bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF AROMATICITY INDICES AS MOLECULAR DESCRIPTORS FOR PREDICTION OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF 9,10-ANTHRAQUINONE DERIVATIVES IN ETHANOL SOLUTION
Authors: CYSEWSKI PIOTR
Published: April 2013

Optical properties of 60 anthraquinone derivatives in ethanol solution were characterized using QSPR multivariance linear regression (MLR). Application of parameter set comprising molecular descriptors and aromaticity indices allowed for highly accurate prediction of λmaxvalues of considered anthraquinone dyes. Due to the nature of chromophore the main predictive power comes from hardness what obviously is related to π → π* excitation and consequently the LUMO and HOMO energies. However, due to the fact that substituent effect is much more pronounced on π-electron delocalization in central quinonoid ring rather than in vicinal aromatic ones, the aromaticity indices describing properties of this ring can be effectively used in MLR procedure. The highest predictive power of the final models was found for three parameters regression equation comprising hardness, NICS (1)zzand normalized Pozharsky geometry based index. The values of standard deviation were equal to 12.6 nm and square of adjusted correlation coefficient reached 0.97. This confirmed validity of the hypothesis that in cases in which molecular orbitals responsible for UV-Vis excitation belong, at least partly, to delocalized ring orbitals the UV-Vis imposed π → π* excitations can be related to the extent of π-electron delocalization expressed in term of geometric and magnetic indices.
COMPUTATIONAL AERODYNAMICS OF THE C-130 PREDICTING AIRFLOW EFFECT ON AIRDROP
Authors: NG EDDIE YIN KWEE , PANG SAMUEL KHENG HONG , CHIU WEN SHAN
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a delayed detached-eddy simulation-shear stress transport (DDES-SST) analysis of the airflow in the opened cargo hatch region of the C-130H. Numerical simulations are performed on a full-scaled axisymmetric aircraft model with the standard airdrop method settings at a 5° angle of attack. Results show a large vortex core forming at the mouth of the cargo bay and diminishing in strength and vorticity with distance from the cargo ramp. An approximate safe distance for deployment of extraction parachutes is also measured with the help of streamline plots.
MCD spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations of a naphthalene-ring-bridged coplanar binuclear phthalocyanine dimer
Authors: Mack John , Liang Xu , Dubinina Tatiana V. , Tomilova Larisa G. , Nyokong Tebello , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: April 2013

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations are used to analyze the electronic structure and optical properties of an alkyl-substituted naphthalene-ring-bridged coplanar binuclear phthalocyanine dimer. An analysis of the MCD spectrum of the naphthalene-ring-bridged dimer relative to those of benzene-bridged compounds reported previously, demonstrates that there is a significantly weaker interaction between the two phthalocyanine rings. TD-DFT results obtained using the B3LYP functional with 6–31G basis sets were found to be problematic. Closer agreement with the experimental data is obtained when the CAM-B3LYP functional is used instead. The naphthalene-ring-bridged compound is found to be unsuitable for use as a photosensitizer for the formation of singlet oxygen, because the ΦT values are negligible.
HIGH MODULUS SILICATES/POLY (L-LACTIC ACID) BASED POLYMERS ASSEMBLIES FOR POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN TISSUE ENGINEERING
Authors: MA HUI , XU RONGHUA , XU HONG , ZHANG LINPING , ZHONG YI , JIANG QIURAN , YANG YIQI , MAO ZHIPING
Published: April 2013

In this paper, silicates/poly (l-lactic acid)-co-bisphenol A epoxy resin assemblies with high modulus were developed by in situ polymerization of l-lactic acid and surface-modified lamellar vermiculites for potential applications in tissue engineering. These assemblies represented advances in the mechanical properties that can be hardly obtained in other assemblies formed via physical interactions. The covalent grafting of the PLLA based polymers onto the vermiculites surface was confirmed by X-ray photon spectroscopy. The elastic moduli of the assemblies measured by an atomic force microscope were around 7 GPa, and higher than the elastic moduli of the pure polymer (3.2 GPa) and unmodified vermiculites (1.5 GPa), respectively. Images demonstrated that cells proliferated and reached confluence on both the assemblies and pure polymer materials, which indicated that the assemblies exhibited the similar cytocompatibility with pure polymer. With the addition of 5 wt.% assemblies, the polymer and assemblies blended-composites exhibited a 118% improvement in compressive strength and 117% improvement in modulus compared with pure polymer. The present work demonstrated a strategy for the assembly of biomacromolecules and inorganic layers and fabrication of biomaterials high in modulus for tissue engineering applications.
Optimizing XML querying using type-based document projection
Authors: Benzaken Véronique , Castagna Giuseppe , Colazzo Dario , Nguy˜ˆen Kim
Published: April 2013

XML data projection (or pruning) is a natural optimization for main memory query engines: given a query
Q
over a document
D
, the subtrees of
D
that are not necessary to evaluate
Q
are pruned, thus producing a smaller document
D'
; the query
Q
is then executed on
D'
, hence avoiding to allocate and process nodes that will never be reached by
Q
.

In this article, we propose a new approach, based on types, that greatly improves current solutions. Besides providing comparable or greater precision and far lesser pruning overhead, our solution—unlike current approaches—takes into account backward axes, predicates, and can be applied to multiple queries rather than just to single ones. A side contribution is a new type system for XPath able to handle backward axes. The soundness of our approach is formally proved. Furthermore, we prove that the approach is also complete (i.e., yields the best possible type-driven pruning) for a relevant class of queries and Schemas. We further validate our approach using the XMark and XPathMark benchmarks and show that pruning not only improves the main memory query engine's performances (as expected) but also those of state of the art native XML databases.
Interacting with social networks of intelligent things and people in the world of gastronomy
Authors: Console Luca , Antonelli Fabrizio , Biamino Giulia , Carmagnola Francesca , Cena Federica , Chiabrando Elisa , Cuciti Vincenzo , Demichelis Matteo , Fassio Franco , Franceschi Fabrizio , Furnari Roberto , Gena Cristina , Geymonat Marina , Grimaldi Piercarlo , Grillo Pierluige , Likavec Silvia , Lombardi Ilaria , Mana Dario , Marcengo Alessandro , Mioli Michele , Mirabelli Mario , Perrero Monica , Picardi Claudia , Protti Federica , Rapp Amon , Simeoni Rossana , Dupré Daniele Theseider , Torre Ilaria , Toso Andrea , Torta Fabio , Vernero Fabiana
Published: April 2013

This article introduces a framework for creating rich augmented environments based on a social web of intelligent things and people. We target outdoor environments, aiming to transform a region into a smart environment that can share its cultural heritage with people, promoting itself and its special qualities. Using the applications developed in the framework, people can interact with things, listen to the stories that these things tell them, and make their own contributions. The things are intelligent in the sense that they aggregate information provided by users and behave in a socially active way. They can autonomously establish social relationships on the basis of their properties and their interaction with users. Hence when a user gets in touch with a thing, she is also introduced to its social network consisting of other things and of users; she can navigate this network to discover and explore the world around the thing itself. Thus the system supports serendipitous navigation in a network of things and people that evolves according to the behavior of users. An innovative interaction model was defined that allows users to interact with objects in a natural, playful way using smartphones without the need for a specially created infrastructure.

The framework was instantiated into a suite of applications called WantEat, in which objects from the domain of tourism and gastronomy (such as cheese wheels or bottles of wine) are taken as testimonials of the cultural roots of a region. WantEat includes an application that allows the definition and registration of things, a mobile application that allows users to interact with things, and an application that supports stakeholders in getting feedback about the things that they have registered in the system. WantEat was developed and tested in a real-world context which involved a region and gastronomy-related items from it (such as products, shops, restaurants, and recipes), through an early evaluation with stakeholders and a final evaluation with hundreds of users.
Interview with Ken Anderson
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: April 2013

Ken Anderson is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a fellow of CU's ATLAS Institute and the co-director of Project EPIC (http://epic.cs.colorado.edu), where he helped to design a large-scale data collection infrastructure for collecting tweets generated during times of mass emergency. Prof. Anderson's research interests include software and web engineering, software architecture, hypermedia, and crisis informatics. He is currently leading the creation of a research center at CU that will investigate topics related to the generation, collection, storage, and analysis of large data sets.
"Metro maps of information" by Dafna Shahaf, Carlos Guestrin and Eric Horvitz, with Ching-man Au Yeung as coordinator
Authors: Shahaf Dafna , Guestrin Carlos , Horvitz Eric
Published: April 2013

When information is abundant, it becomes increasingly difficult to fit nuggets of knowledge into a single coherent picture. Complex stories spaghetti into branches, side stories, and intertwining narratives. In order to explore these stories, one needs a map to navigate unfamiliar territory. We have developed a methodology for creating structured summaries of information, which we call metro maps. Our algorithm generates a concise structured set of documents which maxi- mizes coverage of salient pieces of information. Most importantly, metro maps explicitly show the relations among retrieved pieces in a way that captures the evolution of a story. We first for- malize characteristics of good maps and formulate their construction as an optimization problem. Then, we provide efficient methods with theoretical guarantees for generating maps. Finally, we integrate capabilities for supporting user interaction into the framework, allowing users to guide the formulation of the maps so as to better re ect their interests. Pilot user studies with a real- world dataset demonstrate that the method is able to produce maps which help users to acquire knowledge efficiently.
Taking a note from marketing research in sustainable HCI
Authors: Remy Christian
Published: April 2013

Sustainability in (Inter)Action provides a forum for innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and environmental sustainability. The column explores how HCI can contribute to the complex and interdisciplinary efforts to address sustainability challenges.

Elaine M. Huang, Editor
Interactive systems for health
Authors: Hayes Gillian R.
Published: April 2013

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision-making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, and coordination, among others. We'll look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges.

Gillian R. Hayes, Editor
Octaorgano Silsesquioxanes with Encapsulated Fluoride Anion, TBA(F-@T8),as a New Class of Non-Coordinating Non-Nucleophilic Supporting Electrolytes
Authors: Syroeshkin Mikhail , Wang Yu , Dieng Mamadou , Gul'tyai Vadim , Jouikov Viatcheslav
Published: April 2013

The negative charge of F- encapsulated inside the silsesquioxane cage of F-@T8R8 anions is unavailable for external nucleophiles, which makes these systems suitable for stabilization of electrophilic species (carbocations, silicenium cations, Lewis acids etc). Potentially useful for electrochemistry salts (R: Ph, CH2CN, CH2CH2CN, CH2CH2CF3) with tetrabutylammonium cations were prepared from triethoxyorganosilanes RSi(OEt)3 whose R σ Ph. Anodic potentials with these salts are limited by oxidation of R groups (Elim ≅ ° 2 V vs SCE). Their conductivity in THF and AN is comparable to that of conventional TBA salts. Low nucleophilicity of F-@T8R8 anions allowed to stabilize electrophilic species formed by oxidation of 1,1,2,2-tetramethyl-1,2-bis(quinolin-8-yloxy)disilane, not observed in conventional systems CH3CN/ TBAPF6 or CH2Cl2/TBAPF6. These non-coordinating and non-nucleophilic anions can be used in THF, DME and liquid SO2, they are suitable for EPR-spectroelectrochemistry and are expected to find applications in anodic electrochemistry along with perfluoro arylborates and carborane anions.
2D Electro-Optic Scanner
Authors: Wang Wei-Chih , Tsui Chi Leung , Estroff Benjamin
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of a 2D beam steering device using cascaded prism and grating deflectors. The device, based on a single prism with a maximum deflection angle of 5.6{degree sign}, is able to achieve a maximum deflection angle of 29.2o for the cascaded three-prism stage design in the horizontal direction, a 4.6o deflection angle from the grating stage in the vertical direction, and a collimated 4µm beam diameter profile.
Special 100 GHz Photodetectors for Communications
Authors: Bach Heinz-Gunter
Published: April 2013

High-bit rate fiber networks, remote antenna driving, and measurement applications need a variety of high-performance photodetectors, exhibiting ultra-high frequencies or bandwidths. Based on waveguide-integrated detectors, three special detector types are presented, which address flexible coupling to subsequent electronics (bias-feeding detector), clock extraction capability (narrowband photodetectors) and free space radiation into the sub-THz range (self-biased pin-antenna chip).
Formation of p-Type Ultrananocrystalline Diamond/Nonhydrogenated Amorphous Carbon Composite Films Prepared by Coaxial Arc Plasma Deposition with Boron-Incorporated Graphite Targets
Authors: Katamune Yuki , Ohmagari Shinya , Setoyama Hiroyuki , Sumitani Kazushi , Hirai Yasuharu , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2013

Boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)/nonhydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C) composite (UNCD/a-C) films were prepared by coaxial arc plasma deposition (CAPD) with boron-blended graphite target. Their growth was achieved at room temperature and a base pressure of less than 10-3 Pa (no inflow gas) owing to CAPD, whereas the growth of UNCD films by chemical vapor deposition generally requires high substrate temperatures of more than 700°C and a hydrogen ambient gas. The formation of p-type conduction was confirmed thermally, namely Seebeck effect, and heterojunction diodes formed with n-type Si exhibited a typical rectifying action. It was demonstrated that CAPD is advantageous to the practical film formation including doping.
Enhancement of Oxygen Transport in the Storage Electrode of a High Temperature Secondary Metal-Air Battery Based on an Oxygen Ion Conducting Electrolyte
Authors: Landes Harald , Reichenbacher Roland
Published: April 2013

The concept of a new reversible metal air battery with high cycling capability is based on a porous structure of iron-iron oxide serving as storage of low oxygen activity which is coupled to the negative electrode of a solid oxide fuel / electrolyzer cell via gas diffusion in stagnant atmosphere of a gaseous redox couple. The positive electrode is supplied by air. Such concept does not suffer from the problem of degrading contacts in the storage electrodes caused by volume change of solid phases upon charge and discharge. Basic quantitative reasoning shows that as gaseous redox couple a mixture of hydrogen and water vapor is ideally suited to achieve high performance. Experimental results are presented, which demonstrate the low overall polarization of this kind of storage concept.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Inhibits the RANKL Pathway and Impacts on the Production of Pathway-Associated Cytokines in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Luo Jing , Wen Hongyan , Guo Hui , Cai Qi , Li Shuangtian , Li Xiaofeng
Published: April 2013

Objectives. To study effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on RANKL signaling pathway and pathway-associated cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-4 were examined in 54 patients with incipient RA using a cytometric bead array (CBA) or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. After 72 hours of incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with 1,25(OH)2D3in RA patients, the levels of RANKL, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-6 significantly decreased compared to those of the control. 1,25(OH)2D3had no significantly impact on the levels of OPG, RANKL/OPG, and IL-4.Conclusions. The present study demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3reduced the production of RANKL and the secretion of TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 in PBMCs of RA patients, which indicated that 1,25(OH)2D3might be able to decrease damage of cartilage and bone in RA patients by regulating the expression of RANKL signaling pathway and pathway-associated cytokines.
Systems Science and Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Review and New Directions
Authors: Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Foster E. Michael
Published: April 2013

As a public health problem, childhood obesity operates at multiple levels, ranging from individual health behaviors to school and community characteristics to public policies. Examining obesity, particularly childhood obesity, from any single perspective is likely to fail, and systems science methods offer a possible solution. We systematically reviewed studies that examined the causes and/or consequences of obesity from a systems science perspective. The 21 included studies addressed four general areas of systems science in obesity: (1) translating interventions to a large scale, (2) the effect of obesity on other health or economic outcomes, (3) the effect of geography on obesity, and (4) the effect of social networks on obesity. In general, little research addresses obesity from a true, integrated systems science perspective, and the available research infrequently focuses on children. This shortcoming limits the ability of that research to inform public policy. However, we believe that the largely incremental approaches used in current systems science lay a foundation for future work and present a model demonstrating the system of childhood obesity. Systems science perspective and related methods are particularly promising in understanding the link between childhood obesity and adult outcomes. Systems models emphasize the evolution of agents and their interactions; such evolution is particularly salient in the context of a developing child.
Proteomic Analysis of the Ontogenetic Variability in Plasma Composition of Juvenile and AdultBothrops jararacaSnakes
Authors: de Morais-Zani Karen , Grego Kathleen Fernandes , Tanaka Aparecida Sadae , Tanaka-Azevedo Anita Mitico
Published: April 2013

The ontogenetic variability in venom composition of some snake genera, includingBothrops, as well as the biological implications of such variability and the search of new molecules that can neutralize the toxic components of these venoms have been the subject of many studies. Thus, considering the resistance ofBothrops jararacato the toxic action of its own venom and the ontogenetic variability in venom composition described in this species, a comparative study of the plasma composition of juvenile and adultB. jararacasnakes was performed through a proteomic approach based on 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, which allowed the identification of proteins that might be present at different levels during ontogenetic development. Among the proteins identified by mass spectrometry, antihemorrhagic factor Bj46a was found only in adult plasma. Moreover, two spots identified as phospholipase A2inhibitors were significantly increased in juvenile plasma, which can be related to the higher catalytic PLA2activity shown by juvenile venom in comparison to that of adult snakes. This work shows the ontogenetic variability ofB. jararacaplasma, and that these changes can be related to the ontogenetic variability described in its venom.
Nanoindentation and Adhesion Properties of Ta Thin Films
Authors: Chen Yuan-Tsung
Published: April 2013

Ta films were sputtered onto a glass substrate with thicknesses from 500 Å to 1500 Å under the following conditions: (a) as‐deposited films were maintained at room temperature (RT), (b) films were postannealed at TA = 150°C for 1 h, and (c) films were postannealed at TA = 250°C for 1 h. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that the Ta films had a body‐centered cubic (BCC) structure. Postannealing conditions and thicker Ta films exhibited a stronger Ta (110) crystallization than as‐deposited and thinner films. The nanoindention results revealed that Ta thin films are sensitive to mean grain size, including a valuable hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E). High nanomechanical properties of as‐deposited and thinner films can be investigated by grain refinement, which is consistent with the Hall‐Petch effect. The surface energy of as‐deposited Ta films was higher than that in postannealing treatments. The adhesion of as‐deposited Ta films was stronger than postannealing treatments because of crystalline degree effect. The maximal H and E and the optimal adhesion of an as‐deposited 500‐Å‐thick Ta film were 15.6 GPa, 180 GPa, and 51.56 mJ/mm2, respectively, suggesting that a 500‐Å‐thick Ta thin film can be used in seed and protective layer applications.
Evaluation of the Bronchorelaxant, Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Effects ofCassia alataL.
Authors: Ouédraogo M. , Da F. L. , Fabré A. , Konaté K. , Dibala C. I. , Carreyre H. , Thibaudeau S. , Coustard J.-M. , Vandebrouck C. , Bescond J. , Belemtougri R. G.
Published: April 2013

Aqueous-ethanolic extract ofCassia alata(AECal) and its derived fractions obtained through liquid-liquid fractionation were evaluated for their bronchorelaxant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects. Contractile activity of rats’ tracheas in the presence of tested materials, as well as its modifications with different inhibitors and blockers, was isometrically recorded. The antigenotoxic potential of AECal was evaluated on cyclophosphamide- (CP-) induced genotoxicity in the rat. Animals were pretreated with the extract, then liver comet assay was performed. AECal and its chloroformic fractions (CF-AECal) relaxed the contraction induced by Ach, but both were significantly less potent in inhibiting contraction induced by KCl (30 mM; 80 mM). Propranolol, indomethacin, L-NAME, methylene blue, and glibenclamide did not modify the relaxant effect of CF-AECal. TEA altered the response of trachea to CF-AECal. CF-AECal caused a rightward shift without affecting theEmaxin cumulative concentration-response curves of Ach only at low concentrations. In animals pretreated with the extract, the percentage of CP-induced DNA damage decreased. Our results suggest that (1) muscarinic receptors contribute at least in part to the relaxant effects of CF-AECal; (2) CF-AECal interferes with membrane polarization; and (3) AECal is not genotoxicin vivoand contains chemopreventive phytoconstituents offering protection against CP-induced genotoxicity.
Performance Evaluation of a Bench-Top Precision Glass Molding Machine
Authors: Wachtel Peter , Mosaddegh Peiman , Gleason Benn , Musgraves J. David , Richardson Kathleen
Published: April 2013

A Dyna Technologies Inc. GP-5000HT precision glass molding machine has been found to be a capable tool for bridging the gap between research-level instruments and the higher volume production machines typically used in industry, providing a means to apply the results of rigorous instrumentation analysis performed in the lab to industrial PGM applications. The GP-5000HT's thermal and mechanical functionality is explained and characterized through the measurement baseline functionality and the associated error. These baseline measurements were used to determine the center thickness repeatability of pressed glass parts, which is the main metric used in industrial pressing settings. The baselines and the repeatability tests both confirmed the need for three warm-up pressing cycles before the press reaches a thermal steady state. The baselines used for pressing a 2 mm glass piece to a 1 mm target center thickness yielded an average center thickness of 1.001 mm and a standard deviation of thickness of 0.0055 mm for glass samples pressed over 3 consecutive days. The baseline tests were then used to deconvolve the sources of error of final pressed piece center thickness.
Fresnel Prism on Hess Screen Test
Authors: Koh Kyung Min , Samuel Kim Ungsoo
Published: April 2013

A 65-year-old male patient complained of diplopia after a cataract surgery. He had esotropia of 18 prism diopters (PDs) at distant and near deviation, and therefore, we performed the Hess screen test to identify any abnormal eye movement. However, the indicator was found to be out of bounds, and therefore, the test could not be completed. Therefore, the test was subsequently performed with a 20 PD base-out Fresnel prism, and an abduction deficit was observed in the right eye, but not in the left eye. Therefore, we speculated that the patient had abducens nerve palsy in the right eye. The results obtained in the present study imply that performing the Hess screen test with the Fresnel prism may be very useful in diagnosing ambiguous abnormalities in patients with extraocular movement. The Hess screen test can be performed for patients with a strabismus of greater than 15 PD by using a Fresnel prism. Thus, a Fresnel prism may be useful for performing both the Hess screen test and Lancaster screen test.
A New Formulation of the Set Covering Problem for Metaheuristic Approaches
Authors: Bilal Nehme , Galinier Philippe , Guibault Francois
Published: April 2013

Two difficulties arise when solving the set covering problem (SCP) with metaheuristic approaches: solution infeasibility and set redundancy. In this paper, we first present a review and analysis of the
heuristic approaches that have been used in the literature to address these difficulties. We then present a new formulation that can be used to solve the SCP as an unconstrained optimization problem and that eliminates the need to address the infeasibility and set redundancy issues. We show that all local optimums with respect to the new formulation and a 1-flip neighbourhood structure are feasible and free of redundant sets. In addition, we adapt an existing greedy heuristic for the SCP to the new formulation and compare the adapted heuristic to the original heuristic using 88 known test problems for the SCP. Computational results show that the adapted heuristic finds better results than the original heuristic on most of the test problems in shorter computation times.
Impact of Standardized Allergen-RemovedRhus vernicifluaStokes Extract on Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: A Case Series
Authors: Choi Woncheol , An Soomin , Kwon Eunmi , Eo Wankyu , Lee Sanghun
Published: April 2013

Background. Adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (AAV) is a rare malignancy that has a better prognosis than other periampullary cancers. However, the standard treatment for patients with relapsed or metastatic AAV has not been established. We investigated the clinical feasibility of standardized allergen-removedRhus vernicifluastokes (aRVS) extract for advanced or metastatic AAV.Patients and Methods. From July 2006 to April 2011, we retrospectively reviewed all patients with advanced AAV treated with aRVS extract alone. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 patients were eligible for the final analysis. We assessed the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of these patients during the follow-up period.Results. The median aRVS administration period was 147.0 days (range: 72–601 days). The best tumor responses according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were as follows: two with complete response, two with stable disease, and eight with progressive disease. The median OS was 15.1 months (range: 4.9–25.1 months), and the median PFS was 3.0 months (range: 1.6–11.4 months). Adverse reactions to the aRVS treatment were mostly mild and self-limiting.Conclusions. Prolonged survival was observed in patients with advanced AAV under the treatment of standardized aRVS extract without significant adverse effects.
Malaria Vaccine Adjuvants: Latest Update and Challenges in Preclinical and Clinical Research
Authors: Mata Elena , Salvador Aiala , Igartua Manoli , Hernández Rosa María , Pedraz José Luis
Published: April 2013

There is no malaria vaccine currently available, and the most advanced candidate has recently reported a modest 30% efficacy against clinical malaria. Although many efforts have been dedicated to achieve this goal, the research was mainly directed to identify antigenic targets. Nevertheless, the latest progresses on understanding how immune system works and the data recovered from vaccination studies have conferred to the vaccine formulation its deserved relevance. Additionally to the antigen nature, the manner in which it is presented (delivery adjuvants) as well as the immunostimulatory effect of the formulation components (immunostimulants) modulates the immune response elicited. Protective immunity against malaria requires the induction of humoral, antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) and effector and memory cell responses. This review summarizes the status of adjuvants that have been or are being employed in the malaria vaccine development, focusing on the pharmaceutical and immunological aspects, as well as on their immunization outcomings at clinical and preclinical stages.
Plasma Lipoproteins as Mediators of the Oxidative Stress Induced by UV Light in Human Skin: A Review of Biochemical and Biophysical Studies on Mechanisms of Apolipoprotein Alteration, Lipid Peroxidation, and Associated Skin Cell Responses
Authors: Filipe Paulo , Morlière Patrice , Silva João N. , Mazière Jean-Claude , Patterson Larry K. , Freitas João P. , Santus R.
Published: April 2013

There are numerous studies concerning the effect of UVB light on skin cells but fewer on other skin components such as the interstitial fluid. This review highlights high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as important targets of UVB in interstitial fluid. Tryptophan residues are the sole apolipoprotein residues absorbing solar UVB. The UVB-induced one-electron oxidation of Trp produces•Trp andO2•-radicals which trigger lipid peroxidation. Immunoblots from buffered solutions or suction blister fluid reveal that propagation of photooxidative damage to other residues such as Tyr or disulfide bonds produces intra- and intermolecular bonds in apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, and B100. Partial repair of phenoxyl tyrosyl radicals (TyrO•) byα-tocopherol is observed with LDL and HDL on millisecond or second time scales, whereas limited repair ofα-tocopherol by carotenoids occurs in only HDL. More effective repair of Tyr andα-tocopherol is observed with the flavonoid, quercetin, bound to serum albumin, but quercetin is less potent than new synthetic polyphenols in inhibiting LDL lipid peroxidation or restoringα-tocopherol. The systemic consequences of HDL and LDL oxidation and the activation and/or inhibition of signalling pathways by oxidized LDL and their ability to enhance transcription factor DNA binding activity are also reviewed.
Enhanced Intracellular Uptake of CdTe Quantum Dots by Conjugation of Oligopeptides
Authors: Choi Moon-Jeong , Pierson R. , Chang Yongmin , Guo Haiquing , Kang Inn-Kyu
Published: April 2013

Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (RGDS), a typical membrane‐permeable carrier peptide, was conjugated with mercaptoisobutyric acid‐immobilized CdTe quantum dot (CTNPs) to enhance the intracellular uptake of quantum dots. Mean size of mercaptoisobutyric acid‐immobilized quantum dots (37 nm) as determined by dynamic light scattering was increased up to 54 nm after RGDS immobilization. It was found, from in vitro cell culture experiment, that fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells were well proliferated in the presence of RGDS‐conjugated quantum dots (RCTNPs), and the intracellular uptake of CTNPs and RCTNPs was studied by means of ICP and fluorescence microscopy. As a result, the RCTNPs specifically bound to the membrane of NIH 3T3 cells and almost saturated after 6 hours incubation. The amount of RCTNPs uptaken by the cells was higher than that of CTNPs, demonstrating the enhancing effect of RGDS peptide conjugation on the intracellular uptake of quantum dots (QDs).
Artificial Intelligence in Numerical Modeling of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared in Montmorillonite Interlayer Space
Authors: Shabanzadeh Parvaneh , Senu Norazak , Shameli Kamyar , Tabar Maryam Mohaghegh
Published: April 2013

Artificial neural network (ANN) models have the capacity to eliminate the need for expensive experimental investigation in various areas of manufacturing processes, including the casting methods. An understanding of the interrelationships between input variables is essential for interpreting the sensitivity data and optimizing the design parameters. Silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) have attracted considerable attention for chemical, physical, and medical applications due to their exceptional properties. The nanocrystal silver was synthesized into an interlamellar space of montmorillonite by using the chemical reduction technique. The method has an advantage of size control which is essential in nanometals synthesis. Silver nanoparticles with nanosize and devoid of aggregation are favorable for several properties. In this investigation, the accuracy of artificial neural network training algorithm was applied in studying the effects of different parameters on the particles, including the AgNO3 concentration, reaction temperature, UV‐visible wavelength, and montmorillonite (MMT) d‐spacing on the prediction of size of silver nanoparticles. Analysis of the variance showed that the AgNO3 concentration and temperature were the most significant factors affecting the size of silver nanoparticles. Using the best performing artificial neural network, the optimum conditions predicted were a concentration of AgNO3 of 1.0 (M), MMT d‐spacing of 1.27 nm, reaction temperature of 27°C, and wavelength of 397.50 nm.
Changes in Body Composition, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Eating Behavior after an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention with High Volume of Physical Activity in Severely Obese Subjects: A Prospective Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Danielsen Kjersti Karoline , Svendsen Mette , Mæhlum Sverre , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn
Published: April 2013

We examined the effects of a 10–14-weeks inpatient lifestyle modification program, including minimum 90 min of physical activity (PA) five days/week, on body composition, CVD risk factors, and eating behavior in 139 obese subjects (BMI42.6±5.2 kg/m2). Completion rate was 71%(n=71)in the intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) group and 85%(n=33)among waiting list controls. Compared to controls body weight (-17.0(95% CI: -18.7,-15.3) kg,P<0.0001), fat mass (-15.2(95% CI: -17.4,-13.1) kg,P<0.0001), fat free mass (-1.2(95% CI: -2.2,-0.2) kg,P=0.016) and visceral fat (-86.6(95% CI: -97.4,-75.7) cm2,P<0.0001) were reduced in the ILI-group after 10–14 weeks. Within the ILI-group weight loss was-23.8(95% CI: -25.9,-21.7) kg,P<0.0001and-20.3(95% CI: -23.3,-17.3) kg,P<0.0001, after six and 12 months, respectively. Systolic BP, glucose, triglycerides, and LDL-C were reduced, and HDL-C was increased (allP≤0.006) after 10–14 weeks within the ILI group. The reduction in glucose and increase in HDL-C were sustained after 12 months (allP<0.0001). After one year, weight loss was related to increased cognitive restraint and decreased uncontrolled eating (allP<0.05). Thus, ILI including high volume of PA resulted in weight loss with almost maintenance of fat-free mass, favorable changes in CVD risk factors, and eating behavior in subjects with severe obesity.
The Effect of Mirtazapine on Cisplatin‐Induced Oxidative Damage and Infertility in Rat Ovaries
Authors: Altuner Durdu , Gulaboglu Mine , Yapca Omer Erkan , Cetin Nihal
Published: April 2013

Cisplatin causes infertility due to ovarian toxicity. The toxicity mechanism is unknown, but evidence suggests oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of mirtazapine on cisplatin‐induced infertility and oxidative stress in rats was investigated. 64 female rats were divided into 4 groups of 16. Except for the controls that received physiologic saline only, all were administered with cisplatin (5 mg/kg i.p.) and mirtazapine (15 mg/kg p.o.) or mirtazapine (30 mg/kg p.o.) for 10 days. After this period, six rats from each group were randomly selected, and malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), total gluthatione (tGSH), gluthatione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 8‐hydroxy‐2 deoxyguanine (8‐OH Gua) levels were measured in their ovarian tissues. Reproductive functions of the remaining rats were examined for 6 months. The MDA, MPO, NO groups and 8‐OH Gua levels were higher in the cisplatin‐treated groups than the controls, which was not observed in the mirtazapine and cisplatin groups. GSH, GPx, and SOD levels were reduced by cisplatin, which was prevented by mirtazapine. Cisplatin caused infertility by 70%. The infertility rates were, respectively, 40% and 10% for the 15 and 30 mg/kg mirtazapine administered groups. In conclusion, oxidative stress induced by cisplatin in the rat ovary tissue causes infertility in the female rats. Mirtazapine reverses this in a dose‐dependent manner.
Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mori Kenichi , Ando Tadasuke , Nomura Takeo , Sato Fuminori , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: April 2013

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) in the bladder is uncommon with a reported incidence of 0.4%–1.3% of all bladder carcinomas. In Japan, some occurrences of LELC have been reported in the renal pelvis and ureter but only two in the bladder. A bladder tumor was identified in a 70-year-old man suffering from macroscopic hematuria for 2 months. Sections of the transurethral tumor resection showed invasive high-grade urothelial carcinoma. The patient was diagnosed with local invasive bladder tumor, and cystectomy with ileal conduit formation was performed. The final pathological evaluation was predominant LELC with urothelial carcinoma. We present a new case of LELC in the bladder and performed a review of all published cases of LELC in the urinary tract to obtain its characteristics and prognostic guide.
Unusual Vasospastic Angina: A Documented Asymptomatic Spasm with Normal ECG—A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Nakad Ghassan , Bayeh Hamid
Published: April 2013

We report the case of a 53-years-old patient, known to have coronary artery disease, presenting with typical angina at rest with normal ECG and laboratory findings. His angina is relieved by sublingual nitroglycerin. He had undergone a cardiac catheterisation two weeks prior to his presentation for the same complaints. It showed nonsignificant coronary lesions. Another catheterisation was performed during his current admission. He developed coronary spasm during the procedure, still with no ECG changes. The spasm was reversed by administration of 2 mg of intracoronary isosorbide dinitrate. Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina was diagnosed in the absence of electrical ECG changes during pain episodes.
Secondary Metabolite Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Mosquito Repellent Activity of Bixa orellana from Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Giorgi Annamaria , De Marinis Pietro , Granelli Giuseppe , Chiesa Luca Maria , Panseri Sara
Published: April 2013

The Brazilian flora was widely used as source of food and natural remedies to treat various diseases. Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae), also known as annatto, urucù, or achiote, is a symbol for the Amazonian tribes that traditionally use its seeds as coloured ink to paint their bodies for religious ceremonies. The aim of this study was to investigate the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of B. orellana fresh fruits (in vivo sampled), dried seeds, wood, bark, and leaves analyzed with Headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A screening on phenolic content (the Folin‐Ciocalteu assay) and antiradical activity (DPPH assay) of seeds was also conducted. In addition, the repellent properties of seed extracts against Aedes aegypti L. were investigated. Volatile compounds detected in B. orellana samples consisted mainly of sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and arenes: α‐humulene is the major volatile compound present in seed extracts followed by D‐germacrene, γ‐elemene, and caryophyllene. B. orellana proved to be a good source of antioxidants. Preliminary data on repellency against A. aegypti of three different dried seed extracts (hexane, ethanol, and ethanol/water) indicated a significant skin protection activity. A protection of 90% and 73% for hexane and ethanol/water extracts was recorded.
Universality Properties of a Double Series by the Generalized Walsh System
Authors: Episkoposian Sergo A.
Published: April 2013

We consider a question on existence of a double series by the generalized Walsh system, which is universal in weighted spaces. In particular, we construct a weighted function and a double series by generalized Walsh system of the form with the for all , which is universal in concerning subseries with respect to convergence, in the sense of both spherical and rectangular partial sums.
Survey of Impression Materials and Techniques in Fixed Partial Dentures among the Practitioners in India
Authors: Moldi Arvind , Gala Vimal , Puranik Shivakumar , Karan Smita , Deshpande Sumit , Neela Neelima
Published: April 2013

Objective. Anecdotal evidence suggests that impression materials and techniques used in general dental practice for fixed partial dentures vary from those taught in dental schools. The aim of this survey was to integrate impression techniques evolved all over the years for fixed partial dentures and to know the techniques and materials which are used in the present day by the practitioners.Materials and Methods. A total of 1000 questionnaires were sent to various practitioners in India, out of which 807 questionnaires were filled.Results. The results showed that 84.8% of prosthodontists (65.56%, urban areas) use elastomeric impression materials as well as irreversible hydrocolloids and 15.2% use irreversible hydrocolloid only. Amongst other practitioners, 55.46% use irreversible hydrocolloid (45%, rural and semiurban areas) and 44.54% use elastomeric impression materials. Elastomeric impression technique practiced most commonly is putty reline with/without spacer (77.2%); other techniques are multiple-mix and monophase techniques.Conclusion. The ideal materials, technique, and armamentarium are required for the long-term success of the treatment for fixed partial denture. Also, if the ideal procedure is not followed, it will lead to a compromised fit of the final prosthesis and failure of the treatment.
Optimal Robust Adaptive FuzzyH∞Tracking Control without Reaching Phase for Nonlinear System
Authors: Mellouli El Mehdi , Massou Siham , Boumhidi Ismail
Published: April 2013

An optimalH∞tracking-based indirect adaptive fuzzy controller for a class of perturbed uncertain affine nonlinear systems without reaching phase is being developed in this paper. First a practical Interval Type-2 (IT2) fuzzy system is used in an adaptive scheme to approximate the system using a nonlinear model and to determine the optimal value of theH∞gain control. Secondly, to eliminate the trade-off betweenH∞tracking performance and high gain at the control input, a modified output tracking error has been used. The stability is ensured through Lyapunov synthesis and the effectiveness of the proposed method is proved and the simulation is also given to illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach.
Variations in Institutional Review Board Approval in the Implementation of an Improvement Research Study
Authors: Patel Darpan I. , Stevens Kathleen R. , Puga Frank
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to report the variance in institutional review board (IRB) reviews as part of the implementation of a multisite, quality improvement study through the Improvement Science Research Network (ISRN) and recommend strategies successful in procuring timely IRB approval. Using correspondence documents as data sources, the level of review was identified and time to submission, time to approval, and time to study start were analyzed. Thirteen of the 14 IRBs conducted independent reviews of the project. Twelve IRBs approved the study through expedited review while two IRBs reviewed the project at a full board meeting. Lastly, 11 of the 14 sites required documented consent. The greatest delay in approval was seen early on in the IRB process with site PIs averaging 45.1 ± 31.8 days to submit the study to the IRB. IRB approvals were relatively quick with an average of 14 ± 5.7 days to approval. The delay in study submission may be attributed to a lack of clear definitions and differing interpretations of the regulations that challenge researchers.
Strict Efficiency in Vector Optimization with Nearly Convexlike Set-Valued Maps
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Fang Zhimiao , Xiong Yunxuan
Published: April 2013

The concept of the well posedness for a special scalar problem is linked with strictly efficient solutions of vector optimization problem involving nearly convexlike set-valued maps. Two scalarization theorems and two Lagrange multiplier theorems for strict efficiency in vector optimization involving nearly convexlike set-valued maps are established. A dual is proposed and duality results are obtained in terms of strictly efficient solutions. A new type of saddle point, called strict saddle point, of an appropriate set-valued Lagrange map is introduced and is used to characterize strict efficiency.
Obstetrical Healthcare Personnel's Attitudes and Perceptions on Maternal Vaccination with Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis and Influenza
Authors: Vijayan Vini , Kim Matthew , Zangwill Kenneth M. , Mink Chrisanna , Yeh Sylvia
Published: April 2013

Objectives. To assess perceptions of obstetrical healthcare personnel (HCP) regarding routine delivery of Tdap and influenza vaccines to pregnant and postpartum women and identify perceived barriers to vaccination. Methods. Anonymous Web-based survey of obstetricians and nurses caring for pregnant and/or postpartum women. Results. We contacted 342 HCP and received 163 (48%) completed surveys (33/142 (23%) obstetricians, 130/200 (65%) nurses). Among obstetricians, 72% and 63% thought it was “beneficial” to immunize postpartum women against influenza and pertussis, respectively. Only 8% reported vaccinating >75% of pregnant women in their care against influenza. Similarly, <1% of obstetricians reported vaccinating against pertussis. Of all HCP surveyed, 92% and 58% were familiar with ACIP recommendations for influenza and pertussis, respectively. Reported perceived barriers included patient refusal to be vaccinated, reimbursement difficulties, and discomfort in providing vaccine education. Ninety-four percent of respondents agreed that standing orders would be helpful to ensure postpartum vaccination. Conclusions. HCP were less familiar with ACIP recommendations for Tdap compared to influenza vaccines. Substantial discrepancy existed between perceived benefit of vaccination and reported immunization practices. Most identified barriers could be addressed with provider training; however, other barriers require review and changes in systematic policies related to vaccine reimbursement.