bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bodies Moving and Being Moved: Mapping affect in Christian Nold'sBio Mapping
Authors: MacDonald Gavin
Published: February 2014

In A History of Spaces (2004), John Pickles observes that one of the less well-known representational norms of mapping is its focus on ‘natural and physical objects rather than developing universal conventions dealing with symbol, affect and movement.’ New media artist Christian Nold's work has dealt explicitly with two of these cartographic blindspots, grafting new and old technologies that both, in different ways, create bodily traces – the GPS trace of movement and the GSR (galvanic skin response) trace of arousal, often taken as an index of emotional response. Although Nold's socially engaged practice can be placed within the ‘locative media’ genre it also taps into the technological imaginaries around physiological sensors and intimate data. This paper considers Nold's Bio Mapping (2004-) projects in the context of his longstanding concern with social collectives and public space as a field of social relations. Looking at particular maps from Nold's Bio Mapping project, it considers the implications of blending the traces of the body's internal states with the traces produced by locomotive movement, and the relationship between the individuals thus traced and the collectives that Nold seeks to represent. Concurrent with Nold's practice there has been a wave of interest in affect and emotion (and the distinction between them) within the humanities. This paper brings Nold's work into contact with the Deleuzian/Spinozan concept of affect employed in one strand of this writing, drawing in particular on the work of Brian Massumi. Rather than using theory to simply illustrate Nold's practice, it follows the implications of Deleuze's cartographic model of individuation, the logic of which ultimately problematises the very distinction between the two bodily phenomena traced by Nold's device.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Applied Sciences in 2013
Authors: Applied Sciences Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Applied Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Stem Cell Banking for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine
Authors: Harris David
Published: February 2014

Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and gene therapy offer the opportunity to treat and cure many of today’s intractable afflictions. These approaches to personalized medicine often utilize stem cells to accomplish these goals. However, stem cells can be negatively affected by donor variables such as age and health status at the time of collection, compromising their efficacy. Stem cell banking offers the opportunity to cryogenically preserve stem cells at their most potent state for later use in these applications. Practical stem cell sources include bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and tissue, and adipose tissue. Each of these sources contains stem cells that can be obtained from most individuals, without too much difficulty and in an economical fashion. This review will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each stem cell source, factors to be considered when contemplating banking each stem cell source, the methodology required to bank each stem cell source, and finally, current and future clinical uses of each stem cell source.
Purification and Characterization of Aporphine Alkaloids from Leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn and Their Effects on Glucose Consumption in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Ma Chengjun , Wang Jinjun , Chu Hongmei , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Honglun , Li Gang
Published: February 2014

Aporphine alkaloids from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn are substances of great interest because of their important pharmacological activities, particularly anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, and anti-HIV’s activities. In order to produce large amounts of pure alkaloid for research purposes, a novel method using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was developed. Without any initial cleanup steps, four main aporphine alkaloids, including 2-hydroxy-1-methoxyaporphine, pronuciferine, nuciferine and roemerine were successfully purified from the crude extract by HSCCC in one step. The separation was performed with a simple two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-acetonitrile-water (5:3:3:2.5:5, v/v/v/v/v). In each operation, 100 mg crude extracts was separated and yielded 6.3 mg of 2-hydroxy-1-methoxyaporphine (95.1% purity), 1.1 mg of pronuciferine (96.8% purity), 8.5 mg of nuciferine (98.9% purity), and 2.7 mg of roemerine (97.4%) respectively. The chemical structure of four aporphine alkaloids are identified by means of electrospray ionization MS (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Moreover, the effects of four separated aporphine alkaloids on insulin-stimulated glucose consumption were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results showed that 2-hydroxy-1-methoxyaporphine and pronuciferine increased the glucose consumption significantly as rosiglitazone did.
Notes on the Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis, with Special Reference to Dietary Habits
Authors: Lauer Klaus
Published: February 2014

A hypothesis, based primarily on the occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Faroe Islands and supported by numerous analytical epidemiological studies, is described. It proposes that MS is caused by the interaction of a virus disease with intestinal pathology, e.g., infectious mononucleosis, and application of smoked and nitrate/nitrite-cured meat products in the diet during circumscribed time intervals. The biological mechanisms might involve a break of tolerance by an alteration of self within the central nervous system, by nitrophenylated compounds conjugated to animal tissue, in particular to proteins occurring in the central nervous system. Further research is needed.
Toward a New Generation of Photonic Humidity Sensors
Authors: Kolpakov Stanislav , Gordon Neil , Mou Chengbo , Zhou Kaiming
Published: February 2014

This review offers new perspectives on the subject and highlights an area in need of further research. It includes an analysis of current scientific literature mainly covering the last decade and examines the trends in the development of electronic, acoustic and optical-fiber humidity sensors over this period. The major findings indicate that a new generation of sensor technology based on optical fibers is emerging. The current trends suggest that electronic humidity sensors could soon be replaced by sensors that are based on photonic structures. Recent scientific advances are expected to allow dedicated systems to avoid the relatively high price of interrogation modules that is currently a major disadvantage of fiber-based sensors.
Characterization of a Novel BmαTX47 Toxin Modulating Sodium Channels: The Crucial Role of Expression Vectors in Toxin Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Li Tian , Xu Lingna , Liu Honglian , He Yawen , Liang Songping , Li Wenxin , Wu Yingliang
Published: February 2014

Long-chain scorpion toxins with four disulfide bridges exhibit various pharmacological features towards the different voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes. However, the toxin production still remains a huge challenge. Here, we reported the effects of different expression vectors on the pharmacological properties of a novel toxin BmαTX47 from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. The recombinant BmαTX47 was obtained using the expression vector pET-14b and pET-28a, respectively. Pharmacological experiments showed that the recombinant BmαTX47 was a new α-scorpion toxin which could inhibit the fast inactivation of rNav1.2, mNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels. Importantly, the different expression vectors were found to strongly affect BmαTX47 pharmacological activities while toxins were obtained by the same expression and purification procedures. When 10 µM recombinant BmαTX47 from the pET-28a vector was applied, the values of I5ms/Ipeak for rNav1.2, mNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels were 44.12% ± 3.17%, 25.40% ± 4.89% and 65.34% ± 3.86%, respectively, which were better than those values of 11.33% ± 1.46%, 15.96% ± 1.87% and 5.24% ± 2.38% for rNav1.2, mNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels delayed by 10 µM recombinant BmαTX47 from the pET-14b vector. The dose-response experiments further indicated the EC50 values of recombinant BmαTX47 from the pET-28a vector were 7262.9 ± 755.9 nM for rNav1.2 channel and 1005.8 ± 118.6 nM for hNav1.5 channel, respectively. Together, these findings highlighted the important role of expression vectors in scorpion toxin pharmacological properties, which would accelerate the understanding of the structure-function relationships of scorpion toxins and promote the potential application of toxins in the near future.
Un petit trésor de dariques, Kiti 1978, trouvé à Chypre
Authors: Nicolaou Ino K.
Published: February 2014

Le trésor de Kiti 1978 comprend 6 dariques au type de « l'archer à la pique ». Les coins de revers de plusieurs monnaies sont les mêmes que ceux de dariques des trésors d'Elis 1918 (1GCH 43) et d'Athènes 1929 (IGCH 32). Ce trésor a vraisemblablement été enfoui vers 380.
Un aigle dans le monnayage de Philippe II de Macédoine : à propos d'un nouveau tétradrachme
Authors: Suspène Arnaud
Published: February 2014

Après avoir procédé à l'analyse d'un nouveau tétradrachme au nom de Philippe II de Macédoine portant un aigle comme type secondaire, on cherche à préciser sa place et sa signification dans le monnayage de Philippe II à l'aide de comparaisons avec d'autres pièces macédoniennes représentant un aigle.
Le monnayage de Botrys en Phénicie
Authors: Sawaya Ziad
Published: February 2014

L'activité monétaire de Botrys se limite à cinq émissions de bronzes produites à l'époque romaine : une civique (an 28) et quatre impériales grecques sous Élagabal (ans 249, 250, 251 et 252). L'étude approfondie du corpus de ses monnaies, formé de 28 exemplaires, permet de préciser les ères adoptées par la cité et de mettre la lumière sur différents aspects de son histoire, statut politique, statut économique, système monétaire, typologie monétaire et religion.
A new anonymous Constantinian copper coin
Authors: Bendall Simon
Published: February 2014

Dans son article de la RN 2002 l'auteur rapprochait certaines monnaies anonymes d'argent des IVe-VIe siècles d'un petit bronze unique avec une étoile au droit et une couronne de laurier au revers. L'apparition d'un autre ex. de ce type, mais de poids plus lourd analogue à un autre rare bronze anonyme avec une étoile au droit et les lettres Ο C S C au revers amène à s'interroger sur la séquence de ces émissions en liaison avec celle des émissions en argent. Ces types rares ont probablement été émis en 330 avant la série plus commune du Populus Romanus.
Nouvelle contribution à l'étude du monnayage en bronze du IVe siècle après J.-C
Authors: Bollard Isabelle , Barrandon Jean-Noël
Published: February 2014

Plusieurs études avaient porté sur l'évolution du titre des monnaies en bronze argenté de la réforme de Dioclétien au règne de Théodose II et mis en évidence les réformes successives survenues durant cette période. Ces réformes monétaires se traduisent par un changement du système pondéral et de l'iconographie ; mais s'accompagnent-elles d'un changement de la composition de l'alliage ? Ces études restaient souvent lacunaires, ne couvrant pas l'ensemble de la période ou des ateliers, et surtout ne s'en tenaient qu'au titre des monnaies. Grâce à une méthode d'analyses non destructive, l'activation de neutrons rapides de cyclotron, nous avons pu étudier la composition de l'alliage de 257 monnaies émises par les ateliers occidentaux et orientaux de l'Empire. Ainsi, nous avons pu constater que les ateliers monétaires utilisaient, malgré une évolution diachronique, le même alliage de 324 à 361 . L'étude conjointe des teneurs en or et en argent contenues dans ce monnayage montre que l'argent utilisé provient d'un même stock tout au long du IVe siècle. Ce résultat novateur permet d'éclairer d'un jour nouveau le problème de l'approvisionnement des ateliers monétaires.
A coinage for late Byzantine Morea under Manuel II Palaiologos (1391-1425)
Authors: Baker Julian R.
Published: February 2014

This study presents a previously unattributed tornesello coinage of the Late Byzantine Morea. It was studied by the author principally amongst the excavation finds from Sparta, and only two additional specimens are known to him from Thebes and the island of Euboia respectively. The coinage was issued in the name of emperor Manuel II Palaiologos (1391-1425). It was probably produced in the mid- 1390s, or perhaps in 1408/1415-16. The mint was probably located in Monemvasia, though it might have been in Mystras. The identification of this coinage might also provide the key to two late 14th / early 15th century references to the monetary affairs of Byzantine Morea which have so far remained rather ill understood. The coinage is testimony to the relative longevity of the city of Sparta and the fiscal integration of Byzantine Constantinople and the Péloponnèse, though it must be ultimately judged a failure.
Nouvelles données relatives au monnayage archaïque massaliète
Authors: Chevillon Jean-Albert , Bertaud Olivier , Guernier Roland
Published: February 2014

The archaic coinage of the extreme Western city of Massalia (Greek Marseilles) is known particularly thanks to the Auriol hoard discovered in 1867. Its contents, well examined by A. Furtwängler in 1978, contained an important part of the series characteristic of this city according to issues with multiple patterns. Numerous other coins from the Archaic period have thence appeared in several stray finds in Provence. Our aim is to present some specimens and unknown varieties and also to propose some corrections thanks to the better vision arising from this ensemble of new specimens.
L'apport des surfrappes à la reconstruction de l'histoire des Indo-Grecs
Authors: Bopearachchi Osmund
Published: February 2014

The aim of this article is to present new Graeco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek overstrikes, and then to sum up the ones already published by the present author since the publication of the article on the same subject in the Revue Numismatique, 1989, along with the others published by various numismatists. All the known and new overstrikes will then be grouped in distinctive chronological and geographical sequence so as draw historical conclusions.
The Coins from the 1975-1978 Seasons in the Punic Port and Tophet of Carthage, Tunisia
Authors: Betlyon John Wilson
Published: February 2014

This article offers a catalogue of the excavations conducted on the site of the Punic port and Tophet at Carthage from 1975 to 1978 by the ASOR, Harvard University and the University of Chicago. The distribution pattern of coin finds is similar to that of the other Carthage sites already published : Punic period 11, Early Roman, 1, Late Roman, 138 ; Byzantine period 279 (incl. 105 Vandalic coins), Modern period, 6.
Mitochondrial microsatellite markers for the Australian ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria sp. A (Hydnangiaceae)
Authors: Sheedy Elizabeth M. , Van de Wouw Angela P. , Howlett Barbara J. , May Tom W.
Published: February 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria sp. A to investigate the population genetic structure of this fungal symbiont across its fragmented distribution in southeastern Australia.

• Methods and Results: A partial genome sequence from an individual collection of Laccaria sp. A was obtained by 454 genome sequencing. Eight microsatellite markers were selected from 66 loci identified in the genome. The selected markers were highly polymorphic (4–19 alleles per locus, average 13 alleles) and amplified reproducibly from collections made across the distribution of this species. Five of these markers also amplified reproducibly in the sister species Laccaria sp. E (1). All eight of the selected microsatellite loci were from the mitochondrial genome.

• Conclusions: The highly polymorphic markers described here will enable population structure of Laccaria sp. A to be determined, contributing to research on mycorrhizal fungi from a novel distribution.
Exploring Structural and Dynamical Properties Microtubules by Means of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Pizzi R. , Fiorentini S. , Strini G. , Pregnolato M.
Published: February 2014

Microtubules (MTs) are cylindrical polymers of the tubulin dimer, are constituents of all eukaryotic cells cytoskeleton and are involved in key cellular functions and are claimed to be involved as sub-cellular information or quantum information communication systems. The authors evaluated some biophysical properties of MTs by means of specific physical measures of resonance and birefringence in presence of electromagnetic field, on the assumption that when tubulin and MTs show different biophysical behaviours, this should be due to their special structural properties. Actually, MTs are the closest biological equivalent to the well-known carbon nanotubes (CNTs), whose interesting biophysical and quantum properties are due to their peculiar microscopic structure. The experimental results highlighted a physical behaviour of MTs in comparison with tubulin. The dynamic simulation of MT and tubulin subjected to electromagnetic field was performed via MD tools. Their level of self-organization was evaluated using artificial neural networks, which resulted to be an effective method to gather the dynamical behaviour of cellular and non-cellular structures and to compare their physical properties.
Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Special Substrates Coated by Titanium Dioxide Nanostructured Thin Films via Sol-Gel Process
Authors: Dadvar Hamid , Ghodsi Farhad E. , Dadvar Saeed
Published: February 2014

In this chapter, the sol-gel made titanium dioxide nanostructured thin films deposited on special substrates such as glasses, mica, steels, textiles, fibers, and other organic/inorganic substrates were reviewed. Through this review, several distinctive properties such as optical, electrical, photocatalytic, morphological, and mechanical properties of TiO2 nanostructured thin films were described. Also, a wide range of practical application of TiO2 nanostructured thin films such as dye-sensitised solar cells, optical coatings, humidity and gas sensors, selfcleaning, dielectric, and antibacterial surfaces were discussed in details. Dip and spin coating techniques were demonstrated as suitable methods for deposition of thin films. It has been shown that properties of such films can be affected by type of coating technique, stabilizer, precursor material, solvents, pH and viscosity of precursor solution, aging, and etc. Finally, Successive Interference Fringes Method (SIFM) was presented as a simple method for the determination of optical constants and thickness of TiO2 thin films from single transmission measurements.
Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Okada Yoshitaka , Yoshida Katsuhisa , Shoji Yasushi
Published: February 2014

Advanced concepts for high efficiency solar cells such as hot carrier effects, Multi-Exciton Generation (MEG), and Intermediate-Band (IB) absorption in low-dimensional nanostructures are under focused research topics in recent years. Among various potential approaches, this chapter is devoted to the device physics and development of the state-of-the-art technologies for quantum dot-based IB solar cells.
High-Performance Computing for Theoretical Study of Nanoscale and Molecular Interconnects
Authors: Topaloglu Rasit O. , Manjari Swati R. , Nayak Saroj K.
Published: February 2014

Interconnects in semiconductor integrated circuits have shrunk to nanoscale sizes. This size reduction requires accurate analysis of the quantum effects. Furthermore, improved low-resistance interconnects need to be discovered that can integrate with biological and nanoelectronic systems. Accurate system-scale simulation of these quantum effects is possible with high-performance computing (HPC), while high cost and poor feasibility of experiments also suggest the application of simulation and HPC. This chapter introduces computational nanoelectronics, presenting real-world applications for the simulation and analysis of nanoscale and molecular interconnects, which may provide the connection between molecules and silicon-based devices. We survey computational nanoelectronics of interconnects and analyze four real-world case studies: 1) using graphical processing units (GPUs) for nanoelectronic simulations; 2) HPC simulations of current flow in nanotubes; 3) resistance analysis of molecular interconnects; and 4) electron transport improvement in graphene interconnects. In conclusion, HPC simulations are promising vehicles to advance interconnects and study their interactions with molecular/biological structures in support of traditional experimentation.
Design of Implantable Antennas for Medical Telemetry
Authors: Kiourti Asimina , Nikita Konstantina S.
Published: February 2014

Implantable Medical Devices (IMDs) with wireless telemetry functionalities in the radio-frequency (RF) range are recently attracting significant scientific interest for medical prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. One of the most crucial challenges for IMDs is the design of the integrated implantable antenna which enables bidirectional wireless communication between the IMD and exterior monitoring/control equipment. In this paper, a parametric model of a miniature implantable antenna is initially proposed, which can be adjusted to suit any antenna design and implantation scenario requirements in hand. Dependence of the resonance, radiation, and safety performance of implantable antennas upon (a) operation frequency, (b) tissue anatomy and dielectric properties, and (c) implantation site is further studied. Simulations are carried out: (a) at 402, 433, 868 and 915 MHz considering a 13-tissue anatomical head model, (b) at 402 MHz considering five head models (3- and 5-layer spherical, 6-, 10- and 13-tissue anatomical) and seven dielectric parameter scenarios (variations ±20% in the reference permittivity and conductivity values), and (c) at 402 MHz considering 3-layer canonical models of the human head, arm, and trunk. The study provides valuable insight into the design of implantable antennas. Finite Element and Finite Difference Time Domain numerical solvers are used.
Robust Integral of NN and Error Sign Control for Nanomanipulation Using AFM
Authors: Yang Qinmin , Lu Jiangang
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a novel control methodology for automatically manipulating nano particles on the substrate by using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The interactive forces and dynamics between the tip, particle and substrate are modeled and analyzed including the roughness effect of the substrate. Further, the control signal is designed to consist of the robust integral of a neural network (NN) output plus the sign of the error feedback signal multiplied with an adaptive gain. Using the NN-based adaptive force controller, the task of pushing nano particles is demonstrated in simulation environment. Finally, the asymptotical tracking performance of the closed-loop system, boundedness of the NN weight estimates and applied forces are shown by using the Lyapunov-based stability analysis.
Computer Simulations of Solar Energy Systems
Authors: Gasmelseed Akram
Published: February 2014

In recent years, computer simulation has become a standard tool for analyzing solar energy systems. The interaction of light with nanoscale matter can provide greater functionality for photonic devices and render unique information about their structural and dynamical properties. As the field of nanophotonics continues to experience phenomenal growth at both the fundamental research and applications level, computational modeling is essential both for interpreting experiments and for suggesting new directions – for example, in designing of thin-film photovoltaic cells. The demand for computer simulation continues to increase as researchers and developers tackle the tough challenges of designing new generation devices and optimizing current generation devices. This chapter is devoted to the development and application of the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method to solar energy systems. In addition, new models covering the latest advances in nanophotonics technologies, as well as key improvements to the numeric solvers and new usability features, are introduced in this chapter.
The Biotic Logic of Quantum Processes and Quantum Computation
Authors: Sabelli Hector , Kauffman Louis H.
Published: February 2014

This chapter explores how the logic of physical and biological processes may be employed in the design and programing of computers. Quantum processes do not follow Boolean logic; the development of quantum computers requires the formulation of an appropriate logic. While in Boolean logic, entities are static, opposites exclude each other, and change is not creative, natural processes involve action, opposition, and creativity. Creativity is detected by changes in pattern, diversification, and novelty. Causally-generated creative patterns (Bios) are found in numerous processes at all levels of organization: recordings of presumed gravitational waves, the distribution of galaxies and quasars, population dynamics, cardiac rhythms, economic data, and music. Quantum processes show biotic patterns. Bios is generated by mathematical equations that involve action, bipolar opposition, and continuous transformation. These features are present in physical and human processes. They are abstracted by lattice, algebras, and topology, the three mother structures of mathematics, which may then be considered as dynamic logic. Quantum processes as described by the Schrödinger’s equation involve action, coexisting and interacting opposites, and the causal creation of novelty, diversity, complexity and low entropy. In addition to ‘economic’ (not entropy producing) reversible gates (the current goal in the design of quantum gates), irreversible, entropy generating, gates may contribute to quantum computation, because quantum measurements, as well as creation and decay, are irreversible processes.
Nanorobot-Based Handling and Transfer of Individual Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Bartenwerfer Malte , Fatikow Sergej
Published: February 2014

Presented is a new experimental implementation for well-directed handling of silicon nanowires with diameters of less than 100 nm and length of up to 10 µm. Handling device is a robotic setup of several centimeters in size and nanometer accuracy, mounted inside a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) chamber. The actual transfer of the nanowires is done by this setup from a production substrate to a different electrode substrate by using an STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscope) tungsten tip as carrier, gas based adhesive bonding, and FIB (Focused Ion Beam) assisted milling. The goal of this series is the placement on the electrodes in order to facilitate further electrical characterization measurements. The presented handling technique for nanoscale objects facilities an accurate picking and placing of individual nanowires on the one hand and a transfer over several centimeters to a complete different substrate on the other hand. Advantages, prospects and limits are investigated particularly with regard to a handling automation for applications.
On the Modeling of Carbon Nanotubes as Drug Delivery Nanocapsules
Authors: Alisafaei F. , Ansari R.
Published: February 2014

The structure of carbon nanotubes is recognized to be suitable for medical applications such as encapsulating drugs or genes with the aim of targeted deliveries. In this regard, knowing about the suction force exerted on a nonoscale object which is supposed to be sucked into a carbon nanotube, and whether the object is accepted by the carbon nanotube are important issues to be studied. In this chapter, considering the nanoscale object as a carbon nanotube, a new semi-analytical method is developed to determine the van der Waals interaction between two concentric single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Functional Properties
Authors: Prabhawathi Veluchamy , Sivakumar Ponnurengam Malliappan , Doble Mukesh
Published: February 2014

A nanoparticle is defined as a small object between 1 and 100 nanometer in size and has a large surface to volume ratio. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could be synthesized using various chemical and physical processes. However, these methods lead to hazardous by-products. In the recent past, AgNPs are produced by biological means. The size, shape and composition of AgNPs have significant effect on their biological applications. Aqueous solution of AgNP is not stable and rapidly undergoes agglomeration which is prevented by electrostatic or steric stabilization techniques with the help of capping or protective agents. The biologically synthesized nanoparticles are now favoured because it is a green alternative, mild, and does not need toxic chemicals and solvents. The scope of this review is to provide an overview of the various biological means researched for the synthesis of AgNPs, different techniques and chemicals used to develop stable solution, various techniques for their characterization, and their biological. The future research directions in this subject area are also dicussed.
Polymer-Derived Ceramics (PDCs)
Authors: Ionescu Emanuel , Mera Gabriela , Riedel Ralf
Published: February 2014

Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) represent a rather novel class of ceramics which can be synthesized via cross-linking and pyrolysis of suitable polymeric precursors. In the last decades, PDCs have been attaining increased attention due to their outstanding ultrahigh-temperature properties, such as stability with respect to decomposition and crystallization processes as well as resistance in oxidative and corrosive environments. Moreover, their creep resistance is excellent at temperatures far beyond 1000 °C. The properties of PDCs were shown to be strongly related to their microstructure (network topology) and phase composition, which are determined by the chemistry and molecular structure of the polymeric precursor used and by the conditions of the polymer-to-ceramic transformation. Within this chapter, synthesis approaches, the nano/microstructure, as well as the behavior of PDCs at ultrahigh temperatures and in harsh environments will be presented. The emphasis of the highlighted and discussed results will focus on the intimate relationship between the precursors (molecular structure/architecture) and the resulting PDCs (phase composition, nano/microstructure, and UHT properties).
Effects of Different Parameters on Delamination Factor of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP)
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Harmesh
Published: February 2014

The experimental investigations of the delamination factor of glass fiber reinforced plastic at different cutting parameters are reported in this study. This paper has involved the determination of different factors affecting the hole quality and cause of delamination in a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The various process parameters like different twist drill bits of different materails, different point angle at different speed, feed rate have been taken. The thrust forces and torque values were measured using piezoelectric dynamometer. Mathematical model has been developed for different machining conditions using Minitab software with help of Taguchi design to plan the experiments. The Universal microscope has been used which determines delaminated diameter in GFRP specimens. The finite element method has been applied by using Ansys11.0 software which helped to find out delaminated diameter. It was experimentally observed that for the tungsten carbide and M50 drill bits, the thrust force and torque significant increases on increasing the point angle and feed rate.
Studies on Gymnemic Acids Nanoparticulate Formulations against Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ravichandran R.
Published: February 2014

The solid dosage forms of Gymnemic acid nanoparticulate formulations developed earlier were tested for anti-diabetic activity and hypoglycemic activity. Glucose, insulin and various biochemical parameters were monitored from blood samples of rats to study the efficacy of these formulations. The nano-formulations exhibited significant anti-hyperglycemic activity and produced substantial hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels (mg/dL) in glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats after dosing with Gymnemic acids nano-formulations were 79 to 98, as against 105 in the control after 3 hours. Hypoglycemic activity of Gymnemic acids nano-formulations ranged between 63 to 66 (Blood glucose concentration, mg/dL) as against 80 in the control. Biochemical parameters studied also supported the above observations. The study clearly shows that gymnemic acid nanoparticulate formulations developed may be a better therapeutic adjunctive option for diabetes mellitus in humans.
Strategy and Policy Issues Related to Nanotechnology Innovations in Medical Education
Authors: Chachibaia Tamar
Published: February 2014

Nanotechnology, the science of building devices at the molecular and atomic levels, is finding applications in many fields. From computing to communication and to drug delivery, it continues to provide a new dimension on what science can deliver to the society. In this chapter, the author examines the strategy and policy issues affecting innovations in nanotechnology with specific focus on medical education. The field of nanotechnology is broad and encompasses a variety of disciplines, including the physical sciences, engineering, and biomedicine; consequently, an educational system that focuses on any single discipline will not provide adequate training. So, creating an environment in which students can obtain an interdisciplinary education is necessary. That will shape their perspectives as well as position them to creatively use the potentials of the technology to advance science and human society.
Selective Pick-and-Place of Thin Film by Robotic Micromanipulation
Authors: Sauvet Bruno , Boukhicha Mohamed , Balan Adrian , Hwang Gilgueng , Taverna Dario , Shukla Abhay , Régnier Stéphane
Published: February 2014

Micro-engineering is increasingly interested in the use of thin films with thicknesses of less than 20nm. Before integrating these promising materials into complex Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (NEMS), their properties must be characterized. They must be transferred onto specific substrates for analysis. Current manipulation techniques are not suitable for the transfer of these thin films as they do not allow selection of the parts of the object that must be manipulated, and the quality of the sample is altered by traces of chemical residues. To perform the transfer of a selected thin film without modifying its properties, this paper presents a novel approach based on local gluing. This method has been validated by experiments performed on graphite films. Successful transfers of thin films of 4.2 × 4.7 µm2 to 70 × 12 µm2 with an estimated thickness of between 10 and 40 layers have been demonstrated. Limits of this technique are discussed.
Built-In Self Repair for Logic Structures
Authors: Koal Tobias , Vierhaus Heinrich T.
Published: February 2014

For several years, many authors have predicted that nano-scale integrated devices and circuits will have a rising sensitivity to both transient and permanent faults effects. Essentially, there seems to be an emerging demand for building highly dependable hardware / software systems from unreliable components. Most of the effort has so far gone into the detection and compensation of transient fault effects. More recently, also the possibility of repairing permanent faults, due to either production flaws or to wear-out effects after some time of operation in the field of application, needs further investigation. While built-in self test (BIST) and even self repair (BISR) for regular structures such as static memories (SRAMs) is well understood, concepts for in-system repair of irregular logic and interconnects are few and mainly based on field-programmable gate-arrays (FPGAs) as the basic implementation. In this chapter, the authors try to analyse different schemes of logic (self-) repair with respect to cost and limitations, using repair schemes that are not based on FPGAs. It can be shown that such schemes are feasible, but need lot of attention in terms of hidden single points of failure.
Fabrication of Nanoelectrodes by Cutting Carbon Nanotubes Assembled by Di-Electrophoresis Based on Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Zhao Zengxu , Tian Xiaojun , Dong Zaili , Xu Ke
Published: February 2014

Presented is a new fabrication method for CNT (Carbon NanoTubes) nanoelectrode pairs by combining the DEP (Di-electrophoresis) and AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) lithography. The single CNT is driven and electrically connected with the microeletrodes by the DEP force,then cut into nanoeletrode pairs with AFM tip. The fabricated CNT nanoeletrode pairs can be used as probes to detect species in micro-environment and applied in electrochemical sensors.
Logistic vs. W-Lambert Information in Modeling Enzyme Kinetics at Quantum Level
Authors: Putz Mihai V. , Putz Ana-Maria
Published: February 2014

The logistic temporal solution of the generalized Michaelis-Menten kinetics is employed to provide a quantum basis for the tunneling time and energy evaluations of Brownian enzymic reactions. The mono-substrate and mixed inhibition cases are treated and the associated quantum diagrams of the reaction mechanisms are depicted in terms of intermediate enzyme complexes. The methodology is suited for practically controlling of the enzymic activity throughout absorption spectroscopy.
CuInGaSe Based Thin Films for Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Authors: Efstathiadis Harry , Filios Adam
Published: February 2014

The authors present a brief overview of thin film photovoltaics, focusing on technologies that could play an important role in the manufacturing of next generation of solar cells. Over the past decade, there have been tremendous research and development efforts worldwide, to address the issues and challenges that thin film photovoltaic technologies are facing. Recently however, there has been great hope that advances in nanotechnology may open the door for breakthroughs in photovoltaics research. In particular, significant opportunities exist in the area of nanostructured materials, fueled by recent advances in equipment and processes that allow manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular level, thus facilitating precise fabrication techniques and device characterization at the nanometer scale. This chapter mainly focuses on two promising technologies, Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) and nanocrystalline silicon solar cells. Heterojunctions based on CIGS have been studied for several years, and have shown very stable performance in field tests.
Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Cincu Corneliu , Diacon Aurel
Published: February 2014

Conventional solar cells are usually manufactured from silicon, an inorganic material. This type of solar cell has a high efficiency, up to 40%, but these cells are using very expensive materials of a high purity and energy intensive processing techniques. This chapter is dedicated to a critical presentation of hybrid solar cells. They are a combination of both organic and inorganic nanostructure materials and, therefore, combine the properties and advantages of their components. Unfortunately, so far, the hybrid solar cells have a low conversion efficiency of the sunlight, 6-7% (Kim, et al., 2007).
Evaluation of changes in zooplankton community and water quality parameters in the Polhena reef ecosystem observed during November 2010 to February 2011
Authors: Manikarachchi M.I.U. , Kumara P.B.T.P. , Iroshanie R.G.A.
Published: February 2014

This study provides baseline information on physico-chemical parameters and the zooplankton community at the Polhena reef, from November 2010 to February 2011, the months of the second inter monsoon to north east monsoon. Water samples were collected from seven stations at 15 day intervals for measurement of physico-chemical parameters and identification and quantification of zooplanktons. The results were; average salinity 28.8 - 35.4ppt, total dissolved solids 29.56 - 39.23 g/L, dissolved oxygen 7.35 - 10.36 mg/L, biological oxygen demand 0.32 - 1.95 mg/L, total hardness 5012 - 5816 mg/L and pH 8. Highest average phosphate concentration was recorded in the dry season as 0.8 mg/L. Highest average nitrite concentration was recorded as 0.063 mg/L in mid December. Though no significant changes were recorded in average DO levels, water temperature, BOD levels, salinities, TDS, TSS and TH levels, pH, and NO2- and PO4-3 concentrations at different stations, their temporal changes at each site were significant. The highest average total zooplankton abundance was recorded as 45,638.14 individuals/m3 on February 01, 2011 and that of the lowest was recorded as 6,507.71 individuals/m3 on December 01, 2010. The zooplankton community was ientified to occupy 17 groups, dominated by copepods, crustacean nauplii and foraminiferans. Their relative abundances were calculated as percentages and copepods made up to about 96% at station 3 in February which was the highest of any group at any station. Nauplii stages, foraminiferans and veliger larvae, peaked at different stations.Journal of the University of Ruhuna 2013 1(2): 9-17
Towards understanding (religious) (in)tolerance in education
Authors: Potgieter Ferdinand J. , Van der Walt Johannes L. , Wolhuter Charste C.
Published: February 2014

In recent years, schools and education authorities world wide have been paying increasing attention to issues surrounding diversity and religious (in)tolerance. The term ‘tolerance’ is, however, clouded by considerable confusion and vagueness. This article seeks to contribute to recent scholarly attempts at understanding (religious) tolerance and the term that denotes it. After a brief semantic analysis of the term ‘tolerance’, arguments concerning the onticity of tolerance as phenomenon or entity are discussed. By examining its onticity we explore and explain some of the essential features of tolerance. The article ends with a brief discussion of some of the implications of our examination that we foresee for (religion) education.
A young patient with multisystem complications after cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Pulivarthi Swaroopa , Gurram Murali Krishna
Published: February 2014

We are describing a case of an 18-year-old male patient with cytomegalovirus (CMV) associated guillain-barre syndrome (GBS) who presented with an acute onset of generalized weakness and numbness in the extremities, dysphagia, and facial diplegia, followed by respiratory failure, which led to mechanical ventilation. He had positive immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies against CMV, and CMV polymerase chain reaction was positive with <2000 copies of deoxyribonucleic acid. Human immunodeficiency virus test was negative. He received a course of ganciclovir, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis. After improving from acute episode, patient was transferred to a rehabilitation facility for physical and occupational therapy. At the rehabilitation facility, he exhibited signs of acute abdomen with pain in the left upper quadrant secondary to peritonitis from dislodged gastrostomy tube and underwent exploratory laparotomy. During the hospital course he was found to have splenic infarct and colitis on the computed tomography of abdomen. This case showed an immunocompetent young patient with multisystem complications including guillain-barre syndrome (GBS), splenic infarct, hepatitis, and colitis due to CMV.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with PLEDs-plus due to mesalamine
Authors: Cherian Ajith , Soumya C. V. , Iype Thomas , Mathew Mini , Sandeep P. , Thadam Jessline K. , Chithra P
Published: February 2014

A 32-year-old lady developed status epilepticus and acute visual loss while on mesalamine for Crohn’s disease. Her clinical course and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). She had periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges plus (PLEDs-plus) on electroencephalogram (EEG), which responded to sodium valproate. Her vision improved from counting fingers at one-meter distance to 6/12. Though different cytotoxic drugs have been implicated as causative agents, this is the first case report of mesalamine-induced PRES. This case highlights the need for aggressive treatment of PLEDs-plus with EEG monitoring using a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug like valproate, which has contributed to the rapid reversibility of vision in PRES subjects, and the need for a thorough drug history for etiological clues.
Neurocysticercosis presenting as pseudobulbar palsy
Authors: Kumar Arinaganahalli Subbanna Praveen , Subrahmanyam Dharanitragada Krishna Suri
Published: February 2014

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic infestation of the central nervous system (CNS) and a leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. The common manifestations of NCC are seizures and headache. The NCC as a cause of pseudobulbar palsy is very unusual and not reported yet in the literature. A pseudobulbar palsy can occur in any disorder that causes bilateral corticobulbar disease. The common etiologies of pseudobulbar palsy are vascular, demyelinative, or motor neuron disease. We report a 38-year-old female patient who presented with partial seizures and pseudobulbar palsy. The MRI brain showed multiple small cysts with scolex in both the cerebral hemispheres and a giant intraparenchymal cyst. Our patient responded well to standard treatment of neurocysticercosis and antiepileptics.
Central and peripheral demyelination
Authors: Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Gulati Natasha Singh
Published: February 2014

Several conditions cause damage to the inherently normal myelin of central nervous system, perepheral nervous system or both central and perepheral nervous system and hence termed as central demyelinating diseases, perepheral demyelinating diseases and combined central and perepheral demyelinating diseases respectively. Here we analysed and foccused on the etiology, prevalance, incidence and age of these demyelinating disorders. Clinical attention and various diagnostic tests are needed to adequately assess all these possibilities.
Impact of Gender in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Relationship of FABP7 and BRN2 Expression with Overall Survival
Authors: Tan Cheng , Takayama Tatsuya , Takaoka Naohisa , Fujita Hiromi , Miyazaki Miki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the relationship between gender differences in fatty acid-binding protein7 (FABP7) and BRN2 (POU class 3 homeobox 2) expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the prognosis of patients with RCC.

Materials and Methods

immunohistochemical (IHC) staining as well as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed in renal tissues from 103 patients (83 men, mean age = 63.6 years old; 20 women, mean age = 63.1 years old) underwent radical nephrectomy from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2010. The probability of overall patient survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

FABP7 mRNA expression was more frequent in men ( P = 0.07) while BRN2 protein expression was significantly more frequent in women ( P = 0.029). In particular, FABP7 was expressed in 100% of G1 renal cell carcinoma both in mRNA and protein levels. In women, FABP7 (–) and BRN2 (+) groups had a worse prognosis both in mRNA level ( P = 0.038) and protein level ( P = 0.058). BRN2 was expressed 100% of papillary RCC both in mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that gender was a key factor in FABP7 and BRN2 expression in RCC, and the combination with FABP7 and BRN2 stratified by gender could be a new potential prognostic factor in patients with RCC.