bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamatergic changes in the cerebral white matter associated with schizophrenic exacerbation
Authors: Ota M. , Ishikawa M. , Sato N. , Hori H. , Sasayama D. , Hattori K. , Teraishi T. , Nakata Y. , Kunugi H.
Published: March 2012

Ota M, Ishikawa M, Sato N, Hori H, Sasayama D, Hattori K, Teraishi T, Nakata Y, Kunugi H. Glutamatergic changes in the cerebral white matter associated with schizophrenic exacerbation.

Objective:  Glutamatergic dysfunction in the brain has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was aimed to examine several brain chemical mediators, including Glx (glutamate + glutamine), using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in medicated patients with schizophrenia, with and without psychotic exacerbation.

Method:  1H MRS was acquired in 24 patients with schizophrenia, with psychotic exacerbation; 22 patients without exacerbation; and 27 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. The levels of metabolites were measured in the left frontal and inferior parietal white matter and compared across the three groups.

Results:  The Glx level was significantly elevated in the left inferior parietal white matter in the patients with psychotic exacerbation in comparison with that in the healthy volunteers and the patients without exacerbation (P < 0.05). We also detected that there was a significant correlation between Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale‐positive scale and Glx level in the left parietal white matter (r = 0.51, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Higher than normal Glx levels indicate glutamatergic overactivity in the left inferior parietal white matter with schizophrenic exacerbation, a finding that is in accordance with the glutamatergic hypothesis in schizophrenia. The Glx level measured by 1H MRS could be a biomarker for exacerbation in schizophrenia.
Who Gives a Tweet: Assessing Patients’ Interest in the Use of Social Media for Health Care
Authors: Fisher Jennifer , Clayton Margaret
Published: March 2012

Background: Social media (SoMe) use is quickly accelerating in healthcare delivery. Evidence‐based SoMe use may improve patient engagement and communication, leading to better outcomes.

Aim: To assess patient use of and preferences regarding SoMe in their health care.

Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted using an 11‐item questionnaire that was completed by 111 patients at an outpatient family practice clinic in Southern Utah, USA. Age, gender, health status, current or future SoMe use, provider use of SoMe, perceived barriers, and health mobile application use was assessed.

Results: Eighty three percent of respondents used some form of SoMe. Fifty six percent of the participants wanted providers to use SoMe. Gender or health status did not affect SoMe attitudes or use, however, use varied with age. Patients wanted providers to use SoMe for appointment setting and reminders, reporting diagnostic test results, prescription notifications, providing health information, and as a forum for asking general questions. Among those who did not use SoMe, 41.6% would consider using it if their healthcare provider used it. E‐mail and mobile telephones were the preferred communication mode. Privacy and confidentiality concerns were the most frequently cited barriers (48%) when considering the use of SoMe.

Discussion and Implications: This study indicates growing patient acceptance of SoMe in health care. Understanding user profiles, preferences, and barriers can help providers in prioritizing where to direct efforts when using evidence‐based SoMe in their practice.
Initial clinical experiences with a new, portable, single‐use negative pressure wound therapy device
Authors: van den Bulck Rosine , Siebers Yvonne , Zimmer Robert , Acton Claire , Janzing Heinrich , Lang Werner
Published: March 2012

Since the introduction of negative pressure wound therapy in combination with reticulated open cell foam (NPWT/ROCF) in 1997, the clinical and economic benefits of this therapy have been showed in several randomised‐controlled studies. This article describes the clinical application of a new portable NPWT unit. The V.A.C.Via™ Therapy System (KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) offers continuous negative pressure and dynamic pressure control for wound treatment of low exudating (<80 ml/day), small‐to‐medium size wounds, grafts and flaps in all care settings, including homecare. We describe four cases in which this new device was successfully used.
Evaluation of the performance of a new compression system in patients with lymphoedema
Authors: Franks Peter J , Moffatt Christine J , Murray Susie , Reddick Martina , Tilley Andrea , Schreiber Anne
Published: March 2012

In the acute phase of lymphoedema, patients require comprehensive decongestive therapy (CDT), which includes skin care, an exercise regimen, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and regular bandaging. This study was established to determine the effectiveness of a new system of bandage therapy, the 3M™ Coban™ 2 compression system. In total, 24 patients were entered into the study (12 from UK and 12 from Canada) with a variety of clinical presentations. The mean age of the groups was 57·4 years, which varied from 26 to 79 years. Body mass index (BMI) averaged 38·9 kg/m2, with a range from 22·7 to 67·5 kg/m2. Of the total, eight were women with arm lymphoedema, the remainder being men and women with lymphoedema of the lower limb. All were considered to be in need of CDT. After 19 days, the reduction of limb volume was measured, which indicated a mean limb volume reduction of 1210 ml (95% confidence interval, CI, 780–1641, P < 0·001). Leg affected patients experienced greater reduction than arm affected patients (1596 ml versus 438 ml), although both groups experienced significant reduction in limb volumes (both P < 0·001). Mean percentage changes in limb volume were 14·9% and 16·1% for legs and arms, respectively. The Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile questionnaire indicated significant improvement in symptoms considered important by the patient (P < 0·0001), which also led to improvements in skin quality by reducing skin thickness and firmness. The Coban 2 compression system provides good oedema reduction in both arms and legs to reduce limb volume and improvements in symptoms associated with lymphoedema.
Behaviour of rat‐cultured dental pulp cells in three‐dimensional collagen type‐1 gel in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Khan Sultan Zeb , Kokubu Eitoyo , Matsuzaka Kenichi , Inoue Takashi
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth and differentiation potential of dental pulp cells (DPCs) in three‐dimensional (3‐D) collagen type‐1 scaffold in vitro and in vivo. Third passage DPCs were cultured in a 3‐D collagen and expression of both bone‐ or dentin‐related mRNA (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN)) and morphological changes evaluated in vitro. In the in vivo study, two types of grafts were transplanted into the rectus abdominus muscles of rats and harvested after 7 days: DPCs in α‐minimal essential medium and DPCs mixed with a collagen gel. ALP, BSP and OPN were used as primary antibodies for immunohistochemical study. Histological and immunohistochemical results showed that DPCs in collagen gel were spindle shaped and showed significantly greater expression of ALP, BSP and OPN in vitro than the controls. Transplanted DPCs in collagen type‐1 gel showed greater positive immunoreactivity for ALP, BSP and OPN than the controls. It was concluded that the collagen gel scaffold encouraged the differentiation of DPCs into osteoblastic cells.
Pathways to El Norte: Origins, Destinations, and Characteristics of Mexican Migrants to the United States
Authors: Riosmena Fernando , Massey Douglas S.
Published: March 2012

The geography Mexican migration to the U.S. has experienced deep transformations in both its origin composition and the destinations chosen by migrants. To date, however, we know little about how shifting migrant origins and destinations may be linked to each another geographically and, ultimately, structurally as relatively similar brands of economic restructuring have been posited to drive the shifts in origins and destinations. In this paper, we describe how old and new migrant networks have combined to fuel the well-documented geographic expansion of Mexican migration. We use data from the 2006 Mexican National Survey of Population Dynamics, a nationally representative survey that for the first time collected information on U.S. state of destination for all household members who had been to the U.S. during the 5 years prior to the survey. We find that the growth in immigration to southern and eastern states is disproportionately fueled by undocumented migration from non-traditional origin regions located in Central and Southeastern Mexico and from rural areas in particular. We argue that economic restructuring in the U.S. and Mexico had profound consequences not only for the magnitude but also for the geography of Mexican migration, opening up new region-to-region flows.
Passing by the Girls? Remittance Allocation for Educational Expenditures and Social Inequality in Nepal's Households 2003–2004
Authors: Vogel Ann , Korinek Kim
Published: March 2012

We examine the utilization of remittances for expenditures associated with development, specifically children's education. We use household-level data from the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS II, 2003–04) to separate remittance effects from general household income effects to demonstrate the migration–development relationship reflected in child schooling investment. We find that family-household remittances are spent on education of children, but the expenditures are disproportionately for boys’ schooling. Only when girls are members of higher-income households do greater schooling expenditures go to them. This gender-discriminating pattern at the household level contrasts with the call for universal and gender-equal education.
Immigrants’ Health in Europe: A Cross-Classified Multilevel Approach to Examine Origin Country, Destination Country, and Community Effects
Authors: Huijts Tim , Kraaykamp Gerbert
Published: March 2012

In this study, we examined origin, destination, and community effects on first- and second-generation immigrants’ health in Europe. We used information from the European Social Surveys (2002–2008) on 19,210 immigrants from 123 countries of origin, living in 31 European countries. Cross-classified multilevel regression analyses reveal that political suppression in the origin country and living in countries with large numbers of immigrant peers have a detrimental influence on immigrants’ health. Originating from predominantly Islamic countries and good average health among natives in the destination country appear to be beneficial. Additionally, the results point toward health selection mechanisms into migration.
Predicting Immigrant Employment Sequences in the First Years of Settlement
Authors: Fuller Sylvia , Martin Todd F.
Published: March 2012

Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada, we analyze factors shaping new immigrants’ month-by-month employment trajectories over their first 4 years of settlement. We treat trajectories as multidimensional and holistic entities, seeking to predict the correlates of a set of typical pathways identified via optimal matching techniques and cluster analysis. Human capital attributes and household context shapes trajectories in important ways, but patterns related to bias and discrimination are not straightforward and social ties have little impact.
A New Immigration Regularization Policy: The Settlement Program in Spain
Authors: Sabater Albert , Domingo Andreu
Published: March 2012

The topic of regularization of immigrants has occupied a position high on the agenda in Spain and elsewhere. In this paper, we contribute to this particular issue by providing an evaluative case study in Spain using administrative data from the Province of Barcelona from 2005 to 2009, which allows survival analysis, the follow-up of migrants’ trajectories after regularization and the examination of the hazard of lapsing back into irregularity. Our analysis reveals critical differences on the effectiveness of two pathways to earned legalization in Spain as a policy: the 2005 Normalisation and the Settlement Program in full operation since 2006.
Fronteras y Colonialismo: Una Reflexión Desde La Frontera México‐Guatemala
Authors: Fábregas Andrés
Published: March 2012

From the point of view of two classics of the frontier thesis, Frederick Jackson Turner and Owen Lattimore, the author developed his own thesis about the formation and consolidation of the border between Mexico and Guatemala. The author remarks the process of colonization in the jungles of Mexico's southwest, as a result of National Mexican State policies and the role of the state of Chiapas in those policies. In the author's opinion, globalization is a colonial process and in this context it is very important to note the migrations to the United States in order to understand the contemporaneous situation of the border Mexico‐Guatemala.
Kichwa Migrations Across the Atlantic Border Regime: Transterritorial Practices of Identity and Rights within a Postcolonial Frame
Authors: Suárez‐Navaz Liliana
Published: March 2012

Resúmen

En este trabajo analizo el proceso migratorio de comuneros indígenas de la parroquia de Calderón (Pichincha), que ahora residen en la Comunidad de Madrid. Me centro en el modo en que sus experiencias en territorio europeo incorporan y redefinen su memoria histórica, las fronteras comunitarias, socioespaciales, nacionales, y etnoraciales y cómo éstas son reproducidas en el espacio migratorio trasnacional. Basado en un trabajo etnográfico multilocal se analizan las experiencias de las familias de la Comuna de Jatum Pamba en el espacio jurídico, socioespacial, y político en España y el impacto de esta emigración en la redefinición de la Comuna, como espacio público y contexto identitario. Mientras los emigrantes residentes en España aseguran su presencia en la Comuna a través de inversiones estratégicas en terrenos y vivienda, se han creado unas “migraciones encadenadas” que, con nuevos inmigrantes no indígenas que ocupan espacios marginales en la misma, transforman dramáticamente el paisaje étnico de la Comuna.
Cross‐Border Mobility and Transnational Identities: New Border Crossings Amongst Mexican Mam People
Authors: Hernández Castillo Rosalva Aída
Published: March 2012

Resúmen

Este artículo se propone abrir una ventana etnográfica para observar los nuevos cruces de fronteras que viven miles de indígenas en América Latina. Para examinar la complejidad y el potencial político de las identidades transnacionales y translocales, se partirá de un estudio de caso: la realidad de los indígenas mames de Chiapas, un pueblo maya del sureste de México. El pueblo mam ha experimentado distintos procesos migratorios y cruces de fronteras en búsqueda de alternativas de vida. Su experiencia histórica de continua movilidad a través de fronteras nacionales, regionales y religiosas, han influido en sus distintas concepciones de comunidad, sin que necesariamente trasciendan el territorio porque, como este artículo demostrará, las referencias al lugar están siempre presentes en sus narrativas de identidad. Pero podríamos afirmar que han mantenidos nociones de espacio en un sentido complejo del “aquí” y el “allá”.
A Middle Class Besieged: Brazilians’ Motives to Migrate
Authors: Torresan Angela
Published: March 2012

Resúmen

Usando material etnográfico coletado durante minha pesquisa entre imigrantes brasileiros em Lisboa, exploro nesse artigo como a migração internacional se tornou uma das alternativas usadas por pessoas jovens da classe média para manter sua posição de classe. Analizo o papel da crise brasileira das décadas de 80 e 90 na decisão que muitos tomaram de migrar e afirmo que além da situação de privação econômica relativa, muitos brasileiros da classe média se sentiam alienados do seu país uma vez que a promessa do processo de modernidade nunca foi cumprida. Muitos acreditavam que não tinham nada a perder ao sair do seu país.
On Diffusion Through Soft Filter
Authors: Volokh K. Y.
Published: March 2012

Diffusion through soft polymer filters is a nonlinear process: the increase of the pressure on the filtrating liquid does not trigger the proportional increase of the flux through the filter. There are two sources of nonlinearity: the diffusivity properties of the filter and its high deformability. In the present work we use a theoretical formulation coupling large deformations and diffusion to describe a liquid flux through a polymeric filter. Two key factors making the present formulation simple are the molecular incompressibility condition and the nonlinear mobility tensor. The developed model is calibrated based on the experiments on toluene-rubber filtration.
Probing the Relation Between Dislocation Substructure and Indentation Characteristics Using Quantized Crystal Plasticity
Authors: Li Lin , Lee Myoung-Gyu , Anderson Peter M.
Published: March 2012

Novel indentation studies combined with in situ transmission electron microscopy correlate large load drops with instabilities involving dislocation substructure. These instabilities are captured in finite element simulations of indentation that employ quantized crystal plasticity (QCP) in the vicinity of a nanoindenter tip. The indentation load-displacement traces, slip patterns, and creation of gaps are correlated with the scale, strength, and shear strain burst imparted by slip events within microstructural cells. Large load drops (ΔP/P ∼ 25%) are captured provided these cellular slip events produce shear strain bursts ∼ 8%, comparable to 8 dislocations propagating across a 25 nm microstructural cell. The results suggest that plasticity at the submicron, intragranular scale involves violent stress redistributions, triggering multi-cell instabilities that dramatically affect the early stages of a nanoindentation test.
Three-Phase Inclusions of Arbitrary Shape With Internal Uniform Hydrostatic Stresses in Finite Elasticity
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: March 2012

We study the internal stress field of a three-phase two-dimensional inclusion of arbitrary shape bonded to an unbounded matrix through an intermediate interphase layer when the matrix is subjected to remote uniform in-plane stresses. The elastic materials occupying all three phases belong to a particular class of compressible hyperelastic harmonic materials. Our analysis indicates that the internal stress field can be uniform and hydrostatic for some nonelliptical shapes of the inclusion, and all of the possible shapes of the inclusion permitting internal uniform hydrostatic stresses are identified. Three conditions are derived that ensure an internal uniform hydrostatic stress state. Our rigorous analysis indicates that for the given material and geometrical parameters of the three-phase inclusion of a nonelliptical shape, at most, eight different sets of remote uniform Piola stresses can be found, leading to internal uniform hydrostatic stresses. Finally, the analytical results are illustrated through an example.
A Note on the Path-Dependence of the J-Integral Near a Stationary Crack in an Elastic-Plastic Material With Finite Deformation
Authors: Carka Dorinamaria , McMeeking Robert M. , Landis Chad M.
Published: March 2012

In this technical brief, we compute the J-integral near a crack-tip in an elastic-perfectly-plastic material. Finite deformation is accounted for, and the apparent discrepancies between the prior results of the authors are resolved.
Interval Analysis Method for Structural Damage Identification Based on Multiple Load Cases
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Yang Haifeng , Wang Lei , Qiu Zhiping
Published: March 2012

Based on the measured static displacements, an improved interval analysis technique was proposed for the structural damage identification. Due to the scarcity of uncertain information, the uncertainties were considered as interval numbers in this paper. Via the first-order Taylor series expansion, the interval bounds of the elemental stiffness parameters of undamaged and damaged structures are respectively obtained. The structural damage was detected by the quantitative measure of the possibility of damage existence in elements, which was more reasonable than the probability of damage existence in the condition of less sample points for the measurement data. Furthermore, the classic interval analysis method was improved by adopting the membership-set identification and two-step model updating procedure to make identification results more accurate. An uncertain truss structure was employed for damage identification, the damage identification results obtained by interval analysis method and probabilistic method, respectively, were compared. Moreover, the effects on the detection results of the damage level and uncertainty level subjected to single or multiple load cases were studied as well. The numerical example shows that the wide intervals resulting from the interval operation can be narrowed by the improved nonprobabilistic approach, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the present method were validated.
At the Bottom of the Oceanic Plate
Authors: Kawakatsu Hitoshi
Published: March 2012

High-resolution seismic maps are providing a better picture of the processes involved in plate tectonics.
A Vision of How Mouse Vision Can Reveal Consciousness' Secrets
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: March 2012

Neuroscientist Christof Koch of the California Institute of Technology is embarking on a 10-year project to study vision in the mouse brain, funded by a new donation of $300 million from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
Cellular Inhibitors of Apoptosis Are Global Regulators of NF-κB and MAPK Activation by Members of the TNF Family of Receptors
Authors: Varfolomeev Eugene , Goncharov Tatiana , Maecker Heather , Zobel Kerry , Kömüves László G. , Deshayes Kurt , Vucic Domagoj
Published: March 2012

Signaling downstream of tumor necrosis factor family receptors hinges on the presence or absence of c-IAP proteins.
The Structure of the TLR5-Flagellin Complex: A New Mode of Pathogen Detection, Conserved Receptor Dimerization for Signaling
Authors: Lu Jinghua , Sun Peter D.
Published: March 2012

TLR5 exhibits a distinct ligand-binding mechanism compared with those used by other TLRs.
Facilitating Fusion and Release
Authors: Vinson Valda K.
Published: March 2012

Whereas one fusion protein complex can fuse a vesicle with a bilayer, three are needed for efficient content release.
Sensing and Regulating Fat?
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2012

Presence of variant form of the lipid-sensing G protein–coupled receptor GPR120 with impaired function is associated with obesity.
Unexpected Akt-ions
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2012

The kinase Akt and the transcription factor Foxo1 may not be required for hepatic responses to insulin.
CONTROL OF NANOPARTICLE SIZE, CRYSTAL STRUCTURE AND GROWTH OF LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE BY HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENT
Authors: BERBER MOHAMED R. , HAFEZ INAS H. , MINAGAWA KEIJI , KATOH MASAHIRO , TANAKA MASAMI , MORI TAKESHI
Published: March 2012

Here, we showed the effect of hydrothermal treatment and aging process of urea hydrolysis on crystal structure, particle size and particle size distribution of Mg - Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray crystallography and scanning electron microscopy. The studied synthetic parameters showed a great influence on the physicochemical properties of the selected LDH materials.

At insufficient conditions of hydrothermal treatments, the formed LDH particles were amorphous and the non-LDH phases dominated the X-ray diffraction chart. The crystal growth increased with increasing hydrothermal temperature. Aging process improved the crystal morphology up to18 hours, while further aging destroyed the LDH particles. The increase of hydrothermal aging led to a wide particle size distribution.
FORMULATION OF POLYACRYLIC ACID-LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE COMPOSITE SYSTEM AS A SOIL CONDITIONER FOR WATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: HAFEZ INAS H. , BERBER MOHAMED R. , MINAGAWA KEIJI , MORI TAKESHI , TANAKA MASAMI
Published: March 2012

An efficient strategy of soil-conditioner application was offered by incorporating a high molecular weight organic polymer (polyacrylic acid; PAA) into a soil-friendly inorganic material (layered double hydroxide; LDH). The prepared materials were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques to confirm the formed nanocomposite structure. The SEM images captured the morphological ability of PAA-LDH nanocomposites to absorb and keep water molecules during soil-water application. The IR analysis indicated an electrostatic grafting process between PAA units and LDH moieties. The platform of PAA-LDH nanocomposite formulation stabilized the soil aggregates and improved the water-stability.
PROPAGATION BEHAVIOR OF A FATIGUE CRACK OF HIGH STRENGTH Al ALLOY
Authors: MAEDA HIDEKI , KARIYA KOHJI , KAWAGOISHI NORIO , NU YAN , GOTO MASAHIRO
Published: March 2012

In order to investigate the effect of humidity change on growth behavior of a fatigue crack of an extruded and age-hardened Al alloy 7075-T6, rotating bending fatigue tests were carried out using plain specimens in relative humidity of 25% and 85%. In constant humidity, a crack propagated in a tensile mode macroscopically in low humidity and in a shear mode in high humidity. The crack growth rate was accelerated by high humidity. By changing humidity, the growth rate and the growth mode of a crack were changed to those corresponding to the changed humidity. That is, cumulative fatigue life in humidity change may be estimated by the fatigue life in constant humidity.
FATIGUE PROPERTIES AND FRACTURE MECHANISM OF STEEL COATED WITH DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON FILMS
Authors: AKEBONO HIROYUKI , KATO MASAHIKO , SUGETA ATSUSHI
Published: March 2012

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have attracted much attention in many industrial fields because of their excellent tribological properties, high hardness, chemical inertness and biocompatibility. In order to examine the fatigue properties and to clear the fracture mechanism of DLC coated materials, AISI4140 steel coated with DLC films by using unbalanced magnetron sputtering method was prepared and two types of fatigue test were carried out by using a tension and compression testing machine with stress ratio -1 and a bending testing machine with stress ratio -1 with a focused on the fatigue crack behavior in detail. The fracture origin changed from the slip deformation to micro defects at surface whose size didn't affect the fatigue crack initiation behavior in the case of Virgin series because the hard coating like DLC films make the defect sensitivity of coated material higher. However, DLC series indicated higher fatigue strengths in finite life region and fatigue limit compared with Virgin series. From the continuously observation by using a plastic replicas technique, it is clear that there are no noticeable differences on fatigue crack propagation rate between the Virgin and DLC series, however the fatigue crack initiation of DLC series was delayed significantly by existence of DLC films compared with Virgin series.
EVALUATION OF IMPACT PROPERTIES TO FORGED 3CR STEEL BY BARKHAUSEN NOISE
Authors: BAEK UN BONG , LEE SEOK CHEOL , NAHM SEUNG HOON , NAM YOUNG HYUN
Published: March 2012

This paper reports that the Barkhausen noise method can be used to accurately characterize forged reactor vessels. The Charpy V-notch impact tests were conducted on the respective specimens with three different types of heat history. Various test results including fracture appearance transition temperature (FATT) were obtained. The Barkhausen noise voltage changed with heat treatment temperature (870~1000°C) and conditions (Tempered, PWHT). The fracture appearance transition temperature can be predicted using the Barkhausen noise voltage.
ADHESION ASSESSMENT OF BNT FILMS ON TITANIUM SUBSTRATES USING A TENSILE TEST
Authors: XU FANGCHAO , KUSUKAWA KAZUHIRO
Published: March 2012

Lead-free piezoelectric ( Bi 1/2 Na 1/2) TiO 3 (abbreviated as BNT) films were deposited on 1 mm thick pure titanium( Ti ) substrates by a hydrothermal method. Tensile tests were performed to quantitatively assess the adhesion strength between BNT films and Ti substrates. Ti substrates were pretreated by chemical polish and mechanical polish respectively prior to BNT film deposition. In the tensile test, the behavior of BNT film exfoliation was investigated by the replica method. The critical Ti substrate strain inducing BNT film exfoliation was determined by the aid of finite element analysis (FEM). In this study, the results revealed that BNT film exfoliations were caused by the strain of Ti substrate, and the mechanical polish pretreatment improved the adhesion of BNT film to Ti substrate.
INFLUENCE OF SURFACE FREE ENERGY ON ADHESION OF CrN THIN FILM DEPOSITED BY AIP METHOD
Authors: NOUDA HIKARU , ODA HIROATSU , YONEKURA DAISUKE , MURAKAMI RI-ICHI
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adhesion of CrN thin film and the surface free energy of substrate. CrN film was deposited on JIS SKH2 high speed tool steel by arc ion plating (AIP) method. The surface free energy of the substrate was measured with/without ion bombardment process using nitrogen and argon gas under various gas flow rate before CrN deposition. The surface free energy was measured by the sessile drop method using distilled water and methylene iodide. The adhesion was evaluated by scratch testing and the relationship between a critical load and the surface free energy in each ion bombardment condition was discussed. As a result, it was found that the adhesion increased with decreasing the surface free energy, in particular the polar component strongly affects the adhesion.
NDE OF ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITE MATERIALS THAT APPLY ULTRASOUND INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE
Authors: CHOI SEUNG-HYUN , PARK SOO-KEUN , KIM JAE-YEOL
Published: March 2012

The infrared thermographic nondestructive inspection technique is a quality inspection and stability assessment method used to diagnose the physical characteristics and defects by detecting the infrared ray radiated from the object without destructing it. Recently, the nondestructive inspection and assessment that use the ultrasound-infrared thermography technique are widely adopted in diverse areas. The ultrasound-infrared thermography technique uses the phenomenon that the ultrasound wave incidence to an object with cracks or defects on its mating surface generates local heat on the surface. The car industry increasingly uses composite materials for their lightweight, strength, and environmental resistance.

In this study, the car piston passed through the ultrasound-infrared thermography technique for nondestructive testing, among the composite material car parts. This study also examined the effects of the frequency and power to optimize the nondestructive inspection.
REPLICATION BEHAVIOR FOR MICRO SURFACE FEATURES WITH HIGH ASPECT RATIO AND STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN INJECTION COMPRESSION MOLDING
Authors: SUZUKI HAJIME , TAKAYAMA TETSUO , ITO HIROSHI
Published: March 2012

Injection compression molding (ICM) with high aspect ratio surface features was performed to clarify the effect of molding conditions on replication characteristics and molecular orientation distribution. Short-shot defects and surface replication were better when using ICM than when using conventional injection molding. A long compression stroke and short delay time condition were optimum conditions to used to achieve uniform surface replication. Molecular orientation was also reduced by the long compression stroke. To reduce molecular orientation, the compression motion should be carried out immediately after injection motion in the case of 0.2 mm thickness. For 0.6 mm thickness, the compression motion was conducted after the shear stress relaxation to reduce the molecular orientation. Short-shot tests revealed distinctive replication behavior in ICM. Results show that replication behavior and local molecular orientation are generated by a slightly frozen layer at the filling area before compression.
PRODUCTION OF BIOFUEL FROM WASTE LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS MATERIALS BASED ON ENERGY SAVING VIEWPOINT
Authors: Takano Maki , Hoshino Kazuhiro
Published: March 2012

To develop biofuel production from waste lignocellulosic biomass materials the rice straw was selected one of renewable material and the degradation condition about pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain effectively fermentable sugars was investigated. Rice straw was pretreated by five kinds of methods and then the components ratio of rice straw was examined. First, the steam explosion was selected based on the degradability and the requirement energy. In addition, the best suitable combination of two cellulases to effective and economical hydrolyze was determined from the degradability of these pretreated rice straws. In the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of the steam explosion rice straw by combining cellulase cocktail and a novel fermenting fungus, 13.2 g/L ethanol was able to product for 96 h.
QSAR Analysis of 5‐Substituted‐2‐Benzoyl‐aminobenzoic acids as PPAR Modulator
Authors: Hemalatha R. , Soni L. K. , Gupta A. K. , Kaskhedikar S. G.
Published: March 2012

A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) study on a series of analogs of 5‐aryl thiazolidine‐2, 4‐diones with activity on PPAR‐α and PPAR‐γ was made using combination of various thermodynamic, electronic and spatial descriptors. Several statistical regression expressions were obtained using multiple linear regression analysis. The best QSAR model was further validated by leave one out cross validation method. The studied revealed that for dual PPAR‐α/γ activity dipole‐dipole energy and PMI‐Z play significant role and contributed positively for PPAR‐γ and PPAR‐α activity respectively. Thus, QSAR brings important structural insight to aid the design of dual PPAR‐α /γ receptor agonist.
Interacting Blends of Novel Unsaturated Polyester Amide Resin with Vinyl Acetate
Authors: Patel H. S. , Panchal K. K. , Patel S. R. , Desai S. N.
Published: March 2012

Novel unsaturated poly (ester‐ amide) resins (UPEAs) were prepared by the reaction between an epoxy resin, namely diglycidyl ether of bisphenol–A (DGEBA) and unsaturated aliphatic bisamic acids using a base catalyst. These UPEAs were then blended with a vinyl monomer namely, Vinyl acetate (VA) to produce a homogeneous resin syrup. The curing of these UPEAs‐VA resin blends was carried out by using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator for the radical polymerization and was monitored by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The glass fibre reinforced composites (i.e. laminates) of these UPEA‐VA resin blends were fabricated using the DSC data. The chemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the glass fibre composites have also been evaluated. The unreinforced cured samples of the UPEA‐VA resin blends were also analyzed by thermogravimetry (TGA).
Pinacol Coupling of Aromatic Aldehydes using La‐Ticl4 in CH3COOEt under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Li Ji-Tai , Sun Xue-Li , Lin Zhi-Ping , Li Tong-Shuang
Published: March 2012

Titanium tetrachloride can be reduced by lanthanum filings to the corresponding low valent titanium complex, which can induce some aromatic aldehydes to the corresponding pinacols in 28%‐97% yields within 10‐50 min in ethyl acetate at r.t. under ultrasound irradiation.
A Sensitive Determination of Carbofuran by Spectrophotometer using 4, 4‐azo‐bis‐3, 3′5, 5′‐tetra bromoaniline in various Environmental Samples
Authors: Bhargavi O. , Kiran K. , Suvardhan K. , Rekha D. , Janardhanam K. , Chiranjeevi P.
Published: March 2012

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric technique was developed for the determination of carbofuran in its formulations, water and grain samples. The method was based on the alkaline hydrolyzed product of carbofuran phenol interacted with diazonium salt of 4,4‐azo‐bis‐3,3′5,5′‐tetra bromo aniline. The maximum absorbance of the red coloured derivative was measured at 470 nm. The beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 0.1‐16.0 µg/mL. The interference of the non target species were studied on the determination of carbofuran which increases the selectivity of the method. The present method was successfully applied for the determination of carbofuran in its formulations, water and grain samples.
Derivative Spectrophotometric Estimation of Ondansetron and Paracetamol
Authors: Kumar P. Ravi , Krishna M. Murali , Prakash P. Bhanu , Kumar B. Anil , Madhusudhan P.
Published: March 2012

A simple and reproducible spectrophotometric method, requiring no prior separation, has been developed for the estimation of ondansetron and paracetamol in combined dosage form. First order derivative spectroscopy method is adopted to eliminate spectral interference. The methods obey Beer’s Law in concentration ranges employed for evaluation. Ondansetron and paracetamol have λmax at 302 nm and 246 nm respectively in methanol. The results of analysis have been validated statistically and recovery studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method.
Estimation of Ziprasidone Hydrochloride Monohydrate in Bulk and Capsules by Reverse Phase HPLC
Authors: Rani B. Sudha , Reddy P. Venkata
Published: March 2012

A reverse phase HPLC method is described for the determination of Ziprasidone HCl mono hydrate in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Chromatography was carried out on an ODS C18 column using a mixture of methanol and phosphate buffer (55:45v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1mL/min. Detection was carried out at 314nm. The retension time of the drug was 4.522 min. The method produced linear responses in the concentration range of 0.5‐30 μg /mL of Ziprasidone HCl mono hydrate.The method was found to be applicable for determination of the drug in capsules.
Dielectric Properties of the System GdCo 1-xFexO3 Synthesized by Chemical Route (x = 0.10, 0.20)
Authors: Mandal K. D. , Behera L.
Published: March 2012

The perovskite oxides GdCo1-xFexO3 (x = 0.10, 0.20) were prepared by chemical method. The dielectric behavior of compositions with x = 0.10 and 0.20 in the system GdCo1-xFexO3 was studied in the temperature range 300‐500 K. It is observed that dielectric constant increases with increasing Fe2+ ions concentration. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant in these materials indicates that space charge polarization contributes significantly to their observed dielectric parameters. A uniform distribution of grains is observed from the microstructure by Scanning electron microscopy.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New Substituted Aryloxy‐4‐Thiazolidinones
Authors: Kumar P. Ravi , Yadav M. Shanta , Kumar M. Murali Krishna , Rao T. Srinivasa
Published: March 2012

Nine new substituted aryloxy‐4‐thiazolidones have been prepared from corresponding schiff bases and thioglycolic acid in benzene using Stark and Dien apparatus. The synthesized compounds were identified by spectral studies and screened for antimicrobial activity.
Inhibition of Mineralization of Urinary StoneForming Minerals by Medicinal Plants
Authors: Farook N. A. Mohamed , Mozhiyarasi P. , Nalini R.
Published: March 2012

The inhibition of mineralization of urinary stone forming minerals bymedicinal plant i.e. chenopodium album linn, has been investigated. The inhibitionefficiency was studied. Increased intake of fruits juice and seed extract of our plantwould be helpful in urinary stone prophylaxis.
Synthetic studies of Alkoxy isoindole‐1,3‐diones tetra‐azabenzo[f]azulenes and their Antibacterial activity
Authors: Ahmed M. , Sharma R. , Nagda D. P. , Salvi V. K. , Talesara G. L.
Published: March 2012

3‐Methylpyrazol‐5‐one 3 reacts with substituted benzaldehydes 4a-d in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate to produce the corresponding 4‐arylidene‐5‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐pyrazol‐3‐ones 5a-d and the condensation of 5a-d with 2‐bromoalkoxy‐1H‐isoindole‐1, 3‐(2H)‐diones 2a-c furnished corresponding 2‐[2‐(4‐arylidene‐3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)alkoxy]‐isoindole‐1,3‐diones 6a-l, which on cyclisation with o‐phenylendiamine give titled compounds 7a-l. All the synthesized compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectral data and screened for their antibacterial properties against various bacterial strains in order to obtain chemotherapeutic properties.
Synthesis of Nano‐Crystalline LiNdxMn2-xO4 Powder by Novel Cam‐Microwave Assisted Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Suryakala K. , Venckatesh R.
Published: March 2012

With the advancement of nanotechnology, there is an interest in the replacement of conventional materials by nanomaterials. There is a reasonable chance that as the active mass of electrode for lithium batteries is comprised of smaller particles, they will perform better in terms of capacity, power, rate capability and stability. LiMn2O4 is inexpensive material but it shows rather poor cyclic performance. The electrochemical performance of spinel type LiMn2O4 has been effectively improved with doping of Nd the “bottom–up” approach of LiMn2O4 and LiNdx Mn2-xO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) synthesized by citric acid modified microwave assisted sol‐gel method. LiMn2O4 has been synthesized from nitrates and acetates. Citric acid was added as a complexing agent and acryl amide acts as a gelling agent. This technique offers better homogeneity, preferred surface morphology, reduced heat‐treatment conditions, sub‐micron sized particles and better crystallinity. The structure and the electrochemical performances of the samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and charge‐discharge testing. XRD data shows both samples exhibit the same pure spinel phase. Nano crystalline LiNd0.3 Mn1.7 O4 sample has a smaller morphology including small particle size and the homogeneous particle distribution compared to the other compositions.
Determination of Finasteride in Tablets by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Basavaiah K. , Somashekar B. C.
Published: March 2012

A rapid, highly sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of finasteride(FNS) in bulk drug and in tablets. FNS was eluted from a ODS C18 reversed phase column at laboratory temperature (30 ± 2°C) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water (80+20) at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 with UV detection at 225 nm. The retention time was ∼ 6.1 min and each analysis took not more than 10 min. Quantitation was achieved by measurement of peak area without using any internal standard. Calibration graph was linear from 2.0 to 30 μg mL-1 with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) being 0.2 and 0.6 μg mL-1, respectively. The method was validated according to the current ICH guidelines. Within‐day co efficients of variation (CV) ranged from 0.31 to 0.69% and between‐day CV were in the range 1.2‐3.2%. Recovery of FNS from the pharmaceutical dosage forms ranged from 97.89 – 102.9 with CV of 1.41‐4.13%. The developed method was compared with the official method for FNS determination in its tablet forms.
Conformational Analysis (Semi Empirical PM3) and Electronic Properties of Functionalized Oligo(hexylpyrroles)
Authors: Odunola O. A. , Semire B.
Published: March 2012

A semi empirical analysis of functionalized 3‐hexylpyrroles [3XHP, where X= Br, NH2, SH, CN, COOH, CONC(CH3)2 and N(CH3)2] having functional group attached to the hexyl substituent up to four monomeric units in head‐tail‐head‐tail regioselectivity was carried out. The energy band gap obtained at PM3 level showed that oligomers with 3BHP present lowest energy band gap. The energy band gap changed with the functional group attached to hexyl substitutents, which affect the molecular properties related to the electronic conductivity.
Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymerand its Molecular Recognition Propertiesof N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid
Authors: Pan Hsin-Hung , Lee Wen-Chien , Hung Chin-Yin , Hwang Ching-Chiang
Published: March 2012

A molecular imprinting technique was applied in this work to detect N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and its analogue structure. Twomolecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were prepared using Neu 5Ac as the template molecule, as well as methacrylic acid (MAA) or 4‐vinylpyridine (4‐Vpy) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the functionalmonomer and cross‐linker, respectively. Free radical polymerization was carried out at 4°C under UV radiation or thermal (60°C) polymerization. MIP thus obtained were ground into 11∼25µm and 25‐44µm. The binding results from Neu5Ac solution, mannose (Man) solution and N‐acetyl‐Dmannosamine (ManNAc) solution performed by Neu5Ac‐MIP showed specific binding toward Neu5Ac rather than other analogue compounds on the host‐guest system. The values of capacity for Neu5Ac‐MIP were measured and experimental results were further used for simulation to obtain the binding isotherms. The principal advantage of this method is thatNeu5Ac‐ MIP can recognize Neu5Ac and its analogue compounds.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Methylquinolino[3,2‐b][1,5]benzodiazepine and Methylquinolino[3,2‐b][1,5]benzoxazepine and its Various Metal Complexes
Authors: Basavaraju B. , Naik H. S. Bhojya , Prabhakara M. C.
Published: March 2012

2‐Chloro‐6‐methylquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde was condensed with o‐Phenylenediammine and 2‐aminophenol in presence of potassium iodide. The resulting Methylquinolino[3,2‐b][1,5]benzodiazepine (MQBD) and Methylquinolino[3,2‐b][1,5]benzoxazepine(MQBO) were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies. The metal chelates viz Pd(II), Rh(III) and Ru(III) of ligands were prepared and characterized by metal‐ligand (M:L) ratio, UV‐Visible, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopes and magnetic properties. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of MQBD, MQBO and its metal complexes were screened against various bacteria and fungi. The results show that all these samples are good antimicrobial agents.
Study on Some Physico‐Chemical Characteristics of Ground Water of District Rampur ‐ A Statistical Approach
Authors: Sindhu Susheel Kumar , Sharma Amit
Published: March 2012

A systematic study has been carried out to explore the water quality index of ground water of various tehsils of Rampur district. Twenty five water samples from tube wells, open wells and hand pumps at various locations were collected and analyzed for pH, nitrate, turbidity, total dissolve solid, chlorides, total hardness, alkalinity and fluoride. In this study overall water quality of Rampur district is very poor and unsuitable for drinking purpose. Water quality of Bilaspur, Shahabad and Rampur city shows that water may not be used for drinking as well as domestic purpose. Present study recommends that the top priority should be given to water quality monitoring and indigenous technologies should be adopted to make water fit for drinking after treatment such as defluoridation, desalination.