bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of “Glow Discharge Plasma” as an External Stimulus on the Self-Assembly, Morphology and Binding Affinity of Gold Nanoparticle-Streptavidin Conjugates
Authors: Mamdouh Wael , Li Yingzhi , Shawky Sherif M. , Azzazy Hassan M. E. , Liu Chang-Jun
Published: May 2012

In this study, we investigate the influence of glow discharge plasma (GDP) on the self-assembly, morphology and binding affinity of streptavidin coated gold nanoparticles (Au-NP-SV) and biotinylated antibody (bAb) adsorbed on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to image the pre- and post-GDP treated samples. The analysis of the AFM images showed a considerable change in the aggregation and morphology of Au-NP-conjugates after treatment with GDP. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using GDP to enhance and speed-up the aggregation (sintering) of adsorbed NP biomolecular conjugates. These results show a promising route that could be generalized for other NPs and their conjugates. It can also be considered as an alternative and cheap aggregation method for controlling the binding affinity of biomolecular species on different surfaces with interesting applications.
Apoptosis Signaling Is Altered in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T Regulatory Lymphocytes in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Darmochwal-Kolarz Dorota , Saito Shigeru , Tabarkiewicz Jacek , Kolarz Bogdan , Rolinski Jacek , Leszczynska-Gorzelak Bozena , Oleszczuk Jan
Published: May 2012

The aim of our study was to estimate the surface expressions of CD95 (APO-1/Fas) antigen and the intracellular expressions of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) as well as the percentage of CD8+CD28+ T cytotoxic cells in peripheral blood of patients with pre-eclampsia in comparison with healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of physiological pregnancy. Twenty-four women with pre-eclampsia and 20 normal third trimester pregnant women were included in the study. The lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood samples and labeled with monoclonal antibodies. The expressions of surface antigens and intracellular proteins were estimated using flow cytometry. The population of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells was significantly lower in peripheral blood of patients with pre-eclampsia when compared to normal third trimester pregnant women. The percentages of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells that express Bcl-2 protein were significantly lower in peripheral blood of patients with pre-eclampsia when compared to healthy pregnant women, whereas the percentages of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells with the expressions of Bax protein did not differ in both groups. Moreover, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of Bcl-2 protein in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells was significantly lower and MFI of Bax protein significantly higher in pre-eclampsia when compared to the control group. The percentage of CD8+CD28+ T cells did not differ in both studied groups but MFI of CD28 antigen on T CD8+ cells was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia when compared to the control group. The obtained results suggest that the deficit of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg lymphocytes which is observed in pre-eclampsia may be associated with altered apoptosis signaling in Tregs.
State of the Art in Silico Tools for the Study of Signaling Pathways in Cancer
Authors: Villaamil Vanessa Medina , Gallego Guadalupe Aparicio , Cainzos Isabel Santamarina , Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Aparicio Luis M. Antón
Published: May 2012

In the last several years, researchers have exhibited an intense interest in the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that have crucial roles during embryonic development. Interestingly, the malfunctioning of these signaling pathways leads to several human diseases, including cancer. The chemical and biophysical events that occur during cellular signaling, as well as the number of interactions within a signaling pathway, make these systems complex to study. In silico resources are tools used to aid the understanding of cellular signaling pathways. Systems approaches have provided a deeper knowledge of diverse biochemical processes, including individual metabolic pathways, signaling networks and genome-scale metabolic networks. In the future, these tools will be enormously valuable, if they continue to be developed in parallel with growing biological knowledge. In this study, an overview of the bioinformatics resources that are currently available for the analysis of biological networks is provided.
Effect of Calcium and Potassium on Antioxidant System of Vicia faba L. Under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Siddiqui Manzer H. , Al-Whaibi Mohamed H. , Sakran Ahmed M. , Basalah Mohammed O. , Ali Hayssam M.
Published: May 2012

Cadmium (Cd) in soil poses a major threat to plant growth and productivity. In the present experiment, we studied the effect of calcium (Ca2+) and/or potassium (K+) on the antioxidant system, accumulation of proline (Pro), malondialdehyde (MDA), and content of photosynthetic pigments, cadmium (Cd) and nutrients, i.e., Ca2+ and K+ in leaf of Vicia faba L. (cv. TARA) under Cd stress. Plants grown in the presence of Cd exhibited reduced growth traits [root length (RL) plant−1, shoot length (SL) plant−1, root fresh weight (RFW) plant−1, shoot fresh weight (SFW) plant−1, root dry weight (RDW) plant−1 and shoot dry weight (SDW) plant−1] and concentration of Ca2+, K+, Chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b content, except content of MDA, Cd and (Pro). The antioxidant enzymes [peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] slightly increased as compared to control under Cd stress. However, a significant improvement was observed in all growth traits and content of Ca2+, K+, Chl a, Chl b ,Pro and activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), POD and SOD in plants subjected to Ca2+ and/or K+. The maximum alleviating effect was recorded in the plants grown in medium containing Ca2+ and K+ together. This study indicates that the application of Ca2+ and/or K+ had a significant and synergistic effect on plant growth. Also, application of Ca2+ and/or K+ was highly effective against the toxicity of Cd by improving activity of antioxidant enzymes and solute that led to the enhanced plant growth of faba bean plants.
Observation of 1,3-Diketones Formation in the Reaction of Bulky Acyl Chlorides with Methyllithium
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Nianfa , Yang Liwen
Published: May 2012

The formation of 1,3-diketones was observed in the reactions of bulky acyl chlorides with methyllithium. The reaction products depend on the steric hindrance around the carbonyl group of the acyl chloride and the electronic effect of the group(s) linked to the carbonyl. When the steric hindrance around the carbonyl group of the acyl chloride is big enough, the 1,3-diketone is the only product. In the case of the moderate hindrance around the carbonyl group of the acyl chloride, a moderate yield of 1,3-diketone is obtained and some tertiary alcohol is generated. When there is no steric hindrance around the carbonyl group of the acyl chloride, the tertiary alcohol is the only product. When the steric hindrance around the carbonyl group is moderate and an electron-donating group is connected to the carbonyl of the acyl chloride, all three products—ketone, 1,3-diketone and tertiary alcohol—can be isolated from the reaction mixture after long reaction times.
Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Thermal Analysis, Magnetic Properties and Biological Activity Studies of Cu(II) and Co(II) Complexes with Schiff Base Dye Ligands
Authors: Ahmadi Raziyeh Arab , Amani Saeid
Published: May 2012

Three azo group-containing Schiff base ligands, namely 1-{3-[(3-hydroxy-propylimino)methyl]-4-hydroxyphenylazo}-4-nitrobenzene (2a), 1-{3-[(3-hydroxypropyl-imino)methyl]-4-hydroxyphenylazo}-2-chloro-4-nitrobenzene (2b) and 1-{3-[(3-hydroxy-propylimino)methyl]-4-hydroxyphenylazo}-4-chloro-3-nitrobenzene (2c) were prepared. The ligands were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, 13C- and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Next the corresponding copper(II) and cobalt(II) metal complexes were synthesized and characterized by the physicochemical and spectroscopic methods of elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic moment measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and (DSC). The room temperature effective magnetic moments of complexes are 1.45, 1.56, 1.62, 2.16, 2.26 and 2.80 B.M. for complexes 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a 4b, and 4c, respectively, indicating that the complexes are paramagnetic with considerable electronic communication between the two metal centers.
CMEIAS-Aided Microscopy of the Spatial Ecology of Individual Bacterial Interactions Involving Cell-to-Cell Communication within Biofilms
Authors: Dazzo Frank B.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes how the quantitative analytical tools of CMEIAS image analysis software can be used to investigate in situ microbial interactions involving cell-to-cell communication within biofilms. Various spatial pattern analyses applied to the data extracted from the 2-dimensional coordinate positioning of individual bacterial cells at single-cell resolution indicate that microbial colonization within natural biofilms is not a spatially random process, but rather involves strong positive interactions between communicating cells that influence their neighbors’ aggregated colonization behavior. Geostatistical analysis of the data provide statistically defendable estimates of the micrometer scale and interpolation maps of the spatial heterogeneity and local intensity at which these microbial interactions autocorrelate with their spatial patterns of distribution. Including in situ image analysis in cell communication studies fills an important gap in understanding the spatially dependent microbial ecophysiology that governs the intensity of biofilm colonization and its unique architecture.
Quartz Crystal Microbalance Aptasensor for Sensitive Detection of Mercury(II) Based on Signal Amplification with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Zong-Mu , Zhao Guang-Chao
Published: May 2012

We show that a short mercury-specific aptamer (MSA) along with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) can be used to determine Hg(II) ion by a combination of a QCM-based sensor and a flow system. The MSA binds specifically to Hg(II), and the Au-NPs can amplify the signal to enhance sensitivity. Specifically, the short thiolated MSAs are immobilized on the surface of the QCM as the capture probe, and the MSAs are linked to the Au-NPs as the linking probe. The two components can form a sandwich structure of the T-Hg(II)-T type in the presence of Hg(II) ions. This leads to change in the mass on the QCM and a change in the resonance frequency. Hg(II) can be determined with a detection limit of 0.24 ± 0.06 nM which is better by three orders of magnitude than previous methods. The sensor can be regenerated by disrupting the T-Hg(II)-T base pairs with a solution of cysteine.
Passive Fluidic Chip Composed of Integrated Vertical Capillary Tubes Developed for On-Site SPR Immunoassay Analysis Targeting Real Samples
Authors: Horiuchi Tsutomu , Miura Toru , Iwasaki Yuzuru , Seyama Michiko , Inoue Suzuyo , Takahashi Jun-ichi , Haga Tsuneyuki , Tamechika Emi
Published: May 2012

We have successfully developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement system for the on-site immunoassay of real samples. The system is composed of a portable SPR instrument (290 mm(W) x 160 mm(D) x 120 mm(H)) and a microfluidic immunoassay chip (16 mm(W) x 16 mm(D) x 4 mm(H)) that needs no external pump system. An integrated vertical capillary tube functions as a large volume (150 μL ) passive pump and a waste reservoir that has sufficient capacity for several refill operations. An immunoassay was carried out that employed the direct injection of a buffer and a test sample in sequence into a microfluidic chip that included 9 antibody bands and 10 reference reagent bands immobilized in the flow channel. By subtracting a reliable averaged reference sensorgram from the antibody, we effectively reduced the influence of the non-specific binding, and then our chip successfully detected the specific binding of spiked IgG in non-homogeneous milk. IgG is a model antigen that is certain not to be present in non-homogeneous milk, and non-homogeneous milk is a model of real sample that includes many interfering foreign substances that induce non-specific binding. The direct injection of a real sample with no pretreatment enabled us to complete the entire immunoassay in several minutes. This ease of operation and short measuring time are acceptable for on-site agricultural, environmentaland medical testing.
Personal Pervasive Environments: Practice and Experience
Authors: Ballesteros Francisco J. , Guardiola Gorka , Soriano Enrique
Published: May 2012

In this paper we present our experience designing and developing two different systems to enable personal pervasive computing environments, Plan B and the Octopus. These systems were fully implemented and have been used on a daily basis for years. Both are based on synthetic (virtual) file system interfaces and provide mechanisms to adapt to changes in the context and reconfigure the system to support pervasive applications. We also present the main differences between them, focusing on architectural and reconfiguration aspects. Finally, we analyze the pitfalls and successes of both systems and review the lessons we learned while designing, developing, and using them.
A SURVEY ON METHODS FOR RECONSTRUCTING SURFACES FROM UNORGANIZED POINT SETS / PAVIRŠIŲ REKONSTRUKCIJOS IŠ NESTRUKTŪRIZUOTŲ TAŠKŲ RINKINIŲ METODŲ APŽVALGA
Authors: Matiukas Vilius
Published: May 2012

This paper addresses the issue of reconstructing and visualizing surfaces from unorganized point sets. These can be acquired using different techniques, such as 3D-laser scanning, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and multi-camera imaging. The problem of reconstructing surfaces from their unorganized point sets is common for many diverse areas, including computer graphics, computer vision, computational geometry or reverse engineering. The paper presents three alternative methods that all use variations in complementary cones to triangulate and reconstruct the tested 3D surfaces. The article evaluates and contrasts three alternatives.
BOTNET PROPAGATION VIA PUBLIC WEBSITED DETECTION ALGORITHM / BOTNET PLITIMO VIEŠUOSE INTERNETO TINKLUOSE APTIKIMO ALGORITMAS
Authors: Juknius Jonas , Čenys Antanas
Published: May 2012

The networks of compromised and remotely controlled computers (bots) are widely used in many Internet fraudulent activities, especially in the distributed denial of service attacks. Brute force gives enormous power to bot masters and makes botnet traffic visible; therefore, some countermeasures might be applied at early stages. Our study focuses on detecting botnet propagation via public websites. The provided algorithm might help with preventing from massive infections when popular web sites are compromised without spreading visual changes used for malware in botnets.
SPEAKER LOCALIZATION AND SPEECH SEPARATIONIN TWO ECHOIC MIXTURES / KALBĖTOJO APTIKIMAS IR ŠNEKOS IŠSKYRIMAS DVIEJŲ SIGNALŲ MIŠINIUOSE SU AIDU
Authors: Kasprzak Włodzimierz , Ding Ning , Hamada Nozomu
Published: May 2012

We are developing two crucial improvements on the time-frequency masking approach to the blind speech separation of underdetermined mixtures when processing anechoic and echoic mixtures. First, the proposed method copes with the usually large amount of delay estimation error that appears in a low frequency band. This step generates a restrictive mask for phase delays on the basis of local and global energy distribution analysis. This mask allows the selected cells to contribute to the orientation histogram. Second, the strong WDO assumption (disjoint orthogonal frequency domain) is relaxed by allowing some frequency bins to be shared by both sources. By detecting fundamental frequencies of speakers at instantaneous time points, mask creation is supported by exploring their harmonic frequencies. The proposed method is proved to be effective and reliable in conducting experiments with both simulated and real-life mixtures.
ESTIMATION OF OTOACOUSTIC EMISION SIGNALS BY USING SYNCHRONEOUS AVERAGING METHOD / OTOAKUSTINĖS EMISIJOS SIGNALŲ ĮVERTINIMAS PANAUDOJANT SINCHRONINĮ VIDURKINIMĄ
Authors: Sankauskas Linas , Petrėnas Andrius , Marozas Vaidotas
Published: May 2012

The study presents the investigation results of synchro­nous averaging method and its application in estimation of impulse evoked otoacoustic emission signals (IEOAE). The method was analyzed using synthetic and real signals. Synthetic signals were modeled as the mixtures of deterministic compo­nent with noise realizations. Two types of noise were used: normal (Gaussian) and transient impulses dominated (Lapla­cian). Signal to noise ratio was used as the signal quality measure after processing. In order to account varying amplitude of deterministic component in the realizations weighted aver­aging method was investigated. Results show that the perfor­mance of synchronous averaging method is very similar in case of both types of noise Gaussian and Laplacian. Weighted aver­aging method helps to cope with varying deterministic component or noise level in case of nonhomogenous ensembles as is the case in IEOAE signal.
INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR STRAIN MEASUREMENT / ELEKTRONINIŲ ĮTAISŲ TYRIMAS DEFORMACIJOMS MATUOTI
Authors: Masiulionis Ričardas
Published: May 2012

Importance of strain measuring for safety of buildings is shown. The strain monitoring should be one of the buildings security systems. Often used balanced and non-balanced Wheatstone bridge strain measurement methods are analyzed. The Wheatstone bridge method with feedback is improved. A new method based on small resistance changes by the digital balancing currents is presented. Computer and experimental models of measurement are investigated. The received results confirm theoretical assumptions.
CONSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH OF SYSTEM IDENTIFIABLE MATHEMATICAL MODELS / IDENTIFIKUOTINOS SISTEMOS MATEMATINIO MODELIO SUDARYMAS IR TYRIMAS
Authors: Janickas Robertas
Published: May 2012

Paper discusses about control and data acquisition, processing, visualization, which must be adapted to the investigation and examination of identification process. A description of the device, the functionality and customization possibilities are presented. The relevant experimental model and its characteristics are obtained for measurement, control results using this model.
PARALLEL SYNTHESIS OF MULTICONDUCTOR MICROSTRIP LINES / LYGIAGREČIOJI DAUGIALAIDŽIŲ MIKROJUOSTELINIŲ LINIJŲ SINTEZĖ
Authors: Pomarnacki Raimondas , Krukonis Audrius
Published: May 2012

The parallel technique for the synthesis of the multiconductor microstrip lines (MML) is presented in this article. Main parameter of the synthesised MML is characteristic impedance, variable parameters: width of the conductors, space between conductors, the thick of dielectric substrate and its permittivity. Authors’ created parallel algorithm is used in this technique, wherein analysis operations are distributed among cluster nodes. The MML model created using the finite difference method. To reduce analysis area it is assumed, what MML is infinite and periodic. Proposed technique was realized and proved in the sixteen nodes cluster. Cluster is based on Mpich2 software. Proved, that synthesis error is less than 1 %. Characteristics of the synthesised MML, compared with characteristics which calculated with other methods differ less than 6 %. It may be noted that, performance coefficient of the parallel synthesis algorithm is growing linear when cluster has no more than 16 nodes. Linear growth of performance coefficient demonstrates that adding more nodes to cluster reduce execution time of the synthesis.
Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Encephalitis: A Review of Current Disease Management with Three Case Reports
Authors: Skelly Michael J , Burger Andrew A , Adekola Oritsegbubemi
Published: May 2012

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of lethal sporadic encephalitis. Despite improved therapy with intraveneous acyclovir, HSV-1 encephalitis is associated with persistent severe neurological deficits. We report three cases of adult patients with HSV-1 encephalitis (HSE), discuss the current accepted guidelines for treatment as published by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and review the literature pertaining to HSE. Our case presentations are consistent with the literature review noting a broad spectrum of clinical outcomes with HSE. We include the first published case of successful early transition to oral antiviral therapy. In the other two cases, repeat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed persistent lymphocytic pleocytosis necessitating prolonged viral suppression. Long-term neurological sequelae were noted in these two patients. The IDSA recommendation of 2–3 weeks of intraveneous acyclovir at 10 mg/kg every 8 h, depending on the clinical course, is sufficient for most cases of HSE. We recommend individualization of duration of treatment based on follow-up CSF analysis with quantification of HSV-1.
Quelle rhétorique pour les articles scientifiques ?
Authors: Labrosse Pierre
Published: May 2012

Cet article présente une grille d’analyse rhétorique qui devrait pouvoir s’appliquer aux articles de recherche en informatique et aussi, nous l’espérons, dans d’autres domaines scientifiques. Nous exposons d’abord les trois concepts essentiels de l’analyse textuelle, théorie sur laquelle se fonde notre analyse rhétorique, c.-à-d. les présupposés, le paragraphe conceptuel et le tableau de la démarche rhétorique. Ensuite nous affinons les définitions de cinq fonctions rhétoriques générales issues de ce tableau et en ajoutons une nouvelle. Dans la dernière partie, nous dégageons les deux principales difficultés de cette approche : difficulté d’identifier les fonctions rhétoriques générales et difficulté de trouver des paragraphes conceptuels qui soient gouvernés par une seule de ces fonctions. Ces difficultés nous conduisent à définir de façon plus générale le paragraphe conceptuel et à le situer de façon plus précise dans le tableau de la démarche rhétorique et le plan IMRED.
Properties of Flicker ERGs in Rat Models with Retinal Degeneration
Authors: An Jing , Guo Qun , Li Li , Zhang Zuoming
Published: May 2012

Purpose. To describe the characteristics of rod and cone functions in rat models for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) and retinal cone dysfunction (RCD).Methods. Rod and cone function were isolated by recording the rod-/cone-driven flicker and blue light flicker electroretinograms (ERGs).Results. During dark adaptation, the amplitudes of flicker ERGs in CSNB rats were lower than those in control rats; the responses of RCD rats were similar to control rats. During light adaptation, the amplitudes of flicker ERGs in CSNB rats were reduced; whereas the responses of RCD rats were not detected. Blue flicker ERGs were not observed in CSNB rats at lower frequencies. The cone driven critical flicker frequencies (CFFs) in control rats were 62 Hz. The rod driven CFF of RCD rats was 20 Hz; whereas the rod-/cone-driven CFF of CSNB rats both were about 25 Hz.Conclusions. The function of the rod system was damaged completely, the cones were the source of vision in CSNB rats. Rod system function is excellent in RCD rat. The rods of albinism rats are sensitive to frequencies less than 20 Hz; whereas the cones are sensitive to frequencies up to 62 Hz.
Bifurcation of Sign-Changing Solutions for m-Point Boundary Value Problems
Authors: An Yulian , Han Maoan
Published: May 2012

With the help of bifurcation techniques, some multiplicity results and global structure for sign-changing solutions of some m-point boundary value problems are obtained when the nonlinear term is sublinear at 0.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Spectroscopic Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Talam Satyanarayana , Karumuri Srinivasa Rao , Gunnam Nagarjuna
Published: May 2012

ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized by precipitation method from Zinc nitrate. The powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, UV-vis optical absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy analyses. XRD patterns showed that ZnO nanoparticles have hexagonal unit cell structure. SEM and TEM pictures reveal the morphology and particle size of prepared ZnO nanoparticles. The UV-vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption band at 355 nm due to ZnO nanoparticles. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibits two emission peaks one at 392 nm corresponding to band gap excitonic emission and another located at 520 nm due to the presence of singly ionized oxygen vacancies. The synthesis method has potential for application in manufacturing units due to ease processing and more economical reagents.
Avoiding or Promoting Graphite in Carbon-Rich Chromium-Containing CoNiFer Cast Alloys—Part 2: Microstructures of the Elaborated Alloys
Authors: Hestin Ophélie , Souaillat Elise , Dia Ahmed , Ba Moussa , Berthod Patrice
Published: May 2012

Nine M-xCr-yC ternary alloys, three cobalt based, three nickel based and three iron based, were elaborated by foundry, from chemical compositions previously selected by the mean of thermodynamic calculations. They were metallographically characterized, using electron microscopy, image analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The as-cast microstructures are in rather good agreement with the ones predicted at 500 and/or 600°C, despite that the elaboration conditions did not meet any thermodynamic equilibrium criteria. Indeed, the obtained carbides and graphite fractions were close to the calculated ones, and the new chromium contents previously chosen effectively led to the expected microstructure modifications, notably almost total suppression of graphite in the nickel alloys and obtaining large fractions of carbides in the cobalt alloys. This allowed specifying the hardness evolution resulting, for these alloys, from the presence or absence of the soft graphite phase, and from the lowering or the enhancement of the carbides presence.
The Study of a Class of Pest Control Pollution Model with Stage-Structure and Time Delay
Authors: Jia Jianwen , Wu Bo
Published: May 2012

We construct a pest control pollution model with stage-structure for pests and with epidemic in the predator by spraying pesticides and
releasing susceptible predators together. We assume that only the pests and infective predators are affected by pesticide. We show that there exists a globally attractive
pest-extinction periodic solution and we get the condition of global attractiveness of the pest-extinction periodic solution by applying comparison theorem of impulsive differential equation. Further, the condition for the permanence of the system is also given.
TheEscherichia coliGcvB sRNA Uses Genetic Redundancy to ControlcycAExpression
Authors: Stauffer Lorraine T. , Stauffer George V.
Published: May 2012

TheEscherichia colisRNA GcvB regulates several genes involved in transport of amino acids and peptides (sstT, oppA, dppA, andcycA). Two regions of GcvB from nt +124 to +161 and from nt +73 to +82 are complementary with essentially the same region of thecycAmRNA. Transcriptional fusions ofcycAtolacZshowed the region ofcycAmRNA that can pair with either region of GcvB is necessary for regulation by GcvB. However, mutations in either region ofgcvBpredicted to disrupt pairing betweencycAmRNA and GcvB did not alter expression of acycA-lacZtranslational fusion. A genetic analysis identified nts in GcvB necessary for regulation of thecycA-lacZfusion. The results show that either region of GcvB complementary tocycAmRNA can basepair with and independently represscycA-lacZand both regions need to be changed to cause a significant loss of repression.
A Three-Tier Architecture for User-Centric Ubiquitous Networked Sensing
Authors: Nakazawa Jin , Tokuda Hideyuki
Published: May 2012

In a sensor network, sensor data are usually forwarded from sensor nodes to a database. This tight coupling between the nodes and the database has been complicating user-centric applications that traverse multiple different sensor networks. To break this coupling, thus enabling user-centric applications, we propose a three-tier architecture for ubiquitous networked sensing. Its major feature is that it contains the “core” device, which is assumed to be a terminal held by users between sensor nodes and sensor databases. This architecture supports the sensor data directly transmitted to and consumed by the core device, in addition to the classic ones that are transmitted to the sensor database first, and downloaded to the core. The major contribution of this paper are the following three-fold. First, we clarify the architecture itself. Researchers can leverage the architecture as the baseline of their development. Second, we show two types of prototype implementations of the core device. Industry is allowed to develop a new product for practical use of ambient sensing. Finally, we show a range of applications that are enabled by the architecture and indicate issues that need to be addressed for further investigation.
Laparoscopic Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy: The Brigham and Women's Experience
Authors: Shoni Melina , May Taymaa , Vitonis Allison F. , Garza Anjelica , Muto Michael G. , Feltmate Colleen M.
Published: May 2012

Objective. To establish short-term surgical outcomes of three-port laparoscopic risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in women with hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Methods. The medical records of all HBOC women that underwent laparoscopic RRSO between January 2001 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, operative details, and short-term surgical outcomes were obtained and subjected to SAS. Statistical univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results. 358 patients met study criteria with 277 (77.4%) carrying a documented BRCA mutation. The predominant technique utilized three ports (two 5 mm and one 10/12 mm), a 5 mm laparoscope and a 5 mm Ligasure pulsatile bipolar device. Mean operative time was 58.3 minutes (SD 22.6, 26.0–197.0), significantly affected by BMI greater than 30 (P<0.0001) and status of adhesions (P=0.001). Estimated blood loss (EBL) was negligible in 96.9% of cases. Seven patients required conversion to laparotomy. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. One-night hospital admission rate was less than 2.0% while postoperative complication rate was 3.1%. Malignancy was revealed in 14 patients (3.9%). Conclusion. In HBOC population, three-port laparoscopic RRSO is a simple, reproducible, and safe procedure with low conversion rate, short operative time, minimal EBL, low surgical morbidity, and rapid postoperative recovery.
Clinical Significance of Preterm Singleton Pregnancies Complicated by Placental Abruption following Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Compared with Those without p-PROM
Authors: Suzuki Shunji
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper was to examine the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of preterm singleton pregnancies complicated by placental abruption following preterm premature rupture of membranes (p-PROM) compared with those without p-PROM. We reviewed the obstetric records of 95 singleton deliveries complicated by placental abruption at 22–36 weeks’ gestation. The incidence of placental abruption in singleton pregnancies with p-PROM was 4.7%, and the crude odds ratio of placental abruption for women following p-PROM was 6.50 (P<0.01). Of the 95 cases of placental abruption in preterm singleton deliveries, 64 cases (67.4%) occurred without p-PROM and 31 cases (32.6%) occurred following p-PROM. The incidence of histological chorioamnionitis stage III in the patients following p-PROM was significantly higher than that in the patients without p-PROM (P=0.02). The rate of emergency Cesarean deliveries associated with nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) in the patients following p-PROM was significantly lower than that in the patients without p-PROM. However, there were no significant differences in the maternal and neonatal outcomes between the patients with and without p-PROM. Although p-PROM may be one of important risk factors for placental abruption associated with chorioamnionitis, it may not influence the perinatal outcomes in preterm placental abruption.
The Major Histocompatibility Complex in Bovines: A Review
Authors: Behl Jyotsna Dhingra , Verma N. K. , Tyagi Neha , Mishra Priyanka , Behl Rahul , Joshi B. K.
Published: May 2012

Productivity in dairy cattle and buffaloes depends on the genetic factors governing the production of milk and milk constituents as well as genetic factors controlling disease resistance or susceptibility. The immune system is the adaptive defense system that has evolved in vertebrates to protect them from invading pathogens and also carcinomas. It is remarkable in the sense that it is able to generate an enormous variety of cells and biomolecules which interact with each other in numerous ways to form a complex network that helps to recognize, counteract, and eliminate the apparently limitless number of foreign invading pathogens/molecules. The major histocompatibility complex which is found to occur in all mammalian species plays a central role in the development of the immune system. It is an important candidate gene involved in susceptibility/resistance to various diseases. It is associated with intercellular recognition and with self/nonself discrimination. It plays major role in determining whether transplanted tissue will be accepted as self or rejected as foreign.
Heterogeneidad en precios explicada por la participación en actividades recreativas
Authors: Nicolau Gonzálbez Juan Luis
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to analyze the effect of distinct participation frequencies of leisure activities at and away from home on the consumer price sensitivity. The idea is that the individual price sensitivity is influenced, at the moment of choosing a destination, by the motivation that drives people to search for destinations that allow them to do specific leisure activities; these motivations condition the influence of the residual culture (through which people exhibit at destination a similar behavior to their home environment) and tourist culture (by which at the destination they change the patterns of activities they get involved in at their place of origin). For this purpose, we measure and identify individual price sensitivities individual by individual. The empirical application is carried out on a sample of 2,127 individuals, and the operative formalization used to estimate individual sensitivities to price follows a Random-Coefficient Logit Model; and to detect the way these sensitivities relate to the different participation frequencies in leisure activities, a regression procedure is employed. The results show that the residual and tourist cultures have an influence on price sensitivity, in such a way that different price sensitivities exist per participation-frequency scenario and per type of leisure activity.
Determinantes de la Competitividad Internacional en la Industria Farmacéutica
Authors: Díaz Olmeda Gabriel , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos
Published: May 2012

Nowadays, the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry has been determined by a system or networks involving a variety of factors, therefore is essential to identify them. This study identified and analyzed the variables that impact the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. We used the Model of Michael Porter for the Competitiveness operationalized with the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum and determined which factors affect the international competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry. Through a discriminant analysis, the study identified 32 determinants factors that affect the international competitiveness of this industry. Implications for companies, the pharmaceutical industry and for foreign direct investment policy were detailed in the study.
A First‐Principles Investigation of the Compositional Dependent Properties of Magnetic Shape Memory Heusler Alloys
Authors: Siewert Mario , Gruner Markus E. , Hucht Alfred , Herper Heike C. , Dannenberg Antje , Chakrabarti Aparna , Singh Navdeep , Arróyave Raymundo , Entel Peter
Published: May 2012

The interplay of structural and magnetic properties of magnetic shape memory alloys is closely related to their composition. In this study the influence of the valence electron concentration on the tetragonal transformation in Ni2Mn1 + xZ1 − x (Z = Ga, In, Sn, Sb) and Co2Ni1 + xGa1 − x is investigated by means of ab initio calculations. While the type of magnetic interaction is different for the two series, the trends of the total energy changes under a tetragonal transformation are very similar. We find that tetragonal structures become energetically preferred with respect to the cubic one as the valence electron concentration e/a is increased regardless of the system under consideration. In particular, the energy difference between the austenite and martensite structures increases linearly with e/a, which is in part responsible for the linear increase of the matensite transformation temperature. The substitution of nickel by platinum increases even further the transformation temperature.
Magnetic Domains and Twin Boundary Movement of NiMnGa Magnetic Shape Memory Crystals
Authors: Neudert Andreas , Lai Yin Wai , Schäfer Rudolf , Kustov Mikhail , Schultz Ludwig , McCord Jeffrey
Published: May 2012

Time‐resolved metallographic optical microscopy techniques are used together with magnetic domain imaging to clarify the interaction between magnetic domains and twin boundary (TB) motion in magnetic shape memory NiMnGa single crystals. The magnetic field and stress induced magnetic domain formation is imaged by a magneto‐optical indicator film technique. Reversible TB motion is visualized up to high actuation speeds. From domain observation at adjacent crystal surfaces the fundamental volume magnetic processes during strain and field induced TB motions are derived. For magnetic field induced structural reorientations a concurrent absence of magnetic domain wall motion is found. In contrast, for strain induced reorientations processes, a complete rearrangement of the magnetic domain structure by the moving TB is observed. Dynamic actuation experiments on TB motion reveal non‐linear time effects on TB mobility. In addition to training effects, the maximum field induced strain increases with actuation speed. Both effects can be interpreted as the interaction of moving twin boundaries with local non‐fixed defects. The summarized results provide key information for the understanding of the connection of magnetic and crystallographic domains in magnetic shape memory alloys and for the optimization of devices for future technical applications.
Making Li‐Air Batteries Rechargeable: Material Challenges
Authors: Shao Yuyan , Ding Fei , Xiao Jie , Zhang Jian , Xu Wu , Park Sehkyu , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Wang Yong , Liu Jun
Published: May 2012

A Li‐air battery could potentially provide three to five times higher energy density/specific energy than conventional batteries and, thus, enable the driving range of an electric vehicle to be comparable to gasoline vehicles. However, making Li‐air batteries rechargeable presents significant challenges, mostly related to the materials. Here, the key factors that influence the rechargeability of Li‐air batteries are discussed with a focus on nonaqueous systems. The status and materials challenges for nonaqueous rechargeable Li‐air batteries are reviewed. These include electrolytes, cathode (electrocatalysts), lithium metal anodes, and oxygen‐selective membranes (oxygen supply from air). A perspective for the future of rechargeable Li‐air batteries is provided.
Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence From Films of Isolated Water‐Soluble Conjugated Polymers in Hydrogen‐Bonded Matrices
Authors: Al‐Attar Hameed A. , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: May 2012

It is well known that luminescent conjugated polymers suffer serious loss of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the solid state compared to dilute solution. This is due to efficient exciton migration in the solid, which enables the excitons to readily find low energy quenching sites. Here a new method to fabricate solid films with densely packed non‐interacting luminescent polymer chains, which yield very high PLQY and more astonishingly room temperature phosphorescence, is reported. Using water‐soluble conjugated polymers (WSCP) and polymeric surfactants such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl‐pyrrolidone) (PVP), films at 1:1 wt% or higher WSCP are produced and show room temperature phosphorescence; such behavior has never been observed before and clearly shows the very high degree of chain isolation that can be achieved in these hosts. The PVA or PVP not only breaks up WSCP aggregates in solution as an effective surfactant, PVA‐PVA or PVP‐PVP hydrogen bond formation upon drying locks in the isolation of the WSCP, avoiding segregation and yielding long time stability to these polymer/polymer nanomixtures. The method is found to work with a wide variety of WSCPs.
Engineering Nano‐ and Microparticles to Tune Immunity
Authors: Moon James J. , Huang Bonnie , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: May 2012

The immune system can be a cure or cause of disease, fulfilling a protective role in attacking cancer or pathogenic microbes but also causing tissue destruction in autoimmune disorders. Thus, therapies aimed to amplify or suppress immune reactions are of great interest. However, the complex regulation of the immune system, coupled with the potential systemic side effects associated with traditional systemic drug therapies, has presented a major hurdle for the development of successful immunotherapies. Recent progress in the design of synthetic micro‐ and nano‐particles that can target drugs, deliver imaging agents, or stimulate immune cells directly through their physical and chemical properties is leading to new approaches to deliver vaccines, promote immune responses against tumors, and suppress autoimmunity. In addition, novel strategies, such as the use of particle‐laden immune cells as living targeting agents for drugs, are providing exciting new approaches for immunotherapy. This progress report describes recent advances in the design of micro‐ and nano‐particles for immunotherapies and diagnostics.
Organic Materials for Deep Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yook Kyoung Soo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: May 2012

Recently, great progress has been made in the device performance of deep blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) by developing high triplet energy charge‐transport materials, high triplet energy host and deep blue emitting phosphorescent dopant materials. A high quantum efficiency of over 25% and a high power efficiency of over 15 lm/W have already been achieved at 1000 cd m−2 in the deep blue PHOLEDs with a y color coordinate less than 0.20. In this work, recent developments in organic materials for high efficiency deep blue PHOLEDs are reviewed and a future strategy for the development of high efficiency deep blue PHOLEDs is proposed.
Access to Enantiopure α‐Alkyl‐β‐hydroxy Esters through Dynamic Kinetic Resolutions Employing Purified/Overexpressed Alcohol Dehydrogenases
Authors: Cuetos Aníbal , Rioz‐Martínez Ana , Bisogno Fabricio R. , Grischek Barbara , Lavandera Iván , de Gonzalo Gonzalo , Kroutil Wolfgang , Gotor Vicente
Published: May 2012

α‐Alkyl‐β‐hydroxy esters were obtained via dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) employing purified or crude E. coli overexpressed alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs). ADH‐A from R. ruber, CPADH from C. parapsilosis and TesADH from T. ethanolicus afforded syn‐(2R,3S) derivatives with very high selectivities for sterically not impeded ketones (‘small‐bulky’ substrates), while ADHs from S. yanoikuyae (SyADH) and Ralstonia sp. (RasADH) could also accept bulkier keto esters (‘bulky‐bulky’ substrates). SyADH also provided preferentially syn‐(2R,3S) isomers and RasADH showed in some cases good selectivity towards the formation of anti‐(2S,3S) derivatives. With anti‐Prelog ADHs such as LBADH from L. brevis or LKADH from L. kefir, syn‐(2S,3R) alcohols were obtained with high conversions and diastereomeric excess in some cases, especially with LBADH. Furthermore, due to the thermodynamically favoured reduction of these substrates, it was possible to employ just a minimal excess of 2‐propanol to obtain the final products with quantitative conversions.
One‐Dimensional Nanostructured Polyaniline: Syntheses, Morphology Controlling, Formation Mechanisms, New Features, and Applications
Authors: Wang Jingping , Zhang Donghua
Published: May 2012

One‐dimensional nanostructured polyaniline (1D nano‐PANI), including nanofibers, nanowires, nanobelts, nanotubes, nanorods, nanoneedles, and nanosticks, has been extensively studied recently due to its unique properties and many potential applications. As a continuation of our previous review on 1D nano‐PANI (D. H. Zhang and Y. Y. Wang, Mater Sci Eng B 2006, 134(1), 9–19), the research and development of 1D nano‐PANI, including both syntheses and applications, in the past 5 years (2006–2010) are reviewed in this paper. Newly invented chemical methods for fabrication of 1D nano‐PANI, such as solid‐state polymerization, seeding polymerization, UV light‐ and microwave‐assisted polymerization, plasma‐induced polymerization, porous membrane controlled polymerization, and vapor phase polymerization, are briefly reviewed, and morphology controlling of the nanostructures during several synthesizing processes are reported and discussed at first. The formation mechanisms and key factors that affect the morphology evolution of the 1D nano‐PANI are discussed. Novel features of 1D nano‐PANI, such as aligned or oriented, longer, self‐doped, chiral, derivative, carbonized, and dendritic PANI, are summarized. Finally, newly exploited applications of 1D nano‐PANI in the past few years, such as sensors (e.g., gases sensors, biosensors, moisture or humidity sensors, TNT sensors, taste sensors, and noble metal ion sensors), absorbents, catalysts, actuators, supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, electrochromic devices, hydrogen storages, surface modifiers, field‐effect transistors, and functional materials, are discussed in detail. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E323–E368, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21283
Prediction‐correction method for optimization of simulated moving bed chromatography
Authors: Bentley Jason , Kawajiri Yoshiaki
Published: May 2012

A systematic algorithm for simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography process development that utilizes dynamic optimization, transient experimental data, and parameter estimation to arrive at optimal operating conditions is described. These operating conditions ensure both high purity constraints and optimal productivity are satisfied. This algorithm proceeds until the SMB process is optimized without manual tuning. In a case study, it has been shown with a linear isotherm system that the optimal operating conditions can be reached in only two changes of operating conditions following the proposed algorithm. Another case study with a linear isotherm system has shown that the algorithm is robust to optimize the SMB even if there is significant model mismatch at first. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 736–746, 2013