bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tunability in Mechanical Properties and Fracture Toughness of Sputtered Silicon Oxynitride Thin Films for MEMS-based Infrared Detectors
Authors: Lin I-Kuan , Wu Ping-Hsin , Ou Kuang-Shun , Chen Kuo-Shen , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2010

This paper presents the mechanical characterization of the elastic modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of silicon oxynitride films (SiON) with different oxygen and nitrogen content, subjected to thermal annealing processed at 400 °C and 800 °C. The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was employed to characterize the SiON films with respect to the absorbance peak in the infrared spectrum. The nanoindentation testing showed that both the elastic modulus and hardness slightly increased after thermal annealing. Finally, the fracture toughness of the SiON films were estimated using Vickers micro-indentation tests and the result revealed that the fracture toughness decreased with increasing rapid thermal annealing (RTA) temperature and nitrogen content. We believe these results benefit microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in regards to maintaining the structural integrity and improving reliability performance.
Advanced Wet Etch Bulk Micromachining in {100} Silicon Wafers
Authors: Pal Prem , Sato Kazuo
Published: January 2010

In this work we have developed novel microfabrication processes using wet anisotropic etchants to perform advanced bulk micromachining in {100}Si wafers for the realization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures with new shapes. The etching is performed in two steps in pure and Triton-X-100 [C14H22O(C2H4O)n, n = 9-10] added 25 wt% tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solutions. The local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) is attempted after the first anisotropic etching step in order to protect the exposed silicon. Two types of structures (fixed and freestanding) are fabricated. The fixed structures contain perfectly sharp corners and edges. Thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2) is used for the fabrication of freestanding structures. Present research is an approach to fabricate advanced MEMS structures, extending the range of 3D structures fabricated by silicon wet anisotropic etching.
A Simple Technique for Sub-10 nm Planar Nanofluidic Channel Fabrication
Authors: Song Chunrong , Wang Pingshan
Published: January 2010

A simple and low-cost technique is demonstrated to fabricate sub-10 nm planar nanofluidic channels. Native oxide on silicon surface is etched with a multiple hydrofluoric (HF)-etch / SiO2-regrowth process. Shallow Si trenches with 3 nm to 24 nm depths are obtained at an etch rate of 1 nm per HF dip. The trenches are uniform with a surface r.m.s. roughness of 0.4 - 0.6 nm. A low-temperature and low-voltage anodic wafer bonding process is then used to form planar nanofluidic channels. Minimum aspect ratio (depth/width) of the fabricated sub-10 nm nanochannels is around 0.001-0.002.
A Low-Range Drift-Free Bio-compatible Pressure Sensor Based on P(VDF-TrFE) Piezoelectric Thin Film
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Reissman Timothy , Yu Fan , Kan Edwin C.
Published: January 2010

A low-range pressure sensor (0-100kPa) based on the P(VDF-TrFE) piezoelectric thin film is proposed, where the long-term drift is eliminated by operating near the piezoelectric resonance. The pressure sensor is designed for blood pressure and tissue swelling pressure monitoring. The poled 50μm±1μm P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer film is used as the sensing element, with all fabrication and assembly materials biocompatible. A modified Butterworth-Van Dyke (BVD) [1] equivalent circuit model is used to characterize the sensor behavior. The pressure sensor exhibits negligible drift in weeks of operation. The device shows a sensitivity of 0.038MHz/kPa resonance frequency shift under stress, which leads to a maximum readout change of 1.1%/kPa in the present setup.
Towards NEMS Fluid Sensors Based on Suspended Nanomaterials
Authors: Jauregui Luis Angel , Lu Hao , Lou Jun , Chen Yong
Published: January 2010

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) based on nanomaterials, especially NEMS resonators made of suspended nanowires, nanotubes or nanosheets have emerged as promising devices for many sensing applications. However, operation of such NEMS resonators in liquids is usually difficult due to strong viscous damping. Here we present our progress in developing NEMS devices based on suspended nanomaterials that can operate in liquids. We present our measurements performed on suspended metallic nanowires driven by AC currents in a magnetic field in liquids.
Application of a 3D-Continuum Theory of Dislocations to a Problems of Constrained Plastic Flow: Microbending of a Thin Film
Authors: Sandfeld Stefan , Hochrainer Thomas , Zaiser Michael
Published: January 2010

The advancing miniaturisation of e.g. microelectronic devices leads to an increasing interest in physically motivated continuum theories of plasticity in small volumes. Such theories need to be based on the averaged dynamics of dislocations. Preserving the line-like character of these defects, however, posed serious problems for the development of dislocation-based continuum theories, while continuum theories based on scalar dislocation densities necessarily stay on a phenomenological level. Within this work we apply a dislocation-based continuum theory, which is based on a physically meaningful averaging of dislocation lines, to the benchmark problem of bending of a free-standing thin film.
(Bio)degradable Urethane-Elastomers for Electrospun Vascular Grafts
Authors: Baudis Stefan , Schwarz Maria , Grasl Christian , Bergmeister Helga , Weigel Guenter , Schima Heinrich , Liska Robert
Published: January 2010

Electrospinning is a very powerful method to create cellular scaffolds for regenerative medicine – especially for artificial vascular grafts. Commercially available thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs), like Pellethane™ are FDA approved and have already shown excellent biomechanical properties as electrospun vascular grafts. In order to induce the growth of a neo artery and hence increase the long-term patency of the graft, the use of biodegradable TPUs is beneficial. Therefore we aim for the development of degradable TPUs. In preliminary studies the mechanical properties of segmented TPUs were examined. The tendencies of the properties of the compression-molded bulk materials were also found for the electrospun materials. It could also be shown that the substitution of the aromatic 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate building blocks in Pellethane™ with the aliphatic hexamethylene diisocyanate – to avoid toxic aromatic amines as degradation products - only causes minor loss of strength. To obtain degradable TPUs, our concept is to incorporate cleavable ester bonds into the polymer chain. For this purpose, lactic- and terephthalic ester-based cleavable chain extenders were used. The expected degradation products showed no cytotoxicity in-vitro. Degradation tests of polymer samples in phosphate buffered saline at elevated temperatures confirmed the degradability of the new polymers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Glycerol Sebacate) for Human Mesenchymal Response Studies
Authors: Jaafar Israd Hakim , Ammar Mohamed M. , Pearson Raymond E. , Coulter John P. , Jedlicka Sabrina S.
Published: January 2010

Cell fate modification is a critical step in preparing cells and tissues for implantation therapeutics. Novel materials possessing physical, mechanical, and chemical properties similar to those found in vivo provide a potential platform in building artificial microenvironments for therapeutic applications and well-defined biointerfaces for examining differentiation potential in stem cell biology. Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), a novel biocompatible and biodegradable elastomer is one such material. With tunable mechanical properties in the range of common soft tissue, the material provides an invaluable alternative platform for use in cell-to-substrate interaction studies. This paper describes the tunability of PGS mechanical properties based on variations in curing temperatures (130, 140, and 165 °C). We characterized the material by examining properties that include equilibrium Young's modulus (E), glass transition temperature (Tg), loss factor (tan δ), degree of crosslinking, cure kinetics, protein conformational changes, and molecular bonding compositions. Variations in PGS curing temperature provide differences in physical cues presented to the hMSCs, and work is underway to examine the cellular responses of these hMSCs to microstructured PGS. Ultimately, micro- and nanostructured PGS may be useful tools in the maintenance, differentiation, and control of signaling pathways in hMSCs.
Glass Bone Implants: The Effect of Surface Topology on Attachment and Proliferation of Osteoblast Cells on 45S Bioactive Glass
Authors: Jain Raina Himani , Wang Shaojie , Moawad Hassan M. , Falk Matthias M. , Jain Himanshu
Published: January 2010

Bioglass 45S is a promising bone implant material with superior biocompatibility. Past research showed that adhesion of bone cells to titanium is strongly affected by its surface architecture. However, little is known about the role of surface topology of glass on its use as an implant. Thus, we systematically investigated the effect of surface roughness (Ra ∼ 0.01 – 1.2 μm) on cell adhesion and proliferation on 45S Bioglass in vitro. MG63 osteosarcoma and MC3T3 osteoblast precursor cells were seeded on the glass samples, and incubated for up to 6 days. The attachment, morphology and proliferation of cells were investigated using fluorescence microscopy. Our results show that cell attachment (as indicated by cell spreading and number of focal adhesion sites), and proliferation rate decrease with increasing roughness of bioactive glass surface. These findings provide important insight for improving surface characteristics of bioactive glass bone implants.
Esters of Maleic Anhydride as Both a New and Old Material for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hedberg-Dirk Elizabeth L. , Cicotte Kirsten Nicole , Dirk Shawn M.
Published: January 2010

Many publications have examined the biodegradable polymer poly(propylene fumerate) (PPF) for use in tissue engineering applications. We have examined a similar crosslinkable polymer system, poly(propylene fumerate)-co-(propylene maleate) (PPFcPM), derived from maleic anhydride (MA) and 1,2-propanediol (PD). Two methods were examined in order to synthesis the copolymer. In the first case, the reaction was carried out at high temperature (250°C) under nitrogen using tosic acid as the catalyst. Only PPF was identified due to the thermal isomerization of the maleate groups to the more stable fumerate group. In the second case, toluene was used as the solvent to azeotropically (85 °C) remove water and drive the acid catalyzed esterification reaction. In the lower temperature case, a small amount of fumerate (<30%) was identified. Both polymer systems had glass transition temperatures (Tg) below room temperature. The PPFcPM copolymer was electrospun and crosslinked in situ to form porous micro- and nano fiber mats. Initial biocompatibility studies have also been preformed.
Evaluation of the Singh index and femur geometry in osteoporotic women
Authors: Karabulut Özlen , Tuncer Mehmet , Karabulut Zülfü , Hatipoğlu Eyüp , Nazaroğlu Hasan , Akkuş Zeki
Published: January 2010

We aimed to compare the Singh index with bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body mass index (BMI) and femur geometry in the right proximal femur of osteoporotic women, using different statistical tests. Radiographs of each patient were assessed to determine the Singh index by five observers. The observers consisted of a consultant radiologist, physical therapist and anatomists who studied the series of radiographs. They were asked to apply the Singh index by comparing the trabecular bone pattern in the proximal right femur with the reference scale published by Singh et al. [1]. This has a six point scale from grade VI to grade I. We evaluated 47 osteoporotic women in this study. The subjects’ mean age, weigth, and height were 63,21 ± 10,106, 66,72 ± 12.523, 154,94 ± 7,026 respectively. We found a significant relationship between the Singh index and BMD. The Singh index correlated significantly with hip axis length, femoral neck diamater and trochanteric width. And, BMD correlated significantly with femoral head and neck diameter, femoral neck cortex width, medial calcar femoral cortex width and femoral shaft cortex width. The evaluation of the Singh index grades in its self, there was a significant relation among them.
Room for Improvement: Mixed Portrayal of Young People with Mental Illness on Australian Television News
Authors: Henson Connie , Chapman Simon , McLeod Lachlan , Johnson Natalie , Hickie Ian
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to review television news depiction of mental illness in children and adolescents to test the hypothesis that positive portrayals of adults with mental illness also apply to young people.

Methods: Content and frame analysis of first-person depictions and overall news angle was carried out to determine whether depictions were positive, neutral or negative.

Results: The media portrayal of young people with mental illnesses was mixed. Overall, 10 items (29%) of news angles were positive, 13 items (37%) neutral and nine items (26%) negative. Positive themes were significantly less frequent for young people compared to adults (10 items, 29% compared to 151 items, 66%), and negative themes were more frequent (nine items, 26% vs 21 items, 9%). First-person depictions, however, were similar for young people and adults (24 items, 69% vs 150 items, 66%). An anti-medication sub-theme was notable.

Conclusions: Overall the portrayal of young people with mental illnesses on television news is not as positive as that for adults. Similar to adults, however, first-person depictions resulted in a more positive representation of young people. Fewer first-person depictions in combination with an anti-medication theme and historically less access to appropriate services for young people may have contributed to the less positive results for young people with mental illnesses.
Pharmacological Management in Children and Adolescents with Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Authors: Sung Min , Fung Daniel S. S. , Cai Yiming , Ooi Yoon Phaik
Published: January 2010

Objective: Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is associated with emotional and behavioural problems. There is no pharmacological cure for PDD, but some comorbidities and dysfunctional behaviours in PDD can be managed pharmacologically. The aim of the present study was to provide a better understanding of the efficacy and limitations in the currently available agents.

Methods: Electronic literature searches were conducted from the following sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PSYARTICLES and PsycINFO. Search terms included, but were not limited to, ‘autism’, ‘PDD’, ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (‘ASD’), and ‘pharmacological management’.

Results: A range of pharmacological agents are available for the management of various dysfunctional symptoms in PDD. Broadly speaking, these agents help in the management of repetitive stereotyped behaviours, anxiety, aggression/irritability/self-injurious behaviour, hyperactivity/inattention and in sleep.

Conclusions: There is a paucity of systemic, well-conducted trials on the use of pharmacological agents in the management of PDD, and more research in this area is warranted.
Three new taxa in Lauraceae from India
Authors: Gangopadhyay M.
Published: January 2010

Three new taxa, namely Apollonias arnottii Nees var. beddomei M. Gangop. var. nov., Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm. var. brevifolia M. Gangop. var. nov., and Phoebe palghatensis M. Gangop. sp. nov. of the family Lauraceae are described and illustrated from India. Keywords: New taxa; Apollonias; Persea; Phoebe; Lauraceae. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2.3926 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 141-149, 2009 (December)
Micromorphological and anatomical studies on petals of 11 Turkish Onosma L. (Boraginaceae) taxa
Authors: Akçin Öznur Ergen
Published: January 2010

The petal epidermis and petal anatomy of 11 taxa of Onosma L. were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Differences in epidermal patterns were observed on the dorsal surface. Domed epidermal cells and non-papillae epidermal cells were seen on the petal surface. Papillae types were lithops, cone-like, finger-like or skittle-cell type. Areolate and rugose types were observed on the non-papillae surface. Principal anatomical structures of petals were similar. Micromorphological features on dorsal surfaces of petals could be useful for species-level diagnosis along with other selected morphological and micromorphological features.
Epidermal features of rice leaf CV. BRRI Dhan29
Authors: Islam Md. Tofazzal , Sarwar A.K.M. Golam , Begum Hasna Hena , Ito Toshiaki
Published: January 2010

Not available.Keywords: Leaf epidermis; Rice; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Slender macro hair. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i2.3931 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(2): 177-180, 2009 (December)
Simultaneous Preparation of Facial and Meridional Isomer of Cobalt-Amino Acid Complexes and their Characterization
Authors: Alam M. M. , Islam S. M. S. , Rahman S. M. M. , Rahman M. M.
Published: January 2010

Preparation and characterization of various complexes of cobalt (III)-amino acid system, especially cobalt (III) glycinato and cobalt (III) alaninato complexes are reported. The identification of the various isomers of these complexes is also reported. The various isomers are separated from their mixture by fractional crystallization. Each of these complexes has been characterized by observing physical characteristics, chemical analysis, UV-visible spectroscopy and IR-spectroscopy. The direct impact of geometry of the complexes to IR stretching frequencies and UV-visible spectral data of amino and carboxyl group in the complexes provided sufficient information about the geometry. A prediction about the geometries of the synthesized has also been focused.   Keywords: Cobalt; Amino acid; Isomers; UV-visible; IR. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2032                 J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 91-98 (2010)
A Feasibility Study for Assessment of In-situ Bioremediation Potential of a Crude Oil Degrading Pseudomonas Consortium
Authors: Mittal A. , Singh P.
Published: January 2010

A microcosm study evaluating inoculums addition of mixed bacterial consortium to stimulate in-situ bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil was conducted. In feasibility study, out of five treatments the application of bacterial consortium, nutrients and environmental factors resulted in 79.16% removal of TPH in 60 days, compared to 30.24% removal of TPH carried out by indigenous microflora. Gas chromatograms of original spilled oil and bioremediated oil by the addition of developed consortium shows that Pr/Ph ratio decreased progressively from 2.358 to 1.626. The results showed that the ratio of di/tri aromatics decreased from initial 0.63 to 0.25 with progressive treatment of nutrient addition, as nutrient + tilling, nutrient + tilling + microbial seeding. Similar effect was observed in di/di + tri aromatics ratios which also decreased 0.31 to 0.20 by bioaugmentation only.  Keywords: Hydrocarbons; Pseudomonas; Biodegradation; Gas Chromatogram. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2601                 J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 127-137 (2010)
An Efficient Ring Artifact Reduction Method Based on Projection Data for Micro-CT Images
Authors: Yousuf M. A. , Asaduzzaman M.
Published: January 2010

Ring artifacts are very troublesome in a flat-panel based micro computed tomography (micro-CT) since they might severely degrade visibility of the micro-CT images. Unlike ring artifacts in other types of micro-CTs such as image-intensifier based micro-CT, ring artifacts in a flat-panel detector based micro-CT are hardly removable since the sensitivity of the pixel elements in a flat-panel detector is less uniform than in other types of x-ray detectors. The dependence of the ring artifacts on many imaging conditions, such as tube voltage, detector integration time and phantom size, was first investigated. Based on the observation that the ring artifacts are not imaging-condition-invariant in a flat-panel detector based micro-CT, an efficient ring artifact correction method has been developed based on post-processing. In the filtered sinogram, the ring artifact positions are identified and then the defective lines are corrected in the original projection data before the filtered back-projection. Experimental results on capacitor phantom, contrast phantom and bone images verify the efficacy of the proposed method. Keywords: Micro-CT; Ring artifact correction; Flat-panel detector; Filtered back-projection; Small animal imaging. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2645               J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 37-45 (2010)
Isolation of Polyphenolic Compounds from the Green Coconut (cocos nucifera) Shell and Characterization of their Benzoyl Ester Derivatives
Authors: Akhter A. , Zaman S. , Ali U. , Ali Y. , Miah M. A. Jalil
Published: January 2010

Polyphenolic compounds were isolated from the aqueous extract of green coconut shell. Benzoyl ester derivatives were prepared with these polyphenols. Monobenzoyl and dibenzoyl derivatives of a polyphenol were separated and characterized.  Keywords: Green coconut shell; Cocos nucifera; Polyphenol. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2659                 J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 186-190 (2010)
BER Performance Analysis of a Concatenated Low Density Parity Check Encoded OFDM System in AWGN and Fading Channels
Authors: Haque M. D. , Ullah S. E. , Rahman M. M. , Ahmed M.
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we investigate the bit error rate (BER) performance of a concatenated low density parity check (LDPC) encoded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system on color image transmission. In FEC concatenated channel coding, the OFDM wireless communication system incorporates 1/2-rated convolution encoder under various digital modulations (QPSK, 8PSK, QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM and 32QAM) over an additative white gaussian noise (AWGN) and other fading (Raleigh and Rician) channels. Computer simulation results on BER demonstrate that the LDPC encoded OFDM system outperforms with QAM modulation technique as compared to other digital modulation scheme and the system is highly effective to combat inherent interferences under Rayleigh and Rician fading channels. The transmitted color image is found to have retrieved effectively under noisy and fading situations with implementation of sum-product algorithm, an effective iterative based LDPC decoding scheme. It has also been anticipated that the performance of the communication system degrades with the increasing of noise power. Keywords: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM); Low density parity check (LDPC); Bit error rate (BER). © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2724               J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 46-53 (2010)
Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Complexes with
Authors: Prashanthi Y. , Raj Shiva
Published: January 2010

The Schiff bases namely MIMFMA, MIMTMA and MIPMA have been prepared by reacting 3-amino-5-methyl isoxazole with 5-methyl furan-2-carboxyaldehyde, 5-methyl thiphene-2-carboxaldehyde and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde. The Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and VO(IV) have been prepared by reacting metal chlorides with those  Schiff bases in an alchololic medium. The complexes are electrolytes in DMSO. These have been  characterized by using elemental analysis, IR, UV-VIS, 1H, 13C, mass spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductance measurements and thermo gravimetric studies. The complexes were found to have composition ML2. On basis of elemental and spectral studies, six coordinated geometry is assigned for these complexes. The Schiff bases act as neutral and bidentate and coordinate through the azomethine nitrogen and furfural oxygen, thiophene sulphur and pyridine nitrogen, respectively. The synthesized ligands and their metal complexes were screened against bacteria and fungi.  The activity data show that the metal complexes are more potent than the parent Schiff bases. Keywords; Schiff bases; Transition metal complexes; Spectral studies; Antimicrobial studies. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2732                  J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 114-126 (2010)
Preparation and Performance of Nano-hybrids Synthesized from Polyimide and Silica
Authors: Alam S. M. M.
Published: January 2010

Polyimide (PI)-inorganic like silica hybrid films were successfully prepared to combine the good performances of silica like tensile modulus, thermal stability etc. into organic PI. Polyamic acid (PAA), precursor of PI, was prepared from 3, 3′, 4, 4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), p-phenylediamine (PDA) and in-situ formed silica was formed into PAA from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through in-situ sol-gel process. The films were transparent and became translucent in presence of up to 10% inorganic contents. The chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of the films was investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), stress-strain tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to evaluate the performances of the films. The results indicated that the glass-transition temperatures (Tg) and decomposition temperatures of the PI-silica hybrid films were higher than those of pristine PI. Tensile modulus, tensile strength of PI increased prominently in presence of small amount (1%) of silica in PI-silica hybrid. Keywords: Polyimide; Hybrid; Sol-gel process. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2733                 J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 99-107 (2010)
In-vitro and In-vivo Antiasthmatic Studies of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. on Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kumar D. , Bhujbal S. S. , Deoda R. S. , Mudgade S. C
Published: January 2010

Methanolic extract of stem barks of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. was evaluated for antiasthmatic activity by employing in-vivo and in-vitro screening models in Guinea pigs. The results revealed that the methanolic extract produced significant dose-dependent antiasthmatic activity. Keywords: Mahanimb; Antiasthmatic activity; Histamine induced bronchoconstriction.  © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.  DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2740                 J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 196-202 (2010)
Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity of the Methanol Extract of Urtica Crenulata
Authors: Rahman M. A. , Rana M. S. , Zaman M. M. , Uddin S. A. , Akter R.
Published: January 2010

The antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of methanol extract of Urtica crenulata (syn: Laportea crenulata Gaud) stem has been investigated in the present study. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the Urtica crenulata methanol extract were assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging method and brine shrimp lethality bioassay method, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the plant extract (500 μg/disc) was also carried out by disc diffusion technique. Stem extract showed DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging effect compared with ascorbic acid. IC50 value of ascorbic acid and stem extract was found 14.72 μg/ml and 1468.9 μg/ml, respectively. In antibacterial experiment, Urtica crenulata stem extract showed 8, 14 and 10 mm of diameter of zone inhibition against Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei, respectively and 9 and 8 mm of diameter of zone inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus but no activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. In brine shrimp lethality assay, the LC50 value of the extract was found 104.0 μg/ml, which indicates that the extract has high cytoxic effect. The present study demonstrates that methanol extract of Urtica crenulata stem has significant cytotoxic effect. The extract also showed some moderate antibacterial and minimum significant antioxidant effects.  Keywords: Urtica crenulata;  Antioxidant; Antibacterial; Cytotoxic; BHT. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2872             J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 169-177 (2010)
Fabrication, N-doping Mechanism and Evaluation of N-doped TiO2 Thin Films Based on Laser Ablation Method
Authors: Somekawa S. , Kusumoto Y. , Yang H. , Abdulla-Al-Mamun M. , Ahmmad B.
Published: January 2010

The relation among the change of the crystal structure, the amount of doped N and the photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue was studied. The N-doping was promoted by the change of the crystal structure from the rutile phase to the anatase phase. The photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue was enhanced by an increase in the amount of anatase crystals and doped N. Keywords: Laser ablation; N-doping process; Crystal change; N-doped TiO2 thin film; Dye decomposition. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.2992        J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 17-23 (2010)
Symbol Error Performance Analysis and Comparison Between Alamouti and MRRC Diversity Combining Scheme for Wireless Communication
Authors: Khatoon A. , Rahman M. S.
Published: January 2010

The symbol error performance of a wireless communication system is analyzed using diversity combining scheme in Rayleigh fading channels. The performance of the system is compared using Alamouti scheme and maximal-ratio receiver combining (MRRC) scheme. The performance results of the system are evaluated by numerical computation and by simulation using MATLAB. A detailed analysis and exact (closed-form) expressions of the probability of error of the wireless communication systems in Rayleigh fading channels are provided for both M-ary phase-shift keying (M-PSK) and M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM) schemes. Monte Carlo simulation shows exact match with the theoretical results. Keywords: Alamouti scheme; M-PSK; M-QAM; MRRC; Symbol error probability (SEP). © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.3000               J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 54-66 (2010)
Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of a Metabolite from a New Streptomyces Species from Bangladeshi Soil
Authors: Akhand M. , Al-Bari M. A. A. , Islam M. A. , Khondkar Proma
Published: January 2010

A new actinomycete strain was isolated from Western part of Bangladesh and identified as a new Streptomyces species on the basis of its morphological, biochemical, cultural characteristics and 16S rRNA data. The present paper describes the isolation and characterization of compound 1 from this new Streptomyces species with the help of various chemical and spectroscopic methods. Antimicrobial activity of compound 1 was tested by disc diffusion assay method and compared with that of standard antibiotics (Kanamycin for antibacterial activity and Nystatin for antifungal activity). The compound has been found to exhibit moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against the test organisms. Cytotoxicity of the compound 1 and the pet. ether extract of Czapek Dox (alkaline) broth of Streptomyces species was evaluated in brine shrimp bioassay with LC50 values of 23.85 µg/ml (ppm) and 19.95 µg/ml (ppm), respectively. Keywords: Streptomyces; Antimicrobial activity; Cytotoxicity. © 2010 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i1.3079                  J. Sci. Res. 2 (1), 178-185 (2010)
Conservation Genetics of Crested Newt Species Triturus cristatus and T. carnifex within a Contact Zone in Central Europe: Impact of Interspecific Introgression and Gene Flow
Authors: Maletzky Andreas , Kaiser Roland , Mikulíček Peter
Published: January 2010

We have studied the population genetic structure of slightly admixed populations of crested newts (Triturus cristatus and T. carnifex) in a continuously fragmented landscape, located in northern Salzburg (Austria) and neighbouring Bavaria (Germany). Crested newts are listed as Critically Endangered in the provincial Red List of Salzburg and strictly protected by the EU Habitats Directive. We used seven polymorphic microsatellite loci to evaluate genetic diversity and processes that may determine the genetic architecture of populations. Genetic diversity was moderate, pairwise FST-values were comparatively high showing significant genetic differentiation and limited gene flow. Isolation by distance was significant for the whole data set, but not significant when calculated for T. cristatus- and T. carnifex-like populations separately. Bayesian analyses of population structure, using three different programs showed similar results. Spatial statistics reveal that the geographical isolation of populations is very high.
Epidemiological Methods: About Time
Authors: Kraemer Helena Chmura
Published: January 2010

Epidemiological studies often produce false positive results due to use of statistical approaches that either ignore or distort time. The three time-related issues of focus in this discussion are: (1) cross-sectional vs. cohort studies, (2) statistical significance vs. public health significance, and (3), how risk factors "work together" to impact public health significance. The issue of time should be central to all thinking in epidemiology research, affecting sampling, measurement, design, analysis and, perhaps most important, the interpretation of results that might influence clinical and public-health decision-making and subsequent clinical research.
Recent Developments in Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Water Purification and Gas Separation
Authors: Sears Kallista , Dumée Ludovic , Schütz Jürg , She Mary , Huynh Chi , Hawkins Stephen , Duke Mikel , Gray Stephen
Published: January 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanoscale cylinders of graphene with exceptional properties such as high mechanical strength, high aspect ratio and large specific surface area. To exploit these properties for membranes, macroscopic structures need to be designed with controlled porosity and pore size. This manuscript reviews recent progress on two such structures: (i) CNT Bucky-papers, a non-woven, paper like structure of randomly entangled CNTs, and (ii) isoporous CNT membranes, where the hollow CNT interior acts as a membrane pore. The construction of these two types of membranes will be discussed, characterization and permeance results compared, and some promising applications presented.
Chen, Zheng, et al. Anti-HIV Actions of 7- and 10-Substituted Camptothecins. Molecules, 2010, 15, 138-148
Authors: Zheng Yong-Tang
Published: January 2010

The author list, affiliations and contact information of this paper [1] are revised. [...]
Normality Analysis for RFI Detection in Microwave Radiometry
Authors: Tarongi Jose Miguel , Camps Adriano
Published: January 2010

Radio-frequency interference (RFI) present in microwave radiometry measurements leads to erroneous radiometric results. Sources of RFI include spurious signals and harmonics from lower frequency bands, spread-spectrum signals overlapping the “protected” band of operation, or out-of-band emissions not properly rejected by the pre-detection filters due to its finite rejection. The presence of RFI in the radiometric signal modifies the detected power and therefore the estimated antenna temperature from which the geophysical parameters will be retrieved. In recent years, techniques to detect the presence of RFI in radiometric measurements have been developed. They include time- and/or frequency domain analyses, or time and/or frequency domain statistical analysis of the received signal which, in the absence of RFI, must be a zero-mean Gaussian process. Statistical analyses performed to date include the calculation of the Kurtosis, and the Shapiro-Wilk normality test of the received signal. Nevertheless, statistical analysis of the received signal could be more extensive, as reported in the Statistics literature. The objective of this work is the study of the performance of a number of normality tests encountered in the Statistics literature when applied to the detection of the presence of RFI in the radiometric signal, which is Gaussian by nature. A description of the normality tests and the RFI detection results for different kinds of RFI are presented in view of determining an omnibus test that can deal with the blind spots of the currently used methods.
A Holistic View of Global Croplands and Their Water Use for Ensuring Global Food Security in the 21st Century through Advanced Remote Sensing and Non-remote Sensing Approaches
Authors: Thenkabail Prasad  S. , Hanjra Munir  A. , Dheeravath Venkateswarlu , Gumma Muralikrishna
Published: January 2010

This paper presents an exhaustive review of global croplands and their water use, for the end of last millennium, mapped using remote sensing and non-remote sensing approaches by world’s leading researchers on the subject. A comparison at country scale of global cropland area estimated by these studies had a high R2-value of 0.89–0.94. The global cropland area estimates amongst different studies are quite close and range between 1.47–1.53 billion hectares. However, significant uncertainties exist in determining irrigated areas which, globally, consume nearly 80% of all human water use. The estimates show that the total water use by global croplands varies between 6,685 to 7,500 km3 yr−1 and of this around 4,586 km3 yr−1 is by rainfed croplands (green water use) and the rest by irrigated croplands (blue water use). Irrigated areas use about 2,099 km3 yr−1 (1,180 km3 yr−1 of blue water and the rest from rain that falls over irrigated croplands). However, 1.6 to 2.5 times the blue water required by irrigated croplands is actually withdrawn from reservoirs or pumping of ground water, suggesting an irrigation efficiency of only between 40–62 percent. The weaknesses, trends, and future directions to precisely estimate the global croplands are examined. Finally, the paper links global croplands and their water use to a paradigm for ensuring future food security.
Infiltration Route Analysis Using Thermal Observation Devices (TOD) and Optimization Techniques in a GIS Environment
Authors: Bang Soonam , Heo Joon , Han Soohee , Sohn Hong-Gyoo
Published: January 2010

Infiltration-route analysis is a military application of geospatial information system (GIS) technology. In order to find susceptible routes, optimal-path-searching algorithms are applied to minimize the cost function, which is the summed result of detection probability. The cost function was determined according to the thermal observation device (TOD) detection probability, the viewshed analysis results, and two feature layers extracted from the vector product interim terrain data. The detection probability is computed and recorded for an individual cell (50 m × 50 m), and the optimal infiltration routes are determined with A* algorithm by minimizing the summed costs on the routes from a start point to an end point. In the present study, in order to simulate the dynamic nature of a realworld problem, one thousand cost surfaces in the GIS environment were generated with randomly located TODs and randomly selected infiltration start points. Accordingly, one thousand sets of vulnerable routes for infiltration purposes could be found, which could be accumulated and presented as an infiltration vulnerability map. This application can be further utilized for both optimal infiltration routing and surveillance network design. Indeed, dynamic simulation in the GIS environment is considered to be a powerful and practical solution for optimization problems. A similar approach can be applied to the dynamic optimal routing for civil infrastructure, which requires consideration of terrain-related constraints and cost functions.
The Medical Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Palaszynski Karen M. , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: January 2010

The remarkably high incidence of child maltreatment in the United States and worldwide is astounding. Estimates have revealed that nearly 3.6 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported annually in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau (NCANDS), more than 700,000 of these were found to be severe in nature, with nearly 2,000 cases resulting in fatalities in 2007 alone. However, it is important to recognize that many experts in the field consider these figures to be a gross underestimate because childhood maltreatment is often not reported or difficult to confirm. A growing database indicates that early life stress, defined as verbal, physical or sexual abuse, or neglect, including, for example, separation from a primary caregiver, or living with a primary caregiver with severe mental illness, increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, and schizophrenia.<a href="EditorPage.aspx?da=core&id=%7bA932AC25-CB6C-41F0-887A-1F74731AC343%7d&ed=FIELD17595849&vs&la=en&fld=%7b0B37FA8E-B2A6-4AE9-8E4F-53651D5CB226%7d&so=%2fsitecore%2fsystem%2fsettings%2fhtml+editor+profiles%2frich+text+healio&di=0&hdl=H17595923&us=sitecore%5cadmin&mo&pe=0#x00485718-20091123-02-bibr1">1–4 Moreover, the long-term effects of early-life trauma are not limited to increased vulnerability for syndromal psychiatric disorders but also appear to result in impaired cognitive abilities, increased obesity, and long-term effects on a number of biological systems that result in increased disease burden in adults. It is this subject that comprises the major subject matter of this article, an area previously, to the best of our knowledge, not summarized. Understanding the biological consequences of early-life stress is of paramount importance, not only in advocacy for protection of our youth but also as a pathophysiologic guide to develop novel treatments for this population. As will be described below, multiple biological mechanisms have been demonstrated to be dysregulated in adults who were victims of child abuse and neglect. These include effects on the endocrine, nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems, all of which are known to be involved in the innate acute stress response. This article is an effort to consolidate the data available involving the long-term medical consequences of childhood trauma.
Brain-Body Interactions — Complex Systems: How Can We Intervene?
Authors: Fawcett Jan
Published: January 2010

This issue of Psychiatric Annals guest-edited by Gregory A. Bayer, PhD, Rhonda Robinson Beale, MD, and George I. Viamontes, MD, PhD, focuses on brain-body interactions and provides clinicians with a great challenge. Thinking about complex interacting stress response systems in play in our patients makes it more difficult to be simplistic about the clinical presentations we encounter. We need to avoid separating mental and physical manifestations as we assess and treat our patients. Instead, we need to think about the stress response systems that are malfunctioning in our patients, their level, and how we can intervene to normalize them.
This Issue: Brain–Body Interactions: How Mental Processes and Psychiatric Illness Affect Medical Outcomes
Authors: Bayer Gregory A. , Beale Rhonda Robinson , Viamontes George I.
Published: January 2010

Mental processes and psychiatric illness have significant, measurable effects on the course and outcome of medical conditions. The cause of this phenomenon is that the brain continuously integrates internal and external information and adjusts the body’s physiological processes to meet expected challenges. Although the adjustments directed by the brain are genetically programmed to be adaptive, under certain conditions they can have deleterious effects. For example, the neuroplastic changes precipitated by periods of chronic stress, such as childhood abuse or military combat, can have adverse physiological consequences that last a lifetime. In addition, as the articles in this issue document, comorbid psychiatric illnesses have a significant effect on the treatment costs and outcomes of a variety of medical conditions.
Brain-Body Interactions: The Physiological Impact of Mental Processes — The Neurobiology of the Stress Response
Authors: Viamontes George I. , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: January 2010

“My mind sent a message to my hypothalamus, told it to release the hormone CRF into the short vessels connecting my hypothalamus and my pituitary gland. The CRF inspired my pituitary gland to dump the hormone ACTH into my bloodstream. My pituitary had been making and storing ACTH for just such an occasion, and nearer and nearer the zeppelin came. And some of the ACTH in my bloodstream reached the outer shell of my adrenal gland, which had been making and storing glucocorticoids for emergencies. My adrenal gland added the glucocorticoids to my bloodstream. They went all over my body, changing glycogen into glucose. Glucose was muscle food. It would help me fight like a wildcat or run like a deer.”
Developing a Comprehensive Electronic Health Record to Enhance Nursing Care Coordination, Use of Technology, and Research
Authors: Rantz Marilyn J. , Skubic Marjorie , Alexander Greg , Popescu Mihail , Aud Myra A. , Wakefield Bonnie J. , Koopman Richelle J. , Miller Steven J.
Published: January 2010

As in acute care, use of health information technology in long-term care holds promise for increased efficiency, better accuracy, reduced costs, and improved outcomes. A comprehensive electronic health record (EHR), which encompasses all health care measures that clinicians want to use—both standard health care assessments and those acquired through emerging technology—is the key to improved, efficient clinical decision making. New technologies using sensors to passively monitor older adults at home are being developed and are commercially available. However, integrating the clinical information systems with passive monitoring data so that clinical decision making is enhanced and patient records are complete is challenging. Researchers at the University of Missouri (MU) are developing a comprehensive EHR to: (a) enhance nursing care coordination at TigerPlace, independent senior housing that helps residents age in place; (b) integrate clinical data and data from new technology; and (c) advance technology and clinical research.
Strategies for Reducing Polypharmacy in Older Adults
Authors: Planton Jonathan , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: January 2010

Polypharmacy is a major concern in the care of older adults. Multiple factors contribute to this problem, and recognizing these factors is an initial step in addressing the problem. Further, identifying those individuals at risk for medication problems, as well as implementing specific strategies in practice to reduce the problem, will enable clinicians to develop safe and evidence-based medication regimens that minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions. The key to treating older adults is not necessarily to find a set number of medications and try to stay below it, but to find the right medication at the right dosage and for the shortest possible duration on a case-by-case basis. This individualized approach to treating patients will provide a much safer and effective means of practicing and will improve patients' quality of life.