bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus Transcytosis through Polarized Oral Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tugizov Sharof M. , Herrera Rossana , Palefsky Joel M.
Published: May 2013

Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an orally transmitted virus, viral transmission through the oropharyngeal mucosal epithelium is not well understood. In this study, we investigated how EBV traverses polarized human oral epithelial cells without causing productive infection. We found that EBV may be transcytosed through oral epithelial cells bidirectionally, from both the apical to the basolateral membranes and the basolateral to the apical membranes. Apical to basolateral EBV transcytosis was substantially reduced by amiloride, an inhibitor of macropinocytosis. Electron microscopy showed that virions were surrounded by apical surface protrusions and that virus was present in subapical vesicles. Inactivation of signaling molecules critical for macropinocytosis, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases, myosin light-chain kinase, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, p21-activated kinase 1, ADP-ribosylation factor 6, and cell division control protein 42 homolog, led to significant reduction in EBV apical to basolateral transcytosis. In contrast, basolateral to apical EBV transcytosis was substantially reduced by nystatin, an inhibitor of caveolin-mediated virus entry. Caveolae were detected in the basolateral membranes of polarized human oral epithelial cells, and virions were detected in caveosome-like endosomes. Methyl β-cyclodextrin, an inhibitor of caveola formation, reduced EBV basolateral entry. EBV virions transcytosed in either direction were able to infect B lymphocytes. Together, these data show that EBV transmigrates across oral epithelial cells by (i) apical to basolateral transcytosis, potentially contributing to initial EBV penetration that leads to systemic infection, and (ii) basolateral to apical transcytosis, which may enable EBV secretion into saliva in EBV-infected individuals.
Multiple cutaneous nodules as the presenting sign of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Brinkman David , Roche Lisa , Ullah Khalil , O'Connor Terence M
Published: May 2013

We describe a 67-year-old male smoker who presented with an 8 week history of productive cough, dyspnoea on minimal exertion, weight loss of 8 kg and multiple painful cutaneous nodules of varying size and morphology. A chest radiograph showed a mass at the right hilum. A CT examination showed extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy with encasement of the lower trachea, carina and left main bronchus. The left main bronchus was 95% stenosed and there were multiple liver metastases. Innumerable cutaneous nodules were also seen. A biopsy of one of the cutaneous nodules confirmed metastases from a neuroendocrine lung primary tumour, consistent with extensive stage small cell lung cancer. The patient died soon after diagnosis.
In-vivo expansion of autologous limbal stem cell using simple limbal epithelial transplantation for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Lal Ikeda , Panchal Bhavik Uttam , Basu Sayan , Sangwan Virender S
Published: May 2013

A 20-year-old man from Bangladesh suffered accidental alkali injury to his right eye in May 2010 leading to total limbal stem cell deficiency. An amniotic membrane graft was performed 5 days after the accident and the patient presented to our institute 6 months later. On ocular examination, his best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/50 with a 360° pannus at the periphery and central area was spared but had stromal scarring. He underwent simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) taking a limbal biopsy from his left eye and was prescribed steroid and antibiotic eye drops postoperatively as per the standard regimen. At 2 year follow-up, the patient's ocular surface is stable with improvement in  BCVA to 20/25 post-SLET.
Aorto-oesophageal fistula following TEVAR: an unusual cause of mediastinal air
Authors: Kay M D , Davies B , Patel K , Gourevitch D
Published: May 2013

Aorto-oesophogeal fistula (AEF) following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has an incidence of 1.7%. Patients often present with constitutional symptoms or haematemesis and the condition is frequently fatal. We present a 79-year-old man who underwent TEVAR to exclude a ruptured 5.3 cm aneurysm. He re-presented with persistent fever and haematemesis and initially underwent oesophogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy to exclude oesophageal carcinoma. Following CT scanning AEF was diagnosed and extra-anatomical reconstruction was performed. Two months later he suffered a sudden and unexpected large bleed into his ventilator circuits from his tracheostomy and died. Haematemesis following TEVAR should raise clinical suspicion of AEF. Early and accurate diagnosis is paramount in view of the high attendant mortality. CT should be considered the initial investigation of choice.
Low-dose ruxolitinib for improving leukopaenia and reducing recurrent infections associated with myelofibrosis
Authors: Islam Rezwan , Yellu Mahender R , Rafiullah  , Shaw Gene R
Published: May 2013

Myelofibrosis, either primary or resulting from essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera, may present with highly variable white blood cell counts, including progressive leukopaenia with its associated risk of infections. Medications have been developed to reduce splenomegaly and other symptoms, but there are no reports of improved white blood cell counts. We report a case of primary myelofibrosis with marked improvement in leukopaenia and reduced recurrent infections, in addition to reduction in spleen size and improvement in disease-associated symptoms, within 20 weeks after using low-dose ruxolitinib. Although reduction of splenomegaly in myelofibrosis patients is the anticipated benefit of ruxolitinib, the drug may also have the potential to improve leukopaenia if used at a low dose.
Right coronary artery aneurysm: an unusual cause of chest pain
Authors: Eisa Naseem , Alamiry Muhammad Rayan , Alraiyes Abdul Hamid , Alraies M Chadi
Published: May 2013

Giant coronary artery aneurysm is an uncommon but well-recognised entity in infants and children with Kawasaki disease. We describe an unusual case of ischaemic cardiomyopathy in an 86-year-old woman owing to giant aneurysm in a dominant right coronary artery discovered with left heart catheterisation and was missed on ECG and nuclear studies. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis which allows appropriate management. Transcatheter therapy is the main treatment option in this case; however, medical therapy can be used alone with variable results and outcome.
CHARACTER VARIETIES OF ONCE-PUNCTURED TORUS BUNDLES WITH TUNNEL NUMBER ONE
Authors: BAKER KENNETH L. , PETERSEN KATHLEEN L.
Published: May 2013

We determine the PSL2(ℂ) and SL2(ℂ) character varieties of the once-punctured torus bundles with tunnel number one, i.e. the once-punctured torus bundles that arise from filling one boundary component of the Whitehead link exterior. In particular, we determine "natural" models for these algebraic sets, identify them up to birational equivalence with smooth models, and compute the genera of the canonical components. This enables us to compare dilatations of the monodromies of these bundles with these genera. We also determine the minimal polynomials for the trace fields of these manifolds. Additionally, we study the action of the symmetries of these manifolds upon their character varieties, identify the characters of their lens space fillings, and compute the twisted Alexander polynomials for their representations to SL2(ℂ).
THE GENERAL SPIN TRIANGLE
Authors: SCHMIDT HEINZ-JÜRGEN
Published: May 2013

We consider the Heisenberg spin triangle with general coupling coefficients and general spin quantum number s. The corresponding classical system is completely integrable. In the quantum case the eigenvalue problem can be reduced to that of tridiagonal matrices in at most 2s+1 dimensions. The corresponding energy spectrum exhibits what we will call spectral symmetries due to the underlying permutational symmetry of the considered class of Hamiltonians. As an application we explicitly calculate six classes of universal polynomials that occur in the high temperature expansion of spin triangles and more general spin systems.
THEORETICAL MODELS FOR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF IRON PNICTIDES
Authors: VUJINOVIĆ M. , PANTIĆ M. , KAPOR D. , MALI P.
Published: May 2013

We attempt to describe the magnetic properties of parent pnictide compounds by using both the J1–J2 Heisenberg model and its three-dimensional generalization, the J1–J2–Jc model. We also include spin anisotropy in the XY plane. In order to obtain the average magnetization and spin wave dispersion, we use the Green's functions method for spin operators in the random phase approximation. We obtain estimates for the model parameters by considering the low temperature experimental dispersion for the compounds CaFe 2 As 2 and BaFe 2 As 2 and conclude that theoretical dispersion can fit the experimental one if spatially anisotropic Hamiltonian is used. A good agreement between theory and experiment indicates that the Heisenberg model is applicable to parent pnictides at low temperatures. The applicability of the model for higher temperatures is checked by calculating the Néel temperature for both compounds. It turns out that the model overestimates the measured critical temperature. The Heisenberg model is not applicable to parent pnictides, for temperature comparable to Néel temperature. Our results thus confirm that all the magnetic properties of parent pnictides cannot be described with purely localized degrees of freedom, and that the itinerant magnetism should have an important role in these compounds. All results given in Sec. 3 are general and could be used in description of classes of compounds with spin stripe structure.
Financing Decision and Productivity Growth for the Venture Capital Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chih-Nan , Huang Tai-Hsin , Lin Chien-Hsiu
Published: May 2013

This paper attempts to characterize the production technology of venture capital (VC) firms in Taiwan, whilst taking into account the simultaneity problem that arises from the correlation between inputs and unobserved productivity. The estimates of scale economies from OLS are found to be much higher than those obtained from our preferred approach. The paper also explores how the capital structure of those firms was adjusted to increase their productivity when faced with the institutional change that occurred in the VC markets of Taiwan and what we can learn from this. There is evidence that financing mix was irrelevant to firms' productivity growth when tax incentives were issued by the government to stimulate equity financing, whereas they were able to benefit from increased financial leverage after these tax incentives were discontinued, which suggests that the effect of the policy termination was stronger than its initiation, in terms of productivity. Firms that chose to invest in the internet and bio-related industries emerged as placing higher financing decision importance on productivity growth than those with other investment preferences, thus implying that the financing decision for those firms investing in these sectors is much more critical in determining the growth of the firm.
SIZE-DEPENDENT PHOTOLUMINESCENCE AND ELECTROLUMINESCENCE OF COLLOIDAL CdSe QUANTUM DOTS
Authors: DEY S. C. , NATH S. S.
Published: May 2013

Here we adopt a convenient green chemical route for synthesis of CdSe quantum dots, their characterization by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction study and transmission electron microscopy. We carry out photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectroscopy to investigate the variation in electro-optical property with size. By UV/Vis spectroscopy, blue shift is revealed and bandgap is also calculated. X-ray diffraction spectrum reveals cubic structure and transmission electron micrographs show quantum dots of different size distributions (in the range 2–8 nm). Both the luminescence spectroscopies reveal green-orange luminescence depending upon the size distribution and indicate the possibility of using CdSe quantum dots as light emitting devices with better compatibility and faster response.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING: A MODEL AND CASES FROM TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATING COMPANIES
Authors: SLEPIAN JOAN L.
Published: May 2013

Successfully managing project team composition, development, and learning are critical competencies for high-performing, innovative technology firms. This paper presents a conceptual model and two cases of cross-functional project teams working inside innovative, technology-based companies. The cases highlight the ways in which organizational structure, project team composition, team task and technology, project leadership, and context shaped the way each project team approached their task, shared knowledge and solutions, and completed their work. One team, a business process and system improvement team, was charged with designing and deploying a new system, while the second team crossed international, occupational, and functional boundaries to develop an international marketing strategy for a cross-national technology partnership. Following the cases, the paper suggests some implications for technology and innovation managers and team leaders, and proposes some questions and direction for future research.
MODELING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY: INTEGRATING ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND POPULATION MODELS
Authors: BETZ FREDERICK
Published: May 2013

For economic and environmental policies aimed at developing sustainable economies, it is important to have a general modeling approach which can quantitatively connect economic processes with biological and physical processes of the environment. If economic processes cannot be measured as to their real physical/biological impacts, one does not know whether or not such economic processes are sustainable in nature. To create an integrated economic/environmental model, we have mathematically generalized the Leontief's input–output economic model — from vector notation to tensor notation. The use of tensor mathematics for input–output models of both an economy and its environment provides a data architecture to create simulation models of the environmental impact of an economy.
Synthesis of Control Protocols for Autonomous Systems
Authors: Wongpiromsarn Tichakorn , Topcu Ufuk , Murray Richard M.
Published: May 2013

This article provides a review of control protocol synthesis techniques that incorporate methodologies from formal methods and control theory to provide correctness guarantee for different types of autonomous systems, including those with discrete and continuous state space. The correctness of the system is defined with respect to a given specification expressed as a formula in linear temporal logic to precisely describe the desired properties of the system. The formalism presented in this article admits nondeterminism, allowing uncertainties in the system to be captured. A particular emphasis is on alleviating some of the difficulties, e.g., heterogeneity in the underlying dynamics and computational complexity, that naturally arise in the construction of control protocols for autonomous systems.
Art history concepts at play with ThIATRO
Authors: Froschauer Josef , Merkl Dieter , Arends Max , Goldfarb Doron
Published: May 2013

Games have become an integral part of today's culture, most obviously among younger people. At the same time, learning games have proved that they can be a source of enjoyment and are, if well-made, powerful tools for communicating knowledge. For cultural heritage projects targeted to raising the awareness of the general public, the integration of interactivity and innovative storytelling techniques can be supporting elements to capture their target audiences' enthusiasm. In particular, games that deal with art history have particular flaws in integrating motivating elements. This observation led us to the development of the 3D online learning game, ThIATRO, that immerses the player an exhibition and, as a side-effect communicates knowledge of art history concepts to the player. Its playful approach not only increases motivation to learn but also raises interest in art history and cultural heritage in general. We provide an overview of the design ideas behind ThIATRO and summarize the results of evaluations conducted with a group of 14-year-old pupils in a classroom environment. The results indicate that ThIATRO changes the player's aesthetic response and allows him or her to perceive art on a deeper level.
Real-time GPU audio
Authors: Hsu Bill , Sosnick-Pérez Marc
Published: May 2013

Real-time finite difference-based sound synthesis using graphics processors.
ACM honors computing innovators
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: May 2013

ACM's awards celebrate achievements in networks, information retrieval, multi-agent systems, computer science education, versatile compiler technologies, and more.
Touch target optimization technique using virtual finger-tip library
Authors: Jain Ajay
Published: May 2013

Touch functionality is the latest mantra for consumers buying new smartphones or mobile devices. With devices screens becoming more compact, providing a user interface with easy navigation and effective usage is becoming increasingly difficult. Typically, the screens are designed using relevant design guidelines and work well for the general majority of people. However, every user is different. The way they handle the touch screen, the size of their finger-tips, everything is different. A single common UI design then fails to satisfy all the different users. Hence, there is a need to bridge the existing gap between the device UI screen design and the variances attached with users' touch inputs.

Our latest work1, discussed in this paper, solves this challenge to a significant extent by providing a library of virtual finger-tip entries. Each finger-tip entry in the library is pre-attached with a specific surface area attached to it. These finger-tips, although virtual, are provided with the functionality that they act as wearable objects for a device user. Once worn, the device owner need not worry about their actual finger-tip size (that is, the surface area of user's finger on the device screen). Irrespective of a user's actual finger-tip size, when you place your finger on any icon on the screen, it uses exactly the same surface area that the virtual finger-tip uses. Virtual finger-tip sizes are calculated dynamically based on the relative size interpretations from the actual finger-tip size and the touch inputs to the device. Multiple virtual finger tips options are listed in the library enabling a device user to select the most appropriate one depending on the touch target they plan to work on.
Development of a framework for test case prioritization using genetic algorithm
Authors: Malhotra Ruchika , Tiwari Divya
Published: May 2013

Software Testing is a time and effort consuming part of the software development life cycle. Retesting a software application during the maintenance phase, with the entire test suite and additional test cases for the modifications in the software, within budget and time, is a challenge for software testers. Test Case Prioritization is used to overcome this problem by prioritizing the test cases in order to maximize certain testing objectives like fault detection rate, statement coverage, etc. In this paper, we propose a framework for test case prioritization that emphasizes a new metric, APBC
m
(modified Average Percentage of Block Coverage). This metric evaluates the rate of code coverage by incorporating knowledge about the significance of blocks of code in the form of weights. We have used this metric as fitness evaluation function in a Genetic Algorithm in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a test case sequence. We have also developed a tool that implements the Genetic Algorithm in the Java language in order to compute and validate the results. Thereafter, we use the tool for test case prioritization, and compare and assess the results with those produced by the tool when APBC (Average Percentage of Block Coverage) is used as fitness function.
Observation of Surface Impurities in Pr0.1Ce0.9O2−δ Thin Films Following Optical Absorption Relaxation Measurements
Authors: Bishop Sean R. , Druce John , Kim Jae Jin , Kilner John A. , Tuller Harry L.
Published: May 2013

The authors use SIMS measurements to examine the composition of a Pr0.1Ce0.9O2−δ thin film following an oxygen surface exchange measurement via optical absorption relaxation. A significant concentration of impurities (Si, K, Na, and Ca) were observed to accumulate on the film surface, with a concentration profile extending approximately 60 nm into the film, following the high temperature measurements. This resulted in a significant decrease in the oxygen exchange coefficient, kex
. Potential sources for the impurities are discussed.
A-Site Diffusion in La1-xSrxMnO3: Ab Initio and Kinetic Monte Carlo Calculations
Authors: Puchala Brian , Lee Yueh-Lin , Morgan Dane
Published: May 2013

We have investigated the migration of La3+ and Sr2+ by an A-site vacancy (VA) mechanism in La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO). Ab initio calculations determine migration barriers of 2.96 eV and 2.42 eV, for La3+ and Sr2+, respectively, and that repulsion between Sr2+ and VA is well-described by a screened electrostatic potential of the form E = 2.8 exp(-0.2r)/r eV, (r being separation in Å). Using these results to parameterize kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) and analytical calculations for diffusion coefficients we find good agreement with experiment observations of A-site diffusivity in other perovskites. We use these results to consider the tendency for Sr2+ to kinetically demix.
Analysis of Electrical Conduction Mechanism of LaNi1-xMexO3-δ (Me = Fe, Mn)
Authors: Niwa Eiki , Maeda Hiroki , Uematsu Chie , Hashimoto Takuya
Published: May 2013

Electrical conduction mechanism of LaNi1-x
Fe
x
O3-δ
and LaNi1-x
Mn
x
O3+δ
, which are expected as Sr-free new cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells, was analyzed using measurements of electrical conductivity at high temperatures. Electrical conduction behaviors of both specimens can be well fitted into small polaron hopping conduction model. The electrical conductivity of LaNi1-x
Fe
x
O3-δ
increased with increasing Ni content, showing agreement of decrease of activation energy for hopping conduction. Almost constant activation energy irrespective of sintering temperature indicated that observed activation energy can be attributed to intraparticle conduction. The decrease of electrical conductivity and increase of activation energy of LaNi1-x
Mn
x
O3+δ
were observed with increasing Ni content for 0.6≤x≤1.0. Further Ni substitution increased electrical conductivity and decreased activation energy for 0.4≤x≤0.6. It can be suspected that the origin of the difference of electrical conduction behavior of LaNi1-x
Fe
x
O3-δ
and LaNi1-x
Mn
x
O3+δ
is difference of energy level of e
g band composed of Fe 3d and Mn 3d orbitals and their overlapping quantity with O 2p and Ni 3d band.
Current Compliance Circuit to Improve Variation in ON State Characteristics and to Minimize RESET Current
Authors: Shrestha Pragya R , Ochia Adaku , Cheung Kin P. , Campbell Jason P. , Vaz Canute , Kim Ji-Hong , Baumgart Helmut , Harris Gary
Published: May 2013

The wide distribution of ON and OFF values and high SET current in resistive memory is attributed to the high current overshoot during the SET process. In this paper we show a circuit which is capable of precisely limiting the current during SET process. The circuit can achieve an overshoot free SET current as low as 20 µA within 500 ps. This results in less than 200 µA of device RESET current while maintaining a relatively large RON/ROFF ratio greater than 104.
XPS and STEM Study of the Interface Formation between Ultra-Thin Ru and Ir OER Catalyst Layers and Perylene Red Support Whiskers
Authors: Atanasoska Liliana L , Cullen David A. , Hester Amy E. , Atanasoski Radoslav T.
Published: May 2013

The interface formation between perylene red (PR) and ruthenium or iridium OER catalysts has been studied systematically by XPS and STEM. The OER catalyst over-layers with thicknesses ranging from ~0.1 to ~50 nm were vapor deposited onto PR ex-situ. As seen by STEM, Ru and Ir form into nanoparticles, which agglomerate with increased loading. XPS data show a strong interaction between Ru and PR. Ir also interacts with PR although not to the extent seen for Ru. At low coverages, the entire Ru deposit is in the reacted state while a small portion of the deposited Ir remains metallic. Ru and Ir bonding occur at the PR carbonyl sites as evidenced by the attenuation of carbonyl photoemission and the emergence of new peak assigned to C-O single bond. The curve fitting analysis and the derived stoichiometry indicates the formation of metallo-organic bonds. The co-existence of oxide bonds is also apparent.
Synthesis and Spectroscopy of Nanoscale Y2O3:Nd3+ Phosphors
Authors: Bilir Gokhan , Ozen Gonul , Collins John , Di Bartolo B.
Published: May 2013

We report on the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of Y2O3:Nd3+ nano-powders synthesized by the thermal decomposition of yttrium alginate gels obtained by ionic gelation of yttrium salt solution and sodium alginate solution. The nano-powders were synthesized at 350, 400, 450 and 500 and annealed at 600, 800, 1000 and 1400. The cubic phase of the Y2O3 was confirmed, and the particle sizes range from 15 to 300 nm. For each sample we measured accurately the Nd3+ emission spectrum in a wide range of temperatures ranging from 35 to 300 K. We also measured the decay patterns of the excited Nd3+ ions following a pulsed excitation. These measurements were conducted in the same temperature range in order to fully characterize the samples examined. We have observed that these patterns vary considerably with the particle size, so that they may be considered signatures of these sizes.
Highly Reliable Encapsulation Films for OLEDs Composed of SiNx and SiOxCy Prepared Using SWP-CVD
Authors: Ueno Satoko , Yomogida Mamoru , Suzuki Masayasu , Konishi Yoshiyuki , Azuma Kazufumi
Published: May 2013

We previously succeeded in developing a highly transparent, water impermeable SiNx film for organic light-emitting displays using a surface-wave-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system (SWP-CVD). In this report, we examine multilayer structures consisting of SiNx layers and newly developed SiOxCy layers. The SiOxCy layer could be prepared at a high deposition rate of more than 40 nm/s by a plasma polymerization method using the same SWP-CVD reactor. The SiOxCy layer acts as both a defect decoupling layer and a particle buried layer. A highly reliable barrier performance was realized with the multilayer structure; in the acceleration test of 85°C and 85% relative humidity, the lifetime of the organic light emitting diode with thin-film encapsulation was more than 1,000 h.
Three Dimentional Graphene-CNTs Foam Architectures for Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Shirui , Ruiz Isaac , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: May 2013

Electrochemical capacitors are promising alternative energy storage systems dueto their relatively fast rate of energy storage and delivery. We describe a simple andscalable method to grow three-dimensional (3D) graphene/multi-wall carbon nanotubes(MWNTs) hybrid nanostructure on industrially used foamed metal foils (nickel foam) viaa one-step ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). The as-growngraphene/MWNTs carbon nanostructure foam demonstrates a homogeneous and denselypacked hierarchical nanostructure and possesses a high surface area which can bepotentially used for the electrodes of energy storage devices such as supercapacitors andbattery. Symmetrical electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) ofgraphene/MWNTs nanostructures shows a high specific capacitance of 286 F g-1 whichleads to an energy density of 39.72 Wh kg-1 and a superior power density of up to 154.67kW kg-1. Moreover, the capacitance retention of ~100% after 11000 charge-dischargecycles demonstrates the high stability of the material for electrodes of supercapacitor.These merits enable the innovative 3D hierarchical graphene/MWNTs foam to serve asEDLC electrodes, resulting in energy storage devices with high stability and powerdensity.
Gel-Based Activated Carbon Electrode For Supercapacitors
Authors: Jouille Victor , Galindo Christophe , Paté Michel , Le Barny Pierre , Pham Thi Mai
Published: May 2013

Gel-based activated carbon electrodes were prepared from a mixture of colloidal silica and activated carbon powder in an aqueous LiNO3 3M electrolyte. These gel-based electrodes were extruded onto graphite current collector. Flexible Electrochemical double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs), also called supercapacitors, were assembled from these electrodes, a cellulose separator and encapsulated by PET films. EDLCs prototypes of 4 cm2 exhibit a capacitance of 0.32 F, a specific capacitance of 94 F.g-1, an energy density of 5.2 Wh.kg-1 and a charge density of 8.7 Ah.kg-1.
(Invited) Insights into SOFC Ni/YSZ Anode Degradation Using In-Situ Spectrochronopotentiometrys
Authors: Kirtley John D. , McIntyre Melissa D. , Halat David M. , Walker Robert A.
Published: May 2013

Correlating real time, in situ spectroscopic observations with electrochemical performance provides insight into Ni-YSZ anode degradation mechanisms in operational solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs). Experiments described in this work monitored the growth of Ni oxide as H2 fuel was eliminated but the SOFC was still forced to operate with a constant load. This condition required that the SOFC consume anode material, converting Ni to NiO and leading to large changes in cell overpotential. Growth of NiO was monitored with in situ vibrational Raman scattering, and the rate of NiO growth was compared to the cell overpotential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. NiO growth occurred in two distinct steps that match steep jumps in cell overpotential. From these data, we infer how overpotential depends on both electrical and ionic conductivity through the cermet anode. Additional insight into anode degradation via carbon coking are also discussed using a similar procedure.
Chemical Densification of Oxide Based Coatings for High Temperature Wear and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Masset Patrick J. , Faulstich Martin , Fehr Karl Thomas , Weih Christoph , Wolf Gerhard , Ye Yaping
Published: May 2013

Solvo-thermal treatment was used to chemically densify thermalsprayed oxide based coatings. This allows to reduce significantlyits porosity whilst it improves the cohesion and hardness. As aconsequence, this leads to a better thermal shock and wearresistance. This innovative process has been successfully used toimprove the corrosion resistance against liquid aluminum alloyswhere coatings face combined chemical, thermal and mechanicalloads.
C1 neurons: the body's EMTs
Authors: Guyenet Patrice G. , Stornetta Ruth L. , Bochorishvili Genrieta , DePuy Seth D. , Burke Peter G. R. , Abbott Stephen B. G.
Published: May 2013

The C1 neurons reside in the rostral and intermediate portions of the ventrolateral medulla (RVLM, IVLM). They use glutamate as a fast transmitter and synthesize catecholamines plus various neuropeptides. These neurons regulate the hypothalamic pituitary axis via direct projections to the paraventricular nucleus and regulate the autonomic nervous system via projections to sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The presympathetic C1 cells, located in the RVLM, are probably organized in a roughly viscerotopic manner and most of them regulate the circulation. C1 cells are variously activated by hypoglycemia, infection or inflammation, hypoxia, nociception, and hypotension and contribute to most glucoprivic responses. C1 cells also stimulate breathing and activate brain stem noradrenergic neurons including the locus coeruleus. Based on the various effects attributed to the C1 cells, their axonal projections and what is currently known of their synaptic inputs, subsets of C1 cells appear to be differentially recruited by pain, hypoxia, infection/inflammation, hemorrhage, and hypoglycemia to produce a repertoire of stereotyped autonomic, metabolic, and neuroendocrine responses that help the organism survive physical injury and its associated cohort of acute infection, hypoxia, hypotension, and blood loss. C1 cells may also contribute to glucose and cardiovascular homeostasis in the absence of such physical stresses, and C1 cell hyperactivity may contribute to the increase in sympathetic nerve activity associated with diseases such as hypertension.
Sestrin-2 and BNIP3 regulate autophagy and mitophagy in renal tubular cells in acute kidney injury
Authors: Ishihara Masayuki , Urushido Madoka , Hamada Kazu , Matsumoto Tatsuki , Shimamura Yoshiko , Ogata Koji , Inoue Kosuke , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Horino Taro , Fujieda Mikiya , Fujimoto Shimpei , Terada Yoshio
Published: May 2013

Autophagy is a cellular recycling process induced in response to many types of stress. However, little is known of the signaling pathways that regulate autophagy during acute kidney injury (AKI). Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein (BNIP)3 and sestrin-2 are the target proteins of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and p53, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of BNIP3 and sestrin-2 in oxidative stress-induced autophagy during AKI. We used rat ischemia-reperfusion injury and cultured renal tubular (NRK-52E) cells as in vivo and in vitro models of AKI, respectively. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury upregulated the expression of BNIP3 and sestrin-2 in the proximal tubules, as measured by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. In vitro, NRK-52E cells exposed to hypoxia showed increased expression of BNIP3 mRNA and protein in a HIF-1α-dependent manner. In contrast, sestrin-2 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in a p53-dependent manner after exposure to oxidative stress (exogenous H2O2). NRK-52E cells stably transfected with a fusion protein between green fluorescent protein and light chain 3 were used to investigate autophagy. Overexpression of BNIP3 or sestrin-2 in these cells induced light chain 3 expression and formation of autophagosomes. Interestingly, BNIP3-induced autophagosomes were mainly localized to the mitochondria, suggesting that this protein selectively induces mitophagy. These observations demonstrate that autophagy is induced in renal tubules by at least two independent pathways involving p53-sestrin-2 and HIF-1α-BNIP3, which may be activated by different types of stress to protect the renal tubules during AKI.
Motor unit pool organization examined via spike-triggered averaging of the surface electromyogram
Authors: Hu Xiaogang , Rymer William Z. , Suresh Nina L.
Published: May 2013

Voluntary muscle force control is accomplished both by recruitment of motor units (MUs) and by firing rate modulation of active MUs. Typically, MU recruitment and firing rate organization is assessed using piecemeal intramuscular recordings drawn from different experiments, or even from different subjects. As a consequence, it is often difficult to assemble a systematic description of the relations between the different MU properties relevant to the control of muscle force. To address this gap, the objective of our current study was to characterize recruitment and firing rate organization of multiple MUs of differing action potential size, recorded simultaneously from the first dorsal interosseous muscle of intact human subjects, using a recently developed surface electromyogram (EMG) sensor array recording and decomposition system (Delsys). We sought to assess the relation between putative MU size and the recruitment and firing properties for these MUs, recorded at different muscle contraction levels. Spike-triggered averaging (STA) of the surface EMG was performed to estimate the action potential sizes using the firing times of discriminated MUs as the event triggers. The results show that the size principle, which relates MU size to recruitment rank order, was clearly evident during individual force contractions. In addition, the mean firing rate across MUs decreased with increasing size of the MU action potential and was also inversely proportional to the recruitment threshold force. We propose that surface EMG recordings together with advanced decomposition systems, combined with STA methods, may provide an efficient way to systematically examine MU pool organizational properties.
Fractional Sums and Differences with Binomial Coefficients
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Baleanu Dumitru , Jarad Fahd , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: May 2013

In fractional calculus, there are two approaches to obtain fractional derivatives. The first approach is by iterating the integral and then defining a fractional order by using Cauchy formula to obtain Riemann fractional integrals and derivatives. The second approach is by iterating the derivative and then defining a fractional order by making use of the binomial theorem to obtain Grünwald-Letnikov fractional derivatives. In this paper we formulate the delta and nabla discrete versions for left and right fractional integrals and derivatives representing the second approach. Then, we use the discrete version of the Q-operator and some discrete fractional dual identities to prove that the presented fractional differences and sums coincide with the discrete Riemann ones describing the first approach.
Autism, Processing Speed, and Adaptive Functioning in Preschool Children
Authors: Hedvall Åsa , Fernell Elisabeth , Holm Anette , Åsberg Johnels Jakob , Gillberg Christopher , Billstedt Eva
Published: May 2013

Objectives. To study cognitive test profiles with a focus on processing speed in a representative group of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and relate processing speed to adaptive functioning. Methods. Cognitive assessments were performed in 190 3.6–6.6‐year‐old children (164 boys and 26 girls) with ASD, using either Griffiths′ developmental scales (n = 77) or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Third Edition (WPPSI‐III) (n = 113). Cognitive data were related to adaptive functioning as measured by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Results. Cognitive profiles were characterized by low verbal skills. Low processing speed quotients (PSQs) were found in 66 (78%) of the 85 children who were able to participate in the processing speed subtests. Except for Socialization, all VABS domains (Communication, Motor Skills, Daily Living Skills, and Adaptive Behavior Composite scores) correlated significantly with PSQ. Multiple regression analysis showed that PSQ predicted 38%, 35%, 34%, and 37% of the variance for Communication, Daily Living Skills, Motor Skills, and total Adaptive Composite scores, respectively. Conclusion. Preschool children with ASD had uneven cognitive profiles with low verbal skills, and, relatively, even lower PSQs. Except for Socialization, adaptive functioning was predicted to a considerable degree by PSQ.
Epidemiological Study of Hospital‐Acquired Bacterial Conjunctivitis in a Level III Neonatal Unit
Authors: Dias Catarina , Gonçalves Márcia , João Anabela
Published: May 2013

Background. Conjunctivitis is one of the most frequently occurring hospital‐acquired infections among neonates, although it is less studied than potentially life‐threatening infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia.
Objectives. The aims of our work were to identify epidemiologic characteristics, pathogens, and susceptibility patterns of bacterial hospital‐acquired conjunctivitis (HAC) in a level III neonatal unit. Materials and Methods. Data were collected retrospectively from patient charts and laboratory databases. Hospital‐acquired conjunctivitis was defined in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control/National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) diagnostic criteria.
Results. One or more episodes of HAC were diagnosed in 4,0% (n = 60) of 1492 neonates admitted during the study period. Most of the episodes involved premature (75,4%) and low birth weight (75,4%) neonates. Infection rates were higher among patients undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (46,7%), parenteral nutrition (13,6%), and phototherapy (6,8%). Predominant pathogens included Serratia marcescens (27,9%), Escherichia coli (23%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%). Susceptibility patterns revealed bacterial resistances to several antibiotic classes. Gentamicin remains the adequate choice for empirical treatment of HAC in our NICU. Conclusion. It is important to know the local patterns of the disease in order to adjust prevention strategies. Our work contributes to the epidemiological characterization of a sometimes overlooked disease.
Assessment of Climate Change Vulnerability at the Local Level: A Case Study on the Dniester River Basin (Moldova)
Authors: Corobov Roman , Sîrodoev Igor , Koeppel Sonja , Denisov Nickolai , Sîrodoev Ghennadi
Published: May 2013

Vulnerability to climate change of the Moldavian part of the Dniester river was assessed as the function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of its basin’s natural and socioeconomic systems. As a spatial “scale” of the assessment, Moldova’s administrative‐territorial units (ATUs) were selected. The exposure assessment was based on the climatic analysis of baseline (1971–2000) temperature and precipitation and projections of their changes in 2021–2050, separately for cold and warm periods. The sensitivity assessment included physiographical and socioeconomic characteristics, described by a set of specific indicators. The adaptive capacity was expressed by general economic and agricultural indicators, taking into consideration the medical provision and housing conditions. Through a ranking approach, the relative vulnerability of each ATU was calculated by summing its sensitivity and adaptive capacity ranks; the latter were obtained as combinations of their primary indicator ranks, arranged in an increasing and decreasing order, respectively. Due to lack of sound knowledge on these components′ importance in overall assessment of vulnerability, their weights were taken as conventionally equal. Mapping of vulnerability revealed that ATUs neighboring to municipalities are the most vulnerable and need special attention in climate change adaptation. The basin’s “hotspots” were discussed with public participation.
Life-Threatening Complications of Hormonal Contraceptives: A Case History
Authors: Khan Saheed , Smulders Yvo M. , de Vries Johanna I. P. , Spoelstra-de Man Angélique M. E.
Published: May 2013

We present a case with the rare combination of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications of oral contraceptives. A healthy 40-year-old woman suffered from cardiac arrest due to massive pulmonary embolism, caused by oral contraceptives and immobilization during a flight. After successful resuscitation, obstructive shock necessitated thrombolysis and thereafter heparin. Anticoagulation was complicated by internal bleeding from contraceptive related hepatic adenoma. She underwent arterial embolisation, and anticoagulation was continued. On day 18, she was discharged in a good condition. Hepatic adenomas are a potential source of internal bleeding in women using oral contraceptives requiring anticoagulation. Signs of internal bleeding in such patients should prompt immediate abdominal ultrasound examination.
Some Analogies of the Banach Contraction Principle in Fuzzy Modular Spaces
Authors: Wongkum Kittipong , Chaipunya Parin , Kumam Poom
Published: May 2013

We established some theorems under the aim of deriving variants of the Banach contraction principle, using the classes of inner contractions and outer contractions, on the structure of fuzzy modular spaces.
Cantilever Beam Metal-Contact MEMS Switch
Authors: Emhemmed Adel Saad , Aburwein Abdulmagid A.
Published: May 2013

We present a new design of a miniature RF microelectromechanical system (MEMS) metal-contact switch and investigate various aspects associated with lowering the pull-down voltage and overcoming the stiction problem. Lowering the pull-down voltage in this design is based on reducing the spring constant by changing the cantilever beam geometry of the RF MEMS switch, and the stiction problem is overcome by a simple integrated method using two tiny posts located on the substrate at the free end of the cantilever beam.
Prenylated Flavonoids fromMorus albaL. Cause Inhibition of G1/S Transition in THP-1 Human Leukemia Cells and Prevent the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response
Authors: Kollar Peter , Bárta Tomáš , Hošek Jan , Souček Karel , Závalová Veronika Müller , Artinian Shushan , Talhouk Rabih , Šmejkal Karel , Suchý Pavel , Hampl Aleš
Published: May 2013

Morus albaL. (MA) is a natural source of many compounds with different biological effects. It has been described to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity of three flavonoids isolated from MA (kuwanon E, cudraflavone B, and4′-O-methylkuwanon E) and to determine their effects on proliferation of THP-1 cells, and on cell cycle progression of cancer cells. Anti-inflammatory effects were also determined for all three given flavonoids. Methods used in the study included quantification of cells by hemocytometer and WST-1 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA, and zymography. From the three compounds tested, cudraflavone B showed the strongest effects on cell cycle progression and viability of tumor and/or immortalized cells and also on inflammatory response of macrophage-like cells. Kuwanon E and4′-O-methylkuwanon E exerted more sophisticated rather than direct toxic effect on used cell types. Our data indicate that mechanisms different from stress-related or apoptotic signaling pathways are involved in the action of these compounds. Although further studies are required to precisely define the mechanisms of MA flavonoid action in human cancer and macrophage-like cells, here we demonstrate their effects combining antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively.
Characterization of Dendritic Cell and Regulatory T Cell Functions againstMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Morris Devin , Gonzalez Brenda , Khurasany Melissa , Kassissa Christine , Luong Jennifer , Kasko Sarah , Pandya Shalin , Chu Michael , Chi Po-Ting , Bui Steven , Guerra Carlos , Chan John , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: May 2013

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide that regulates intracellular redox and other vital aspects of cellular functions. GSH plays a major role in enhancing the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen presenting cells that participate in both innate and acquired immune responses against microbial infections. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a significant role in immune homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of GSH in enhancing the innate and adaptive immune functions of DCs againstMycobacterium tuberculosis(M. tb) infection. We also characterized the functions of the sub-populations of CD4+T cells such as Tregs and non-Tregs in modulating the ability of monocytes to control the intracellularM. tbinfection. Our results indicate that GSH by its direct antimycobacterial activity inhibits the growth of intracellularM. tbinside DCs. GSH also increases the expressions of costimulatory molecules such as HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86 on the cell surface of DCs. Furthermore, GSH-enhanced DCs induced a higher level of T-cell proliferation. We also observed that enhancing the levels of GSH in Tregs resulted in downregulation in the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βand reduction in the fold growth ofM. tbinside monocytes. Our studies demonstrate novel regulatory mechanisms that favor both innate and adaptive control ofM. tbinfection.
Susceptibility Weighted Imaging as a Useful Imaging Adjunct in Hemichorea Hyperglycaemia
Authors: Dharsono Ferry , Thompson Andrew , van Heerden Jolandi , Cheung Andrew
Published: May 2013

Hyperglycaemia with hemichorea (HGHC) is an unusual clinical entity that can be associated with corpus striatum hyperintensity on T1-weighted (T1W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. We report the utility of the susceptibility weighted image (SWI) sequence and the filtered phase SWI sequence in the imaging assessment of HGHC.