bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
There are two twin shadows, but einstein is one
Authors: Popovic Marko
Published: May 2012

2011 is the international year of chemistry, and it is exactly 100 years past
after the P. Langevin promotion of ?twin paradox? problem. The hundred year
old problem still demands its solution. Twin paradox, established by a
physicist, has been representing a nightmare for philosophers, physicists,
chemists, and biologists until these days. After a hundred years, it is time
to try to close this page in long history of misunderstanding of the special
relativity. This analysis has three main assumptions. First, biological
systems are a part of physical world and therefore they behave in accordance
to the physical laws according to Schr?dinger. Second, according to Von
Bertalanffy the biological systems are open thermodynamic systems. Because of
that the approach of non-equilibrium thermodynamics was used for analyzing
the twin paradox. Third, rise of entropy is according to Hyflick strongly
connected with aging. Entropy can be taken as a measure of cell age or even
human age according to Silva et al. and Gladyshev. So entropy invariance
strongly suggests that both twins should be the same age, so there is a
potential problem for twin paradox with the second law. The only possible
influence of relativity on the chemical reaction rate is time dilatation.
However time flow does not cause the aging process, so time dilatation cannot
have any influence on it. So, after detailed analysis, it is concluded that
there is no twin paradox in reality. Both twins will be exactly in same
thermodynamic state and bio-logical age. The traveler twin will notice time
dilatation, but this relativistic effect has no influence on the aging
process.
A relative humidity calibration from 5°C to 45°C in a mixed-flow humidity generator
Authors: Milosevic Nenad , Stepanic Nenad , Babic Marijana
Published: May 2012

The paper presents a method used in the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences
for a reliable and traceable relative humidity calibration in the temperature
range from 5?C to 45?C. Inside a controllable temperature and humidity
environment, supplied by a mixed-flow humidity generator, measurements of
hygrometers under calibration are compared with those of calibrated reference
instruments. A traceability chain from temperature to reference relative
humidity and next to the hygrometers under calibrations is provided by using
a chilled-mirror dew-point temperature system and precise relative humidity
probes. Corresponding calibration uncertainties are analyzed, particularly
those associated to the temperature uniformity of controlled calibration
environment. Two examples of relative humidity calibration with dew-point and
relative humidity reference measurements in the range from 15 to 75% of RH
and 5?C to 45?C are presented and discussed.
Combustion of low grade fractions of Lubnica coal in fluidized bed
Authors: Mladenovic Milica , Dakic Dragoljub , Nemoda Stevan , Mladenovic Rastko , Eric Aleksandar , Repic Branislav , Komatina Mirko
Published: May 2012

In this paper a method of examination of fuel suitability for fluidized bed
combustion is presented. The research of combustion characteristics of low
grade fractions of Lubnica brown coal in the fluidized bed by the
aforementioned methodology has been carried out on a laboratory
semi-industrial apparatus of 200 kWt. Description of the experimental
fluidized bed combustion facility is given, as well as experimental results,
with the focus on furnace temperature distribution, in order to determine the
location of the zone of intensive combustion. Based on investigation results,
which are focused on combustion quality (combustion completion) as well as on
satisfying the environmental protection criteria, it can be stated that the
investigated coal is suitable for burning in bubbling, as well as in
circulating fluidized bed.
Seasonal waves of influenza and cause-specific mortality in Germany
Authors: Huy Christina , Kuhn Dorothee , Schneider Sven , Zöllner Iris
Published: May 2012

Seasonal influenza epidemics regularly lead to an increase in population-based mortality in Germany and other industrialized nations. This study aimed to investigate seasonal variations in waves of influenza and cause-specific mortality rates. We analyzed influenza case data, monthly mortality rates and environmental temperature in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, between 2001 and 2006 using visual methods and bivariate statistics. Peaks in overall mortality rates were associated with waves of influenza and preceded by a drop in the environmental temperature. During an influenza epidemic, many cause-specific mortality rates increased, that is to say, there were coinciding peaks for diseases of the respiratory and the circulatory system. There are several reasons which might explain the observed temporal associations between reported cases of influenza and cause-specific mortality: 1) the general physical impairment of persons with chronic diseases; 2) the combined effect of low environmental temperatures and seasonal waves of influenza; 3) the system of coding underlying disease in death certificates. Our findings point to an underestimated role of influenza in mortality in Germany.
Unsteady transonic aerodynamics during wing flutter
Authors: Saitoh Kenichi , Tamayama Masato , Yoshimoto Norio , Ueda Tetsuhiko
Published: May 2012

Unsteady pressure distributions of a two-dimensional super-critical wing while it was fluttering were measured in the transonic flow regime. The results were compared with those by the Navier-Stokes code which includes wind-tunnel wall effects. Although there were discrepancies between the experimental results and the analytical model for the pressure phase delay distribution, no disagreements were observed for the pitching first harmonics provided that there was no large flow separation. In the tests, the flutter was forced to be suppressed soon after its onset before it reached a limit cycle oscillation (LCO) where the amplitude of the pitching angle was supposed to be over 2 degrees.
Applications of Digital Holography: From Microscopy to 3D-Television
Authors: Kreis T.
Published: May 2012

The paper gives an overview of the applications of digital holography based on the one hand on CCD-recording, computer storage, and numerical reconstruction of the wave fields, and on the other hand on numerical calculation of computer generated holograms (CGH) and the transfer of these CGHs to spatial light modulators for optical reconstruction of the wave fields. The first mentioned type of digital holography finds applications in digital holographic microscopy, particle analysis, and interferometric form and deformation measurement, while the second type constitutes the basis for holographic 3D TV. The space-bandwidth-problem occuring in this context is addressed and first partial solutions are presented.
Broadband photonic crystal antireflection
Authors: Malekmohammad M. , Soltanolkotabi M. , Erfanian A. , Asadi R. , Bagheri S. , Zahedinejad M. , Khaje M. , Naderi M. H.
Published: May 2012

Broadband antireflection layers have been fabricated by two dimensional (2D) photonic crystals (PCs) with tapered pillars on the Si substrate. These PCs have been produced by interference lithography and reactive ion etching (RIE) techniques. The effect of depth and the filling factor (FF) of the PCs on the reflectance magnitude and bandwidth has been investigated. The obtained reflectance was less than 1% in the broad spectral range from 400 to 2100 nm. Our numerical simulation shows the PC pillars slope has an essential effect in the reduction of the reflection. However, our results show that the existence of RIE grasses in the PCs, which are created in the RIE process, does not influence the performance of the antireflection layer. This leads to a simpler fabrication process.
Compact system design based on digital in-line holographic microscopy configuration
Authors: Mihailescu M. , Kusko M.
Published: May 2012

We present our study regarding a compact system design for cell counting and simultaneous 3D imaging, based on digital in-line holographic microscopy configuration. The system is built around the known experimental configuration which includes a pinhole but we also investigate the configuration with a monomode fiber as a light source. Considered samples consist of a very low concentration of cells in flow in a microchannel. The main challenge in our design is to obtain the digital hologram of one cell on a regular video camera sensor in proper resolution conditions, as opposed to the usual configurations where the aim is to visualize a large area. This fact is possible with shorter distances between pinhole and sample and with pinholes with diameters slightly larger than 1micron. These can now be realized by considering the microtechnological processes for microchannel and pinhole fabrication on the same substrate with high refractive index - to increase the numerical aperture of the system The geometrical parameters are established after the numerical analysis of the diffracted field from a single cell and of the entire system numerical aperture values.
Four-Wave-Mixing in Zirconia-Yttria-Aluminum Erbium Codoped Silica Fiber
Authors: Ahmad H. , Paul M. C. , Awang N. A. , Harun S. W. , Pal M. , Thambiratnam K.
Published: May 2012

The generation and characterization of the Four-Wave-Mixing (FWM) effect in an Erbium Doped Zirconia-Yttria-Alumino Silicate Fiber (EDZF) is described. The EZDF is fabricated from a conventional silica preform by Modified Chemical Vapour Deposition (MCVD) and also solution doping to add glass modifiers and nucleating agents, with the resulting preform annealed and drawn into a fiber strand with a 125 ± 0.5 µm diameter. A 4 m long EZDF, ZEr-B with a propagation loss of 0.68 dB/m and an erbium concentration of 3000 ppm is used to investigate the FWM effect. The FWM power levels are measured to be approximately - 45 dBm at a region of 1565 nm and show good agreement with the theoretical predicted values. A non-linear coefficient of 14 W−1km−1 is also measured, along with chromatic and slope dispersion values of 28.45 ps/nm.km and 3.63 ps/nm2.km, which agree with the predicted values. The fabricated ZEr-B fibre has many potential applications utilizing the FWM effect, including the generation of multi-wavelength outputs.
Immunotherapy of cancer in 2012
Authors: Kirkwood John M. , Butterfield Lisa H. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Zarour Hassane , Kalinski Pawel , Ferrone Soldano
Published: May 2012

The immunotherapy of cancer has made significant strides in the past few years due to improved understanding of the underlying principles of tumor biology and immunology. These principles have been critical in the development of immunotherapy in the laboratory and in the implementation of immunotherapy in the clinic. This improved understanding of immunotherapy, enhanced by increased insights into the mechanism of tumor immune response and its evasion by tumors, now permits manipulation of this interaction and elucidates the therapeutic role of immunity in cancer. Also important, this improved understanding of immunotherapy and the mechanisms underlying immunity in cancer has fueled an expanding array of new therapeutic agents for a variety of cancers. Pegylated interferon‐α2b as an adjuvant therapy and ipilimumab as therapy for advanced disease, both of which were approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for melanoma in March 2011, are 2 prime examples of how an increased understanding of the principles of tumor biology and immunology have been translated successfully from the laboratory to the clinical setting. Principles that guide the development and application of immunotherapy include antibodies, cytokines, vaccines, and cellular therapies. The identification and further elucidation of the role of immunotherapy in different tumor types, and the development of strategies for combining immunotherapy with cytotoxic and molecularly targeted agents for future multimodal therapy for cancer will enable even greater progress and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
How Paediatricians can Promote, Protect and Support Breastfeeding
Authors: Talukder MQK
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v35i3.10384Bangladesh J Child Health 2011; Vol 35 (3): 79-83
Child Psychiatric Disorders Presenting to a Tertiary Multidisciplinary Child Development Service in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Farzana , Parveen Monowara , Parvin Rezina , Begum Dilara , Muslima Humaira , Khatun Mahmuda , Mahbub Mustafa , Khan Naila Zaman
Published: May 2012

Background: Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK or Child Development Center) of the Dhaka Shishu (Childrens) Hospital (DSH) has been using a multidisciplinary approach for assessment and management of children with various neurodevelopmental disorders since its establishment in 1991. In the past decade, a major proportion have presented with a range of emotional and behavioural problems. This paper aims to describe the types of child psychiatric disorders and the multidisciplinary team approach used in this centre for diagnosis and management of these children.Patients and Methods: Clinical records of 300 children who were assessed by the Child Mental Health Clinic of SBK during April 2004 to December 2006 were analyzed. These children were among the 1648 children who were referred for behavioural problems after having a General Developmental assessment (GDA). Children received services by a team comprising of child health physicians, child neurologists, child psychologists, developmental therapists and psychosocial counselors and a social worker. Psychiatric conditions were diagnosed using the multi-axial diagnostic guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The role of various clinics of the SBK to address specific aspects of a childs mental health condition is described.Results: Of the 300 children seen 55% were of primary school age (ie, between 5-10 years), boys comprising 71%. The majority (94%) could be categorized into a psychiatric condition. Sixty three percent had a developmental problem. In addition, with 44% children having some intellectual deficit. Sixty one percent had an associated neurological or general medical condition. It was important to note also that 54% had some form of psychosocial adversity which needed immediate help. Commonest psychiatric diagnosis was Hyperkinetic Disorders (33%) followed by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) (27%).Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is a common presentation among children who come to the child development and neurodisability service. If Child Mental Health professionals work with a multidisciplinary team within a child development service such as SBK, it may best utilize the multiaxial diagnosis system.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v35i3.10385  Bangladesh J Child Health 2011; Vol 35 (3): 84-89
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome; An Unusual Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report
Authors: Talukder Manik Kumar , Islam Md Imnul , Begum Suraiya , Kundu Gopen Kumar , Rahman Shahana
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v35i3.10525 Bangladesh J Child Health 2011; Vol 35 (3): 124-126
Pharmacological investigation of Areca catechu extracts for evaluation of learning, memory and behavior in rats
Authors: Joshi Madhusudan , Gaonkar Kavita , Mangoankar Sneha , Satarkar Sneha
Published: May 2012

Areca catechu Linn is one of the stimulant masticatory crude materials of Indian system of medicine. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of Areca catechu Linn extract on learning and memory in rats using radial arm maze. The extract used for study was of two different types of Areca catechu namely, wet and dried Areca catechu. Three groups of rats each consisting of seven animals were used for the purpose. Test groups were given 500mg/kg p.o of wet Areca catechu extract and dried Areca catechu extract respectively. It was observed that wet Areca catechu extract showed greater increase in spatial memory and learning in comparison to the control group of rats. Hence increase in spatial memory could be because of higher amount of arecoline present in wet Areca catechu extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i6.10533 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(6): 128-132
Nutritional status among the primary school children in a selected rural community
Authors: Ara R , Hoque SR , Adhikary M , Uddin MN , Mahmood AR , Ferdousi SK
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10528 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 97-101
High density lipoprotein in preeclampsia
Authors: Begum Z , Akhter S
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10530 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 107-111
Types of contraceptives practiced by the women attending model family planning clinic at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
Authors: Mahmood AR , Hoque SR , Ara S , Karim SR , Ferdousi SK , Sultana R
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10531 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 112-115
Clinical study of upper abdominal pain in hospitalised patients in medicine unites of a medical college in Dhaka City (Study of 104 cases)
Authors: Sardar MH , Howdar MAR , Malik MU , Appolo AM , Islam MS , Azad KAK , Hossain MM
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10538 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 124-133
Maternal & fetal outcome of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy - a study of 100 cases, in FMCH, Faridpur
Authors: Saha MR , Khan JH
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10547 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 183-187
Palliative care ethics
Authors: Nurunnabi ASM
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10550 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 199-203
A case of Moyamoya Disease presenting as seizure and hemiparersis
Authors: Azad KAK , Sardar MH , Natasha SH , Mallik MU , Appolo AM , Islam MS
Published: May 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i2.10554 J. Dhaka Med. Coll. 2011; 20(2): 218-221
Role of ELISPOT Assays in Risk Assessment Pre- and Post-Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Zitzner Jennifer R. , Tambur Anat R.
Published: May 2012

Immunologic risk in kidney transplantation is typically minimized by avoiding, or at least limiting, the potential of donor specific humoral responses by testing for the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA). Additionally, selecting donor and recipient pairs with the least number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches has been shown to play a role in transplant outcome. However, numerous other factors may play a role in the success of transplant outcome and patient health. Specifically, the use of T-cell allospecific ELISPOT assays have helped elucidate the role of pre-formed cellular responses as additional factors in post-transplant outcome. In this review, we will evaluate numerous uses of ELISPOT assays to assess the pre- and post-transplant immunologic risk of rejection episodes, graft survival and even viral susceptibility as well as the utility of ELISPOT assays in monitoring tolerance and withdrawal of immunosuppressive medications following kidney transplantation.
Moderate Temperature Dense Phase Hydrogen Storage Materials within the US Department of Energy (DOE) H2 Storage Program: Trends toward Future Development
Authors: McWhorter Scott , O’Malley Kathleen , Adams Jesse , Ordaz Grace , Randolph Katie , Stetson Ned T.
Published: May 2012

Hydrogen has many positive attributes that make it a viable choice to augment the current portfolio of combustion-based fuels, especially when considering reducing pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, conventional methods of storing H2 via high-pressure or liquid H2 do not provide long-term economic solutions for many applications, especially emerging applications such as man-portable or stationary power. Hydrogen storage in materials has the potential to meet the performance and cost demands, however, further developments are needed to address the thermodynamics and kinetics of H2 uptake and release. Therefore, the US Department of Energy (DOE) initiated three Centers of Excellence focused on developing H2 storage materials that could meet the stringent performance requirements for on-board vehicular applications. In this review, we have summarized the developments that occurred as a result of the efforts of the Metal Hydride and Chemical Hydrogen Storage Centers of Excellence on materials that bind hydrogen through ionic and covalent linkages and thus could provide moderate temperature, dense phase H2 storage options for a wide range of emerging Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM FC) applications.
Distribution and Diversity of Carboniferous and Permian Colonial Rugose Coral Faunas in Western North America: Clues for Placement of Allochthonous Terranes
Authors: Stevens Calvin H.
Published: May 2012

Colonial rugose corals are common in western cratonal North America and in some of the allochthonous terranes, now amalgamated against its western margin. Throughout the Late Paleozoic, the coral faunas in these two different settings were significantly different. Comparisons of these faunas suggest that during the Mississippian the Alexander terrane probably was southwest of Arctic Alaska and the Stikine terrane probably lay west of the southern part of the North American craton. The Cache Creek terrane lay far out in the Paleopacific Ocean. The Pennsylvanian faunas suggest that the Quesnellia and Eastern Klamath terranes were situated southwest of Arctic Alaska and the Alexander terrane was somewhat farther southwest and farther from cratonal North America. The Stikine terrane continued to be positioned west of the southern part of the North American craton. During the Early Permian, terranes with a cratonal faunal aspect may have lain 2000–3000 km west of cratonal North America and latitudinally generally southwest of their present positions. In the Middle Permian these terranes were carried southward relative to the North American craton. Simultaneously the Tethyan Realm expanded eastward.
Patient Follow-Up After Participating in a Beach-Based Skin Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Greaney Mary L. , Puleo Elaine , Geller Alan C. , Hu Stephanie W. , Werchniak Andrew E. , DeCristofaro Susan , Emmons Karen M.
Published: May 2012

Many skin cancer screenings occur in non-traditional community settings, with the beach being an important setting due to beachgoers being at high risk for skin cancer. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial of a skin cancer intervention in which participants (n = 312) had a full-body skin examination by a clinician and received a presumptive diagnosis (abnormal finding, no abnormal finding). Participants’ pursuit of follow-up was assessed post-intervention (n = 283). Analyses examined: (1) participant’s recall of screening results; and (2) whether cognitive and behavioral variables were associated with follow-up being as advised. Just 12% of participants (36/312) did not correctly recall the results of their skin examination. One-third (33%, 93/283) of participants’ follow-up was classified as being not as advised (recommend follow-up not pursued, unadvised follow-up pursued). Among participants whose follow-up was not as advised, 71% (66/93) did not seek recommended care. None of the measured behavioral and cognitive variables were significantly associated with recall of screening examination results or whether follow-up was as advised. Research is needed to determine what factors are associated with follow-up being as advised and to develop messages that increase receipt of advised follow-up care.
Genetic Diversity of Pinus nigra Arn. Populations in Southern Spain and Northern Morocco Revealed By Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat Profiles
Authors: Rubio-Moraga Angela , Candel-Perez David , Lucas-Borja Manuel E. , Tiscar Pedro A. , Viñegla Benjamin , Linares Juan C. , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes , Ahrazem Oussama
Published: May 2012

Eight Pinus nigra Arn. populations from Southern Spain and Northern Morocco were examined using inter-simple sequence repeat markers to characterize the genetic variability amongst populations. Pair-wise population genetic distance ranged from 0.031 to 0.283, with a mean of 0.150 between populations. The highest inter-population average distance was between PaCU from Cuenca and YeCA from Cazorla, while the lowest distance was between TaMO from Morocco and MA Sierra Mágina populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Nei’s genetic diversity analyses revealed higher genetic variation within the same population than among different populations. Genetic differentiation (Gst) was 0.233. Cuenca showed the highest Nei’s genetic diversity followed by the Moroccan region, Sierra Mágina, and Cazorla region. However, clustering of populations was not in accordance with their geographical locations. Principal component analysis showed the presence of two major groups—Group 1 contained all populations from Cuenca while Group 2 contained populations from Cazorla, Sierra Mágina and Morocco—while Bayesian analysis revealed the presence of three clusters. The low genetic diversity observed in PaCU and YeCA is probably a consequence of inappropriate management since no estimation of genetic variability was performed before the silvicultural treatments. Data indicates that the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) method is sufficiently informative and powerful to assess genetic variability among populations of P. nigra.
Comparison of Standard 1.5 T vs. 3 T Optimized Protocols in Patients Treated with Glatiramer Acetate. A Serial MRI Pilot Study
Authors: Zivadinov Robert , Hojnacki David , Hussein Sara , Bergsland Niels , Carl Ellen , Durfee Jacqueline , Dwyer Michael G. , Kennedy Cheryl , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca
Published: May 2012

This study explored the effect of glatiramer acetate (GA, 20 mg) on lesion activity using the 1.5 T standard MRI protocol (single dose gadolinium [Gd] and 5-min delay) or optimized 3 T protocol (triple dose of Gd, 20-min delay and application of an off-resonance saturated magnetization transfer pulse). A 15-month, phase IV, open-label, single-blinded, prospective, observational study included 12 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who underwent serial MRI scans (Days −45, −20, 0; the minus ign indicates the number of days before GA treatment; and on Days 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 270 and 360 during GA treatment) on 1.5 T and 3 T protocols. Cumulative number and volume of Gd enhancing (Gd-E) and T2 lesions were calculated. At Days −45 and 0, there were higher number (p < 0.01) and volume (p < 0.05) of Gd-E lesions on 3 T optimized compared to 1.5 T standard protocol. However, at 180 and 360 days of the study, no significant differences in total and cumulative number of new Gd-E and T 2 lesions were found between the two protocols. Compared to pre-treatment period, at Days 180 and 360 a significantly greater decrease in the cumulative number of Gd-E lesions (p = 0.03 and 0.021, respectively) was found using the 3 T vs. the 1.5 T protocol (p = NS for both time points). This MRI mechanistic study suggests that GA may exert a greater effect on decreasing lesion activity as measured on 3 T optimized compared to 1.5 T standard protocol.
Design and Characterization of a Peptide Mimotope of the HIV-1 gp120 Bridging Sheet
Authors: Schiavone Marco , Fiume Giuseppe , Caivano Antonella , De Laurentiis Annamaria , Falcone Cristina , Masci Francesca Fasanella , Iaccino Enrico , Mimmi Selena , Palmieri Camillo , Pisano Antonio , Pontoriero Marilena , Rossi Annalisa , Scialdone Annarita , Vecchio Eleonora , Andreozzi Concetta , Trovato Maria , Rafay Jan , Ferko Boris , Montefiori David , Lombardi Angela , Morsica Giulia , Poli Guido , Quinto Ileana , Pavone Vincenzo , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe , Scala Giuseppe
Published: May 2012

The Bridging Sheet domain of HIV-1 gp120 is highly conserved among the HIV-1 strains and allows HIV-1 binding to host cells via the HIV-1 coreceptors. Further, the bridging sheet domain is a major target to neutralize HIV-1 infection. We rationally designed four linear peptide epitopes that mimic the three-dimensional structure of bridging sheet by using molecular modeling. Chemically synthesized peptides BS3 and BS4 showed a fair degree of antigenicity when tested in ELISA with IgG purified from HIV+ broadly neutralizing sera while the production of synthetic peptides BS1 and BS2 failed due to their high degree of hydrophobicity. To overcome this limitation, we linked all four BS peptides to the COOH-terminus of GST protein to test both their antigenicity and immunogenicity. Only the BS1 peptide showed good antigenicity; however, no envelope specific antibodies were elicited upon mice immunization. Therefore we performed further analyses by linking BS1 peptide to the NH2-terminus of the E2 scaffold from the Geobacillus Stearothermophylus PDH complex. The E2-BS1 fusion peptide showed good antigenic results, however only one immunized rabbit elicited good antibody titers towards both the monomeric and oligomeric viral envelope glycoprotein (Env). In addition, moderate neutralizing antibodies response was elicited against two HIV-1 clade B and one clade C primary isolates. These preliminary data validate the peptide mimotope approach as a promising tool to obtain an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
Hydrodynamic Flow Confinement Technology in Microfluidic Perfusion Devices
Authors: Ainla Alar , Jeffries Gavin , Jesorka Aldo
Published: May 2012

Hydrodynamically confined flow device technology is a young research area with high practical application potential in surface processing, assay development, and in various areas of single cell research. Several variants have been developed, and most recently, theoretical and conceptual studies, as well as fully developed automated systems, were presented. In this article we review concepts, fabrication strategies, and application areas of hydrodynamically confined flow (HCF) devices.
Fluorescent Nanoprobes Dedicated to in Vivo Imaging: From Preclinical Validations to Clinical Translation
Authors: Mérian Juliette , Gravier Julien , Navarro Fabrice , Texier Isabelle
Published: May 2012

With the fast development, in the last ten years, of a large choice of set-ups dedicated to routine in vivo measurements in rodents, fluorescence imaging techniques are becoming essential tools in preclinical studies. Human clinical uses for diagnostic and image-guided surgery are also emerging. In comparison to low-molecular weight organic dyes, the use of fluorescent nanoprobes can improve both the signal sensitivity (better in vivo optical properties) and the fluorescence biodistribution (passive “nano” uptake in tumours for instance). A wide range of fluorescent nanoprobes have been designed and tested in preclinical studies for the last few years. They will be reviewed and discussed considering the obstacles that need to be overcome for their potential everyday use in clinics. The conjugation of fluorescence imaging with the benefits of nanotechnology should open the way to new medical applications in the near future.
Novel Synthesis of 8-Deaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroaminopterin Analogues via an Aziridine Intermediate
Authors: Zhou Shouxin , Tian Chao , Li Chao , Guo Ying , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Junyi , Zhang Zhili
Published: May 2012

An efficient method for the construction of the tetrahydrofolate skeleton is described. Starting from pterin analogues and aromatic amines, 8-deaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroaminopterin derivatives and the heterocyclic benzoyl isosteres were synthesized via a novel aziridine intermediate. Following this method, the byproducts of carbon-nitrogen bond hydrogenolysis in traditional synthetic strategy can be completely avoided.
TNF as Biomarker for Rapid Quantification of Active Staphylococcus Enterotoxin A in Food
Authors: Rasooly Reuven , Hernlem Bradley
Published: May 2012

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen which causes clinical infections and food poisoning. This bacterium produces a group of twenty-one enterotoxins (SEs). These enterotoxins have two separate but related biological activities. They cause gastroenteritis and function as superantigens that activate large numbers of T cells. The current method for detection of enterotoxins activity is an in vivo monkey or kitten bioassay; however, this method is not practical to test on a large number of samples. Several immunological assays have been developed however, but these assays cannot distinguish between active toxin which causes food poisoning and inactive toxin, which can bind antibody, but shows no toxicity. The current study demonstrates that short term ex vivo exposure of primary naïve CD4+ T-cells or splenocytes to SEA induces differential expression and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein. We used immunomagnetic beads coated with anti-SEA antibody to specifically isolate SEA from food. After the eluted toxin was added to the cells SEA biological activity was measured by quantifying TNF protein expression or secretion.
A Critical Review of Glucose Biosensors Based on Carbon Nanomaterials: Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
Authors: Zhu Zhigang , Garcia-Gancedo Luis , Flewitt Andrew J. , Xie Huaqing , Moussy Francis , Milne William I.
Published: May 2012

There has been an explosion of research into the physical and chemical properties of carbon-based nanomaterials, since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by Iijima in 1991. Carbon nanomaterials offer unique advantages in several areas, like high surface-volume ratio, high electrical conductivity, chemical stability and strong mechanical strength, and are thus frequently being incorporated into sensing elements. Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors generally have higher sensitivities and a lower detection limit than conventional ones. In this review, a brief history of glucose biosensors is firstly presented. The carbon nanotube and grapheme-based biosensors, are introduced in Sections 3 and 4, respectively, which cover synthesis methods, up-to-date sensing approaches and nonenzymatic hybrid sensors. Finally, we briefly outline the current status and future direction for carbon nanomaterials to be used in the sensing area.
Sensing with Superconducting Point Contacts
Authors: Nurbawono Argo , Zhang Chun
Published: May 2012

Superconducting point contacts have been used for measuring magnetic polarizations, identifying magnetic impurities, electronic structures, and even the vibrational modes of small molecules. Due to intrinsically small energy scale in the subgap structures of the supercurrent determined by the size of the superconducting energy gap, superconductors provide ultrahigh sensitivities for high resolution spectroscopies. The so-called Andreev reflection process between normal metal and superconductor carries complex and rich information which can be utilized as powerful sensor when fully exploited. In this review, we would discuss recent experimental and theoretical developments in the supercurrent transport through superconducting point contacts and their relevance to sensing applications, and we would highlight their current issues and potentials. A true utilization of the method based on Andreev reflection analysis opens up possibilities for a new class of ultrasensitive sensors.
A Stress Sensor Based on Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Controlled by ZigBee
Authors: Villarejo María Viqueira , Zapirain Begoña García , Zorrilla Amaia Méndez
Published: May 2012

Sometimes, one needs to control different emotional situations which can lead the person suffering them to dangerous situations, in both the medium and short term. There are studies which indicate that stress increases the risk of cardiac problems. In this study we have designed and built a stress sensor based on Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), and controlled by ZigBee. In order to check the device’s performance, we have used 16 adults (eight women and eight men) who completed different tests requiring a certain degree of effort, such as mathematical operations or breathing deeply. On completion, we appreciated that GSR is able to detect the different states of each user with a success rate of 76.56%. In the future, we plan to create an algorithm which is able to differentiate between each state.
Self-Learning Variable Structure Control for a Class of Sensor-Actuator Systems
Authors: Chen Sanfeng , Li Shuai , Liu Bo , Lou Yuesheng , Liang Yongsheng
Published: May 2012

Variable structure strategy is widely used for the control of sensor-actuator systems modeled by Euler-Lagrange equations. However, accurate knowledge on the model structure and model parameters are often required for the control design. In this paper, we consider model-free variable structure control of a class of sensor-actuator systems, where only the online input and output of the system are available while the mathematic model of the system is unknown. The problem is formulated from an optimal control perspective and the implicit form of the control law are analytically obtained by using the principle of optimality. The control law and the optimal cost function are explicitly solved iteratively. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed method.
An Event Driven Hybrid Identity Management Approach to Privacy Enhanced e-Health
Authors: Sánchez-Guerrero Rosa , Almenárez Florina , Díaz-Sánchez Daniel , Marín Andrés , Arias Patricia , Sanvido Fabio
Published: May 2012

Credential-based authorization offers interesting advantages for ubiquitous scenarios involving limited devices such as sensors and personal mobile equipment: the verification can be done locally; it offers a more reduced computational cost than its competitors for issuing, storing, and verification; and it naturally supports rights delegation. The main drawback is the revocation of rights. Revocation requires handling potentially large revocation lists, or using protocols to check the revocation status, bringing extra communication costs not acceptable for sensors and other limited devices. Moreover, the effective revocation consent—considered as a privacy rule in sensitive scenarios—has not been fully addressed.This paper proposes an event-based mechanism empowering a new concept, the sleepyhead credentials, which allows to substitute time constraints and explicit revocation by activating and deactivating authorization rights according to events. Our approach is to integrate this concept in IdM systems in a hybrid model supporting delegation, which can be an interesting alternative for scenarios where revocation of consent and user privacy are critical. The delegation includes a SAML compliant protocol, which we have validated through a proof-of-concept implementation. This article also explains the mathematical model describing the event-based model and offers estimations of the overhead introduced by the system. The paper focus on health care scenarios, where we show the flexibility of the proposed event-based user consent revocation mechanism.
A Polymer Optical Fiber Fuel Level Sensor: Application to Paramotoring and Powered Paragliding
Authors: Montero David Sánchez , Lallana Pedro Contreras , Vázquez Carmen
Published: May 2012

A low-cost intensity-based polymer optical fiber (POF) sensor for fuel level measurements in paramotoring and powered paragliding is presented, exploiting the advantages of the optical fiber sensing technology. Experimental results demonstrate that the best option can be performed by stripping the fiber at the desired discrete points to measure the fuel level as well as with a gauge-shape fiber bending. The prototype has a good linearity, better than 4% full scale (F.S.), and sensitivity around 0.5 V per bend are obtained. Hysteresis due to residual fluid at the sensing points is found to be less than 9% F.S.
On Cup Anemometer Rotor Aerodynamics
Authors: Pindado Santiago , Pérez Javier , Avila-Sanchez Sergio
Published: May 2012

The influence of anemometer rotor shape parameters, such as the cups’ front area or their center rotation radius on the anemometer’s performance was analyzed. This analysis was based on calibrations performed on two different anemometers (one based on magnet system output signal, and the other one based on an opto-electronic system output signal), tested with 21 different rotors. The results were compared to the ones resulting from classical analytical models. The results clearly showed a linear dependency of both calibration constants, the slope and the offset, on the cups’ center rotation radius, the influence of the front area of the cups also being observed. The analytical model of Kondo et al. was proved to be accurate if it is based on precise data related to the aerodynamic behavior of a rotor’s cup.
Mobile, Collaborative Situated Knowledge Creation for Urban Planning
Authors: Zurita Gustavo , Baloian Nelson
Published: May 2012

Geo-collaboration is an emerging research area in computer sciences studying the way spatial, geographically referenced information and communication technologies can support collaborative activities. Scenarios in which information associated to its physical location are of paramount importance are often referred as Situated Knowledge Creation scenarios. To date there are few computer systems supporting knowledge creation that explicitly incorporate physical context as part of the knowledge being managed in mobile face-to-face scenarios. This work presents a collaborative software application supporting visually-geo-referenced knowledge creation in mobile working scenarios while the users are interacting face-to-face. The system allows to manage data information associated to specific physical locations for knowledge creation processes in the field, such as urban planning, identifying specific physical locations, territorial management, etc.; using Tablet-PCs and GPS in order to geo-reference data and information. It presents a model for developing mobile applications supporting situated knowledge creation in the field, introducing the requirements for such an application and the functionalities it should have in order to fulfill them. The paper also presents the results of utility and usability evaluations.
FPGA Implementation of Generalized Hebbian Algorithm for Texture Classification
Authors: Lin Shiow-Jyu , Hwang Wen-Jyi , Lee Wei-Hao
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a novel hardware architecture for principal component analysis. The architecture is based on the Generalized Hebbian Algorithm (GHA) because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The architecture is separated into three portions: the weight vector updating unit, the principal computation unit and the memory unit. In the weight vector updating unit, the computation of different synaptic weight vectors shares the same circuit for reducing the area costs. To show the effectiveness of the circuit, a texture classification system based on the proposed architecture is physically implemented by Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). It is embedded in a System-On-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) platform for performance measurement. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture is an efficient design for attaining both high speed performance andlow area costs.
Glassy carbon electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the determination of ascorbic acid by square-wave voltammetry
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Vicente-Beckett Victoria
Published: May 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used to modify the surface of a glassy carbon electrode to enhance its electroactivity. Nafion served to immobilise the carbon nanotubes on the electrode surface. The modified electrode was used to develop an analytical method for the analysis of ascorbic acid (AA) by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The oxidation of ascorbic acid at the modified glassy carbon electrode showed a peak potential at 315 mV, about 80 mV lower than that observed at the bare (unmodified) electrode. The peak current was about threefold higher than the response at the bare electrode. Replicate measurements of peak currents showed good precision (3% rsd). Peak currents increased with increasing ascorbic acid concentration (dynamic range = 0.0047–5.0 mmol/L) and displayed good linearity (R2= 0.994). The limit of detection was 1.4 μmol/L AA, while the limit of quantitation was 4.7 μmol/L AA. The modified electrode was applied to the determination of the amount of ascorbic acid in four brands of commercial orange-juice products. The measured content agreed well (96–104%) with the product label claim for all brands tested. Recovery tests on spiked samples of orange juice showed good recovery (99–104%). The reliability of the SWV method was validated by conducting parallel experiments based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with absorbance detection. The observed mean AA contents of the commercial orange juice samples obtained by the two methods were compared statistically and were found to have no significant difference (P= 0.05).
La création sans créateur : le cas de Maison Martin Margiela
Authors: Pungetti Giovanni , Caputo Stefano
Published: May 2012

Résumé Martin Margiela a surpris en décidant de se retirer sans nommer de nouveau directeur créatif. Comment est-ce possible quand d’ordinaire une maison de mode est portée par un créateur emblématique ? Deux ans après ce choix osé, l’histoire de la maison peut redébuter...
Entrepreneurs et capitalistes chinois : qui sont-ils ?
Authors: Chevrier Yves
Published: May 2012

Résumé Le nouveau capitalisme chinois est-il capitaliste ? On l’a dit confucianiste, on découvre qu’il est étatiste. À distance des clichés identitaires et des catégories a priori, une analyse sociologique et historique décrypte ces paradoxes.
Des décisions absurdes aux processus de la haute fiabilité
Authors: Morel Christian , Oury Jean-Marc
Published: May 2012

Résumé Après Les décisions absurdes, Christian Morel s’est tourné vers les univers à risques. Il remet en cause les “ bons principes” du management et énonce des métarègles contribuant à des décisions hautement fiables. Peut-on les transposer à la gestion d’entreprise ?
La gouvernance des sociétés françaises cotées est-elle toujours familiale ?
Authors: Boubaker Sabri , Labégorre Florence
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article analyse le pouvoir des familles actionnaires dans la cote française en 2000. L’étude empirique met en évidence un contrôle familial concentré, quasi-exclusif et obtenu avec plus de droits au contrôle que de droits aux cash-flows. Droit de vote double, participations pyramidales, pactes d’actionnaires et actions de concert démultiplient en effet le pouvoir familial à mise égale. Les familles actionnaires participent également très souvent à la direction.
Les facteurs stratégiques influençant l'évaluation des start-ups par les capitaux-risqueurs
Authors: Miloud Tarek , Cabrol Mathieu
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’évaluation des start-ups par les capitaux-risqueurs est un exercice particulièrement délicat car ces entreprises ne possèdent pas d’historique sur lequel s’appuyer. Cette recherche propose un modèle explicatif dont l’objectif est de savoir si certains facteurs issus du champ du management stratégique peuvent expliquer l’évaluation d’une start-up par les capitaux-risqueurs. Les résultats proviennent d’analyses menées sur 184 tours de table de financement en capital-risque de 102 start-ups. Ils mettent en avant les facteurs liés à l’industrie, à l’entreprise ainsi qu’aux caractéristiques de l’entrepreneur et de son équipe entrepreneuriale qui déterminent l’évaluation des start-ups avant l’apport financier des investisseurs en capital-risque.