bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROJECTIONS OF LOG-CONCAVE FUNCTIONS
Authors: SEGAL ALEXANDER , SLOMKA BOAZ A.
Published: June 2012

Recently, it has been proven in [V. Milman, A. Segal and B. Slomka, A characterization of duality through section/projection correspondence in the finite dimensional setting, J. Funct. Anal. 261(11) (2011) 3366–3389] that the well-known duality mapping on the class of closed convex sets in ℝncontaining the origin is the only operation, up to obvious linear modifications, that interchanges linear sections with projections. In this paper, we extend this result to the class of geometric log-concave functions (attaining 1 at the origin). As the notions of polarity and the support function were recently uniquely extended to this class by Artstein-Avidan and Milman, a natural notion of projection arises. This notion of projection is justified by our result. As a consequence of our main result, we prove that, on the class of lower semi continuous non-negative convex functions attaining 0 at the origin, the polarity operation is the only operation interchanging addition with geometric inf-convolution and the support function is the only operation interchanging addition with inf-convolution.
CLASSIFICATION OF STEADY GRADIENT RICCI SOLITONS ON TWO-MANIFOLDS
Authors: BERCU GABRIEL , POSTOLACHE MIHAI
Published: June 2012

In our very recent published work [Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys.8(4) (2011) 783–796], we considered the Riemannian manifold M = ℝ2 endowed with the warped metric ḡ(x, y) = diag (g(y), 1), where g is a positive function, of C∞-class, depending on the variable y only. Within this framework, we found a wide class of 2D gradient Ricci solitons and specialized our results to discuss some case studies. This research is a natural continuation, providing classification results for the subclass of steady gradient Ricci solitons.
Ultrafast third order nonlinear optical properties of water soluble zinc-octacarboxy-phthalocyanine
Authors: Bala Murali Krishna M. , Giribabu L. , Narayana Rao D.
Published: June 2012

Synthesis and measurements of third order nonlinear optical (NLO) coefficients of water soluble zinc octacarboxy phthalocyanine (ZnOCPc) are reported here using different laser pulse durations. Nonlinear absorption and refraction behaviour in the nanosecond (ns), picosecond (ps) and femtosecond (fs) time domains were studied in detail. Three-photon absorption was the prevalent mechanism with femtosecond laser excitation whereas strong reverse saturable absorption due to dominant two-photon absorption (TPA) was observed with picosecond and nanosecond excitations. We have evaluated the sign and magnitude of the third order nonlinearity in fs, ps, and ns regimes. We observed large off-resonant second order hyperpolarizability (γ) with ultrafast nonlinear optical response in the femtosecond domain using degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) technique. We also report the optical limiting characteristics and figure of merit (FOM) of ZnOCPc for optical switching.
Characterization of the unusual metal-free, zinc, chloroindium, and ferrocenylindium 5,10,15,20-tetraferrocenylporphyrin anion-radicals by spectroelectrochemical, DFT, and TDDFT approaches
Authors: Nemykin Victor N. , Chen Ping , Solntsev Pavlo V. , Purchel Anatolii A. , Kadish Karl M.
Published: June 2012

Anion-radicals of general formula [MTFcP]- ( M = 2H, Zn, InCl , and InFc; TFcP2- is a dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetraferrocenylporphyrin) were prepared for the first time in situ by controlled potential reduction of the respective neutral MTFcP complexes in a thin layer spectroelectrochemical cell. UV-vis spectroscopy reveals the formation of a broad NIR band between 827–890 nm and another broad band in the Soret region between 458 and 527 nm. A similar NIR band has previously been assigned to 5,10,15,20-tetra(aryl)porphyrin radical-anions. Additional information on the electronic structure and nature of the vertical excitation energies in the [H2TFcP]- system were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. DFT calculations predict that the SOMO in the [H2TFcP]- anion-radical is predominantly localized over the porphyrin core. TDDFT calculations suggest numerous MLCT transitions in addition to the expected π–π* excitations, which play a key role in the formation of unusual UV-vis spectra in the [MTFcP]- anion-radicals.
Schottky barrier diode parameters of Ag/MgPc/p-Si structure
Authors: Canlıca Mevlüde , Coşkun Mustafa , Altındal Ahmet , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2012

An Ag /Pc/p- Si Schottky barrier (SB) diode was fabricated. The current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G-V) measurements were carried out to determine the characteristic parameters such as barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance of the SB diode. The non-linear behavior of ln (I) vs. ln (V) and ln (I/V) vs. V1/2 plots indicated that the thermoionic emission theory can be applied to evaluate junction parameters for the investigated SB diode rather than space-charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism and bulk-limited Poole–Frenkel emission. The bulk doping concentration NB and fixed oxide charges Nf was determined from the measured high frequency C-V curve and was found to be 9.5 × 1014 cm-3 and 2.3 × 1013 cm-2, respectively. The values of barrier height obtained from Norde's function were compared with those from the forward bias current-voltage characteristic, and it was seen that there was a good agreement between barrier heights from both methods.
The synthesis, photophysical and dielectric properties of ball-type dinuclear zinc phthalocyanine
Authors: Canlıca Mevlüde , Altındal Ahmet , Nyokong Tebello
Published: June 2012

The synthesis of ball-type dinuclear Zn(II) phthalocyanine containing four 4,4′-(9H-fluorene-9,9-diyl)diphenol substituents at the non-peripheral position is presented. The structure of the synthesized compound was characterized using elemental analyzes, and UV-vis, FT-IR,1H NMR and mass spectroscopies. The ΦFvalue was 0.16 and ΦTvalue was 0.72. The complex showed reasonably long triplet lifetimes with τT7210 μs in DMSO. The frequency and temperature dependence of the dielectric properties of ZnPc were also investigated in the frequency range of 40–105Hz and in the temperature range of 300–440 °K. It has been observed that both dielectric constant ε′ and dielectric loss ε″ decrease with the rise in frequency as they increase with the rise in temperature. The decrease in ε′ with increasing frequency is attributed to the fact that as the frequency increases, the polarizability contribution from orientation sources decreases and finally disappears.
Effect of active layer thickness on opto-electronic characteristics of porphyrin-fullerene photovoltaic cell
Authors: Khan Shahid M. , Sayyad Muhammad H.
Published: June 2012

The opto-electronic characteristics of porphyrin-fullerene bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells of different active layer thicknesses were studied. In order to achieve different active layer thicknesses, the photovoltaic cells were prepared by spin coating the active layer of each cell at a different spin speed. To determine the active layer thickness, average of absorption coefficients of the materials constituting the active layer was used along with the optical density. Active layer thicknesses were also measured by using surface profilometer. Atomic force microscope surface scans revealed that there was no considerable change in active layer surface roughness from 1000 to 1500 rpm. However, a decrease in average grain size with increasing spin speed was observed. Current density as a function of voltage curves at different active layer thicknesses were recorded in dark and under a simulated solar spectrum AM 1.5G (100 mW.cm-2). Incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency spectra at different active layer thicknesses were also determined. The solar cell having active layer thickness of 68 nm (spin coated at 1200 rpm) showed optimum results. The power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cell at this thickness was 0.24%.
Co-DOPED ZnO NANOWIRES GROWN BY VAPOR–LIQUID–SOLID METHOD: STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND MAGNETIC STUDIES
Authors: PAL BAPPADITYA , DHARA SOUMEN , GIRI P. K.
Published: June 2012

We report on the growth of Co -doped ZnO nanowires (NWs) on Si substrate using a self-catalytic vapor deposition method from a Co -doped ZnO nanopowder source and study its structural, optical and magnetic properties for the as-grown and rapid thermal annealed samples. Co (5%)-doped ZnO ( ZnCoO ) nanoparticles (NPs) are used as source material for the growth process. Electron microscopy imaging clearly reveals the formation of long ZnO NWs with uniform diameter. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the single crystalline hexagonal structure of Co -doped ZnO NWs without impurities of metallic cobalt or other phases. Micro-Raman studies of doped samples show doping/disorder induced additional modes as compared to the undoped ZnO . Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of the doped ZnO NWs show strong emission band at ~380 nm and no significant emission was observed in the visible region indicating low defect content in the NWs. The field dependent magnetization (M–H curve) measured at room temperature exhibits paramagnetic nature for the NWs with the magnetic moment in the range 2–3.7 milli-emu/cm2 for the applied field of 2 Tesla, while the source ZnCoO NPs exhibit room temperature ferromagnetism with saturation magnetization ~6 emu/g. Possible mechanism of alteration in magnetic behavior in doped NWs are discussed based on the growth conditions and role of defects.
AN EFFICIENT RED BLOOD CELL MODEL IN THE FRAME OF IB-LBM AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: XU YUAN-QING , TIAN FANG-BAO , DENG YU-LIN
Published: June 2012

A two-dimensional red blood cell (RBC) membrane model based on elastic and Euler–Bernoulli beam theories is introduced in the frame of immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The effect of the flexible membrane is handled by the immersed boundary method in which the stress exerted by the RBC on the ambient fluid is spread onto the collocated grid points near the boundary. The fluid dynamics is obtained by solving the discrete lattice Boltzmann equation. A "ghost shape", to which the RBC returns when restoring, is introduced by prescribing a bending force along the boundary. Numerical examples involving tumbling, tank-treading and RBC aggregation in shear flow and deformation and restoration in poiseuille flow are presented to verify the method and illustrate its efficiency. As an application of the present method, a ten-RBC colony being compressed through a stenotic microvessel is studied focusing the cell–cell interaction strength. Quantitative comparisons of the pressure and velocity on specified microvessel interfaces are made between each aggregation case. It reveals that the stronger aggregation may lead to more resistance against blood flow and result in higher pressure difference at the stenosis.
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMER NANOTUBES WITH ANTI-BACTERIAL PROPERTIES
Authors: LEVI-POLYACHENKO NICOLE , BRADEN AMY , ROSENBALM TABITHA , WAGNER WILLIAM , MORYKWAS MICHAEL , ARGENTA LOUIS , MARTIN EILEEN , SMITH THOMAS , SMITH BETH , CARROLL DAVID , WEBB LAWRENCE
Published: June 2012

Nanotubes (NT) composed of the electrically active polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been used for photothermal ablation of both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Since infrared absorption of PEDOT is dominated by bipolarons strongly coupled to phonons, we hypothesize that nonradiative decay of these states leads to heat generation. Photothermal death of bacteria by PEDOT NT was compared to single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Complete eradication of bacterial colonies incubated with 100 ug/ml of either PEDOT NT or SWNT occurred with a single exposure to 1064 nm light (3.8 W/cm2) for 60 s. PEDOT NT were also shown to elicit a mild antibacterial response upon incubation with bacteria and no infrared exposure. PEDOT NT have the same capacity for photothermal ablation of bacteria as compared to SWNT; therefore, they represent an exciting new class of polymer based nanoparticles for medically-relevant photothermal therapies.
Impact of Collection Efficiency on the Optical Responsivity of Lattice Matched InP/InGaAs Heterojunction Phototransistors
Authors: Khan Hassan A. , Rezazadeh Ali A. , Saleem Rashid
Published: June 2012

Absolute spectral response modeling of lattice matched Npn InP/In0.53Ga0.47As heterojunction phototransistors (HPTs), for communication wavelength detection, is presented in this paper. Parameters such as collection efficiency, quantum efficiency and doping concentrations affecting the flux absorption profile are discussed. The effect of collection efficiency on the optical responsivity is also highlighted and its variation with device vertical width is discussed. Measured results for optical responsivity, at several incident wavelengths, show close agreement to the modeling data for the HPTs.
Determination of Constant Strain Gradients of Elastically Bent Crystal Using X-ray Mirage Fringes
Authors: Jongsukswat Sukswat , Fukamachi Tomoe , Hirano Kenji , Ju Dongying , Negishi Riichirou , Shimojo Masayuki , Hirano Keiichi , Kawamura Takaaki
Published: June 2012

Two experimental approaches are studied to determine a parameter of the strain gradient in an elastically bent crystal. In one approach, the parameter is determined by measuring the third peak of the X-ray mirage interference fringes and in the other, by measuring the region where no mirage diffraction beam reaches on the lateral surface of the crystal. Using the X-rays from synchrotron radiation, the mirage fringes have been observed in the 220 reflection of the Si crystal whose strain is controlled in cantilever bending. These two approaches both give accurate values of the parameter of the strain gradient, showing good agreement with the values calculated using elastic theory. In addition, the residual strain due to gravity is observed by measuring mirage fringes when the bending force becomes zero.
Norcantharidin Induces HL-60 Cells Apoptosis In Vitro
Authors: Jiang You-Ming , Meng Zhen-Zhi , Yue Guang-Xin , Chen Jia-Xu
Published: June 2012

Norcantharidin (NCTD) is the demethylated form of cantharidin, which is the active substance of mylabris, and is known to have anticancer potentials. The aim of this paper was to assess the apoptosis-inducing effect of NCTD on HL-60 cells.Methods. The effects of NCTD were detected by flow cytometer on the cell toxicity, cell cycle, and apoptosis of HL-60 cells cultured in vitro.Results. After 48-hour treatment with NCTD, the growth of HL-60 cells was inhibited significantly. The summit of apoptosis appeared after 24 hours. The percentage of the cells in G1phase decreased and then increased in S and G2+ M phase, while the S and G2+ M phases were blocked after treatment with 5, 10, and 50 μmol/L NCTD for 24 hours.Conclusions. NCTD can induce the apoptosis of HL-60 cells and inhibit the fissiparism, and the domino effect was obviously correlated with the time and dosage.
Acute Gastric Dilatation Resulting in Gastric Emphysema Following Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Khan Suhail Aslam , Boko Edmond , Khookhar Haseeb Anwar , Woods Sheila , Nasr A. H.
Published: June 2012

Acute gastric dilatation is a rare entity, with varying aetiologies the majority of which are benign. Delay in diagnosis and treatment could result in sequelae such as gastric emphysema (pneumatosis), emphysematous gastritis, gangrene, and perforation. Gastric emphysema as a result of a benign nongangrenous condition such as gastroparesis, adynamic ileus can be successfully managed conservatively. Here, we present an interesting case of acute gastric dilatation resulting in gastric emphysema following massive postpartum hemorrhage.
Existence of Solutions for a Quasilinear Reaction Diffusion System
Authors: Tian Canrong
Published: June 2012

The degenerate reaction diffusion system has been applied to a variety of physical and engineering problems. This paper is extended the existence of solutions from the quasimonotone reaction functions (e.g., inhibitor‐inhibitor mechanism) to the mixed quasimonotone reaction functions (e.g., activator‐inhibitor mechanism). By Schauder fixed point theorem, it is shown that the system admits at least one positive solution if there exist a coupled of upper and lower solutions. This result is applied to a Lotka‐Volterra predator‐prey model.
Live Cells as Dynamic Laboratories: Time Lapse Raman Spectral Microscopy of Nanoparticles with Both IgE Targeting and pH-Sensing Functions
Authors: Nowak-Lovato Kristy L. , Rector Kirk D.
Published: June 2012

This review captures the use of live cells as dynamic microlaboratories through implementation of labeled nanoparticles (nanosensors) that have both sensing and targeting functions. The addition of 2,4-ε-dinitrophenol-L-lysine (DNP) as a FcεRI targeting ligand and 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy) as a pH-sensing ligand enables spatial and temporal monitoring of FcεRI receptors and their pH environment within the endocytic pathway. To ensure reliability, the sensor is calibratedin vivousing the ionophore nigericin and standard buffer solutions to equilibrate the external[H+]concentration with that of the cell compartments. This review highlights the nanosensors, ability to traffic and respond to pH of receptor-bound nanosensors (1) at physiological temperature(37°C)versus room temperature(25°C), (2) after pharmacological treatment with bafilomycin, anH+ATPase pump inhibitor, or amiloride, an inhibitor ofNa+/H+exchange, and (3) in response to both temperature and pharmacological treatment. Whole-cell, time lapse images are demonstrated to show the ability to transform live cells into dynamic laboratories to monitor temporal and spatial endosomal pH. The versatility of these probes shows promise for future applications relevant to intracellular trafficking and intelligent drug design.
Effect of Addition of Soybean Oil and Gamma‐Ray Cross‐linking on the Nanoporous HDPE Membrane
Authors: Park Jong-Seok , Choi Jong-Bae , Gwon Hui-Jeong , Lim Youn-Mook , Khil Myung Seob , Kang Phil-Hyun , Nho Young-Chang
Published: June 2012

A nanoporous high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane was prepared by a wet process. Soybean oil and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were premixed as codiluents, and gamma‐rays were used for the cross‐linking of HDPE. The pore volume of the nanoporous HDPE membranes with soybean oil was affected by the extracted amount of oil. The tensile strength of the membrane improved with an increasing absorbed dose up to 60 kGy, but decreased at 80 kGy due to severe degradation. The ionic conductivity of the nanoporous HDPE membrane did not really change with an increasing absorbed dose because the pores had already been formed before the gamma‐ray radiation. Finally, the electrochemical stability of the HDPE membrane increased when the absorbed dose increased up to 60 kGy.
Adolescents Living with HIV: An Indian Profile
Authors: Kurapati Sravya , Vajpayee Madhu , Raina Meenakshi , Vishnubhatla Sreenivas
Published: June 2012

Purpose. Although there have been studies on the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among the adult and even pediatric population, the adolescent population has been neglected. The main objective of this study was to understand and describe the profile of adolescents accessing the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at a tertiary healthcare centre in north India. This was a retrospective analysis of the data collected where, in addition to the analysis of the presence of HIV among the target population, a comparative analysis of HIV-positive and negative individuals was also carried out.Methods. Counselors at the ICTC of All India Institute of Medical Sciences recorded responses of the patients, and pre- and posttest counseling was performed appropriately. Also, HIV testing was performed using rapid tests (EIA) and ELISA. Both pre- and posttest counseling was performed for most of the patients. Also, the data collected from 2005 to May, 2011 was then retrospectively analyzed using various statistical tests, such as, Chi-square test and odds ratios.Results. Out of 979, 84 tested HIV positive. Discrimination at multiple levels was observed.The 10–14 years age group was 0.56 times more likely to be HIV positive than 15–19 year old. HIV serostatus was strongly associated with risk behavior (P=0.003) with heterosexual transmission being the most common.Conclusion. These findings highlight the profile of adolescents in India and their equation with HIV on demographic and psychosocial levels.
The Effect of Neural Noise on Spike Time Precision in a Detailed CA3 Neuron Model
Authors: Kuriscak Eduard , Marsalek Petr , Stroffek Julius , Wünsch Zdenek
Published: June 2012

Experimental and computational studies emphasize the role of the millisecond precision of neuronal spike times as an important coding mechanism for transmitting and representing information in the central nervous system. We investigate the spike time precision of a multicompartmental pyramidal neuron model of the CA3 region of the hippocampus under the influence of various sources of neuronal noise. We describe differences in the contribution to noise originating from voltage-gated ion channels, synaptic vesicle release, and vesicle quantal size. We analyze the effect of interspike intervals and the voltage course preceding the firing of spikes on the spike-timing jitter. The main finding of this study is the ranking of different noise sources according to their contribution to spike time precision. The most influential is synaptic vesicle release noise, causing the spike jitter to vary from 1 ms to 7 ms of a mean value 2.5 ms. Of second importance was the noise incurred by vesicle quantal size variation causing the spike time jitter to vary from 0.03 ms to 0.6 ms. Least influential was the voltage-gated channel noise generating spike jitter from 0.02 ms to 0.15 ms.
Management of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1a during Pregnancy and Labor: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Anju , Agarwal Neelam , Chopra Seema , Sikka Pooja , Suri Vanita , Kumar Bhupesh , Dutta Pinaki
Published: June 2012

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is rare during pregnancy and poses multiple challenges related to its diagnosis and management during pregnancy. We hereby report a case of a young woman who was diagnosed to have type 1a pseudohypoparathyroidism. She was managed by multidisciplinary team and had good maternal and perinatal outcome. Management-related issues are discussed here in detail.
Development of a Functional Schwann Cell Phenotype from Autologous Porcine Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells for Nerve Repair
Authors: Rutten Michael J. , Janes Michael Ann , Chang Ivy R. , Gregory Cynthia R. , Gregory Kenton W.
Published: June 2012

Adult bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) are a potential resource for making Schwann cells to repair damaged peripheral nerves. However, many methods of producing Schwann-like cells can be laborious with the cells lacking a functional phenotype. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and rapid method using autologous BM-MNCs to produce a phenotypic and functional Schwann-like cell. Adult porcine bone marrow was collected and enriched for BM-MNCs using a SEPAX device, then cells cultured in Neurobasal media, 4 mM L-glutamine and 20% serum. After 6–8 days, the cultures expressed Schwann cell markers, S-100, O4, GFAP, were FluoroMyelin positive, but had low p75(NGF) expression. Addition of neuregulin (1–25 nM) increased p75(NGF) levels at 24–48 hrs. We found ATP dose-dependently increased intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, with nucleotide potency being . Suramin blocked the ATP-induced [Ca2+]ibutα,β,-methylene-ATP had little effect suggesting an ATP purinergic P2Y2 G-protein-coupled receptor is present. Both the Schwann cell markers and ATP-induced [Ca2+]isensitivity decreased in cells passaged >20 times. Our studies indicate that autologous BM-MNCs can be induced to form a phenotypic and functional Schwann-like cell which could be used for peripheral nerve repair.
The Quintessence of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Syndrome and Its Distribution among Advanced Cancer Patients with Constipation
Authors: Cheng Chung-Wah , Kwok Annie O. L. , Bian Zhao-Xiang , Tse Doris M. W.
Published: June 2012

Constipation is a common problem in advanced cancer patients; however, specific clinical guidelines on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (Zhang) are not yet available. In this cross-sectional study, the TCM syndromes distribution and their common symptoms and signs among 225 constipated advanced cancer patients were determined. Results showed that 127 patients (56.4%) and 7 patients (3.1%) were in deficient and excessive patterns, respectively, while 91 patients (40.4%) were in deficiency-excess complex. The distributions of the five syndromes were:Qideficiency (93.3%),Qistagnation (40.0%), blood (Yin) deficiency (28.9%), Yang deficiency (22.2%), and excess heat (5.8%). Furthermore, age, functional status, and level of blood haemoglobin were factors related to the type of TCM syndrome. A TCM prescription with the functions on replenishing the Deficiency, redirecting the flow ofQistagnation and moistening the dryness caused by the blood (Yin) deficiency can be made for the treatment of advance cancer patients with constipation. Robust trials are urgently needed for further justifying its efficacy and safety in evidence-based approaches.
Polyol‐Mediated Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorods and Nanocomposites with Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Anžlovar Alojz , Crnjak Orel Zorica , Kogej Ksenija , Žigon Majda
Published: June 2012

ZnO nanorods (length 30–150 nm) were synthesized in di(ethylene glycol) using Zn(CH3COO)2 as a precursor and para‐toluene sulphonic acid, p‐TSA, as an end‐capping agent. Increasing the concentration of p‐TSA above 0.1 M causes the reduction of the ZnO length. Nanocomposites with poly(methyl methacrylate) were prepared using unmodified nanorods. They enhanced the UV absorption of nanocomposites (~98%) at low ZnO concentrations (0.05–0.1 wt.%), while visible light transparency was high. At concentrations of 1 wt.% and above, nanorods enhanced the thermal stability of nanocomposites. At low concentrations (0.05–0.1 wt.%), they increased the storage modulus of material and shifted Tg towards higher temperatures as shown by dynamic mechanical analysis, DMA, while at higher concentrations (1.0 wt.%) this effect was deteriorated. DMA also showed that spherical ZnO particles have a more pronounced effect on the storage modulus and Tg than nanorods.
The Aspects, the Origin, and the Merit of Aware Computing
Authors: Sawada Yasuji
Published: June 2012

In this paper we tried to understand scientifically the awareness, a daily word. Some aspects of awareness, such as qualitative or quantitative, the targets of awareness, either the external world or the internal world, were discussed. Suggestion on the human awareness was described from the experimental results of visual hand tracking. The origin and the merit of awareness in the process of evolution of animals were discussed. Finally some characters of possible aware computers and aware robots were studied.
Evaluation of the GlideScope Direct: A New Video Laryngoscope for Teaching Direct Laryngoscopy
Authors: Viernes Darwin , Goldman Allan J. , Galgon Richard E. , Joffe Aaron M.
Published: June 2012

Background. Teaching direct laryngoscopy is limited by the inability of the instructor to simultaneously view the airway with the laryngoscopist. Our primary aim is to report our initial use of the GlideScope Direct, a video-enabled, Macintosh laryngoscope intended primarily as a training tool in direct laryngoscopy.Methods. The GlideScope Direct was made available to anyone who planned on performing direct laryngoscopy as the primary technique for intubation. Novices were those who had performed <30 intubations.Results. The GlideScope Direct was used 123 times as primarily a direct laryngoscope while the instructor viewed the intubation on the monitor. It was highly successful as a direct laryngoscope (93% success). Salvage by indirect laryngoscopy occurred in 7/9 remaining patients without changing equipment. Novices performed 28 intubations (overall success rate of 79%). In 6 patients, the instructor took over and successfully intubated the patient. Instructors used the video images to guide the operator in 16 (57%) of those patients. Seven different instructors supervised the 28 novices, all of who subjectively felt advantaged by having the laryngoscopic view available.Conclusions. The GlideScope Direct functions similarly to a Macintosh laryngoscope and provides the instructor subjective reassurance, while providing the ability to guide the trainee laryngoscopist.
Zebrafish Thrombocytes: Functions and Origins
Authors: Khandekar Gauri , Kim Seongcheol , Jagadeeswaran Pudur
Published: June 2012

Platelets play an important role in mammalian hemostasis. Thrombocytes of early vertebrates are functionally equivalent to mammalian platelets. A substantial amount of research has been done to study platelet function in humans as well as in animal models. However, to date only limited functional genomic studies of platelets have been performed but are low throughput and are not cost-effective. Keeping this in mind we introduced zebrafish, a vertebrate genetic model to study platelet function. We characterized zebrafish thrombocytes and established functional assays study not only their hemostatic function but to also their production. We identified a few genes which play a role in their function and production. Since we introduced the zebrafish model for the study of hemostasis and thrombosis, other groups have adapted this model to study genes that are associated with thrombocyte function and a few novel genes have also been identified. Furthermore, transgenic zebrafish with GFP-tagged thrombocytes have been developed which helped to study the production of thrombocytes and their precursors as well as their functional roles not only in hemostasis but also hematopoiesis. This paper integrates the information available on zebrafish thrombocyte function and its formation.
Search forMycobacterium aviumSubspeciesparatuberculosisAntigens for the Diagnosis of Paratuberculosis
Authors: Mon María Laura , Viale Mariana , Baschetti Guido , Alvarado Pinedo Fiorella , Gioffre Andrea , Travería Gabriel , Willemsen Peter , Bakker Douwe , Romano María Isabel
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate a wide panel of antigens ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) to select candidates for the diagnosis of paratuberculosis (PTB). A total of 54 recombinant proteins were spotted onto nitrocellulose membranes and exposed to sera from animals with PTB (n=25), healthy animals (n=10), and animals experimentally infected withM. bovis(n=8). This initial screening allowed us to select seven antigens: MAP 2513, MAP 1693, MAP 2020, MAP 0038, MAP 1272, MAP 0209c, and MAP 0210c, which reacted with sera from animals with PTB and showed little cross-reactivity with sera from healthy animals and animals experimentally infected withM. bovis. The second step was to evaluate the antigen cocktail of these seven antigens by ELISA. For this evaluation, we used sera from animals with PTB (n=25), healthy animals (n=26), and animals experimentally infected withM. bovis(n=17). Using ELISA, the cocktail of the seven selected MAP antigens reacted with sera from 18 of the 25 animals with PTB and did not exhibit cross-reactivity with healthy animals and only low reactivity with animals with bovine tuberculosis. The combined application of these antigens could form part of a test which may help in the diagnosis of PTB.
Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer Research and Management
Authors: Lastraioli Elena , Raffaella Romoli Maria , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: June 2012

Gastric cancer still represents a major health problem, despite a decrease in its incidence in the last years. Due to the social impact of gastric cancer (GC), there is a need for novel biomarkers in order to stratify patients into appropriate screening, surveillance, or treatment programs. Although histopathology remains the most reliable and less expensive method, numerous efforts have been made searching for novel biomarkers. In recent years, several molecules have been identified and tested for their clinical relevance in GC management. In this paper, we will focus on a well-known GC marker, whose determination is mandatory in GC, HER2, a marker whose correlation with prognosis is still controversial (VEGF-A) and a quite novel, unconventional marker, the ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1). All these proteins can be easily detected with immunohistochemistry, a technique widely used both in diagnostic and research laboratories that represents a link between surgical and molecular pathology, basic science, and clinical medicine.
Deep Phylogenetic Divergence and Lack of Taxonomic Concordance in Species of Astronotus (Cichlidae)
Authors: Colatreli Olavo Pinhatti , Meliciano Natasha Verdasca , Toffoli Daniel , Farias Izeni Pires , Hrbek Tomas
Published: June 2012

The neotropical cichlid genus Astronotus currently comprises two valid species: A. ocellatus Agassiz, 1831 and A. crassipinnis Heckel, 1840. The diagnosis is based on color pattern and meristics counts. However, body color pattern is highly variable between regions and the meristic counts show a considerable overlap between populations differing in color patterning. They do not represent true synapomorphies that diagnose species. Purportedly the only truly diagnostic character is the presence or absence of one or more ocelli at the base of the dorsal fin, diagnosing A. ocellatus and A. crassipinnis, respectively. Using the 5′ portion of the mitochondrial COI gene and EPIC nuclear markers, the validity of the dorsal ocelli as diagnostic character was tested in individuals sampled from ten localities in the Amazon basin. Analyses rejected the hypothesis that dorsal ocelli are diagnostic at the species level. However, they revealed the existence of five hypothetical, largely allopatrically distributed morphologically cryptic species. The phylogeographic structure is not necessarily surprising, since species of the genus Astronotus have sedentary and territorial habits with low dispersal potential. The distribution of these hypothetical species is coincident with patterns observed in other Amazonian aquatic fauna, suggesting the role of common historical processes in generating current biodiversity patterns.
New Roads Open Up for Implementing Immunotherapy in Mesothelioma
Authors: Cornelissen R. , Heuvers M. E. , Maat A. P. , Hendriks R. W. , Hoogsteden H. C. , Aerts J. G. J. V. , Hegmans J. P. J. J.
Published: June 2012

Treatment options for malignant mesothelioma are limited, and the results with conventional therapies have been rather disappointing to this date. Chemotherapy is the only evidence-based treatment for mesothelioma patients in good clinical condition, with an increase in median survival of only 2 months. Therefore, there is urgent need for a different approach to battle this malignancy. As chronic inflammation precedes mesothelioma, the immune system plays a key role in the initiation of this type of tumour. Also, many immunological cell types can be found within the tumour at different stages of the disease. However, mesothelioma cells can evade the surveillance capacity of the immune system. They build a protective tumour microenvironment to harness themselves against the immune system's attacks, in which they even abuse immune cells to act against the antitumour immune response. In our opinion, modulating the immune system simultaneously with the targeting of mesothelioma tumour cells might prove to be a superior treatment. However, this strategy is challenging since the tumour microenvironment possesses numerous forms of defence strategies. In this paper, we will discuss the interplay between immunological cells that can either inhibit or stimulate tumour growth and the challenges associated with immunotherapy. We will provide possible strategies and discuss opportunities to overcome these problems.
Assessment of Artificial Neural Networks for Hourly Solar Radiation Prediction
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Mohamed Azah , Sopian K. , Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents an assessment for the artificial neural network (ANN) based approach for hourly solar radiation prediction. The Four ANNs topologies were used including a generalized (GRNN), a feed-forward backpropagation (FFNN), a cascade-forward backpropagation (CFNN), and an Elman backpropagation (ELMNN). The three statistical values used to evaluate the efficacy of the neural networks were mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean bias error (MBE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Prediction results show that the GRNN exceeds the other proposed methods. The average values of the MAPE, MBE and RMSE using GRNN were 4.9%, 0.29% and 5.75%, respectively. FFNN and CFNN efficacies were acceptable in general, but their predictive value was degraded in poor solar radiation conditions. The average values of the MAPE, MBE and RMSE using the FFNN were 23%, −.09% and 21.9%, respectively, while the average values of the MAPE, MBE and RMSE using CFNN were 22.5%, −19.15% and 21.9%, respectively. ELMNN fared the worst among the proposed methods in predicting hourly solar radiation with average MABE, MBE and RMSE values of 34.5%, −11.1% and 34.35%. The use of the GRNN to predict solar radiation in all climate conditions yielded results that were highly accurate and efficient.
Transposable Elements Are a Significant Contributor to Tandem Repeats in the Human Genome
Authors: Ahmed Musaddeque , Liang Ping
Published: June 2012

Sequence repeats are an important phenomenon in the human genome, playing important roles in genomic alteration often with phenotypic consequences. The two major types of repeat elements in the human genome are tandem repeats (TRs) including microsatellites, minisatellites, and satellites and transposable elements (TEs). So far, very little has been known about the relationship between these two types of repeats. In this study, we identified TRs that are derived from TEs either based on sequence similarity or overlapping genomic positions. We then analyzed the distribution of these TRs among TE families/subfamilies. Our study shows that at least 7,276 TRs or 23% of all minisatellites/satellites is derived from TEs, contributing ∼0.32% of the human genome. TRs seem to be generated more likely from younger/more active TEs, and once initiated they are expanded with time via local duplication of the repeat units. The currently postulated mechanisms for origin of TRs can explain only 6% of all TE-derived TRs, indicating the presence of one or more yet to be identified mechanisms for the initiation of such repeats. Our result suggests that TEs are contributing to genome expansion and alteration not only by transposition but also by generating tandem repeats.
Caffeic Acid Phenylethyl Amide Protects against the Metabolic Consequences in Diabetes Mellitus Induced by Diet and Streptozocin
Authors: Weng Yi-Chun , Chuang Sung-Ting , Lin Yen-Chu , Chuang Cheng-Fung , Chi Tzong-Cherng , Chiu Hsi-Lin , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Su Ming-Jai
Published: June 2012

Caffeic acid phenyl ester is distributed wildly in nature and has antidiabetic and cardiovascular protective effects. However, rapid decomposition by esterase leads to its low bioavailability in vivo. In this study, chronic metabolic and cardiovascular effects of oral caffeic acid phenylethyl amide, whose structure is similar to caffeic acid phenyl ester and resveratrol, were investigated in ICR mice. We found that caffeic acid phenylethyl amide protected against diet or streptozocin-induced metabolic changes increased coronary flow and decreased infarct size after global ischemia-reperfusion in Langendorff perfused heart. Further study indicated that at least two pathways might be involved in such beneficial effects: the induction of the antioxidant protein MnSOD and the decrease of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFαand NFκB in the liver. However, the detailed mechanisms of caffeic acid phenylethyl amide need further studies. In summary, this study demonstrated the protective potential of chronic treatment of caffeic acid phenylethyl amide against the metabolic consequences in diabetes mellitus.
A Remotely Sensed Global Terrestrial Drought Severity Index
Authors: Mu Qiaozhen , Zhao Maosheng , Kimball John S. , McDowell Nathan G. , Running Steven W.
Published: June 2012

Regional drought and flooding from extreme climatic events are increasing in frequency and severity, with significant adverse ecosocial impacts. Detecting and monitoring drought at regional to global scales remains challenging, despite the availability of various drought indices and widespread availability of potentially synergistic global satellite observational records. The authors have developed a method to generate a near-real-time remotely sensed drought severity index (DSI) to monitor and detect drought globally at 1-km spatial resolution and regular 8-day, monthly, and annual frequencies. The new DSI integrates and exploits information from current operational satellite-based terrestrial evapo-transpiration (ET) and vegetation greenness index [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] products, which are sensitive to vegetation water stress. Specifically, this approach determines the annual DSI departure from its normal (2000–11) using the remotely sensed ratio of ET to potential ET (PET) and NDVI. The DSI results were derived globally and captured documented major regional droughts over the last decade, including severe events in Europe (2003), the Amazon (2005 and 2010), and Russia (2010). The DSI corresponded favorably (correlation coefficient r = 0.43) with the precipitation-based Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), while both indices captured similar wetting and drying patterns. The DSI was also correlated with satellite-based vegetation net primary production (NPP) records, indicating that the combined use of these products may be useful for assessing water supply and ecosystem interactions, including drought impacts on crop yields and forest productivity. The remotely sensed global terrestrial DSI enhances capabilities for nearreal-time drought monitoring to assist decision makers in regional drought assessment and mitigation efforts, and without many of the constraints of more traditional drought monitoring methods.
In 1 Peter 5:1-5, who are the πρϵσβύτϵροι and what is said about their role?
Authors: Lynch Chloe
Published: June 2012

In 1 Peter 5:1-5, instructions are given to the πρϵσβύτϵροι. But who are these elders and what does the author say about their role? This article starts with an exploration of the conceptual background of eldership, before focusing on the specific references to the term in verses 1 and 5 of our passage. Following this, we offer an in-depth exegetical analysis of the instruction to elders concerning their role in verses 2 and 3, before giving brief consideration in closing to the implications of verse 5.
The New Atheism and Islam
Authors: Emilsen William W.
Published: June 2012

The rise of the new atheism in the first decade of the twenty-first century is mostly associated with four central figures: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and the late Christopher Hitchens. Other public intellectuals have identified themselves with the new atheism movement, most notably the literary figures Ian McEwen, Martin Amis, Philip Pullman, Salman Rushdie and ex-Muslim atheists, Ibn Warraq and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. This article argues that the ‘new’ in the new atheists’ writings is not their aggressiveness, nor their extraordinary popularity, nor even their scientific approach to religion, rather it is their attack not only on militant Islamism but also on Islam itself under the cloak of its general critique of religion. The new atheist movement has contributed to a hardening of hostility towards Islam and may well have inflamed relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Social Identity Theory and Biblical Interpretation
Authors: Baker Coleman A.
Published: June 2012

This study is intended to provide readers with an introduction to Social Identity Theory and its use as a heuristic device for biblical interpretation. After a general overview of Social Identity Theory and some important related concepts, the study summarizes some of the scholarly works that have employed this model in studies of Hebrew and Christian texts.
Understanding the Impact of Career Academy Attendance
Authors: Page Lindsay C.
Published: June 2012

Background: Results from MDRC's longitudinal, random-assignment evaluation of career-academy high schools reveal that several years after high-school completion, those randomized to receive the academy opportunity realized a $175 (11%) increase in monthly earnings, on average. Objectives: In this paper, I investigate the impact of duration of actual academy enrollment, as nearly half of treatment group students either never enrolled or participated for only a portion of high school. Research Design: I capitalize on data from this experimental evaluation and utilize a principal stratification framework and Bayesian inference to investigate the causal impact of academy participation. Subjects: This analysis focuses on a sample of 1,306 students across seven sites in the MDRC evaluation. Measures: Participation is measured by number of years of academy enrollment, and the outcome of interest is average monthly earnings in the period of four to eight years after high school graduation. Results: I estimate an average causal effect of treatment assignment on subsequent monthly earnings of approximately $588 among males who remained enrolled in an academy throughout high school and more modest impacts among those who participated only partially. Conclusions: Different from an instrumental variables approach to treatment non-compliance, which allows for the estimation of linear returns to treatment take-up, the more general framework of principal stratification allows for the consideration of non-linear returns, although at the expense of additional model-based assumptions.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sFlt-1) Levels in Early and Mature Human Milk from Mothers of Preterm versus Term Infants
Authors: Loui Andrea , Eilers Elisabeth , Strauss Evelyn , Pohl-Schickinger Anja , Obladen Michael , Koehne Petra
Published: June 2012

Background:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors regulate angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels). The soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) binds VEGF as a potent antagonist.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare VEGF and sFlt-1 levels in milk from mothers of preterm (n = 50) versus term (n = 49) infants in a longitudinal study.

Methods:

Milk samples were collected on days 3 and 28 of lactation. Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were quantified by sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were found in high concentrations in early milk (lactation day 3) from mothers of preterm and term infants and were lower in mature milk (lactation day 28). On day 3, median VEGF concentration was lower in preterm than in term milk (37.1 vs 53.9 ng/mL, P < .01). Otherwise, VEGF (day 28) and sFlt-1 (days 3 and 28) did not differ in preterm versus term milk.

Conclusions:

It was shown for the first time that sFlt-1 is present in human milk. Early human milk contains high concentrations of VEGF and sFlt-1, which decrease over the course of lactation.