bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonism of Lidocaine Inhibition by Open-Channel Blockers That Generate Resurgent Na Current
Authors: Bant Jason S. , Aman Teresa K. , Raman Indira M.
Published: March 2013

Na channels that generate resurgent current express an intracellular endogenous open-channel blocking protein, whose rapid binding upon depolarization and unbinding upon repolarization minimizes fast and slow inactivation. Na channels also bind exogenous compounds, such as lidocaine, which functionally stabilize inactivation. Like the endogenous blocking protein, these use-dependent inhibitors bind most effectively at depolarized potentials, raising the question of how lidocaine-like compounds affect neurons with resurgent Na current. We therefore recorded lidocaine inhibition of voltage-clamped, tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na currents in mouse Purkinje neurons, which express a native blocking protein, and in mouse hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons with and without a peptide from the cytoplasmic tail of NaVβ4 (the β4 peptide), which mimics endogenous open-channel block. To control channel states during drug exposure, lidocaine was applied with rapid-solution exchange techniques during steps to specific voltages. Inhibition of Na currents by lidocaine was diminished by either the β4 peptide or the native blocking protein. In peptide-free CA3 cells, prolonging channel opening with a site-3 toxin, anemone toxin II, reduced lidocaine inhibition; this effect was largely occluded by open-channel blockers, suggesting that lidocaine binding is favored by inactivation but prevented by open-channel block. In constant 100 μmlidocaine, current-clamped Purkinje cells continued to fire spontaneously. Similarly, the β4 peptide reduced lidocaine-dependent suppression of spiking in CA3 neurons in slices. Thus, the open-channel blocking protein responsible for resurgent current acts as a natural antagonist of lidocaine. Neurons with resurgent current may therefore be less susceptible to use-dependent Na channel inhibitors used as local anesthetic, antiarrhythmic, and anticonvulsant drugs.
A superactive leptin antagonist alters metabolism and locomotion in high-leptin mice
Authors: Chapnik Nava , Solomon Gili , Genzer Yoni , Miskin Ruth , Gertler Arieh , Froy Oren
Published: March 2013

Transgenic alpha murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (αMUPA) mice are resistant to obesity and their locomotor activity is altered. As these mice have high leptin levels, our objective was to test whether leptin is responsible for these characteristics. αMUPA, their genetic background control (FVB/N), and C57BL mice were injected s.c. every other day with 20 mg/kg pegylated superactive mouse leptin antagonist (PEG-SMLA) for 6 weeks. We tested the effect of PEG-SMLA on body weight, locomotion, and bone health. The antagonist led to a rapid increase in body weight and subsequent insulin resistance in all treated mice. Food intake of PEG-SMLA-injected animals increased during the initial period of the experiment but then declined to a similar level to that of the control animals. Interestingly, αMUPA mice were found to have reduced bone volume (BV) than FVB/N mice, although PEG-SMLA increased bone mass in both strains. In addition, PEG-SMLA led to disrupted locomotor activity and increased corticosterone levels in C57BL but decreased levels in αMUPA or FVB/N mice. These results suggest that leptin is responsible for the lean phenotype and reduced BV in αMUPA mice; leptin affects corticosterone levels in mice in a strain-specific manner; and leptin alters locomotor activity, a behavior determined by the central circadian clock.
Effects of Halosulfuron POST on Sweetpotato Yield and Storage Root Quality
Authors: Dittmar Peter J. , Monks David W. , Jennings Katherine M. , Schultheis Jonathan R.
Published: March 2013

Field studies were conducted to determine the effect of halosulfuron at 0, 13, 26, 39 or 52 g ha−1 applied 10, 22, and 31 d after planting (DAP) on ‘Beauregard' and ‘Covington' sweetpotato. Storage roots were harvested, graded, cured, and stored in controlled environment for 2 mo. Where injury on storage roots was observed, external injury occurred on the surface of the storage root as a blackened area with blistering and internal injury consisted of small red-brown spots inside the sweetpotato storage root. Total yield of sweetpotato with 13 g ha−1 halosulfuron treatment (155,157 kg ha−1) was similar to the nontreated check (162,002 kg ha−1). However, halosulfuron rates above 13 g ha−1 resulted in a reduction of marketable grade roots and total yield of sweetpotato. Regardless of rate and timing of halosulfuron, external and internal injury to Beauregard storage roots was less than 6 and 9%, respectively. No external injury to Covington was observed from all rates of halosulfuron applied POST at 10 DAP. Halosulfuron at 22 DAP to Covington caused greater external injury to storage roots than was observed on the nontreated. Thus, Beauregard appears more tolerant to halosulfuron POST than Covington. To minimize internal or external injury to storage roots of Covington, halosulfuron must be applied within 10 DAP.
Interaction between Preemergence Ethofumesate and Postemergence Glyphosate
Authors: Kniss Andrew R. , Odero Dennis C.
Published: March 2013

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine whether PRE-applied ethofumesate increased POST spray retention and weed control with glyphosate. In greenhouse studies, ethofumesate was applied PRE at rates from 0 to 224 g ai ha−1followed by POST treatment with either water or glyphosate (840 g ae ha−1) to which a red dye had been added. Plants were immediately washed and spray retention determined spectrophotometrically. Common lambsquarters retained more glyphosate solution compared to water, regardless of PRE ethofumesate rate. Increasing the rate of PRE ethofumesate increased the POST spray retention of both water and glyphosate. PRE application of ethofumesate increased POST spray retention of water by 114% and glyphosate solution by 18% compared to no ethofumesate treatment as determined by nonlinear regression. Ethofumesate rates of 90 g ha−1increased POST spray retention to at least 95% of the total observed response. In field studies, common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and hairy nightshade densities were all reduced by ethofumesate, although the duration of ethofumesate effect varied by species and ethofumesate application timing. PRE ethofumesate had no significant effect on hairy nightshade density until after POST glyphosate was applied, whereas common lambsquarters densities were most affected by PRE ethofumesate early in the season. Late-season redroot pigweed density was reduced by ethofumesate regardless of application timing.
Best constants for metric space inversion inequalities
Authors: Buckley Stephen , Hamza Safia
Published: March 2013

For every metric space (X, d) and origin o ∈ X, we show the inequality I
o(x, y) ≤ 2d
o(x, y), where I
o(x, y) = d(x, y)/d(x, o)d(y, o) is the metric space inversion semimetric, d
o is a metric subordinate to I
o, and x, y ∈ X \ {o} The constant 2 is best possible.
Some remarks on the stability of the multi-Jensen equation
Authors: Schwaiger Jens
Published: March 2013

First a stability result of Prager-Schwaiger [Prager W., Schwaiger J., Stability of the multi-Jensen equation, Bull. Korean Math. Soc., 2008, 45(1), 133–142] is generalized by admitting more general domains of the involved function and by allowing the bound to be not constant. Next a result by Cieplinski [Cieplinski K., On multi-Jensen functions and Jensen difference, Bull. Korean Math. Soc., 2008, 45(4), 729–737] is discussed. Finally a characterization of the completeness of a normed space in terms of stability requirements for multi-Jensen functions is presented.
The Status of Thyroid Hormones in Iron Deficient Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Shaheen , Naher Zeba-un , Pervin Shamima , Nahar Kamrun , Ali Muktar , Bashar Tahmina , Arslan M Iqbal
Published: March 2013

To determine the relation between iron deficiency and the status of thyroid hormones in iron deficient patients. This case control study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), during July 2006 to the June, 2007. Iron deficiency patient was considered as case a healthy control subject was considered as control. A total of 80 subjects were selected for study from those who were attended in out patient department of the above mentioned hospital were enrolled in this study. The mean (±SD) age of case and control were 33.48±11.03 years and 35.40±12.30 years with the range of 16-60 years and 15-60 years respectively. Male female ratio was 1:1.6 in the whole study subjects. Hemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin concentration were significantly (p<0.05) higher in control group but serum TSH level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in case group, however, serum FT3 was almost similar between case and control groups. In iron deficient patients, serum ferritin had no significant negative correlation (r=-0212; p>0.05) with serum TSH and no correlation with serum FT4 concentrations and serum FT3 concentration which were (r=0.055; p>0.05) and (r=0.147; p>0.05) respectively. In control subjects, serum ferritin revealed that there was significant negative correlation (r=-0.337; p<0.05) serum TSH. However, serum ferritin with serum FT4 concentration and serum ferritin with serum FT3 level showed no statistically significant correlation which were (r=0.283; p>0.05) and (r=0.145; p>0.05) respectively. On the other hand, there were no significant (p>0.05) correlation of hemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin with serum TSH, free T3 and free T4 concentrations both in case and control group. There were no significant (p>0.05) difference among serum TSH, free T3 and free T4 concentrations between male and female in both groups. Serum TSH level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in iron deficient patients and no significant negative correlation, serum ferritin level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v24i1.13941 Medicine TODAY Vol.24(1) 2012 pp.1-4
Impact of Diabetic Mellitus on the Effect of Streptokinase in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Uddin Md Faruque , Hoque AK Fazlul
Published: March 2013

A prospective interventional study was carried out to compare  the thrombolytic effect of streptokinase between diabetic and  non-diabetic myocardial infarction patients. Out of 187 study  subjects with acute ST segment elevation myocardial  infarction (STEMI), admitted at coronary care unit, 126  patients were non-diabetic and 61 patients were diabetic.  Streptokinase was administered to all patients. Resolution  (reduction) of elevated ST segment was evaluated after 90 min  of streptokinase administration. Successful reperfusion  (=70% ST-resolution) was significantly higher in  non-diabetic than diabetic (p<0.001), while failed reperfusion  (<30% ST resolution) was significantly higher in diabetic  patients (p<0.001). It may be concluded that diabetes mellitus  might affect the thrombolytic outcome of acute myocardial  infarction patients with diabetes mellitus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v24i1.14108 Medicine TODAY Vol.24(1) 2012 pp.16-19
Attosecond Hard X-ray Free Electron Laser
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kang Heung-Sik , Kim Dong-Eon
Published: March 2013

In this paper, several schemes of soft X-ray and hard X-ray free electron lasers (XFEL) and their progress are reviewed. Self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) schemes, the high gain harmonic generation (HGHG) scheme and various enhancement schemes through seeding and beam manipulations are discussed, especially in view of the generation of attosecond X-ray pulses. Our recent work on the generation of attosecond hard X-ray pulses is also discussed. In our study, the enhanced SASE scheme is utilized, using electron beam parameters of an XFEL under construction at Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL). Laser, chicane and electron beam parameters are optimized to generate an isolated attosecond hard X-ray pulse at 0.1 nm (12.4 keV). The simulations show that the manipulation of electron energy beam profile may lead to the generation of an isolated attosecond hard X-ray of 150 attosecond pulse at 0.1 nm.
Epitaxial Graphene and Graphene–Based Devices Studied by Electrical Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Kazakova Olga , Panchal Vishal , Burnett Tim
Published: March 2013

We present local electrical characterization of epitaxial graphene grown on both Si- and C-faces of 4H-SiC using Electrostatic Force Microscopy and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy in ambient conditions and at elevated temperatures. These techniques provide a straightforward identification of graphene domains with various thicknesses on the substrate where topographical determination is hindered by adsorbates and SiC terraces. We also use Electrostatic Force Spectroscopy which allows quantitative surface potential measurements with high spatial resolution. Using these techniques, we study evolution of a layer of atmospheric water as a function of temperature, which is accompanied by a significant change of the absolute surface potential difference. We show that the nanoscale wettability of the material is strongly dependent on the number of graphene layers, where hydrophobicity increases with graphene thickness. We also use micron-sized graphene Hall bars with gold electrodes to calibrate work function of the electrically conductive probe and precisely and quantitatively define the work functions for single- and double-layer graphene.
Preparation and Doping Mode of Doped LiMn2O4 for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Qiuling , Wang Shengping , Tan Haibo , Yang Zhigao , Zeng Jian
Published: March 2013

Spinel LiMn2O4 is an appealing candidate cathode material for Li-ion rechargeable batteries, but it suffers from severe capacity fading, especially at higher temperature (55 °C) during discharging/charging. In recent years, many attempts have been made to synthesize modified LiMn2O4. This paper reviews the recent research on the preparation and doping modes of doped LiMn2O4 for modifying the LiMn2O4. We firstly compared preparation methods for doped spinel LiMn2O4, such as solid state reactions and solution synthetic methods. Then we mainly discuss doping modes reported in recent years, such as bulk doping, surface doping and combined doping. A comparison of different doping modes is also provided. The research shows that the multiple-ion doping and combined doping modes of LiMn2O4 used in Li-ion battery are excellent for improving different aspects of the electrochemical performance which holds great promise in the future. From this paper, we also can see that spinel LiMnO4 as an attractive candidate cathode material for Li-ion batteries.
Analysis of Naturally Occurring Phenolic Compounds in Aromatic Plants by RP-HPLC Coupled to Diode Array Detector (DAD) and GC-MS after Silylation
Authors: Proestos Charalampos , Komaitis Michael
Published: March 2013

The following aromatic plants of Greek origin, Origanum dictamnus (dictamus), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), Mellisa officinalis L. (balm mint) and Sideritis cretica (mountain tea), were examined for the content of phenolic substances. Reversed phase HPLC coupled to diode array detector (DAD) was used for the analysis of the plant extracts. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method (GC-MS) was also used for identification of phenolic compounds after silylation. The most abundant phenolic acids were: gallic acid (1.5–2.6 mg/100 g dry sample), ferulic acid (0.34–6.9 mg/100 g dry sample) and caffeic acid (1.0–13.8 mg/100 g dry sample). (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin were the main flavonoids identified in oregano and mountain tea. Quercetin was detected only in eucalyptus and mountain tea.
Development and Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Markers from Two Transcriptome 454-Runs of Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Using High-Throughput Genotyping
Authors: Vera Manuel , Alvarez-Dios Jose-Antonio , Fernandez Carlos , Bouza Carmen , Vilas Roman , Martinez Paulino
Published: March 2013

The turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) is a commercially valuable flatfish and one of the most promising aquaculture species in Europe. Two transcriptome 454-pyrosequencing runs were used in order to detect Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to immune response and gonad differentiation. A total of 866 true SNPs were detected in 140 different contigs representing 262,093 bp as a whole. Only one true SNP was analyzed in each contig. One hundred and thirteen SNPs out of the 140 analyzed were feasible (genotyped), while Ш were polymorphic in a wild population. Transition/transversion ratio (1.354) was similar to that observed in other fish studies. Unbiased gene diversity (He) estimates ranged from 0.060 to 0.510 (mean = 0.351), minimum allele frequency (MAF) from 0.030 to 0.500 (mean = 0.259) and all loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. A large number of SNPs (49) were located in the coding region, 33 representing synonymous and 16 non-synonymous changes. Most SNP-containing genes were related to immune response and gonad differentiation processes, and could be candidates for functional changes leading to phenotypic changes. These markers will be useful for population screening to look for adaptive variation in wild and domestic turbot.
Structure, Function and Networks of Transcription Factors Involved in Abiotic Stress Responses
Authors: Lindemose Søren , O'Shea Charlotte , Jensen Michael , Skriver Karen
Published: March 2013

Transcription factors (TFs) are master regulators of abiotic stress responses in plants. This review focuses on TFs from seven major TF families, known to play functional roles in response to abiotic stresses, including drought, high salinity, high osmolarity, temperature extremes and the phytohormone ABA. Although ectopic expression of several TFs has improved abiotic stress tolerance in plants, fine-tuning of TF expression and protein levels remains a challenge to avoid crop yield loss. To further our understanding of TFs in abiotic stress responses, emerging gene regulatory networks based on TFs and their direct targets genes are presented. These revealed components shared between ABA-dependent and independent signaling as well as abiotic and biotic stress signaling. Protein structure analysis suggested that TFs hubs of large interactomes have extended regions with protein intrinsic disorder (ID), referring to their lack of fixed tertiary structures. ID is now an emerging topic in plant science. Furthermore, the importance of the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation systems and modification by sumoylation is also apparent from the interactomes. Therefore; TF interaction partners such as E3 ubiquitin ligases and TF regions with ID represent future targets for engineering improved abiotic stress tolerance in crops.
Helicusin E, Isochromophilone X and Isochromophilone XI: New Chloroazaphilones Produced by the Fungus Bartalinia robillardoides Strain LF550
Authors: Jansen Nils , Ohlendorf Birgit , Erhard Arlette , Bruhn Torsten , Bringmann Gerhard , Imhoff Johannes
Published: March 2013

Microbial studies of the Mediterranean sponge Tethya aurantium led to the isolation of the fungus Bartalinia robillardoides strain LF550. The strain produced a number of secondary metabolites belonging to the chloroazaphilones. This is the first report on the isolation of chloroazaphilones of a fungal strain belonging to the genus Bartalinia. Besides some known compounds (helicusin A (1) and deacetylsclerotiorin (2)), three new chloroazaphilones (helicusin E (3); isochromophilone X (4) and isochromophilone XI (5)) and one new pentaketide (bartanolide (6)) were isolated. The structure elucidations were based on spectroscopic analyses. All isolated compounds revealed different biological activity spectra against a test panel of four bacteria: three fungi; two tumor cell lines and two enzymes.
Effects of Micromachining Processes on Electro-Osmotic Flow Mobility of Glass Surfaces
Authors: Koga Yosuke , Kuriyama Reiko , Sato Yohei , Hishida Koichi , Miki Norihisa
Published: March 2013

Silica glass is frequently used as a device material for micro/nano fluidic devices due to its excellent properties, such as transparency and chemical resistance. Wet etching by hydrofluoric acid and dry etching by neutral loop discharge (NLD) plasma etching are currently used to micromachine glass to form micro/nano fluidic channels. Electro-osmotic flow (EOF) is one of the most effective methods to drive liquids into the channels. EOF mobility is affected by a property of the micromachined glass surfaces, which includes surface roughness that is determined by the manufacturing processes. In this paper, we investigate the effect of micromaching processes on the glass surface topography and the EOF mobility. We prepared glass surfaces by either wet etching or by NLD plasma etching, investigated the surface topography using atomic force microscopy, and attempted to correlate it with EOF generated in the micro-channels of the machined glass. Experiments revealed that the EOF mobility strongly depends on the surface roughness, and therefore upon the fabrication process used. A particularly strong dependency was observed when the surface roughness was on the order of the electric double layer thickness or below. We believe that the correlation described in this paper can be of great help in the design of micro/nano fluidic devices.
Influence of Amino Acids, Dietary Protein, and Physical Activity on Muscle Mass Development in Humans
Authors: Dideriksen Kasper , Reitelseder Søren , Holm Lars
Published: March 2013

Ingestion of protein is crucial for maintenance of a variety of body functions and within the scope of this review we will specifically focus on the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. A quantitative limitation exists as to how much muscle protein the body can synthesize in response to protein intake. Ingestion of excess protein exerts an unwanted load to the body and therefore, it is important to find the least amount of protein that provides the maximal hypertrophic stimulus. Hence, research has focused on revealing the relationship between protein intake (dose) and its resulting stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (response). In addition to the protein amount, the protein digestibility and, hence, the availability of its constituent amino acids is decisive for the response. In this regard, recent studies have provided in-depth knowledge about the time-course of the muscle protein synthetic response dependent on the characteristics of the protein ingested. The effect of protein intake on muscle protein accretion can further be stimulated by prior exercise training. In the ageing population, physical training may counteract the development of “anabolic resistance” and restore the beneficial effect of protein feeding. Presently, our knowledge is based on measures obtained in standardized experimental settings or during long-term intervention periods. However, to improve coherence between these types of data and to further improve our knowledge of the effects of protein ingestion, other investigative approaches than those presently used are requested.
Estimation of Leaf Area Index Using DEIMOS-1 Data: Application and Transferability of a Semi-Empirical Relationship between two Agricultural Areas
Authors: Vuolo Francesco , Neugebauer Nikolaus , Bolognesi Salvatore , Atzberger Clement , D'Urso Guido
Published: March 2013

This work evaluates different procedures for the application of a semi-empirical model to derive time-series of Leaf Area Index (LAI) maps in operation frameworks. For demonstration, multi-temporal observations of DEIMOS-1 satellite sensor data were used. The datasets were acquired during the 2012 growing season over two agricultural regions in Southern Italy and Eastern Austria (eight and five multi-temporal acquisitions, respectively). Contemporaneous field estimates of LAI (74 and 55 measurements, respectively) were collected using an indirect method (LAI-2000) over a range of LAI values and crop types. The atmospherically corrected reflectance in red and near-infrared spectral bands was used to calculate the Weighted Difference Vegetation Index (WDVI) and to establish a relationship between LAI and WDVI based on the CLAIR model. Bootstrapping approaches were used to validate the models and to calculate the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) between measured and predicted LAI, as well as corresponding confidence intervals. The most suitable approach, which at the same time had the minimum requirements for fieldwork, resulted in a RMSE of 0.407 and R2 of 0.88 for Italy and a RMSE of 0.86 and R2 of 0.64 for the Austrian test site. Considering this procedure, we also evaluated the transferability of the local CLAIR model parameters between the two test sites observing no significant decrease in estimation accuracies. Additionally, we investigated two other statistical methods to estimate LAI based on: (a) Support Vector Machine (SVM) and (b) Random Forest (RF) regressions. Though the accuracy was comparable to the CLAIR model for each test site, we observed severe limitations in the transferability of these statistical methods between test sites with an increase in RMSE up to 24.5% for RF and 38.9% for SVM.
Chromium and Ruthenium-Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films for Propane Sensing Applications
Authors: Gómez-Pozos Heberto , González-Vidal José , Torres Gonzalo , Rodríguez-Baez Jorge , Maldonado Arturo , De la Luz Olvera María , Acosta Dwight , Avendaño-Alejo Maximino , Castañeda Luis
Published: March 2013

Chromium and ruthenium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Cr) and (ZnO:Ru) thin solid films were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by the sol-gel dip-coating method. A 0.6 M solution of zinc acetate dihydrate dissolved in 2-methoxyethanol and monoethanolamine was used as basic solution. Chromium (III) acetylacetonate and Ruthenium (III) trichloride were used as doping sources. The Ru incorporation and its distribution profile into the films were proved by the SIMS technique. The morphology and structure of the films were studied by SEM microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements, respectively. The SEM images show porous surfaces covered by small grains with different grain size, depending on the doping element, and the immersions number into the doping solutions. The sensing properties of ZnO:Cr and ZnO:Ru films in a propane (C3H8) atmosphere, as a function of the immersions number in the doping solution, have been studied in the present work. The highest sensitivity values were obtained for films doped from five immersions, 5.8 and 900, for ZnO:Cr and ZnO:Ru films, respectively. In order to evidence the catalytic effect of the chromium (Cr) and ruthenium (Ru), the sensing characteristics of undoped ZnO films are reported as well.
Enhanced Perception of User Intention by Combining EEG and Gaze-Tracking for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
Authors: Choi Jong-Suk , Bang Jae , Park Kang , Whang Mincheol
Published: March 2013

Speller UI systems tend to be less accurate because of individual variation and the noise of EEG signals. Therefore, we propose a new method to combine the EEG signals and gaze-tracking. This research is novel in the following four aspects. First, two wearable devices are combined to simultaneously measure both the EEG signal and the gaze position. Second, the speller UI system usually has a 6 × 6 matrix of alphanumeric characters, which has disadvantage in that the number of characters is limited to 36. Thus, a 12 × 12 matrix that includes 144 characters is used. Third, in order to reduce the highlighting time of each of the 12 × 12 rows and columns, only the three rows and three columns (which are determined on the basis of the 3 × 3 area centered on the user’s gaze position) are highlighted. Fourth, by analyzing the P300 EEG signal that is obtained only when each of the 3 × 3 rows and columns is highlighted, the accuracy of selecting the correct character is enhanced. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of proposed method was higher than the other methods.
Deployment of a Fully-Automated Green Fluorescent Protein Imaging System in a High Arctic Autonomous Greenhouse
Authors: Abboud Talal , Bamsey Matthew , Paul Anna-Lisa , Graham Thomas , Braham Stephen , Noumeir Rita , Berinstain Alain , Ferl Robert
Published: March 2013

Higher plants are an integral part of strategies for sustained human presence in space. Space-based greenhouses have the potential to provide closed-loop recycling of oxygen, water and food. Plant monitoring systems with the capacity to remotely observe the condition of crops in real-time within these systems would permit operators to take immediate action to ensure optimum system yield and reliability. One such plant health monitoring technique involves the use of reporter genes driving fluorescent proteins as biological sensors of plant stress. In 2006 an initial prototype green fluorescent protein imager system was deployed at the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse located in the Canadian High Arctic. This prototype demonstrated the advantageous of this biosensor technology and underscored the challenges in collecting and managing telemetric data from exigent environments. We present here the design and deployment of a second prototype imaging system deployed within and connected to the infrastructure of the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse. This is the first imager to run autonomously for one year in the un-crewed greenhouse with command and control conducted through the greenhouse satellite control system. Images were saved locally in high resolution and sent telemetrically in low resolution. Imager hardware is described, including the custom designed LED growth light and fluorescent excitation light boards, filters, data acquisition and control system, and basic sensing and environmental control. Several critical lessons learned related to the hardware of small plant growth payloads are also elaborated.
Sequence Divergence of the Enniatin Synthase Gene in Relation to Production of Beauvericin and Enniatins in Fusarium Species
Authors: Stępień Łukasz , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: March 2013

Beauvericin (BEA) and enniatins (ENNs) are cyclic peptide mycotoxins produced by a wide range of fungal species, including pathogenic Fusaria. Amounts of BEA and ENNs were quantified in individual rice cultures of 58 Fusarium strains belonging to 20 species, originating from different host plant species and different geographical localities. The species identification of all strains was done on the basis of the tef-1α gene sequence. The main aim of this study was to analyze the variability of the esyn1 gene encoding the enniatin synthase, the essential enzyme of this metabolic pathway, among the BEA- and ENNs-producing genotypes. The phylogenetic analysis based on the partial sequence of the esyn1 gene clearly discriminates species producing exclusively BEA from those synthesizing mainly enniatin analogues.
Spatial Model Assessment of P Transport from Soils to Waterways in an Eastern Mediterranean Watershed
Authors: Reichmann Oren , Chen Yona , Iggy Litaor
Published: March 2013

P index is a management tool commonly used to identify critical source areas (CSAs) in agro-catchments. We tested the applicability of several P-index models adjusted to Eastern Mediterranean conditions. On the basis of model structure and data requirements, we selected the Arkansas model and two models with the RUSLE equation and runoff curve number (RCN). Concurrently, we developed a GIS-based Hermon-P model which was designed to simulate rainfall–runoff events representing the major nutrient-transport mechanism in Eastern Mediterranean. The P index values computed by the Arkansas and RUSLE models exhibited low correlation (r2 < 0.32) with the measured soluble reactive (SRP) and total P (TP), while the RCN model result correlations were somewhat higher (r2 = 0.53 for SRP and 0.45 for TP). High correlations between the calculated and measured P during rainfall–runoff events were only achieved with the Hermon model (r2 = 0.77 to 0.9). These high coefficients resulted from avoiding subjective categorization of the continuous variables and using the measured site-specific erosional predictors instead. On one occasion, during the first significant runoff event of the year, the Hermon model failed to predict total P in the stream water (r2 = 0.14) because of considerable resuspension of stream sediments. Most of the P-index models are based on the perceptual transfer-continuum framework that was developed for temperate agro-catchments; this framework does not consider P resuspension along streams during rainfall–runoff events. Hence, a new set of equations should be added to the P index to account for potential resuspension in Eastern Mediterranean streams at the beginning of the hydrological year.
Individualized Treatment of Hbeag-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Using Pegylated Interferon-α2A as First-Line and Week-12 HBV Dna/Hbsag Stopping Rule: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Iannazzo Sergio , Coco Barbara , Brunetto Maurizia R , Rossetti Francesca , Caputo Antonietta , Latour Andrea , Espinos Belen , Bonino Ferruccio
Published: March 2013

Background

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most frequent and difficult-to-treat viral hepatitis worldwide. HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serum levels, which help the early identification of non-responders to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN), prompt more flexible individualized therapeutic strategies exploiting the benefits of both PEG-IFN and nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs). We assessed the cost-effectiveness of week-12 HBV DNA/ HBsAg stopping rule for early interruption and switch to currently most effective NA treatments (entecavir [ETV] or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF]).

Methods

A decision-analytic Markov model was developed in the following health-related states: CHB, compensated cirrhosis (CC) and decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplant, post-liver transplant, death, virological response, relapse and HBsAg clearance. Simulated strategies included: ETV/TDF in CHB; ETV/TDF delayed until CC; first-line PEG-IFN followed by switch to ETV/TDF for either patients meeting the week-12 stopping rule or week-48 null-responders/relapsers; and first-line PEG-IFN followed by switch to ETV/TDF delayed until CC. ETV and TDF were considered alternatively for a total of eight strategies. A lifetime simulation horizon was applied.

Results

Early treatment strategies using NAs with or without first-line PEG-IFN provided the highest results (approximately 22 life-years and 15 quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]). Delayed treatments until cirrhosis development resulted in poorer outcomes. The average per-patient lifetime costs ranged from €33,500 (TDF in CC) to €68,900 (TDF in CHB). Costs using ETV were 20–50% higher. First-line PEG-IFN strategies ranged from dominant (that is, more effective and less costly) to highly cost-effective, although differences in QALYs were always very narrow.

Conclusions

The cost-effectiveness of antiviral therapy of HBeAg-negative CHB could be improved significantly using first-line PEG-IFN followed by a switch to NAs in either patients meeting the week-12 HBV DNA/HBsAg stopping rule or week-48 non-responders/relapsers.
L'insertion professionnelle des psychologues. Analyse croisée entre une synthèse d'enquêtes et une observation des offres d'emploi proposées sur le site de la FFPP
Authors: Schneider Benoît , Fritz Lorraine , Maire Hélène
Published: March 2013

Très peu de données précises sont disponibles concernant l’insertion professionnelle des diplômés de psychologie. Cet article propose de croiser deux sources de données : une synthèse d’enquêtes récentes qui portent sur l’insertion d’étudiants 18 à 30 mois après l’obtention de leur master (CEREQ, enquêtes d’Observatoires d’universités, données publiées par le ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche) ; une analyse des offres d’emploi publiées sur le site de la Fédération française des psychologues et de psychologie (FFPP) de 2010 à 2012. Les résultats apparaissent convergents et complémentaires. Les enquêtes d’insertion confirment de grandes tendances dans la durée ; l’analyse des offres d’emplois permet un repérage plus fin des insertions, en croisant particularités régionales et spécificités des champs d’emploi. Le caractère fragile de l’insertion des jeunes psychologues est confirmé mais des particularités moins attendues peuvent être relevées.
Support Programs for New Graduates in Pediatric Nursing
Authors: Messmer Patricia R. , Bragg Jane , Williams Phoebe D.
Published: March 2013

This study examined intent to stay and the relationship between work satisfaction and burnout in a sample of new registered nurse graduates hired at a freestanding children’s hospital. The following research questions were addressed: (1) Two years after initial employment, what is the percentage of new graduates who intend to stay on the job? (2) Is there a relationship between work satisfaction and burnout? (3) What is the turnover rate after the implementation of a support group program for new registered nurses? Of a target group of 75 new graduate nurses, 33 (44%) completed a modified version of Aiken’s Revised Nursing Work Index and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A majority of the registered nurses intended to stay on the job, with 87.9% reporting that they were satisfied with their current position and 97.0% reporting that they were satisfied with being a nurse. The correlation between job satisfaction and burnout was as follows:
r
= −0.684,
F
(1,30) = −21.71;
p
< .001. Of the participants, 39% reported an increase in the amount of time they spent with patients over the year, 27% reported an increase in the amount of time they spent documenting patient care, and 24% reported that the “quality of care” they were providing was better than 1 year ago. Before the implementation of a support group program for new graduates in 2006, the turnover rate was 7.6%; in 2009, the turnover rate was 5.7%.
De Cyclades à Renater
Authors: Schafer Valérie
Published: March 2013

L’histoire du Réseau National de télécommunications pour la Technologie, l’Enseignement et la Recherche, constitué en Groupement d’Intérêt Public en janvier 1993, débute dans les années 1980, quand des acteurs scientifiques, de manière simultanée mais encore dispersée, commencent à s’organiser en réseaux. C’est poser d’emblée une originalité de Renater : des besoins et réalisations précèdent la mise en place de l’infrastructure nationale. Si, les origines largement universitaires et scientifiques d’Internet aux États-Unis ne sont plus à démontrer, celles d’Internet en France sont plus largement méconnues et demandent à être réévaluées.
Des fluorures inorganiques aux solides hybrides poreux
Authors: Férey Gérard
Published: March 2013

Dans cet article, Gérard Férey apporte son témoignage sur un parcours exceptionnel qui l’a mené de l’étude des fluorures inorganiques de métaux de transition à la synthèse de nouveaux composés poreux possédant d’innombrables applications, notamment dans le domaine médical et celui de l’environnement durable. Ce chimiste, véritable pionnier de la science des matériaux, a su mettre en œuvre toutes les ressources de la physique, de la cristallographie à la diffraction de neutrons, pour caractériser ces solides, leurs propriétés et aller jusqu’à la prédiction de leurs comportements.
Les agrégats : l’avènement d’une nouvelle thermodynamique
Authors: Belloni-Cofler Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

Il a été montré par radiolyse dès 1973 que les propriétés des atomes et agrégats métalliques étaient spécifiques et différaient de celles du métal massif, notamment que leur potentiel de réduction augmentait considérablement depuis l’atome avec leur nucléarité. Cette nouvelle thermodynamique dépendante de la nucléarité entraîne des phénomènes particuliers lors de la nucléation-croissance servant de guide pour choisir la taille, forme et structure finales des nanoparticules, et lors de leurs réactions pour comprendre leur rôle dans des domaines importants des nanosciences.
De l’hypothèse d’étoiles aussi denses que les noyaux atomiques à la découverte fortuite des pulsars
Authors: Chamel Nicolas
Published: March 2013

L’identification des naines blanches en tant qu’étoiles extrêmement compactes au début du XXe siècle amena les astrophysiciens à s’interroger sur le destin des étoiles massives. Imprégnés par le développement spectaculaire de la mécanique quantique puis de la physique nucléaire, ils postulèrent l’existence d’astres aussi denses que les noyaux atomiques et composés principalement de neutrons. Activement traquées comme sources de rayons X, ces étoiles à neutrons furent finalement découvertes de manière fortuite sous la forme de pulsars radio à la fin des années 1960. Les étoiles à neutrons font aujourd’hui encore l’objet de nombreuses recherches.
Bioethics
Authors: Monzon Jorge E.
Published: March 2013

Bioethics, or ethics of life, is the study of the human moral behavior in the fields of life sciences and healthcare. As a branch of applied ethics, bioethics integrates studies in the areas of biology, medicine, ecology, and social, human, and legal issues. In this chapter, the evolution of morality along history is briefly described. The different disciplines of ethics, with emphasis on the accepted principles of biomedical ethics in modern times, are presented. Additionally, the merging of moral dilemmas to current multidisciplinary teams of biologists and engineers performing in health care settings is analyzed. Moreover, the contents of a simple program of bioethics education are outlined, calling attention to the evaluation of the moral development of biomedical engineers. At the end of the chapter, a list of societies and organizations of bioethics around the world is intended to guide the interested reader further into the field of Bioethics.
Clinical Engineering
Authors: Dyro Joseph F.
Published: March 2013

Clinical engineering supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology. Since the 1970s, as medical device technologies have proliferated, increasingly impacting the cost and quality of healthcare, the clinical engineering profession has matured to play a significant role in healthcare technology management. It increases the cost-effectiveness, safety, and optimal utilization of medical devices. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical engineer’s body of knowledge. It is addressed to international clinical engineering researchers, faculty, and students, as well as clinical engineering practitioners, medical device technology managers, hospital administrators, clinical and technology support personnel, regulators, and manufacturers. The chapter provides a solid foundation upon which healthcare systems can utilize methods for managing the ever-increasing number and complexity of medical device technologies and systems.
Phase Field Models as Computer Experiments: Growth Kinetics of Anisotropic Precipitates
Authors: Mukherjee Rajdip , Abinandanan T.A. , Gururajan M.P.
Published: March 2013

Phase field models are widely used for the study of microstructures and their evolution. They can also be used as computer experiments. As computer experiments, they serve two important roles: (a) theoretical results which are hard to verify/validate experimentally can be verified/validated on the computer using phase field models; and, (b) when severe assumptions are made in a theory, they can be relaxed in the phase field model, and hence, results with wider reach can be obtained. In this paper, we discuss some such computer experiments in general, and the growth kinetics of precipitates in systems with tetragonal and cubic interfacial anisotropies in particular.
Synthesis and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Magnesium Nanoparticles with Core/Shell Structure
Authors: Konarova Muxina , Beltramini Jorge Norberto , Lu Max
Published: March 2013

Magnesium nanoparticles were synthesized by using organo magnesium precursor. By changing synthesis parameters such as synthesis time and temperature, various morphologies of the magnesium nanoparticles were obtained. Sample synthesized at 250°C for 30 min exhibited agglomerated nanosheets of magnesium whereas the sample obtained at 2 hour had individual particles consisted of core/shell structure. The corresponding hydrogen storage properties of these samples were also influenced by the morphology. Hydrogen desorption data revealed that samples prepared at 2 hour could release hydrogen at lower temperature (343°C) than those samples prepared at 30 min and 1 hour.
Dislocation Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Mani Krishna Karri V. , Pant Prita
Published: March 2013

Dislocation Dynamics (DD) simulations are used to study the evolution of a pre-specified dislocation structure under applied stresses and imposed boundary conditions. These simulations can handle realistic dislocation densities ranging from 1010to 1014m-2, and hence can be used to model plastic deformation and strain hardening in metals. In this paper we introduce the basic concepts of DD simulations and then present results from simulations in thin copper films and in bulk zirconium. In both cases, the effect of orientation on deformation behaviour is investigated. For the thin film simulations, rigid boundary conditions are used at film-substrate and film-passivation interfaces leading to dislocation accumulation, while periodic boundaries are used for bulk grains of Zr. We show that there is a clear correlation between strain hardening rate and the rate of increase of dislocation density.
Simpler Estimation of Fracture Toughness during Material Development, Process Optimization and Quality Control of Structural Materials
Authors: Ray Kalyan Kumar
Published: March 2013

Existing standard International methods to estimate fracture toughness of structural materials as documented in ASTM standard E-1820 are neither appropriate for material development due to the requirement of considerable volume nor suitable for process optimizations like deciding suitable heat treatment or for quality control of tonnage materials at the stage of production due to techno-economic reasons owing to their time-consuming nature. This report overviews several investigations often in their feasibility stage and aims to suggest a common solution to all these problems considering measurement of fracture toughness (KIVM) using chevron notched bend bar specimens with either rectangular cross-section (RC) or circular cross-section (CC). At the outset the theoretical background for obtaining KIVMRC and KIVMCC and the corresponding normalized stress intensity factors are discussed in order to illustrate the relatively simpler principle of estimation of fracture toughness. The usefulness of this technique is next illustrated using a number of examples related to: (a) design of small specimens for fracture toughness determination using this principle (b) optimization of the volume fraction of the constituent phases in dual phase steels, (c) design of heat treatment for cast rolls, (d) optimization of cryotreatment for tool steels and (e) study of the effect of inclusions on toughness characteristics of microalloyed steels. The examples related to (a) is for demonstrating the capability of this technique for material development, that related to (b), (c) and (d) are to illustrate its potential for process optimization and the one related to (e) is to illustrate its potential for quality control of tonnage materials.