bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Isolation and Partial Purification of Lactase (β-galactosidase) Enzyme from Lactobacillus Bacteria Isolated from Yogurt
Authors: Mozumder N. H. M. R. , Akhtaruzzaman M. , Bakr M. A. , Zohra F. Tuj
Published: January 2012

Lactase has many applications in dairy industry including for the treatment of lactose intolerance. The present study was conducted to identify the activity of lactase enzyme produced by Lactobacillus bacteria isolated from yogurts available in Dhaka city. The strains were identified to be gram positive, catalase negative, fermentative and lactase producer when cultured on selective MRS agar media by using standard bacteriological procedures and techniques. The study revealed that enzymes produced by lactobacilli were capable to produce glucose from substrate lactose in lactose modified media using lactase assay Kit Glu IB and their highest protein concentration (17.25 mg/ml) was observed in the supernatant of culture media isolated from L. lactis. Highest total activity (850.69 U/l) and specific activity (50.04 U/mg) of lactase enzyme was observed in the strain of L. bulgaricus. The crude extract which showed highest activity was further purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by anion exchange column chromatography (DEAE cellulose). Final specific activity and fold purification of lactase enzyme reached to 62.80 U/mg and 1.47 respectively. The highest physic-chemical properties (Effect of pH and temperature) of lactase enzyme were observed at PH 6.0 which was 43.98 U/mg of protein and at 70°c temperature which was 111.11 U/mg of protein.Keywords: β-Galactosidase; Specific activity; DEAE cellulose; Fold purification; Yogurt.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8478J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 239-249 (2012)
Structural and Electrical Transport Properties of CdS and Al-doped CdS Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Rubel A. H. , Podder J.
Published: January 2012

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and aluminum (Al) doped cadmium sulfide (Cd1-xAlxS) thin films have been deposited on glass substrate at 300 ºC by spray pyrolysis. The structural and electrical properties of the as-deposited films have been characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and D.C. electrical measurement. The effect of Al on the surface morphology of CdS film was studied by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). EDX shows that the deposited samples are stoichiometric. The peak intensities observed in the XRD patterns were found consistent to a polycrystalline hexagonal structure. The XRD study shows that the hexagonal structure of CdS is not much affected with respect to Al doping.  Al-doped CdS thin films show low electrical resistivity of about 48 Ω cm and high carrier density of about 1.1×1019 cm-3.Keywords: Spray pyrolysis; CdS, Cd1-xAlxS; Thin films; EDX; XRD; Hall mobility.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8548J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 11-19  (2012)
Multicomponent Reactions: Microwave-assisted Efficient Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidinones (thiones) and Quinazolinones under Green Chemistry Protocol as Probes for Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Bhuiyan M. H. , Nessa H. , Mahmud M. M.
Published: January 2012

Microwave promoted diammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)2HPO4, catalyzed three-component Biginelli reaction between an aldehyde, a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound and urea or thiourea under solvent-free conditions afforded the corresponding dihydropyrimidinones and quinazolinones in high yields. The synthesized compounds have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio choloriae, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi bacteria and Aspargilllus flavus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans fungi respectively. Some of the synthesized compounds exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activities.Keywords: Multicomponent reactions; Dihydropyrimidinone; Microwave irradiation; Antimicrobial activity.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8688J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 143-153 (2012)
Hydrothermal Novel Synthesis of Neck-structured Hyperthermia-suitable Magnetic (Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles
Authors: Islam M. S. , Kurawaki J. , Kusumoto Y. , Abdulla-Al-Mamun M. , Bin Mukhlish M. Z.
Published: January 2012

Novel neck-structured Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a modified hydrothermal method. Ferrous chloride tetrahydrate was solely used as a precursor for the novel nanomaterials. The X-ray diffractometric study revealed the purity of the nanomaterials thus synthesized. All of the products were characterized using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for the particle size and morphology. Neck-structured particle morphology was observed for the first time in all of iron oxides with magnetic properties. The particle size observed was 50–60 nm. The synthesized nanomaterials showed excellent magnetization values when magnetic hysteresis loops were measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Moreover, the as-prepared magnetic nanoparticles suspensions showed significant temperature increments under an AC (alternating current) magnetic-field induction condition at room temperature which indicates the hyperthermia feasibility. Keywords: Magnetic materials; Neck-structured; Hyperthermia; Heat dissipation. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8727J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 99-107 (2012)
Species Diversity of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Different Mountain Regions of Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Saini M. S. , Raina R. H. , Khan Z. H.
Published: January 2012

The species diversity of bumblebees was investigated in three provinces Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh during 2007-2010. Bumblebee queens, workers and males were collected right from the commencement till to the end of flowering stage in all the three mountain regions. In total, 27 species of bumblebees were collected and identified, of which eleven species were common in the two regions, e.g., Kashmir and Ladakh. A list of species assemblages and abundance is provided in each of the mountain ranges. Species diversity of three regions was determined with Shannon-Weiner diversity index and evenness was calculated with indices of Pielou. The obtained results showed species diversity; evenness and species richness were more observable in Kashmir compared with Ladakh and Jammu. The three sample sites within the Kashmir Himalayas indicate significant differences in species diversity; the Kashmir region had higher species diversity and richness than the other regions. Most species of bumblebees were collected in altitudinal ranges of 3000-4000m. Four species viz. Bombus cornutus, B. parthenius, B. miniatus and B. morawitizianus are recorded for the first time from this region, while B. morawitizianus turn out to be the first record to the national list.Key words: Species Diversity; Bumblebees; Kashmir Himalayas.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8815J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 263-272 (2012)
Ni-rich Nitrides ANNi3 (A = Pt, Ag, Pd) in Comparison with Superconducting ZnNNi3
Authors: Ali M. A. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Ali M. S.
Published: January 2012

This article reports on the elastic, electronic and optical properties of predicted Ni-rich nitrides ANNi3 (A= Pt, Ag, Pd) in comparison with isostructural superconducting counterpart ZnNNi3. We have used first-principles density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The independent elastic constants (C11, C12, and C44), bulk modulus B, compressibility K, shear modulus G, and Poisson’s ratio υ, as well as the band structures, total and partial densities of states and finally the optical properties of ANNi3 have been calculated. The results are then analyzed and compared with those of the superconducting ZnNNi3. The electronic band structures of the three compounds show metallic behavior with a high density of states at the Fermi level in which Ni 3d states dominate just like the superconducting ZnNNi3. Analysis of Tc expression using available  parameter values suggests that the three compounds are less likely to be superconductors. Optical reflectivity spectra indicate that all the compounds have the potential to be used as a coating to remove solar heating.Keywords: ANNi3; Ab initio calculations; Elastic properties; Electronic band structure; Optical properties.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.9026J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 1-10 (2012)
Self-Organized Complexity and Coherent Infomax from the Viewpoint of Jaynes’s Probability Theory
Authors: Phillips William A.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses concepts of self-organized complexity and the theory of Coherent Infomax in the light of Jaynes’s probability theory. Coherent Infomax, shows, in principle, how adaptively self-organized complexity can be preserved and improved by using probabilistic inference that is context-sensitive. It argues that neural systems do this by combining local reliability with flexible, holistic, context-sensitivity. Jaynes argued that the logic of probabilistic inference shows it to be based upon Bayesian and Maximum Entropy methods or special cases of them. He presented his probability theory as the logic of science; here it is considered as the logic of life. It is concluded that the theory of Coherent Infomax specifies a general objective for probabilistic inference, and that contextual interactions in neural systems perform functions required of the scientist within Jaynes’s theory.
Metabolite Profiling of Four Major Flavonoids of Herba Epimdii in Zebrafish
Authors: Wei Yingjie , Li Ping , Fan Hongwei , Sun E , Wang Changmei , Shu Luan , Liu Wei , Xue Xiaolu , Qian Qian , Jia Xiaobin
Published: January 2012

The zebrafish model organism was applied first in a metabolic study of icariin, baohuoside I, epimedin A and epimedin C, which are flavonoids in Herba Epimedii. Metabolites of these compounds in zebrafish after exposure for 24 h were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS, whereby the separation was performed with a Zorbax C-18 column using a gradient elution of 0.05% formic acid acetonitrile-0.05% formic acid water. The quasi-molecular ions of compounds were detected in simultaneous negative and positive ionization modes. Metabolic products of icariin and epimedin C via cleavage of glucose residue instead of rhamnose residues were found, which coincided with the results using regular metabolic analysis methods. In addition, the zebrafish model was used to predict the metabolism of the trace component epimedin A, whose metabolic mechanisms haven’t been clearly elucidated with the current metabolism model. The metabolic pathway of epimedin A in zebrafish was similar to those of its homologue icariin and epimedin C. Our study demonstrated that the zebrafish model can successfully imitate the current models in elucidating metabolic pathways of model flavonoids, which has advantages of lower cost, far less amount of compound needed, easy set up and high performance. This novel model can also be applied in quickly predicting the metabolism of Chinese herb components, especially trace compounds.
Identifying Spatial Units of Human Occupation in the Brazilian Amazon Using Landsat and CBERS Multi-Resolution Imagery
Authors: Dal’Asta Ana Paula , Brigatti Newton , Amaral Silvana , Sobral Escada Maria Isabel , Vieira Monteiro Antonio Miguel
Published: January 2012

Every spatial unit of human occupation is part of a network structuring an extensive process of urbanization in the Amazon territory. Multi-resolution remote sensing data were used to identify and map human presence and activities in the Sustainable Forest District of Cuiabá-Santarém highway (BR-163), west of Pará, Brazil. The limits of spatial units of human occupation were mapped based on digital classification of Landsat-TM5 (Thematic Mapper 5) image (30m spatial resolution). High-spatial-resolution CBERS-HRC (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite-High-Resolution Camera) images (5 m) merged with CBERS-CCD (Charge Coupled Device) images (20 m) were used to map spatial arrangements inside each populated unit, describing intra-urban characteristics. Fieldwork data validated and refined the classification maps that supported the categorization of the units. A total of 133 spatial units were individualized, comprising population centers as municipal seats, villages and communities, and units of human activities, such as sawmills, farmhouses, landing strips, etc. From the high-resolution analysis, 32 population centers were grouped in four categories, described according to their level of urbanization and spatial organization as: structured, recent, established and dependent on connectivity. This multi-resolution approach provided spatial information about the urbanization process and organization of the territory. It may be extended into other areas or be further used to devise a monitoring system, contributing to the discussion of public policy priorities for sustainable development in the Amazon.
Sensor Fusion of Monocular Cameras and Laser Rangefinders for Line-Based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Tasks in Autonomous Mobile Robots
Authors: Zhang Xinzheng , Rad Ahmad B. , Wong Yiu-Kwong
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a sensor fusion strategy applied for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) in dynamic environments. The designed approach consists of two features: (i) the first one is a fusion module which synthesizes line segments obtained from laser rangefinder and line features extracted from monocular camera. This policy eliminates any pseudo segments that appear from any momentary pause of dynamic objects in laser data. (ii) The second characteristic is a modified multi-sensor point estimation fusion SLAM (MPEF-SLAM) that incorporates two individual Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) based SLAM algorithms: monocular and laser SLAM. The error of the localization in fused SLAM is reduced compared with those of individual SLAM. Additionally, a new data association technique based on the homography transformation matrix is developed for monocular SLAM. This data association method relaxes the pleonastic computation. The experimental results validate the performance of the proposed sensor fusion and data association method.
AeroterrestrialColeochaete(Streptophyta, Coleochaetales) models early plant adaptation to land
Authors: Graham Linda E. , Arancibia‐Avila Patricia , Taylor Wilson A. , Strother Paul K. , Cook Martha E.
Published: December 2011

•Premise of the study:The streptophyte water‐to‐land transition was a pivotal, but poorly understood event in Earth history. While some early‐diverging modern streptophyte algae are aeroterrestrial (living in subaerial habitats), aeroterrestrial survival had not been tested forColeochaete, widely regarded as obligately aquatic and one of the extant green algal genera most closely related to embryophytes. This relationship motivated a comparison of aeroterrestrialColeochaeteto lower Paleozoic microfossils whose relationships have been uncertain.

•Methods:We tested the ability of two species of the experimentally tractable, complex streptophyte algal genusColeochaeteBréb. to (1) grow and reproduce when cultivated under conditions that mimic humid subaerial habitats, (2) survive desiccation for some period of time, and (3) produce degradation‐resistant remains comparable to enigmatic Cambrian microfossils.

•Key results:When grown on mineral agar media or on quartz sand, both species displayed bodies structurally distinct from those expressed in aquatic habitats. AeroterrestrialColeochaeteoccurred as hairless, multistratose, hemispherical bodies having unistratose lobes or irregular clusters of cells with thick, layered, and chemically resistant walls that resemble certain enigmatic lower Paleozoic microfossils. Whether grown under humid conditions or air‐dried for a week, then exposed to liquid water, aeroterrestrialColeochaeteproduced typical asexual zoospores and germlings. Cells that had been air‐dried for periods up to several months maintained their integrity and green pigmentation.

•Conclusions:Features of modern aeroterrestrialColeochaetesuggest that ancient complex streptophyte algae could grow and reproduce in moist subaerial habitats, persist through periods of desiccation, and leave behind distinctive microfossil remains.
Rapid development of microsatellite markers for Pandanus boninensis (Pandanaceae) by pyrosequencing technology
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Uchiyama Kentaro , Sugai Kyoko , Yoshimaru Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: To facilitate rapid development of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, an expressed sequence tags (EST) database was constructed for Pandanus boninensis, an evergreen tree endemic to the Bonin Islands, using pyrosequencing technology.

• Methods and Results: We designed primers for 340 EST‐SSRs identified from 109620 pyrosequencing reads, 48 of which were tested for PCR amplification. Thirty‐four primers provided clear amplification, and 26 of those 34 displayed clear polymorphic patterns in sampled populations, with mean expected heterozygosity at the amplified loci ranging from 0.022 to 0.742 (average 0.262).

• Conclusions: The developed markers are promising tools for future genetic studies of P. boninensis and related species.
Still rethinking the value of high wood density
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Muller‐Landau Helene C.
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: In a previous paper, we questioned the traditional interpretation of the advantages and disadvantages of high wood density (Functional Ecology 24: 701–705). Niklas and Spatz (American Journal of Botany 97: 1587–1594) challenged the biomechanical relevance of studying properties of dry wood, including dry wood density, and stated that we erred in our claims regarding scaling.

• Methods: We first present the full derivation of our previous claims regarding scaling. We then examine how the fresh modulus of rupture and the elastic modulus scale with dry wood density and compare these scaling relationships with those for dry mechanical properties, using almost exactly the same data set analyzed by Niklas and Spatz.

• Key results: The derivation shows that given our assumptions that the modulus of rupture and elastic modulus are both proportional to wood density, the resistance to bending is inversely proportional to wood density and strength is inversely proportional with the square root of wood density, exactly as we previously claimed. The analyses show that the elastic modulus of fresh wood scales proportionally with wood density (exponent 1.05, 95% CI 0.90–1.11) but that the modulus of rupture of fresh wood does not, scaling instead with the 1.25 power of wood density (CI 1.18–1.31).

• Conclusions: The deviation from proportional scaling for modulus of rupture is so small that our central conclusion remains correct: for a given construction cost, trees with lower wood density have higher strength and higher resistance to bending.
Mechanical properties of wood disproportionately increase with increasing density
Authors: Niklas Karl J. , Spatz Hanns‐Christof
Published: December 2011

• Premise of study: Prior work using a large data set has shown that the mechanical properties of wood disproportionately increase with increasing wood density across diverse species, e.g., stems composed of denser wood are stiffer and stronger than stems with equivalent cross‐sections composed of less dense wood. However, an alternative approach, introducing the precondition of constant construction cost for the same data set, adduces that for any given construction cost, stems composed of lesser dense woods are stiffer and stronger then stems composed of denser woods.

• Methods: We evaluated these two approaches using generic allometric principles and the same large data set.

• Key results: This evaluation shows that construction costs cannot be constant over an entire ensemble of stems composed of different species of wood. For any specified construction cost (denoted by a k‐value), only a particular subgroup of stems is addressed. The conclusions derived for this subgroup cannot be generalized to the entire ensemble of stems composed of different species of wood.

• Conclusion: Stems composed of denser wood are, on average as stiff and strong, or stiffer and stronger than stems with equivalent cross‐sections composed of less dense wood. Denser wood may have a higher carbon construction cost, but its mechanical benefits likely outweigh the extra cost.
Regioselectivity in the multicomponent reaction of 5-aminopyrazoles, cyclic 1,3-diketones and dimethylformamide dimethylacetal under controlled microwave heating
Authors: Sadek Kamal Usef , Mekheimer Ramadan Ahmed , Mohamed Tahany Mahmoud , Moustafa Moustafa Sherief , Elnagdi Mohamed Hilmy
Published: January 2012

The multicomponent reaction of 5-aminopyrazole derivatives with cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMFDMA) in DMF at 150 °C under controlled microwave heating afforded regioselectively 8,9-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-6(7H)-ones 6 rather than the corresponding dihydropyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolin-8(5H)-ones 4.
Premiers quartiers urbains « durables » dans les pays arabes : enseignements sur une génération spontanée
Authors: Barthel Pierre-Arnaud
Published: January 2012

Résumé Les premiers projets de quartiers présentés comme « durables » apparaissent dans les pays de la rive sud de la Méditerranée (particulièrement au Maroc, en Tunisie et en Égypte) dans un contexte ambivalent : d’un côté, une gouvernance malaisée et la prégnance du néolibéralisme ; d’un autre côté, le démarrage timide, mais réel, de politiques urbaines dites de « développement durable ». L’article montrera qu’un spectre assez large d’acteurs (privés, publics et même ong ), venant avec des intérêts très divers, se mobilise depuis peu sur les projets de « quartiers durables ». Trois études de cas mettront au jour un changement qui ouvre une période de relative indétermination liée aux incertitudes quant à la capacité à fédérer les initiatives, à articuler des politiques et à surmonter les blocages liés à la mise en œuvre. Des convergences et des divergences apparaîtront avec le modèle nord-européen considéré comme le berceau de l’urbanisme « durable ».
De l'acte « jazz » : improviser/interpréter
Authors: Douville Olivier
Published: January 2012

Résumé Le jazzman est un producteur d’innovations, d’où la réalité de cette musique trop souvent réduite à deux idées reçues (improvisation et ancrage sur le blues), mais de fait musique de musiciens pour musiciens toujours à la tâche de repenser la tradition et d’inscrire cette création continuée dans un dialogue avec les autres bouleversements musicaux que connaissent les musiques de la planète. Cette aventure du jazz en dialogue date de près de quatre-vingts ans. L’auteur en parle en discutant de la place du mythe et de l’histoire refoulée et retrouvée par cette musique.
L'improvisation entre franchissement et affranchissement : d'un enseignement du jazz pour la pratique analytique
Authors: Vinot Frédéric
Published: January 2012

Résumé La pratique de l’improvisation dans le jazz a connu une très nette modification avec l’apparition du free jazz, donnant lieu à deux formes d’improvisation : l’improvisation comme franchissement et l’improvisation comme affranchissement. Ces deux types d’improvisation sont développés et précisés, pour ensuite constituer des formes possiblement inspiratrices de l’acte clinique.
La voix battue en brèche
Authors: Gillie Claire
Published: January 2012

Résumé Voix ravageuse, voix ravagée, dévastée par la parole, et désertée par le corps… C’est l’histoire d’une voix qui vient s’échouer sur le divan, les décibels en berne, à l’aube d’un sanglot. Masquant la parole sous le rictus vocal, elle est pourtant celle à ne pas entendre pour que puisse s’ériger l’autre, l’invoquante aphoniée.
A REVIEW OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF RESIDENTIAL HOT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, AND CONSUMER DRIVERS
Authors: Brazeau Randi H. , Edwards Marc A.
Published: January 2012

Residential water heating is linked to the primary source of waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States, and accounts for greater energy demand than the combined water/wastewater utility sector. Furthermore, home water heating is the second largest energy consumer in the home and thus represents an integral part of the water-energy nexus. To date, there has been little practical research that can guide decision-making by consumers, public health officials and regulators with regards to water heater selection and operation to minimize energy costs and the likelihood of waterborne disease. Scientific uncertainties associated with existing “green” advice have potentially created misguided policy with long-term negative repercussions. This review is aimed at defining the current state of knowledge related to hot water infrastructure and in highlighting current gaps in the research. While there are many sustainability claims of certain water heater types (i.e., hot water recirculation systems and instantaneous water heaters) these claims have not been substantiated in head-to-head testing of the interplay between water temperature, energy, microbial growth, and scaling, all measures that need to be better defined.
Using Case Data to Ensure ‘Real World’ Input Validation within Fuzzy Set Theory Models
Authors: Denize Sara , Purchase Sharon , Olaru Doina
Published: January 2012

Fuzzy set theory models have considerable potential to address complex marketing and B2B problems, but for this methodology to be accepted, models require validation. However, there is relatively little detail in the literature dealing with validation of fuzzy simulation in marketing. This limitation is compounded by the difficulty of using case-based and qualitative evidence (data to which fuzzy models are well suited) when applying more general validation. The chapter illustrates a fuzzy model validation process using small-N cased based data and concludes with recommendations to assist researchers in validating their fuzzy models.
Web Analytics with Fuzziness
Authors: Zumstein Darius
Published: January 2012

In the Internet economy and information society, it has become an essential task of electronic business to analyze, to monitor, and to optimize websites and Web offers. Therefore, this chapter addresses the issues of Web analytics, which is defined as the measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimizing website usage. After a short introduction, the second section defines Web analytics, describes benefits and problems of Web analytics, as well as different software architectures and products. Third, a controlling loop is proposed for Web content and Web user controlling in order to analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and to take website- and e-business-related actions. Fourth, different Web metrics and KPIs of information, transaction and communication are defined. Fifth, a fuzzy Web analytics approach is proposed, which makes it possible to classify Web metrics precisely into more than one class at the same time. Considering real Web data of the Web metrics page views and bounce rate, it is shown that fuzzy classification allows exact and flexible segmentation of Web pages or other objects and gradual rankings within fuzzy sets. In addition, the fuzzy logic approach enables Computing with Words (CWW), i.e. the perception-based, linguistic consideration of Web data and Web metrics instead of measurement-based, numerical ones. Web usage mining with inductive fuzzy classification and Web Analytics with Words (WAW) allows intuitive, human-oriented analyses, description, and reporting of Web metrics values in natural language.
Identifying Competences in IT Professionals through Semantics
Authors: Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Ruano-Mayoral Marcos , Soto-Acosta Pedro , García-Crespo Ángel
Published: January 2012

In current organizations, the importance of knowledge and competence is unquestionable. In Information Technology (IT) companies, which are, by definition, knowledge intensive, this importance is critical. In such organizations, the models of knowledge exploitation include specific processes and elements that drive the production of knowledge aimed at satisfying organizational objectives. However, competence evidence recollection is a highly intensive and time consuming task, which is the key point for this system. SeCEC-IT is a tool based on software artifacts that extracts relevant information using natural language processing techniques. It enables competence evidence detection by deducing competence facts from documents in an automated way. SeCEC-IT includes within its technological components such items as semantic technologies, natural language processing, and human resource communication standards (HR-XML).
A Way Out of the Information Jungle
Authors: Jahnke Isa
Published: January 2012

The emergence of community-oriented Information and Communication Technology platforms, e.g., forum software or wikis, the penetration of media in society has increased. In academia, forms of communication and cooperation to share knowledge are changing under open Web 2.0 conditions. In this regard, teaching and learning scenarios are moving towards technology-enhanced lifelong learning communities. This contribution presents the results of a longitudinal study of a Socio-Technical Community (STC) launched in 2002. The STC, which supports the study organization as well as teaching and learning in higher education, has been evaluated from its founding to its sustainable development and transformation phase in 2009. The study shows results in three specific areas: The learners’ satisfaction with the STC, the type and quality of use, and if the STC is a helpful support for students to progress through their studies more efficiently than without an STC. The central conclusion is that spaces for computer-mediated communication are important for students regarding informal learning about organizing their own studies. Informal learning with a socio-technical community is more effective than without due to its individualization of learning in large groups.
Family Members’ Informal Roles in End-of-Life Decision Making in Adult Intensive Care Units
Authors: Quinn Jill R. , Schmitt Madeline , Baggs Judith Gedney , Norton Sally A. , Dombeck Mary T. , Sellers Craig R.
Published: January 2012

Background

To support the process of effective family decision making, it is important to recognize and understand informal roles that various family members may play in the end-of-life decision-making process.

Objective

To describe some informal roles consistently enacted by family members involved in the process of end-of-life decision making in intensive care units.

Methods

Ethnographic study. Data were collected via participant observation with field notes and semistructured interviews on 4 intensive care units in an academic health center in the mid-Atlantic United States from 2001 to 2004. The units studied were a medical, a surgical, a burn and trauma, and a cardiovascular intensive care unit.

Participants

Health care clinicians, patients, and family members.

Results

Informal roles for family members consistently observed were primary caregiver, primary decision maker, family spokesperson, out-of-towner, patient’s wishes expert, protector, vulnerable member, and health care expert. The identified informal roles were part of families’ decision-making processes, and each role was part of a potentially complicated family dynamic for end-of-life decision making within the family system and between the family and health care domains.

Conclusions

These informal roles reflect the diverse responses to demands for family decision making in what is usually a novel and stressful situation. Identification and description of these informal roles of family members can help clinicians recognize and understand the functions of these roles in families’ decision making at the end of life and guide development of strategies to support and facilitate increased effectiveness of family discussions and decision-making processes.
Impact of a Delirium Screening Tool and Multifaceted Education on Nurses’ Knowledge of Delirium and Ability to Evaluate It Correctly
Authors: Gesin Gail , Russell Brittany B. , Lin Andrew P. , Norton H. James , Evans Susan L. , Devlin John W.
Published: January 2012

Background

The impact of using a validated delirium screening tool and different levels of education on surgical-trauma intensive care unit (STICU) nurses’ knowledge about delirium is unclear.

Objectives

To measure the impact of using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), with or without a multi-faceted education program, on STICU nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of delirium and their ability to evaluate it correctly.

Methods

The knowledge and perceptions of subject nurses about delirium, and agreement between the independent assessments of delirium by the subject nurse and by a validated judge (who always used the ICDSC), were compared across 3 phases. Phase 1: No delirium screening tool and no education. Phase 2: ICDSC and minimal education (ie, ICDSC validation study only). Phase 3: ICDSC and multifaceted education (ie, pharmacist-led didactic lecture, Web-based module, and nurse-led bedside training).

Results

Nurses’ knowledge (mean [SD] score out of 10 points) was similar (P = .08) in phase 1 (6.1 [1.4]) and phase 2 (6.5 [1.4]) but was greater (P = .001) in phase 3 (8.2 [1.4]). Agreement between nurses and the validated judge in the assessment of delirium increased from phase 1 (κ = 0.40) to phase 2 (κ = 0.62) to phase 3 (κ = 0.74). Nurses perceived use of the ICDSC as improving their ability to recognize delirium.

Conclusions

Use of a multifaceted education program improves both nurses’ knowledge about delirium and their perceptions about its recognition. Implementation of the ICDSC improves the ability of STICU nurses to evaluate delirium correctly.
Crucial Role of Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Regulation of Central Nervous System Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Ioannou Marianna , Alissafi Themis , Lazaridis Iakovos , Deraos George , Matsoukas John , Gravanis Achille , Mastorodemos Vasileios , Plaitakis Andreas , Sharpe Arlene , Boumpas Dimitrios , Verginis Panayotis
Published: December 2011

There is a need in autoimmune diseases to uncover the mechanisms involved in the natural resolution of inflammation. In this article, we demonstrate that granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) abundantly accumulate within the peripheral lymphoid compartments and target organs of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis prior to disease remission. In vivo transfer of G-MDSCs ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, significantly decreased demyelination, and delayed disease onset through inhibition of encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Exposure of G-MDSCs to the autoimmune milieu led to up-regulation of the programmed death 1 ligand that was required for the G-MDSC–mediated suppressive function both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, myeloid-derived suppressor cells were enriched in the periphery of subjects with active multiple sclerosis and suppressed the activation and proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells ex vivo. Collectively, this study revealed a pivotal role for myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the regulation of multiple sclerosis, which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
Treml4, an Ig Superfamily Member, Mediates Presentation of Several Antigens to T Cells In Vivo, Including Protective Immunity to HER2 Protein
Authors: Hemmi Hiroaki , Zaidi Neeha , Wang Bei , Matos Ines , Fiorese Christopher , Lubkin Ashira , Zbytnuik Lori , Suda Koji , Zhang Kenneth , Noda Masaki , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Steinman Ralph M. , Idoyaga Juliana
Published: December 2011

Members of the triggering expressed on myeloid cells (Trem) receptor family fine-tune inflammatory responses. We previously identified one of these receptors, called Treml4, expressed mainly in the spleen, as well as at high levels by CD8α+ dendritic cells and macrophages. Like other Trem family members, Treml4 has an Ig-like extracellular domain and a short cytoplasmic tail that associates with the adaptor DAP12. To follow up on our initial results that Treml4-Fc fusion proteins bind necrotic cells, we generated a knockout mouse to assess the role of Treml4 in the uptake and presentation of dying cells in vivo. Loss of Treml4 expression did not impair uptake of dying cells by CD8α+ dendritic cells or cross-presentation of cell-associated Ag to CD8+ T cells, suggesting overlapping function between Treml4 and other receptors in vivo. To further investigate Treml4 function, we took advantage of a newly generated mAb against Treml4 and engineered its H chain to express three different Ags (i.e., OVA, HIV GAGp24, and the extracellular domain of the breast cancer protein HER2). OVA directed to Treml4 was efficiently presented to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in vivo. Anti–Treml4-GAGp24 mAbs, given along with a maturation stimulus, induced Th1 Ag-specific responses that were not observed in Treml4 knockout mice. Also, HER2 targeting using anti-Treml4 mAbs elicited combined CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity, and both T cells participated in resistance to a transplantable tumor. Therefore, Treml4 participates in Ag presentation in vivo, and targeting Ags with anti-Treml4 Abs enhances immunization of otherwise naive mice.
Clonotype and Repertoire Changes Drive the Functional Improvement of HIV-Specific CD8 T Cell Populations under Conditions of Limited Antigenic Stimulation
Authors: Janbazian Loury , Price David A. , Canderan Glenda , Filali-Mouhim Abdelali , Asher Tedi E. , Ambrozak David R. , Scheinberg Phillip , Boulassel Mohamad Rachid , Routy Jean-Pierre , Koup Richard A. , Douek Daniel C. , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Trautmann Lydie
Published: December 2011

Persistent exposure to cognate Ag leads to the functional impairment and exhaustion of HIV-specific CD8 T cells. Ag withdrawal, attributable either to antiretroviral treatment or the emergence of epitope escape mutations, causes HIV-specific CD8 T cell responses to wane over time. However, this process does not continue to extinction, and residual CD8 T cells likely play an important role in the control of HIV replication. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of clonality, phenotype, and function to define the characteristics of HIV-specific CD8 T cell populations that persist under conditions of limited antigenic stimulation. Ag decay was associated with dynamic changes in the TCR repertoire, increased expression of CD45RA and CD127, decreased expression of programmed death-1, and the emergence of polyfunctional HIV-specific CD8 T cells. High-definition analysis of individual clonotypes revealed that the Ag loss-induced gain of function within HIV-specific CD8 T cell populations could be attributed to two nonexclusive mechanisms: 1) functional improvement of persisting clonotypes; and 2) recruitment of particular clonotypes endowed with superior functional capabilities.
Pointwise and Spectral Control of Plate Vibrations
Authors: Haraux Alain , Jaffard Stéphane
Published: January 2012

We consider the problem of controlling pointwise (by means of a time dependent Dirac measure supported by a given point) the motion of a vibrating plate

\Omega

. Under general boundary conditions, including the special cases of simply supported or clamped plates, but of course excluding the cases where some multiple eigenvalues exist for the biharmonic operator, we show the controllability of finite linear combinations of the eigenfunctions at any point of

\Omega

where

no

eigenfunction

vanishes

at any time greater than half of the plate's area. This result is optimal since

no

finite linear combination of the eigenfunctions other than 0 is pointwise controllable at a time smaller than half of the plate's area. Under the same condition on the time, but for an

arbitrary

domain

\Omega

in

\mathbb R^2

, we solve the problem of

internal

spectral control, which means that for any open disk

\omega \subset \Omega

, any finite linear combination of the eigenfunctions can be set to equilibrium by means of a control function

h \in \mathcal D ((0, T) \times \Omega)

supported in

(0, T) \times \omega

.
Local Properties of Stationary Solutions of some Nonlinear Singular Schr6dinger Equations
Authors: Guerch Bouchaib , Véron Laurent
Published: January 2012

We study the local behaviour of solutions of the following type of equation

–\Delta u – V(x)u + g(u) = 0

when

V

is singular at some points and

g

is a non-decreasing function. Emphasis is put on the case when

V(x) = clxl^{–2}

and

g

has a power-like growth.
Fonctions à support compact dans les analyses multi-résoIutions
Authors: Lemarié-Rieusset Pierre Gilles
Published: January 2012

The main topic of this paper is the study of compactly supported functions in a multi-resolution analysis and especially of the minimally supported ones. We will show that this class of functions is stable under differentiation and integration and how to compute basic quantities with them.
Covering Lemmas and HMO Estimates for Eigenfunctions on Riemannian Surfaces
Authors: Lu Guozhen
Published: January 2012

The principal aim of this note is to prove a covering Lemma in

\mathbb R^2

. As an application of this covering lemma, we can prove the BMO estimates for eigenfunctions on two-dimensional Riemannian manifolds

(M^2, g)

. We will get the upper bound estimate for

\| \mathrm {log} | u \||_{BMO}

, where

u

is the solution to

\Delta u + \lambda u = 0

, for

\lambda > 1

and

\Delta

is the Laplacian on

(M^2, g)

. A covering lemma in homogeneous spaces is also obtained in this note.
Bases D'Ondelettes sur les Courbes Corde-Arc, Noyau de Cauchy et Espaces de Hardy Associés
Authors: Auscher Pascal , Tchamitchian Philippe
Published: January 2012

On construit deux bases inconditionnelles de

L^2 (\mathbb R)

adaptées à l'étude de l'intégrale de Cauchy sur une courbe corde-arc, et on étend la construction à

L^2 (\mathbb R^d)

. Cela permet de donner une preuve simple du «Théorème

T(b)

» de G. David, J. L. Journé et S. Semmes. Un espace de Hardy à poids

H^1_b (\mathbb R^d)

est défini et caractérisé par les bases précédentes. Enfin, on applique ces méthodes à l'étude du potentiel de double couche sur une surface lipschitzienne.
On a Min-Max Procedure for the Existence of a Positive Solution for Certain Scalar Field Equations in $\mathbb R^N$
Authors: Bahri Abbas , Li YanYan
Published: January 2012

In this paper we mainly introduce a min-max procedure to prove the existence of positive solutions for certain semilinear elliptic equations in

\mathbb R^N

.
Para-Accretive Functions, the Weak Boundedness Property and the $Tb$ Theorem
Authors: Han Yongsheng , Sawyer Eric T.
Published: January 2012

G. David, J.-L. Journé and S. Semmes have shown that if

b_1

and

b_2

are para-accretive functions on

\mathbb R^n

, then the «

Tb

Theorem» holds: A linear operator

T

with Calderón-Zygmund kernel is bounded on

L^2

if and only if

Tb_1 \in \mathrm BMO, T*b_2 \in \mathrm {BMO}

and

M_{b_2} TM_{b_1}

has the weak boundedness property. Conversely they showed that when

b_1 = b_2 = b

, para-accretivity of

b

is necessary for the

Tb

Theorem to hold. In this paper we show that para-accretivity of both

b_1

and

b_2

is necessary for the

Tb

Theorem to hold in general. In addition, we give a characterization of para-accretivity in terms of the weak boundedness property and use this to give a sharp

Tb

Theorem for Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin spaces.
Global Existence of Solutions for the Nonlinear Boltzmann Equation of Semiconductor Physics
Authors: Guillot Jean-Claude
Published: January 2012

In this paper we give a proof of the existence and uniqueness of smooth solutions for the nonlinear semiconductor Boltzmann equation. The method used allows to obtain global existence in time and uniqueness for dimensions 1 and 2. For dimension 3 we only can assure local existence in time and uniqueness. First, we define a sequence of solutions for a linearized equation and then, we prove the strong convergence of the sequence in a suitable space. The method relies in the use of interpolation estimates in order to control the decay of the solution when the wave vector goes to infinity.
Construction de Bases D'Ondelettes $\alpha$-Höldériennes
Authors: Cohen Albert
Published: January 2012

Dans cet article, nous reprenons une méthode due à Ingrid Daubechies pour générer des bases orthonormales de fonctions dans

L^2(\mathbb R)

de la forme

\{2^{j/2} \psi(2^jx – k\}_{j, k \in \mathbb Z}

à partir de filtres miroir en quadrature (QMF) tels que l'ondelette

\psi

ait de bonnes propriétés de régularité. Une estimation de l'exposant de Hölder global optimal est obtenue en caractérisant précisément la décroissance de la fonction

\hat{\psi}

. Nous précisons finalement les liens exacts entre la régularité de l'ondelette et son ordre de cancellation (nombre de moments nuls).
Evaluating Lethality of Beef Roast Cooking Treatments against Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: WIEGAND KIMBERLY M. , INGHAM STEVEN C. , INGHAM BARBARA H.
Published: December 2011

Added salt, seasonings, and phosphates, along with slow- and/or low-temperature cooking impart desirable characteristics to whole-muscle beef, but might enhance Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival. We investigated the effects of added salt, seasoning, and phosphates on E. coli O157:H7 thermotolerance in ground beef, compared E. coli O157:H7 thermotolerance in seasoned roasts and ground beef, and evaluated ground beef–derived D- and z-values for predicting destruction of E. coli O157:H7 in whole-muscle beef cooking. Inoculated seasoned and unseasoned ground beef was heated at constant temperatures of 54.4, 60.0, and 65.5°C to determine D- and z-values, and E. coli O157:H7 survival was monitored in seasoned ground beef during simulated slow cooking. Inoculated, seasoned whole-muscle beef roasts were slow cooked in a commercial smokehouse, and experimentally determined lethality was compared with predicted process lethality. Adding 5% seasoning significantly decreased E. coli O157:H7 thermotolerance in ground beef at 54.4°C, but not at 60 or 65.5°C. Under nonisothermal conditions, E. coli O157:H7 thermotolerance was greater in seasoned whole-muscle beef than in seasoned ground beef. Meeting U.S. Government (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1999, Appendix A) whole-muscle beef cooking guidance, which targets Salmonella destruction, would not ensure ≥6.5-log CFU/g reduction of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef systems, but generally ensured ≥6.5-log CFU/g reduction of this pathogen in seasoned whole-muscle beef. Calculations based on D- and z-values obtained from isothermal ground beef studies increasingly overestimated destruction of E. coli O157:H7 in commercially cooked whole-muscle beef as process severity increased, with a regression line equation of observed reduction = 0.299 (predicted reduction) + 1.4373.