bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of Sorafenib Toxicity and Exposure over Time: A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis
Authors: Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Ropert Stanislas , Mir Olivier , Coriat Romain , Billemont Bertrand , Tod Michel , Cabanes Laure , Franck Nathalie , Blanchet Benoit , Goldwasser François
Published: July 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the profile of severe toxicities in patients treated with sorafenib.Summarize the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib-induced toxicities.Identify predictive factors for early and delayed toxicities in patients treated with sorafenib.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

Sorafenib displays major interpatient pharmacokinetic variability. It is unknown whether the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib influence its toxicity.

Methods.

We analyzed the severity and kinetics of sorafenib-induced toxicities in unselected consecutive patients with cancer, as well as their relationship with biological, clinical, and pharmacokinetic parameters. Toxicity was recorded bimonthly. Sorafenib plasma concentrations were assessed by liquid chromatography.

Results.

For 83 patients (median age, 62 years; range, 21–84 years), median sorafenib 12-hour area under the curve (AUC0–12) was 52.8 mg · h/L (range: 11.8–199.6). A total of 51 patients (61%) experienced grade 3–4 toxicities, including hand-foot skin reactions (23%), asthenia (18%), and diarrhea (11%). Sorafenib AUC0–12 preceding grade 3–4 toxicities was significantly higher than that observed in the remaining population (61.9 mg · h/L vs. 53 mg · h/L). In 25 patients treated with fixed doses of sorafenib for the first 4 months, median dose-normalized AUC0–12 on day 120 was significantly lower than on day 15 (63 vs. 102 mg · h/L). The incidence of hypertension and hand-foot skin reactions significantly decreased over time.

Conclusion.

Sorafenib AUC0–12 decreases over time, similarly to the incidence of hypertension and hand-foot skin reactions. Monitoring of sorafenib plasma concentrations may help to prevent acute severe toxicities and detect patients with suboptimal exposure at disease progression.
Electrical conduction of superionic conductors: Na2ZrO3
Authors: Tripathi Shivendu , Mishra Kripa M. , Tiwari Sugriva N.
Published: July 2012

Measurement of the thermoelectric power (S) and electrical conductivity (σ) of Na2ZrO3 is reported from 450K to nearly the melting point. The log σT and S versus T−1 plots are linear in some temperature range with different slopes. They show two distinct regions, one corresponding to superionic phase and the other to normal phase. In the superionic phase, Na+ ions are the main entity of charge carriers and Paddle wheel mechanism suitably explains the transport mechanism. In the normal phase, the conduction is mainly due to the Frenkel defect. The enthalpy for migration and heat of transport have also been evaluated in both normal and superionic phases of the compound.
Benchmarking UK concretes using an accelerated carbonation test
Authors: Kandasami Sivakumar , Harrison Thomas Alexander , Jones Martyn Roderick , Khanna Gaurav
Published: July 2012

This paper reports data on accelerated carbonation measurements. Essentially the draft European test method using the reference procedure is used but with curing and preconditioning different to the reference method. These small differences are unlikely to change the ranking of concretes with respect to carbonation resistance. The wide range of concretes tested was representative of UK ready-mix concrete production. None of the traditional specification parameters (maximum water/cement (w/c) ratio, minimum cement content and compressive strength class) on their own or in combination give a consistent accelerated carbonation resistance. When compared at a fixed w/c ratio of 0·60, there was no clear influence of cement content on carbonation resistance. The main factors influencing the accelerated carbonation depth are w/c ratio, cement type and aggregate quality. Although not the focus of the work reported, it was noted that one week of accelerated carbonation was equivalent to around 1·5 years of carbonation in outside, protected exposure.
Stormwater detention basin for improving road-runoff quality
Authors: Pezzaniti David , Beecham Simon , Kandasamy Jaya
Published: July 2012

Both wet and dry detention basins are commonly used for the treatment of road runoff. The basin investigated in this study was located on the eastern side of the southern expressway in Adelaide, Australia. Event mean pollutant concentrations (EMCs) and total pollutant loads were determined for the basin inflows and outflows. The water quality parameters tested included pH, conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids (TDS), total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorous, total hydrocarbons, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and nickel. Six critical events were sampled in this manner during the course of the investigation. Total pollutant loads passing through as basin inflow were determined over the six monitored events. Comparison of basin inflow and outflow quality demonstrated that the average load reductions varied from as little as 18% for TDS up to 77% for total phosphorous and lead. While copper concentrations at the basin inflow were detected in four out of the six events, no detectable concentrations were found in the outflows. The average reductions for lead and zinc were more than 50% on more than 80% of occasions.
An experimental study of turbulence in a heterogeneous channel
Authors: Jesson Michael , Sterling Mark , Bridgeman John
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the velocity field in an idealised heterogeneous open channel during normal flow conditions, corresponding to two different subcritical flow conditions (discharges of 0·040 m3/s and 0·056 m3/s, with corresponding Froude numbers 0·51 and 0·57). The bed of the channel is formed of two full-length, longitudinal strips of equal width, a smooth section constructed from polyvinyl chloride and a rough section constructed from gravel (d72 = 10 mm). The results indicate that the turbulence appears to propagate vertically from the rough bed and horizontally over the rough–smooth boundary. There is also evidence to suggest that the turbulent momentum transfer is maximised at the rough–smooth boundary. Secondary flow structures are seen to exist due to the rough–smooth boundary and provide another mechanism for momentum transfer. These transfer mechanisms are important in understanding the effect of a heterogeneous channel bed on open-channel flow.
Climate change impact assessment on hydrology of Karkheh Basin, Iran
Authors: Jamali Saeed , Abrishamchi Ahmad , Marino Miguel A. , Abbasnia Aida
Published: July 2012

This paper addresses the impacts of climate change on hydrology and water resources in the Karkheh River Basin (KRB), which is the third most productive basin in Iran and has great potential for hydropower generation. The total potential capacity of reservoirs in this basin is more than 15 ×109Mm3, of which 40% has been built. The sensitivity of the KRB to potential climate change is investigated by simulating basin streamflow response under different climate change scenarios. A conceptual rainfall–runoff model (IHACRES) was first calibrated by using hydrological and streamflow observations. The model was then applied by downscaling two general circulation model outputs (CGCM3 and HadCM3) under three emissions scenarios (A1B, A2 and B1). The results show that, in the short term, annual mean temperature increases by about 0·9°C, the annual amount of precipitation will not change significantly and annual streamflow decreases by 10–15%. In the mid and long term, respectively, temperature increases by more than 2·0°C and 4·0°C, precipitation decreases by about 15 and 17%, and annual streamflow decreases by about 25 and 32%.
Sewer inspection and comparison of acoustic and CCTV methods
Authors: Romanova Anna , Horoshenkov Kirill V. , Tait Simon J. , Ertl Thomas
Published: July 2012

In the UK, the majority of sewer pipe inspections are carried out using closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology. This inspection technology is expensive; given the size of the UK sewer network, this means that only a small sample of network is inspected regularly. Up-to-date condition information on individual sewers is required to minimise sewer network operation failures and, ultimately, to eliminate flooding. There is therefore a need for a quicker and cheaper inspection method. This paper reports on a novel low-cost acoustic sensor system that can be used for the rapid detection of various defects in sewer pipes. It is shown that a large number of pipe defects can be classified and validated against CCTV images by way of visual examination of the acoustical data presented in the form of spectrograms. An overview of the technological principles used by the acoustic inspection method is presented in this paper together with the results of field trial surveys. The new method was tested in operational sewers in Austria and the acoustic inspection results compared with available CCTV reports: 79% of the defects identified by CCTV were also detected using the acoustic technique.
Reptile assemblage response to restoration of fire‐suppressed longleaf pine sandhills
Authors: Steen David A. , Smith Lora L. , Conner L. M. , Litt Andrea R. , Provencher Louis , Hiers J. Kevin , Pokswinski Scott , Guyer Craig
Published: July 2012

Measuring the effects of ecological restoration on wildlife assemblages requires study on broad temporal and spatial scales. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests are imperiled due to fire suppression and subsequent invasion by hardwood trees. We employed a landscape‐scale, randomized‐block design to identify how reptile assemblages initially responded to restoration treatments including removal of hardwood trees via mechanical methods (felling and girdling), application of herbicides, or prescribed burning alone. Then, we examined reptile assemblages after all sites experienced more than a decade of prescribed burning at two‐ to thee‐year return intervals. Data were collected concurrently at reference sites chosen to represent target conditions for restoration. Reptile assemblages changed most rapidly in response to prescribed burning, but reptile assemblages at all sites, including reference sites, were generally indistinguishable by the end of the study. Thus, we suggest that prescribed burning in longleaf pine forests over long time periods is an effective strategy for restoring reptile assemblages to the reference condition. Application of herbicides or mechanical removal of hardwood trees provided no apparent benefit to reptiles beyond what was achieved by prescribed fire alone.
Familiarity Knowledge in Student Nurses’ Clinical Studies: Exemplified by Student Nurses in Palliative Care
Authors: Haugan Grethe , Hanssen Ingrid
Published: July 2012

In this article based on a literary study, the form of knowledge namedfamiliarity knowledgeis examined. Although rooted in the philosophical tradition of Wittgenstein and Polanyi, the development of familiarity knowledge is tied in with clinical practice and particular patients and contexts while paying attention to the framework factors influencing the setting as a whole as well as with theoretical knowledge relevant to the situation at hand. Palliative care makes a backdrop for some of the discussion. Familiarity knowledge can never be context free and attends to that which is unique in every nurse–patient relationship. Both assertive and familiarity knowledge are needed to care for dying patients in a competent, sensitive, and truly caring manner. Mentors need to help students synthesize assertive knowledge and familiarity knowledge during their clinical studies to enrich both kinds of knowledge and deepen their understanding. Student nurses expertly mentored and tutored while caring for dying patients living at home become, for instance, less apprehensive about facing dying patients than students not so mentored. Nurses need to understand the complexity of nursing care to be able to see the uniqueness of the situation and approach the individual patient on the bases of experience and insight.
Breast, Milk and Microbes: A Complex Relationship that Does Not End with Lactation
Authors: Urbaniak Camilla , Burton Jeremy P , Reid Gregor
Published: July 2012

Until relatively recently, the extent of microbiota presence in the human breast was under-appreciated. A high-throughput sequencing study and culture-based studies have demonstrated the extensive presence of microbes in human milk, with their origin believed to be from the skin, oral cavity and via gut translocation. Since formula milk substitutes do not contain these bacteria, what benefits are denied to these infants? The addition of probiotic bacteria to some infant formula is meant to provide some benefits, but these only contain one species and the dose is relatively high compared with breast milk. Many questions of importance to women's health arise from these findings. When, how and what types of microbes colonize the breast at different stages of a woman's life, including postlactation, and what effect do they have on the host in the short and long term? This article discusses some aspects of these questions.
Balancing Act: Safe and Evidence-Based Prescribing for Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Pace Lydia E , Schwarz Eleanor Bimla
Published: July 2012

Teratogenic medications are commonly prescribed to women of reproductive age. Caring for women who may benefit from the use of teratogenic medications requires clinicians to engage patients in shared decision-making on the risks and benefits of medication use in the context of the patient's fertility goals, the implications of the patient's medical condition for a pregnancy and the risks and benefits of various contraceptive methods, Effective communication about all of these issues is essential to avoiding medication-induced birth defects. However, data suggest that I such communication remains inadequate, leading some women to face unintentional exposure of a pregnancy to a teratogen, undesired pregnancy or, sometimes, the need for pregnancy termination services. This review outlines key information needed to ensure safe prescribing to women of childbearing age. It includes recommendations for changes in medical education, healthcare delivery and health policy to facilitate thoughtful prescribing and comprehensive care.
SGI 2012: Advances in Reproductive Health Research
Authors: Challis John RG
Published: July 2012

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation was held in San Diego, (CA, USA) on 21–24 March 2012, with a record number of registrants (over 1300) and submitted abstracts. The main 3-day meeting was preceded by a day of satellite meetings, covering topics such as placental function, endometrial bleeding and global issues for preterm birth. The meeting was opened by the President of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation for 2011–2012, Stephen J Lye, from the University of Toronto (ON, Canada), with 13 past presidents of the society (including this writer) in attendance.
Smoking Cessation and Associated Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Women
Authors: Saxena Aditi R , Seely Ellen W
Published: July 2012

Evaluation of: Kwasniewska M, Pikala M, Kaczmarczyk-Chalas K et al. Smoking status, the menopausal transition, and metabolic syndrome in women. Menopause 19, 194–201 (2012). This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 7462 randomly selected Polish women, aged 20–74 years, who had completed the WOBASZ, a Polish National Multicenter Health Survey. Components of metabolic syndrome, including waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured in addition to BMI. The authors assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pre- and postmenopausal women with respect to smoking status (current smoking, past smoking or never smoked). They determined that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 3.3-fold higher in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women and that past smoking was associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome, regardless of menopausal status. Previous studies that have examined the risk of developing metabolic syndrome after smoking cessation did not assess menopausal status in women, and also used reported rather than measured anthropomorphic data. This study provides an additional perspective on the metabolic changes that may occur in women after smoking cessation.
Shooting for Assurance: The Case of Blazing Arrow Speed
Authors: Schmidt Regan N. , Phillips Fred
Published: July 2012

Designed to be used in an undergraduate audit and assurance course, this case introduces students to the concept of assurance. Students are asked to consider an engagement in which they would provide a written statement about the performance of an archery equipment manufacturer's products. The case encourages students to consider a variety of engagements that a public accountant may provide a client, and to achieve specific learning outcomes including increased familiarity with attestation standards, engagement criteria, objectivity, and professional skepticism. The analysis may be completed in a single class, and can be useful either at the start of the course to provide an introduction to attestation or at the end of the course to differentiate attestation engagements from traditional financial statement audits.
Biosorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions by modified of two kinds of marine algae, Sargassum glaucescens and Gracilaria corticata
Authors: Esmaeili Akbar , Kalantari Mona , Saremnia Betsabe
Published: July 2012

Biosorption of Pb (II) from aqueous solutions by modified of two kinds of marine algae, Sargassum glaucescens and Gracilaria corticata

In this research, the batch removal of Pb2+ ions from wastewater and aqueous solution with the use o two different modified algae Gracilaria corticata (red algae) and Sargassum glaucescens (brown algae) was examined. The experiment was performed in a batch system and the effect of the pH solution; initial concentration and contact time on biosorption by both biomasses were investigated and compared. When we used S. glaucescens as a biosorbent, the optima conditions of pH, Pb2+ concentration and equilibrium time were at 5, 200 mg/L and 70 min, in the range of 95.6% removal. When G. corticata was used for this process, pH 3, 15 mg/L pb2+ concentration and 50 min contact time, resulted in the maximum removal (86.4%). The equilibrium adsorption data are fitted to the Frundlich and Langmuir isotherm model, by S. glaucescens and G. corticata, respectively. The pb2+ uptake by both biosorbent was best described by the second-order rate model.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of gossypol extraction from defatted cottonseed meal by ethanol
Authors: Saxena Devesh , Sharma Surendra , Sambi Surinder
Published: July 2012

Kinetics and thermodynamics of gossypol extraction from defatted cottonseed meal by ethanol

Gossypol is polyphenolic aldehyde, a toxic substance naturally present in cotton plant to protect it from insects, pests and diseases. Maximum gossypol is concentrated in the seed. After extraction of oil from the cottonseed, the defatted cottonseed meal which contains both the gossypol and proteinous matter is left behind. A number of attempts have been made using different solvents to extract gossypol from the seeds. However, all these efforts have remained in the realm of academic activity only as none of them could be commercialized. If a pilot plant or commercial scale plant is to be developed then the data on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the extraction process is required. In this study ethanol has been used as the solvent at temperature below 323K for removal of gossypol from the defatted seed. This study finds the effects of parameters viz. temperature, solvent to solid ratio (SR) and extraction time on the gossypol extraction efficiency. The data obtained are used to establish the kinetics and thermodynamics of the extraction process.
Heterogeneous photocatalytic removal and reaction kinetics of Rhodamine-B dye with Au loaded TiO2 nanohybrid catalysts
Authors: Zhang Dongfang
Published: July 2012

Heterogeneous photocatalytic removal and reaction kinetics of Rhodamine-B dye with Au loaded TiO2 nanohybrid catalysts

Heterogeneous photocatalytic removal of Rhodamine-B (RhB) dye by metallic Au nanopatrticles deposited TiO2 photocatalyst was studied. For this study, a chemical reduction method by hydrazine hydrate for gold deposition was employed in order to synthesize Au/TiO2 nanocomposite system. For the characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), the Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PLS) techniques were performed. The obtained results show that the deposition of gold onto TiO2 surface could effectively inhibit the recombination of the photoinduced electron and holes, improving the absorption capability for the visible light source and leading to the increased surface OH group density. The degradation experiment reveals that the efficiency of color removal from RhB aqueous solution containing Au/TiO2 powders for the photocatalytic bleaching of RhB dye is more efficient than that of bare TiO2 sample upon UV-vis light activation. In addition, degradation kinetics of RhB dye in aqueous suspensions can be well simulated by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and obeys the pseudo-first order law, with a decolorization rate of 0.0252 min-1 to the photocatalytic removal of RhB dye.
Extraction of vanadium and potassium compounds from the spent vanadium catalyst from the metallurgical plant
Authors: Mazurek Krzysztof
Published: July 2012

Extraction of vanadium and potassium compounds from the spent vanadium catalyst from the metallurgical plant

A spent vanadium catalyst, from the plant of metallurgical type, was leached in a sulfuric acid solution to recover vanadium and potassium compounds. The effect of time, temperature, concentration of acid, catalyst particle size and phase ratio was studied. Additionally the concentration of iron, copper, zinc, arsenic and lead compounds was determined. The flow sheet for the proposed process of spent vanadium catalyst leaching is presented.
Influence of e-beam irradiation on the chemical and crystal structure of poly(aliphatic/aromatic-ester) multiblock thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: El Fray Miroslawa , Piątek-Hnat Marta , Puskas Judit , Foreman-Orlowski Elizabeth
Published: July 2012

Influence of e-beam irradiation on the chemical and crystal structure of poly(aliphatic/aromatic-ester) multiblock thermoplastic elastomers

Poly(aliphatic/aromatic-ester) (PED) multiblock copolymers belong to the class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), characterized by a physical network of semi-crystalline hard segments. The PEDs were modified with e-beam to create an additional network structure. Polymers were evaluated using SEC, WAXS, DSC and quasi-static tensile tests. E-beam irradiation induced a significant increase of molecular weight and tensile strength of the PEDs. This effect, together with the diminished degree of crystallinity can be explained by the formation of chemical crosslinks, which are located in the hard phase segments.
Synthesis, characterization and analytical applications of chelating resin containing orcinol
Authors: Shah Bhavna , Shah Ajay , Patel Nayan , Shah Pathik
Published: July 2012

Synthesis, characterization and analytical applications of chelating resin containing orcinol

A chelating resin based on Salicylic acid-Formaldehyde copolymer, containing Orcinol (SFO), has been synthesized and characterized on the basis of Elemental Analysis, Particle Size Distribution, FT-IR Analysis, XRD, SEM and Optical Photographs. The Physico-Chemical properties have been studied. This resin is highly stable in acidic and alkaline solutions and has been studied as a chelating sorbent for heavy metal ions and transition metal ions. The Exchange capacity order is Ni(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II). The effect of nature and concentration of different electrolytes on distribution coefficient (Kd) for metal ions have been investigated. Separation of synthetic mixtures containing Cu(II)-Pb(II), Ni(II)-Cd(II) and Brass constituents has been carried out using a column prepared from the synthesized chelating resin. The developed procedure was also tested for the removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from natural water of Purna River near by Navsari, Gujarat, India.
New Data on the Subfamily Otitinae (Diptera, Ulidiidae) in the Fauna of Iran
Authors: Namin S. , Nozari J. , Najarpoor A.
Published: July 2012

New Data on the Subfamily Otitinae (Diptera, Ulidiidae) in the Fauna of Iran

As a result of studies on picture-wing flies of the subfamily Otitinae in 2008-2011,Ceroxys robusta(Loew),C. munda(Loew),Herina rivosecchiiMerz,Melieria subapennina(Rondani) andMyennis octopunctata(Coquebert) are recorded for the first time from Iran, andH. rivosecchiiis recorded for the first time from Asia.
The First Geogarypid (Pseudoscorpiones, Geogarypidae) in Rovno Amber (Ukraine)
Authors: Henderickx H. , Perkovsky E.
Published: July 2012

The First Geogarypid (Pseudoscorpiones, Geogarypidae) in Rovno Amber (Ukraine)

The firstGeogarypusfound in Rovno amber appears to be conspecific withGeogarypus gorskiiHenderickx 2005, a species known from Eocene Baltic amber.
Social and political factors affecting sporting success in small countries: The case of Cyprus
Authors: Shippi Panayiotis
Published: July 2012

Social and political factors affecting sporting success in small countries: The case of Cyprus

Study aim: To examine the major social, cultural, and political factors determining sporting successes in very small countries at macro, meso, and micro levels through the example of Cyprus.

Material and methods: The article is based partly on the analysis of statistics and documents and partly on a segment of a comprehensive investigation carried out by standardized questionnaire and in-depth interviews among all Cypriot Olympians participating in the summer Olympic Games (N=93). The response rate was 79.6%. Regarding some major characteristics (age, gender, sport) the researched population fairly represents the total population.

Results: Little investment has been made in building sports facilities, the training of coaches, the support for sport science, and in the development of sport medicine. Elite sport has been reluctantly promoted by sport policy. Elite athletes had limited competition opportunities. Cypriot children with lower socioeconomic backgrounds and from villages had higher chances for becoming top-level athletes. Young girls hardly had any access to competitive sport.

Conclusions: Based on the analysis of documents it can be stated that not only the smallness of the country and the small number of the population but also the poor sporting tradition and culture as well as inconsistent sport policy also contribute to the Cypriot elite athletes' sporting results. From the findings by questionnaire it might be concluded that the Cypriot children had no equal chances to become top athletes.
Critical Reviews of Load Flow Methods for Well, Ill and Unsolvable Condition
Authors: Shahriari Amidaddin , Mokhlis Hazlie , Bakar Ab
Published: July 2012

Critical Reviews of Load Flow Methods for Well, Ill and Unsolvable Condition

This paper presents a critical review of Load flow methods in well, ill and unsolvable conditioned systems. The comparison studies deals with multiple load flow solution (MLFS), second-order load-flow (SOLF) and continuation load flow (CLF). The ability of theses method to return from unsolvable solution to a solvable solution in load flow analysis is analyzed and discuss thoroughly. Special attention is given to the problems and techniques to provide optimal recommendations of the parameters that are used in these load flow methods. A part of the reviews, this paper also presents the comparison of numerical result using different type of aforesaid load flow methods for well and ill-conditioned systems.
Investigation of Error Concealment Using Different Transform Codings and Multiple Description Codings
Authors: Farzamnia Ali , Syed-Yusof Sharifah , Fisal Norsheila , Abu-Bakar Syed
Published: July 2012

Investigation of Error Concealment Using Different Transform Codings and Multiple Description Codings

There has been increasing usage of Multiple Description Coding (MDC) for error concealment in non-ideal channels. A lot of ideas have been masterminded for MDC method up to now. This paper described the attempts to conceal the error and reconstruct the lost descriptions caused by combining MDC and lapped orthogonal transform (LOT). In this work LOT and other transforms codings (DCT and wavelet) are used to decorrelate the image pixels in the transform domain. LOT has better performance at low bit rates in comparison to DCT and wavelet transform. The results show that MSE for the proposed methods in comparison to DCT and wavelet have decreased significantly. The PSNR values of reconstructed images are high. The subjective evaluation of image is very good and clear. Furthermore, the standard deviations of reconstructed images are very small especially in low capacity channels.
Method for Evaluation of Outage Probability on Random Access Channel in Mobile Communication Systems
Authors: Kollár Martin
Published: July 2012

Method for Evaluation of Outage Probability on Random Access Channel in Mobile Communication Systems

In order to access the cell in all mobile communication technologies a so called random-access procedure is used. For example in GSM this is represented by sending the CHANNEL REQUEST message from Mobile Station (MS) to Base Transceiver Station (BTS) which is consequently forwarded as an CHANNEL REQUIRED message to the Base Station Controller (BSC). If the BTS decodes some noise on the Random Access Channel (RACH) as random access by mistake (so- called ‘phantom RACH') then it is a question of pure coincidence which èstablishment cause’ the BTS thinks to have recognized. A typical invalid channel access request or phantom RACH is characterized by an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT procedure (assignment of an SDCCH or TCH) which is not followed by sending an ESTABLISH INDICATION from MS to BTS. In this paper a mathematical model for evaluation of the Power RACH Busy Threshold (RACHBT) in order to guaranty in advance determined outage probability on RACH is described and discussed as well. It focuses on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) however the obtained results can be generalized on remaining mobile technologies (ie WCDMA and LTE).
The effect of propagation term and method on the growth and fresh herb productivity of sage and balm cultivated in pots
Authors: Capecka Ewa
Published: July 2012

The growing of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in pots for the purpose of obtaining fresh culinary herbs was conducted during four terms from spring to autumn. The objective was to determine the possibility of using stem cuttings taken at different developmental stages of the mother plants and to compare this method of plant propagation with that based on seeds. The period of sage growth was shorter when it was raised from cuttings than from seeds. In the case of balm, the use of cuttings was more effective than generative propagation in the period from summer to autumn. In both species, the best results of rooting were achieved when cuttings were taken before plant flowering in spring and after flowering in August. The poorest balm rooting was recorded when taking cuttings at plant flowering, and at flowering and after flowering in July for sage.
Winter frost injury of buds on one-year-old grapevine shoots of Vitis vinifera cultivars and interspecific hybrids in Poland
Authors: Lisek Jerzy
Published: July 2012

Following the winter of 2009/2010, an assessment of frost damage was carried out on the vines of 40 wine cultivars and 32 table grape cultivars grown in central Poland (Skierniewice, latitude 51° 57' N, longitude 20° 08' E). The minimum winter temperature of -28.1°C was recorded on 26 January 2010. Cultivars were assigned to five classes of different frost tolerance, according to information on the percentage of frozen buds: very resistant (below 1.9%), resistant (2 - 24.9%), medium susceptible (25 - 74.9%), susceptible (75 - 95.9%) and very susceptible (above 96%). The numbers of wine and table cultivars in each class were as follows: very resistant - 5 (wine) and 3 (table), resistant - 2 and 5, medium susceptible - 15 and 10, susceptible - 13 and 9 and very susceptible - 5 and 5. The most tolerant were the ‘Alwood’, ‘Delaware’, ‘Fredonia’ and ‘Zilga’ interspecific hybrids of the Vitis labruscana group; the ‘Aurore’, ‘Marechal Foch’ and ‘Leon Millot’ hybrids originating from V. vinifera, V. rupestris, V. riparia and V. lincecumii and ‘Sibera’ originating from V. vinifera and V. amurensis. More than 96% of buds froze on the vines of some interspecific hybrids (‘Arkadia’, ‘Fanny’, ‘Kodrianka’ and ‘Lilla’). ‘Ortega’, ‘Nektar’, ‘Cserszegi Fueszeres’, ‘Riesling’ and ‘Chasselas Dore’ from the V. vinifera cultivars showed the best tolerance to frost damage (42.5-62% of frozen buds). The buds of the V. vinifera cultivars ‘Acolon’, ‘Dakapo’ and ‘Favorit’ all froze. Plant parts covered with soil and snow were not exposed to significant damage, even in the case of susceptible cultivars.
Ligand-Free Cross-Coupling of Boronic Acids with Cu(NO3)2 Complexes of Amines in Aqueous Media
Authors: Xu Juan , Li Jia Rong
Published: July 2012

The efficient conversion of boronic acids, both arylboronic acids and alkylboronic acids, to the corresponding amines in water was accomplished in moderate to good yields using Cu(NO3)2 complexes of amines as the nitrogen source. The coupling reactions were performed in water at 30 °C for 2 hours.
Synthesis and Structure of a Penta- and Hexa-Coordinated Tri-Nuclear Cobalt(II) Complex
Authors: Dong Xiu-Yan , Sun Yin-Xia , Wang Li , Li Li
Published: July 2012

The tri-nuclear cobalt(II) complex, [(CoL)2(μ-OAc)2Co]·2CHCl3 (H2L = 5,5'-dimethoxy-2,2'-[(ethylene)dioxybis(nitrilome thylidyne)]diphenol), has been synthesised. Its X-ray structure shows it to contain two acetate ions coordinating to the three cobalt(II) atoms through Co–O–C–O–Co bridges, and four μ-phenoxo-oxygen atoms from two [CoL] chelates also coordinating to the central cobalt(II) atom. The complex possesses two penta- and one hexa-coordinated cobalt atoms. The crystal packing of the CoII complex shows that a 2D-layer supramolecular network parallel to the ab-plane is formed through intermolecular C–H···O and C–H···Cl hydrogen bonding interactions.
Pyridine Mediated Palladium Acetate-Catalysed Dehalogenation of Biaryl Halides in Ionic Liquid System
Authors: Xin Bingwei , Jia Chunxiao , Qi Zhixun
Published: July 2012

The palladium acetate-catalysed dehalogenation of biaryl halides has been investigated in room temperature ionic liquids with pyridine acting as a co-solvent. The significant effect of pyridine in conjunction with Pd(OAc)2 in [bmim][PF6] gave excellent results in the dehalogenation of biaryl iodines and bromides. The pyridine activated the C2-H of the imidazolium salt to be the source of hydrogen. The separation of desired product was easily performed by extraction with diethyl ether and the Pd(OAc)2–[bmim][PF6] system could be recycled five times with only a small decrease in activity. This procedure represents an environmentally friendly method for the preparation of biaryl compounds without the use of complex ligands.
Ultrasound-Assisted One-Pot Synthesis of 1,3-Oxazine Derivatives Catalysed by BF3–SiO2 Under Neat Conditions
Authors: Reddy Mudumala Veeranarayana , Lim Kwon Taek , Kim Jong Tae , Jeong Yeon Tae
Published: July 2012

An efficient and environment-friendly method for the synthesis of 1,3-oxazine derivatives has been developed using the ultrasound-mediated condensation of 2-naphthol with formaldehyde and primary amines under solvent-free condition at room temperature in the presence of BF3-SiO2 to give the desired product in good to excellent yield. This procedure provides several advantages over current methods including a simple work-up, cost effectiveness, a reusable catalyst and shorter reaction times.
ZnO Nanoparticles Solid Phase Acidic Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of Octahydroquinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Sadeghi Bahareh , Nasirian Zahra , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: July 2012

The reaction between dimedone, an aromatic aldehyde and urea catalysed by ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in refluxing ethanol as a solvent provided a simple and efficient one-pot route for the synthesis of octahydroquinazolinone derivatives in excellent yields.
1,1'-Bis-Methyl-3, 3-Methylenebisimidazolium Dichloride as an Efficient Phase Transfer Catalyst for Ring Opening of Epoxides Using SCN- and N3- in water
Authors: Sayyahi Soheil , Rezaee Hadis Mohammad , Khalfabadi Fatemeh Sharifat , Gorjizadeh Maryam
Published: July 2012

An efficient synthesis of β-azido alcohols and β-hydroxy thiocyanates has been achieved by ring opening of epoxides using 1,1'-bis-methyl-3, 3-methylene-bisimidazolium dichloride as a phase transfer catalyst at room temperature in water. The reaction is regioselective and afforded the corresponding products in moderate to excellent yields.
A Novel and Facile Method for Synthesis of 2,4-Dichloro-3-Cyano-5-Fluorobenzoic Acid
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Zheng Lidong , Su Weike
Published: July 2012

A two-step facile process for the preparation of 2,4-dichloro-3-cyano-5-fluorobenzoic acid, starting from easily available 2,6-dichloro-3-fluorobenzonitrile, has been developed. The overall yield was 58%.
Three Cu(II) Complexes Based on Mixed Ligands: Their Structures and Catalytic Behaviour
Authors: Hu Jiyong , Liao Chunli , Zhao Jin'an
Published: July 2012

The Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(2,5-pydc)(bmi)(H2O)]n, [Cu2(H2O)2(2,6-pydc)2(btx)]·2H2O and [Cu(btc)2(bmi)2]·1.5H2O, (bmi = 1-[(benzotriazol-yl)methyl)-1H-1,3-imidazole; 2,5-H2pydc = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid; btx = 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene; H3btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) have been synthesised and their X-ray structures show that hydrogen bonds and π···π stacking interactions are employed in their construction. The complexes can effectively catalyse the oxidative coupling reaction of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol in good yield and unique selectivity.
Polystyrene-Supported Pyridinium Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquid as a New Heterogeneous Lewis Acid Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Boroujeni Kaveh Parvanak , Jafarinasab Mina
Published: July 2012

Non-hygroscopic polystyrene-supported chloroaluminate ionic liquid was prepared from the reaction of Merrifield resin with pyridine followed by reaction with aluminium chloride. This Lewis acidic ionic liquid is an environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes with ethyl cyanoacetate. The catalyst is stable (as a bench top catalyst) and can be easily recovered and reused without appreciable change in its efficiency.
Synthesis of Transition Metal Complexes with Aza-Crown Substituted Unsymmetrical Salicylaldimine Bis-Schiff Base Ligands and Metal Schiff Base Complex Catalysed Oxidation of P-Xylene to P-Toluic Acid
Authors: Li Jian-zhang , Yang Zhu-zhu , He Xi-yang , Zeng Jun , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2012

Four unsymmetrical, salicylaldimine bis-Schiff bases with pendant benzo-10-aza-15-crown-5- or morpholino-groups and their 1:1 (ligand /metal) complexes with cobalt, copper and manganese have been synthesised and studied as catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of p-xylene to p-toluic acid. Significant selectivity (up to −90%) and conversion levels (up to −70%) were obtained. The effects of the pendant aza-crown ether group in Mn(III) Schiff base complexes on the oxidation of p-xylene were also investigated by comparison with analogues having pendant morpholino-groups.
One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Arylamino-1,3,4-Selenadiazol-2(3H)-Ones from Arylisoselenocyanates
Authors: Xie Yuanyuan , Yang Ping , Chen Xiaodong
Published: July 2012

A one-pot reaction of arylisoselenocyanates, hydrazine and bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate, in the presence of a base provides an efficient route for the synthesis of 5-arylamino-1,3,4-selenadiazol-2(3H)-ones in good to excellent yields. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the reaction.
A Ni(OAc)2·4H2O-Catalysed Sonogashira-Type Coupling Reaction of Aryl Iodides and Terminal Alkynes in the Presence of CuI
Authors: Yang Hailong , Zhu Yan , Sun Peng , Yan Hong , Lu Linhua , Wang Shouguo , Mao Jincheng
Published: July 2012

An effective and promising Ni/Cu catalytic system for the coupling of aryl iodides with various terminal alkynes has been developed. For the first time the readily available chiral amino alcohol has been employed as the ligand for the Pd-free Sonogashira coupling reaction.
One-Pot Synthesis of α-Acyloxycarboxamidobarbiturates from Alloxans, Carboxylic Acids, and Isocyanides
Authors: Teimouri Mohammad Bagher
Published: July 2012

A simple, efficient, and high yielding one-pot protocol for the synthesis of novel highly substituted α-acyloxycarbox-amidobarbiturates has been developed by a three-component reaction of alloxans, various carboxylic acids, and alkyl or aryl isocyanides in acetonitrile at room temperature.
Investigation of Spectroscopic Properties and Spin-Orbit Splitting in the X2Π and A2Π Electronic States of the SO+ Cation
Authors: Xing Wei , Shi Deheng , Sun Jinfeng , Zhu Zunlue
Published: July 2012

The potential energy curves (PECs) of the X2Π and A2Π electronic states of the SO+ ion are calculated using the complete active space self-consistent field method, which is followed by the internally contracted multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) approach for internuclear separations from 0.08 to 1.06 nm. The spin-orbit coupling effect on the spectroscopic parameters is included using the Breit-Pauli operator. To improve the quality of PECs and spin-orbit coupling constant (A0), core-valence correlation and scalar relativistic corrections are included. To obtain more reliable results, the PECs obtained by the MRCI calculations are corrected for size-extensivity errors by means of the Davidson modification (MRCI+Q). At the MRCI+Q/aug-cc-pV5Z+CV+DK level, the A0 values of the SO+(X2Π1/2, 3/2) and SO+(A2Π1/2, 3/2) are 362.13 and 58.16 cm−1 when the aug-cc-pCVTZ basis set is used to calculate the spin-orbit coupling splitting, and the A0 of the SO+(X2Π1/2, 3/2) and SO+(A2Π1/2, 3/2) are 344.36 and 52.90 cm−1 when the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set is used to calculate the spin-orbit coupling splitting. The conclusion is drawn that the core-valence correlations correction makes the A0 slightly larger. The spectroscopic results are obtained and compared with those reported in the literature. Excellent agreement exists between the present results and the measurements. The vibrational manifolds are calculated, and those of the first 30 vibrational states are reported for the J = 0 case. Comparison with the measurements shows that the present vibrational manifolds are both reliable and accurate.
Isojacareubin from the Chinese Herb Hypericum japonicum: Potent Antibacterial and Synergistic Effects on Clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Zuo Guo-Ying , An Jing , Han Jun , Zhang Yun-Ling , Wang Gen-Chun , Hao Xiao-Yan , Bian Zhong-Qi
Published: July 2012

Through bioassay-guided fractionation of the extracts from the aerial parts of the Chinese herb Hypericum japonicum Thunb. Murray, Isojacareubin (ISJ) was characterized as a potent antibacterial compound against the clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The broth microdilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of ISJ alone. The results showed that its MICs/MBCs ranged from 4/16 to 16/64 μg/mL, with the concentrations required to inhibit or kill 50% of the strains (MIC50/MBC50) at 8/16 μg/mL. Synergistic evaluations of this compound with four conventional antibacterial agents representing different types were performed by the chequerboard and time-kill tests. The chequerboard method showed significant synergy effects when ISJ was combined with Ceftazidime (CAZ), Levofloxacin (LEV) and Ampicillin (AMP), with the values of 50% of the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI50) at 0.25, 0.37 and 0.37, respectively. Combined bactericidal activities were also observed in the time-kill dynamic assay. The results showed the ability of ISJ to reduce MRSA viable counts by log10CFU/mL at 24 h of incubation at a concentration of 1 × MIC were 1.5 (LEV, additivity), 0.92 (CAZ, indifference) and 0.82 (AMP, indifference), respectively. These in vitro anti-MRSA activities of ISJ alone and its synergy with conventional antibacterial agents demonstrated that ISJ enhanced their efficacy, which is of potential use for single and combinatory therapy of patients infected with MRSA.
The Neuroprotective Functions of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Proteins
Authors: Dobolyi Arpád , Vincze Csilla , Pál Gabriella , Lovas Gábor
Published: July 2012

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) proteins are multifunctional cytokines whose neural functions are increasingly recognized. The machinery of TGF-β signaling, including the serine kinase type transmembrane receptors, is present in the central nervous system. However, the 3 mammalian TGF-β subtypes have distinct distributions in the brain suggesting different neural functions. Evidence of their involvement in the development and plasticity of the nervous system as well as their functions in peripheral organs suggested that they also exhibit neuroprotective functions. Indeed, TGF-β expression is induced following a variety of types of brain tissue injury. The neuroprotective function of TGF-βs is most established following brain ischemia. Damage in experimental animal models of global and focal ischemia was shown to be attenuated by TGF-βs. In addition, support for their neuroprotective actions following trauma, sclerosis multiplex, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and brain tumors is also accumulating. The review will also describe the potential mechanisms of neuroprotection exerted by TGF-βs including anti-inflammatory, -apoptotic, -excitotoxic actions as well as the promotion of scar formation, angiogenesis, and neuroregeneration. The participation of these mechanisms in the neuroprotective effects of TGF-βs during different brain lesions will also be discussed.
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation and Expression of MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Morita Sumiyo , Takahashi Ryou-u , Yamashita Riu , Toyoda Atsushi , Horii Takuro , Kimura Mika , Fujiyama Asao , Nakai Kenta , Tajima Shoji , Matoba Ryo , Ochiya Takahiro , Hatada Izuho
Published: July 2012

DNA methylation of promoters is linked to transcriptional silencing of protein-coding genes, and its alteration plays important roles in cancer formation. For example, hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes has been seen in some cancers. Alteration of methylation in the promoters of microRNAs (miRNAs) has also been linked to transcriptional changes in cancers; however, no systematic studies of methylation and transcription of miRNAs have been reported. In the present study, to clarify the relation between DNA methylation and transcription of miRNAs, next-generation sequencing and microarrays were used to analyze the methylation and expression of miRNAs, protein-coding genes, other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and pseudogenes in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and the adriamycin (ADR) resistant cell line MCF7/ADR. DNA methylation in the proximal promoter of miRNAs is tightly linked to transcriptional silencing, as it is with protein-coding genes. In protein-coding genes, highly expressed genes have CpG-rich proximal promoters whereas weakly expressed genes do not. This is only rarely observed in other gene categories, including miRNAs. The present study highlights the epigenetic similarities and differences between miRNA and protein-coding genes.