bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Congenital Absence of Flexor Pollicis Brevis and Abductor Pollicis Brevis Muscles with Bilateral Thenar Atrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Koca Kenan , Ekinci Safak , Ege Tolga , Ozyurek Selahattin , Kurklu Mustafa , Battal Bilal , Basbozkurt Mustafa
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we report a case of a 23-year-old male patient with bilateral absence of the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles with an intact functioning opponens pollicis and flexor pollicis longus muscles with bilateral thenar atrophy due to its rarity. All physical, neurological, ultrasonographic, direct radiographic, electromyographic and MRI studies were used to confirm and document this congenital anomaly.
RY-Coding and Non-Homogeneous Models Can Ameliorate the Maximum-Likelihood Inferences from Nucleotide Sequence Data with Parallel Compositional Heterogeneity
Authors: Ishikawa Sohta A. , Inagaki Yuji , Hashimoto Tetsuo
Published: June 2012

In phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences, ‘homogeneous’ substitution models, which assume the stationarity of base composition across a tree, are widely used, albeit individual sequences may bear distinctive base frequencies. In the worst-case scenario, a homogeneous model-based analysis can yield an artifactual union of two distantly related sequences that achieved similar base frequencies in parallel. Such potential difficulty can be countered by two approaches, ‘RY-coding’ and ‘non-homogeneous’ models. The former approach converts four bases into purine and pyrimidine to normalize base frequencies across a tree, while the heterogeneity in base frequency is explicitly incorporated in the latter approach. The two approaches have been applied to real-world sequence data; however, their basic properties have not been fully examined by pioneering simulation studies. Here, we assessed the performances of the maximum-likelihood analyses incorporating RY-coding and a non-homogeneous model (RY-coding and non-homogeneous analyses) on simulated data with parallel convergence to similar base composition. Both RY-coding and non-homogeneous analyses showed superior performances compared with homogeneous model-based analyses. Curiously, the performance of RY-coding analysis appeared to be significantly affected by a setting of the substitution process for sequence simulation relative to that of non-homogeneous analysis. The performance of a non-homogeneous analysis was also validated by analyzing a real-world sequence data set with significant base heterogeneity.
Ruminant Metabolic Systems Biology: Reconstruction and Integration of Transcriptome Dynamics Underlying Functional Responses of Tissues to Nutrition and Physiological State
Authors: Bionaz Massimo , Loor Juan J.
Published: June 2012

High-throughput ‘omics’ data analysis via bioinformatics is one key component of the systems biology approach. The systems approach is particularly well-suited for the study of the interactions between nutrition and physiological state with tissue metabolism and functions during key life stages of organisms such as the transition from pregnancy to lactation in mammals, ie, the peripartal period. In modern dairy cows with an unprecedented genetic potential for milk synthesis, the nature of the physiologic and metabolic adaptations during the peripartal period is multifaceted and involves key tissues such as liver, adipose, and mammary. In order to understand such adaptation, we have reviewed several works performed in our and other labs. In addition, we have used a novel bioinformatics approach, Dynamic Impact Approach (DIA), in combination with partly previously published data to help interpret longitudinal biological adaptations of bovine liver, adipose, and mammary tissue to lactation using transcriptomics datasets. Use of DIA with transcriptomic data from those tissues during normal physiological adaptations and in animals fed different levels of energy prepartum allowed visualization and integration of most-impacted metabolic pathways around the time of parturition. The DIA is a suitable tool for applying the integrative systems biology approach. The ultimate goal is to visualize the complexity of the systems at study and uncover key molecular players involved in the tissue's adaptations to physiological state or nutrition.
Acute versus Chronic Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Thanaviratananich Sanguansak
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a challenging condition that can be found mostly in immunocompromised patients. Failure to diagnose and treat this entity promptly usually results in rapid progression and death. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical presentation, complication and morbidity in patients with acute versus chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Setting and design

Case-control study at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University between January 1998 and May 2008.

Methods

The patient's data with the diagnosis of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis was included. Demographic data, underlying diseases, presenting symptoms, histologic sinonasal tissue evaluations, sinonasal tissue cultures, CT scan findings, surgical interventions, morbidity, and mortality were collected.

Results

Sixty-five patients were diagnosed as invasive fungal rhinosinusitis between January 1998 and May 2008. The data of six patients were unable to obtain. Fifty-nine patients were included in this study. Patients with immunocompromised status have significant greater risk for acute than chronic IFS, OR = 6.5 ( P = 0.004). Patients with mucosal necrosis have the significant higher risk for acute IFS, OR = 5.5 ( P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in orbital complications proportion between acute and chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, OR = 2.42 ( P = 0.15). Sinus wall erosion have found significantly in chronic IFS group, OR = 0.24 ( P = 0.02). The average hospital stayed was 30.58 ± 26.43 days with no difference between groups ( P = 0.50). Fourteen patients in acute IFS group were dead (31.11%) while all patients in chronic IFS group were survived.

Conclusions

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis continues to present a challenge to the otolaryngologist. Acute IFS was found most commonly in immunocompromised patients. The most consistent finding of acute IFS was mucosal necrosis and black crust/debris. The CT finding of sinus wall erosion may help in diagnosis of chronic IFS.
Ir-truefisp: A New Dce-mri Approach in Comparison with 3d-flash Multi Flip Angle Method
Authors: Büchert Martin , Mross Klaus
Published: June 2012

For assessing treatment response to novel cancer therapeutics, dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a valuable tool. Quantitative functional parameter estimates can be obtained by fitting physiological models to the data. In this study the IR-TrueFISP approach was evaluated as DCE-MRI acquisition sequence against the widely used 3D-Flash protocol. For comparison both protocols providing different spatial and temporal information were investigated in phantom and patient examinations. 12 advanced tumor patients underwent two examinations on consecutive days using both protocols. Results were compared and were in good agreement with each other. IR-TrueFISP data showed a lower variability compared to 3D-Flash results. This work demonstrates the pros and cons of both investigated methods. It was demonstrated that the known IR-TrueFISP sequence can successfully be employed as DCE-MRI acquisition method estimating perfusion parameters. The benefits of the IR-TrueFISP protocol are high temporal resolution and good accuracy.
Monitoring Utilization of a Large Scale Addiction Treatment System: The Drug and Alcohol Treatment Information System (DATIs)
Authors: Rotondi Nooshin Khobzi , Rush Brian
Published: June 2012

Client-based information systems can yield data to address issues of system accountability and planning, and contribute information related to changing patterns of substance use in treatment and, indirectly, general populations. The Drug and Alcohol Treatment Information System (DATIS) monitors the number/types of clients treated in approximately 170 publicly-funded addiction treatment agencies in Ontario. The purpose of this study was to estimate the caseload of addiction treatment agencies, and describe important characteristics of clients, their patterns of service utilization and trends over-time from 2005 to 2010. In 2009–2010, 47,065 individuals were admitted to treatment. Since 2005–2006, there has been an increase in adolescents/youth in treatment, and a decrease in the male-female gender ratio. Alcohol problems predominated, but an increasing proportion of clients used cannabis and prescription opioids. DATIS is an evolving system and an integral component of Ontario's performance measurement system. Linkages with healthcare information systems will allow for longitudinal tracking of client health-related outcomes.
Bupropion Reduces Some of the Symptoms of Marihuana Withdrawal in Chronic Marihuana Users: A Pilot Study
Authors: Penetar David M. , Looby Alison R. , Ryan Elizabeth T. , Maywalt Melissa A. , Lukas Scott E.
Published: June 2012

Bupropion's (Zyban® SR) effectiveness to treat symptoms experienced in marihuana withdrawal was tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with chronic, heavy marihuana users. Participants maintained their usual marihuana intake until Quit Day after which they were required to cease intake of THC products for 14 days. A Withdrawal Discomfort Score revealed that for 7 days immediately following cessation, placebo-treated subjects reported more symptoms than bupropion-treated subjects. Self-reported craving for marihuana increased for the placebo-treated group but not for those treated with bupropion. Measures of sleep and cognitive performance were not different between the two groups. Participants in the bupropion treatment arm were more likely to complete the study than those randomized to the placebo arm (50% completion for bupropion vs. 33% completion for placebo). These results suggest that bupropion may be useful for alleviating marihuana withdrawal symptoms and be useful in subject retention during long-term cessation programs.
Measuring variations of δ18O and δ2H in atmospheric water vapour using two commercial laser-based spectrometers: an instrument characterisation study
Authors: Aemisegger F. , Sturm P. , Graf P. , Sodemann H. , Pfahl S. , Knohl A. , Wernli H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Variations of stable water isotopes in water vapour have become measurable at a measurement frequency of about 1 Hz in recent years using novel laser spectroscopic techniques. This enables us to perform continuous measurements for process-based investigations of the atmospheric water cycle at the time scales relevant for synoptic and mesoscale meteorology. An important prerequisite for the interpretation of data from automated field measurements lasting for several weeks or months is a detailed knowledge about instrument properties and the sources of measurement uncertainty. We present here a comprehensive characterisation and comparison study of two commercial laser spectroscopic systems based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (Picarro) and off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (Los Gatos Research). The uncertainty components of the measurements were first assessed in laboratory experiments, focussing on the effects of (i) water vapour mixing ratio, (ii) measurement stability, (iii) uncertainties due to calibration and (iv) response times of the isotope measurements due to adsorption-desorption processes on the tubing and measurement cavity walls. Based on the experience from our laboratory experiments, we set up a one-week field campaign for comparing measurements of the ambient isotope signals from the two laser spectroscopic systems. The optimal calibration strategy determined for both instruments was applied as well as the correction functions for water vapour mixing ratio effects. The root mean square difference between the isotope signals from the two instruments during the field deployment was 2.3‰ for δ2H, 0.5‰ for δ18O and 3.1‰ for deuterium excess. These uncertainty estimates from field measurements compare well to those found in the laboratory experiments. The present quality of measurements from laser spectroscopic instruments combined with a calibration system opens new possibilities for investigating the atmospheric water cycle and the land-atmosphere moisture fluxes.
Bioerosion by euendoliths decreases in phosphate-enriched skeletons of living corals
Authors: Godinot C. , Tribollet A. , Grover R. , Ferrier-Pagès C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. While the role of microboring organisms, or euendoliths, is relatively well known in dead coral skeletons, their function in live corals remains poorly understood. They are suggested to behave like ectosymbionts or parasites, impacting their host's health. However, the species composition of microboring communities, their abundance and dynamics in live corals under various environmental conditions have never been explored. Here, the effect of phosphate enrichment on boring microorganisms in live corals was tested for the first time. Stylophora pistillata nubbins were exposed to 3 different treatments (phosphate concentrations of 0, 0.5 and 2.5 μmol l−1) during 15 weeks. After 15 weeks of phosphate enrichment, petrographic thin sections were prepared for observation with light microscopy, and additional samples were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Euendoliths comprised mainly phototrophic Ostreobium sp. filaments. Rare filaments of heterotrophic fungi were also observed. Filaments were densely distributed in the central part of nubbins, and less abundant towards the apex. Unexpectedly, there was a visible reduction of filament abundance in the most recently calcified apical part of phosphate-enriched nubbins. The overall abundance of euendoliths significantly decreased, from 9.12 ± 1.09% of the skeletal surface area in unenriched corals, to 5.81 ± 0.77% and 5.27 ± 0.34% in 0.5 and 2.5 μmol l−1-phosphate enriched corals respectively. SEM observations confirmed this decrease. Recent studies have shown that phosphate enrichment increases coral skeletal growth and metabolic rates, while it decreases skeletal density and resilience to mechanical stress. We thus hypothesize that increased skeletal growth in the presence of phosphate enrichment occurred too fast for an effective expansion of euendolith growth. They could not keep up with coral growth, so they became diluted in the apex areas as nubbins grew with phosphate enrichment. Results from the present study suggest that coral skeletons of S. pistillata will not be further weakened by euendoliths under phosphate enrichment.
Best Practices in Training of Employees: A Framework for Training the Personnel of Social Partners and NGOs
Authors: Papadakis Nikos , Kyridis Argyris , Pandis Prokopis , Zagkos Christos
Published: June 2012

In the modern, knowledge-driven economy, it has been argued that people must upgrade their skills in order to remain competitive and to prepare for frequent changes in jobs. Adult learning is seen extremely crucial for long-term employability. Availability of adequately trained human resources in any institution is most critical to its success; and education and training play a significant role in this connection. This paper seeks the best practices for training of personnel. Initially, a detailed review of the international experience in this matter is presented and then the authors introduce a framework of a comprehensive program of personnel training in social partners and NGOs.
Categorical Variables in Regression Analysis: A Comparison of Dummy and Effect Coding
Authors: Alkharusi Hussain
Published: June 2012

The use of categorical variables in regression involves the application of coding methods. The purpose of this paper is to describe how categorical independent variables can be incorporated into regression by virtue of two coding methods: dummy and effect coding. The paper discusses the uses, interpretations, and underlying assumptions of each method. In general, overall results of the regression are unaffected by the methods used for coding the categorical independent variables. In any of the methods, the analysis tests whether group membership is related to the dependent variables. Both methods yield identical R2 and F. However, the interpretations of the intercept and regression coefficients depend on what coding method has been applied and whether the groups have equal sample sizes.
Sweatshops: Kant and Consequences
Authors: Sollars Gordon G. , Englander Fred
Published: July 2012

Arnold and Bowie (2003) attempt to derive ethical constraints on the actions of the managers of multinational enterprises (MNEs), or the MNEs themselves, from a Kantian perspective. We contest Arnold and Bowie's claims regarding MNE duties, in particular that MNEs have a duty to pay a subsistence wage above market levels. We conclude that even within Arnold and Bowie's Kantian framework such a duty does not properly emerge. In addition, we argue that the account of coercion used by Arnold and Bowie does not serve their purposes. Arnold and Bowie address consequentialist issues by arguing that their conclusions are not undercut by economic considerations regarding unemployment. We argue that Arnold and Bowie have misread the economic literature in this regard.
Reasoned Moral Agreement: Applying Discourse Ethics within Organizations
Authors: Stansbury Jason
Published: July 2012

Whether at the executive or the line-management levels, businesspeople face moral decisions that cannot be easily resolved with reference to a shared ethos, whether because of diversity of ethea in the organization or its environment, or because the organization's ethos is inadequate for the problem at hand. These decisions are made more common by the changing norms of a pluralistic business environment, and require collective moral deliberation to be adequately resolved. Discourse ethics ideally characterizes the form of valid collective moral deliberation. I argue that accommodation for the limitations of actual discourse makes discourse ethics, conceived in terms of the rules of practical discourse, practical for realizing improvements in the openness and validity of moral decision-making over states in which these rules are flagrantly violated. These rules have normative implications at the organizational level for the integrity approach to corporate ethics programs, and at the individual level for ethical leadership.
Moral Imagination, Collective Action, and the Achievement of Moral Outcomes
Authors: Hargrave Timothy J.
Published: July 2012

Drawing upon the collective action model of institutional change, I reconceptualize moral imagination as both a social process and a cognitive one. I argue that moral outcomes are not produced by individual actors alone; rather, they emerge from collective action processes that are influenced by political conditions and involve behaviors that include issue framing and resource mobilization. I also contend that individual moral imagination involves the integration of moral sensitivity with consideration of collective action dynamics. I illustrate my arguments with a case study of the Chad-Cameroon oil project. The paper suggests new directions in teaching and research on moral imagination.
Marketing’s Consequences: Stakeholder Marketing and Supply Chain Corporate Social Responsibility Issues
Authors: Smith N. Craig , Palazzo Guido , Bhattacharya C. B.
Published: July 2012

While considerable attention has been given to the harm donetoconsumers by marketing, less attention has been given to the harm donebyconsumers as an indirect effect of marketing activities, particularly in regard to supply chains. The recent development of dramatically expanded global supply chains has resulted in social and environmental problems upstream that are attributable at least in part to downstream marketers and consumers. Marketers have responded mainly by using corporate social responsibility (CSR)communicationto counter the critique of CSRpractice, but these claims of ethical corporate behavior often lack credibility and can result in a backlash against brands. The article argues that more adequate attention to the harmful upstream effects of downstream marketing and consumption decisions requires greater attention to stakeholder marketing and marketer efforts to help create responsible consumers. It concludes by identifying implications for further research in this important emergent area of marketing ethics.
When Organization Theory Met Business Ethics: Toward Further Symbioses
Authors: Heugens Pursey P. M. A. R. , Scherer Andreas Georg
Published: July 2012

Organization theory and business ethics are essentially the positive and normative sides of the very same coin, reflecting on how human cooperative activities are organized and how they ought to be organized respectively. It is therefore unfortunate that—due to the relatively impermeable manmade boundaries segregating the corresponding scholarly communities into separate schools and departments, professional associations, and scientific journals—the potential symbiosis between the two fields has not yet fully materialized. In this essay we make a modest attempt at establishing further connectivity by surveying the terrain covered by the two disciplines jointly, as if the boundaries between them did not matter. We commence by providing a concise overview of the organization theory discipline for interested non-specialists from the field of business ethics. Next, we proceed to point out four research themes commonly investigated by members of both communities, and also a variety of organization-theoretical perspectives on each. In the final part of this essay we explore what organization theory has to offer business ethics, and what the boundaries of that potential contribution are. We warn skeptical readers in advance that the spirit and tone of our essay is most definitely upbeat, as we are convinced that the potential for symbiosis between the two fields is vast and inspiring, even though it has only been unleashed partially and incidentally thus far.
The Company They Keep: How Formal Associations Impact Business Social Performance
Authors: Besser Terry L. , Miller Nancy J.
Published: July 2012

Business networks, which include joint ventures, supply chains, industry and trade associations, industrial districts, and community business associations, are considered the signature organizational form of the global economy. However, little is known about how they affect the social performance of their members. We utilize institutional theory to develop the position that business social performance has collectivist roots that deserve at least as much scholarly attention as owner/manager characteristics and business attributes. Hypotheses are tested using multilevel analysis on data gathered from 898 members of twenty-nine business associations. Support is provided for institutional theory’s explanation for business social performance. Members of business associations are likely to conform to the pattern of social performance prevailing in their association, but not necessarily to the articulated values of the association. The potential of business associations to influence members’ social performance should be considered by agencies that start and support them as mechanisms for regional and local economic development.
The Limits of Corporate Human Rights Obligations and the Rights of For-Profit Corporations
Authors: Bishop John Douglas
Published: July 2012

The extension of human rights obligations to corporations raises questions about whose rights and which rights corporations are responsible for. This paper gives a partial answer by asking what legal rights corporations would need to have to fulfil various sorts of human rights obligations. We should compare the chances of human rights fulfilment (and violations) that are likely to result from assigning human rights obligations to corporations with the chances of human rights fulfilment (and violations) that are likely to result from giving corporations the legal rights needed to undertake those human rights obligations. Corporations should respect basic human rights of all people. Non-complicity in human rights violations requires that corporations have the right to political freedom of speech. To actively protect people from human rights violations, corporations need the right to hire armed security personnel; such obligations should be limited to protecting corporate property and narrowly defined stakeholders. Obligations to spend corporate resources on human rights fulfilment are confined to contributing to specific projects. Corporations have no obligation to ensure a society in which human rights are fulfilled. This principle helps us understand why corporate obligations are substantially different from those of governments.
Direct biofiltration pretreatment for fouling control of ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Peldszus Sigrid , Benecke Jan , Jekel Martin , Huck Peter.M.
Published: July 2012

Broader application of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in drinking water treatment is limited by particulate and organic fouling. This pilot‐scale study demonstrated the ability of rapid biofiltration (without prior coagulation or ozonation) to reduce fouling of a UF membrane treating impacted river water over a two‐year period. Three biofilter empty bed contact times (EBCTs; 5, 10, and 15 min) were investigated, using parallel dual‐media filters followed by a hollow‐fiber membrane unit. Utilizing essentially conventional rapid filtration operating conditions, biofiltration pretreatment enabled stable membrane operation with respect to hydraulically reversible and irreversible fouling. Increased biofiltration EBCTs led to lower rates of irreversible fouling. The results were reproducible, and biofiltration was able to provide effective pretreatment during all seasons (T = 1‐25°C). The biofilters also contributed to effective turbidity removal. Overall, biofiltration pretreatment for UF is a promising chemical‐free alternative to coagulation pretreatment. A particular niche application would be in small or remote systems.
Onsite leak location in a pipe network by cepstrum analysis of pressure transients
Authors: Shucksmith James D. , Boxall Joby B. , Staszewski Wieslaw J. , Seth Allyson , Beck Stephen B.M.
Published: July 2012

Leakage is a major source of lost revenue in pipeline distribution networks. In UK water distribution networks, the amount of treated water lost within distribution networks can reach up to 40% of the total supply. Existing leakage location techniques are heavily dependent on acoustic sensing, which can perform poorly in situations in which the noise created by a leak is small or attenuates rapidly. A reliable, nonacoustic‐based location technique would be a significant advance for the water industry. The work presented here applies a pressure transient‐based technique for leak location, which has previously only been tested under laboratory conditions, to a live water distribution network. The method has the potential to increase the speed and accuracy of leak locations and reduce the occurrence of inaccurate leak diagnosis. A single device that fits to standard fire hydrants is used to generate a mild transient and collect the required data. This method is based on analyzing pressure waves reflected by leaks and other features in a pipeline and accurately identifies reflections in measurements of the small pressure wave caused by pipeline features, including leaks. The technique requires accurate estimation of the wave propagation speed; a simple empirical approach for determining this is included.
A Junior Level Course in Electrical Engineering Design
Authors: Iqbal Tariq
Published: June 2012

The Engi 5800 Electrical Engineering Design course was introduced in 2008 as part of the electrical engineering curriculum of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). This compulsory course is offered in term 5 and typical enrolment is about 25 to 30 students. The nature of this course is fundamentally different from other lecture-based courses taught at the Faculty of Engineering. In this course, students work in groups on two design projects at a time: a guided design project, and a student-led design project. The course is constructed so as to provide a meaningful design experience and encourage confidence building in students. This paper describes course details, organisation, design methodology, types of projects and course outcome.
An Analysis of kii Coupling Coefficients
Authors: Brusamarello Valner J. , Blauth Yeddo B.
Published: June 2012

The mutual inductance and the coupling coefficient for a couple of coils are usually described by simple parameters M and K respectively, instead of M12, M21 and k12 and k21. Many electric circuits theory books present at least a chapter about mutual inductance, in which a proof of M12 = M21 = M is usually described. Since most applications of M aim to transfer energy between coils, a coupling coefficient K is usually assumed without the rigorous analysis of k12 and k21. This paper presents an analysis of the mutual inductance between two coupled coils based on the linear magnetic circuit theory and a theoretical proof that it is not necessarily the case that k12 = k21 as many books assume. Finally, a practical experiment is presented to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Synthesis of LC Sinusoidal Oscillators
Authors: Kazimierczuk Marian K. , Murthy-Bellur Dakshina
Published: June 2012

The theory of oscillators in a modern-day undergraduate electronics curriculum is an extremely important subject as oscillators form core circuits in a variety of engineering areas such as computers, communications, and control systems. Hence, a deep understanding of fundamental concepts in oscillators is necessary to lay a strong foundation in electronic circuits for undergraduate students. This paper presents a synthesis of LC sinusoidal oscillators with a π-type feedback network. From the synthesis, classical topologies such as Colpitts and Hartley oscillators are derived. Alternative methods to derive LC oscillators with a noninverting amplifier and a noninverting π-type feedback network are presented. The oscillators are derived using the fundamental Barkhausen criteria for steady-state oscillation and the resonance criterion for the band-pass feedback network. A step-by-step procedure to derive a particular type of oscillator circuit is given. An approach to select the components of the feedback network is presented. It is also shown that the oscillator topologies derived using noninverting amplifier is similar in nature to those with inverting amplifier. The educational method presented provides a missing link between the first step (Barkhausen criteria) and the last step (oscillator circuit) in the theory of oscillators, which can be utilized as an effective tool in teaching fundamentals of LC oscillators.
A Photoplethysmograph Experiment for Microcontroller Labs
Authors: Gingl Zoltan
Published: June 2012

An easy-to-build photoplethysmograph experiment for microcontroller labs is presented. Students learn about direct sensor interfacing to modern mixed-signal microcontrollers and signal processing during an exciting biomedical measurement which is general and important enough to be included in various engineering courses. The full development is open source and the low-cost hardware is available worldwide. The experiment is highly transparent and scalable, and accessible to beginners while providing many challenges to even the most qualified students. It can also be used as a demonstration tool in oral lecturing.
An Educational Text-Dependent Speaker Recognition System
Authors: Ibrahim Dogan
Published: June 2012

Speech is one of the most natural forms of communication. Recently there have been many developments and research in the field of speech processing. Speaker recognition, an important application of speech processing, is the process of determining the identity of a speaker by comparing speech produced by a speaker to a number of speech samples stored in a database. This paper describes the development of an educational text-dependent speaker recognition system. Speech processing systems are highly complex and teaching students this subject with the underlying technologies can be a challenging task. The aim of this work was to give a hands-on-experience to students via the development of a speaker recognition system that can be used in laboratory sessions. The developed system is based on MATLAB and can easily be used to teach the basic principles of speaker recognition, including the effects of noise on the recognition process.
Using a Real Internet-Scale Environment for Protocol Testing in Undergraduate Courses: Students' Behaviour and Feedback
Authors: Marquès Joan Manuel , Juan Angel A. , Pérez-Bonilla Alejandra , Daradoumis Thanasis , Lázaro Daniel , Mondéjar Rubén
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a five-semester experience regarding the use of a real Internet-scale environment for testing protocols and services under realistic conditions. The paper discusses the convenience of using such real environments over other alternatives, i.e. emulated or simulated environments. Since most currently published work focuses primarily on technical specifications of academic testing environments, the paper also argues for the need to carry out studies which analyse students' opinions, performance, and behaviours while using these environments. Accordingly, an exhaustive survey analysis is included. This first analysis is complemented with a second one regarding the way students interact with the system. From both studies, several conclusions and recommendations are derived.
Developing Laboratory Exercises to Effectively Teach Transformer System Monitoring and Testing
Authors: Anwar Sohail , Rasolomompionona Desire Dauphin , Kowalik Ryszard , Glik Krzystof
Published: June 2012

High voltage auto transformers are regarded as one of the most important and expensive electrical power system devices. Thus, it is essential to remotely control and monitor their operating conditions. A key objective of autotransformer monitoring systems is to ensure continuity and reliability of autotransformer operation resulting in a reduction in costs and economic losses associated with the possible failures of autotransformers. This paper presents details regarding the laboratory equipment and the associated lab exercises used to teach transformer monitoring concepts to fifth-year electrical power systems engineering students at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. These students develop a comprehensive understanding of high voltage autotransformer monitoring and protection through the use of an ADAM5510E/TCP microprocessor-based controller.
Brief communication: Paleobiological inferences on the locomotor repertoire of extinct hominoids based on femoral neck cortical thickness: The fossil great ape hispanopithecus laietanus as a test‐case study
Authors: Pina Marta , Alba David M. , Almécija Sergio , Fortuny Josep , Moyà‐Solà Salvador
Published: June 2012

The relationship between femoral neck superior and inferior cortical thickness in primates is related to locomotor behavior. This relationship has been employed to infer bipedalism in fossil hominins, although bipeds share the same pattern of generalized quadrupeds, where the superior cortex is thinner than the inferior one. In contrast, knuckle‐walkers and specialized suspensory taxa display a more homogeneous distribution of cortical bone. These different patterns, probably related to the range of movement at the hip joint and concomitant differences in the load stresses at the femoral neck, are very promising for making locomotor inferences in extinct primates. To evaluate the utility of this feature in the fossil record, we relied on computed tomography applied to the femur of the Late Miocene hominoid Hispanopithecus laietanus as a test‐case study. Both an orthograde body plan and orang‐like suspensory adaptations had been previously documented for this taxon on different anatomical grounds, leading to the hypothesis that this fossil ape should display a modern ape‐like distribution of femoral neck cortical thickness. This is confirmed by the results of this study, leading to the conclusion that Hispanopithecus represents the oldest evidence of a homogeneous cortical bone distribution in the hominoid fossil record. Our results therefore strengthen the utility of femoral neck cortical thickness for making paleobiological inferences on the locomotor repertoire of fossil primates. This feature would be particularly useful for assessing the degree of orthograde arboreal locomotor behaviors vs. terrestrial bipedalism in putative early hominins. Am J PhyAnthropol 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oligo(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene)‐Derived Super‐π‐Gelators with Tunable Emission and Self‐Assembled Polymorphic Structures
Authors: Gopal Anesh , Varghese Reji , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: June 2012

Linear π‐conjugated oligomers are known to form organogels through noncovalent interactions. Herein, we report the effect of π‐repeat units on the gelation and morphological properties of three different oligo(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene)s: OPE3, OPE5, and OPE7. All of these molecules form fluorescent gels in nonpolar solvents at low critical gel concentrations, thereby resulting in a blue gel for OPE3, a green gel for OPE5, and a greenish yellow gel for OPE7. The molecule–molecule and molecule–substrate interactions in these OPEs are strongly influenced by the conjugation length of the molecules. Silicon wafer suppresses substrate–molecule interactions whereas a mica surface facilitates such interactions. At lower concentrations, OPE3 formed vesicular assemblies and OPE5 gave entangled fibers, whereas OPE7 resulted in spiral assemblies on a mica surface. At higher concentrations, OPE3 and OPE5 resulted in super‐bundles of fibers and flowerlike short‐fiber agglomerates when different conditions were applied. The number of polymorphic structures increases on increasing the conjugation length, as seen in the case of OPE7 with n=5, which resulted in a variety of exotic structures, the formation of which could be controlled by varying the substrate, concentration, and humidity.
Monotone Smoothing Splines using General Linear Systems
Authors: Nagahara Masaaki , Martin Clyde F.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, a method is proposed to solve the problem of monotone smoothing splines using general linear systems. This problem, also called monotone control theoretic splines, has been solved only when the curve generator is modeled by the second‐order integrator, but not for other cases. The difficulty in the problem is that the monotonicity constraint should be satisfied over an interval which has the cardinality of the continuum. To solve this problem, we first formulate the problem as a semi‐infinite quadratic programming problem, and then we adopt a discretization technique to obtain a finite‐dimensional quadratic programming problem. It is shown that the solution of the finite‐dimensional problem always satisfies the infinite‐dimensional monotonicity constraint. It is also proved that the approximated solution converges to the exact solution as the discretization grid‐size tends to zero. An example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Using the Discrete Element Method for Predicting the Mixing Behavior of Gravity Blenders in Different Operation Modes
Authors: Weiler R. , Ripp M. , Dau G. , Ripperger S.
Published: June 2012

The application of residence time density distributions gained with discrete element method (DEM) simulations for predicting the mixing behavior of gravity blenders in different operation modes is presented. Knowing these distributions, the performance of a blender can be predicted during different blending tasks in continuous and discontinuous operation mode. Up to now, the residence time distributions needed for these predictions could only be measured. It will be explained how a gravity blender containing more than 1 million of particles is mapped to simulation considering the computational effort as well as the quantitative validity of the results. Based on these data, the discontinuous blending behavior is predicted. The results indicate good agreement between simulations and experimental data and can serve as a basis for designing gravity blenders.
Synthesis and Molecular Modeling Studies of Derivatives of a Highly Potent Peptidomimetic Vinyl Ester as Falcipain‐2 Inhibitors
Authors: Ettari Roberta , Micale Nicola , Grazioso Giovanni , Bova Floriana , Schirmeister Tanja , Grasso Silvana , Zappalà Maria
Published: June 2012

Herein we report the synthesis of a set of constrained peptidomimetics endowed with an electrophilic vinyl ester warhead and structurally related to a previously identified lead compound, a potent and irreversible inhibitor of falcipain‐2 (FP‐2). FP‐2 is the main hemoglobinase of the malaria parasite P. falciparum. The new compounds were evaluated for their inhibition against FP‐2, and the results were rationalized on the basis of docking experiments. These studies underscore the pivotal role of both the ester function at the P1′ site and the trifluoromethyl group of the P3 side chain in determining the correct orientation of the Michael acceptor warhead in the catalytic site, and as a consequence, the potency of the inhibitors as well as their reversible or irreversible mode of inhibition.
Electrochemistry in Reverse Biased Dye Solar Cells and Dye/Electrolyte Degradation Mechanisms
Authors: Mastroianni Simone , Lembo Angelo , Brown Thomas M. , Reale Andrea , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: June 2012

Mismatched or shadowed individual cells in a module can operate in the reverse bias (RB) regime. We investigate and identify key mechanisms for RB operation and degradation in dye solar cells (DSCs). Current–voltage characteristics in RB are sensitive to the type of dye utilised and to TiCl4 substrate treatment. Subjecting the cell to a RB of 0.4 V over 740 h has little effect on conversion efficiency whereas a significant lowering is observed for the harsher stress tests at 0.6 V and by forcing a constant current equal to its ISC. For more prolonged reverse biases at ISC (>740 h), we show that depletion of [I3−] inside the DSC can lead the reverse bias potentials across the cells to considerably increase in time. Electrochemical impedance measurements show that the overpotentials at the counter electrodes (CEs) can eventually reach values high enough to cause hydrogen evolution. Clear evidence of gas bubbles forming inside a complete dye solar cell under reverse bias stress, leading to severe device degradation, is presented. We also show that reactions of iodine with water present in the electrolyte can play an important role in [I3−] depletion and in the formation of hydrogen at the Pt CE.
ETV2 expression marks blood and endothelium precursors, including hemogenic endothelium, at the onset of blood development
Authors: Wareing Sarah , Eliades Alexia , Lacaud Georges , Kouskoff Valerie
Published: June 2012

Background: ETV2 has been identified as an important player in embryonic hematopoiesis. However, the cell populations in which this transcription factor is expressed and operates during blood specification remain to be fully characterized. Here we address these issues using ES cells and a transgenic mouse line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of ETV2 regulatory elements, allowing us to observe the tight association between ETV2 expression and the initiation of hematopoiesis. Results: Both in differentiating ES cells and gastrulating embryos ETV2::GFP is mostly found co‐expressed with endothelial markers and defines a subset of cells with greatly enriched primitive erythroid potential. Upon culture ETV2::GFP cells rapidly up‐regulate CD41, down‐regulate endothelium cell surface markers and generate definitive hematopoietic progenitors. Altogether these characteristics represent the hallmark of hemogenic endothelium cells, a specialized endothelium originating from the hemangioblast and giving rise to hematopoietic cells. Importantly, ETV2 deficiency results in a complete absence of hemogenic endothelium in differentiating ES cells and gastrulating embryos. Conclusions: Altogether our data reveal that ETV2 marks hemogenic endothelium in gastrulating embryos and is absolutely required for the formation of this precursor at the onset of hematopoiesis. These results enhance our understanding of embryonic hematopoiesis and the factors driving hemogenic endothelium specification. Developmental Dynamics 241:1454–1464, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellular phenotypes and spatio‐temporal patterns of lymphatic vessel development in embryonic mouse hearts
Authors: Flaht A. , Jankowska‐Steifer E. , Radomska D.M. , Madej M. , Gula G. , Kujawa M. , Ratajska A.
Published: June 2012

Background: The origin of cardiac lymphatics from venous endothelial cells or from scattered lymphangioblasts has been discussed in the literature. We aimed to establish the stage when lymphatic vessels appear in the developing mouse heart, the location of the first lymphatics, and to define cellular phenotypes of growing lymphatics. Results: We found that scattered Lyve‐1‐positive cells located in the subepicardial area of developing heart expressed CD45, CD68, F4/80, or CD11b but not CD31. Prox‐1+/Lyve‐1+ cellular cords or vessels were found to invade 12.5–13.5‐dpc hearts via two routes: from the venous pole, i.e., dorsal atrioventricular sulcus, or on the dorsal atrial surface from mediastinum and from the arterial pole, i.e., along the great arteries. The Prox‐1+/Lyve‐1+ vessels were located among the Prox‐1+/Lyve‐1− cords and among the scattered Prox‐1−/Lyve‐1+ cells. The Prox‐1+/Lyve‐1− cellular cords/tubules dominate initially at the arterial pole whereas Lyve‐1+/Prox‐1− cellular cords/tubules dominate initially on the venous pole, i.e., dorsal atrioventricular sulcus. The Lyve‐1+/CD45+, Lyve‐1+/CD11b+, Lyve‐1+/F4/80+ and Lyve‐1+/CD68+ cells were subsequently found to be co‐opted to the wall of the developing lymphatic vessels while gaining Flk‐1. Conclusions: Lymphatic primordia exhibit different cellular phenotypes and different spatiotemporal pattern on the venous pole as compared with the arterial pole of the heart. Developmental Dynamics 241:1473–1486, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidorhenium(V) Complexes with Phenolate‐ and Carboxylate‐Based Ligands: Structure and Catalytic Epoxidation
Authors: Machura Barbara , Wolff Mariusz , Tabak Dominik , Schachner Jörg A. , Mösch‐Zanetti Nadia C.
Published: June 2012

Several oxidorhenium(V) complexes with phenolate‐ and carboxylate‐based ligands were synthesized: [ReOCl(hpbi)2]·THF, [ReOCl(hmpbta)2], [ReOBr(hmpbta)2], [ReOCl(hpbo)2], [ReOCl(hpbt)2]·2MeCN, [ReO(OMe)(quin)2], [ReO(OMe)(pic)2], [ReO(OMe)(2,5‐dipic)2]·C5H5N, [ReOCl(pic)2], and [ReOCl(3‐ind)2] [in which Hhpbi = 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole, Hhmpbta = 2‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl)benzotriazole, Hhpbo = 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐benzoxazole, Hhpbt = 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole, Hquin = quinaldic acid, picH = picolinic acid, 2,5‐dipicH = 2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid, and 3‐indH = indazole‐3‐carboxylic acid]. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, the complex [ReO(OMe)(quin)2] is a rare trans‐N,N and trans‐O,O isomer of [ReOX(N–O)2] with two chelating quinoline‐2‐carboxylate ligands in the equatorial plane and a linear axial [O=Re–OMe] unit. The other disubstituted compounds were found to be the most common cis‐N,N structure of [ReOX(N‐O)2] with the oxygen atom of one of the chelating ligands in a trans position to the oxido ligand. All the complexes were tested in the epoxidation of cyclooctene with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (3 equiv.). The lowest conversion of only 3 % has been confirmed for [ReOCl(hpbi)2]. All other complexes reached yields of cyclooctane oxide between 58 and 75 %.