bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapid and Direct Sensitive Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Molybdenum(VI) using Gallacetophenone Phenylhydrazone with Application to Alloy Steel Samples
Authors: Reddy D. Venkataramana , Chalapathi P. V. , Reddy A. Varada
Published: April 2012

A rapid, sensitive and fairly selective spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of molybdenum(VI) using gallacetophenone phenylhydrazone (GPPH) as an analytical reagent. The GPPH forms an orange red species of molybdenum(VI) at a pH range of 3.0‐4.0 and the complex is soluble in 20% ethanol. The Mo(VI)‐GPPH complex shows maximum absorbance at 375 nm with molar absorptivity and Sandellʼs sensitivity being 1.539x104 L/mol cm and 1.5x10-3 μg cm-2 respectively. The system obeys Beerʼs law in the range of 1.0‐6.0 μg/mL. The repeatability of the method was checked by finding the relative standard deviation. The composition of the Mo(VI)‐GPPH complex is established as 1:2 by slope analysis method. The instability constant of the complex calculated from Edmond and Birnbaumʼs method is 6.785x10-8 at room temperature. The interfering effect of various cations and anions has also been studied. The method has been applied for the determination of Mo(VI) in alloy steel samples.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Isoleucine by N‐Bromophthalimide in Aqueous Perchloric Acid Medium
Authors: Alhaji N. M. I. , Mary S. Sofiya Lawrence
Published: April 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of isoleucine with N‐bromophthalimide has been studied in perchloric acid medium potentiometrically. The reaction is of first order each in [NBP] and [amino acid] and negative fractional order in [H+]. The rate is decreased by the addition of phthalimide. A decrease in the dielectric constant of the medium increases the rate. Addition of halide ions or acrylonitrile has no effect on the kinetics. Similarly, variation of ionic strength of the medium does not affect the reaction rate. The reaction rate has been determined at different temperatures and activation parameters have been calculated. A suitable mechanism involving hypobromous acid as reactive species has been proposed.
Stability Studies of Transition Metal Chelates of 5‐Bromosalicylidene‐4‐methoxyaniline andSalicylidene‐2,3‐dimethylaniline as Ligands
Authors: Nadkarni N. G. , Mangaonkar K. V.
Published: April 2012

Binary and ternary complexes of the type M‐Y and M‐X‐Y [M = Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X = 5‐bromosalicylidene‐4‐methoxyaniline and Y = salicylidene‐2,3‐dimethylaniline] have been examined pH‐metrically at 27±0.5 °C and at constant ionic strength, μ = 0.1 M (KCl) in 75 : 25(v/v) 1,4‐dioxne‐water medium. The stability constants for binary (M‐Y) and ternary (M‐X‐Y) systems were calculated.
Nonsurgical Management of Severe Osteonecrosis of the Knee in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Nixon Stephanie A. , O'Brien Kelly K. , Rubin Gary
Published: April 2012

Due to the life-prolonging effects of combination antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV are living longer. However, this enhanced longevity is often mirrored by increased disability resulting from HIV and/or the adverse effects of medication. Management of HIV-positive patients is further complicated by comorbidities related to aging, including bone and joint disorders. In this paper, we describe the nonsurgical management of an HIV-positive patient with premature onset of severe osteonecrosis of the knee. A 50-year-old man who had been HIV-positive for 16 years and on combination antiretroviral therapy for 11 years presented to his family physician with extreme discomfort in his right knee. He was diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the right knee, but resisted total knee arthroplasty because of potential complications under anesthesia related to comorbid advanced liver disease. Instead, a successful combination of non-surgical management strategies was employed by the patient and his health care team.
Synchronous Pulmonary Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma of the Lymph Node
Authors: Sun Yu , Shi Yun-Fei , Zhou Li-Xin , Chen Ke-Neng , Li Xiang-Hong
Published: April 2012

Synchronous occurrence of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and malignant lymphoma of the lymph node is not reported in the literature. We report a case of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma coexisting with a mantle cell lymphoma involving cervical and mediastinal lymph node. It is important to recognize this synchronous occurrence histopathologically and to be aware of the existence of “in situ” MCL.
Oxidation of Methionine by Tripropylammonium Fluorochromate‐A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Mansoor S. Sheik
Published: April 2012

The kinetics of oxidation of methionine (Met) by tripropylammonium fluorochromate (TriPAFC) has been studied in the presence of chloroacetic acid in aqueous acetic acid medium. The reaction is first order with respect to methionine, TriPAFC and acid. The reaction rate has been determined at different temperatures and activation parameters calculated. With an increase in the amount of acetic acid in its aqueous mixture, the rate increases. The reaction does not induce polymerization of acrylonitrile. A suitable mechanism has been proposed.
Chemical Modification on Reactive Dye Adsorption Capacity of Castor Seeds
Authors: Dharmalingam V. , Ramasamy A. K. , Balasuramanian V.
Published: April 2012

Abstract: The roles played by four major functional groups (amine, carboxyl, azo, hydroxyl groups) in the biomass of castor seeds in adsorption of seven dyes were investigated. These functional groups in castor seeds were chemically modified individually to determine their contribution to the adsorption of ionic dyes. The dyes used were remazol red B, procino yellow, fast green FCF, brilliant cresyl blue, methylene blue, neutral red, red‐141. It was found that hydroxyl group inhibited the adsorption of anionic dyes but it was major functional group in the adsorption of cationic dyes, hydroxyl group was important functional group in the adsorption of all seven dyes and the effect of methylation of amino group was not significant on the adsorption of seven dyes.
Monitoring of Trace Metal Pollution in Meenachil River at Kottayam, Kerala (India)
Authors: Nair Indu. V. , Singh Kailash , Arumugam M. , Clarson D.
Published: April 2012

The water quality of the Meenachil river at Kottayam has been studied with reference to toxic trace metals during pre and post monsoon seasons for 10 stations during May 2009‐September 2009. The metals analyzed include Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Lead, Copper and Cadmium. Among the metals studied, iron, lead and cadmium showed higher concentrations above the permissible limit for drinking water prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards. Iron and lead showed higher concentration during post monsoon and the cadmium content was high during pre‐monsoon. It was observed that the main causes of deterioration in water quality might be due to the discharge of domestic wastes, municipal wastes, terrestrial runoff from seepage sites, agricultural sites and also due to geological weathering process.
Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Quality of Mesalamine Delayed Release Tablets Using a New High Sensitivity Reversed‐Phase UPLC Method for its Genotoxic/Aniline Impurity
Authors: Trivedi Rakshit Kanubhai , Patel Mukesh C.
Published: April 2012

A reversed phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantification of aniline in mesalamine delayed‐release tablets. The optimization of the experimental condition was carried out considering some important requirements like, detection limit, short run time and reproducibility. In the present study, isocratic reversed‐phase UPLC method was developed for determination and separation of aniline from the drug product. The drug and impurity are well separated by using a reversed phase (Reprosil Gold C18‐XBD) column and mobile phase comprising of buffer pH 6.0 and acetonitrile in the ratio of 90:10 v/v. Other UPLC parameters which were optimised are flow rate, 0.5 mL/min; detection wavelength, 200 nm; column oven temperature, 50 °C and injection volume 7 µL. Stability indicating capability was also established by forced degradation experiments. The method was validated as per ICH guideline. LOQ (limit of quantification) concentration (18 ng/mL) was found precise with RSD of less than 2%. In essence, the present study provides an improved low detection limit and lower run time for evaluation of pharmaceutical quality of mesalamine delayed‐release formulation. Moreover, the developed method was also successfully applied for quantification of aniline in mesalamine delayed‐release formulation. The same method can also be used for determination of aniline from drug substances.
Multicomponent, Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 1‐Amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols in the Presence of H3+xPMo12-x Vx O40 Heteropolyacids as Recyclable and Green Catalysts
Authors: Bamoharram Fatemeh F. , Heravi Majid M. , Roshani Mina , Charkhi Mohammad J. Sane
Published: April 2012

A rapid and efficient one‐pot method for the synthesis of 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols has been developed in the presence of mixed‐addenda vanadium(V)‐substituted polyoxomolybdates including: H3+xPMo12-xVxO40 (x=1‐3) heteropolyacids (HPAs) as recyclable catalysts under solvent‐free conditions. In all cases heteropolyacid with x = 3 gave the highest yield under solvent‐free conditions.
Antioxidant Enriched Fractions from Zingiber Officinale Roscoe
Authors: Rahath Kubra Ismail , Ramalakshmi Kulathooran , Rao Lingamallu Jagan Mohan
Published: April 2012

Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has many diverse properties and medicinal values such as antioxidant potential combined with the properties of a spice. Dried ginger (DG) were extracted with aqueous ethanol and freeze‐dried. The extract was evaluated for antioxidant potential, using 1,1′‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl radical scavenging, antioxidant capacity and reducing power assays. DG extract was further fractionated into methanol (Mfr) and water‐soluble (Wfr) fractions. The Mfr exhibited higher antioxidant capacity when compared to DG extract. Higher antioxidant potential of the methanol fraction may be due to the presence higher polyphenols and [6]‐gingerol content. This suggests that alcoholic soluble fraction possess enormous scope to enhance the antioxidant potential when used as a supplement in various food as well as pharmaceutical formulations / products.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoporous Carbon Materials; The Effect of Surfactant Concentrations and Salts
Authors: Geranmayeh Shokoofeh , Abbasi Alireza , Badiei Alireza
Published: April 2012

Nanoporous carbon framework was synthesized using phenol and formaldehyde as carbon precursors and triblock copolymer (pluronic F127) as soft template via evaporation induced self‐assembly. Hexagonal mesoporous carbon with specific surface area of 350 m2/g through optimizing the situation was obtained. The effects of different surfactant/phenol molar ratio and presence of salts on specific surface area, pore size and pore volume for all the prepared samples were studied by means of the Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) formalism, powder X‐ray diffraction technique and FT‐IR spectroscopy.
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Acidic Medium by Aqueous Extract of Tridax procumbens L.
Authors: Ilayaraja G. , Sasieekhumar A. R. , Dhanakodi P.
Published: April 2012

The inhibition efficiency (IE) of an aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens L. in controlling corrosion of mild steel has been investigated by weight loss method in the absence and presence of corrosion inhibitor at different time interval at room temperature. The result showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency of these compounds was found to vary with different time interval and different acid concentration. Also, it was found that the corrosion inhibition behavior of Tridax procumbens L. is greater in sulphuric acid than hydrochloric acid medium. So Tridax procumbens L. can be used as a good inhibitor for preventing mild steel material.
The Gut Microbiota and Human Health with an Emphasis on the Use of Microencapsulated Bacterial Cells
Authors: Prakash Satya , Tomaro-Duchesneau Catherine , Saha Shyamali , Cantor Arielle
Published: April 2012

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health. Alterations of the gut bacterial population have been associated with a number of diseases. Past and recent studies suggest that one can positively modify the contents of the gut microbiota by introducing prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and other therapeutics. This paper focuses on probiotic modulation of the gut microbiota by their delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT). There are numerous obstacles to overcome before microorganisms can be utilized as therapeutics. One important limitation is the delivery of viable cells to the lower GIT without a significant loss of cell viability and metabolic features through the harsh conditions of the upper GIT. Microencapsulation has been shown to overcome this, with various types of microcapsules available for resolving this limitation. This paper discusses the gut microbiota and its role in disease, with a focus on microencapsulated probiotics and their potentials and limitations.
Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Florida Keys and Its Relationship to Coral Cover
Authors: Soto I. M. , Muller Karger F. E. , Hallock P. , Hu C.
Published: April 2012

The hypothesis that moderate variability in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is associated with higher coral cover and slower rates of decline of coral cover within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) was examined. Synoptic SST time series covering the period 1994–2008 were constructed for the FKNMS with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite sensors. The SST data were compared with coral-cover time-series data from 36 sites monitored by the Coral Reef and Evaluation Monitoring Program. Sites that experienced moderately high SST variability relative to other sites showed a trend toward higher percentage coral cover in 2008 and relatively slower rates of decline over the 14-year study period. The results suggest that corals at sites that are continuously exposed to moderate variability in temperature are more resilient than corals typically exposed either to low variability or to extremes.
Gamma Radiolysis Studies of Aqueous Solution of Brilliant Green Dye
Authors: Parwate D. V. , Mankar S. S.
Published: April 2012

The effect of γ–radiation on colour intensity of aqueous solution of Brilliant Green has been investigated at two different concentrations. The degradation of Brilliant Green (BG) has also been investigated in presence of suspended ZnO, by adding different amounts of ZnO. Simultaneously the conductance and pH of each solution system were measured before and after γ‐irradiation. All the γ–irradiations were performed at a dose rate of 0.60 kGyhr-1 in GC‐900. The maximum dose required for the complete degradation of the dye was found to be 0.39 kGy. G(‐dye) values were found to decrease with increase in gamma dose and were in the range 4.26 ‐ 12.81. The conductance (7.6 ‐ 25.3 μS) and pH values increased marginally with dose for both the concentrations. The rate of decolouration was found to be high at lower doses and the efficiency of dye removal was higher at low concentration of the dye. This may be attributed to the presence of reaction by‐products from the destruction of parent compound build up and compete for reaction intermediate species. The rate of reaction and rate constants were calculated and it was found that the degradation reaction follows first order kinetics. It was found that the decolouration percentage was more in dye systems in absence of ZnO.
Adsorption Properties of O2 onCr5 Nanostructures: A DFT Study
Authors: Baei Mohammad T. , Babaheydari Ali Kazemi , Torabi Parviz
Published: April 2012

Based on the density functional theory (DFT) adsorption properties of oxygen molecule on Cr5 nanostructures at various positions (top, bridge and central sites) were investigated. Geometry optimizations and vibrational frequencies of them were carried out at B3LYP level of theory with LANL2DZ and 6‐31G* basis sets using Gaussian 98 suites of program. Their thermodynamic properties were estimated. We have also investigated the total electronic properties, HOMO, LUMO and energy gap for Cr5 nanostructures with O2. The result showed that the adsorption of O2 on Cr5 nanocluster in horizontal bridge site is the most stable state of adsorption and its binding energy is strong, ‐145.88 kcal/mol.
Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies on the Sorption of Manganese(II) and Nickel(II) onto Kaolinite and Bentonite
Authors: Sathyanarayana B. , Seshaiah K.
Published: April 2012

The sorption of manganese(II) and nickel(II) onto two adsorbents, kaolinite and bentonite from aqueous solution was studied in batch mode. Effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial metal ion concentration on adsorption was investigated. The adsorbents exhibit good sorption potential for manganese(II) and nickel(II) with a peak value at pH 5 and pH 6 respectively. More than 70% sorption occurred within 20 min for manganese(II) and nickel(II) and equilibrium was attained at 90 min. for manganese(II) and 120 min for nickel(II). Freundlich and Langmuir′s mathematical models were used to describe batch adsorption. The adsorption was found to be favourable with respect to both the isotherms. The adsorption of the two metal ions from aqueous solution onto two adsorbents followed pseudo‐second order kinetics.
Stability Constants of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Transition Metal(II) ions with N‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐2,3‐dimethylaniline as Primary Ligand and N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthylidene)‐4‐nitroaniline as Secondary Ligand
Authors: Mapari A. K. , V. Mangaonkar K.
Published: April 2012

Binary and ternary complexes of the type M‐Y and M‐X‐Y [M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X=N‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐2,3‐dimethylaniline and Y = N‐(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthylidene)‐4‐nitroaniline] have been examined pH‐metrically at 27±0.5 °C and at constant ionic strength, μ=0.1 M (KCl) in 75:25(v/v) 1,4‐dioxne‐water medium. The stability constants for binary (M‐Y) and ternary (M‐X‐Y) systems were calculated.
On the Stability of a Parametric Additive Functional Equation inQuasi‐Banach Spaces
Authors: Ebadian A. , Ghobadipour N. , Eshaghi Gordji M.
Published: April 2012

We investigate the generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability of the following
functional equation for a fixed positive integer m with m ≥ 2 in quasi‐Banach spaces.
An Integrative Approach to Infer Regulation Programs in a Transcription Regulatory Module Network
Authors: Qi Jianlong , Michoel Tom , Butler Gregory
Published: April 2012

The module network method, a special type of Bayesian network algorithms, has been proposed to infer transcription regulatory networks from gene expression data. In this method, a module represents a set of genes, which have similar expression profiles and are regulated by same transcription factors. The process of learning module networks consists of two steps: first clustering genes into modules and then inferring the regulation program (transcription factors) of each module. Many algorithms have been designed to infer the regulation program of a given gene module, and these algorithms show very different biases in detecting regulatory relationships. In this work, we explore the possibility of integrating results from different algorithms. The integration methods we select are union, intersection, and weighted rank aggregation. Experiments in a yeast dataset show that the union and weighted rank aggregation methods produce more accurate predictions than those given by individual algorithms, whereas the intersection method does not yield any improvement in the accuracy of predictions. In addition, somewhat surprisingly, the union method, which has a lower computational cost than rank aggregation, achieves comparable results as given by rank aggregation.
Integrin Signaling in Cancer Cell Survival and Chemoresistance
Authors: Aoudjit Fawzi , Vuori Kristiina
Published: April 2012

Resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy is a hallmark of cancer cells, and it is a critical factor in cancer recurrence and patient relapse. Extracellular matrix (ECM)viaits receptors, the integrins, has emerged as a major pathway contributing to cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Several studies over the last decade have demonstrated that ECM/integrin signaling provides a survival advantage to various cancer cell types against numerous chemotherapeutic drugs and against antibody therapy. In this paper, we will discuss the major findings on how ECM/integrin signaling protects tumor cells from drug-induced apoptosis. We will also discuss the potential role of ECM in malignant T-cell survival and in cancer stem cell resistance. Understanding how integrins and their signaling partners promote tumor cell survival and chemoresistance will likely lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and agents for cancer treatment.
Antimycobacterial Activities of Novel 5-(1H-1,2,3-Triazolyl)Methyl Oxazolidinones
Authors: Phillips Oludotun Adebayo , Udo Edet Ekpenyong , Varghese Reny
Published: April 2012

The antibacterial activities of a series of triazolyl oxazolidinones againstMycobacterium tuberculosisstrainin vitroandin vivoin a mice model are presented. Most active compounds were noncytotoxic against VERO cells with acceptable selectivity indexes (SI) as measures of compound tolerability. Structure activity relationships (SARs) revealed that analogs with alkylcarbonyl (IC90: < 0.2 to 0.422 μg/mL) and arylcarbonyl (IC90: < 0.2 to 2.103 μg/mL) groups at the piperazine 4N-position-displayed potent antimycobacterium activities, comparable to the methanesulfonyl (IC90: < 0.2 μg/mL) analog, linezolid (IC90: < 0.2 μg/mL), and isoniazid (IC90: < 0.034 μg/mL). The furanylcarbonyl derivative also displayed potent activity, while the arylsulfonyl analogs were inactive. Of the triazolyl oxazolidinones, the morpholino (PH-27) derivative with medium bioavailability in plasma was most activein vivo, but relatively less efficacious than isoniazid.
Sarcomere Imaging by Quantum Dots for the Study of Cardiac Muscle Physiology
Authors: Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Oyama Kotaro , Serizawa Takahiro , Mizuno Akari , Kagemoto Tatsuya , Shimozawa Togo , Ishiwata Shin'ichi , Kurihara Satoshi , Fukuda Norio
Published: April 2012

We here review the use of quantum dots (QDs) for the imaging of sarcomeric movements in cardiac muscle. QDs are fluorescence substances (CdSe) that absorb photons and reemit photons at a different wavelength (depending on the size of the particle); they are efficient in generating long-lasting, narrow symmetric emission profiles, and hence useful in various types of imaging studies. Recently, we developed a novel system in which the length of a particular, single sarcomere in cardiomyocytes can be measured at ~30 nm precision. Moreover, our system enables accurate measurement of sarcomere length in the isolated heart. We propose that QDs are the ideal tool for the study of sarcomere dynamics during excitation-contraction coupling in healthy and diseased cardiac muscle.
Basic Potential of Carbon Nanotubes in Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Haniu Hisao , Saito Naoto , Matsuda Yoshikazu , Tsukahara Tamotsu , Usui Yuki , Narita Nobuyo , Hara Kazuo , Aoki Kaoru , Shimizu Masayuki , Ogihara Nobuhide , Takanashi Seiji , Okamoto Masanori , Kobayashi Shinsuke , Ishigaki Norio , Nakamura Koichi , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: April 2012

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attracting interest in various fields of science because they possess a high surface area‐to‐volume ratio and excellent electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties. Various medical applications of CNTs are expected, and the properties of CNTs have been greatly improved for use in biomaterials. However, the safety of CNTs remains unclear, which impedes their medical application. Our group is evaluating the biological responses of multiwall CNTs (MWCNTs) in vivo and in vitro for the promotion of tissue regeneration as safe scaffold materials. We recently showed that intracellular accumulation is important for the cytotoxicity of CNTs, and we reported the active physiological functions CNTs in cells. In this review, we describe the effects of CNTs in vivo and in vitro observed by our group from the standpoint of tissue engineering, and we introduce the findings of other research groups.
Cytokines in Pericardial Effusion of Patients with Inflammatory Pericardial Disease
Authors: Karatolios Konstantinos , Moosdorf Rainer , Maisch Bernhard , Pankuweit Sabine
Published: April 2012

Background. The role of inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines in patients with inflammatory pericardial effusion still remains uncertain.Methods. We assessed pericardial and serum levels of VEGF, bFGF, IL-1βand TNF-αby ELISA in patients with inflammatory pericardial effusion (PE) of autoreactive () and viral () origin, and for control in pericardial fluid (PF) and serum () of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Results. VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with autoreactive and viral PE than in patients with CAD in both PE ( for autoreactive and for viral PE) and serum ( for autoreactive and for viral PE). Pericardial bFGF levels were higher compared to serum levels in patients with inflammatory PE and patients with CAD ( for CAD; for autoreactive PE; for viral PE). Pericardial VEGF levels correlated positively with markers of pericardial inflammation, whereas pericardial bFGF levels showed a negative correlation. IL-1βand TNF-αwere detectable only in few PE and serum samples.Conclusions. VEGF and bFGF levels in pericardial effusion are elevated in patients with inflammatory PE. It is thus possible that VEGF and bFGF participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory pericardial disease.
Approximate Solutions to Three‐Point Boundary Value Problems with Two‐Space Integral Condition for Parabolic Equations
Authors: Niu Jing , Lin Yingzhen , Cui Minggen
Published: April 2012

We construct a novel reproducing kernel space and give the
expression of reproducing kernel skillfully. Based on the orthogonal basis of
the reproducing kernel space, an efficient algorithm is provided firstly to solve
a three‐point boundary value problem of parabolic equations with two‐space
integral condition. The exact solution of this problem can be expressed by
the series form. The numerical method is supported by strong theories. The
numerical experiment shows that the algorithm is simple and easy to implement
by the common computer and software.
Moxifloxacin (Avelox) Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Surana Sikander P. , Sardinas Zahily , Multz Alan S.
Published: April 2012

We report a case of a 66-year-old African-American female who presented with complaints of progressively worsening weakness, shortness of breath on minimal exertion, lethargy for the last few days, and short episodes of aphasia lasting 20–30 seconds. Prior to presentation, she was treated with two courses of moxifloxacin for sinusitis. Laboratory examination was remarkable for anemia and thrombocytopenia with elevated lactate dehydrogenase and no evidence of renal failure. Peripheral smear showed numerous schistocytes and she was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Moxifloxacin was identified as the offending agent. The patient was treated with prednisone and plasmapheresis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with the use of moxifloxacin. Although rare, physicians should be aware of this serious complication associated with its use.
A Reconfigurable Antenna-Based Solution for Stationary Device Authentication in Wireless Networks
Authors: Mookiah Prathaban , Dandekar Kapil R.
Published: April 2012

Applying channel information for user authentication is gaining attention in the area of wireless network security. Similarly, reconfigurable antennas capable of generating multiple decorrelated channel realizations have become increasingly popular in wireless systems. In this paper we propose and evaluate a channel-based authentication scheme that applies the capabilities of a pattern reconfigurable antenna for improved performance in user authentication. Field measurements of the channel frequency response employing such an antenna were performed to quantify the performance of the proposed scheme. Based on these measurements, we show the effect of correlation that exists between the different modes on the authentication performance. Furthermore, the performance gain that can be achieved by the scheme is studied as a function of the number of antenna modes. Offline mode analysis is performed to give a loose upper bound on performance while online mode analysis results are presented to quantify achievable authentication performance in realtime. A general guideline on how to choose the different elements of the decision metric in order to realize better performance for physical layer-based authentication schemes based on any diversity scheme is also developed.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Kinfu Gebremedhin , Gebre-Selassie Solomon , Fikrie Nigus
Published: April 2012

Introduction. Multidrug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum is spreading throughout Africa. This has posed major challenges to malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in North Ethiopia. Methods. This prospective study was undertaken during August–November 2009 on 71 malaria patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria set by the WHO. Patients were followed up for 28 days. Thick and thin blood films were prepared by Giemsa stain for microscopy to determine parasite density. A standard six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine was administered over three days and was followed up with clinical and parasitological evaluations over 28 days. Results. The cure rate (ACPR) was found to be high (97.2%) in this study. The parasite and fever clearance time was also rapid. Artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the study area showed 97.2% cure rate and only 2.8% failure rate. Conclusion. The result showed that the drug could continue as first line for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the study area. The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine needs to be carefully monitored periodically in sentinel sites representing different areas of the country.
A Novel Sliding Mode Control Technique for Indirect Current Controlled Active Power Filter
Authors: Fei Juntao , Li Tianhua , Wang Feng , Juan Wanru
Published: April 2012

A novel sliding mode control (SMC) method for indirect current controlled three‐phase parallel active power filter is presented in this paper. There are two designed closed loops in the system: one is the DC voltage controlling loop and the other is the reference current tracking loop. The first loop with a PI regulator is used to control the DC voltage approximating to the given voltage of capacitor, and the output of PI regulator through a low‐pass filter is applied as the input of the power supply reference currents. The second loop implements the tracking of the reference currents using integral sliding mode controller, which can improve the harmonic treating performance. Compared with the direct current control technique, it is convenient to be implemented with digital signal processing system because of simpler system structure and better harmonic treating property. Simulation results verify that the generated reference currents have the same amplitude with the load currents, demonstrating the superior harmonic compensating effects with the proposed shunt active power filter compared with the hysteresis method.
A Flexible Phased-MIMO Array Antenna with Transmit Beamforming
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin , Shao Huaizong
Published: April 2012

Although phased-array antennas have been widely employed in modern radars, the requirements of many emerging applications call for new more advanced array antennas. This paper proposes a flexible phased-array multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) array antenna with transmit beamforming. This approach divides the transmit antenna array into multiple subarrays that are allowed to overlap each subarray coherently transmits a distinct waveform, which is orthogonal to the waveforms transmitted by other subarrays, at a distinct transmit frequency. That is, a small frequency increment is employed in each subarray. Each subarray forms a directional beam and all beams may be steered to different directions. The subarrays jointly offer flexible operating modes such as MIMO array which offers spatial diversity gain, phased-array which offers coherent directional gain and frequency diverse array which provides range-dependent beampattern. The system performance is examined by analyzing the transmit-receive beampatterns. The proposed approach is validated by extensive numerical simulation results.
Implications of Self-Potential Distribution for Groundwater Flow System in a Nonvolcanic Mountain Slope
Authors: Goto Tada-nori , Kondo Kazuya , Ito Rina , Esaki Keisuke , Oouchi Yasuo , Abe Yutaka , Tsujimura Maki
Published: April 2012

Self-potential (SP) measurements were conducted at Mt. Tsukuba, Japan, which is a nonvolcanic mountain, to infer groundwater flow system in the mountain. Survey routes were set around the northern slope, and the reliability of observed SP anomaly was checked by using SP values along parallel survey routes; the error was almost within 10 mV. The FFT analysis of the spatial SP distribution allows us a separation of raw data into two components with shorter and longer wavelength. In the shorter (altitudinal) wavelength than ∼200 meters, several positive SP peaks of more than 100 mV in magnitude are present, which indicate shallow perched water discharges along the slope. In the regional SP pattern of longer wavelength, there are two major perturbations from the general trend reflecting the topographic effect. By comparing the SP and hydrological data, the perturbation around the foothill is interpreted to be caused by heterogeneous infiltration at the ground surface. The perturbation around the summit is also interpreted to be caused by heterogeneous infiltration process, based on a simplified numerical modeling of SP. As a result, the SP pattern is well explained by groundwater flow and infiltration processes. Thus, SP data is thought to be very useful for understanding of groundwater flow system on a mountain scale.
Sufficient Efficiency Conditions for Vector Ratio Problem on the Second‐Order Jet Bundle
Authors: Pitea Ariana
Published: April 2012

Motivated by its possible applications in mechanics and mechanical engineering, in
our previous published work (Pitea and Postolache, 2011),
we initiated an optimization theory for the second‐order jet bundle. We considered the
problem of minimization of vectors of curvilinear functionals (well known as mechanical
work), thought as multitime multiobjective variational problems, subject to PDE
and/or PDI constraints. Within this framework, we introduced necessary optimality
conditions. As natural continuation of these results, the present work introduces a
study of sufficient efficiency conditions.
Implicit and Explicit Iterations with Meir‐Keeler‐Type Contraction for a Finite Family of Nonexpansive Semigroups in Banach Spaces
Authors: Huang Jiancai , Wang Shenghua , Cho Yeol Je
Published: April 2012

We introduce an implicit and explicit iterative schemes for a finite family of nonexpansive semigroups with the Meir‐Keeler‐type contraction in a Banach space. Then we prove the strong convergence for the implicit and explicit iterative schemes. Our results extend and improve some recent ones in literatures.
Comparison bewteen the Needle and Roller Electrospinning of Polyvinylbutyral
Authors: Yener F. , Jirsak O.
Published: April 2012

The effect of the concentration of polyvinylbutyral solution on the process throughput and fibre properties was studied in needle and roller electrospinning. Whereas the polymer throughput is an optional independent parameter in needle electrospinning, it is a dependent parameter that is affected by both the material and process parameters in roller electrospinning. Polymer throughput increases considerably with an increasing concentration of polymer solutions in roller electrospinning. The properties of the nanofibers and the quality of the nanofiber layers were also studied. Fibre diameters increase with an increasing concentration in both techniques. Fibre diameters produced by needle electrospinning are smaller than those produced by roller electrospinning. The distribution of fibre diameters is rather narrow and not significantly dependent on the concentration of solutions in either technique.
Investigation onI-Vfor Different Heating Temperatures of Nanocomposited MEH-PPV:CNTs Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Sarah M. S. P. , Zahid F. S. S. , Rusop M.
Published: April 2012

This paper discussed the effect of different thermal evaporation treatments for nanocomposited MEH-PPV:CNTs thin films towards the performance of organic solar cells. The configuration of the organic solar cells is ITO/MEH-PPV:CNTs/Au. The heating temperature was varied from, as deposited,50°C,75°C, and100°C. From the results, we observed that the efficiency increase slightly before decreasing back at100°C. The highest efficiency was solar cells heated at75°C with efficiency 0.001% which is supported by theI-Vcharacteristics and also by the absorption spectra.
Physical Properties of Soy-Phosphate Polyol-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Fan Hongyu , Tekeei Ali , Suppes Galen J. , Hsieh Fu-Hung
Published: April 2012

Water-blown rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were made from 0–50% soy-phosphate polyol (SPP) and 2–4% water as the blowing agent. The mechanical and thermal properties of these SPP-based PU foams (SPP PU foams) were investigated. SPP PU foams with higher water content had greater volume, lower density, and compressive strength. SPP PU foams with 3% water content and 20% SPP had the lowest thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of SPP PU foams decreased and then increased with increasing SPP percentage, resulting from the combined effects of thermal properties of the gas and solid polymer phases. Higher isocyanate density led to higher compressive strength. At the same isocyanate index, the compressive strength of some 20% SPP foams was close or similar to the control foams made from VORANOL 490.
Allelic Expression ofDrosophilaProtamines during Spermatogenesis
Authors: Kanippayoor Rachelle L. , Moehring Amanda J.
Published: April 2012

In typical somatic cells, DNA is tightly organized by histones that are necessary for its proper packaging into the nucleus. In sexually-reproducing animals, the haploid product of male meiosis must be further condensed to fit within sperm heads, thus requiring an even greater degree of packaging. This is accomplished in most organisms by replacing histones with protamines, which allows DNA to be compacted into the reduced space. In mammals, protamines are produced after meiosis is complete and are transcribed by the single allele present in the haploid genome that is to be packaged into the sperm head. Here, we present our findings that protamine expression occurs from both alleles in diploid cells, rather than haploid cells, in two species ofDrosophila. The differential allelic expression of protamines likely influences the selective pressures that shape their evolution.
Comparative Analysis of Carrier-Based Obturation and Lateral Compaction: A Retrospective Clinical Outcomes Study
Authors: Hale Robert , Gatti Robert , Glickman Gerald N. , Opperman Lynne A.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcome of primary endodontic treatment using a standardized cleaning and shaping technique and obturation with either lateral compaction or carrier-based obturation. Patients received primary endodontic treatment in the predoctoral dental clinic using a standardized cleaning and shaping protocol. All root canals were obturated using AH PlusTMsealer with lateral compaction of gutta-percha (LC) or carrier-based obturation (CBO). A total of 205 cases met the inclusion criteria. 71 teeth in 60 patients were recalled after 2 years and evaluated both clinically and radiographically by two independent examiners. Success was defined as a lack of clinical symptoms and a normal periodontal ligament space or reduction in size of a previously existing periapical radiolucency. Chi-square and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis with a significance level ofP<0.05. There was no difference in success rates between cases obturated with LC or CBO (P=0.802); overall success rate was 83%. Molars had a significantly lower success rate (53%) than premolar and anterior teeth (89%) (P=0.005), irrespective of the obturation technique used. When a standardized cleaning and shaping protocol was used by predoctoral dental students in a controlled university setting, there was no difference in success rates between cases obturated with LC or CBO.
Municipal Sewage Sludge Drying Treatment by an Composite Modifier
Authors: Wei Na
Published: April 2012

A sludge composite modifier (SCM) which comprises a mixture of three cementitious components was proposed for sludge drying and stabilization. Effect of SCM components on sludge moisture content was analyzed using uniform design and the optimum composition of SCM was determined by computer‐aided modeling and optimization. To compare the drying effect of SCM, quicklime, and Portland cement, the effects of material content and curing time on moisture content of sludge were also studied. The results showed that the optimum ratio of modifier component was slag/cement clinker/dihydrate gypsum = 0.64/0.292/0.068 and the moisture content of SCM‐stabilized sludge decreased with the increasing material content and extending curing time. Besides, the experimental results showed that optimized SCM behaved better than quicklime and Portland cement in sludge semi‐drying and XRD analysis revealed that the main hydrated product of stabilization was ettringite, which played an important role in the effective drying process. Sewage sludge stabilized using SCM could be used as an effective landfill cover.
Bevacizumab-Induced Alterations in Vascular Permeability and Drug Delivery: A Novel Approach to Augment Regional Chemotherapy for In-Transit Melanoma
Authors: Turley Ryan S. , Fontanella Andrew N. , Padussis James C. , Toshimitsu Hiroaki , Tokuhisa Yoshihiro , Cho Eugenia H. , Hanna Gabi , Beasley Georgia M. , Augustine Christina K. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Tyler Douglas S.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: To investigate whether the systemically administered anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab could improve regional chemotherapy treatment of advanced extremity melanoma by enhancing delivery and tumor uptake of regionally infused melphalan (LPAM).

Experimental Design: After treatment with systemic bevacizumab or saline, changes in vascular permeability were determined by spectrophotometric analysis of tumors infused with Evan's blue dye. Changes in vascular structure and tumor hemoglobin-oxygen saturation HbO2 were determined by intravital microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. Rats bearing the low-VEGF secreting DM738 and the high-VEGF secreting DM443 melanoma xenografts underwent isolated limb infusion (ILI) with melphalan (LPAM) or saline via the femoral vessels. The effect of bevacizumab on terminal drug delivery was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of LPAM-DNA adducts in tumor tissues.

Results: Single-dose bevacizumab given three days before ILI with LPAM significantly decreased vascular permeability (50.3% in DM443, P < 0.01 and 35% in DM738, P < 0.01) and interstitial fluid pressure (57% in DM443, P < 0.01 and 50% in DM738, P = 0.01). HbO2 decreased from baseline in mice following treatment with bevacizumab. Systemic bevacizumab significantly enhanced tumor response to ILI with LPAM in two melanoma xenografts, DM443 and DM738, increasing quadrupling time 37% and 113%, respectively (P = 0.03). Immunohistochemical analyses of tumor specimens showed that pretreatment with systemic bevacizumab markedly increased LPAM-DNA adduct formation.

Conclusions: Systemic treatment with bevacizumab before regional chemotherapy increases delivery of LPAM to tumor cells and represents a novel way to augment response to regional therapy for advanced extremity melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3328–39. ©2012 AACR.
Cancer Cell Metabolism: There Is No ROS for the Weary
Authors: Dang Chi V.
Published: April 2012

Using a high-throughput short-hairpin RNA library screen targeting 222 metabolic nodes, Ros and colleagues identified 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4), a glycolytic enzyme that shunts glucose into the pentose phosphate pathway for NADPH production, as a critical node for the survival of prostate cancer cells. Blocking PFKFB4 induces reactive oxygen species and cancer cell death, suggesting that PFKFB4 could be therapeutically targeted. Cancer Discov; 2(4); 304–7. ©2012 AACR.

Commentary on Ros et al., p. 328.
Effect of Iron Chelation on Myocardial Infarct Size and Oxidative Stress in ST-Elevation–Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chan William , Taylor Andrew J. , Ellims Andris H. , Lefkovits Lisa , Wong Chiew , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Natoli Alaina , Croft Kevin D. , Mori Trevor , Kaye David M. , Dart Anthony M. , Duffy Stephen J.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Experimental studies suggest that deferoxamine (DFO) limits the generation of reactive oxygen species by chelating redox-active iron and thereby may reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial infarct (MI) size. We investigated whether DFO administered before reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) would ameliorate oxidative stress and MI size.

Methods and Results—

We randomly assigned 60 patients with ST-elevation–MI to receive an intravenous bolus of DFO (500 mg) immediately before PPCI followed by a 12-hour infusion (50 mg/kg of body weight) (n=28) or normal saline bolus and infusion (placebo group, n=32). MI size was measured by contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CMRI; day 3±1), creatine kinase and troponin I area-under-the-curve, and severity of wall motion abnormality on echocardiography. Clinical follow-up including repeat CMRI and echocardiography were performed at 3 months (100±17 days). Oxidative stress was assessed by plasma F
2
-isoprostane levels. DFO and placebo groups were well balanced with respect to baseline characteristics, symptom- and door-to-balloon times, pre-PPCI coronary patency, and infarct-related artery location. Serum iron levels were decreased with DFO treatment after PPCI compared with placebo (3.0±2.5 versus 12.6±5.5 μmol/L,
P
<0.0001), which persisted until the end of the infusion. In DFO-treated patients, there was a significant reduction in plasma F
2
-isoprostane levels immediately after PPCI (2878±1461 versus 2213±579 pmol/L,
P
=0.04). However, there was no difference in CMRI-determined infarct size (DFO, 17.4±10.8%, versus placebo, 18.6±10.2%;
P
=0.73), myocardial salvage index at 3 days or at 3 months, or the area-under-the-curve for creatine kinase or troponin I.

Conclusions—

Adjunctive DFO treatment after the onset of ischemia and continued periprocedurally ameliorates oxidative stress without limiting infarct size.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au/
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12608000308392.