48 Shaver 579 laying hens of 67 weeks age were allotted into 4 groups, each containing 12 hens. The hens were fed basal diet (17% CP and 2800 kcal ME/kg diet) supplemented with 0 (T1), 260 (T2), 520 (T3) and 780 ppm (T4) of organic acid mixture (fumaric acid and salt of butyric, propionic and lactic acids). The results revealed no effect of organic acids supplementation on body weight change and feed intake but improvement of egg production and feed conversion were observed. Organic acids supplementation significantly increased egg production by about 2.26, 8.0 and 9.84% on 260, 520 and 780 ppm respectively when compared with the untreated group (P<0.05). Feed conversion showed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in laying hen groups which fed on the basal diet supplemented with organic acids at 260, 520 and 780 ppm by about 1.85, 8.48 and 7.74% respectively when compared with the control. On the other hand, dietary organic acid had no effect on the average egg weight, while showed a lower percentage of large (P<0.05) and extra large egg (P<0.01) size compared with control group. Body composition parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Inclusion of organic acids improved egg shell thickness (P<0.05) while significantly reduced albumen index (P<0.05). Incorporation of organic acids attributed to significant increase per cent albumen (P<0.01) and significant decrease in yolk per cent (P<0.05). It can be concluded that organic acid supplementation of laying hens diet may improve persistency of lay and feed conversion. From economical point of view, it is concluded that organic acid addition (520 ppm) may result an economic benefit of layer production at older age. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9884 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 74-81
Impact Of Training On Transferring Livestock Technology For Improvement Of Livelihoods Of The Rural Farmers
Authors: Akteruzzaman M , Miah MAM , Hossain MM , Fattah KA , Rahman R
Published: February 2012

The study was carried out to examine the impact of training conducted by Micro- Finance and Technical Support (MFTS) project under Palli Karma Shohayak Foundation (PKSF) for transferring livestock technologies and improving livelihoods of the rural poor in Bangladesh. A total of 632 households were surveyed during April to September 2006 following a multistage stratified random sampling. Evidence showed that both project and non-project beneficiaries were under the primary level of education and their family size was slightly higher (5.3) than the national average. The family members mostly belonged in the working age group (>15 years) indicated a positive feature of engaging in different income generating activities (IGAs). It is evident that the rate and amount of loan was higher with the respondent received training than without training. The rate of adoption of technologies was higher than the level of idea on the concept of housing, feeding, treatment, breeding and marketing. The training beneficiaries improved knowledge on feeding, management and health care of livestock and poultry. Training and demonstration are suggested two strong tools for adoption and dissemination of livestock technology. The herd and flock size increased to the project beneficiaries than non-project beneficiaries. Beneficiaries having training on various IGAs have increased their land area and asset possession to a greater extent in compare to non-project beneficiaries. The housing and sanitation condition of the training beneficiaries was found higher than non-project beneficiaries. The annual income of the training and non-training households increased to 31.22% and 18.20% respectively where the income from different IGAs of livestock was 56.04% and 68.20%. Livestock IGAs were not necessarily price sensitive but more sensitive on nonprice factors such as institutional support, input quality and availability of input. The training thus contributed transferring livestock technologies which ultimately influenced in improving livelihood of the project beneficiaries than the non-project beneficiaries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9888 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 106-115
Visualization, Band Ordering and Compression of Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Pizzolante Raffaele , Carpentieri Bruno
Published: February 2012

Air-borne and space-borne acquired hyperspectral images are used to recognize objects and to classify materials on the surface of the earth. The state of the art compressor for lossless compression of hyperspectral images is the Spectral oriented Least SQuares (SLSQ) compressor (see [1–7]). In this paper we discuss hyperspectral image compression: we show how to visualize each band of a hyperspectral image and how this visualization suggests that an appropriate band ordering can lead to improvements in the compression process. In particular, we consider two important distance measures for band ordering: Pearson’s Correlation and Bhattacharyya distance, and report on experimental results achieved by a Java-based implementation of SLSQ.
Does Secondary Inflammatory Breast Cancer Represent Post-Surgical Metastatic Disease?
Authors: Hashmi Salman , Zolfaghari Ladan , Levine Paul H.
Published: February 2012

The phenomenon of accelerated tumor growth following surgery has been observed repeatedly and merits further study. Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is widely recognized as an extremely aggressive malignancy characterized by micrometastasis at the time of diagnosis, with one interesting subgroup defined as secondary IBC where pathologically identifiable IBC appears after surgical treatment of a primary non-inflammatory breast cancer. One possible mechanism can be related to the stimulation of dormant micrometastasis through local angiogenesis occurring as part of posttraumatic healing. In this report, we review cases of secondary IBC and others where localized trauma was followed by the appearance of IBC at the traumatized site that have been identified by our IBC Registry (IBCR) and hypothesize that angiogenesis appearing as part of the healing process could act as an accelerant to an otherwise latent breast malignancy. It is therefore possible that secondary IBC can be used as a model to support local angiogenesis as an important contributor to the development of an aggressive cancer.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Selective Solid-Phase Extraction of Irinotecan from Human Serum Samples
Authors: Roy Béatrice , Vo Duy Sung , Puy Jean-Yves , Martin Charlotte , Guitton Jérome , Dumontet Charles , Périgaud Christian , Lefebvre-Tournier Isabelle
Published: February 2012

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by non-covalent imprinting polymerization using irinotecan as template. Methacrylic acid and 4-vinylpyridine were selected as functional monomers. An optimized procedure coupled to LC-PDA analysis was developed for the selective solid-phase extraction of irinotecan from various organic media. A specific capacity of 0.65 µmol•g−1 for the MIP was determined. The high specificity of this MIP was demonstrated by studying the retention behaviour of two related compounds, camptothecin and SN-38. This support was applied for the extraction of irinotecan from human serum samples.
Challenges and Strategies in the Synthesis of Mesoporous Alumina Powders and Hierarchical Alumina Monoliths
Authors: Hartmann Sarah , Sachse Alexander , Galarneau Anne
Published: February 2012

A new rapid, very simple and one-step sol-gel strategy for the large-scale preparation of highly porous γ-Al2O3 is presented. The resulting mesoporous alumina materials feature high surface areas (400 m2 g−1), large pore volumes (0.8 mL g−1) and the γ-Al2O3 phase is obtained at low temperature (500 °C). The main advantages and drawbacks of different preparations of mesoporous alumina materials exhibiting high specific surface areas and large pore volumes such as surfactant-nanostructured alumina, sol-gel methods and hierarchically macro-/mesoporous alumina monoliths have been analyzed and compared. The most reproducible synthesis of mesoporous alumina are given. Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA) is the sole method to lead to nanostructured mesoporous alumina by direct templating, but it is a difficult method to scale-up. Alumina featuring macro- and mesoporosity in monolithic shape is a very promising material for in flow applications; an optimized synthesis is described.
Astaxanthin in Cardiovascular Health and Disease
Authors: Fassett Robert G. , Coombes Jeff S.
Published: February 2012

Oxidative stress and inflammation are established processes contributing to cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis. However, antioxidant therapies tested in cardiovascular disease such as vitamin E, C and β-carotene have proved unsuccessful at reducing cardiovascular events and mortality. Although these outcomes may reflect limitations in trial design, new, more potent antioxidant therapies are being pursued. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail is one such agent. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Limited, short duration and small sample size studies have assessed the effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers and have investigated bioavailability and safety. So far no significant adverse events have been observed and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation are attenuated with astaxanthin supplementation. Experimental investigations in a range of species using a cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion model demonstrated cardiac muscle preservation when astaxanthin is administered either orally or intravenously prior to the induction of ischaemia. Human clinical cardiovascular studies using astaxanthin therapy have not yet been reported. On the basis of the promising results of experimental cardiovascular studies and the physicochemical and antioxidant properties and safety profile of astaxanthin, clinical trials should be undertaken.
Kramecyne — A New Anti-inflammatory Compound Isolated from Krameria cytisoides
Authors: Pérez-Gutiérrez Salud , Sánchez-Mendoza Ernesto , Martínez-González Diana , Zavala-Sánchez Miguel Angel , Pérez-González Cuauhtemoc
Published: February 2012

In the present work we describe the structure and anti-inflammatory activity of a new compound, kramecyne, isolated from a methanol extract of Krameria cytisoides (Krameriaceae). The structure of kramecyne was determined by IR, NMR, MS, and elemental analysis, which indicated that the structure corresponded to a hexamer of cyclic peroxide monomers. This compound exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema (51.8 ± 6.9% inhibition) and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models at doses of 50 mg/kg. The compound significantly reduced edema to 63.1% after 1.0 h, and the effect was unchanged for 5 h. Kramecyne did not present acute toxicity, even at doses of 5,000 mg/kg.
Intrinsic Symmetry Groups of Links with 8 and Fewer Crossings
Authors: Berglund Michael , Cantarella Jason , Casey Meredith Perrie , Dannenberg Eleanor , George Whitney , Johnson Aja , Kelley Amelia , LaPointe Al , Mastin Matt , Parsley Jason , Rooney Jacob , Whitaker Rachel
Published: February 2012

We present an elementary derivation of the “intrinsic” symmetry groups for links of 8 or fewer crossings. We show that standard invariants are enough to rule out all potential symmetries outside the symmetry group of the group of the link for all but one of these links and present explicit isotopies generating the symmetry group for every link.
Identification of Breast Cancer Prognosis Markers Using Integrative Sparse Boosting
Authors: Huang J. , Xie Y. , Yi N. , Ma S.
Published: February 2012

Objectives: In breast cancer research, it is important to identify genomic markers associated with prognosis. Multiple microarray gene expression profiling studies have been conducted, searching for prognosis markers. Genomic markers identified from the analysis of single datasets often suffer a lack of reproducibility because of small sample sizes. Integrative analysis of data from multiple independent studies has a larger sample size and may provide a cost-effective solution.

Methods: We collect four breast cancer prognosis studies with gene expression measurements. An accelerated failure time (AFT) model with an unknown error distribution is adopted to describe survival. An integrative sparse boosting approach is employed for marker selection. The proposed model and boosting approach can effectively accommodate heterogeneity across multiple studies and identify genes with consistent effects.

Results: Simulation study shows that the proposed approach outperforms alternatives including meta-analysis and intensity approaches by identifying the majority or all of the true positives, while having a low false positive rate. In the analysis of breast cancer data, 44 genes are identified as associated with prognosis. Many of the identified genes have been previously suggested as associated with tumorigenesis and cancer prognosis. The identified genes and corresponding predicted risk scores differ from those using alternative approaches. Monte Carlo-based prediction evaluation suggests that the proposed approach has the best prediction performance.

Conclusions: Integrative analysis may provide an effective way of identifying breast cancer prognosis markers. Markers identified using the integrative sparse boosting analysis have sound biological implications and satisfactory prediction performance.
Current-induced forces in mesoscopic systems: A scattering-matrix approach
Authors: Bode Niels , Kusminskiy Silvia Viola , Egger Reinhold , von Oppen Felix
Published: February 2012

Nanoelectromechanical systems are characterized by an intimate connection between electronic and mechanical degrees of freedom. Due to the nanoscopic scale, current flowing through the system noticeably impacts upons the vibrational dynamics of the device, complementing the effect of the vibrational modes on the electronic dynamics. We employ the scattering-matrix approach to quantum transport in order to develop a unified theory of nanoelectromechanical systems out of equilibrium. For a slow mechanical mode the current can be obtained from the Landauer–Büttiker formula in the strictly adiabatic limit. The leading correction to the adiabatic limit reduces to Brouwer’s formula for the current of a quantum pump in the absence of a bias voltage. The principal results of the present paper are the scattering-matrix expressions for the current-induced forces acting on the mechanical degrees of freedom. These forces control the Langevin dynamics of the mechanical modes. Specifically, we derive expressions for the (typically nonconservative) mean force, for the (possibly negative) damping force, an effective “Lorentz” force that exists even for time-reversal-invariant systems, and the fluctuating Langevin force originating from Nyquist and shot noise of the current flow. We apply our general formalism to several simple models that illustrate the peculiar nature of the current-induced forces. Specifically, we find that in out-of-equilibrium situations the current-induced forces can destabilize the mechanical vibrations and cause limit-cycle dynamics.
Virtual and Remote Laboratories in Process of Control Education
Authors: Kalúz Martin , Čirka Ľuboš , Fikar Miroslav
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the progress in the development of virtual and remote laboratories at Department of Information Engineering and Process Control, FCFT STU in Bratislava. Article is the overview of technical solutions used for online education purposes. These comprise software technologies, most commonly used in virtual and remote laboratory design at our department, as MATLAB Web Server, Java, C/C++, and Adobe Flash. We have created virtual laboratories as online Web applications, which provide features of mathematical computing and simulations of technological plants. We also describe a technology of remote control laboratory with a real experimental device.
A Different Way of Coronary Lesion Preparation: Stentablation and Rotastenting
Authors: Akin Ibrahim , Pohlmann Steffen , Nienaber Christoph A. , Ince Hüseyin
Published: February 2012

Calcified coronary lesions are challenging to deal with, as they require optimal lesion preparation. Direct stenting in this scenario is associated with risk of stent-underexpansion, which is related to in-stent restenosis, target lesion revascularization and stent-thrombosis. We report on the interventional management of an underexpanded bare-metal stent not amenable to high-pressure balloon dilation and cutting-balloon. By using rotablation we could abrade the underexpanded stent struts and the calcification with subsequent implantation of a drug-eluting stent. Follow-up of 6 months revealed good results without evidence of significant restenosis. Our clinical experience and case reports in the literature suggest that this strategy might be an option for underexpanded stents not amenable to conventional techniques.
Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin: Comparative Effects on Glucose Metabolism in Non-Diabetic Patients with Dyslipidaemia
Authors: Abbas Ahmed , Milles John , Ramachandran Sudarshan
Published: February 2012

The ever increasing interventional CVD outcome studies have resulted in statins being an essential factor of cardiovascular prevention strategies. The JUPITER study in 2008, despite reducing CVD and overall mortality, highlighted an increase in new onset diabetes in the rosuvastatin treated arm. Since then there have been many meta-analyses of the RCTs and the largest carried out by Sattar et al showed a significant increase in the incidence of diabetes during the trials. The findings from the individual studies when comparing the different statins were less clear. A higher statin dosage and risk factors associated with diabetes appeared to predict this phenomenon. There have been many studies investigating the effects of statins on glycaemic control, but again no clear conclusion is apparent. Despite the increase in new onset diabetes observed, the risk is clearly out-weighed by the CVD benefits observed in nearly all the statin trials. Thus, no change is required to any of the prevention guidelines regarding statins. However, it may be prudent to monitor glycaemic control after commencing statin therapy. This review will focus on atorvastatin which is the most widely used statin worldwide and rosuvastatin which is the most efficacious. This will be against a background of the effects of other statins on glucose metabolism in non-diabetic patients.
The MIPAS HOCl climatology
Authors: von Clarmann T. , Funke B. , Glatthor N. , Kellmann S. , Kiefer M. , Kirner O. , Sinnhuber B.-M. , Stiller G. P.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Monthly zonal mean HOCl measurements by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) are presented for the period from June 2002 to March 2004. Highest molar mixing ratios are found at pressure levels between 6 and 2 hPa, whereby largest mixing ratios occasionally exceed 200 ppt. The mixing ratio maximum is generally higher at lower altitudes in the summer hemisphere than in the winter hemisphere except for chlorine activation conditions in polar vortices, where enhanced HOCl abundances are also found in the lower stratosphere below about 10 hPa. During nighttime the maximum is found at higher altitudes than during daytime. Particularly low values (below 80 ppt) during daytime are found in subpolar regions in the winter hemisphere where HOCl photolysis is still strong but where HOCl precursors are less abundant than at other latitudes. The Antarctic polar winter HOCl distribution in 2002, the year of the split of the southern polar vortex, resembles northern polar winters rather than other southern polar winters. Increased HOCl amounts in response to the so-called Halloween solar proton event in autumn 2003 affect the representativeness of data recorded during this particular episode. Calculations with the EMAC model reproduce the measured HOCl distribution reasonably well. MIPAS measurements confirm that the reaction rate constants for HO2 + ClO ⟶ HOCl + O2 from the most recent JPL recommendation allow much more realistic modelling of HOCl than reaction rate constants from earlier recommendations. Modeled HOCl mixing ratios, however, are still too low except in the polar winter stratosphere where the model overestimates the HOCl abundance.
Volcanic SO2 and SiF4 visualization using 2-D thermal emission spectroscopy – Part 1: Slant-columns and their ratios
Authors: Stremme W. , Krueger A. , Harig R. , Grutter M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The composition and emission rates of volcanic gas plumes provide insight of the geologic internal activity, atmospheric chemistry, aerosol formation and radiative processes around it. Observations are necessary for public security and the aviation industry. Ground-based thermal emission infrared spectroscopy, which uses the radiation of the volcanic gas itself, allows for continuously monitoring during day and night from a safe distance. We present measurements on Popocatépetl volcano based on thermal emission spectroscopy during different campaigns between 2006–2009 using a Scanning Infrared Gas Imaging System (SIGIS). The experimental set-up, measurement geometries and analytical algorithms are described. The equipment was operated from a safe distance of 12 km from the volcano at two different spectral resolutions: 0.5 and 4 cm−1. The 2-dimensional scanning capability of the instrument allows for an on-line visualization of the volcanic SO2 plume and its animation. SiF4 was also identified in the infrared spectra recorded at both resolutions. The SiF4/SO2 molecular ratio can be calculated from each image and used as a highly useful parameter to follow changes in volcanic activity. A small Vulcanian eruption was monitored during the night of 16 to 17 November 2008 and strong ash emission together with a pronounced SO2 cloud was registered around 01:00 a.m. LST (Local Standard Time). Enhanced SiF4/SO2 ratios were observed before and after the eruption. A validation of the results from thermal emission measurements with those from absorption spectra of the moon taken at the same time, as well as an error analysis, are presented. The inferred propagation speed from sequential images is used in a subsequent paper (Part 2) to calculate the emission rates at different distances from the crater.
Validation of MIPAS IMK/IAA temperature, water vapor, and ozone profiles with MOHAVE-2009 campaign measurements
Authors: Stiller G. P. , Kiefer M. , Eckert E. , von Clarmann T. , Kellmann S. , García-Comas M. , Funke B. , Leblanc T. , Fetzer E. , Froidevaux L. , Gomez M. , Hall E. , Hurst D. , Jordan A. , Kämpfer N. , Lambert A. , McDermid I. S. , McGee T. , Miloshevich L. , Nedoluha G. , Read W. , Schneider M. , Schwartz M. , Straub C. , Toon G. , Twigg L. W. , Walker K. , Whiteman D. N.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. MIPAS observations of temperature, water vapor, and ozone in October 2009 as derived with the scientific level-2 processor run by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK) and CSIC, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA) and retrieved from version 4.67 level-1b data have been compared to co-located field campaign observations obtained during the MOHAVE-2009 campaign at the Table Mountain Facility near Pasadena, California in October 2009. The MIPAS measurements were validated regarding any potential biases of the profiles, and with respect to their precision estimates. The MOHAVE-2009 measurement campaign provided measurements of atmospheric profiles of temperature, water vapor/relative humidity, and ozone from the ground to the mesosphere by a suite of instruments including radiosondes, ozonesondes, frost point hygrometers, lidars, microwave radiometers and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrometers. For MIPAS temperatures (version V4O_T_204), no significant bias was detected in the middle stratosphere; between 22 km and the tropopause MIPAS temperatures were found to be biased low by up to 2 K, while below the tropopause, they were found to be too high by the same amount. These findings confirm earlier comparisons of MIPAS temperatures to ECMWF data which revealed similar differences. Above 12 km up to 45 km, MIPAS water vapor (version V4O_H2O_203) is well within 10% of the data of all correlative instruments. The well-known dry bias of MIPAS water vapor above 50 km due to neglect of non-LTE effects in the current retrievals has been confirmed. Some instruments indicate that MIPAS water vapor might be biased high by 20 to 40% around 10 km (or 5 km below the tropopause), but a consistent picture from all comparisons could not be derived. MIPAS ozone (version V4O_O3_202) has a high bias of up to +0.9 ppmv around 37 km which is due to a non-identified continuum like radiance contribution. No further significant biases have been detected. Cross-comparison to co-located observations of other satellite instruments (Aura/MLS, ACE-FTS, AIRS) is provided as well.
Atmospheric ice nucleators active ≥ −12 °C can be quantified on PM10 filters
Authors: Conen F. , Henne S. , Morris C. E. , Alewell C.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Small number concentrations render it difficult to quantify ice nucleators (IN) in the atmosphere active at warm temperatures. A useful new method for IN measurement based around filter collections is proposed. It makes use of quartz filters used in 24 h PM10 monitoring (720 m3 air sample). Small subsamples (1.8 mm diameter) from the effective filter area and from the clean fringe (blank) are subjected to immersion freezing tests. We applied the method to eight filters from the High Alpine Research Station Jungfraujoch (3580 m above sea level) in the Swiss Alps. All filters carried IN active at −7 °C and below. Number concentrations of IN active at −8, −10, and −12 °C were on average 3.3, 10.7, and 17.2 m−3, respectively. Several-fold larger numbers of IN active at ≥ −12 °C per unit mass of PM10 were found in air masses influenced by Swiss and southern German atmospheric boundary layer air, compared to a Saharan dust event. In combination with data on PM10 mass, the method may be used to re-construct time series of IN number concentrations.
Investigating late Holocene variations in hydroclimate and the stable isotope composition of precipitation using southern South American peatlands: a hypothesis
Authors: Daley T. J. , Mauquoy D. , Chambers F. M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Ombrotrophic raised peatlands provide an ideal archive for integrating late Holocene records of variations in hydroclimate and the estimated stable isotope composition of precipitation with recent instrumental measurements. Modern measurements of mean monthly surface air temperature, precipitation and δD and δ18O values in precipitation from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries provide a short but invaluable record with which to investigate modern relationships between these variables, thereby enabling improved interpretation of the peatland palaeodata. Data from two stations in the Global Network for Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) from Tierra del Fuego (Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina) were analysed for the period 1982 to 2008. In both locations, δD and δ18O values have decreased in response to quite different trends in local surface air temperature and total precipitation amount. At Ushuaia, the fall in δ18O values is associated with an increase in the mean annual amount of precipitation. At Punta Arenas, the fall in δ18O values is weakly associated with decrease in the precipitation amount and an increase in local temperatures. The pattern in both records is consistent with an increase in the zonal intensity of the southern westerly wind belt. These regional differences, observed in response to a known driver, should be detectable in peatland sites close to the GNIP stations. There is currently insufficient availability of suitably temporally resolved data to test for these regional differences over the last 3000 yr. Existing peatland palaeoclimate data from two sites near Ushuaia, however, provide evidence for changes in the late Holocene that are consistent with the pattern observed in modern observations. Furthermore, the records suggest synchroneity in millennial-scale oscillations between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.