bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of averaged axisymmetric flow surfaces according to results obtained by numerical simulation of flow in turbomachinery
Authors: Bogdanovic-Jovanovic Jasmina , Bogdanovic Bozidar , Milenkovic Dragica
Published: October 2012

In the increasing need for energy saving worldwide, the designing process of
turbomachinery, as an essential part of thermal and hydroenergy systems, goes
in the direction of enlarging efficiency. Therefore, the optimization of
turbomachinery designing strongly affects the energy efficiency of the entire
system. In the designing process of turbomachinery blade profiling, the model
of axisymmetric fluid flows is commonly used in technical practice, even
though this model suits only the profile cascades with infinite number of
infinitely thin blades. The actual flow in turbomachinery profile cascades is
not axisymmetric, and it can be fictively derived into the axisymmetric flow
by averaging flow parameters in the blade passages according to the circular
coordinate. Using numerical simulations of flow in turbomachinery runners,
its operating parameters can be preliminarily determined. Furthermore, using
the numerically obtained flow parameters in the blade passages, averaged
axisymmetric flow surfaces in blade profile cascades can also be determined.
The method of determination of averaged flow parameters and averaged meridian
streamlines is presented in this paper, using the integral continuity
equation for averaged flow parameters. With thus obtained results, every
designer can be able to compare the obtained averaged flow surfaces with
axisymmetric flow surfaces, as well as the specific work of elementary
stages, which are used in the procedure of blade designing. Numerical
simulations of flow in an exemplary axial flow pump, used as a part of the
thermal power plant cooling system, were performed using Ansys CFX.
The Krafft temperature of surfactant solutions
Authors: Manojlovic Jelena
Published: October 2012

Our main motivation to revisit the solution properties of
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is related to the clear requirement for better
control of the adsorption parameters to form uniform self-assembled
monolayers on muscovite mica substrates. To readily monitor the temporal
evolution of structural details in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide solutions,
we realized a rather simple conductivity experiment. Conductivity
measurements were carried out as a function of temperature, to look closer
into the Krafft temperature behavior of this surfactant. We measured the
electrical conductivity of different concentrations of aqueous
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide solutions, below and above the critical
micells concentration.
Primary energy savings using heat storage for biomass heating systems
Authors: Mitrovic Dejan , Janevski Jelena , Lakovic Mirjana
Published: October 2012

District heating is an efficient way to provide heat to residential, tertiary
and industrial users. The heat storage unit is an insulated water tank that
absorbs surplus heat from the boiler. The stored heat in the heat storage
unit makes it possible to heat even when the boiler is not working, thus
increasing the heating efficiency. In order to save primary energy (fuel),
the boiler operates on nominal load every time it is in operation (for the
purpose of this research). The aim of this paper is to analyze the water
temperature variation in the heat storage, depending on the heat load and the
heat storage volume. Heat load is calculated for three reference days, with
average daily temperatures from -5 to 5?C. The primary energy savings are
also calculated for those days in the case of using heat storage in district
heating.
Rayleigh-Bénard convection instability in the presence of temperature variation at the lower wall
Authors: Jovanovic Milos , Zivkovic Dragan , Nikodijevic Jelena
Published: October 2012

This paper analyzes the two-dimensional viscous fluid flow between two
parallel plates, where the lower plate is heated and the upper one is cooled.
The temperature difference between the plates is gradually increased during a
certain time period, and afterwards it is temporarily constant. The
temperature distribution on the lower plate is not constant in x-direction,
and there is longitudinal sinusoidal temperature variation imposed on the
mean temperature. We investigate the wave number and amplitude influence of
this variation on the stability of Rayleigh-Benard convective cells, by
direct numerical simulation of 2-D Navier-Stokes and energy equation.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of dynamic processes of pipe branch for supply water to the Pelton turbine
Authors: Jovanovic Miomir , Milenkovic Dragica , Petrovic Goran , Milic Predrag , Milanovic Sasa
Published: October 2012

The paper presents the results of the analysis of pipe branch A6 to feed the
Hydropower Plant ?Perucica? with integrated action Pelton turbines. The
analysis was conducted experimentally (tensometric) and numerically. The
basis of the experimental research is the numerical finite element analysis
of pipe branch A6 in pipeline C3. Pipe branch research was conducted in order
to set the experiment and to determine extreme stress states. The analysis
was used to perform the determination of the stress state of a geometrically
complex assembly. This was done in detail as it had never been done before,
even in the design phase. The actual states of the body pipe branch were
established, along with the possible occurrence of water hammer accompanied
by the appearance of hydraulic oscillation. This provides better energetic
efficiency of the turbine devices.
Validity and Reliability of a Classroom Heart-Rate Collection Procedure, with Application for Assessing Arousal Related to Test Anticipation
Authors: Da Silva Sergio P.
Published: October 2012

Measures of cardiac reactivity can be very effective classroom tools for conducting educational activities in psychology courses. Sophisticated laboratory methods provide valid and reliable data, but are costly and have poor ecological validity. In this article, Study 1 established the validity and reliability of a simple method for obtaining self-measures of heart rate in the classroom. The author assessed validity by obtaining self-measures of pulse repeatedly from 74 students, and then correlating them to the students' heart rates measured by electrocardiography in the lab. He also assessed test-retest reliability and internal consistency of self-measures of heart rate. Study 2 utilised the procedure described in Study 1 to assess cardiac reactivity of a group of 107 students prior to taking a test. Mean heart rates were significantly elevated in the test situation. Gender differences were also significant. The findings reported in this article illustrate that self-measured pulse rate taken by students simultaneously in class is a reliable and valid way of assessing cardiac reactivity in educational settings.
Engaging Psychology Students at a Distance: Reflections on Australian and Canadian Experiences
Authors: Malone Judi L.
Published: October 2012

Engagement enhances learning, particularly for abstract and theoretical concepts. This article is an instructor reflection on student engagement with a case example of mobile learning for two differing senior undergraduate psychology courses, Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Ethics and Current Issues in Psychology. The instructor was experienced and the students were Canadian or Australian, respectively. The courses compared were delivered through an asynchronous online-enhanced distance model for a Canadian university and through a blended learning model for an Australian university. Issues with student engagement are explored through a review of informal and formal student feedback and instructor reflection. Although motivational instruction was a consistent factor in the course and instructional evaluations, this case example highlights the elusive nature of student engagement given the multiple factors involved in student expectations and needs and differing models of delivery for these undergraduate psychology courses. The author is left acknowledging only that different learning opportunities benefit the range of psychology students who may engage in them.
Integrating Peer Mentoring into the Psychology Curriculum: From an Extended Induction to an Academic Skills Course
Authors: Rosenkranz Patrick
Published: October 2012

New undergraduate students embarking on a psychology degree face a host of potential challenges when making the transition from school to university. The School of Psychology at Newcastle University introduced a peer mentoring scheme in 2008 in order to support students in making this transition, help them develop academic skills and facilitate social integration within the cohort. In order to improve the scheme, the peer mentoring was integrated into a new academic skills module called Psychological Enquiry, in 2010. Evaluation showed that the three deliveries of the peer mentoring (2008, 2009 and 2010) were generally well received by both students and mentors. The students especially valued the opportunity to get to know peers on their course in a small group setting. Attendance at the mentoring sessions was higher in 2010 compared with the previous years. Integrating the peer mentoring within a formal module structure allowed for greater interplay between staff-led teaching and peer-based support, and contributed to making the sessions more relevant to the students.
Teaching Undergraduate Positive Psychology: An Active Learning Approach Using Student Blogs
Authors: Bridges K. Robert , Harnish Richard J. , Sillman Deborah
Published: October 2012

In just over ten years positive psychology has become a major subfield in psychology. This is reflected in the development of positive psychology courses at many universities and in over a thousand empirical articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Thus far, there is little published research suggesting ways to incorporate active learning techniques into these courses. This article describes the use of student blogs, employing a university blog platform, to teach several interventions in an undergraduate positive psychology course. The authors asked students enrolled in an introductory positive psychology course at a large university to complete three exercises, referred to as Three Good Things (recalling three good things that happened in the last 24 hours), Signature Strengths (using signature strengths in novel ways), and the Gratitude Letter (writing a letter of gratitude to someone who has been a positive influence in one's life), and record their experience in a blog. These exercises have been found to increase happiness and positive emotions. Students made a significantly higher evaluation of the course with blogs than of the same course without blogs. The authors describe how the techniques were assigned and scored, and examine the benefits and challenges of this method.
How to Create a More Inclusive Learning Strategy in Large Upper-Year Undergraduate Courses: The Use of Differentiated Evaluation
Authors: Gosselin Julie
Published: October 2012

Classrooms have consistently grown larger in the last decade, and moving higher education from an elite model to one of near universal participation has resulted in more diversity in the student body. While several teaching techniques have been developed to address these challenges, other initiatives have centred on the manner in which classroom assessment is conducted, and how it can stimulate student learning and improve real inclusiveness, despite students' varied backgrounds and special needs. Differentiated evaluation describes the impact of pedagogical differentiation on the evaluation process. It offers all students choices regarding evaluation that are deemed equivalent and fair. While it has most often been used at the primary and secondary school levels, it stands as a valid strategy to be used at the undergraduate level, where we are observing growing diversity within the student body.
A Study of Depression and Anxiety, General Health, and Academic Performance in Three Cohorts of Veterinary Medical Students across the First Three Semesters of Veterinary School
Authors: Reisbig Allison M.J. , Danielson Jared A. , Wu Tsui-Feng , Hafen McArthur , Krienert Ashley , Girard Destiny , Garlock Jessica
Published: October 2012

This study builds on previous research on predictors of depression and anxiety in veterinary medical students and reports data on three veterinary cohorts from two universities through their first three semesters of study. Across all three semesters, 49%, 65%, and 69% of the participants reported depression levels at or above the clinical cut-off, suggesting a remarkably high percentage of students experiencing significant levels of depression symptoms. Further, this study investigated the relationship between common stressors experienced by veterinary students and mental health, general health, and academic performance. A factor analysis revealed four factors among stressors common to veterinary students: academic stress, transitional stress, family-health stress, and relationship stress. The results indicated that both academic stress and transitional stress had a robust impact on veterinary medical students' well-being during their first three semesters of study. As well, academic stress negatively impacted students in the areas of depression and anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction, general health, perception of academic performance, and grade point average (GPA). Transitional stress predicted increased depression and anxiety symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. This study helped to further illuminate the magnitude of the problem of depression and anxiety symptoms in veterinary medical students and identified factors most predictive of poor outcomes in the areas of mental health, general health, and academic performance. The discussion provides recommendations for considering structural changes to veterinary educational curricula to reduce the magnitude of academic stressors. Concurrently, recommendations are suggested for mental health interventions to help increase students' resistance to environmental stressors.
Visual Suppression is Impaired in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6 but Preserved in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Kishi Masahiko , Sakakibara Ryuji , Yoshida Tomoe , Yamamoto Masahiko , Suzuki Mitsuya , Kataoka Manabu , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Tateno Akihiko , Tateno Fuyuki
Published: October 2012

Positional vertigo is a common neurologic emergency and mostly the etiology is peripheral. However, central diseases may mimic peripheral positional vertigo at their initial presentation. We here describe the results of a visual suppression test in six patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6), a central positional vertigo, and nine patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the major peripheral positional vertigo. As a result, the visual suppression value of both diseases differed significantly; e.g., 22.5% in SCA6 and 64.3% in BPPV (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the visual suppression value and disease duration, cerebellar atrophy, and CAG repeat length of SCA6 but they were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the present study showed for the first time that visual suppression is impaired in SCA6, a central positional vertigo, but preserved in BPPV, the major peripheral positional vertigo, by directly comparing both groups. The abnormality in the SCA6 group presumably reflects dysfunction in the central visual fixation pathway at the cerebellar flocculus and nodulus. This simple test might aid differential diagnosis of peripheral and central positional vertigo at the earlier stage of disease.
Utilizing the Exergy Concept to Address Environmental Challenges of Electric Systems
Authors: Bulucea Cornelia A. , Rosen Marc A. , Nicola Doru A. , Mastorakis Nikos E. , Bulucea Carmen A.
Published: October 2012

Theoretically, the concepts of energy, entropy, exergy and embodied energy are founded in the fields of thermodynamics and physics. Yet, over decades these concepts have been applied in numerous fields of science and engineering, playing a key role in the analysis of processes, systems and devices in which energy transfers and energy transformations occur. The research reported here aims to demonstrate, in terms of sustainability, the usefulness of the embodied energy and exergy concepts for analyzing electric devices which convert energy, particularly the electromagnet. This study relies on a dualist view, incorporating technical and environmental dimensions. The information provided by energy assessments is shown to be less useful than that provided by exergy and prone to be misleading. The electromagnet force and torque (representing the driving force of output exergy), accepted as both environmental and technical quantities, are expressed as a function of the electric current and the magnetic field, supporting the view of the necessity of discerning interrelations between science and the environment. This research suggests that a useful step in assessing the viability of electric devices in concert with ecological systems might be to view the magnetic flux density B and the electric current intensity I as environmental parameters. In line with this idea the study encompasses an overview of potential human health risks and effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) caused by the operation of electric systems. It is concluded that exergy has a significant role to play in evaluating and increasing the efficiencies of electrical technologies and systems. This article also aims to demonstrate the need for joint efforts by researchers in electric and environmental engineering, and in medicine and health fields, for enhancing knowledge of the impacts of environmental ELF EMFs on humans and other life forms.
Hints of tRNA-Derived Small RNAs Role in RNA Silencing Mechanisms
Authors: Garcia-Silva Maria Rosa , Cabrera-Cabrera Florencia , Güida Maria Catalina , Cayota Alfonso
Published: October 2012

With the advent of new and improved high-throughput sequencing technologies in the last few years, a growing number of novel classes of small RNA, other than miRNAs or siRNA, has emerged, which appear as new actors in gene expression regulation. tRNA-derived small RNAs represent one of these novel members that are, surprisingly, among the most conserved class of small RNAs throughout evolution. They could represent the most primitive small RNA pathways from which the well-known canonical RNA silencing pathways reported in higher eukaryotes evolved. This review aims to make a compilation of the most relevant research literature in this field with the purpose of shedding light on the relation of these primitive tRNA-derived molecules with the gene silencing machinery.
A Systematic Review of Socioeconomic Indicators and Dental Caries in Adults
Authors: Costa Simone M. , Martins Carolina C. , Bonfim Maria de Lourdes C. , Zina Lívia G. , Paiva Saul M. , Pordeus Isabela A. , Abreu Mauro H. N. G.
Published: October 2012

Increasing evidence suggests that socioeconomic factors may be associated with an increased risk of dental caries. To provide better evidence of the association between dental caries in adults and socioeconomic indicators, we evaluated the relation between these two conditions in a thorough review of the literature. Seven databases were systematically searched: Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Bireme, Controlled Trials, Clinical Trials and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. No restrictions were placed on the language or year of publication. The search yielded 41 studies for systematic review. Two independent reviewers screened the studies for inclusion, extracted data and evaluated quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The following socioeconomic indicators were found: educational level, income, occupation, socio-economic status and the community index. These indicators were significantly associated with a greater occurrence of dental caries: the subject’s education, subject’s income, subject’s occupation and the Gini coefficient. A high degree of heterogeneity was found among the methods. Quality varied across studies. The criteria employed for socioeconomic indicators and dental caries should be standardized in future studies. The scientific evidence reveals that educational level, income, occupation and the Gini coefficient are associated with dental caries.
Hyaluronan Synthase and Hyaluronidase Expression in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma is Related to Anatomic Site and Chemotherapy Exposure
Authors: Weiss Ilana , Trope Claes G. , Reich Reuven , Davidson Ben
Published: October 2012

The present study investigated the expression and clinical role of hyaluronan synthases (HAS1-3) and hyaluronidases (Hyal1-3) in serous ovarian carcinoma. HAS and HYAL mRNA expression was analyzed in 97 tumors (61 effusions, 27 primary carcinomas, 9 solid metastases) using PCR and further studied for association with clinicopathologic parameters, including survival. HAS1 mRNA was overexpressed in effusions compared to primary carcinomas and solid metastases (p < 0.001), and an alternatively spliced HAS1 was expressed only in effusions. HAS2 mRNA was overexpressed in solid metastases and primary carcinomas compared to effusions (p = 0.043), and HAS3 mRNA was overexpressed in primary carcinomas and effusions compared to solid metastases (p = 0.008). HYAL1 mRNA was absent in all specimens, whereas HYAL2 was expressed as two splice variants, of which HYAL2-var2 was overexpressed in solid metastases compared to effusions and primary carcinomas (p < 0.001). HYAL3 mRNA was expressed as wild-type and variant 1-3 form, the latter more highly in primary carcinomas and effusions compared to solid metastases (p = 0.006). HAS1 mRNA was overexpressed in pre- compared to post-chemotherapy effusions (p < 0.001), with opposite finding for HYAL2-var1 and HYAL3-WT (p = 0.016 and p = 0.024, respectively). Higher HYAL2-var1 and HAS1 splice variant mRNA expression in effusions was associated with longer (p = 0.033) and shorter (p = 0.047) overall survival, respectively. These data are the first to document a role for HAS and Hyal members in tumor progression in ovarian carcinoma, as evidenced by their differential expression as function of anatomic site and chemotherapy exposure, with a possible prognostic role for patients with malignant effusions.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Bukhari Wajih , Barnett Michael H , Prain Kerri , Broadley Simon A
Published: October 2012

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disorder, distinct from multiple sclerosis, causing inflammatory lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. An autoantibody (NMO IgG) against aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel expressed on astrocytes is thought to be causative. Peripheral production of the antibody is triggered by an unknown process in genetically susceptible individuals. Anti-AQP4 antibody enters the central nervous system (CNS) when the blood brain barrier is made permeable and has high affinity for orthogonal array particles of AQP4. Like other autoimmune diseases, Th17 cells and their effector cytokines (such as interleukin 6) have been implicated in pathogenesis. AQP4 expressing peripheral organs are not affected by NMO IgG, but the antibody causes extensive astrocytic loss in specific regions of the CNS through complement mediated cytotoxicity. Demyelination occurs during the inflammatory process and is probably secondary to oligodendrocyte apoptosis subsequent to loss of trophic support from astrocytes. Ultimately, extensive axonal injury leads to severe disability. Despite rapid advances in the understanding of NMO pathogenesis, unanswered questions remain, particularly with regards to disease mechanisms in NMO IgG seronegative cases. Increasing knowledge of the molecular pathology is leading to improved treatment strategies.
The Effect of a Small Amount of Water on the Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Solid-State Synthesized Polyaniline
Authors: Shao Weiwei , Jamal Ruxangul , Xu Feng , Ubul Aminam , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: October 2012

A series of polyaniline (PANI) salts were synthesized with the presence of a small amount of water varying from 0 to 1 mL at the beginning of solid-state polymerization. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical performances of the products were investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, cycling stability and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the amounts of water can affect the oxidation degree, conjugate level and crystallinity of PANI salts. All PANI salts showed spherical morphology with the diameter of about 60 nm as shown by TEM. The electrochemical tests showed the highest specific capacitance value 593.3 F.g−1 in 1 M H2SO4 for PANI prepared with the addition of 0.5 mL of water at the beginning of solid-state polymerization.
Preparation of Poly-(Methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic Anhydride) Nanoparticles by Solution-Enhanced Dispersion by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Chen Ai-Zheng , Wang Guang-Ya , Wang Shi-Bin , Feng Jian-Gang , Liu Yuan-Gang , Kang Yong-Qiang
Published: October 2012

The supercritical CO2-based technologies have been widely used in the formation of drug and/or polymer particles for biomedical applications. In this study, nanoparticles of poly-(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (PVM/MA) were successfully fabricated by a process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SEDS). A 23 factorial experiment was designed to investigate and identify the significance of the processing parameters (concentration, flow and solvent/nonsolvent) for the surface morphology, particle size, and particle size distribution of the products. The effect of the concentration of PVM/MA was found to be dominant in the results regarding particle size. Decreasing the initial solution concentration of PVM/MA decreased the particle size significantly. After optimization, the resulting PVM/MA nanoparticles exhibited a good spherical shape, a smooth surface, and a narrow particle size distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that the chemical composition of PVM/MA was not altered during the SEDS process and that the SEDS process was therefore a typical physical process. The absolute value of zeta potential of the obtained PVM/MA nanoparticles was larger than 40 mV, indicating the samples’ stability in aqueous suspension. Analysis of thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) revealed that the effect of the SEDS process on the thermostability of PVM/MA was negligible. The results of gas chromatography (GC) analysis confirmed that the SEDS process could efficiently remove the organic residue.
Anti-Human Rhinoviral Activity of Polybromocatechol Compounds Isolated from the Rhodophyta, Neorhodomela aculeata
Authors: Park Soon-Hye , Song Jae-Hyoung , Kim Taejung , Shin Woon-Seob , Park Gab Man , Lee Seokjoon , Kim Young-Joo , Choi Pilju , Kim Heejin , Kim Hui-Seong , Kwon Dur-Han , Choi Hwa Jung , Ham Jungyeob
Published: October 2012

An extract of the red alga, Neorhodomela aculeata, exhibited antiviral activity against human rhinoviruses. Bioassay-guided purification was performed to yield six compounds, which were subsequently identified as lanosol (1) and five polybromocatechols (2–6) by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometric analyses. Structurally, all of these compounds, except compound 5, contain one or two 2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxyphenyl moieties. In a biological activity assay, compound 1 was found to possess antiviral activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.50 μg/mL against HRV2. Compound 3 showed anti-HRV2 activity, with an IC50 of 7.11 μg/mL, and anti-HRV3 activity, with an IC50 of 4.69 μg/mL, without demonstrable cytotoxicity at a concentration of 20 μg/mL. Collectively, the results suggest that compounds 1 and 3 are candidates for novel therapeutics against two different groups of human rhinovirus.
An Overview of Optimizing Strategies for Flotation Banks
Authors: Maldonado Miguel , Araya Rodrigo , Finch James
Published: October 2012

A flotation bank is a serial arrangement of cells. How to optimally operate a bank remains a challenge. This article reviews three reported strategies: air profiling, mass-pull (froth velocity) profiling and Peak Air Recovery (PAR) profiling. These are all ways of manipulating the recovery profile down a bank, which may be the property being exploited. Mathematical analysis has shown that a flat cell-by-cell recovery profile maximizes the separation of two floatable minerals for a given target bank recovery when the relative floatability is constant down the bank. Available bank survey data are analyzed with respect to recovery profiling. Possible variations on recovery profile to minimize entrainment are discussed.
Fruit Pod Extracts as a Source of Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Karim Azila Abdul , Azlan Azrina
Published: October 2012

Fruit pods contain various beneficial compounds that have biological activities and can be used as a source of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Although pods or pericarps are usually discarded when consuming the edible parts of fruits, they contain some compounds that exhibit biological activities after extraction. Most fruit pods included in this review contain polyphenolic components that can promote antioxidant effects on human health. Additionally, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and chemopreventive effects are associated with these fruit pod extracts. Besides polyphenolics, other compounds such as xanthones, carotenoids and saponins also exhibit health effects and can be potential sources of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical components. In this review, information on fruit pods or pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, Ceratonia siliqua, Moringa oleifera, Acacia nilotica, Sapindus rarak and Prosopis cineraria is presented and discussed with regard to their biological activity of the major compounds existing in them. The fruit pods of other ethno- botanical plants have also been reviewed. It can be concluded that although fruit pods are considered as being of no practical use and are often being thrown away, they nevertheless contain compounds that might be useful sources of nutraceutical and other pharmaceutical components.
The Binding Affinity and Molecular Basis of the Structure-Binding Relationship between Urinary Tamm-Horsfall Glycoprotein and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Wu Cheng-Han , Li Ko-Jen , Siao Sue-Cien , Chen Yu-Hsuan , Wu Tsai-Hung , Tsai Chang-Youh , Yu Chia-Li
Published: October 2012

In a previous study we noted significant THP binding to TNF-α, but did not explore the molecular basis of the structure-binding relationship. In this study, we used lectin-binding ELISA to assess the carbohydrate compositions of THP, BSA, IgG, TNF-α, and IFN-g. We identified β(1,4)-N-acetylglucosamine oligomers (GlcNAc) and GlcNAc/branched mannose in BSA, IgG, TNF-α, and THP, but not in IFN-g. These carbohydrate moieties mediated binding with THP. Small amounts of Siaα(2,3)Gal/ GalNAc, Sia(2,6)Gal/GalNAc, and mannose residues were also present in THP and TNF-α. Binding affinity (Kd) between THP and TNF-α by Scatchard plot analysis was 1.4–1.7 × 10−6 M, lower than antigen-antibody or ligand-receptor binding affinities. To elucidate the structure-binding relationship of THP-TNF-α, THP was digested with neuraminidase, β-galactosidase, O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, carboxypeptidase Y, or proteinase K. β-galactosidase increased binding capacity of THP for TNF-α. Monosaccharide inhibition suggested that α-methyl-D-mannoside, GlcNAc, and GalNAc, but not sialic acid, suppress THP-TNF-α binding as detected by ELISA. We conclude that sugar-lectin and sugar-protein interactions between cognate sites in THP and TNF-α mediate their binding.
Gigapixel Imaging and Photogrammetry: Development of a New Long Range Remote Imaging Technique
Authors: Lato Matthew J. , Bevan George , Fergusson Michael
Published: October 2012

The use of terrestrial remote imaging techniques, specifically LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and digital stereo-photogrammetry, are widely proven and accepted for the mapping of geological structure and monitoring of mass movements. The use of such technologies can be limited, however: LiDAR generally by the cost of acquisition, and stereo-photogrammetry by the tradeoff between possible resolution within the scene versus the spatial extent of the coverage. The objective of this research is to test a hybrid gigapixel photogrammetry method, and investigate optimal equipment configurations for use in mountainous terrain. The scope of the work included field testing at variable ranges, angles, resolutions, and in variable geological and climatologically settings. Original field work was carried out in Canada to test various lenses and cameras, and detailed field mapping excursions were conducted in Norway. The key findings of the research are example data generated by gigapixel photogrammetry, a detailed discussion on optimal photography equipment for gigapixel imaging, and implementations of the imaging possibilities for rockfall mapping. This paper represents a discussion about a new terrestrial 3-dimensional imaging technique. The findings of this research will directly benefit natural hazard mapping programs in which rockfall potential must be recorded and the use of standard 3-dimensional imaging techniques cannot be applied.
Development of a Simplified, Cost Effective GC-ECD Methodology for the Sensitive Detection of Bromoform in the Troposphere
Authors: Kuyper Brett , Labuschagne Casper , Philibert Raïssa , Moyo Nicholas , Waldron Howard , Reason Chris , Palmer Carl
Published: October 2012

Wherever measurements have been made bromoform was found to be ubiquitous in the surface ocean in pmolar-nmolar concentrations. These measurements show concentrations in coastal regions orders of magnitude higher than in the pelagic oceans. Its atmospheric presence is primarily due to its release from algae and rapid transport to the marine boundary troposphere where it is known to participate in ozone chemistry via photochemical and catalytic pathways. Until quite recently, a limited number of studies existed (compared to other marine volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), mainly due to the analytical challenge(s) presented by the low environmental mixing ratios. In this work we detail the development of a simplified, cost effective method to detect and quantify bromoform in environmental air samples. Air samples (1.5 L) were preconcentrated onto a precooled adsorbent (Carbopack X/Carboxen 1016) trap. These samples were injected by means of rapid thermal desorption for separation and detection by GC-ECD. The system was calibrated by means of a custom-built permeation oven. A linear system response was achieved, having a detection limit of 0.73 ± 0.09 ppt. A range of environmental samples was analysed to demonstrate the ability of the technique to separate and identify bromoform from air samples. The results showed that bromoform concentrations typically averaged 24.7 ± 17.3 ppt in marine air samples, 68.5 ± 26.3 ppt in Cape Town urban air samples and 33.9 ± 40.5 ppt in simulated biomass burning plumes (SBBP).
A Three-Axis Force Sensor for Dual Finger Haptic Interfaces
Authors: Fontana Marco , Marcheschi Simone , Salsedo Fabio , Bergamasco Massimo
Published: October 2012

In this work we present the design process, the characterization and testing of a novel three-axis mechanical force sensor. This sensor is optimized for use in closed-loop force control of haptic devices with three degrees of freedom. In particular the sensor has been conceived for integration with a dual finger haptic interface that aims at simulating forces that occur during grasping and surface exploration. The sensing spring structure has been purposely designed in order to match force and layout specifications for the application. In this paper the design of the sensor is presented, starting from an analytic model that describes the characteristic matrix of the sensor. A procedure for designing an optimal overload protection mechanism is proposed. In the last part of the paper the authors describe the experimental characterization and the integrated test on a haptic hand exoskeleton showing the improvements in the controller performances provided by the inclusion of the force sensor.
A Wittig-olefination–Claisen-rearrangement approach to the 3-methylquinoline-4-carbaldehyde synthesis
Authors: Kulkarni Mukund G , Desai Mayur P , Birhade Deekshaputra R , Shaikh Yunus B , Dhatrak Ajit N , Gannimani Ramesh
Published: October 2012

Efficient syntheses are described for the synthetically important 3-methylquinoline-4-carbaldehydes 6a–h from o-nitrobenzaldehydes 1a–h employing a Wittig-olefination–Claisen-rearrangement protocol. The Wittig reaction of o-nitrobenzaldehydes with crotyloxymethylene triphenylphosphorane afforded crotyl vinyl ethers 2a–h, which on heating under reflux in xylene underwent Claisen rearrangement to give 4-pentenals 3a–h. Protection of the aldehyde group of the 4-pentenals as acetals 4a–h and subsequent oxidative cleavage of the terminal olefin furnished nitroaldehydes 5a–h. Reductive cyclization of these nitroaldehydes yielded the required 3-methylquinoline-4-carbaldehydes 6a–h in excellent yields. Therefore, an efficient method was developed for the preparation of 3-methylquinoline-4-carbaldehydes from o-nitrobenzaldehydes in a simple five-step procedure.
Continuing Education for Performance Improvement: A Creative Approach
Authors: Collins Patti-Ann , Hardesty Ilana , White Julie L. , Zisblatt Lara
Published: October 2012

In an effort to improve patient safety and health care outcomes, continuing medical education has begun to focus on performance improvement initiatives for physician practices. Boston University School of Medicine’s (BUSM) Continuing Nursing Education Accredited Provider Unit has begun a creative project to award nursing contact hours for nurses’ participation in performance improvement activities. This column highlights its initial efforts.
Pharmacology in the Treatment of Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Le Jennifer F. , Lohr W. David
Published: October 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Recognize which presentations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) respond to medication.

2.

Learn the pharmacologic interventions commonly used in ASD.

3.

Know the implications of pharmacologic treatment in ASD.

The patient is an 8-year-old, noverbal black male diagnosed with autism who was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit due to an increase in aggressive and self-injurious behavior that has threatened his safety and the safety of those around him. His guardian reported that over the prior month, the patient had been destroying property in the home, becoming aggressive with both adults and peers, and had demonstrated an increase in head banging and biting his arm. These behaviors were in response to minimal provocation and specific triggers were not identified.
Can Wiki Be Used to Facilitate Critical Thinking? : A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Goh Wei Wei
Published: October 2012

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the use of wiki for the development of critical thinking skills of students in higher education. This study seeks to explore the learning experiences of students in utilizing wiki to facilitate the development of critical thinking skills. Wiki was introduced to 19 postgraduate students taking the “Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods” module in one of the post-1992 university in the United Kingdom.  They used the designed wiki as a learning tool and their responses towards wiki were explored based on the discussions and interaction in the wiki pages. At the end of the term, questionnaires and a focus group were used to collect their perceptions. The results show that critical thinking happens during the individual construction of knowledge when they reflect on and evaluate information. However, students did not always show their critical and analytical skills in collaborating and discussing in the wiki due to the low level of interaction.
Competency based Education (CBE) for IT Security: Towards Bridging the Gap
Authors: Kutty Mammi Hazinah , Ithnin Norafida
Published: October 2012

Skills gap is a common problem between university products and industry needs. This is apparent in many, if not all of the areas. The gap plays a role in the productivity or development of a given industry, as well as the unemployed rates. In a competitive world, employers are always looking for the best candidates for employment, with the best being defined as being competent both technically and professionally. We contend that competency based curriculum can provide a means to narrow and even close the skills gap. In this paper, we present a Competency Based Curriculum Model that can be used as a guide to develop a competency based curriculum. This model will be employed to develop a competency based curriculum for IT Security Engineers.
La rareté de l’espace dans les villages de métier du delta du Fleuve Rouge : l’exemple des stratégies socio spatiales villageoises dans la commune de Phong Khe, province de Bac Ninh
Authors: Duchère Yves
Published: October 2012

Les villages de métier du delta du Fleuve Rouge existent pour certains depuis le XVe siècle et développent un artisanat qui depuis quelques décennies s’adapte aux nouvelles exigences d’un marché en pleine évolution. L’intensification de la production du village de métier de Phong Khe (province de Bac Ninh) s’accompagne d’importantes nuisances environnementales qui hypothèquent les rendements agricoles et affectent la santé publique. L’organisation du travail dans cette commune traduit le manque d’espace nécessaire pour développer de manière plus durable l’artisanat et l’industrie. L’article analyse les stratégies mises en place par les villageois et les autorités pour poursuivre l’effort industriel dans un environnement général de plus en plus instable.
2-Undecyloxy-1-ethanol in combination with other semiochemicals attracts three Monochamus species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Macias-Samano Jorge E. , Wakarchuk David , Millar Jocelyn G. , Hanks Lawrence M.
Published: October 2012

Two species in the genus Monochamus Dejean (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) have recently been shown to have the same male-produced sex pheromone, 2-undecyloxy-1-ethanol (monochamol), suggesting that other congeners may share the same pheromone. We tested that hypothesis by conducting field bioassays of monochamol, in combination with bark-beetle pheromones and the host plant volatiles ethanol and α-pinene, in southern British Columbia, Canada. We captured 603 Monochamus clamator (LeConte), 63 Monochamus obtusus Casey, 245 Monochamus scutellatus (Say) (tribe Monochamini), and 42 Acanthocinus princeps (Walker) (tribe Acanthocinini). All three Monochamus species were significantly attracted to the combination of monochamol and host plant volatiles, whereas bark-beetle pheromones plus plant volatiles and plant volatiles alone were minimally attractive. Adding bark-beetle pheromones to the monochamol plus plant volatiles treatment synergised attraction of M. clamator, but not the other two Monochamus species. Acanthocinus princeps was most strongly attracted to the combination of bark-beetle pheromones and plant volatiles, and did not appear to be affected by the presence or absence of monochamol in baits. We conclude that monochamol is a likely pheromone component for the three Monochamus species, and that monochamol plus host plant volatiles is an effective attractant for these and perhaps other North American Monochamus species.
Leopard range size and conservation area size in the southern Kalahari
Authors: Bothma Jacobus Du P. , Bothma Marius D.
Published: October 2012

The range use patterns of adult leopards were used to examine the impact of environmental quality on conservation area size in the arid south-western portion of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in southern Africa. The ranges of the leopards are the largest recorded in the world, with a mean size of 2104.4 km2 (SEM 995.95 km2 ) for males and 1258.5 km2 (SEM 541.50 km2 ) for females. Overlaps in range use within and between the sexes and the size of this conservation area make it possible to sustain a genetically viable population of leopards in this arid environment.Conservation implications: When establishing conservation areas that contain large carnivores in arid and semi-arid regions, prey abundance and range use should be considered for the area to be able to sustain viable populations of such carnivores. The results emphasise the importance of establishing large transfrontier conservation areas where individual conservation areas are too small to do so. This study is the first to do so for leopards in southern Africa.
Membranous nephropathy: Treatment outline and risk stratification
Authors: Arabi Ziad
Published: October 2012

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adult. However, the exact etiology and the best treatment approach are still unclear. It is imperative to understand the nature of and prognosis of MN before initiating treatment which may include disease specific therapy based on a careful risk-stratification approach.
Spinal ependymoma presenting with visual and hearing impairment – An unusual sequelae
Authors: Gangadharan Jagathlal , Santosh Vani , Bharath Rose , Pandey Paritosh
Published: October 2012

Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare complication of recurrent bleeding in the neuraxis which may present with various symptoms. We report a case of spinal tumor presenting with superficial siderosis with involvement of vision and hearing along with ataxia. This is a rare presentation of superficial siderosis. The pathogenesis of selective involvement of these cranial nerves is discussed.
A rigidity property of some negatively curved solvable Lie groups
Authors: Shanmugalingam Nageswari , Xie Xiangdong
Published: October 2012

We show that for some negatively curved solvable Lie groups, all self quasiisometries are almost isometries. We prove this by showing that all self quasisymmetric maps of the ideal boundary (of the solvable Lie groups) are biLipschitz with respect to the visual metric.
Jacobi forms over complex quadratic fields via the cubic Casimir operators
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Conley Charles H. , Richter Olav K.
Published: October 2012

We prove that the center of the algebra of differential operators invariant under the action of the Jacobi group over a complex quadratic field is generated by two cubic Casimir operators, which we compute explicitly. In the spirit of Borel, we consider Jacobi forms over complex quadratic fields that are also eigenfunctions of these Casimir operators, a new approach in the complex case. Theta functions and Eisenstein series provide standard examples. In addition, we introduce an analog of Kohnen's plus space for modular forms of half-integral weight over

K=\mathbb{Q}(i)

, and provide a lift from it to the space of Jacobi forms over

K=\mathbb{Q}(i)

.
Complete minimal surfaces and harmonic functions
Authors: Alarcón Antonio , Fernández Isabel , López Francisco J.
Published: October 2012

We prove that for any open Riemann surface

\mathcal{N}

and any non-constant harmonic function

h\colon \mathcal{N} \to \mathbb{R}

, there exists a complete conformal minimal immersion

X\colon \mathcal{N} \to \mathbb{R}^3

whose third coordinate function coincides with

h

.

As a consequence, complete minimal surfaces with arbitrary conformal structure and whose Gauss map misses two points are constructed.