bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PINNING-FORCE SCALING AND ITS LIMITATION IN INTERMEDIATE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: SANDU VIOREL
Published: May 2012

We present the scaling law of the pinning force FP in intermediate and high temperature superconductors, the factors which influence its field and temperature dependence, the limitations imposed by the enlarged anisotropy and high operating temperatures, giant creep included. The theoretical developments which incorporate the new features of these classes of superconductors, most of them based on the Anderson–Kim theory, prove to be a useful source of information relative to the nature of the pinning and the characteristic fields. The use of models based on thermal activation integrates into scaling the tail of pinning force and also substantiates the use of the irreversibility field H irr as scale field. Finally, the data on scaling law in the two class of superconductors are presented and discussed.
DEPTH-DEPENDENT TETRAGONAL DISTORTION STUDY OF AlGaN EPILAYER THIN FILM USING RBS AND CHANNELING TECHNIQUE
Authors: HUSNAIN G. , AHMAD ISHAQ , YAO SHU-DE , RAFIQUE H. M. , UMAR AKRAJAS ALI , DEE CHANG FU
Published: May 2012

An epilayer of wide-band gap Al x Ga 1-x N was grown on sapphire by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method with a GaN buffer layer of thickness slightly greater than 1 μm. Average composition of Al in the AlGaN layer is determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). Simulation of the random spectra reveals that the AlGaN layer has a composition of Al 0.05 Ga 0.95 N and a thickness of 200 nm. Low ratio of channeling and random spectra yields suggests good crystalline quality of ternary AlGaN epilayer. Tetragonal distortion (eT) caused by elastic strain in AlGaN is measured from channeling angular scans taken around an off-normal [Formula: see text] axis in the [Formula: see text] plane of the AlGaN layer. The resulting AlGaN is identified to be showing compressive strain at the interfacial layer and the magnitude of the stress reduces towards the near-surface layer. It can be expected from the results that a 550 nm thick, epitaxially grown, AlGaN layer on sapphire can be relaxed completely (eT = 0).
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY OF THE DISRUPTION OF H-BONDS BY WATER MOLECULES AND ITS DIFFUSION BEHAVIOR IN AMORPHOUS CELLULOSE
Authors: LIAO RUIJIN , ZHU MENGZHAO , ZHOU XIN , ZHANG FUZHOU , YAN JIAMING , ZHU WENBIN , GU CHAO
Published: May 2012

Hydrolysis is an important component of the aging of cellulose, and it severely affects the insulating performance of cellulosic materials. The diffusion behavior of water molecules in amorphous cellulose and their destructive effect on the hydrogen bonding structure of cellulose were investigated by molecular dynamics. The change in the hydrogen bonding structure indicates that water molecules have a considerable effect on the hydrogen bonding structure within cellulose: both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds decreased with an increase in ingressive water molecules. Moreover, the stabilities of the cellulose molecules were disrupted when the number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds declined to a certain degree. Both the free volumes of amorphous cells and water molecule-cellulose interaction affect the diffusion of water molecules. The latter, especially the hydrogen bonding interaction between water molecules and cellulose, plays a predominant role in the diffusion behavior of water molecules in the models of which the free volume rarely varies. The diffusion coefficient of water molecules has an excellent correlation with water molecule-cellulose interaction and the average hydrogen bonds between each water molecule and cellulose; however, this relationship was not apparent between the diffusion coefficient and free volume.
HYSTERESIS EFFECT OF SINGLE DOUBLE-END ANCHORED POLYELECTROLYTE IN AC ELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: ZHANG QI-YI , XIANG XUN , HU KAI-YAN
Published: May 2012

We investigate the dynamics of a single flexible and semiflexible polyelectrolyte (PE) chain, fixed at both ends under the action of spatially uniform alternating-current (AC) electric fields using Brownian dynamics simulations. The results show that the shapes of the orbits in the position-electric field plane are strongly influenced by the factors such as the frequencies of the AC electric fields, the whole chain length, the pinned chain length, the friction coefficient of polymer beads and the elasticity constant of polymer chain. These orbits transform from hysteretic cycles to single curves when the frequencies are smaller than the characteristic frequency ω*. The influences of the above factors on ω* have been explored. The physical mechanism and the values of the characteristic frequency have been explored in detail within the Rouse-mode analysis. The values of ω* can be roughly predicted from Rouse-mode analysis.
Electrochemical hydrogen peroxide sensor based on cobalt phthalocyanine captured in polyaniline film on a glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Çeken Berna , Kandaz Mehmet , Koca Atıf
Published: May 2012

This work demonstrated preparation, characterization, and application of a cobalt phthalocyanine based enzymeless/mediatorless hydrogen peroxide sensor. The cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) was retained in polyaniline (PANI) film on a glassy carbon electrode during electrochemical polymerization of aniline and consequently a novel composite electrode (GCE/PANI/ CoPc ) for the electrochemical sensor application was constructed. The CoPc functionalized composite electrode, GCE/PANI/ CoPc , was evaluated by voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results displayed retaining of the CoPc molecules in the PANI film on the GCE electrode. Presence of CoPc in PANI increased conductivity of the composite on the electrode. Sensing performance of the GCE/PANI/ CoPc composite electrode to H2O2 were evaluated in detail with respect to the selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, stability, linear concentration range, and sensitivity with voltammetric and double potential step chronoamperometric techniques. The GCE/PANI/ CoPc composite electrode gives a linear range for H2O2 between 2 and 18 μM H2O2 with sensitivities of 1.55 A.M-1 during the cathodic SWV scan and with sensitivities of 4.01 A.M-1 during the anodic SWV scan. A direct application of the sensor was performed in a real working condition, for the detection of hydrogen peroxide produced from the reaction between the glucose and glucose oxidase enzyme.
Synthesis and photosensitizing properties of porphycene with imidazolium tag
Authors: Shimakoshi Hisashi , Sasaki Kenichi , Iseki Yusuke , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: May 2012

Porphycene having an imidazolium cation tag was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis, NMR and ESI-mass spectroscopies. This porphycene derivative easily dissolves in various ionic liquids and produces singlet oxygen under irradiation by visible light (λ ≥ 460 nm). The photophysical parameters of the porphycene in ionic liquids were determined and the values were compared to those in acetonitrile. Photosensitizing reactions using this new porphycene for the oxidation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene in ionic liquids were investigated and found to form 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. The recycled use of the porphycene was efficiently achieved in N,N,N-trimethyl-N-propylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([TMPA][TFSA]) and N-methyl-N-propyl-piperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([P13][TFSA]).
ZERNIKE ASTIGMATISM AND VISUAL PERFORMANCE IN MYOPIC EYES BY RIGID GAS PERMEABLE CONTACT LENSES WEAR
Authors: BAO JINHUA , MAO XINJIE , WANG HAIRONG , HE JI C. , LU FAN
Published: May 2012

Purpose: To investigate the effects of rigid-gas-permeable contact lens (RGP-CL) wear on Zernike astigmatism and visual performance in myopic eyes. Methods: A wavefront sensor was used to evaluate Zernike astigmatism for 21 eyes with minimum astigmatism and 18 eyes with moderate astigmatism under three different modes of refractive correction: the RGP-CL, spectacle lens correcting spherical equivalent (SL) and spectacle lens fully correcting spherical error and astigmatism (fSL). Contrast visual acuity was assessed with a VA tester at four contrast levels and two luminance backgrounds. Results: Compared to the SL wear, RGP-CL wear changed the main axis astigmatism [Formula: see text] from -0.09 ± 0.34 to 0.34 ± 0.22 for the minimum astigmatism group, while the contrast VA was improved about 0.05 LogMAR (F = 8.06, p < 0.01). For the group with moderate astigmatism, significant reduction in [Formula: see text] was found for both fSL wear (t = 4.78, p < 0.001) and RGP-CL wear (t = 6.29, p < 0.0001). The changes in astigmatism were significantly correlated between the fSL and RGP-CL wears (r = 0.897, p < 0.0001 for [Formula: see text]; and r = 0.643, p = 0.004 for [Formula: see text]. Contrast VA was significantly improved for both fSL and RGP-CL wears and the improvements were significantly correlated between each other for all four contrast levels and two backgrounds. Conclusion: RGP-CL wear induces astigmatism for the eyes with minor astigmatism probably due to a correction of corneal astigmatism and thus a manifesting of the lens astigmatism. For the astigmatic eyes, RGP-CL wear has similar effect on correcting astigmatism as the spectacle lens wear with spherical-cylinder correction and also produces similar visual improvement.
AβDamages Learning and Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease Rats with Kidney-Yang Deficiency
Authors: Qi Dongmei , Qiao Yongfa , Zhang Xin , Yu Huijuan , Cheng Bin , Qiao Haifa
Published: May 2012

Previous studies demonstrated that Alzheimer’s disease was considered as the consequence produced by deficiency of Kidney essence. However, the mechanism underlying the symptoms also remains elusive. Here we report that spatial learning and memory, escape, and swimming capacities were damaged significantly in Kidney-yang deficiency rats. Indeed, both hippocampal Aβ40and 42 increases in Kidney-yang deficiency contribute to the learning and memory impairments. Specifically, damage of synaptic plasticity is involved in the learning and memory impairment of Kidney-yang deficiency rats. We determined that the learning and memory damage in Kidney-yang deficiency due to synaptic plasticity impairment and increases of Aβ40and 42 was not caused via NMDA receptor internalization induced by Aβincrease.β-Adrenergic receptor agonist can rescue the impaired long-term potential (LTP) in Kidney-yang rats. Taken together, our results suggest that spatial learning and memory inhibited in Kidney-yang deficiency might be induced by Aβincrease and the decrease ofβ2receptor function in glia.
The Bic-C Family of Developmental Translational Regulators
Authors: Gamberi Chiara , Lasko Paul
Published: May 2012

Regulation of mRNA translation is especially important during cellular and developmental processes. Many evolutionarily conserved proteins act in the context of multiprotein complexes and modulate protein translation both at the spatial and the temporal levels. Among these, Bicaudal C constitutes a family of RNA binding proteins whose founding member was first identified inDrosophilaand contains orthologs in vertebrates. We discuss recent advances towards understanding the functions of these proteins in the context of the cellular and developmental biology of many model organisms and their connection to human disease.
Dynamic Key-Updating: Privacy-Preserving Authentication for RFID Systems
Authors: Lu Li , Han Jinsong , Hu Lei , Ni Lionel M.
Published: May 2012

The objective of private authentication for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems is to allow valid readers to explicitly authenticate their dominated tags without leaking the private information of tags. In previous designs, the RFID tags issue encrypted authentication messages to the RFID reader, and the reader searches the key space to identify the tags. Without key updating, those schemes are vulnerable to many active attacks, especially the compromising attack. We propose a strong and lightweight RFID private authentication protocol, SPA. By designing a novel key updating method, we achieve the forward secrecy in SPA with an efficient key search algorithm. We also show that, compared with existing designs, (SPA) is able to effectively defend against both passive and active attacks, including compromising attacks. Through prototype implementation, we demonstrate that SPA is practical and scalable for current RFID infrastructures.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Dye and Thiol Molecules Adsorbed on Triangular Silver Nanostructures: A Study of Near-Field Enhancement, Localization of Hot-Spots, and Passivation of Adsorbed Carbonaceous Species
Authors: Gonçalves Manuel R. , Enderle Fabian , Marti Othmar
Published: May 2012

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of thiols and dye molecules adsorbed on triangular silver nanostructures was investigated. The SERS hot-spots are localized at the edges and corners of the silver triangular particles. AFM and SEM measurements permit to observe many small clusters formed at the edges of triangular particles fabricated by nanosphere lithography. Finite-element calculations show that near-field enhancements can reach values of more than 200 at visible wavelengths, in the gaps between small spherical particles and large triangular particles, although for the later no plasmon resonance was found at the wavelengths investigated. The regions near the particles showing strong near-field enhancement are well correlated with spatial localization of SERS hot-spots done by confocal microscopy. Silver nanostructures fabricated by thermal evaporation present strong and fast fluctuating SERS activity, due to amorphous carbon contamination. Thiols and dye molecules seem to be able to passivate the undesired SERS activity on fresh evaporated silver.
Hepatic Cerebroside Sulfotransferase Is Induced by PPARα Activation in Mice
Authors: Kimura Takefumi , Nakajima Takero , Kamijo Yuji , Tanaka Naoki , Wang Lixuan , Hara Atsushi , Sugiyama Eiko , Tanaka Eiji , Gonzalez Frank J. , Aoyama Toshifumi
Published: May 2012

Sulfatides are one of the major sphingoglycolipids in mammalian serum and are synthesized and secreted mainly from the liver as a component of lipoproteins. Recent studies revealed a protective role for serum sulfatides against arteriosclerosis and hypercoagulation. Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)αhas important functions in hepatic lipoprotein metabolism, its association with sulfatides has not been investigated. In this study, sulfatide levels and the expression of enzymes related to sulfatide metabolism were examined using wild-type (+/+),Ppara-heterozygous (+/−), andPpara-null (−/−) mice given a control diet or one containing 0.1% fenofibrate, a clinically used hypolipidemic drug and PPARαactivator. Fenofibrate treatment increased serum and hepatic sulfatides inPpara(+/+) and (+/−) mice through a marked induction of hepatic cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST), a key enzyme in sulfatide synthesis, in a PPARα-dependent manner. Furthermore, increases in CST mRNA levels were correlated with mRNA elevations of several known PPARαtarget genes, and such changes were not observed for other sulfatide-metabolism enzymes in the liver. These results suggest that PPARαactivation enhances hepatic sulfatide synthesis via CST induction and implicate CST as a novel PPARαtarget gene.
New Stable Closed Newton‐Cotes Trigonometrically Fitted Formulae for Long‐Time Integration
Authors: Simos T. E.
Published: May 2012

The closed Newton‐Cotes differential methods of high algebraic order for small number of function evaluations are unstable. In this work, we propose a new closed Newton‐Cotes trigonometrically fitted differential method of high algebraic order which gives much more efficient results than the well‐know ones.
Intraoperative Image Guidance in Neurosurgery: Development, Current Indications, and Future Trends
Authors: Schulz Chris , Waldeck Stephan , Mauer Uwe Max
Published: May 2012

Introduction. As minimally invasive surgery becomes the standard of care in neurosurgery, it is imperative that surgeons become skilled in the use of image-guided techniques. The development of image-guided neurosurgery represents a substantial improvement in the microsurgical treatment of tumors, vascular malformations, and other intracranial lesions.Objective. There have been numerous advances in neurosurgery which have aided the neurosurgeon to achieve accurate removal of pathological tissue with minimal disruption of surrounding healthy neuronal matter including the development of microsurgical, endoscopic, and endovascular techniques. Neuronavigation systems and intraoperative imaging should improve success in cranial neurosurgery. Additional functional imaging modalities such as PET, SPECT, DTI (for fiber tracking), and fMRI can now be used in order to reduce neurological deficits resulting from surgery; however the positive long-term effect remains questionable for many indications.Method. PubMed database search using the search term “image guided neurosurgery.” More than 1400 articles were published during the last 25 years. The abstracts were scanned for prospective comparative trials.Results and Conclusion. 14 comparative trials are published. To date significant data amount show advantages in intraoperative accuracy influencing the perioperative morbidity and long-term outcome only for cerebral glioma surgery.
Activation of Human Neutrophils by the Anti-Inflammatory MediatorEsenbeckia leiocarpaLeads to Atypical Apoptosis
Authors: de Liz Rafael , Horst Heros , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Fröde Tânia Silvia , Girard Denis
Published: May 2012

Despite the fact thatEsenbeckia leiocarpa, a Brazilian plant, possesses potential anti-inflammatory properties, its effect in neutrophils, key players in inflammation, has never been investigated. In this study, a crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) was used to evaluate the potential toxic or agonistic effect ofE. leiocarpain human neutrophils. At a noncytotoxic concentration of 500 μg/mL, CHE increased actin polymerization and cell signaling events, especially p38 MAPK. Its modulatory activity on neutrophil cell apoptosis was investigated by cytology and by flow cytometry and, although CHE increased the apoptotic rate (by cytology) and increased annexin-V binding, it did not, unexpectedly, increase CD16 shedding. CHE increased the degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins gelsolin and paxillin but, surprisingly, not of vimentin. The proapoptotic activity of CHE was reversed by a pan-caspase inhibitor but not by a p38 inhibitor. We conclude that CHE is a novel human neutrophil agonist that induces apoptosis by a caspase-dependent and p38-independent mechanism in an atypical fashion based on its lack of effect on CD16 shedding and vimentin degradation. Since the resolution of inflammation occurs by elimination of apoptotic neutrophils, the ability of CHE to induce neutrophil apoptosis correlates well with its anti-inflammatory properties, as previously reported.
Hydrodynamic and Sensory Factors Governing Response of Copepods to Simulated Predation by Balaenid Whales
Authors: Werth Alexander J.
Published: May 2012

Predator/prey interactions between copepods and balaenid (bowhead and right) whales were studied with controlled lab experiments using moving baleen in still water and motionless baleen in flowing water to simulate zooplankton passage toward, into, and through the balaenid oral cavity. Copepods showed a lesser escape response to baleen and to a model head simulating balaenid oral hydrodynamics than to other objects. Copepod escape response increased as water flow and body size increased and was greatest at distances ≥10 cm from baleen and at copepod density = 10,000 m−3. Data from light/dark experiments suggest that escape is based on mechanoreception, not vision. The model head captured 88% of copepods. Results support previous research showing hydrodynamic effects within a whale’s oral cavity create slight suction pressures to draw in prey or at least preclude formation of an anterior compressive bow wave that could scatter or alert prey to the presence of the approaching whale.
Solvability of a Class of Integral Inclusions
Authors: Chen Ying , Hong Shihuang
Published: May 2012

This paper presents sufficient conditions for the existence of positive solutions for a class of integral inclusions. Our results are obtained via a new fixed point theorem for multivalued operators developed in the paper, in which some nonnegative function is used to describe the cone expansion and compression instead of the classical norm‐type, and lead to new existence principles.
Multi‐Period Mean‐Variance Portfolio Selection with Uncertain Time Horizon When Returns Are Serially Correlated
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Zhongfei
Published: May 2012

We study a multi‐period mean‐variance portfolio selection problem with an uncertain time horizon and serial correlations. Firstly, we embed the nonseparable multi‐period optimization problem into a separable quadratic optimization problem with uncertain exit time by employing the embedding technique of Li and Ng (2000). Then we convert the later into an optimization problem with deterministic exit time. Finally, using the dynamic programming approach, we explicitly derive the optimal strategy and the efficient frontier for the dynamic mean‐variance optimization problem. A numerical example with AR(1) return process is also presented, which shows that both the uncertainty of exit time and the serial correlations of returns have significant impacts on the optimal strategy and the efficient frontier.
Molecular Imaging of Mesothelioma withT99mc-ECG andG68a-ECG
Authors: Zhang Yin-Han , Bryant Jerry , Kong Fan-Lin , Yu Dong-Fang , Mendez Richard , Edmund Kim E. , Yang David J.
Published: May 2012

We have developed ethylenedicysteine-glucosamine (ECG) as an alternative to18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) for cancer imaging. ECG localizes in the nuclear components of cells via the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. This study was to evaluate the feasibility of imaging mesothelioma withT99mc-ECG andG68a-ECG. ECG was synthesized from thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-amino-D-glucopyranose, followed by reduction in sodium and liquid ammonia to yield ECG (52%). ECG was chelated withT99mc/tin (II) andG68a/69Ga chloride forin vitroandin vivostudies in mesothelioma. The highest tumor uptake ofT99mc-ECG is 0.47 at 30 min post injection, and declined to 0.08 at 240 min post injection. Tumor uptake (%ID/g), tumor/lung, tumor/blood, and tumor/muscle count density ratios forT99mc-ECG (30–240 min) were0.47±0.06to0.08±0.01;0.71±0.07to0.85±0.04;0.47±0.03to0.51±0.01, and3.49±0.24to5.06±0.25; forG68a-ECG (15–60 min) were0.70±0.06to0.92±0.08;0.64±0.05to1.15±0.08;0.42±0.03to0.67±0.07, and3.84±0.52to7.00±1.42; for18F-FDG (30–180 min) were1.86±0.22to1.38±0.35;3.18±0.44to2.92±0.34,4.19±0.44to19.41±2.05and5.75±2.55to3.33±0.65, respectively. Tumor could be clearly visualized withT99mc-ECG andG68a-ECG in mesothelioma-bearing rats.T99mc-ECG andG68a-ECG showed increased uptake in mesothelioma, suggesting they may be useful in diagnosing mesothelioma and also monitoring therapeutic response.
Design of Deep Belief Networks for Short‐Term Prediction of Drought Index Using Data in the Huaihe River Basin
Authors: Chen Junfei , Jin Qiongji , Chao Jing
Published: May 2012

With the global climate change, drought disasters occur frequently. Drought prediction is an important content for drought disaster management, planning and management of water resource systems of a river basin. In this study, a short‐term drought prediction model based on deep belief networks (DBNs) is proposed to predict the time series of different time‐scale standardized precipitation index (SPI). The DBN model is applied to predict the drought time series in the Huaihe River Basin, China. Compared with BP neural network, the DBN‐based drought prediction model has shown better predictive skills than the BP neural network for the different time‐scale SPI. This research can improve drought prediction technology and be helpful for water resources managers and decision makers in managing drought disasters.
Investigation of Flexible Textile Antennas and AMC Reflectors
Authors: Mantash M. , Tarot A.-C. , Collardey S. , Mahdjoubi K.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, two different methods for fabric characterization are presented: a single frequency method and a broadband method. Felt and denim fabrics are characterized, and patch antennas are designed using these substrates to test both methods. Prototypes of the antennas on felt and denim are manufactured using conductive textile (called electrotextile) aiming to obtain fully flexible antennas. The prototypes are characterized in anechoic chamber to be compared and obtain conclusions related to the characterization methods. A new dual-band hexagonal AMC reflector combinable with antennas is also proposed to improve their performance and reduce the backward radiation to the human body. A novel broadband CPW-fed monopole antenna is designed to be combined with the AMC. The resulted prototype is characterized and compared with the performance of the CPW-fed antenna alone.
Sesamin: A Naturally Occurring Lignan Inhibits CYP3A4 by Antagonizing the Pregnane X Receptor Activation
Authors: Lim Yun-Ping , Ma Chia-Yun , Liu Cheng-Ling , Lin Yu-Hsien , Hu Miao-Lin , Chen Jih-Jung , Hung Dong-Zong , Hsieh Wen-Tsong , Huang Jin-Ding
Published: May 2012

Inconsistent expression and regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) are common causes of adverse drug effects in some drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (TI). An important cytochrome, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), is predominantly regulated by a nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR). Sesamin, a major lignan constituent in sesame seeds and oil, exhibits a variety of biological functions; however, the effect of sesamin on the modulation of CYP3A4 is not well understood. In this study, the effects of sesamin on the PXR-CYP3A4 pathway were characterized, as well as the underlying mechanisms of those effects. Sesamin potently attenuated CYP3A4 induction in a dose-dependent manner by blocking the activation of PXR. The PXR inducer-mediated inhibition of CYP3A4 was further evidenced by the ability of sesamin to attenuate the effects of several PXR ligands in the CYP3A4 reporter assay. Further mechanistic studies showed that sesamin inhibited PXR by interrupting the interacting with coregulators. These results may lead to the development of new therapeutic and dietary approaches to reduce the frequency of inducer-drug interaction. Sesamin was established as a novel inhibitor of PXR and may be useful for modulating DMEs expression and drug efficacies. Modification of CYP3A4 expression and activity by consumption of sesamin may have important implications for drug safety.
A Critique of the Undergraduate Nursing Preceptorship Model
Authors: Sedgwick Monique , Harris Suzanne
Published: May 2012

The preceptorship model is a cornerstone of clinical undergraduate nursing education in Canadian nursing programs. Their extensive use means that nursing programs depend heavily on the availability and willingness of Registered Nurses to take on the preceptor role. However, both the health service and education industries are faced with challenges that seem to undermine the effectiveness of the preceptorship clinical model. Indeed, the unstable nature of the clinical setting as a learning environment in conjunction with faculty shortages and inadequate preparation for preceptors and supervising faculty calls us to question if the preceptorship model is able to meet student learning needs and program outcomes. In a critical analysis of preceptorship, we offer a deconstruction of the model to advance clinical nursing education discourse.
Solanum lyratumExtracts Induce Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Apoptosis in WEHI-3 Murine Leukemia Cells and Inhibit Allograft Tumor
Authors: Yang Jai-Sing , Wu Chia-Chun , Kuo Chao-Lin , Lan Yu-Hsuan , Yeh Chin-Chung , Yu Chien-Chih , Lien Jin-Cherng , Hsu Yuan-Man , Kuo Wei-Wen , Wood W. Gibson , Tsuzuki Minoru , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: May 2012

We investigated the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death induced bySolanum lyratumextracts (SLE) or diosgenin in WEHI-3 murine leukemia cellsin vitroand antitumor activityin vivo. Diosgenin is one of the components of SLE. Our study showed that SLE and diosgenin decreased the viable WEHI-3 cells and inducedG0/G1phase arrest and apoptosis in concentration- or time-dependent manners. Both reagents increased the levels of ROS production and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). SLE- and diosgenin-triggered apoptosis is mediated through modulating the extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways. Intriguingly, the p53 inhibitor (pifithrin-α), anti-Fas ligand (FasL) mAb, and specific inhibitors of caspase-8 (z-IETD-fmk), caspase-9 (z-LEHD-fmk), and caspase-3 (z-DEVD-fmk) blocked SLE- and diosgenin-reduced cell viability of WEHI-3 cells. Thein vivostudy demonstrated that SLE has marked antitumor efficacy against tumors in the WEHI-3 cell allograft model. In conclusion, SLE- and diosgenin-inducedG0/G1phase arrest and triggered extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways via p53 activation in WEHI-3 cells. SLE also exhibited antitumor activityin vivo. Our findings showed that SLE may be potentially efficacious in the treatment of leukemia in the future.
On the Strong Convergence of an Algorithm about Firmly Pseudo‐Demicontractive Mappings for the Split Common Fixed‐Point Problem
Authors: Yu Yanrong , Sheng Delei
Published: May 2012

Based on the recent work by Censor and Segal (2009 J. Convex Anal.16), and
inspired by Moudafi (2010 Inverse Problems 26), we modify the algorithm of demicontractive operators proposed by Moudafi and study the modified algorithm for the class of firmly pseudodemicontractive operators to solve the split common fixed‐point problem in a Hilbert space. We also give the strong convergence theorem under some appropriate conditions. Our work improves and/or develops the work of Moudafi, Censor and Segal, and other results.
A Five-Year Followup of Human Seminal Plasma Allergy in an 18-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Wolthers Ole D.
Published: May 2012

Case reports of women with the rare condition of human seminal plasma allergy have indicated that the condition may be associated with life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in relation to coitus. Few observations, if any, of long-term outcome of the condition are available. The aim of this paper was to present a case diagnosed in an 18-year-old girl who presented with generalized urticaria, nasal congestion and secretion, conjunctivitis, and periorbital and labial oedema 6–8 hours after coitus. During five years of followup the condition improved clinically significantly. Due to intimacy concerns and the low prevalence of the condition robust long term data on the natural course of the condition are difficult to obtain. The present case suggests that in some patients the condition may improve over time.
Airflow and Heat Transfer in the Slot‐Vented Room with Radiant Floor Heating Unit
Authors: Liu Xiang-Long , Gong Guang-Cai , Cheng Heng-Sheng , Ding Li-Xing
Published: May 2012

Radiant floor heating has received increasing attention due to its diverse advantages, especially the energy saving as compared to the conventional dwelling heating system. This paper presents a numerical investigation of airflow and heat transfer in the slot‐vented room with the radiant floor heating unit. Combination of fluid convection and thermal radiation has been implemented through the thermal boundary conditions. Spatial distributions of indoor air temperature and velocity, as well as the heat transfer rates along the radiant floor and the outer wall, have been presented and analyzed covering the domains from complete natural convection to forced convection dominated flows. The numerical results demonstrate that the levels of average temperature in the room with lateral slot‐ventilation are higher than those without slot‐ventilation, but lower than those in the room with ceiling slot‐ventilation. Overall, the slot‐ventilation room with radiant floor heating unit could offer better indoor air quality through increasing the indoor air temperature and fresh air exchanging rate simultaneously. Concerning the airborne pollutant transports and moisture condensations, the performance of radiant floor heating unit will be further optimized in our future researches.
Global Longitudinal Dependence Observation of the Neutral Wind and Ionospheric Density Distribution
Authors: Yizengaw Endawoke
Published: May 2012

The statistical global view of the low-latitude ionospheric density stimulates further interest in studying the strong longitudinal variability of the ionospheric density structures in low-to-equatorial latitudes. However, we are not completely certain how the electrodynamics and ion-neutral coupling proceeds at low latitudes; in particular, the longitudinal difference in the dynamics of plasma structures in the low-to-mid latitude ionosphere is not yet fully understood. Numerical studies of latent heat release in the troposphere have indicated that the lower atmosphere can indeed introduce a longitudinal dependence and variability of the low-latitude ionosphere during quiet conditions. For the first time, we present simultaneous observations of the tidally modulated global wind structure, using TIDI observations, in the E-region and the ionospheric density distribution using ground (global GPS receivers) and space-based (C/NOFS in situ density and GPS TEC on CHAMP) instruments. Our results show that the longitudinally structured zonal wind component could be responsible for the formation of wave number four pattern of the equatorial anomaly.
Quality of Life and Functional Health Status of Long-Term Meditators
Authors: Manocha Ramesh , Black Deborah , Wilson Leigh
Published: May 2012

Background. There is very little data describing the long-term health impacts of meditation.Aim. To compare the quality of life and functional health of long-term meditators to that of the normative population in Australia.Method. Using the SF-36 questionnaire and a Meditation Lifestyle Survey, we sampled 343 long-term Australian Sahaja Yoga meditation practitioners and compared their scores to those of the normative Australian population.Results. Six SF-36 subscales (bodily pain, general health, mental health, role limitation—emotional, social functioning, and vitality) were significantly better in meditators compared to the national norms whereas two of the subscales (role limitation—physical, physical functioning) were not significantly different. A substantial correlation between frequency of mental silence experience and the vitality, general health, and especially mental health subscales (P<0.005) was found.Conclusion. Long-term practitioners of Sahaja yoga meditation experience better functional health, especially mental health, compared to the general population. A relationship between functional health, especially mental health, and the frequency of meditativeexperience(mental silence) exists that may be causal. Evidence for the potential role of this definition of meditation in enhancing quality of life, functional health and wellbeing is growing. Implications for primary mental health prevention are discussed.
Spontaneous Periodontitis Development in Diabetic Rats Involves an Unrestricted Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Tissue Destructive Factors in the Absence of Major Changes in Commensal Oral Microbiota
Authors: Claudino Marcela , Gennaro Gabriela , Cestari Tania Mary , Spadella César Tadeu , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Assis Gerson Francisco
Published: May 2012

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of disorders, in which hyperglycemia is a main feature. The objective was to evaluate the involvement of RAGE, inflammatory cytokines, and metalloproteinases in spontaneous periodontitis triggered by diabetes induction. Immunohistochemical procedures for MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, RANKL, and RAGE were performed in rats after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of diabetes induction. Total DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues and evaluated by Real-TimePCR for 16S total bacterial load and specific periodontopathogens. Our data did not demonstrate differences in microbiological patterns between groups. In diabetic groups, an increase in RAGE-positive cells was detected at 6, 9, and 12 months, while TNF-alpha-stained cells were more prevalent at 6 and 12 months. In experimental groups, IL-β-positive cells were increased after 12 months, IL-6 stained cells were increased at 9 and 12 months, and RANKL-positive cells at 9 months. Diabetes resulted in widespread expression of RAGE, followed by expression of proinflammatory mediators, without major alterations in oral microbial profile. The pervasive expression of cytokines suggests that spontaneous periodontitis development may be independent of microbial stimulation and may be triggered by diabetes-driven imbalance of homeostasis.
Photoelectrochemical Performance of Smooth TiO2Nanotube Arrays: Effect of Anodization Temperature and Cleaning Methods
Authors: Lai Chin Wei , Sreekantan Srimala
Published: May 2012

The formation of self-organized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays without bundling or clustering is essential for their high efficiency in photoelectrochemical (PEC) application. The present paper reports on the use of different temperatures to control the specific architecture of nanotube arrays and effective cleaning techniques to ensure the formation of clean TiO2nanotube surface. The wall thickness of nanotube arrays could be controlled from 12.5 nm to 37.5 nm through different anodization temperature ranging from 10°C to 80°C. Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaning combined with acetone showed the high-ordered TiO2nanotube arrays without morphological disorder, bundling, and microcrack problems. Based on the results obtained, a higher PEC response of 1 mA/cm2and a photoconversion efficiency of 1.3% could be achieved using a wall thickness of 12.5 nm and defect-free TiO2nanotube arrays for low charge transfer resistance.
Utilizing Social Stories to Increase Prosocial Behavior and Reduce Problem Behavior in Young Children with Autism
Authors: Wright Lisa A. , McCathren Rebecca B.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effects of a Social Story intervention on the behavior rates of 4 young children with autism using a multiple-baseline across participants design. The results of this paper indicate that the Social Story was modestly effective in increasing prosocial behavior rates in 3 of the 4 participants, though none of the participants reached the prosocial behavior rates of age and gender-matched peers. The problem behaviors of the participants modestly decreased with the intervention. Maintenance of skills over a 1-month period was demonstrated for all of the participants. The variable and inconsistent results of the research add to the current literature base in support of the use of Social Stories for some children with autism.
Linearizability Problem of Resonant Degenerate Singular Point for Polynomial Differential Systems
Authors: Wu Yusen , Zhang Cui , Liu Luju
Published: May 2012

The linearizability (or isochronicity) problem is one of the open problems for polynomial differential systems which is far to be solved in general. A progressive way
to find necessary conditions for linearizability is to compute period constants. In this
paper, we are interested in the linearizability problem of p : −q resonant degenerate
singular point for polynomial differential systems. Firstly, we transform degenerate
singular point into the origin via a homeomorphism. Moreover, we establish a new recursive algorithm to compute the so‐called generalized period constants for the origin
of the transformed system. Finally, to illustrate the effectiveness of our algorithm, we
discuss the linearizability problems of 1 : −1 resonant degenerate singular point for a
septic system. We stress that similar results are hardly seen in published literatures
up till now. Our work is completely new and extends existing ones.
Approximation of Mixed‐Type Functional Equations in Menger PN‐Spaces
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Khodaei H. , Lee Y. W. , Kim G. H.
Published: May 2012

Let X and Y be vector spaces. We show that a function f : X → Y with f(0) = 0 satisfies Δf(x1, …, xn) = 0 for all x1, …, xn ∈ X, if and only if there exist functions C : X × X × X → Y, B : X × X → Y and A : X → Y such that f(x) = C(x, x, x) + B(x, x) + A(x) for all x ∈ X, where the function C is symmetric for each fixed one variable and is additive for fixed two variables, B is symmetric bi‐additive, A is additive and Δf(x1, …, xn) = +2n−1(n − 2)f(x1) (n ∈ ℕ, n ≥ 3) for all x1, …, xn ∈ X. Furthermore, we solve the stability problem for a given function f satisfying Δf(x1, …, xn) = 0, in the Menger probabilistic normed spaces.
Implication of Mitochondrial Cytoprotection in Human Islet Isolation and Transplantation
Authors: Wang Yong , Mendoza-Elias Joshua E. , Qi Meirigeng , Harvat Tricia A. , Ahn Sang Joon , Lee Dongyoung , Gutierrez Diana , Jeon Hyojin , Paushter Daniel , Oberholzer José
Published: May 2012

Islet transplantation is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, success rates in achieving both short- and long-term insulin independence are not consistent, due in part to inconsistent islet quality and quantity caused by the complex nature and multistep process of islet isolation and transplantation. Since the introduction of the Edmonton Protocol in 2000, more attention has been placed on preserving mitochondrial function as increasing evidences suggest that impaired mitochondrial integrity can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Some recent studies have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve islet cytoprotection by maintaining mitochondrial function and subsequently to improve islet transplantation outcomes. However, the benefits of mitoprotection in many cases are controversial and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This article summarizes the recent progress associated with mitochondrial cytoprotection in each step of the islet isolation and transplantation process, as well as islet potency and viability assays based on the measurement of mitochondrial integrity. In addition, we briefly discuss immunosuppression side effects on islet graft function and how transplant site selection affects islet engraftment and clinical outcomes.
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Personalized Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Emerging Role of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase
Authors: Mokondjimobe Etienne , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin , Akiana Jean , Ndalla Ulrich Oswald , Dossou-Yovo Regis , Mboussa Joseph , Parra Henri-Joseph
Published: May 2012

Background. The objectives were (i) to evaluate the impact of acute pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and anti-TB therapy on the relationship between AST, ALT, and GGT levels in absence of conditions related to hepatotoxicity; (ii) to evaluate the rate and the time of alterations of AST, ALT, and GGT.Design and Methods. A prospective followup of 40 adults (21 males; mean age of34.7±5.8years) with active PTB on initial phase and continuation phase anti-TB.Results. Only 3% (n=1) developed a transient and benign ADR at day 30 without interruption of anti-TB treatment. Within normal ranges, GGT decreased significantly from day 0 to day 60, while AST and ALT increased significantly and respectively. During day 0–day 60, there was a significant, negative, and independent association between GGT and AST.Conclusion. The initial two months led to significant improvement of oxidative stress. Values of oxidative markers in normal ranges might predict low rate of ADR.
Existence and Positivity of Solutions for a Second-Order Boundary Value Problem with Integral Condition
Authors: Guezane-Lakoud Assia , Nacira Hamidane , Rabah Khaldi
Published: May 2012

This work is devoted to the study of uniqueness and existence of positive solutions for a second-order boundary value problem with integral condition. The arguments are based on Banach contraction principle, Leray Schauder nonlinear alternative, and Guo-Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem in cone. Two examples are also given to illustrate the main results.
The Yin and Yang of Nrf2-Regulated Selenoproteins in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Brigelius-Flohé Regina , Müller Mike , Lippmann Doris , Kipp Anna Patricia
Published: May 2012

The NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor which regulates the major cellular defense systems and thereby contributes to the prevention of many diseases including cancer. Selenium deficiency is associated with a higher cancer risk making also this essential trace element a promising candidate for cancer prevention. Two selenoproteins, thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) and glutathione peroxidase-2 (GPx2), are targets for Nrf2. Selenium deficiency activates Nrf2 as does a TrxR1 knockout making a synergism between both systems plausible. Although this might hold true for healthy cells, the interplay may turn into the opposite in cancer cells. The induction of the detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes by Nrf2 will make cancer cells chemoresistant and will protect them against oxidative damage. The essential role of TrxR1 in maintaining proliferation makes its upregulation in cancer cells detrimental. The anti-inflammatory potential of GPx2 will help to inhibit cancer initiation and inflammation-triggered promotion, but its growth supporting potential will also support tumor growth. This paper considers beneficial and adverse consequences of the activation of Nrf2 and the selenoproteins which appear to depend on the cancer stage.
Construction of Tungsten Halogen, Pulsed LED, and Combined Tungsten Halogen-LED Solar Simulators for Solar CellI-VCharacterization and Electrical Parameters Determination
Authors: Namin Anon , Jivacate Chaya , Chenvidhya Dhirayut , Kirtikara Krissanapong , Thongpron Jutturit
Published: May 2012

I-Vcharacterization of solar cells is generally done under natural sunlight or solar simulators operating in either a continuous mode or a pulse mode. Simulators are classified on three features of irradiance, namely, spectral match with respect to air mass 1.5, spatial uniformity, and temporal stability. Commercial solar simulators use Xenon lamps and halogen lamps, whereas LED-based solar simulators are being developed. In this work, we build and test seven simulators for solar cell characterization, namely, one tungsten halogen simulator, four monochromatic (red, green, blue, and white) LED simulators, one multicolor LED simulator, and one tungsten halogen-blue LED simulator. The seven simulators provide testing at nonstandard test condition. High irradiance from simulators is obtained by employing elevated supply voltage to tungsten halogen lamps and high pulsing voltages to LEDs. This new approach leads to higher irradiance not previously obtained from tungsten halogen lamps and LEDs. FromI-Vcurves, electrical parameters of solar cell are made and corrected based on methods recommended in the IEC 60891 Standards. Corrected values obtained from non-STC measurements are in good agreement with those obtained from Class AAA solar simulator.
Denoising Algorithm Based on Generalized Fractional Integral Operator with Two Parameters
Authors: Jalab Hamid A. , Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a novel digital image denoising algorithm called generalized fractional integral filter is introduced based on the generalized Srivastava‐Owa fractional integral operator. The structures of n × n fractional masks of this algorithm are constructed. The denoising performance is measured by employing experiments according to visual perception and PSNR values. The results demonstrate that apart from enhancing the quality of filtered image, the proposed algorithm also reserves the textures and edges present in the image. Experiments also prove that the improvements achieved are competent with the Gaussian smoothing filter.