bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and supramolecular networks of 5,6-dioxo-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid dihydrate and its first coordination compoundcis-diaquachlorido(5,6-dioxo-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid-κ4O2,N,N′,O9)manganese(II) chloride dihydrate
Authors: Jin Shuang , Wen Mei-Feng , Liu Lu-Fang , Gao Ming-Juan , Wu Jian-Zhong
Published: April 2012

5,6-Dioxo-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid dihydrate (H2pdda·2H2O), C14H6N2O6·2H2O, was obtained by carbonylation of 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid. Its first coordination compound, [MnCl(C14H6N2O6)(H2O)2]Cl·2H2O, in which the H2pdda ligand remains protonated, was synthesized in aqueous acetic acid. H2pdda chelates one water moleculeviahydrogen bonds in H2pdda·2H2O, whereas in the coordination compound it chelates one heptacoordinate MnIIatomviacoordination bonds. The N atoms in H2pdda·2H2O and the Cl atoms in the coordination compound are also involved in hydrogen bonds. Extensive hydrogen bonding results in supramolecular networks in both compounds.
Sickle‐cell disease and the heart: review of the current literature
Authors: Voskaridou Ersi , Christoulas Dimitrios , Terpos Evangelos
Published: April 2012

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited chronic haemolytic anaemia whose clinical manifestations arise from the tendency of the haemoglobin to polymerize and deform red blood cells into the characteristic sickle shape due to a single nucleotide change in the β‐globin. Vascular occlusion of small and large vessels can lead to chronic damage of multiple organs including brain, lung, bone, kidney, liver, spleen, and retina. However, the extent to which SCD impacts myocardial function is not very clear. Cardiovascular manifestations include both right and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, elevated cardiac output, cardiomegaly and myocardial ischaemia. Progressive heart damage from iron overload occurs in patients requiring routine transfusion therapy. Pulmonary hypertension resulting from intravascular haemolysis has also been recognized as a major complication that independently correlates with survival. This review summarizes all available data for the heart complications in SCD to update the physicians for their appearance, diagnostic procedures and possible management.
Effect of hypoxia and dexamethasone on inflammation and ion transporter function in pulmonary cells
Authors: Urner M , Herrmann I K , Booy C , Roth-Z' Graggen B , Maggiorini M , Beck-Schimmer B
Published: April 2012

Dexamethasone has been found to reduce the incidence of high-altitude pulmonary oedema. Mechanisms explaining this effect still remain unclear. We assessed the effect of dexamethasone using established cell lines, including rat alveolar epithelial cells (AEC), pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAEC) and alveolar macrophages (MAC), in an environment of low oxygen, simulating a condition of alveolar hypoxia as found at high altitude. Inflammatory mediators and ion transporter expression were quantified. Based on earlier results, we hypothesized that hypoxic conditions trigger inflammation. AEC, RPAEC and MAC, pre-incubated for 1 h with or without dexamethasone (10−7 mol/l), were subsequently exposed to mild hypoxia (5% O2, or normoxia as control) for 24 h. mRNA and protein levels of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 were analysed. mRNA expression and functional activity of the apical epithelial sodium channel and basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase were determined using radioactive marker ions. In all three types of pulmonary cells hypoxic conditions led to an attenuated secretion of inflammatory mediators, which was even more pronounced in dexamethasone pretreated samples. Function of Na+/K+-ATPase was not significantly influenced by hypoxia or dexamethasone, while activity of epithelial sodium channels was decreased under hypoxic conditions. When pre-incubated with dexamethasone, however, transporter activity was partially maintained. These findings illustrate that long-term hypoxia does not trigger an inflammatory response. The ion transport across apical epithelial sodium channels under hypoxic conditions is ameliorated in cells treated with dexamethasone.
The wheat chloroplastic small heat shock protein (sHSP26) is involved in seed maturation and germination and imparts tolerance to heat stress
Authors: CHAUHAN HARSH , KHURANA NEETIKA , NIJHAVAN AASHIMA , KHURANA JITENDRA P. , KHURANA PARAMJIT
Published: April 2012

The nuclear‐encoded chloroplast small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are present in all plant species from algae to angiosperms. Expression analysis shows that the wheat chloroplastic sHSP (HSP26) is highly inducible by heat stress in almost all the vegetative and generative tissues and is also expressed constitutively in certain developmental growth stages. We characterize wheat chloroplastic sHSP 26 through transgenic approach using Arabidopsis and report cloning of the promoter and its characterization. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants were substantially tolerant under continuous high temperature regimen than wild‐type plants, as measured by photosystem II (PSII) activity, accumulation of more photosynthetic pigments, higher biomass and seed yield. Transgenic plants produced bold seeds under high temperature, having higher germination potential than the wild‐type plants. Further, antisense Arabidopsis plants showed negligible tolerance even for non‐lethal heat shock, impaired in basal thermo‐tolerance, and accumulated less biomass and seed yield under normal growth conditions. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of several heat and other abiotic stress responsive cis‐acting elements along with developmental stage and tissue‐specific elements. Analysis of promoter through GUS reporter system in both transgenic rice and Arabidopsis further confirms the role of chloroplastic sHsp26 in heat and other abiotic stresses as well as during seed maturation and germination. Genome‐wide expression analysis of overexpression Arabidopsis plants revealed that the transcriptome remained unchanged in the transgenic plants and the tolerance was due to the overexpression of chloroplastic heat shock protein (HSP) only.
Assessment of Groundnut under Combined Heat and Drought Stress
Authors: Hamidou F. , Halilou O. , Vadez V.
Published: April 2012

In semi‐arid regions, particularly in the Sahel, water and high‐temperature stress are serious constraints for groundnut production. Understanding of combined effects of heat and drought on physiological traits, yield and its attributes is of special significance for improving groundnut productivity. Two hundred and sixty‐eight groundnut genotypes were evaluated in four trials under both intermittent drought and fully irrigated conditions, two of the trial being exposed to moderate temperature, while the two other trials were exposed to high temperature. The objectives were to analyse the component of the genetic variance and their interactions with water treatment, year and environment (temperature) for agronomic characteristics, to select genotypes with high pod yield under hot‐ and moderate‐temperature conditions, or both, and to identify traits conferring heat and/or drought tolerance. Strong effects of water treatment (Trt), genotype (G) and genotype‐by‐treatment (GxTrt) interaction were observed for pod yield (Py), haulm yield (Hy) and harvest index (HI). The pod yield decrease caused by drought stress was 72 % at high temperature and 55 % at moderate temperature. Pod yield under well‐watered (WW) conditions did not decrease under high‐temperature conditions. Haulm yield decrease caused by water stress (WS) was 34 % at high temperature and 42 % under moderate temperature. Haulm yield tended to increase under high temperature, especially in one season. A significant year effect and genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GxE) effect were also observed for the three traits under WW and WS treatments. The GGE biplots confirmed these large interactions and indicated that high yielding genotypes under moderate temperature were different to those at high temperature. However, several genotypes with relatively high yield across years and temperature environments could be identified under both WW and WS conditions. Correlation analysis between pod weight and traits measured during plant growth showed that the partition rate, that is, the proportion of dry matter partitioned into pods, was contributing in heat and drought tolerance and could be a reliable selection criterion for groundnut breeding programme. Groundnut sensitivity to high‐temperature stress was in part related to the sensitivity of reproduction.
Socio‐economic and ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children
Authors: Achat Helen M , Stubbs Joanne M
Published: April 2012

Aims:  To trial the collection of measurements to provide population‐based prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children in western Sydney and examine the association between healthy weight and ethnicity and socio‐economic status (SES) in a socio‐economically and culturally diverse population.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional population‐based survey of 2341 children in Years 4 and 7 (mean ages 9 and 12 years, respectively) in 2007.

Results:  Nineteen per cent of children were overweight and a further 6% were obese. The prevalence of combined overweight and obesity was similar for boys and girls (26% vs. 24%, P= 0.35). SES was significantly associated with the prevalence of unhealthy weight: the odds of being overweight or obese were 1.79 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35 to 2.36) higher for children from the lowest quartile than for children from the highest quartile. Compared to children from an English speaking background, children from a non‐English speaking background were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese (21% vs. 31%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of combined overweight and obesity was significantly higher for children from a Pacific Island (odds ratio (OR) 2.66, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.33), Middle Eastern (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.17) or European (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.49) background than for English speaking background children.

Conclusion:  Large jumps in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children observed from the 1980s appear to be diminishing, with comparable prevalence reports in 2004 and 2007. Ethnicity and SES are each independently associated with the prevalence of unhealthy weight in children.
Contextualizing other political ecologies: Japan's environmental aid to the Philippines
Authors: Kim Soyeun
Published: April 2012

This paper argues for the utility of a focus on contextualized sources of environmental change to address the ever more diverse contexts of political ecology. In order to overcome the conventional approach to contextual sources that has tended to be analytically one‐dimensional and limited, I seek to provide a more nuanced account, notably by examining the neglected case of green aid of a nonwestern aid donor, Japan. Using conceptual tools that are both conjuncture‐based and multiscalar, the paper examines the way in which a post‐Rio international policy drive to promote so called green aid during the 1990s was translated into and conditioned by the historically and geographically specific contexts of Japan and the aid recipient featured herein, the Philippines. This focus on contextual sources helps to elucidate (i) how the ambiguous nature of international aid criteria combined together with Japan's own domestic political economy to render problematic an ostensibly environmental project, (ii) the manner in which neoliberal economic restructuring was translated into one of Japan's key policy initiatives in the 1990s and formed the backdrop to the specific aid case project discussed here, (iii) how Japan's environmental aid process in the Philippines was shaped through a repoliticization of various green discourses, and (iv) how the complex dynamics among stakeholders ended up compromising the very nature of the case study project.
Type I interferons impair BDNF‐induced cell signaling and neurotrophic activity in differentiated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary cortical neurons
Authors: Dedoni Simona , Olianas Maria C. , Ingianni Angela , Onali Pierluigi
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 58–71.

Type I interferons (IFNs) have been shown to act on neurons and to cause neuronal damage through mechanisms not completely defined. Here, we investigated the effects of type I IFNs on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐induced TrkB receptor signaling and neurotrophic activity. In retinoic acid‐treated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary cortical neurons, long‐term exposure to IFNs curtailed BDNF‐induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, phospholipase Cγ and extracellular‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 signaling. Moreover, IFN‐β inhibited BDNF‐induced cell survival, neurite outgrowth, and expression of neuronal markers, such as neurofilament proteins, growth‐associated protein‐43 and glutamate α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid receptor subunit GluR1. The IFN inhibitory effects were associated with down‐regulation of TrkB and inhibition of TrkB autophosphorylation. In SH‐SY5Y cells, blockade of either Janus kinase with pyridone 6 or signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 with siRNA transfection attenuated IFN‐β‐induced TrkB down‐regulation. Quantitative real time RT‐PCR indicated that IFN‐β significantly reduced TrkB mRNA levels. Moreover, blockade of protein kinase R counteracted IFN‐β‐induced inhibition of TrkB expression and signaling. These data indicate that in neuronal cells IFNs negatively regulate BDNF signaling and neurotrophic activity through inhibition of TrkB activation and Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription‐dependent down‐regulation of TrkB.
The Cosmopolitan Sahara: Building a Global Islamic Village in Mauritania
Authors: HILL JOSEPH
Published: April 2012

Maatamoulana, a predominantly Bedouin village on the edge of the Mauritanian Sahara, was founded as a center of Islamic education and Sufi practice in 1958 and now attracts an increasingly global stream of visitors and new residents. Maatamoulana's emergence as a global Islamic village hinges on the creative mobilization of the village's position on the periphery of multiple, largely distinct cosmopolitan networks. I describe Maatamoulana as a community of hybrid cosmopolitan subjects who participate, among other things, in a global Sufi movement, the larger Islamicumma, and neoliberal development networks. I present two men who play key roles in the village's globalization. The village's shaykh, Al‐Hajj ould Michry, mediates between groups of people who participate in the village in many different capacities. Moulaye ould Khouna directs a non‐religious NGO, Terre Vivante, which effectively channels economic resources, disciples, and social contacts into the village. Internationally funded development projects enhance the village's role as an Islamic center while the village's particularities attract development partners. This cosmopolitan Islamic center thus refracts multiple cosmopolitan networks through its own projects.
Electron distribution in the Galactic disc: results from a non-equilibrium ionization model of the interstellar medium
Authors: de Avillez Miguel A. , Asgekar Ashish , Breitschwerdt Dieter , Spitoni Emanuele
Published: April 2012

Using 3D non-equilibrium ionization hydrodynamical simulation of the interstellar medium, we study the electron density, ne, in the Galactic disc and compare it with the values derived from dispersion measures (DMs) towards pulsars with known distances located up to 200 pc on either side of the Galactic mid-plane.

The simulation results, consistent with observations, can be summarized as follows: (i) the DMs in the simulated disc lie between the maximum and minimum observed values; (ii) the log 〈ne〉 derived from lines of sight crossing the simulated disc follows a Gaussian distribution centred at μ=−1.4 with a dispersion σ= 0.21; thus, the Galactic mid-plane 〈ne〉= 0.04 ± 0.01 cm−3; (iii) the highest electron concentration by mass (up to 80 per cent) is in the thermally unstable regime (200 < T < 103.9 K); (iv) the volume occupation fraction of the warm ionized medium is 4.9–6 per cent and (v) the electrons have a clumpy distribution along the lines of sight.
Emergencies, Executive Power, and the Uncertain Future of US Presidential Democracy
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: April 2012

This article reexamines the question of how best to restrain executive power in a political and social context that seems to favor its dramatic expansion. Modern interventionist government amidst a dynamic social environment, where the executive faces a seemingly endless series of “crises” or “emergencies,” provides a heightened scope for executive discretion. At the same time, the US-style separation of powers, in which an independent president faces a potentially obstinate Congress, offers executives many incentives to exploit crises, real or otherwise. The works examined in this article confront, with varying degrees of success, the seemingly inexorable expansion of executive power within the US version of liberal democracy. We can only hope to deal with the many intellectual and political tasks posed by the symbiotic nexus between executive-centered and crisis-oriented government by confronting some tough questions about US constitutional design and the possibility of radical institutional reform. Unfortunately, even those scholars who provide plausible accounts of the US system's fragilities seem hesitant to do so.
‘Poppets and parcels’: the links between staff experience of work and acutely ill older peoples’ experience of hospital care
Authors: Maben Jill , Adams Mary , Peccei Riccardo , Murrells Trevor , Robert Glenn
Published: April 2012

maben J., adams M., peccei R., murrells T. & Robert G. (2012)‘Poppets and parcels’: the links between staff experience of work and acutely ill older peoples’ experience of hospital care. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 83–94  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00326.x

Background.  Few empirical studies have directly examined the relationship between staff experiences of providing healthcare and patient experience. Present concerns over the care of older people in UK acute hospitals – and the reported attitudes of staff in such settings – highlight an important area of study.

Aims and objectives.  To examine the links between staff experience of work and patient experience of care in a ‘Medicine for Older People’ (MfOP) service in England.

Methods.  A mixed methods case study undertaken over 8 months incorporating a 149‐item staff survey (66/192 – 34% response rate), a 48‐item patient survey (26/111 – 23%), 18 staff interviews, 18 patient and carer interviews and 41 hours of non‐participant observation.

Results.  Variation in patient experience is significantly influenced by staff work experiences. A high‐demand/low‐control work environment, poor staffing, ward leadership and co‐worker relationships can each add to the inherent difficulties staff face when caring for acutely ill older people. Staff seek to alleviate the impact of such difficulties by finding personal satisfaction from caring for ‘the poppets’; those patients they enjoy caring for and for whom they feel able to ‘make a difference’. Other patients – noting dehumanising aspects of their care – felt like ‘parcels’. Patients are aware of being seen by staff as ‘difficult’ or ‘demanding’ and seek to manage their relationships with nursing staff accordingly.

Conclusions.  The work experiences of staff in a MfOP service impacted directly on patient care experience. Poor ward and patient care climates often lead staff to seek job satisfaction through caring for ‘poppets’, leaving less favoured – and often more complex patients – to receive less personalised care.

Implications for practice.  Investment in staff well‐being and ward climate is essential for the consistent delivery of high‐quality care for older people in acute settings.
Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma using tissue impedance as a parameter of osteonecrosis
Authors: Al‐Omari Ma'moon H , Ata Khalid J , Al‐Muqbel Kusai M , Mohaidat Ziyad M , Haddad Waleed H , Rousan Liqa A
Published: April 2012

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the safety and the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of osteoid osteoma with Soloist monopolar electrode using tissue impedance, rather than temperature, as an indicator of osteonecrosis.

Methods: The medical records and imaging studies of 30 patients (males 18, females 12) who underwent RFA of osteoid osteoma at our institution were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 15.3 years (range 5–34 years) and the mean duration of follow up was 26.9 months (range 3–52 months). The lesions were located in the femur (n = 6, 53%), tibia (n = 8, 27%), hand (n = 3, 10%), foot (n = 2, 6%) and humerus (n = 1, 3%). The procedure was performed with general anaesthesia under CT guidance. The nidus was accessed with 11‐gauge bone biopsy needle and then the stylet was removed and replaced by monopolar 16.5G radiofrequency probe with a 9‐mm active tip through the coaxial axis. Power delivery via the radiofrequency generator was started at 2 W and increased gradually until the end point of 450–500 Ω reached and ‘Roll‐Off’ achieved indicating coagulation necrosis of the target lesion.

Results: The procedure was technically successful in all patients. The mean procedure time was 72 min and the mean RFA time was 12.7 min. The clinical success rate was 93%. In one patient, the procedure was abandoned due to immature Roll‐Off despite all measures. In one patient (3%), recurrence occurred 39 months after the procedure. No major complications were encountered. Two minor skin burns occurred that were resolved with conservative measures.

Conclusion: RFA of osteoid osteoma using Soloist monopolar electrode is a safe and effective treatment. Tissue impedance could be used as an alternative to temperature to indicate osteonecrosis of osteoid osteoma during RFA.
Classification of Co‐occurring Depression and Substance Abuse Symptoms Predicts Suicide Attempts in Adolescents
Authors: Effinger Jenell M. , Stewart David G.
Published: April 2012

Although both depression and substance use have been found to contribute to suicide attempts, the synergistic impact of these disorders has not been fully explored. Additionally, the impact of subthreshold presentations of these disorders has not been researched. We utilized the Quadrant Model of Classification (a matrix of severity of two disorders) to assess for suicide attempt risk among adolescents. Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of co‐occurring disorder classification on suicide risk attempts. Results indicate that quadrant classification had a dramatic impact on suicide attempt risk, with individuals with high severity co‐occurring disorders at greatest risk.
Measurements of stem xylem hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory and field
Authors: Melcher Peter J. , Michele Holbrook N. , Burns Michael J. , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Cobb Alexander R. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Choat Brendan , Sack Lawren
Published: April 2012

1. Xylem hydraulic properties play an essential role in supporting growth and photosynthesis and influence sensitivity to environmental conditions such as drought and freezing. Consequently, stem hydraulic conductance can be used as a comparative measure of overall hydraulic adaptation across species and to assess the impact of environmental variation, especially drought, on water transport.

2. We summarize the main methods currently in use for measurements of stem xylem hydraulic properties. Measurements can be accomplished in a number of ways, including using a pipette, an analytic balance or a ‘pressure‐drop’ flow meter. We provide new details on the design of a relatively inexpensive and easily field‐deployable flow meter that is flexible for a variety of applications. The biological challenges associated with these measurements arise from the difficulties of working with diverse living tissues of variable geometry.

3. We provide a review of best practices and provide technical guidance, emphasizing measurements on detached samples using portable equipment.
Harmonic Balance-Based Approach for Quasi-Periodic Motions and Stability Analysis
Authors: Guskov Mikhail , Thouverez Fabrice
Published: April 2012

Quasi-periodic motions and their stability are addressed from the point of view of different harmonic balance-based approaches. Two numerical methods are used: a generalized multidimensional version of harmonic balance and a modification of a classical solution by harmonic balance. The application to the case of a nonlinear response of a Duffing oscillator under a bi-periodic excitation has allowed a comparison of computational costs and stability evaluation results. The solutions issued from both methods are close to one another and time marching tests showing a good agreement with the harmonic balance results confirm these nonlinear responses. Besides the overall adequacy verification, the observation comparisons would underline the fact that while the 2D approach features better performance in resolution cost, the stability computation turns out to be of more interest to be conducted by the modified 1D approach.
Effects of Axial Load and Elastic Matrix on Flexural Wave Propagation in Nanotube With Nonlocal Timoshenko Beam Model
Authors: Wang Yi-Ze , Li Feng-Ming , Kishimoto Kikuo
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the effects of the axial load and the elastic matrix on the flexural wave in the carbon nanotube are studied. Based on the nonlocal continuum theory and the Timoshenko beam model, the equation of the flexural wave motion is derived. The dispersion relation between the frequency and the wave number is illustrated. The characteristics of the flexural wave propagation in the carbon nanotube embedded in the elastic matrix with the axial load are analyzed. The wave frequency and the phase velocity are presented with different wave numbers. Furthermore, the small scale effects on the wave properties are discussed.
Cylindrical Single-Degree-of-Freedom Spatial Mechanisms for Cell Restraint
Authors: Teichert Gregory H. , Aten Quentin T. , Burnett Sandra H. , Howell Larry L. , Jensen Brian D.
Published: April 2012

Many transgenic animal production techniques require egg cells to be held in place during injection of the transgene. This paper presents a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mechanism that provides cell support, self-centers the cell, and requires a single linear input for actuation. This restraint device uses an innovative spatial mechanism, termed a cylindrical mechanism. The kinematics and design of the restraint are discussed. The MEMS cell restraints were fabricated using a surface micromachining process, after which the mechanism’s cell support, self-centering of the cell, and motion were verified.
Disturbance Response of Two-Link Underactuated Serial-Link Chains
Authors: Balasubramanian Ravi , Belter Joseph T. , Dollar Aaron M.
Published: April 2012

In an attempt to improve the performance of underactuated robotic hands in grasping, we investigate the influence of the underlying coupling mechanism on the robustness of underactuated hands to external disturbance. The coupling mechanisms used in underactuated mechanisms can be divided into two main classes based on the self-adaptive transmission used to route actuation to the degrees of freedom, namely single-acting and double-acting transmissions. The kinematic coupling constraint is always active in double-acting mechanisms, while there are specific combinations of external disturbances and mechanism parameters that render the constraint inactive in single-acting mechanisms. This paper identifies unique behaviors in terms of mechanism reconfiguration and variation in grasping contact forces that result from the underactuated hand’s response to external disturbance forces and show that these behaviors are a function of the coupling mechanism, actuation mode, and contact constraints. We then present an analysis of how these behaviors influence grasping ability of the hand and discuss implications for underactuated hand design and operation.
The Effects of Language and Pruning on Function Structure Interpretability
Authors: Caldwell Benjamin W. , Thomas Jonathan E. , Sen Chiradeep , Mocko Gregory M. , Summers Joshua D.
Published: April 2012

In this research, the interpretability of function structures is evaluated through a user study in which participants are given function structures and asked to identify the product that is modeled. Two abstraction factors are controlled in the experiment: the type of functions and the specificity of the terms, thus resulting in functional models are four level of abstraction. The user study shows that free language significantly improves the accuracy and speed of human interpretability over the functional basis vocabulary. Further, pruned function structures significantly improve the speed of interpretability over reverse-engineered function structures without a loss of accuracy. It is concluded that the levels of each factor are useful for different activities and stages of design. Recommendations are made for the appropriate combinations of factor levels for various design activities.
Negative plasma potential in a multidipole chamber with a dielectric coated plasma boundary
Authors: Sheehan J. P. , Hershkowitz Noah
Published: April 2012

Negative plasma potentials with respect to a grounded wall that was coated with a dielectric have been achieved in an electropositive plasma confined by a multidipole device. A Langmuir probe was used to measure the density and temperatures of the bi-Maxwellian distribution electrons and an emissive probe was used to measure the plasma potential profile near the plasma boundary. For many discharge parameters, the potential profile was that of a typical electropositive sheath, but it was shifted negative due to negative charge accumulated on the plasma-surface boundary. A virtual cathode was observed near the boundary when the neutral pressure, primary electron energy, and/or discharge current were low (∼2 × 10−4 Torr, ∼60 eV, and 80 mA, respectively). The behavior of the sheath potential was shown to be consistent with that predicted by particle balance and a qualitative mechanism for wall charging is presented.
Measurement of magnetic nanoparticle relaxation time
Authors: Weaver John B. , Kuehlert Esra
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

Nanoparticle relaxation time measurements have many applications including characterizing molecular binding, viscosity, heating, and local matrix stiffness. The methods capable ofin vivo application are extremely limited. The hypothesis investigated by the authors was that the relaxation time could be measured quantitatively using magnetic spectroscopy of nanoparticle Brownian motion (MSB).

Methods:

The MSB signal (1) reflects the nanoparticle rotational Brownian motion, (2) can be measured from very low nanoparticle concentrations, and (3) is a function of the product of the drive frequency and the relaxation time characterizing Brownian motion. To estimate the relaxation time, the MSB signal was measured at several frequencies. The MSB signal for nanoparticles with altered relaxation time is a scaled version of that for reference nanoparticles with a known relaxation time. The scaling factor linking the altered and reference MSB measurements is the same factor linking the altered and reference relaxation times. The method was tested using glycerol solutions of varying viscosities to obtain continuously variable relaxation times.

Results:

The measured relaxation time increased with increasing viscosity of the solution in which the nanoparticles resided. The MSB estimated relaxation time matched the calculated relaxation times based on viscosity with 2% average error.

Conclusions:

MSB can be used to monitor the nanoparticle relaxation time quantitatively through a scale space correlation of the MSB signal as a function of frequency.
Negative Allosteric Modulation of the mGluR5 Receptor Reduces Repetitive Behaviors and Rescues Social Deficits in Mouse Models of Autism
Authors: Silverman Jill L. , Smith Daniel G. , Rizzo Stacey J. Sukoff , Karras Michael N. , Turner Sarah M. , Tolu Seda S. , Bryce Dianne K. , Smith Deborah L. , Fonseca Kari , Ring Robert H. , Crawley Jacqueline N.
Published: April 2012

Autism-like behaviors in mice were reversed by a negative modulator of a metabotropic glutamate receptor, suggesting a treatment for symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.
VIRTUAL SHADOW MODULES AND THEIR LINK INVARIANTS
Authors: BLANKSTEIN JACKSON , KIM SUSAN , LEPEL CATHERINE , NELSON SAM , SANDERSON NICOLE
Published: April 2012

We introduce an algebra ℤ[X, S] associated to a pair X, S of a virtual birack X and X-shadow S. We use modules over ℤ[X, S] to define enhancements of the virtual birack shadow counting invariant, extending the birack shadow module invariants to virtual case. We repeat this construction for the twisted virtual case. As applications, we show that the new invariants can detect orientation reversal and are not determined by the knot group, the Arrow polynomial and the Miyazawa polynomial, and that the twisted version is not determined by the twisted Jones polynomial.
SUPERSTATISTICS APPROACH TO DOUBLY SPECIAL RELATIVITY
Authors: JIZBA PETR , SCARDIGLI FABIO
Published: April 2012

Using the concept known as a superstatistics path integral we show that a Wiener process on a short spatial scale can originate a relativistic motion on scales that are larger than particle's Compton wavelength. Viewed in this way, special relativity is not a primitive concept, but rather it statistically emerges when a coarse graining average over distances of order, or longer than the Compton wavelength is taken. Here we place a special emphasis on the modifications that are necessary to accommodate in our scheme the doubly special relativistic dynamics. In this way, a previously unsuspected, common statistical origin of the two frameworks is revealed. Salient issues such as generalized commutation relations and a connection with Feynman chessboard model are also discussed.
THE BISTABLE POTENTIAL: AN ARCHETYPE FOR CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM SYSTEMS
Authors: SPAGNOLO B. , CALDARA P. , LA COGNATA A. , VALENTI D. , FIASCONARO A. , DUBKOV A. A. , FALCI G.
Published: April 2012

In this work we analyze the transient dynamics of three different classical and quantum systems. First, we consider a classical Brownian particle moving in an asymmetric bistable potential, subject to a multiplicative and additive noise source. We investigate the role of these two noise sources on the life time of the metastable state. A nonmonotonic behavior of the lifetime as a function of both additive and multiplicative noise intensities is found, revealing the phenomenon of noise enhanced stability. Afterward, by using a Lotka–Volterra model, the dynamics of two competing species in the presence of Lévy noise sources is analyzed. Quasiperiodic oscillations and stochastic resonance phenomenon in the dynamics of the competing species are found. Finally the dynamics of a quantum particle subject to an asymmetric bistable potential and interacting with a thermal reservoir is investigated. We use the Caldeira–Leggett model and the approach of the Feynman–Vernon functional in discrete variable representation. We obtain the time evolution of the population distributions in energy eigenstates of the particle, for different values of the coupling strength with the thermal bath.
NEAR FIELD AND FAR FIELD EFFECTS IN THE TAGUCHI-OPTIMIZED DESIGN OF AN InP/GaAs-BASED DOUBLE WAFER-FUSED MQW LONG-WAVELENGTH VERTICAL-CAVITY SURFACE-EMITTING LASER
Authors: MENON P. S. , KANDIAH K. , MANDEEP J. S. , SHAARI S. , APTE P. R.
Published: April 2012

Long-wavelength VCSELs (LW-VCSEL) operating in the 1.55 μm wavelength regime offer the advantages of low dispersion and optical loss in fiber optic transmission systems which are crucial in increasing data transmission speed and reducing implementation cost of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) access networks. LW-VCSELs are attractive light sources because they offer unique features such as low power consumption, narrow beam divergence and ease of fabrication for two-dimensional arrays. This paper compares the near field and far field effects of the numerically investigated LW-VCSEL for various design parameters of the device. The optical intensity profile far from the device surface, in the Fraunhofer region, is important for the optical coupling of the laser with other optical components. The near field pattern is obtained from the structure output whereas the far-field pattern is essentially a two-dimensional fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the near-field pattern. Design parameters such as the number of wells in the multi-quantum-well (MQW) region, the thickness of the MQW and the effect of using Taguchi's orthogonal array method to optimize the device design parameters on the near/far field patterns are evaluated in this paper. We have successfully increased the peak lasing power from an initial 4.84 mW to 12.38 mW at a bias voltage of 2 V and optical wavelength of 1.55 μm using Taguchi's orthogonal array. As a result of the Taguchi optimization and fine tuning, the device threshold current is found to increase along with a slight decrease in the modulation speed due to increased device widths.
EMISSION ENHANCEMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF OXAZINE IN PMMA MATRIX INFLUENCED BY SURFACE PLASMON POLARITON INDUCED ON SINUSOIDAL SILVER GRATING
Authors: WISMANTO WILZUARD YONAN , HIDAYAT RAHMAT , TJIA MAY ON , FUJIWARA YASUMASA , MURATA KOJI , OGAWA YASUHIRO , YOSHIDA HIROYUKI , FUJII AKIHIKO , OZAKI MASANORI
Published: April 2012

We present the result of an experimental study on the photoluminescence of a thin layer of oxazine molecules doped into the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix which is coated on top of sinusoidal silver grating. The surface plasmon polaritons that occur on the metallic grating surface were excited by a He-Ne laser of 633 nm wavelength. The effect of the grating was investigated by angle-resolved reflection and emission spectroscopy performed on the thin film samples with and without the grating. Incident light of both s- and p-polarizations were considered in this experiment and the measurement was performed in the reflection and the photoluminescence modes as well. The results exhibit remarkable resonant effect of photoluminescence enhancement over those observed from the sample with planar silver coating for both incident light polarizations. The much larger enhancement factor of ~50.0 found for the case of p-polarized light can be attributed to the combined contributions of surface plasmon polariton enhanced absorption of excitation light and the resonant coupling between the SPP and the fluorophore, while only the latter was operating in the case of s-polarized incident light which showed a smaller enhancement factor of 6.0.
COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE SUPPORTING TEAM MANAGEMENT OF SECOND-GENERATION ARI
Authors: MILLER LAWRENCE , MILLER RUTH
Published: April 2012

This paper describes efforts of the University of Toledo Accelerated Radical Innovation (ARI) research team in support of ARI projects by the application of a competitive intelligence (CI) framework as a central part of the second-generation (2G) ARI methodology. This paper briefly reviews the history of CI, focusing on extensions to Prescott's historical stages of CI. It then examines the techniques and activities and the practitioners and systems for engaging in CI in the context of open innovation and ARI. The paper wraps up by examining the phases and steps in conducting CI in the context of the entire 2G ARI methodology.
Tautomerism and dual fluorescence in 9-substituted n-propyl- and methoxyethyl-porphycenes
Authors: Planas Oriol , Tejedor-Estrada Roger , Nonell Santi
Published: April 2012

Dual fluorescence is described and characterized for several 9-substituted porphycenes. Using both spectroscopic and computational studies, the phenomenon is related to the differential stabilization of the two trans tautomers in the excited state. The electronic nature of the 9-substituents affects both the energy and the lifetime of the two tautomers as well as their interconversion. The results are consistent with a two-step model for excited-state tautomerization that involves the population of an upper excited state, tentatively assigned to a cis species, which in turn provides an efficient non-radiative pathway to the ground state.
EFFECTS OF HALL CURRENT AND ROTATION ON UNSTEADY HYDROMAGNETIC COUETTE FLOW WITHIN A POROUS CHANNEL
Authors: SETH G. S. , SINGH J. K. , MAHATO G. K.
Published: April 2012

Unsteady hydromagnetic Couette flow of a viscous, incompressible and electrically conducting fluid between two parallel porous plates taking Hall current into account in a rotating system is studied. Fluid flow within the channel is induced due to impulsive movement of the lower plate of the channel and is permeated by a uniform transverse magnetic field which is fixed relative to the moving plate. Solution of the governing equations is obtained by Laplace transform technique. The expression for the shear stress at the moving plate due to primary and secondary flows is also derived. Asymptotic behavior of the solution valid for small and large values of time t is analyzed to gain some physical insight into the flow pattern. Numerical values of primary and secondary velocities and that of shear stress at the moving plate due to primary and secondary flows are displayed graphically for various values of Hall current parameter m, rotation parameter K2, magnetic parameter M2, suction/injection parameter S and time t.
A MODIFIED DUCTILE FRACTURE MODEL INCORPORATING SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF PRESSURE AND LODE ANGLE
Authors: FAN XUELING , SUN QIN , LIU YANJIE
Published: April 2012

A modified ductile fracture model is proposed based on continuum damage mechanics and three-stress-invariant criteria. In the modified model, the effects of hydrostatic pressure and Lode angle are considered and combined in the developed fracture envelope. To predict the fracture behaviors of ductile materials, the model is implemented into the commercial finite element platform ABAQUS/Explicit through a user material subroutine VUMAT. The validity of this model is examined by comparing the numerical results with experimental data of round bar and compact tension tests. It is demonstrated that comparing with other three-stress-invariant models the modified ductile fracture model can predict values compare favorably with experimental data especially in the unloading stage. The model can be adopted to predict the fracture patterns and unloading process of ductile materials and thus to investigate the whole range of the elastic-plastic ductile fracture behaviors of materials.
HELIUM ADSORPTION ON CARBON NANOCONES WITH DIFFERENT DISCLINATION ANGLE: MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION
Authors: MAJIDI ROYA
Published: April 2012

We have used molecular dynamics simulation to study the influence of disclination angle on helium adsorption capacity of carbon nanocones (CNCs). Adsorption capacities of 180°, 240° and 300° CNCs have been compared at various temperatures. The results indicate that helium atoms adsorb on internal and external surfaces of the CNCs. At saturation conditions, the endohedral adsorption coverage is decreased by increasing the disclination angle, while the exohedral adsorption coverage is independent of this angle. It is also found that temperature has a considerable effect on the adsorbed amount. Comparison of the adsorption on CNCs with carbon nanotubes indicates that the adsorption capacity of cones is greater than those of tubes. Our results confirm the fact that the CNCs are good candidate for gas storage.
LATTICE GAS AND THERMODYNAMICS IN MODELS OF HEREDITY
Authors: GANIKHODJAEV NASIR
Published: April 2012

Quadratic stochastic operators frequently arise in many models of mathematical genetics. We propose a constructive description of quadratic stochastic operators that allows a natural introduction of thermodynamics in studying some models of heredity. This construction allows one to elucidate the role of the absolute temperature in the analysis of quadratic stochastic operators.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE ARMS DURING KAYAKING USING GORDON'S METHOD
Authors: OMAR NURHIDAYAH
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model of the arms during kayaking. Gordon's method has been used to develop the model. This model comprises of six kinematic chains of the arms that represent the right shoulder joint, right elbow joint, right wrist joint, left wrist joint, left elbow joint and left shoulder joint. The joints comprise of right upper arm, right lower arm, right hand-paddle, left hand-paddle, left lower arm and left upper arms.
SOFT SET-BASED DECISION MAKING FOR PATIENTS SUSPECTED INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS
Authors: HERAWAN TUTUT
Published: April 2012

In previous work, we presented an applicability of soft set theory for decision making of patients suspected influenza. The proposed technique is based on maximal supported objects by parameters. At this stage of the research, results are presented and discussed from a qualitative point of view against recent soft decision making techniques through an artificial dataset. In this paper, we present an extended application of our soft set-based decision making through a Boolean valued information system from a dataset of patients suspected ILI (Influenza-Like Illness). Using soft set theory and maximal symptoms co-occurences in patients, we explore how soft set-based decision making technique can be used to reduce the number of dispensable symptoms and further make a correct and fast decision. The result of this work can be used for recommendation of decision making based on the clusters decision captured. Finally, this technique may potentially contribute to lowering the complexity of medical decision making without loss of original information.
ON TWO VARIATIONS OF THE REVERSAL MEDIAN PROBLEM
Authors: ZHOU ZHONG , ZHANG MELVIN , HAO FANCHANG , LEONG HON WAI
Published: April 2012

We have developed an exact algorithm that solves certain instances of the Reversal Median Problem (RMP) when provided with additional input – the optimal sorting sequences between every pair of genomes. Our algorithm is able to provide an exact solution (the median genome) or determine that it is not able to do so for every instance of the problem. We have also proven the correctness of the algorithm in a theorem. RMP is the problem of finding an ancestral genome (the median) given the gene orders of three genomes. It is commonly encountered when constructing phylogeny, and is NP-hard. Two variations of the RMP were considered. In the first variation, we are given one sorting sequence for each pair of genomes. And in the second variation, we make use of a compact representation of all possible optimal sorting sequences for each pair of genomes that was developed by Braga et al.
ESTIMATION OF CURE FRACTION FOR LOGNORMAL RIGHT CENSORED DATA WITH COVARIATES
Authors: TAWEAB FAUZIA ALI , IBRAHIM NOOR AKMA , ALJAWADI BADER AHMAD I
Published: April 2012

In clinical studies, a proportion of patients might be unsusceptible to the event of interest and can be considered as cured. The survival models that incorporate the cured proportion are known as cure rate models where the most widely used model is the mixture cure model. However, in cancer clinical trials, mixture model is not the appropriate model and the viable alternative is the Bounded Cumulative Hazard (BCH) model. In this paper we consider the BCH model to estimate the cure fraction based on the lognormal distribution. The parametric estimation of the cure fraction for survival data with right censoring with covariates is obtained by using EM algorithm.