bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semiempirical linear model of indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detectors
Authors: Huang Shih‐Ying , Yang Kai , Abbey Craig K. , Boone John M.
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

It is important to understand signal and noise transfer in the indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detector when developing and optimizing imaging systems. For optimization where simulating images is necessary, this study introduces a semiempirical model to simulate projection images with user‐defined x‐ray fluence interaction.

Methods:

The signal and noise transfer in the indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detectors is characterized by statistics consistent with energy‐integration of x‐ray photons. For an incident x‐ray spectrum, x‐ray photons are attenuated and absorbed in the x‐ray scintillator to produce light photons, which are coupled to photodiodes for signal readout. The signal mean and variance are linearly related to the energy‐integrated x‐ray spectrum by empirically determined factors. With the known first‐ and second‐order statistics, images can be simulated by incorporating multipixel signal statistics and the modulation transfer function of the imaging system. To estimate the semiempirical input to this model, 500 projection images (using an indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detector in the breast CT system) were acquired with 50–100 kilovolt (kV) x‐ray spectra filtered with 0.1‐mm tin (Sn), 0.2‐mm copper (Cu), 1.5‐mm aluminum (Al), or 0.05‐mm silver (Ag). The signal mean and variance of each detector element and the noise power spectra (NPS) were calculated and incorporated into this model for accuracy. Additionally, the modulation transfer function of the detector system was physically measured and incorporated in the image simulation steps. For validation purposes, simulated and measured projection images of air scans were compared using 40 kV/0.1‐mm Sn, 65 kV/0.2‐mm Cu, 85 kV/1.5‐mm Al, and 95 kV/0.05‐mm Ag.

Results:

The linear relationship between the measured signal statistics and the energy‐integrated x‐ray spectrum was confirmed and incorporated into the model. The signal mean and variance factors were linearly related to kV for each filter material (r2 of signal mean to kV: 0.91, 0.93, 0.86, and 0.99 for 0.1‐mm Sn, 0.2‐mm Cu, 1.5‐mm Al, and 0.05‐mm Ag, respectively; r2 of signal variance to kV: 0.99 for all four filters). The comparison of the signal and noise (mean, variance, and NPS) between the simulated and measured air scan images suggested that this model was reasonable in predicting accurate signal statistics of air scan images using absolute percent error. Overall, the model was found to be accurate in estimating signal statistics and spatial correlation between the detector elements of the images acquired with indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detectors.

Conclusions:

The semiempirical linear model of the indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detectors was described and validated with images of air scans. The model was found to be a useful tool in understanding the signal and noise transfer within indirect, flat‐panel x‐ray detector systems.
A Single Spin Feels the Vibrations
Authors: Treutlein Philipp
Published: March 2012

The vibrations of a cantilever with a magnetic tip can be detected by changes in the electronic spin state of a defect embedded in a nearby diamond surface.
Keeping Time with Earth's Heaviest Element
Authors: Stirling Claudine H.
Published: March 2012

New
238
U/
235
U ratios for uranium-bearing minerals provide a better chronometer for dating geological processes.
Winning
the War: Science Parkour
Authors: Vogelstein Bert , Kinzler Kenneth W.
Published: March 2012

Experts pinpoint blocks to conquering cancer and highlight state-of-the-art science and strategies to sidestep these obstacles.
Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Nitrosoarchaeum limnia” BG20, a Low-Salinity Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaeon from the San Francisco Bay Estuary
Authors: Mosier Annika C. , Allen Eric E. , Kim Maria , Ferriera Steven , Francis Christopher A.
Published: March 2012

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Nitrosoarchaeum limnia” BG20, an ammonia-oxidizing archaeon enriched in culture from low-salinity sediments of the San Francisco Bay estuary. The genome sequence revealed many similarities to the previously sequenced genome of “
Ca.
Nitrosoarchaeum limnia” SFB1 (enriched from a nearby site in San Francisco Bay) and is representative of a clade of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) found in low-salinity habitats worldwide.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Shrimp Pathogen Vibrio harveyi CAIM 1792
Authors: Espinoza-Valles Iliana , Soto-Rodríguez Sonia , Edwards Robert A. , Wang Zheng , Vora Gary J. , Gómez-Gil Bruno
Published: March 2012

Vibrio harveyi
is a Gram-negative bacterium found in tropical and temperate marine environments as a free-living organism or in association with aquatic animals. We report the first sequenced genome of a
Vibrio
harveyi strain, CAIM 1792, the etiologic agent of the “bright red” syndrome of the Pacific white shrimp
Litopenaeus vannamei
.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Rahnella
sp. Strain Y9602, a Gammaproteobacterium Isolate from Metal- and Radionuclide-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Martinez Robert J. , Bruce David , Detter Chris , Goodwin Lynne A. , Han James , Han Cliff S. , Held Brittany , Land Miriam L. , Mikhailova Natalia , Nolan Matt , Pennacchio Len , Pitluck Sam , Tapia Roxanne , Woyke Tanja , Sobecky Patricia A.
Published: March 2012

Rahnella
sp. strain Y9602 is a gammaproteobacterium isolated from contaminated subsurface soils that is capable of promoting uranium phosphate mineralization as a result of constitutive phosphatase activity. Here we report the first complete genome sequence of an isolate belonging to the genus
Rahnella
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Typhi P-stx-12
Authors: Ong Su Yean , Pratap Chandra Bhan , Wan Xuehua , Hou Shaobin , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Yamin , Saito Jennifer A. , Nath Gopal , Alam Maqsudul
Published: March 2012

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhi P-stx-12, a clinical isolate obtained from a typhoid carrier in India.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Highly Prevalent Porcine Circovirus 2 Isolated from Piglet Stool Samples in China
Authors: Li Bin , Ma Junjie , Liu Yanling , Wen Libin , Yu Zhengyu , Ni Yanxiu , Zhang Xuehan , Zhou Junming , Guo Rongli , Wang Xiaomin , Feng Zhixin , Hu Yiyi , Lv Lixin , He Kongwang
Published: March 2012

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiologic agent of porcine circovirus-associated disease. Here, we first report the complete genome sequence of PCV2 strain JSTZ, which was isolated from piglet stool samples and is highly prevalent in China. It will help in understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of PCV2.
Full Genomic Sequence of the Prototype Strain (M64) of Rio Bravo Virus
Authors: Volkova Evgeniya , Tesh Robert B. , Monath Thomas P. , Vasilakis Nikos
Published: March 2012

Rio Bravo virus
(RBV) is a member of the family
Flaviviridae
, genus
Flavivirus
. It belongs to a group of viruses in the genus with no known vector. In this report, we analyze the complete genome of the prototype RBV, strain M64.
Dramatic diatom species assemblage responses in lakes recovering from acidification and metal contamination near Wawa, Ontario, Canada: a paleolimnological perspective
Authors: Greenaway Christine M. , Paterson Andrew M. , Keller (Bill) W. , Smol John P.
Published: March 2012

Several lakes near Wawa (Ontario, Canada) present a rare opportunity for studying rapid chemical and biological recovery from acidification and metal contamination. Surface water pH levels in some of these lakes have increased from 3 to 7 following local sulphur emission reductions and closure of an iron ore sintering plant. We used paleolimnological techniques to track diatom community responses to historical water quality changes in five lakes. Pre-industrial diatom assemblages recorded in lake sediments were dominated by species typical of circumneutral pH levels and were characterized by minimal species compositional change. Following the onset of sintering in 1939, there was a striking shift towards acid- and metal-tolerant Eunotia -dominated species assemblages, sometimes consisting of high quantities of teratological Eunotia valves. Recent dramatic water quality improvements, following first reductions in and then cessation of emissions, were accompanied by decreases in the relative abundance of benthic acid- and metal-tolerant species in the sediment record. However, diatom recovery trajectories did not entirely progress towards predisturbance communities, as the contemporaneous increase in relative abundance of other species was restricted to a few groups. Moreover, diatom responses were not synchronous among cores, with recovery rates influenced by local bedrock and the hydrological regime of each lake.
Timing of smolt migration in sympatric populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Jensen Arne J. , Finstad Bengt , Fiske Peder , Hvidsten Nils Arne , Rikardsen Audun H. , Saksgård Laila
Published: March 2012

A study over a 22-year period of first-time migrants (smolts) of three sympatric salmonids (Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ), brown trout ( Salmo trutta ), and Arctic char ( Salvelinus alpinus )) in a watercourse in northern Norway demonstrated that although there was considerable overlap in smolt migration timing among the species, Atlantic salmon migrated first, followed by Arctic char, and finally brown trout. The migration period of Arctic char had a smaller range and less annual variation than those of the two other species, possibly partly related to their more lake-dwelling habitat preference. For all species, water flow was important in explaining day-to-day variations in smolt runs. Water flow was most important for brown trout, change in flow for Atlantic salmon, whereas photoperiod was most important for Arctic char. These results suggest that both age and size of smolts and the timing of the smolt migration have been shaped by the different habitat preferences of these species both in fresh water and sea through local selection.
Coastal ship traffic: a significant introduction vector for potentially harmful dinoflagellates in eastern Canada
Authors: Roy Suzanne , Parenteau Marie , Casas-Monroy Oscar , Rochon André
Published: March 2012

We examined the risk of introduction associated with potentially toxic or otherwise harmful algae (HA) or nonindigenous species (NIS) of dinoflagellates in ballast water from 63 commercial ships visiting ports of eastern Canada in 2007–2009. Ship categories included transoceanics undergoing ballast water exchange (BWE) and coastal ships with or without BWE. Of 159 species of dinoflagellates observed in Lugol-preserved samples, 15 were potential HA (six Dinophysis spp.) and 46 were NIS (including three HA). We found at least one species of HA in 81% of all ships examined, and maximum cell concentrations reached nearly 4000 cells·L–1. Coastal nonexchanged tankers carried the greatest cell concentrations of HA. NIS dinoflagellates were found in 56% of ships, significantly more in ships with BWE. There was no evidence that ships with BWE contained significantly fewer taxa or lower concentrations of HA dinoflagellates, indicating that BWE is not efficient in controlling the introduction of these organisms. In fact, BWE promoted the transport of NIS dinoflagellates, possibly because of the wide distribution of several of these species. Coastal ship traffic is a significant introduction pathway for HA (ships with and without BWE) and NIS (ships with BWE) dinoflagellates in eastern Canada.
Multiscale characterization of spatial relationships among oxycline depth, macrozooplankton, and forage fish off Peru using geostatistics, principal coordinates of neighbour matrices (PCNMs), and wavelets
Authors: Grados Daniel , Fablet Ronan , Ballón Michael , Bez Nicolas , Castillo Ramiro , Lezama-Ochoa Ainhoa , Bertrand Arnaud
Published: March 2012

Upwelling ecosystems are particularly heterogeneous and present intense mesoscale (tens of kilometres) and submesoscale (hundreds of metres to kilometres) activity that are expected to drive the distribution of the organisms and thus their interactions. Here we addressed the impact of the physical forcing in the northern Humboldt Current system off Peru, which is characterized by the presence of an intense and shallow oxygen minimum zone and used the variability of the depth of the oxycline as a proxy of the physical forcing that impacts the epipelagic communities. We analyzed simultaneous high-resolution acoustic observations of the oxycline depth, the biomass in macrozooplankton, and the biomass in pelagic fish. Three complementary methodologies were considered: (i) geostatistical methods and correlation tests, (ii) principal coordinates of neighbour matrices, and (iii) wavelet analysis. Our results highlight the relevance of a multimethod framework to characterize the multiscale relationships between marine ecosystem components. We also provided evidence that the submesoscale-to-mesoscale variability of the oxycline depth drives the distribution of macrozooplankton, which further structures the distribution of forage fish in a bottom-up cascade.
The C-terminal region of E1A: a molecular tool for cellular cartography
Authors: Yousef Ahmed F. , Fonseca Gregory J. , Cohen Michael J. , Mymryk Joe S.
Published: March 2012

The adenovirus E1A proteins function via protein–protein interactions. By making many connections with the cellular protein network, individual modules of this virally encoded hub reprogram numerous aspects of cell function and behavior. Although many of these interactions have been thoroughly studied, those mediated by the C-terminal region of E1A are less well understood. This review focuses on how this region of E1A affects cell cycle progression, apoptosis, senescence, transformation, and conversion of cells to an epithelial state through interactions with CTBP1/2, DYRK1A/B, FOXK1/2, and importin-α. Furthermore, novel potential pathways that the C-terminus of E1A influences through these connections with the cellular interaction network are discussed.
Revisiting the three-dimensional slope stability problem in clay
Authors: Cai Fei , Nakamura Atsushi , Ugai Keizo
Published: March 2012

This note revisits the benchmark problem involving a spherical failure surface in clay, gives an integral expression for the safety factor defined in terms of moments, and points out the mistakes in the solution of Silvestri. An integral expression for the safety factor of three-dimensional simplified Janbu’s method is also presented to facilitate the validation of three-dimensional limit equilibrium methods that satisfy force equilibrium conditions.
A NEW PARAMETRIC FEATURE DESCRIPTOR FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF EPILEPTIC AND CONTROL EEG RECORDS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION
Authors: CABRERIZO MERCEDES , AYALA MELVIN , GORYAWALA MOHAMMED , JAYAKAR PRASANNA , ADJOUADI MALEK
Published: March 2012

This study evaluates the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in associating scalp EEG to either control or epileptic patients by means of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and support vector machines (SVMs). A confluence of frequency and temporal parameters are extracted from the EEG to serve as input features to well-configured ANN and SVM networks. Through these classification results, we thus can infer the occurrence of high-risk (epileptic) as well as low risk (control) patients for potential follow up procedures.
CORRECTED AREA LAW AND KOMAR ENERGY FOR NONCOMMUTATIVE INSPIRED REISSNER–NORDSTRÖM BLACK HOLE
Authors: GANGOPADHYAY SUNANDAN , ROYCHOWDHURY DIBAKAR
Published: March 2012

The importance of the Voros product in defining a noncommutative inspired Reissner–Nordström black hole is emphasized. The entropy of this black hole is then computed in the tunneling approach and is shown to obey the area law at the next to leading order in the noncommutative parameter θ. Correspondingly modifications (logarithmic in nature) to entropy/area law is obtained by going beyond the semiclassical approximation. Also the Komar energy is computed and its relation with the entropy and semiclassical Hawking temperature is studied. The coefficient of the logarithmic term is evaluated and involves the noncommutative parameter θ.
ROLE OF GLUONS IN SOFT AND SEMI-HARD MULTIPLE HADRON PRODUCTION IN pp COLLISIONS AT LHC
Authors: BEDNYAKOV V. A. , GRINYUK A. A. , LYKASOV G. I. , POGHOSYAN M.
Published: March 2012

Hadron inclusive spectra in pp collisions are analyzed within the modified quark–gluon string model including both the longitudinal and transverse motion of quarks in the proton in the wide region of initial energies. The self-consistent analysis shows that the experimental data on the inclusive spectra of light hadrons like pions and kaons at ISR energies can be satisfactorily described at transverse momenta not larger than 1–2 GeV /c. We discuss some difficulties to apply this model at energies above the ISR and suggest to include the distribution of gluons in the proton unintegrated over the internal transverse momentum. It leads to an increase in the inclusive spectra of hadrons and allows us to extend the satisfactory description of the data in the central rapidity region at energies higher than ISR.
ON THE Cn-DISTANCE AND VASSILIEV INVARIANTS
Authors: HORIUCHI SUMIKO , OHYAMA YOSHIYUKI
Published: March 2012

A local move called a Cn-move is closely related to Vassiliev invariants. A Cn-distance between two knots K and L, denoted by dCn(K, L), is the minimum number of times of Cn-moves needed to transform K into L. Let p and q be natural numbers with p > q ≥ 1. In this paper, we show that for any pair of knots K1and K2with dCn(K1, K2) = p and for any given natural number m, there exist infinitely many knots Jj(j = 1, 2, …) such that dCn(K1, Jj) = q and dCn(Jj, K2) = p - q, and they have the same Vassiliev invariants of order less than or equal to m. In the case of n = 1 or 2, the knots Jj(j = 1, 2, …) satisfy more conditions.
Personality Disorders in DSM-5
Authors: Skodol Andrew E.
Published: March 2012

A substantive revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) last occurred in 1994; therefore, the mental health field should anticipate significant changes to the classification of mental disorders in the fifth edition. Since DSM-5 Work Groups have recently proposed revisions for the major diagnostic classes of mental disorders, an article on the current status of the personality disorders (PDs) is timely. This article reviews scientific principles that have influenced the development of proposed changes for the assessment and diagnosis of personality psychopathology in DSM-5, presents the proposed model as of the summer of 2011, summarizes rationales for the changes, and discusses critiques of the model. Scientific principles were articulated for DSM-5 more than a decade ago; their application to the process has not been straightforward, however. Work Group members have labored to improve the DSM-5 approach to personality and PDs to make the classification more valid and more clinically useful. The current model continues to be a work in progress.
Characterization of the longissimus lumborum transcriptome response to adding propionate to the diet of growing Angus beef steers
Authors: Baldwin Ransom L. , Li Robert W. , Li Cong-jun , Thomson Jennifer M. , Bequette Brian J.
Published: March 2012

Development of management paradigms that enhance the rate of gain and qualitative characteristics of beef carcass development has the potential to impact production and nutrient use efficiency but also mitigate losses to the environment. We used eight Black Angus beef steers (272.5 ± 17.6 kg initial body wt) fed a forage-based pelleted diet alone ( n = 4) or supplemented with sodium propionate included ( n = 4) for 42 days. High-quality RNA was extracted from the longissimus lumborum and subjected to transcriptome sequencing using RNA-seq technology. Trimmed reads were aligned to the bovine reference genome (Btau4.0, release 63) and uniquely mapped reads from control and propionate treatment groups were subject to further analysis using edgeR. Candidates were filtered to account for multiple testing and differentially expressed genes (153 at a false discovery rate of <5%) were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis (GOseq) to select terms where enrichment had occurred. Significant GO terms included regulation of cholesterol transport, regulation of sterol transport, and cellular modified amino acid metabolic process. Furthermore, the top four identified gene networks included lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, carbohydrate metabolism, and molecular transport-related categories. Notably, changes in lipid metabolism specific genes reflect both increased oxidative and lipid synthetic capacities. Metabolism-related gene changes are reflective of expected enhancements in lean tissue accretion patterns exhibited in steers where high ruminal propionate relative to other short chain fatty acids is observed. Propionate feeding induced increased N retention in rapidly growing Angus cattle, and the observed alterations in LL tissue lipid metabolism-related gene networks are consistent with enhanced cell formation and function (protein synthesis, and lipogenic vs. lipolytic activities).
Synthesis of Activated Carbon Mesoporous from Coffee Waste and Its Application in Adsorption Zinc and Mercury Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Piraján Juan Carlos
Published: March 2012

We obtain activated carbons with high portion of meso pores using coffee residues as precursor for the application of adsorption of large adsorbates. Because of its natural properties, the coffee residue exhibited a large pore size. In this work, the coffee residue were impregnated with ZnCl2 and KOH, and then carbonized under the nitrogen conditions and activated with CO2 respectively. Obtained activated carbons are used in the adsorption of ions Hg(II) and Zn(II). These adsorbents are efficacious to remove these ions from aqueous solution, with monocomponent equilibrium adsorption capacities ranging from from 0.002 to 0.380 mmol∙g-1 for Hg on ACK3 and from 0.002 to 0.330 mmol∙g-1 for ACZ3. For Zn(II) on ACK2 from 0.002 to 0.300 mmol∙g-1, and from 0.001 to 0.274 mmol∙g-1 for ACZ2.
Analytic Solution for MHD Falkner‐Skan Flow over a Porous Surface
Authors: Hendi Fatheah A. , Hussain Majid
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses the MHD Falkner‐Skan flow over a porous surface. The solution to nonlinear problem is first constructed and analyzed for the emerging parameters
Optimization Conditions of Extracellular Proteases Production from a Newly Isolated Streptomyces Pseudogrisiolus NRC‐15
Authors: Mostafa El-Sayed E. , Saad Moataza M. , Awad Hassan M. , Selim Mohsen H. , Hassan Helmy M.
Published: March 2012

Microbial protease represents the most important industrial enzymes, which have an active role in biotechnological processes. The objective of this study was to isolate new strain of Streptomyces that produce proteolytic enzymes with novel properties and the development of the low‐cost medium. An alkaline protease producer strain NRC‐15 was isolated from Egyptian soil sample. The cultural, morphological, physiological characters and chemotaxonomic evidence strongly indicated that the NRC‐15 strain represents a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, hence the name Strptomyces pseudogrisiolus NRC‐15. The culture conditions for higher protease production by NRC‐15 were optimized with respect to carbon and nitrogen sources, metal ions, pH and temperature. Maximum protease production was obtained in the medium supplemented with 1% glucose, 1% yeast extract, 6% NaCl and 100 μmol/L of Tween 20, initial pH 9.0 at 50 °C for 96 h. The current results confirm that for this strain, a great ability to produce alkaline proteases, which supports the use of applications in industry.
Syntheses and Spectroscopic Studies on Macrocyclic Complexes of Dioxomolybdenum(VI) with Furil as Precursor
Authors: Rao D. P. , Yadav H. S. , Yadava A. K. , Singh Sanjay , Yadav U. S.
Published: March 2012

Due to their biological relevance, molybdenum catalyzed oxygen transfer reactions have great interest. With this view, some dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with general formula [MoO2(mac)](acac)2, (where mac = tetraazamacrocyclic ligands derived from condensation of furil with 1,2‐ethanediamine or 1,3‐propanediamine and their reaction with β‐diketones) have been synthesized using dioxometal ion as kinetic template. The prepared complexes have been characterized by electrical conductance, elemental analyses, infrared and electronic data. All the dioxomoly‐bdenum(VI) complexes have octahedral geometry with six coordination.
Research on Degradation of Dye Acid Red B by Sr2FeMoO6 Synthesized by Microwave Sintering Method
Authors: Zhai Yong-Qing , Qiao Jing , Qiu Man-De
Published: March 2012

Double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 was synthesized rapidly by microwave sintering method. The crystal structure of the sample was investigated by XRD. It shows that the as‐synthesized sample is Sr2FeMoO6 with tetragonal crystal structure and I4/mmm space group. The test of electrical transport properties shows that the sample exhibits typical semiconductor behavior in the temperature range of 80~300 K. The influence of the dosage of the sample, light irradiation sources, and time on the efficiency of degradation have been studied. The results show Sr2FeMoO6 exhibits excellent degradation activity for dye Acid Red B, the decolorization rate is close to 100% under proper conditions. Meanwhile, a mechanism related to the process of degradation is proposed.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New Thiazolidinone Derivatives With the use of γ‐Ferrite Catalyst
Authors: Shrivastava S. P. , Seelam Nareshvarma , Rai Rachana
Published: March 2012

A series of compounds were synthesized from 3,3′‐(pyridine‐2,6‐diyl) bis (2‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one(1), which was prepared from a one‐pot three component condensation reaction of 2, 6‐diamino pyridine, benzaldehyde and thioglycolic acid in the presence of γ‐ferrite as a catalyst. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1HNMR, 13C NMR spectral data. All compounds were tested for anti bacterial and anti fungal activities.
Validated RP‐HPLC Method for the Assay of Etoricoxib (A Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug) in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Topalli Srinivasu , Chandrashekhar T. G. , Annapurna M. Mathrusri
Published: March 2012

A simple, accurate, sensitive and reproducible reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the quantitative determination of Etoricoxib in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The assay was performed on Hypersil ODS C‐18 (250 x 4.6 mm., 5µm particle size) column using acetonitrile and potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 4.2) (46:54 % v/v) as mobile phase with UV detection at 280 nm (flow rate 1.2 ml/min). Bromhexine was used as an internal standard. Quantization was achieved by measurement of the peak area ratio of the drug to the internal standard. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.0704 µg ml-1 and 0.2134 µg ml-1 respectively. Each analysis required no longer than 10 minutes. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range from 0.5‐85.0 µg ml-1. The retention times of Etoricoxib and Bromhexine were found to be 3.083 and 7.631 minutes respectively. The proposed method was validated according to the ICH guidelines and can be used successfully to analyse marketed formulations.
Evaluation of Trihalomethane Formation Potential Due To Anthropogenic Sources in the Ground Water of Kanpur
Authors: Mishra Nidhi Dixit , Dixit S. C. , Srivastava H. C.
Published: March 2012

The ground water of Jajmau(which is the hub of tanneries), Kanpur has been evaluated for trihalomethane formation potential in January and May, 2009.Bromide is absent. Chloroform is the only THM species identified in all the ground water samples. The levels of chloroform are found below the regulated WHO guideline value of 300 μgL-1.THM formation rate is very fast in first 24 h. as compared to that of the exceeding reaction time (>24 h). High TOC content is found in both the winter and summer seasons. Values of THMFP increase as the chlorine doses from 14 mg/L to 17 mg/L increased in both the seasons.
Effect of Solvent on Protonation Equilibria of L‐Proline and L‐Valine in 1, 2‐Propanediol‐Water Mixtures
Authors: Bhushanavathi P. , Veeraswamy B. , Rao G. Nageswara , Viplavaprasad U.
Published: March 2012

Protonation equilibria of L‐proline and L‐valine in varying compositions (0.0‐60.0% v/v) of 1, 2‐Propanediol‐water mixtures were investigated pH‐metrically. Titrations were performed at 303.0 K and the ionic strength of the medium was maintained at 0.16 mol L-1 using sodium chloride. The best fit chemical models of the protonation equilibria were based on crystallographic R‐factor, Χ2, skewness, and kurtosis. All the protonation constants of proline and valine increased with increasing propanediol content. This is attributed to the dielectric constant of the medium.
Parental Influences on Children's Self-Regulation of Energy Intake: Insights from Developmental Literature on Emotion Regulation
Authors: Frankel Leslie A. , Hughes Sheryl O. , O'Connor Teresia M. , Power Thomas G. , Fisher Jennifer O. , Hazen Nancy L.
Published: March 2012

The following article examines the role of parents in the development of children's self-regulation of energy intake. Various paths of parental influence are offered based on the literature on parental influences on children's emotion self-regulation. The parental paths include modeling, responses to children's behavior, assistance in helping children self-regulate, and motivating children through rewards and punishments. Additionally, sources of variation in parental influences on regulation are examined, including parenting style, child temperament, and child-parent attachment security. Parallels in the nature of parents' role in socializing children's regulation of emotions and energy intake are examined. Implications for future research are discussed.
An Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Blue Dye by using Synthesised PbO Nanoparticles
Authors: Borhade Ashok V. , Tope Dipak R. , Uphade Bhagwat K.
Published: March 2012

We report here the synthesis of visible light sensitive PbO and Ni doped PbO nanoparticles by hydrothermal method and characterized by UV‐DRS, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), FTIR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, EDAX and TGA. Further an efficient approach has been developed for degradation of methyl blue (MB) in aqueous medium. The photodegradation of dye was monitored as a function of dye concentration, pH and catalyst amount has been determined. The reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) revealed the mineralization of dye along with colour removal.
Software Tool for the Prosthetic Foot Modeling and Stiffness Optimization
Authors: Štrbac Matija , Popović Dejan B.
Published: March 2012

We present the procedure for the optimization of the stiffness of the prosthetic foot. The procedure allows the selection of the elements of the foot and the materials used for the design. The procedure is based on the optimization where the cost function is the minimization of the difference between the knee joint torques of healthy walking and the walking with the transfemural prosthesis. We present a simulation environment that allows the user to interactively vary the foot geometry and track the changes in the knee torque that arise from these adjustments. The software allows the estimation of the optimal prosthetic foot elasticity and geometry. We show that altering model attributes such as the length of the elastic foot segment or its elasticity leads to significant changes in the estimated knee torque required for a given trajectory.
Effects of Restricted Fructose Access on Body Weight and Blood Pressure Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Senador Danielle , Shewale Swapnil , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Elased Khalid M. , Morris Mariana
Published: March 2012

High-fructose diet is known to produce cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies. The objective was to determine whether the timing of high fructose (10% liquid solution) intake affect the metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Male C57BL mice with radiotelemetric probes were divided into four groups: (1) 24 h water (control); (2) 24 h fructose (F24); (3) 12 h fructose during the light phase (F12L); (4) 12 h fructose during the dark phase (F12D). All fructose groups had higher fluid intake. Body weight was increased in mice on restricted access with no difference in total caloric intake. Fasting glycemia was higher in groups with restricted access. F24 mice showed a fructose-induced blood pressure increase during the dark period. Blood pressure circadian rhythms were absent in F12L mice. Results suggest that the timing of fructose intake is an important variable in the etiology of cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies produced by high fructose consumption.
Affective Spectrum Disorders in an Urban Swedish Adult Psychiatric Unit: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Scharin M. , Archer T. , Hellström P.
Published: March 2012

Background. Several studies have found that patients with affective-/anxiety-/stress-related syndromes present overlapping features such as cooccurrence within families and individuals and response to the same type of pharmacological treatment, suggesting that these syndromes share pathogenetic mechanisms. The term affective spectrum disorder (AfSD) has been suggested, emphasizing these commonalities. The expectancy rate, sociodemographic characteristics, and global level of functioning in AfSD has hitherto not been studied neglected.Material and Method. Out of 180 consecutive patients 94 were included after clinical investigations and ICD-10 diagnostics. Further investigations included well-known self-evaluation instruments assessing psychiatric symptoms, personality disorders, psychosocial stress, adaptation, quality of life, and global level of functioning. A neuropsychological screening was also included.Results. The patients were young, had many young children, were well educated, and had about expected (normal distribution of) intelligence. Sixty-one percent were identified as belonging to the group of AfSD.Conclusion. The study identifies a large group of patients that presents much suffering and failure of functioning. This group is shared between the levels of medical care, between primary care and psychiatry. The term AfSD facilitates identification of patient groups that share common traits and identifies individuals clinically, besides the referred patients, in need of psychiatric interventions.
Ion‐Conducting Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Complexed with Mg(CH3COO)2– Application as an Electrochemical Cell
Authors: Polu Anji Reddy , Kumar Ranveer
Published: March 2012

A new Mg2+ ‐ion conducting polymer electrolyte based on Poly (ethylene glycol) complexed with Mg(CH3COO)2 has been prepared using solution‐cast technique. DSC, Composition‐dependent conductivity at different temperatures, dielectric studies, and transference number measurements have been performed to characterize the polymer electrolytes. The DSC measurements show decrease in melting point with increase in salt concentration. Out of five different compositions studied, the 85PEG: 15Mg(CH3COO)2 polymer‐salt complex showed the highest conductivity with σ = 1.07 x 10-6 S/cm at room temperature (30°C). The transport number measurements have shown that the electrolyte is an ionic conductor. Using the electrolyte, an electrochemical cell with the configuration Mg/(PEG+Mg(CH3 COO)2)/(I2 +C+electrolyte) has been fabricated and its discharge characteristics studied.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Lamivudine in Pure and Tablet Forms
Authors: Babu A. Biksham , Ramu G. , Muralikrishna Ch. , Reddy S. Brahma , Rambabu C.
Published: March 2012

Two visible spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of Lamivudine(LMV) in pure and tablet forms. Method‐A is based on oxidation of 3‐methyl‐2‐benzathiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) in the presence of iodoso benzene diacetate (IBDA) to form electrophilic intermediate which is an active coupling species that reacts with the coupler (LMV) by electrophillic attack on the most nucleophilic site on cyclic ring of the coupler. Method‐B depends on diazonium salt formation and consequent reaction with resorcinol producing colored product. The absorbances are measured at 590 nm and 540 nm for Method‐A and Method‐B respectively. Beer′s law is obeyed in the concentration range of 10.0‐60.0 μg/mL for both the methods. The correlation coefficient which is very close to unity indicates that there is good correlation between concentration and absorbance. LOD, LOQ, confidence levels and relative standard deviation are calculated for the developed methods. The developed methods were successfully applied to tablet forms.
Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone‐Supported Boron Trifluoride; Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of N‐tert‐Butyl Amides
Authors: Mokhtary Masoud , Najafizadeh Faranak
Published: March 2012

Highly efficient method for the preparation of N‐tert‐butyl amides by reaction of nitriles with tert‐butyl acetate is described using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone‐supported boron trifluoride (PVPP‐BF3) at 70°C in good to excellent yields. Selective amidation of benzonitrile in the presence of acetonitrile was also achieved. polyvinylpolypyrrolidone‐boron trifluoride complex shows non‐corrosive and stable solid catalyst elevated Lewis acid property.
Higher Blood Glucose within the Normal Range Is Associated with More Severe Strokes
Authors: Martin Rolf J. , Ratan Rajiv R. , Reding Michael J. , Olsen Tom S.
Published: March 2012

Background. Higher fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations in the hyperglycemic range are associated with more severe strokes. Whether this association also extends into patients with FBG in the normoglycemic range is unclear. We studied the association of stroke severity and FBG in normoglycemic patients with ischemic stroke in a median of 7 days after stroke when the initial glycemic stress response has resolved.Method and Material. Included were 361 nondiabetic ischemic stroke patients with admission fasting blood glucose within 70–130 mg/dL admitted into an acute stroke rehabilitation unit in a median of 7 days after stroke. Data including neuroimaging, vital signs, cardiovascular risk factors, and admission functional independence measure (AFIM) were recorded prospectively.Results. FBG correlated with stroke severity in the normoglycemic 70–130 mg/dL range (FBG-AFIM correlation coefficient−0.17;P=0.003). Odds ratio for more severe injury (below average AFIM score) was 2.02 for patients with FBG 110–130 mg/dL compared to FBG 70–90 mg/dL (95% confidence interval 1.10–3.73,P=0.022). Each mg/dL increase in FBG was associated with an average decrease of 0.25 FIM points. In a multiple linear regression model, FBG was associated with more severe stroke (P=0.002).Conclusion. One week after ischemic stroke, FBG within the normoglycemic range was associated with stroke severity.
Recent Trends in the Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes and Their Applications
Authors: Motshekga Sarah C. , Pillai Sreejarani K. , Sinha Ray Suprakas , Jalama Kalala , Krause Rui. W. M.
Published: March 2012

The study of coating carbon nanotubes with metal/oxides nanoparticles is now becoming a promising and challenging area of research. To optimize the use of carbon nanotubes in various applications, it is necessary to attach functional groups or other nanostructures to their surface. The combination of the distinctive properties of carbon nanotubes and metal/oxides is expected to be applied in field emission displays, nanoelectronic devices, novel catalysts, and polymer or ceramic reinforcement. The synthesis of these composites is still largely based on conventional techniques, such as wet impregnation followed by chemical reduction of the metal nanoparticle precursors. These techniques based on thermal heating can be time consuming and often lack control of particle size and morphology. Hence, there is interest in microwave technology recently, where using microwaves represents an alternative way of power input into chemical reactions through dielectric heating. This paper covers the synthesis and applications of carbon‐nanotube‐coated metal/oxides nanoparticles prepared by a microwave‐assisted method. The reviewed studies show that the microwave‐assisted synthesis of the composites allows processes to be completed within a shorter reaction time with uniform and well‐dispersed nanoparticle formation.
Approximation Algorithm for a System of Pantograph Equations
Authors: Widatalla Sabir , Koroma Mohammed Abdulai
Published: March 2012

We show how to adapt an efficient numerical algorithm to
obtain an approximate solution of a system of pantograph equations. This
algorithm is based on a combination of Laplace transform and Adomian
decomposition method. Numerical examples reveal that the method is
quite accurate and efficient, it approximates the solution to a very high
degree of accuracy after a few iterates.
On Generalized Hyers‐Ulam Stability of Admissible Functions
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: March 2012

We consider the Hyers‐Ulam stability for the following fractional differential equations in sense of Srivastava‐Owa fractional operators (derivative and integral) defined in the unit disk: , in a complex Banach space. Furthermore, a generalization of the admissible functions in complex Banach spaces is imposed, and applications are illustrated.
ZnO Nanoparticles: An Efficient Reagent, Simple and One‐Pot Procedure for Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Dihydropyridine Derivatives
Authors: Khazaei Marziyeh , Anary-Abbasinejad Mohammad , Hassanabadi Alireza , Sadeghi Bahareh
Published: March 2012

A new and efficient one‐pot synthesis of dihydropyridones derivatives by four‐component reaction between cyanoacetamide, aryl aldehydes, and ethyl acetoacetate with ammonium acetate using nano ZnO is described. The reaction was performed in ethanol under reflux conditions and afforded good yields of products.
Keeping Cool: Use of Air Conditioning by Australians with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Summers Michael P. , Simmons Rex D. , Verikios George
Published: March 2012

Despite the known difficulties many people with MS have with high ambient temperatures, there are no reported studies of air conditioning use and MS. This study systematically examined air conditioner use by Australians with MS. A short survey was sent to all participants in the Australian MS Longitudinal Study cohort with a response rate of 76% (n=2,385). Questions included hours of air-conditioner use, areas cooled, type and age of equipment, and the personal effects of overheating. Air conditioners were used by 81.9% of respondents, with an additional 9.6% who could not afford an air conditioner. Regional and seasonal variation in air conditioning use was reported, with a national annual mean of 1,557 hours running time. 90.7% reported negative effects from overheating including increased fatigue, an increase in other MS symptoms, reduced household and social activities, and reduced work capacity. Households that include people with MS spend between 4 and 12 times more on keeping cool than average Australian households.
Separation Studies of Pd(II) from Acidic Chloride Solutions of Pt(IV), Ni(II) and Rh(III) by Using 4‐Aroyl‐3‐Phenyl‐5‐Isoxazolones
Authors: Reddy Koduru Janardhan , Lee Kap Duk
Published: March 2012

This study examined the effect influence of various factors on the extraction of Pd(II) to develop a new liquid‐liquid extraction mechanism for the selective separation of palladium(II) from its acidic chloride solutions using 4‐aroyl‐3‐phenyl‐5‐isoxazolones (HA), such as 3‐phenyl‐4‐(4‐fluorobenzoyl)‐5‐ isoxazolone (HFBPI), 3‐phenyl‐4‐benzoyl‐5‐isoxazolone (HPBI) and 3‐phenyl‐4‐ (4‐toluoyl)‐5‐isoxazolone (HTPI). The extraction strength of Pd(II) with HA were in the following order: HFBPI > HPBI > HTPI, which is opposite to that observed with their pKa values. HPBI was used to separate Pd(II) from Pt(IV), Ni(II) and Rh(III) metal ions and calculated their separation factors (S.F.) were followed in the order: Pd/Ni (40±0.4) > Pd/Pt (25±0.2) > Pd/Rh (15±0.3 > Rh/Ni (2.7±0.3) > Pt/Ni ≈ Rh/Pt (1.7±0.2). The loading and striping of Pd(II) (1.12×10-4 mol L-1) were also examined using 1.0×10-3 mol L-1 HPBI in CHCl3 and 1.0 mol L-1 HCl, respectively. The results demonstrated that the maximum (97.5%) extraction and desorption (89%) of metal required at least 3.0 cycles. The developed method was applied successfully to the separation of palladium from synthetic water samples.
The Interplay between Estrogen and Fetal Adrenal Cortex
Authors: Kaludjerovic Jovana , Ward Wendy E.
Published: March 2012

Estrogen is a steroid hormone that regulates embryogenesis, cell proliferation and differentiation, organogenesis, the timing of parturition, and fetal imprinting by carrying chemical messages from glands to cells within tissues or organs in the body. During development, placenta is the primary source of estrogen production but estrogen can only be produced if the fetus or the mother supplies dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the estrogen prohormone. Studies show that the fetal zone of the fetal adrenal cortex supplies 60% of DHEA for placental estrogen production, and that placental estrogen in turn modulates the morphological and functional development of the fetal adrenal cortex. As such, in developed countries where humans are exposed daily to environmental estrogens, there is concern that the development of fetal adrenal cortex, and in turn, placental estrogen production may be disrupted. This paper discusses fetal adrenal gland development, how endogenous estrogen regulates the structure and function of the fetal adrenal cortex, and highlights the potential role that early life exposure to environmental estrogens may have on the development and endocrinology of the fetal adrenal cortex.
Classic and New Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Blesa Javier , Phani Sudarshan , Jackson-Lewis Vernice , Przedborski Serge
Published: March 2012

Neurological disorders can be modeled in animals so as to recreate specific pathogenic events and behavioral outcomes. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease of an aging population, and although there have been several significant findings about the PD disease process, much of this process still remains a mystery. Breakthroughs in the last two decades using animal models have offered insights into the understanding of the PD disease process, its etiology, pathology, and molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, while cellular models have helped to identify specific events, animal models, both toxic and genetic, have replicated almost all of the hallmarks of PD and are useful for testing new neuroprotective or neurorestorative strategies. Moreover, significant advances in the modeling of additional PD features have come to light in both classic and newer models. In this review, we try to provide an updated summary of the main characteristics of these models as well as the strengths and weaknesses of what we believe to be the most popular PD animal models. These models include those produced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine (MPTP), rotenone, and paraquat, as well as several genetic models like those related to alpha-synuclein, PINK1, Parkin and LRRK2 alterations.