bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Relative Quantification of Proteins in Escherichia Coli Proteome by “up-Front” Collision-Induced Dissociation
Authors: Arike Liisa , Nahku Ranno , Borissova Maria , Adamberg Kaarel , Vilu Raivo
Published: March 2010

A method for identifying and quantifying proteins with relatively low-cost orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (oa-ToF-MS) was tested. Escherichia coli ( E. coli) K12 MG165 5 cell lysate was separated by 1D gel-electrophoresis; fractions were digested and separated fast and reproducibly by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Peptides were identified using oa-ToF-MS to measure exact masses of parent ions and the fragment ions generated by up-front collision-induced dissociation. Fragmentation of all compounds was achieved by rapidly cycling between high- and low values of energy applied to ions. More than 100 proteins from E. coli K12 proteome were identified and relatively quantified. Results were found to correlate with transcriptome data determined by DNA microarrays.
Bounding Probability of Small Deviation: A Fourth Moment Approach
Authors: He Simai , Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Shuzhong
Published: March 2010

In this paper we study the problem of upper bounding the probability that a random variable is above its expected value by a small amount (relative to the expected value), by means of the second and the fourth (central) moments of the random variable. In this particular context, many classical inequalities yield only trivial bounds. We obtain tight upper bounds by studying the primal-dual moments-generating conic optimization problems. As an application, we demonstrate that given the new probability bounds, a substantial sharpening and simplification of a recent result and its analysis by Feige (see Feige, U. 2006. On sums of independent random variables with unbounded variances, and estimating the average degree in a graph. SIAM J. Comput. 35 964–984) can be obtained; also, these bounds lead to new properties of the distribution of the cut values for the max-cut problem. We expect the new probability bounds to be useful in many other applications.
The effect of multiple indicators on the power to detect inter‐individual differences in change
Authors: von Oertzen Timo , Hertzog Christopher , Lindenberger Ulman , Ghisletta Paolo
Published: March 2010

Hertzog et al. evaluated the statistical power of linear latent growth curve models (LGCMs) to detect individual differences in change, i.e., variances of latent slopes, as a function of sample size, number of longitudinal measurement occasions, and growth curve reliability. We extend this work by investigating the effect of the number of indicators per measurement occasion on power. We analytically demonstrate that the positive effect of multiple indicators on statistical power is inversely related to the relative magnitude of occasion‐specific latent residual variance and is independent of the specific model that constitutes the observed variables, in particular of other parameters in the LGCM. When designing a study, researchers have to consider trade‐offs of costs and benefits of different design features. We demonstrate how knowledge about power equivalent transformations between indicator measurement designs allows researchers to identify the most cost‐efficient research design for detecting parameters of interest. Finally, we integrate different formal results to exhibit the trade‐off between the number of measurement occasions and number of indicators per occasion for constant power in LGCMs.
The bases of identification: When optimal distinctiveness needs face social identity threat
Authors: Badea Constantina , Jetten Jolanda , Czukor Gergely , Askevis‐Leherpeux Françoise
Published: March 2010

Three studies were conducted to examine the predictions that (a) in‐group identification depends on optimal distinctiveness needs (Study 1), and (b) that social identity threat overrides the predictive value of these needs to determine identification (Studies 2 and 3). In Study 1, need for assimilation and need for differentiation were assessed among natural groups. We found support for the optimal distinctiveness theory (ODT) prediction that there is a curvilinear relationship between identification and optimal distinctiveness needs satisfaction. In Studies 2 and 3, interactive effects of the extent to which groups satisfy assimilation and differentiation needs (groups are either too small, of moderate size, or too large) and social identity threat were examined. In the no identity threat condition identification was higher in moderately sized groups (where both needs are balances) compared to groups were either assimilation or differentiation dominates. However, when facing an identity threat, identification was highest in very small groups, providing evidence that social identity concerns override individual need satisfaction. Discussion focuses on comparing and integrating ODT and social identity theory.
Novel silacyclohexadienyl chromium and iron complexes bearing a bulky substituent on the central silicon atom
Authors: Tanabe Yusuke , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: March 2010

Novel hydrido(silacyclohexadienyl)chromium complexes bearing a bulky substituent, Tbt (2,4,6-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phenyl), were synthesized using formal insertion reactions of Cr(0) into C–H or Si–H bond. When the reactions of 1-silacyclohexa-2,4-dienes bearing a hydroxy or chloro group on the silicon atom with [Cr(CH3CN)3(CO)3] were performed, the corresponding hydrido(1-silacyclohexa-2,4-dienyl) complexes were obtained as the sole product. A similar reaction of a hydrosilane having a similar skeleton with [Cr(CH3CN)3(CO)3] gave an unprecedented type of silacyclohexadienyl complex, hydrido(1-silacyclohexa-1,3-dienyl)chromium bearing a three-center bonding interaction among the silicon, hydrogen, and chromium atoms. These are the first syntheses of silacyclohexadienyl complexes by the formal insertion reaction toward the corresponding silacyclohexadienes. Furthermore, the isolation of the silacyclohexadienyl anion was achieved; it was applied to synthesis of the corresponding sandwich-type iron complex. Structures of the newly obtained complexes were revealed based on their NMR and IR spectroscopic data and X-ray diffraction study.
Socially Desirable Response Tendencies in Survey Research
Authors: Steenkamp Jan-Benedict E.M. , De Jong Martijn G. , Baumgartner Hans
Published: March 2010

Socially desirable responding (SDR) has been of long-standing interest to the field of marketing. Unfortunately, the construct has not always been well understood by marketing researchers. The authors provide a review of the SDR literature organized around three key issues—the conceptualization and measurement of SDR; the nomological constellation of personality traits, values, sociodemographics, and cultural factors associated with SDR; and the vexing issue of substance versus style in SDR measures. The authors review the current “state of the literature,” identify unresolved issues, and provide new empirical evidence to assess the generalizability of existing knowledge, which is disproportionately based on U.S. student samples, to a global context. The new evidence is derived from a large international data set involving 12,424 respondents in 26 countries on four continents.
Brand Extension Strategy Planning: Empirical Estimation of Brand–Category Personality Fit and Atypicality
Authors: Batra Rajeev , Lenk Peter , Wedel Michel
Published: March 2010

The majority of brand extensions reportedly fail, suggesting the need for methodologies that allow for better strategic prediction of categories into which a brand should extend or license. Prior literature suggests that brand extensions are likely to be more successful if a brand extends into another category into which its existing brand associations and imagery “fit” better and if the extending brand is “atypical” (if it possesses associations and imagery that are broad and abstract rather than tied too closely to the brand's original product category). The authors develop a methodology in this study to estimate brand and category personality structures, using a Bayesian factor model that separates the two by means of brand-level and category-level random effects. This methodology leads to measures of a brand's fit and atypicality. The authors illustrate and validate the model on two nationally representative data sets on brand personalities in three categories (jeans, magazines, and cars) and investigate the brand extension and licensing implications of the results obtained with the model.
Losing Perspective in the Age of News
Authors: Tamarkin Elisa
Published: March 2010

When Ralph Waldo Emerson writes in “Experience” (1844) that “men seem to have learned of the horizon the art of perpetual retreating and reference,” he means that we see through our current moment by looking forward. The “art” that Emerson evokes to describe the restlessness and expansiveness of the nineteenth century is the art of perspective: we gain perspective, in other words, when we project for ourselves an image of the world in which everything takes shape in relation to something else. “All our days are so unprofitable while they pass,” says Emerson, because we orient our present toward our prospects; taking the long view “degrade[s] today” by distancing us from where we are. We retreat from our momentary positions to be part of the big picture. We want to stay relevant, but Emerson looks askance at our constant need to look toward the emerging pattern of events. “The men ask, ‘What's the news?‘” he says, “as if the old were so bad” (472).
Why Paul Celan Took Alarm
Authors: Bonnefoy Yves , Felstiner John
Published: March 2010

Paul Celan Breaks Into “Tears, His Body Shaken by Sobbing, the Whole Affair Again Present, Accusings, Denouncings, as Stunned and distressed as on day 1.” It's June 1966 in Paris, and he has gone with Yves Bonnefoy to visit a “most generous, most welcoming” friend who has “deep instincts for a poet's quality and for how infamous these attacks on Celan were.” But “[t]hat trustful welcome had only deepened the open wound.”

Nothing in the life of Paul Celan (1920-70), short of his parents' murder in the Holocaust, racked him more than the vicious, specious plagiarism charges a German French writer, Claire Goll, launched against him on behalf of her deceased husband. As Bonnefoy saw all too well, Celan never recovered from them.
How to Teach Standard English
Authors: Zorn Jeff
Published: March 2010

To Anne Curzan in “Says Who? Teaching and Questioning the Rules of Grammar” (124.3 [2009]: 870-79), the important thing is not that students learn, for instance, to use apostrophes correctly but that they question where the rules for apostrophes came from. This skewed priority is part and parcel of Curzan's commitment to “the kind of critical pedagogy that most of us espouse” (871).
Novel Ultrasonic Device to Measure the Distance From the Bottom of the Osteotome to Various Anatomic Landmarks
Authors: Machtei Eli E. , Zigdon Hadar , Levin Liran , Peled Micha
Published: March 2010

Background: The aim of the present study is to intraoperatively measure the distance from the bottom of the osteotome to the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and maxillary sinus floor using a novel ultrasonic device and to compare the measurements to those using conventional radiographs.

Methods: Patients scheduled for dental implant placement in the posterior regions were recruited for this pilot study. Mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated, and a recipient site was initiated using a standardized 2‐mm‐diameter pilot drill. The distance from the bottom of the osteotome to the IAC and maxillary sinus floor was assessed using a newly developed ultrasonic device and compared to a standard panoramic radiograph that was used to measure the same residual distance from the bottom of the drill.

Results: Fourteen consecutive patients (21 implants) were enrolled. Eleven implants were placed in posterior mandibles, and 10 implants were placed in posterior maxillae. The mean ± SE radiographic distance from the apex of the pilot drill to the nearest cortical bone was 5.64 ± 0.51 mm, which was very similar to the distance measured by the ultrasonic device (5.22 ± 0.37 mm; P = 0.341). In posterior mandibles (n = 11), the distances were 5.18 ±0.61 mm (radiographic) and 5.26 ± 0.61 mm (ultrasonic), which were not statistically significant (P = 0.593). A very strong positive correlation was observed between the two measurements in mandibles (r = 0.967; P = 0.0001).

Conclusion: The results of this in vivo study support the value of this ultrasonic system in measuring the residual osseous depth from the bottom of the osteotome to the roof of the IAC.
North Sea Dominos: The Economic Dependencies of Infrastructure Assets and Their User-fields
Authors: Willigers B.J.A. , Prendergast K. , Muslumov Z.
Published: March 2010

The future profitability and the ultimate hydrocarbon recovery of North Sea fields are largely dictated by the management of the infrastructure used to process and transport hydrocarbons. Optimization of this infrastructure is therefore an important strategic objective for most North Sea players.

In the North Sea, a common offshore infrastructure design consists of a regional hub that collects hydrocarbons from the fields located in the catchment area. This collective production is exported by a pipeline leaving the hub. Hubs, pipelines and oil-and-gas receiving terminals are typically paid a tariff for their services. Once tariff receipts become insufficient to cover the costs of those services, many commercial agreements default to cost-sharing arrangements, where the operating costs of the facility are distributed over its user-fields1. This cost sharing generally translates into higher operating costs for these fields and may cause certain user-fields to become uneconomical. As one user-field ceases production, the infrastructure facility’s operating costs are distributed over fewer fields. This may translate into a "domino-effect" scenario, in which more and more fields become uneconomical, thereby cutting short the economic life of the infrastructure facility.

In this paper, the economic interdependencies between a hub and its user-fields are illustrated first by a generic example, then by an analysis of the Bruce hub and its user-fields in the UK North Sea. The results highlight that accurate modeling of hub and user-fields interactions can increase understanding and mitigate the risks of potential "domino-effects", in which the economics of transportation and processing facilities may deteriorate rapidly and turn large segments of the North Sea uneconomical.
A New Approach to Uncertainty Quantification for Decision Making
Authors: Bratvold R.B. , Begg S.H. , Rasheva Svitlana
Published: March 2010

Sound decision making requires the elicitation and quantification of key uncertainties. Probabilities are, in general, subjective and most petro-technical experts find assessing them challenging. Furthermore, much evidence shows that, although they may not be aware of it, assessors find it difficult to make unbiased assessments.

We show how the maximum entropy principle, an idea from information theory, can be used to overcome the challenge of uncertainty assessment in oil & gas decision-making situations. It has found great popularity in natural language processing, space communication, biomedical engineering, and many other fields but has received limited attention in oil & gas. After describing how the technique can be adapted to information typical of oil and gas, we illustrate its application to a field development decision.

We conclude that the maximum entropy approach can incorporate many types of partial information. The examples and applications in this paper illustrate the relevance and power of the approach for quantifying probabilities in the context of oil E&P decision making. It is shown that arbitrarily "interpolating" between assessed probabilities, or ignoring dependencies, can lead to biased probability distribution, which in turn may lead to sub-optimal decisions.
Quantifying the Uncertainty in Estimates of World Conventional Oil Resources
Authors: Tien Chih-Ming , McVay Duane A.
Published: March 2010

Since Hubbert proposed the "peak oil" concept to forecast ultimate recovery of crude oil for the US and the world, there have been countless debates over the timing of peak world conventional oil production rate and ultimate recovery. Forecasts presented in the literature can be grouped into those that are like Hubbert’s, with an imminent peak, and those that do not predict an imminent peak. Although both groups have bases for their positions, viewpoints from the two groups are polarized and the debate is often heated. A big reason for the large divide between the two groups is the failure of both to acknowledge the significant uncertainty in their estimates. Although some authors attempt to quantify uncertainty, most use deterministic methods and present single values, with no ranges.

Our objective is to quantify the uncertainty in estimates of ultimate world conventional oil production and time to peak rate. We use two different methodologies. First, we employ a mathematical modeling technique based on regression of historical production data using Hubbert’s logistic model and a normal distribution model. However, we conduct the analyses probabilistically, considering errors in both the data and the model, which results in likelihood probability distributions for world conventional oil production and time to peak rate. Second, we use a multiple-experts analysis to combine estimates from the multitude of papers presented in the literature, yielding an overall distribution of estimated world conventional oil production.

Both the mathematical modeling and the multiple-experts analysis indicate that there is considerable uncertainty in estimates of world recoverable conventional oil resources. Our best estimate is a P10-P90 range of 1.8-4.4 trillion bbl with a mean of 2.9 trillion bbl. Due to some conservative assumptions in our analysis, we believe the uncertainty is actually greater than indicated above, and the additional uncertainty is in the upside, resulting in a larger mean value. In short, we do not have enough information at this time to say with reliability what the ultimate world conventional oil production will be. It could peak soon, somewhere in the distant future, or somewhere in between. It would be wise to consider all of these possible outcomes in planning and making decisions regarding capital investment and formulation of energy policy.
Unconventional Gas Uncertainty – The Implications on Portfolio Management and Development Practices
Authors: Wilczynski Herve , Ashraf Muqsit
Published: March 2010

Unconventional plays are at the center of the renewed interest in natural gas. A majority of forecasts agree that gas consumption will increase over the next several decades and the experience in North America has shown that technically challenging reserves can be economically accessed. The industry is focusing on leveraging what has made this transformation possible in North America: technology. However, equally important are portfolio management and development practices that have defined who the market leaders are in terms of financial performance. The inherent subsurface uncertainty that characterizes unconventional plays throughout their lifecycle makes investment decisions around land acquisition, infrastructure development, and drilling programs challenging. This uncertainty comes on top of the other variability faced by conventional operations. The gradual investment profile of unconventional gas offers operators the opportunity to mitigate their risks and implement required course corrections in land strategy, well design and drilling sequence. Operators can use the real options approach to maintain the flexibility needed in making portfolio decisions and utilize a flexible operating model for the development phase to drive efficiencies as well as proactively address possible shifts in the reservoir configuration or the economic environment. These "non-technical" lessons learned are particularly relevant today as the industry continues its investment in North America (Marcellus) and takes significant interest in overseas assets (Europe and Asia). These plays, while potentially attractive, hold a fair amount of uncertainty which technology alone will not be able to address- business practices will have a central role to play in managing these risks.
Diversification in the Financial Services Industry: The Effect of the Financial Modernization Act
Authors: Neale Faith R. , Drake Pamela Peterson , Clark Steven P.
Published: March 2010

The intent of the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (FSM) was to strengthen the overall financial services sector by allowing financial firms to diversify across industries within the financial sector. Similar to other studies of the reaction to this Act, we observe that investors consider the FSM to be good news. More interestingly, we also observe that systematic risk increased for some types of firms, but decreased for others as barriers were lowered. This finding is consistent with the idea that the reduction of regulation may increase systematic risk, but that the effects of deregulation on risk may be mitigated by anticipated effects of diversification. Specifically, bank holding companies that chose to diversify into other financial industries experienced increases in systematic risk while those that did not diversify realized decreases in systematic risk. Overall, we find that the systematic risk of financial firms converged and increased in the past few years as firms expanded into non-traditional businesses. In addition, we find that the Act reduced systematic risk for some firms, specifically those that diversified their product lines with insurance products.
Humic acid from Shilajit: A physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Agarwal Suraj , Anwer Khalid , Khanna Rajesh , Ali Asgar , Sultana Yasmin
Published: March 2010

Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudation, consisting of organic substances, metal ions and minerals, from different formations, commonly found in the Himalayan region (1000-3000 m) from Nepal to Kashmir. Shilajit can also be collected throughout the mountain regions in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Ural, Baikal, Sayalcacasus and Atlai at altitudes between 1000 to 5000 m. The major physiological action of shilajit has been attributed to the presence of bioactive dibenzo-?-pyrones together with humic and fulvic acids, which act as carrier molecules for the active ingredients. In this work, the aim was to extract humic acid from Shilajit from various sources and characterised these humic acids based on their physico-chemical properties, elemental analysis, UV/Vis and FTIR spectra, X-ray diffraction pattern and DSC thermograms. The spectral features obtained from UV/Vis, FTIR, XRD and DSC studies for samples of different origins showed a distinct similarity amongst themselves and in comparison to soil humic acids. The surfactant properties of the extracted fulvic acids were investigated by determining the effect of increasing concentration on the surface tension of water. The study demonstrated that humic acids extracted from shilajit indeed possessed surfactant properties.
The role of ATP in the function of human ORC4 protein
Authors: Divac Aleksandra , Tomic Branko , Kusic Jelena
Published: March 2010

Human ORC4 protein, a subunit of the origin recognition complex, belongs to the AAA+ superfamily of ATPases. Proteins belonging to this family require ATP for their function and interactions with ATP lead to conformational changes in them or in their partners. Human ORC4 protein induces structural changes in DNA substrates, promoting renaturation and formation of non-canonical structures, as well as conversion of single-stranded into multi-stranded oligonucleotide structures. The aim of this study was to further investigate the role of ATP in the function of human ORC4 protein. For this purpose, a mutant in the conserved Walker B motif of ORC4, which is able to bind but not to hydrolyze ATP, was constructed and its activity in DNA restructuring reactions was investigated. The obtained results showed that ATP hydrolysis is not necessary for the function of human ORC4. It is proposed that ATP has a structural role as a cofactor in the function of human ORC4 as a DNA restructuring agent.
An efficient one-pot synthesis of highly substituted furans catalyzed by N-bromosuccinimide
Authors: Ghasemnejad-Bosra Hassan , Faraje Mohammad , Habibzadeh Setareh , Ramzanian-Lehmali Farhad
Published: March 2010

N-Bromosuccinimide was found to efficiently catalyze the synthesis of highly functionalized, tetra-substituted furan derivatives in the one-pot reactions of but-2-ene-1,4-diones and acetoacetate esters in the presence of i-PrOH as solvent under mild and neutral conditions at 80-90?C for 3-7 h in high yields (87-94%).
Determination of ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of nematic liquid crystals by using wedge cells
Authors: Kędzierski J. , Raszewski Z. , Kojdecki M. , Kruszelnicki-Nowinowski E. , Perkowski P. , Piecek W. , Miszczyk E. , Zieliński J. , Morawiak P. , Ogrodnik K.
Published: March 2010

A new accurate and fast interference method for determining ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of nematic liquid crystals is presented and discussed. The method relies on microscopic measurements of distances between interference fringes appearing in polarised parallel coherent monochromatic light beam transmitted normally to the surfaces through a wedge cell filled with a nematic. Both glass plates confining the cell are coated with a partly transparent thin film of metal which is deposited by evaporation in vacuum. Owing to the multiple reflections between the surfaces and a small edge angle, the interference fringes observed near the wedge apex edge are sharp and equidistant. To apply this method one needs only small amount of an investigated liquid crystal. Basic mathematical formulae and results of an experiment are briefly discussed.
An introduction to sadharanikaran model of communication
Authors: Adhikary Nirmala Mani
Published: March 2010

This article describes sadharanikaran model of communication (SMC) and outlines its fundamentals. The article initially discusses the concept of ‘sadharanikaran' as conceived in Hindu poetics acknowledging its relevance for the modern discipline of communication. And, it also presents an account of the background upon which the model was developed and proposed. The descriptive part of the article is primarily indebted to Natyashastra and Vakyapadiya DOI: 10.3126/bodhi.v3i1.2814 Bodhi Vol.3(1) 2009 p.69-91
Electrical and Optical Characterization of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Produced in Atmospheric Air
Authors: Tyata RB , Subedi DP , Joshi UM , Madhup DK
Published: March 2010

This paper reports the results concerning the production of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure air and its electrical and optical characterization. The discharge was produced by applying high voltage AC source of frequency (10-30) kHz and potential difference of (0-20) kV across the electrodes. The discharge was characterized by measuring current and voltage with a high frequency digital oscilloscope. The optical characterization was made by taking the spectrums of discharge by optical emission spectrometer. The optical spectra in the range of 200 nm to 450 nm have been analyzed in order to estimate the electron temperature by intensity ratio method. Results showed that the electron temperature is about 1.9 eV. Key words: DBD; emission spectra; electron temperature; non-equilibrium plasma DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v5i1.2846 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.5, No.1, January 2009, pp 56-61
In Vitro Drug Release Studies from a Novel Lyophilised Nasal Dosage Form
Authors: Thapa Panna , Stevens Howard NE , Baillie Alan J
Published: March 2010

In vitro release of nicotine hydrogen tartrate (NHT) into phosphate buffer saline (PBS), pH 7.4 at 37°C was studied in a diffusion cell, which, with a minimal dissolution volume on the donor side, was intended to mimic the low hydration environment of the nasal mucosa. Lyophilisates prepared from different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 & 3% w/w) of Methocel K4MP solution and K100LVP, K15MP, K100MP solutions (1 & 2%) containing NHT were placed on the diffusion cell membrane which was maintained just in contact with the constantly agitated liquid phase of the receptor compartment. Samples were withdrawn at regular time intervals from the receptor compartment, replaced by fresh medium and analysed spectrophotometrically at 260nm after appropriate dilution. As controls, nicotine release profiles from NHT powder & aqueous solution, Methocel K solutions, and simple powder blends of K4MP were also measured. The nicotine release was dependent on the concentration of Methocel K polymer, whether the donor side of the cell was presented with a solution or lyophilisate of NHT in polymer. Nicotine release decreased with increasing polymer concentration (t50% = 25 min and 75 min for lyophilisate prepared from 1% and 3% w/w K4MP respectively). However at any polymer concentration, nicotine release was faster from solution than from lyophilisate. The difference in nicotine release between solution and lyophilisate became more prominent at higher polymer concentration. Interestingly, nicotine release was independent of Methocel K molecular weight. In vitro nicotine release took place by anomalous diffusion. Keywords: In vitro drug release; lyophilisation; nasal drug delivery; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), nicotine. DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v5i1.2848 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.5, No.1, January 2009, pp 71-86
Study on Relative Abundance and Distribution of Tiger Prey Base (Ungulates) in Khata Corridor, Bardia National Park
Authors: Adhikari Shalu , Khadka Ambika
Published: March 2010

The study provides information on distribution, abundance of wild ungulates and their link to habitat characteristics at a landscape level conservation. Khata Corridor is an important component of Terai Arc Landscape. It is about 9 km long and connects Bardia National Park, Nepal with Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, India. Relative abundance and distribution of Tiger prey base species (wild ungulates) was studied from mid April to mid June 2008 at Khata Corridor. A total of 127 transects (1 transect=625m, distance between adjacent transect=100m, distance between two parallel transect=100m) containing 2700 circular plots of 10m2 were laid and sampled following Smith et al (1999). A total of 2043 wild ungulates pellets were counted within the sampled area with a mean pellet group abundance of 0.75 pellets per plot. Mean pellet group abundance of Spotted deer, Wild boar, Monkey, Hog deer, Barking deer and Blue bull were 0.63, 0.06, 0.05, 0.02, 0.00 and 0.00 per plot respectively. Species wise ungulate abundance showed that Barking deer was highest in Low Density Mixed Forest, Spotted deer in Grassland, Hog deer in both Grassland and Low Density Mixed Forest, Blue bull only in Low Density Mixed Forest, Monkey in Riverine Forest and Wooded Grassland, and Wild boar in Wooded Grassland. Distribution pattern of wild ungulate species was of Clumped type (S2/a=93.10). Out of four habitat types, flood plains with riverine forest and grasslands were considered important habitats. Khata has been experiencing different levels of degradation also has tremendous conservation potential to ensure long term viability of large mammals (eg. Tigers) if restored and integrated into landscape level conservation plans. Keywords: Corridor; Ungulates; distribution; abundance; habitats; degradation. DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v5i1.2852 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.5, No.1, January 2009, pp 121-135
Foundations of Geometry-IV
Authors: Adhikary Pushpa Raj
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v5i1.2855 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.5, No.1, January 2009, pp 151-153
From Alerting the World to Stabilizing Its Own Community: The Shifting Cultural Work of the Loose Change Films
Authors: Butter Michael , Retterath Lisa
Published: March 2010

Abstract:

Drawing on theoretical concepts developed by Mark Fenster in his analysis of contemporary conspiracy theories, this essay engages the online film Loose Change, which constitutes the most prominent conspiracy theory formed in the wake of the attacks of 11 September 2001. The different versions of the documentary, released between April 2005 and November 2007, perform markedly different kinds of cultural work. While the earlier versions try to construct a community of conspiracy theorists by alerting the world to alleged holes in the official account of what happened that day, the final cut attempts to stabilize the online community that the earlier versions managed to bring about. By way of conclusion we therefore propose that a focus on the kinds of communities that conspiracy theories have helped form and stabilize throughout American history might prove a fruitful area of investigation.
A Convenient Synthesis of Pyrazole-Substituted Heterocycles
Authors: Shaaban Mohamed R. , Eldebss Taha M. A. , Darweesh Ahmed F. , Farag Ahmad M.
Published: March 2010

(E)-1-(5-Methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-4-yl)-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2-propen-1-one reacts with hydrazine, hydroxylamine, guanidine and aminopyrazole derivatives to afford the corresponding 3,4′-bipyrazole, pyrazolylisoxazole, pyrazolylpyrimidine and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives, respectively. It reacts also with benzoquinone, naphthoquinone and N-benzoylglycine to give the corresponding benzofuran and pyrazolylpyranone derivatives, respectively.
L-Arginine as a Cost-Effective and Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Nitriles and Ketones in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Hu Ying , Guan Zhi , He Yan-Hong , Louwagie Nathan , Yao Meng-Jie
Published: March 2010

L-Arginine catalysed the Knoevenagel condensations of aromatic, heteroaromatic and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with malononitrile and acetylacetone to afford α,β-unsaturated nitriles and ketones. The reactions were carried out at room temperature in the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate. Moderate to excellent yields (45–100%) were achieved. The L-arginine/ionic liquid combination was successfully recycled for five runs without significant loss of activity.
Suzuki-Miyaura Reaction of Chloroarenes Using Pd(PPh3)4 as Catalyst
Authors: Thiemann Thies , Tanaka Yasuko , Hisaindee Soleiman , Kaabi Maitha
Published: March 2010

The reactivity of a number of chloroarenes was investigated and chloro–nitroarenes were found to undergo facile arylation with Pd(PPh3)4 / [Pd(PPh3)2Cl2/n·PPh3] as catalyst. Furthermore, 4–chlorobenzaldehyde underwent arylation under the conditions, albeit with a higher catalyst loading.
A Novel and Stereospecific Synthesis of Aminocyclitol: N-Tosyldihydroconduramine E2
Authors: Kelebekli Latif , Celik Murat , Kara Yunus
Published: March 2010

A stereospecific synthesis of N-tosyldihydroconduramine E2, a new aminocyclitol, has been synthesised starting from cyclohexa-1,3-diene. The photooxygenation of cyclohexa-1,3-diene afforded the bicyclic endoperoxide. Reduction of the endoperoxide with thiourea and then reaction of the bis-carbamate with p-TsNCO followed by a palladium-catalysed ionisation/cyclisation reaction, gave a vinyl oxazolidin-2-one. Oxidation of the double bond in the oxazolidin-2-one with KMnO4 followed by acetylation, gave the oxazolidinone-diacetates. Hydrolysis of the oxazolidinone ring and removal of the acetate groups gave the desired aminocyclitol, N-tosyldihydroconduramine E2.
N-Acetyl cysteine for prevention of contrast induced nephropathy
Authors: Awal Anisul , Hasan Syed Ali , Siddique Md Abu , Subedi Bikash , Arzu Jahanara , Ahmed Quazi Arif , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Islam Neena
Published: March 2010

The antioxidant N-acetyl Cysteine prevents contrast induced nephropathy in patients with impaired renal function who undergo coronary angiogeaphy. However its role in Bangladeshi population is not clear. This study was done determine whether oral acetylcysteine prevents contrast induced nephropathy in high risk patients.100 patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency who are undergoing elective coronary angiography with or without intervention.50 patients were randomy assigned to receive oral N acetyl cysteine (600mg) twice daily on the day before and on the day of procedure. All patients received low osmolar contrast agent.10 (20%) control patients (no premedicationgroup) and none of acetyl cysteine (0%) group developed a more than 25% increase in serum creatinine level within 48 hours after contrast exposure. Acetyl cysteine prevents contrast induced nephropathy. Keywords : Anti Oxidant; contrast induced nephropathy. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v5i2.4554 University Heart Journal Vol.5(2) July 2009 pp.56-58
Role of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in addition to optimum medical therapy in Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Fatema Nilufar , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal , Hasan ATM Iqbal , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Sultan Md Ahsraf Uddin , Islam Neena , Arju Jahanara , Subedi Bikash , Patwary Mohammad Saifullah
Published: March 2010

Decompensated heart failure is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in worldwide. Some of these patients suffer repeatedly after taking optimum medical therapy (OPT). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with heart failure and dyssynchrony. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v5i2.4561 University Heart Journal Vol.5(2) July 2009 pp.79-83
Comparison of Hybrid Blends for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Lechmann Maria C. , Koll Dominik , Kessler Daniel , Theato Patrick , Tremel Wolfgang , Gutmann Jochen S.
Published: March 2010

In blended hybrid systems distinct micro- or nanostructured materials can be formed by phase separation. Network structures of particles or rods in a polymer matrix can be developed via self-assembly. We use this blending approach to compare active materials for application in solar cell devices. Blends were fabricated from either poly(hexylthiophene) P3HT or poly(triphenylamine) PTPA mixed with nanocrystalline TiO2 rods. In this manner, we compare two different hole conducting polymers in their performance in photovoltaic devices, while experimental conditions are kept identical. We find that the choice of solvent and photovoltaic characterization conducted in inert atmosphere is of importance for blends prepared from P3HT/TiO2 blends, but not for PTPA/TiO2 blends. Even though prepared with the same TiO2 rods, solar cells prepared from PTPA blends showed an enhanced efficiency when measured under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the PTPA/TiO2 showed higher long-term stability.
Organic / IV, III-V Semiconductor Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Ong Pang-Leen , Levitsky Igor A.
Published: March 2010

We present a review of the emerging class of hybrid solar cells based on organic-semiconductor (Group IV, III-V), nanocomposites, which states separately from dye synthesized, polymer-metal oxides and organic-inorganic (Group II-VI) nanocomposite photovoltaics. The structure of such hybrid cell comprises of an organic active material (p-type) deposited by coating, printing or spraying technique on the surface of bulk or nanostructured semiconductor (n-type) forming a heterojunction between the two materials. Organic components include various photosensitive monomers (e.g., phtalocyanines or porphyrines), conjugated polymers, and carbon nanotubes. Mechanisms of the charge separation at the interface and their transport are discussed. Also, perspectives on the future development of such hybrid cells and comparative analysis with other classes of photovoltaics of third generation are presented.
Dynamic QoS Evaluation of Multimedia Contents in Wireless Networks by “Double-Boomerang” Watermarking
Authors: Benedetto Francesco , Curcio Alberto , Giunta Gaetano
Published: March 2010

This work presents a cooperative network-aware processing of multimedia content for dynamic quality of service management in wireless IP networks. Our technique can be also used for quality control in UMTS environments, exploiting the tracing watermarking recently introduced in literature. In this work, we use the transmitted video-sequences to monitor the QoS in a videoconference call. The video-sequence of every active user travels on the communication link, one time as video (transparent mode), one time as watermark (hidden mode) describing a boomerang trajectory. The results obtained through our simulation trials confirm the validity of such approach. In fact, the advantages of distributing the management process are (i) an easier and more precise localization of the cause of QoS problems, (ii) a better knowledge of local situations, (iii) a lower complexity for a single QoS agent and (iv) an increase in possible actions.
Molecular Epidemiology for Vector Research on Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kato Hirotomo , Gomez Eduardo A. , Cáceres Abraham G. , Uezato Hiroshi , Mimori Tatsuyuki , Hashiguchi Yoshihisa
Published: March 2010

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease caused by the genus Leishmania transmitted by female phlebotomine sand flies. Surveillance of the prevalence of Leishmania and responsive vector species in endemic and surrounding areas is important for predicting the risk and expansion of the disease. Molecular biological methods are now widely applied to epidemiological studies of infectious diseases including leishmaniasis. These techniques are used to detect natural infections of sand fly vectors with Leishmania protozoa and are becoming powerful tools due to their sensitivity and specificity. Recently, genetic analyses have been performed on sand fly species and genotyping using PCR-RFLP has been applied to the sand fly taxonomy. In addition, a molecular mass screening method has been established that enables both sand fly species and natural leishmanial infections to be identified simultaneously in hundreds of sand flies with limited effort. This paper reviews recent advances in the study of sand flies, vectors of leishmaniasis, using molecular biological approaches.
Waist Circumference and BMI in Relation to Serum High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) in Cuban Americans With and Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huffman Fatma G. , Whisner Suzanne , Zarini Gustavo  G. , Nath Subrata
Published: March 2010

Relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiposity by diabetes status and gender in Cuban-Americans with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) was studied. Adult subjects, 226 females, 129 males participated in a case control, single time point study. Subjects with T2D were older, had higher waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). WC and BMI were associated with ln hs-CRP (P < 0.001). An interaction with diabetes status was found for BMI (P = 0.037). Gender showed a strong relationship with ln hs-CRP (P < 0.001), which was moderated by diabetes status. Only males without diabetes exhibited a significant relationship for both WC and BMI with ln hs-CRP. In this sample of Cuban-Americans, WC and BMI had stronger associations with ln hs-CRP but not with diabetes status. Obesity prevention and controlling for CRP levels may be necessary to eliminate its contributions to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Workplace Vaccination and Other Factors Impacting Influenza Vaccination Decision among Employees in Israel
Authors: Shahrabani Shosh , Benzion Uri
Published: March 2010

The study examined the factors affecting the decision to be vaccinated against influenza among employees in Israel. The research, conducted in 2007/2008, included 616 employees aged 18−65 at various workplaces in Israel, among them companies that offered their employees influenza vaccination. The research questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, and the Health Belief Model principles. The results show that the significant factors affecting vaccination compliance include a vaccination program at workplaces, vaccinations in the past, higher levels of vaccine's perceived benefits, and lower levels of barriers to getting the vaccine. We conclude that vaccine compliance is larger at companies with workplace vaccination programs providing easier accessibility to vaccination.
What is Learned from Longitudinal Studies of Advertising and Youth Drinking and Smoking? A Critical Assessment
Authors: Nelson Jon P.
Published: March 2010

This paper assesses the methodology employed in longitudinal studies of advertising and youth drinking and smoking behaviors. These studies often are given a causal interpretation in the psychology and public health literatures. Four issues are examined from the perspective of econometrics. First, specification and validation of empirical models. Second, empirical issues associated with measures of advertising receptivity and exposure. Third, potential endogeneity of receptivity and exposure variables. Fourth, sample selection bias in baseline and follow-up surveys. Longitudinal studies reviewed include 20 studies of youth drinking and 26 studies of youth smoking. Substantial shortcomings are found in the studies, which preclude a causal interpretation.
Application of the Principles of Systems Biology and Wiener's Cybernetics for Analysis of Regulation of Energy Fluxes in Muscle Cells in Vivo
Authors: Guzun Rita , Saks Valdur
Published: March 2010

The mechanisms of regulation of respiration and energy fluxes in the cells are analyzed based on the concepts of systems biology, non-equilibrium steady state kinetics and applications of Wiener’s cybernetic principles of feedback regulation. Under physiological conditions cardiac function is governed by the Frank-Starling law and the main metabolic characteristic of cardiac muscle cells is metabolic homeostasis, when both workload and respiration rate can be changed manifold at constant intracellular level of phosphocreatine and ATP in the cells. This is not observed in skeletal muscles. Controversies in theoretical explanations of these observations are analyzed. Experimental studies of permeabilized fibers from human skeletal muscle vastus lateralis and adult rat cardiomyocytes showed that the respiration rate is always an apparent hyperbolic but not a sigmoid function of ADP concentration. It is our conclusion that realistic explanations of regulation of energy fluxes in muscle cells require systemic approaches including application of the feedback theory of Wiener’s cybernetics in combination with detailed experimental research. Such an analysis reveals the importance of limited permeability of mitochondrial outer membrane for ADP due to interactions of mitochondria with cytoskeleton resulting in quasi-linear dependence of respiration rate on amplitude of cyclic changes in cytoplasmic ADP concentrations. The system of compartmentalized creatine kinase (CK) isoenzymes functionally coupled to ANT and ATPases, and mitochondrial-cytoskeletal interactions separate energy fluxes (mass and energy transfer) from signalling (information transfer) within dissipative metabolic structures – intracellular energetic units (ICEU). Due to the non-equilibrium state of CK reactions, intracellular ATP utilization and mitochondrial ATP regeneration are interconnected by the PCr flux from mitochondria. The feedback regulation of respiration occurring via cyclic fluctuations of cytosolic ADP, Pi and Cr/PCr ensures metabolic stability necessary for normal function of cardiac cells.