bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Simulation and Analysis of Variable‐Rate Pumping Tests
Authors: Mishra Phoolendra Kumar , Vessilinov Velimir , Gupta Hoshin
Published: July 2012

Analytical solutions for constant‐rate pumping tests are widely used to infer aquifer properties. In this note, we implement a methodology that approximates the time‐varying pumping record as a series of segments with linearly varying pumping rates. We validate our approach using an analytical solution for a sinusoidally varying pumping test. We also apply our methodology to analyze synthetic test data and compare the results with those from a commonly used method where rate variations are represented by a series of constant‐rate steps.
Performance of Full‐Scale Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination in Clay Till
Authors: Damgaard Ida , Bjerg Poul L. , Jacobsen Carsten S , Tsitonaki Aikaterini , Kerrn‐Jespersen Henriette , Broholm Mette M.
Published: July 2012

At a low permeability clay till site contaminated with chlorinated ethenes (Gl. Kongevej, Denmark), enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) was applied by direct push injection of molasses and dechlorinating bacteria. The performance was investigated by long‐term groundwater monitoring, and after 4 years of remediation, the development of degradation in the clay till matrix was investigated by high‐resolution subsampling of intact cores. The formation of degradation products, the presence of specific degraders Dehalococcoides spp. with the vinyl chloride (VC) reductase gene vcrA, and the isotope fractionation of trichloroethene, cis‐dichloroethene (cis‐DCE), and VC showed that degradation of chlorinated ethenes occurred in the clay till matrix as well as in sand lenses, sand stringers, and fractures. Bioactive sections of up to 1.8 m had developed in the clay till matrix, but sections, where degradation was restricted to narrow zones around sand lenses and stringers, were also observed. After 4 years of remediation, an average mass reduction of 24% was estimated. Comparison of the results with model simulation scenarios indicate that a mass reduction of 85% can be obtained within approximately 50 years without further increase in the narrow reaction zones if no donor limitations occur at the site. Long‐term monitoring of the concentration of chlorinated ethenes in the underlying chalk aquifer revealed that the aquifer was affected by the more mobile degradation products cis‐DCE and VC generated during the remediation by ERD.
The use of simulation with advanced practice nursing students
Authors: Pittman Oralea A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: To review use of simulation in the education of advanced practice nurses and to describe an innovative simulation program for family nurse practitioner (NP) students.

Data sources: The literature was reviewed using MEDLINE and CINAHL searches for descriptions of simulation programs for advanced practice nursing (APN) students. A description of a simulation program in a family NP program was provided.

Conclusions: The literature on the use of simulation in primary care APN programs is scant, but simulation seems to represent an active learning strategy that would be of benefit to primary care APN students in increasing knowledge and confidence about the management of clinical situations. Students can also work with faculty to create simulation experiences based on the knowledge of their own learning needs and expertise in specialty areas of nursing.

Implications for practice: More information about the use of simulation programs for APN students is needed along with more information about educational outcomes.
Emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, well‐being and engagement: explaining organisational commitment and turnover intentions in policing
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Teo Stephen T.T. , Shacklock Kate , Farr‐Wharton Rod
Published: July 2012

This study examines the effect of emotional intelligence upon the job satisfaction, well‐being and engagement of police officers in explaining their organisational commitment and turnover intentions. Survey responses from 193 police officers in Australia were analysed using partial least squares path modelling. As predicted, emotional intelligence leads to job satisfaction and well‐being, with positive path relationships leading to employee engagement and organisational commitment, thereby affecting turnover intentions. Organisational commitment was found to partially mediate the causal relationship between employee engagement and turnover intentions. The findings of this research have important theoretical and practical implications for police officer retention.
Institutional distance, host country and international business experience, and the use of parent country nationals
Authors: Ando Naoki , Paik Yongsun
Published: July 2012

This study examines how the institutional distance between a host country and a home country influences foreign subsidiary staffing, and how overseas business experience moderates the effect of institutional distance. Hypotheses regarding the effect of institutional distance on foreign subsidiary staffing are empirically tested using a sample of 2,980 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese firms. This study shows that although the ratio of parent country nationals to subsidiary employees decreases when firms face greater institutional distance, the absolute number of parent country nationals assigned to the subsidiary increases. This study also shows that firms with more overseas business experience replace host country nationals with parent country nationals when there is greater institutional distance.
Managing multiple forms of employment in the construction sector: implications for HRM
Authors: Raja Jawwad Z. , Green Stuart D. , Leiringer Roine , Dainty Andrew , Johnstone Stewart
Published: July 2012

The construction industry is one of the largest and most complex industrial sectors in the UK. The industry's failure to adopt progressive human resource (HR) practices is routinely blamed on the challenges of operating in a fragmented, project‐based environment reliant on subcontracting. This research examines the extent to which existing HR theory accounts for the particular employment context of project‐based organisations operating in volatile markets. Drawing upon case study research from two different divisions within a large contracting firm, this article explores the extent to which different contracting arrangements impinge on attempts to reposition human resource management (HRM) as a strategic function along the business partnering model. Elevating the role of the HR function is found to be difficult to reconcile with the concurrent demands of managing multiple forms of employment arrangements. The research reveals a need for HRM models that account for the specificities of complex, differentiated organisations that operate in multiple environments.
The controversy over vertebroplasty: An analysis of the debate and proposals for a way forward
Authors: Johnson Jane , Rogers Wendy , Jeffree Rosalind L
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the ongoing and often heated debate about the merits or otherwise of percutaneous vertebroplasty as a treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures. In spite of the proliferation of research on this topic there is no agreement over its indications, safety or efficacy. We discuss the ethical issues which arise when new medical interventions such as vertebroplasty are introduced and make suggestions of relevance not just to the case of vertebroplasty, but to the introduction of innovative procedures generally.
Dracaena mokoko sp. nov. (Dracaenaceae–Ruscaceae/Asparagaceae) a critically endangered forest species from Mokoko, Cameroon
Authors: Mwachala Geoffrey , Cheek Martin
Published: July 2012

Dracaena mokoko Mwachala & Cheek sp. nov. is described from the Mokoko forest in the western foothills of Mt Cameroon, in Cameroon, west Africa. Using the IUCN standard it is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) due to its small population size (less than 50 individuals are known), its small extent of occurrence, and threats from oil exploration and logging in the Mokoko forest. The new species is considered allied to D. aubryana Brongn. ex C. J. Morren of west–central Africa but differs in having spiralled leaves with the blade gradually narrowing into the petiole rather than distichous leaves in which there is an abrupt transition from the well‐developed blade to the petiole.
Impacts of herbaceous bioenergy crops on atmospheric volatile organic composition and potential consequences for global climate change
Authors: Miresmailli Saber , Zeri Marcelo , Zangerl Arthur R. , Bernacchi Carl J. , Berenbaum May R. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: July 2012

The introduction of new crops to agroecosystems can change the chemical composition of the atmosphere by altering the amount and type of plant‐derived biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). BVOCs are produced by plants to aid in defense, pollination, and communication. Once released into the atmosphere, they have the ability to influence its chemical and physical properties. In this study, we compared BVOC emissions from three potential bioenergy crops and estimated their theoretical impacts on bioenergy agroecosystems. The crops chosen were miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and an assemblage of prairie species (mix of ~28 species). The concentration of BVOCs was different within and above plant canopies. All crops produced higher levels of emissions at the upper canopy level. Miscanthus produced lower amounts of volatiles compared with other grasses. The chemical composition of volatiles differed significantly among plant communities. BVOCs from miscanthus were depleted in terpenoids relative to the other vegetation types. The carbon flux via BVOC emissions, calculated using the flux‐gradient method, was significantly higher in the prairie assemblage compared with miscanthus and switchgrass. The BVOC carbon flux was approximately three orders of magnitude lower than the net fluxes of carbon measured over the same fields using eddy covariance systems. Extrapolation of our findings to the landscape scale leads us to suggest that the widespread adoption of bioenergy crops could potentially alter the composition of BVOCs in the atmosphere, thereby influencing its warming potential, the formation of atmospheric particulates, and interactions between plants and arthropods. Our data and projections indicate that, among at least these three potential options for bioenergy production, miscanthus is likely to have lower impacts on atmospheric chemistry and biotic interactions mediated by these volatiles when miscanthus is planted on the landscape scale.
Hepatitis A outbreak associated with a revolving sushi bar in Chiba, Japan: Application of molecular epidemiology
Authors: Tominaga Atsuko , Kanda Tatsuo , Akiike Taro , Komoda Hiroshi , Ito Kenji , Abe Asami , Aruga Akiko , Kaneda Satoru , Saito Masaaki , Kiyohara Tomoko , Wakita Takaji , Ishii Koji , Yokosuka Osamu , Sugiura Nobuyuki
Published: July 2012

Aim:  The number of hepatitis A cases in Japan as well as in other developed countries has been progressively decreasing during the last several years. There is no universal hepatitis A vaccination program in Japan, and a hepatitis A virus (HAV) epidemic in Japan is not unlikely. In 2011, a hepatitis A outbreak associated with a revolving sushi bar occurred in Chiba, Japan. We aimed to analyze this outbreak.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients associated with this outbreak were admitted to the National Hospital Organization Chiba Medical Center. Molecular epidemiologic investigations were conducted.

Results:  Twenty‐six of the 27 patients had gone to the same revolving sushi bar, and then clinical symptoms appeared. HAV RNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 23 of the 27 (85.1%) patients whose sera had tested positive for anti‐HAV immunoglobulin M. All isolates from this outbreak were clustered within subgenotype IA, displaying 100% sequence homology with each other in 232 bp from all 23 patients. All isolates belong to the IA‐1 sublineage, which is endemic to Japan.

Conclusion:  A revolving sushi bar was associated with a hepatitis A outbreak, and molecular epidemiological investigations proved useful.
Limited infection with occult hepatitis B virus in drug users in the USA
Authors: Blackard Jason T. , Martin Christina M. , Sengupta Satarupa , Forrester Janet
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Occult HBV infection (O‐HBV) is defined as low level HBV replication in the absence of detectable circulating HBV surface antigen. O‐HBV has been implicated in HBV reactivation, advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, reduced interferon response rates, elevated liver enzyme levels, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the prevalence of O‐HBV has not been clearly established in certain at‐risk populations, such as injection drug users.

Methods:  Therefore, the current pilot study examined the prevalence of O‐HBV in a prospective cohort designed to assess the role of injection and non‐injection drug use (IDU) on HIV‐associated comorbidities.

Results:  Utilizing two distinct real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays, HBV DNA was not detected in 99 participants examined.

Conclusion:  This finding is in contrast to other data from US IDU cohorts and suggests that the prevalence of O‐HBV infection is very specific to the cohort studied, is sensitive to other confounding variables such as hepatitis C virus and/or HIV serostatus, and should not be generalized across risk groups or distinct cohorts.
Chondrules: Precursors and interactions with the nebular gas
Authors: HEWINS Roger H. , ZANDA Brigitte
Published: July 2012

Abstract– Chondrule compositions suggest either ferroan precursors and evaporation, or magnesian precursors and condensation. Type I chondrule precursors include granoblastic olivine aggregates (planetary or nebular) and fine‐grained (dustball) precursors. In carbonaceous chondrites, type I chondrule precursors were S‐free, while type II chondrules have higher Fe/Mn than in ordinary chondrites. Many type II chondrules contain diverse forsteritic relicts, consistent with polymict dustball precursors. The relationship between finer and coarser grained type I chondrules in ordinary chondrites suggests more evaporation from more highly melted chondrules. Fe metal in type I, and Na and S in type II chondrules indicate high partial pressures in ambient gas, as they are rapidly evaporated at canonical conditions. The occurrence of metal, sulfide, or low‐Ca pyroxene on chondrule rims suggests (re)condensation. In Semarkona type II chondrules, Na‐rich olivine cores, Na‐poor melt inclusions, and Na‐rich mesostases suggest evaporation followed by recondensation. Type II chondrules have correlated FeO and MnO, consistent with condensation onto forsteritic precursors, but with different ratios in carbonaceous chondrites and ordinary chondrites, indicating different redox history. The high partial pressures of lithophile elements require large dense clouds, either clumps in the protoplanetary disk, impact plumes, or bow shocks around protoplanets. In ordinary chondrites, clusters of type I and type II chondrules indicate high number densities and their similar oxygen isotopic compositions suggest recycling together. In carbonaceous chondrites, the much less abundant type II chondrules were probably added late to batches of type I chondrules from different O isotopic reservoirs.
Effect of microneedle treatment on the skin permeation of a nanoencapsulated dye
Authors: Gomaa Yasmine A , El-Khordagui Labiba K , Garland Martin J , Donnelly Ryan F , McInnes Fiona , Meidan Victor M
Published: July 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of microneedle (MN) pretreatment on the transdermal delivery of a model drug (Rhodamine B, Rh B) encapsulated in polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) focusing on the MN characteristics and application variables.

Methods

Gantrez MNs were fabricated using laser-engineered silicone micro-mould templates. PLGA NPs were prepared using a modified emulsion–diffusion–evaporation method and characterised in vitro. Permeation of encapsulated Rh B through MN-treated full thickness porcine skin was performed using Franz diffusion cells with appropriate controls.

Key findings

In-vitro skin permeation of the nanoencapsulated Rh B (6.19 ± 0.77 µg/cm2/h) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with the free solution (1.66 ± 0.53 µg/cm2/h). Mechanistic insights were supportive of preferential and rapid deposition of NPs in the MN-created microconduits, resulting in accelerated dye permeation. Variables such as MN array configuration and application mode were shown to affect transdermal delivery of the nanoencapsulated dye.

Conclusions

This dual MN/NP-mediated approach offers potential for both the dermal and transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents with poor passive diffusion characteristics.
Specific Absorption Rate and Temperature Increase in Human Eye Subjected to Electromagnetic Fields at 900 MHz
Authors: Wessapan Teerapot , Rattanadecho Phadungsak
Published: July 2012

Human eye is one of the most sensitive parts of the entire human body when exposed to electromagnetic fields. These electromagnetic fields interact with the human eye and may lead to cause a variety of ocular effects from high intensity radiation. However, the resulting thermo-physiologic response of the human eye to electromagnetic fields is not well understood. In order to gain insight into the phenomena occurring within the human eye with temperature distribution induced by electromagnetic fields, a detailed knowledge of absorbed power distribution as well as temperature distribution is necessary. This study presents a numerical analysis of specific absorption rate (SAR) and heat transfer in the heterogeneous human eye model exposed to electromagnetic fields. In the heterogeneous human eye model, the effect of power density on specific absorption rate and temperature distribution within the human eye is systematically investigated. In particular, the results calculated from a developed heat transfer model, considered natural convection and porous media theory, are compared with the results obtained from a conventional heat transfer model (based on conduction heat transfer). In all cases, the temperatures obtained from the developed heat transfer model have a lower temperature gradient than that of the conventional heat transfer model. The specific absorption rate and the temperature distribution in various parts of the human eye during exposure to electromagnetic fields at 900 MHz, obtained by numerical solution of electromagnetic wave propagation and heat transfer equation, are also presented. The results show that the developed heat transfer model, which is the more accurate way to determine the temperature increase in the human eye due to electromagnetic energy absorption from electromagnetic field exposure.
A Simplified Method for Calculating Heat Transfer Coefficients and Friction Factors in Laminar Pipe Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Cruz D. A. , Coelho P. M. , Alves M. A.
Published: July 2012

In this work, we propose an approximate methodology to estimate the Nusselt number and friction factor in fully developed non-Newtonian laminar flow in circular pipes for a constant wall heat flux. The methodology was tested using several constitutive equations, including generalized Newtonian fluids and viscoelastic models such as the simplified Phan-Thien–Tanner (sPTT), Herschel–Bulkley, Bingham, Casson, and Carreau–Yasuda constitutive equations. The error of the approximate methodology was found to be smaller than 3.2%, except for the fluids with yield stress for which the maximum error increased to about 8% for the cases analyzed, which cover a wide range of shear viscosity curves.
Impact of Intensity of Residual Stress Field Upon Reyielding and Re-Autofrettage of an Autofrettaged Thick Cylinder
Authors: Parker Anthony P. , Troiano Edward , Underwood John H.
Published: July 2012

Re-autofrettage has been identified as a significant, cost-effective method to achieve higher reyield pressure (RYP) and/or weight reduction in large caliber gun tubes. For a given overstrain, residual stress profiles for hydraulic and swage autofrettage may differ significantly in their intensity. The simplest representation of this “intensity” effect is the magnitude of the bending moment “locked in” via the residual hoop stress. Hill’s analytical, plane strain, Von Mises analysis predicts a larger “locked-in” moment than does the equivalent open-end condition. By assuming a range of stress-field intensities (f) scaling from 1.0 to 1.4 times that were produced by open-end hydraulic autofrettage, it was possible to assess reyield behavior following initial autofrettage via a generic numerical study. In cases where Bauschinger effect is absent, reyield initiates at the original elastic–plastic interface. This includes the ideal Hill distribution. When Bauschinger effect is present, reyield for f≤1.1 initiates at the bore and after further pressurization at the original elastic–plastic interface within two zones. For f≥1.2, the reverse is the case, with initial yield at the original elastic–plastic interface and subsequently at the bore. RYP increases with increasing f up to f = 1.175 and then decreases significantly. This loss of RYP may be mitigated by hydraulic re-autofrettage. At f = 1.0 re-autofrettage increases RYP by 4%. At f = 1.4, RYP is increased by 19%. There are modest increases in safe maximum pressure (SMP) as a result of re-autofrettage. RYP closely approaching re-autofrettage pressure is achievable for f≥1.3. Within this range, re-autofrettage offers a significant benefit. Re-autofrettage also produces beneficial effects via increased bore hoop compressive stress, this increase varying from 20% for f = 1% to 0% for f = 1.4. Such increased compression will benefit fatigue lifetime for fatigue cracks initiating at the bore. Conversely, tensile outside diameter (OD) hoop stress increases, with increasing f, by a maximum of 6%.
Advanced Gun System Gun and Projectile Dynamic Model Results and Correlation to Test Data
Authors: Edward Alexander J.
Published: July 2012

BAE Systems is currently developing and testing a 155 mm advanced gun system (AGS) and a long range land attack projectile (LRLAP) as a part of the DDG-1000 ship development program. For this development, it is important to understand the barrel and projectile dynamics, including the interaction of the barrel and the projectile in the bore as well as the projectile tip-off parameters at exit. An abaqus explicit dynamic finite element model has been developed to compare results with test data that were taken on June 18, 2003, at the BAE Systems site at the Alliant Techsystems Proving Ground (ATPG) during AGS propellant testing. The abaqus model includes the gun barrel, the projectile used for propellant testing (a steel slug), the M110 gun mount, and the recoil system. Features of the model incorporate settling of the barrel due to gravity, gun recoil, in-bore interaction of the projectile and the barrel using contact surfaces, and the initial flight of the projectile after bore exit. The abaqus model results have been compared with gun firing test data acquired during propellant testing at Elk River, MN. These comparisons include barrel and projectile displacements, angular velocities, and axial accelerations. The abaqus model results are also compared to similar models of the test conditions with the simulation of barrel dynamics (simbad) gun dynamics code and the ibhvg2 interior ballistics code.
Direct and Inverse Solutions for Thermal- and Stress-Transients and
the Analytical Determination of Boundary Conditions Using Remote Temperature or
Strain Data
Authors: Segall A. E. , Drapaca C. , Engels D. , Zhu T. , Yang H.
Published: July 2012

From an analytical standpoint, a majority of calculations use known boundary conditions (temperature or flux) and the so-called direct route to determine internal temperatures, strains, and/or stresses. For such problems where the thermal boundary condition is known a priori, the analytical procedure and solutions are tractable for the linear case where the thermophysical properties are independent of temperature. On the other hand, the inverse route where the boundary conditions must be determined from remotely determined temperature and/or flux data is much more difficult mathematically, as well as inherently sensitive to data errors (i.e., ill-posed). When solutions are available, they are often restricted to a harsh, albeit unrealistic step change in temperature or flux and/or are only valid for relatively short time frames before temperature changes occur at the far boundary. While the two approaches may seem to be at odds with each other, a generalized direct solution based on polynomial temperature or strain-histories can also be used to determine unknown boundary conditions via least-squares determination of coefficients. Once the inverse problem (and unknown boundary condition) is solved via these coefficients, the resulting polynomial can then be used with the generalized direct solution to determine the thermal- and stress-states as a function of time and position. When used for both thick slabs and tubes, excellent agreement was seen for various test cases. In fact, the derived solutions appear to be well suited for many thermal scenarios, provided the analysis is restricted to the time interval used to determine the polynomial and the thermophysical properties that do not vary with temperature. Since temperature dependent properties can certainly be an issue that affects accuracy in these types of calculations, some recent analytical procedures for both direct and inverse solutions are also discussed.
YUKAWA UNIFICATION IN SUSY SO(10) IN LIGHT OF THE LHC HIGGS DATA
Authors: BADZIAK MARCIN
Published: July 2012

The status of top–bottom–tau Yukawa coupling unification in supersymmetric SO(10) models is reviewed with a particular emphasis on the implications of the Higgs boson mass in the vicinity of 125 GeV, as suggested by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Higgs data. In addition, the recently proposed model with negative μ, D-term splitting of the soft scalar masses and nonuniversal gaugino masses generated by a nonzero F-term in a 24-dimensional representation of SU(5) ⊂ SO(10) is reanalyzed in the context of the 125 GeV Higgs. The condition of top–bottom–tau Yukawa unification together with the Higgs mass of about 125 GeV impose strong lower mass limits on supersymmetry (SUSY) particles. Nevertheless, some of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) particles may be within the reach of LHC. In the case of models with positive μ this is the gluino. While in the case of negative μ these are the pseudoscalar Higgs, the lighter sbottom (sometimes strongly degenerate with LSP leading to sbottom coannihilations), the right-handed down squark and the gluino.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF SLOWLY ROTATING PENDULUMS
Authors: CZOLCZYNSKI K. , PERLIKOWSKI P. , STEFANSKI A. , KAPITANIAK T.
Published: July 2012

We study synchronization of a number of rotating pendulums mounted on a horizontal beam which can roll on the parallel surface. It has been shown that after the initial transient, different states of pendulums synchronization occur. We derive the analytical equations for the estimation of the phase differences between phase synchronized pendulums. After the study of the basins of attraction of different synchronization states, we argue that the observed phenomena are robust as they occur for a wide range of both initial conditions and system parameters.
THREE-WAY GOVERNMENT DECISION ANALYSIS WITH DECISION-THEORETIC ROUGH SETS
Authors: LIU DUN , LI TIANRUI , LIANG DECUI
Published: July 2012

By considering the risks in policy making procedure, a three-way decision approach based on the decision-theoretic rough set model is adopted to risk government decision-making. A three-way decision is made based on a pair of thresholds on conditional probabilities. A positive rule makes a decision of executing, a negative rule makes a decision of non-executing, and a boundary rule makes a decision of deferment. The loss functions are used to calculate the required two thresholds to describe the decision risk with the Bayesian decision procedure. A case study of government petroleum risk investment demonstrates the proposed method.
INNOVATIVE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: KALE DINAR
Published: July 2012

With increasing globalization, firms in emerging countries are facing turbulent business environment that is marked by liberalization of economic policies and regulatory changes. In such cases firms have to undertake dynamic learning to develop new capability. In developing countries the challenge for firms to develop new competencies is more complex due to political and economic complexities. This paper shows the key role of Diaspora scientists and collaborative models of R&D in development of innovative capabilities in the Indian industry. It also reveals that Indian firms transformed their business models as a response to changing external environment and raises questions regarding future development of the industry.
PLASMONIC NANOLITHOGRAPHY: TOWARDS NEXT GENERATION NANOPATTERNING
Authors: LIU HONG , TENG JINGHUA
Published: July 2012

Plasmonic nanolithography (PNL) is a surface plasmons (SPs)-based high resolution nanolithography technology. It has attracted great interests for its capability of forming sub-diffraction-limit patterns. It explores the properties of surface plasmons in tight light confinement, strongly localized optical field and the enhancement of evanescent filed for super-resolution imaging and lithography. SPs can be manipulated by the interaction of light with metallic structures to generate a strongly enhanced spatial distribution of an electric field in the proximity of metal surface. Once its resonance frequency falls into the photoresponse range of a resist, the resulting optical field would be recorded with nanoscale resolution. Using the low cost light sources, PNL has demonstrated high resolution comparable to the industrial achievement of sub-22 nm half-pitch resolution, which is accomplished using the costly state-of-the-art deep UV lithography tools. Upon the distinct interactions between the light and nanostructures, the PNL is categorized into three types, i.e. enhanced near-field lithography (ENL), superlens (planar lens) lithography (SLL) and focused plasmonic lithography (FPL). This paper will give an overview of the development of these technologies and the latest achievements.
A Comparative Interaction between Copper Ions with Alzheimer'sβAmyloid Peptide and Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Behbehani G. Rezaei , Barzegar L. , Mohebbian M. , Saboury A. A.
Published: July 2012

The interaction of Cu2+with the first 16 residues of the Alzheimer's amyliodβpeptide,Aβ(1–16), and human serum albumin (HSA) were studied in vitro by isothermal titration calorimetry at pH 7.2 and 310 K in aqueous solution. The solvation parameters recovered from the extended solvation model indicate that HSA is involved in the transport of copper ion. Complexes betweenAβ(1–16) and copper ions have been proposed to be an aberrant interaction in the development of Alzheimer's disease, where Cu2+is involved inAβ(1–16) aggregation. The indexes of stability indicate that HSA removed Cu2+fromAβ(1–16), rapidly, decreased Cu-induced aggregation ofAβ(1–16), and reduced the toxicity ofAβ(1–16) + Cu2+significantly.
Stochastic Delay Logistic Model under Regime Switching
Authors: Wu Zheng , Huang Hao , Wang Lianglong
Published: July 2012

This paper is concerned with a delay logistical model under regime switching diffusion in random environment. By using generalized Itô formula, Gronwall′s inequality, and Young′s inequality, some sufficient conditions for existence of global positive solutions and stochastically ultimate boundedness are obtained, respectively. Also, the relationships between the stochastic permanence and extinction as well as asymptotic estimations of solutions are investigated by virtue of V‐function technique, M‐matrix method, and Chebyshev′s inequality. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the main results.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Association with Risk Factors in Disadvantageous Population
Authors: Huda Md Nurul , Alam Kazi Shahnoor , Harun-Ur-Rashid
Published: July 2012

The prevalence of kidney disease, particularly diabetic and hypertensive kidney disease is increasing rapidly specially in the disadvantageous group of population throughout the world. A cross sectional survey was carried out at certain selected slum areas of Mirpur in Dhaka city of Bangladesh over the period from July 2003 to June 2005, and a total of participants ranging from 15 to 65 years were studied. The analysis discovered that 4.1% of the participants were diabetic, 11.6% were hypertensive, and 7.7% had proteinuria. Based on MDRD equation, 13.1% of the participants were detected as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) while with Cockcroft-Gault equation 16% had CKD. Accordingly, the difference between the two equations was not significant. Association of sociodemographic factors with CKD was not significant except age more than 40 years and marital status. The association between CKD and risk factors like proteinuria, obese and overweight, use of tobacco, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was highly significant. Combined prevalence of DM, hypertension, and proteinuria among CKD group was also demonstrated to be significantly higher (3.8% with Cockcroft-Gault equation and 5.3% with MDRD equation) than that of normal population. The survey data revealed that CKD and its risk factors like DM and hypertension are alarmingly high in disadvantageous population and adding further pressure to the existing burden of CKD.
The Metabolic Syndrome, Oxidative Stress, Environment, and Cardiovascular Disease: The Great Exploration
Authors: Hutcheson Rebecca , Rocic Petra
Published: July 2012

The metabolic syndrome affects 30% of the US population with increasing prevalence. In this paper, we explore the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and the incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease in general and coronary artery disease (CAD) in particular. Furthermore, we look at the impact of metabolic syndrome on outcomes of coronary revascularization therapies including CABG, PTCA, and coronary collateral development. We also examine the association between the metabolic syndrome and its individual component pathologies and oxidative stress. Related, we explore the interaction between the main external sources of oxidative stress, cigarette smoke and air pollution, and metabolic syndrome and the effect of this interaction on CAD. We discuss the apparent lack of positive effect of antioxidants on cardiovascular outcomes in large clinical trials with emphasis on some of the limitations of these trials. Finally, we present evidence for successful use of antioxidant properties of pharmacological agents, including metformin, statins, angiotensin II type I receptor blockers (ARBs), and angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, for prevention and treatment of the cardiovascular complications of the metabolic syndrome.
Double Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantations Could Not Enhance Therapeutic Effect Compared with Single Transplantation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wang Dandan , Akiyama Kentaro , Zhang Huayong , Yamaza Takayoshi , Li Xia , Feng Xuebing , Wang Hong , Hua Bingzhu , Liu Bujun , Xu Huji , Chen Wanjun , Shi Songtao , Sun Lingyun
Published: July 2012

The clinical trial of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation for refractory SLE patients has shown significant safety and efficacy profiles. However, the optimum frequency of the MSCs transplantation (MSCT) is unknown. This study was undertaken to observe whether double transplantations of MSCs is superior to single transplantation. Fifty-eight refractory SLE patients were enrolled in this study, in which 30 were randomly given single MSCT, and the other 28 were given double MSCT. Patients were followed up for rates of survival, disease remission, and relapse, as well as transplantation-related adverse events. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and serologic features were evaluated. Our results showed that no remarkable differences between single and double allogenic MSCT were found in terms of disease remission and relapse, amelioration of disease activity, and serum indexes in an SLE clinical trial with more than one year followup. This study demonstrated that single MSCs transplantation at the dose of one million MSCs per kilogram of body weight was sufficient to induce disease remission for refractory SLE patients.
Bicarbonate Plays a Critical Role in the Generation of Cytotoxicity during SIN-1 Decomposition in Culture Medium
Authors: Shirai Kyo , Okada Tatsumi , Konishi Kanako , Murata Hiroshi , Akashi Soichiro , Sugawara Fumio , Watanabe Nobuo , Arai Takao
Published: July 2012

3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) is used as a donor of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in various studies. We demonstrated, however, that, the cell-culture medium remains cytotoxic to PC12 cells even after almost complete SIN-1 decomposition, suggesting that reaction product(s) in the medium, rather thanONOO−, exert cytotoxic effects. Here, we clarified that significant cytotoxicity persists after SIN-1 decomposes in bicarbonate, a component of the culture medium, but not in NaOH. Cytotoxic SIN-1-decomposed bicarbonate, which lacks both oxidizing and nitrosating activities, degrades to innocuous state over time. The extent of SIN-1 cytotoxicity, irrespective of its fresh or decomposed state, appears to depend on the total number of initial SIN-1 molecules per cell, rather than its concentration, and involves oxidative/nitrosative stress-related cell damage. These results suggest that, despite its low abundance, the bicarbonate-dependent cytotoxic substance that accumulates in the medium during SIN-1 breakdown is the cytotoxic entity of SIN-1.
Short Implants in Partially Edentulous Maxillae and Mandibles: A 10 to 20 Years Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Lops Diego , Bressan Eriberto , Pisoni Gianluca , Cea Niccolò , Corazza Boris , Romeo Eugenio
Published: July 2012

Purpose.Evaluation of the short implant (8 mm in height) long-term prognosis and of the implant site influence on the prognosis.Methods.A longitudinal study was carried out on 121 patients (57 males and 64 females) consecutively treated with 257 implants. 108 implants were short.Results.Four (3.6%) short implants supporting fixed partial prostheses failed. Similarly, three standard implants supporting fixed partial prostheses and one supporting single-crown prosthesis failed. Mean marginal bone loss (MBL) and probing depth (PD) of short and standard implants were statistically comparable (P>.05). The 20-year cumulative survival rates of short and standard implants were 92.3 and 95.9%, respectively. The cumulative success rates were 78.3 and 81.4%. The survival rates of short implants in posterior and anterior regions were comparable: 95 and 96.4%, respectively. The difference between survival rates was not significant (P>.05).Conclusions.The high reliability of short implants in supporting fixed prostheses was confirmed. Short and standard implants long-term prognoses were not significantly different. The prognosis of short implants in posterior regions was comparable to that of in anterior regions. Nevertheless, a larger sample is required to confirm this trend.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kollewe Katja , Körner Sonja , Dengler Reinhard , Petri Susanne , Mohammadi Bahram
Published: July 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder which is incurable to date. As there are many ongoing studies with therapeutic candidates, it is of major interest to develop biomarkers not only to facilitate early diagnosis but also as a monitoring tool to predict disease progression and to enable correct randomization of patients in clinical trials. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made substantial progress over the last three decades and is a practical, noninvasive method to gain insights into the pathology of the disease. Disease-specific MRI changes therefore represent potential biomarkers for ALS. In this paper we give an overview of structural and functional MRI alterations in ALS with the focus on task-free resting-state investigations to detect cortical network failures.
Ulam‐Hyers Stability for Cauchy Fractional Differential Equation in the Unit Disk
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: July 2012

We prove the Ulam‐Hyers stability of Cauchy fractional differential equations
in the unit disk for the linear and non‐linear cases. The fractional operators are taken in sense of Srivastava‐Owa operators.
Taylor's Expansion Revisited: A General Formula for the Remainder
Authors: Rodríguez Cano José Juan , de Amo Enrique
Published: July 2012

We give a new approach to Taylor's remainder formula, via a generalization of Cauchy's generalized mean value theorem, which allows us to include the well-known Schölomilch, Lebesgue, Cauchy, and the Euler classic types, as particular cases.
Deciphering the Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor in Trastuzumab Resistance
Authors: Nahta Rita
Published: July 2012

Resistance to the HER2-targeted antibody trastuzumab is a major clinical concern in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Increased expression or signaling of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) has been reported in a subset of cell lines and clinical samples derived from trastuzumab-resistant breast cancers. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of IGF-IR signaling has been shown to improve response to trastuzumab in trastuzumab-naïve and trastuzumab-resistant models. In this paper, we will discuss the role of IGF-IR signaling in trastuzumab resistance. Further, we will discuss cotargeting IGF-IR and HER2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for HER2-over-expressing breast cancers that have progressed on trastuzumab treatment.
Martingale Morrey-Campanato Spaces and Fractional Integrals
Authors: Nakai Eiichi , Sadasue Gaku
Published: July 2012

We introduce Morrey-Campanato spaces of martingales and give their basic properties. Our definition of martingale Morrey-Campanato spaces is different from martingale Lipschitz spaces introduced by Weisz, while Campanato spaces contain Lipschitz spaces as special cases. We also give the relation between these definitions. Moreover, we establish the boundedness of fractional integrals as martingale transforms on these spaces. To do this we show the boundedness of the maximal function on martingale Morrey-Campanato spaces.
Admission Hyperglycemia and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Outcomes and Potential Therapies for Diabetics and Nondiabetics
Authors: Chakrabarti Anjan K. , Singh Priyamvada , Gopalakrishnan Lakshmi , Kumar Varun , Elizabeth Doherty Meagan , Abueg Cassandra , Wang Weici , Gibson C. Michael
Published: July 2012

Hyperglycemia, in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients, has a significant negative impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Contemporary evidence indicates that persistent hyperglycemia after initial hospital admission continues to exert negative effects on AMI patients. There have been a number of studies demonstrating the benefit of tight glucose control in patients presenting with AMI, but a lack of convincing clinical data has led to loose guidelines and poor implementation of glucose targets for this group of patients. The CREATE-ECLA study, which hypothesized that a fixed high dose of glucose, insulin, and potassium (GIK) would change myocardial substrate utilization from free fatty acids to glucose and therefore protect ischemic myocardium, failed to demonstrate improved clinical outcomes in AMI patients. Studies that specifically investigated intensive insulin therapy, including DIGAMI-2 and HI-5, also failed to improve clinical outcomes such as mortality. There are a number of reasons that these trials may have fallen short, including the inability to reach glucose targets and inadequate power. There is now a need for a large placebo-controlled randomized trial with an adequate sample size and adherence to glucose targets in order to establish the benefit of treating hyperglycemia in patients presenting with AMI.
Directional Distance Functions and Rate-of-Return Regulation
Authors: Aparicio Juan , Pastor Jesus T.
Published: July 2012

This paper is concerned with formulating directional distance functions assuming that firms operate subject to rate-of-return regulation. To this end, we consider two different contexts. First, we assume that input prices are known, which allows us to extend the rate of return regulated version of Farrell efficiency. Secondly, we assume that input prices are unknown, showing then that a specific reference direction arises as a natural choice for measuring efficiency with directional distance functions.
Endonasal Surgery after Cocaine Abuse: Safe at Any Interval?
Authors: Døsen L. K. , Haye R.
Published: July 2012

Objective. We report a case of poor healing after endonasal surgery for nasal septal perforation ten years after cocaine abuse was ended.Method. The clinical findings are presented.Results. A 35-year-old man presented with a small nasal septal perforation caused by cocaine abuse. He had stopped using it ten years previously so surgery was considered safe. The perforation was surgically closed using an endonasal approach. The perforation, however, recurred, the incision healing delayed, and a saddle deformity developed.Conclusion. The effects of cocaine abuse seem to persist causing poor healing after nasal surgery. Prosthetic treatment should be the primary choice. Caution should be employed when considering surgery even in small perforations due to cocaine abuse even many years after the abuse was terminated.
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Acidic Media by 5′‐Phenyl‐2′,4′‐dihydrospiro[indole‐3,3′‐pyrazol]‐2(1H)‐one
Authors: Firdhouse M. Jannathul , Nalini D.
Published: July 2012

The inhibition effect of 5′ ‐phenyl‐2′ ,4′ ‐dihydrospiro[indole‐3,3′ ‐pyrazol]‐2(1H)‐one (SPAH) on mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 has been studied by weight loss, effect of temperature, electrochemical techniques, and quantum chemical studies. The inhibition efficiency increases with increasing concentration of inhibitor but decreases with increase in temperature. The adsorption of inhibitor on mild steel surface has been found to obey Langmuir and Temkin’s adsorption isotherm. Potentiostatic polarization results revealed that SPAH acts as mixed type inhibitor. The values of activation energy (Ea), free energy of adsorption (ΔG∘), enthalpy of adsorption (ΔH), and entropy of adsorption (ΔS) were calculated. Surface analysis (SEM) was also carried out to establish the mechanism of inhibitor on mild steel corrosion in acid medium. Quantum chemical studies using DFT were employed to explain the experimental results obtained in this study and to further give insight into the inhibition action of SPAH on the mild steel surface.