bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compaction and Liquefaction of a Sandy Layer: Simulation of Shaking Table Experiments
Authors: Sawicki A. , Świdziński W.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents numerical simulations of the behavior of a sandy layer subjected to a cyclic horizontal acceleration in shaking table tests, with a particular attention focused on the settlements of a dry sand layer, and on the liquefaction of saturated sand. A compaction/liquefaction model (C/L) is applied to these simulations. The influence of specific parameters of the model on the compaction and liquefaction of a sandy layer is shown and discussed. The results of simulations are compared with selected experimental data.
Azithromycin Add-On Therapy in High-Risk Postendoscopic Sinus Surgery Patients Failing Corticosteroid Irrigations: A Clinical Practice Audit
Authors: Maniakas Anastasios , Desrosiers Martin
Published: December 2013

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a high potential for recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), despite a postoperative therapy of topical corticosteroid irrigations. Azithromycin (AZI) is a macrolide antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that may be of benefit in such steroid-unresponsive patients. Follow-up study was performed to (1) review the effectiveness of the management strategy of adding AZI in high-risk post-ESS patients failing standard management and (2) identify predictive factors for steroid nonresponsiveness.

Methods

A retrospective audit of the postoperative evolution of all patients undergoing ESS for CRS in 20 by a single surgeon was undertaken. Patients deemed at high risk of recurrence based on preoperative history and/or perioperative findings received nasal irrigation with 5 mg of budesonide (BUD) in 240 mL of saline twice daily after ESS. Patients showing signs of endoscopic recurrence at 4 months, despite BUD, had AZI at 250 mg three times a week added to their treatment regimen.

Results

A total of 57 high-risk patients underwent ESS during this period. At 4 months, 63.2% (36/57) had a favorable outcome solely with BUD. Twelve of the 21 nonresponders received AZI, with an additional 66.7% (8/12) subsequently showing a favorable response. Failure of BUD was associated with female gender (p = 0.048), having elevated alpha-1-antitrypsin levels (p = 0.037) and lower recovery rates of Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.063). Although the AZI subgroup was too small for statistical analysis, female gender was more frequently associated with failure of both BUD and AZI, while IgE was not useful.

Conclusion

A significant subgroup of high-risk patients showing disease recurrence after ESS despite topical corticosteroid therapy may respond to the addition of AZI as part of their therapy. These findings suggest that topical steroid-unresponsive CRS may represent a distinct entity and that alternate anti-inflammatory agents may be required for optimal management.
On 2 - normed space valued paranormed null sequence space
Authors: Pahari Narayan Prasad
Published: December 2013

In this paper we introduce and study a new class c0 ( S, α‾ , u‾ , ||. , .|| ) of sequences with values in 2- normed space as a generalization of basic null sequence space c0. We investigate some conditions pertaining to the containment relations of the class c0 ( S, α‾ , u‾ , ||. , .|| ) in terms of different α‾ and u‾ and explore the linear topological structures of the space c0 ( S, αoline; , u‾ , ||. , .|| ) by endowing it with a suitable natural paranorm. BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 20-30 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.9308
Solutions of the Sitnikov's circular restricted three body problems when primaries are oblate spheroid
Authors: Thapa RR , Hassan MR
Published: December 2013

The solutions of sitnikov's circular restricted three body problem has been tried to obtain by using Lindstedt poincare method if the primaries are oblate spheroid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.9340   BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 92-99
Relation between saturated and normal operators
Authors: Sah Nagendra Pd
Published: December 2013

A vector space X with algebra of all linear maps ∑(X) from X into itself and the ideal of all finite dimensional linear maps with dual (Conjugate) transformation T* to T from X' to itself form a relation in terms of relatively regular and linearly independent which is sufficient for mentioned title. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.9342   BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 115-117
Study of Renal Profile in Babies with Perinatal Asphyxia in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Roy Banasree , Mondal Gobinda
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the important causes of preventable cerebral injury occurring in the neonatal period. Kidney is one of the most commonly affected organs leading to renal functional abnormality and blood electrolyte imbalance. This was a prospective case control study done in the NICU and neonatal unit at a tertiary care hospital. The objective of this study were to detect renal functional abnormality and electrolyte imbalance (sodium and potassium) among babies with perinatal asphyxia and to correlate severity and type of renal involvement with degree of asphyxia. Materials and Methods: Thirty two neonates for perinatal asphyxia and 32 babies selected randomly from non asphyxiated babies for the control group. Blood samples were taken for measurement of serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels on 1st and 3rd day of life. If any abnormality detected, values were repeated every alternate days till it become normal. Results: There were total 32 cases (asphyxiated). Among 32 cases 14 (43.75 %) had elevated levels of urea and creatinine on day 1 [Mean urea (43.21± 23.08), creatinine (1.14 ± 0.57)], 18 (56.25%) had elevated levels of urea and creatinine on day 3.Mean urea (58.06 ± 28.52) and creatinine (1.24±0.5) were significantly higher on day 3 (p value<0.05) in study group as compared to control. Mean urea and creatinine levels showed increasing trend with degree of severity of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Eighteen babies with perinatal asphyxia developed renal failure (56.25%). 18 had Hyponatremia on day 1 (56.25%), 3 of them had value < 125 meq /l. Conclusion: Among study cases significantly higher values of urea and creatinine were found than controls. The values were positively correlated to the degree of asphyxia. Though, mean sodium and potassium level was within the normal limit, the value of potassium was higher among cases than controls. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.8385   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. 2013;33(3):206-212
Trends in Neonatal Mortality at a Tertiary Level Teaching Hospital
Authors: Basnet Srijana , Shrestha Laxman
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Neonatal services at Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital (TUTH) was essentially up to level II till year 2008 and upgraded to level III care in later years. A 4 years retrospective study was carried out at TUTH, Kathmandu, Nepal to determine any change in the trend of neonatal mortality after the improvement in its services. Materials and Methods: Labor room record book, neonatal record book, perinatal audit data and neonatal record charts were used to collect the data. Results: During the study period, there were total of 15063 live births. The neonatal mortality ranges from 9.46 to 14.88 per 1000 live births per year. There was no significant fall in trend of neonatal mortality (x2 for linear trend=1.40, p=0.23). There was also no significant fall in trend in perinatal mortality rates over this period (x2 for linear trend=1.92, p=0.16).The number of neonates referred to other hospitals has been significantly reduced by 61%.(x2 for linear trend=33.18, p<0.001). Majority of the neonatal deaths (72%) occurred within first 7 days of life and more than a third (39%) died within the first 24 hours of life. Respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal asphyxia and neonatal sepsis were three major causes of death. Deaths due to respiratory distress and perinatal asphyxia has not changed significantly over the years (p=0.4 and 0.25 respectively). Incidence of low birth weight ranges from 10.8 – 16.1% of total live births. 63% of neonatal mortality occurred in low birth weight babies. This trend has not changed in over the years (x2=1.03, p=0.31). Conclusion: With the improvement in the services, though neonatal mortality remained unchanged, referral rates and mortality due to respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity has decreased. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i3.8957   J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. 2013;33(3):213-217
PTEN, Longevity and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Tait Izak , Li Yan , Lu Jun
Published: December 2013

Since the discovery of PTEN, this protein has been shown to be an effective suppressor of cancer and a contributor to longevity. This report will review, in depth, the associations between PTEN and other molecules, its mutations and regulations in order to present how PTEN can be used to increase longevity. This report will collect recent research of PTEN and use this to discuss PTEN’s role in caloric restriction, antioxidative defense of DNA-damage and the role it plays in suppressing tumors. The report will also discuss that variety of ways that PTEN can be compromised, through mutations, complete loss of alleles and its main antagonist, the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Atomic Structure Modeling of Multi-Principal-Element Alloys by the Principle of Maximum Entropy
Authors: Wang Shaoqing
Published: December 2013

Atomic structure models of multi-principal-element alloys (or high-entropy alloys) composed of four to eight componential elements in both BCC and FCC lattice structures are built according to the principle of maximum entropy. With the concept of entropic force, the maximum-entropy configurations of these phases are generated through the use of Monte Carlo computer simulation. The efficiency of the maximum-entropy principle in modeling the atomic structure of random solid-solution phases has been demonstrated. The bulk atomic configurations of four real multi-principal-element alloys with four to six element components in either BCC or FCC lattice are studied using these models.
A Combined Cooperative Braking Model with a Predictive Control Strategy in an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Guo Hongqiang , He Hongwen , Sun Fengchun
Published: December 2013

Cooperative braking with regenerative braking and mechanical braking plays an important role in electric vehicles for energy-saving control. Based on the parallel and the series cooperative braking models, a combined model with a predictive control strategy to get a better cooperative braking performance is presented. The balance problem between the maximum regenerative energy recovery efficiency and the optimum braking stability is solved through an off-line process optimization stream with the collaborative optimization algorithm (CO). To carry out the process optimization stream, the optimal Latin hypercube design (Opt LHD) is presented to discrete the continuous design space. To solve the poor real-time problem of the optimization, a high-precision predictive model based on the off-line optimization data of the combined model is built, and a predictive control strategy is proposed and verified through simulation. The simulation results demonstrate that the predictive control strategy and the combined model are reasonable and effective.
A Low Energy Consumption DOA Estimation Approach for Conformal Array in Ultra-Wideband
Authors: Wan Liangtian , Liu Lutao , Han Guangjie , Rodrigues Joel
Published: December 2013

Most direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation approaches for conformal array suffer from high computational complexity, which cause high energy loss for the direction finding system. Thus, a low energy consumption DOA estimation algorithm for conformal array antenna is proposed in this paper. The arbitrary baseline direction finding algorithm is extended to estimate DOA for a conformal array in ultra-wideband. The rotation comparison method is adopted to solve the ambiguity of direction finding. The virtual baseline approach is used to construct the virtual elements. Theoretically, the virtual elements can be extended in the space flexibility. Four elements (both actual and virtual elements) can be used to obtain a group of solutions. The space angle estimation can be obtained by using sub-array divided technique and matrix inversion method. The stability of the proposed algorithm can be guaranteed by averaging the angles obtained by different sub-arrays. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method with high DOA estimation accuracy and relatively low computational complexity.
Integrated Human Surveillance Systems of West Nile Virus Infections in Italy: The 2012 Experience
Authors: Napoli Christian , Bella Antonino , Declich Silvia , Grazzini Giuliano , Lombardini Letizia , Costa Alessandro , Nicoletti Loredana , Pompa Maria , Pupella Simonetta , Russo Francesca , Rizzo Caterina
Published: December 2013

In Italy, a West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance plan was firstly implemented in 2008 and 2009 in two affected regions and, since 2010, according to a national plan, a WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) surveillance has to be carried out each year during the period 15 June–30 November, in those regions where WNV circulation has been demonstrated among humans, animals or vectors. Moreover, since WNV can be transmitted to humans even by blood transfusions and organ transplants obtained from infected donors, the national surveillance integrates the blood transfusions and organs transplant surveillances too. The paper describes the results of this integrated human surveillance in Italy in 2012. Overall, in 2012, 28 autochthonous confirmed cases of WNND were reported, 14 blood donations were found WNV positive by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test and no solid organ donors tested positive for WNV. Moreover, 17 cases of WNV fever were confirmed in Veneto region. When comparing the number of WNND cases reported to the surveillance system in previous 4 years (43 cases during the period 2008–2011), with those reported in 2012 an important increase was observed in 2012. The geographic distribution of human cases was consistent with the WNV circulation among animals and vectors. Moreover, the implementation of preventive measures for WNV transmission through blood components allowed the detection of blood donors positive for WNV, avoiding the further spread of the disease. Since surveillance strategies and preventive measures are based on the integration among human, animal and vector control activities, the Italian experience could be considered a good example of collaboration among different sectors of public health in a “one health” perspective.
Leptospirosis: A Silent Epidemic Disease
Authors: Schneider Maria , Jancloes Michel , Buss Daniel , Aldighieri Sylvain , Bertherat Eric , Najera Patricia , Galan Deise , Durski Kara , Espinal Marcos
Published: December 2013

This special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is dedicated to leptospirosis, an endemic zoonotic disease that is a cause of many acute undifferentiated fevers, especially in tropical countries [1,2]. While it can be debated whether leptospirosis is an emerging disease, it is evident that it is becoming an emerging public health problem. It is recognized as a disease of epidemic potential that has a significant health impact in many parts of the world. [...]
Molecular Cloning and Expression of CYP9A61: A Chlorpyrifos-Ethyl and Lambda-Cyhalothrin-Inducible Cytochrome P450 cDNA from Cydia pomonella
Authors: Yang Xueqing , Li Xianchun , Zhang Yalin
Published: December 2013

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs or P450s) play paramount roles in detoxification of insecticides in a number of insect pests. However, little is known about the roles of P450s and their responses to insecticide exposure in the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.), an economically important fruit pest. Here we report the characterization and expression analysis of the first P450 gene, designated as CYP9A61, from this pest. The full-length cDNA sequence of CYP9A61 is 2071 bp long and its open reading frame (ORF) encodes 538 amino acids. Sequence analysis shows that CYP9A61 shares 51%–60% identity with other known CYP9s and contains the highly conserved substrate recognition site SRS1, SRS4 and SRS5. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that CYP9A61 were 67-fold higher in the fifth instar larvae than in the first instar, and more abundant in the silk gland and fat body than other tissues. Exposure of the 3rd instar larvae to 12.5 mg L−1 of chlorpyrifos-ethyl for 60 h and 0.19 mg L−1 of lambda-cyhalothrin for 36 h resulted in 2.20- and 3.47-fold induction of CYP9A61, respectively. Exposure of the 3rd instar larvae to these two insecticides also significantly enhanced the total P450 activity. The results suggested that CYP9A61 is an insecticide-detoxifying P450.
The Preparation of Capsaicin-Chitosan Microspheres (CCMS) Enteric Coated Tablets
Authors: Chen Jian , Huang Gui-Dong , Tan Si-Rong , Guo Jiao , Su Zheng-Quan
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to research the preparation and content determination of capsaicin-chitosan microspheres (CCMS) enteric coated tablets. The core tablets were prepared with the method of wet granulation. Nine formulae were designed to determine the optimal formula of the core tablet. Eudragit L100 was used to prepare the CCMS enteric-coated tablets. The effect of enteric coated formulation variables such as content of talc (10%, 25% and 40%), plasticisers (TEC and DBS), dosage of plasticiser (10%, 20% and 30%) and coating weight (2%, 3% and 5%) were evaluated for drug release characteristics. The in vitro release was studied using 0.1 N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. Enteric coated tablets without ruptures or swelling behaviour over 2 h in 0.1 N HCl indicated that these tablets showed acid resistance. The accumulated release rate in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) revealed that the prepared tablets were able to sustain drug release into the intestine and a first-order release was obtained for capsaicin. This research is the first report of the preparation and content determination of CCMS enteric coated tablets. The sustained release behavior of enteric coated formulations in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer demonstrated that it would be a potential drug delivery platform for sustained delivery of gastric irritant drugs.
Improved Bonding of Partially Osteomyelitic Bone to Titanium Pins Owing to Biomimetic Coating of Apatite
Authors: Mutsuzaki Hirotaka , Sogo Yu , Oyane Ayako , Ito Atsuo
Published: December 2013

Increased fixation strength of the bone-pin interface is important for inhibiting pin loosening after external fixation. In a previous study, an apatite (Ap) layer was formed on anodically oxidized titanium (Ti) pins by immersing them in an infusion fluid-based supersaturated calcium phosphate solution at 37 °C for 48 h. In the present study, an Ap layer was also successfully formed using a one-step method at 25 °C for 48 h in an infusion fluid-based supersaturated calcium phosphate solution, which is clinically useful due to the immersion temperature. After percutaneous implantation in a proximal tibial metaphysis for four weeks in rabbits (n = 20), the Ti pin coated with the Ap layer showed significantly increased extraction torque compared with that of an uncoated Ti screw even with partial osteomyelitis present, owing to dense bone formation on the Ap layer in the cortical and medullary cavity regions. When the infection status was changed from “no osteomyelitis” to “partial osteomyelitis,” the extraction torque in the Ap group with “partial osteomyelitis” was almost identical to that for “no osteomyelitis” cases. These results suggest that the Ap layer formed by the room temperature process could effectively improve the fixation strength of the Ti pin for external fixation clinically even with partial osteomyelitis present.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Genes Encoding Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Activities from Unicellular Microalgae
Authors: Vaezi Royah , Napier Johnathan , Sayanova Olga
Published: December 2013

In order to identify novel genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of nutritionally important omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, a database search was carried out in the genomes of the unicellular photoautotrophic green alga Ostreococcus RCC809 and cold-water diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus. The search led to the identification of two putative “front-end” desaturases (Δ6 and Δ4) from Ostreococcus RCC809 and one Δ6-elongase from F. cylindrus. Heterologous expression of putative open reading frames (ORFs) in yeast revealed that the encoded enzyme activities efficiently convert their respective substrates: 54.1% conversion of α-linolenic acid for Δ6-desaturase, 15.1% conversion of 22:5n-3 for Δ4-desaturase and 38.1% conversion of γ-linolenic acid for Δ6-elongase. The Δ6-desaturase from Ostreococcus RCC809 displays a very strong substrate preference resulting in the predominant synthesis of stearidonic acid (C18:4Δ6,9,12,15). These data confirm the functional characterization of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic genes from these two species which have until now not been investigated for such activities. The identification of these new genes will also serve to expand the repertoire of activities available for metabolically engineering the omega-3 trait in heterologous hosts as well as providing better insights into the synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in marine microalgae.
Bone Regeneration of Rat Tibial Defect by Zinc-Tricalcium Phosphate (Zn-TCP) Synthesized from Porous Foraminifera Carbonate Macrospheres
Authors: Chou Joshua , Hao Jia , Kuroda Shinji , Bishop David , Ben-Nissan Besim , Milthorpe Bruce , Otsuka Makoto
Published: December 2013

Foraminifera carbonate exoskeleton was hydrothermally converted to biocompatible and biodegradable zinc-tricalcium phosphate (Zn-TCP) as an alternative biomimetic material for bone fracture repair. Zn-TCP samples implanted in a rat tibial defect model for eight weeks were compared with unfilled defect and beta-tricalcium phosphate showing accelerated bone regeneration compared with the control groups, with statistically significant bone mineral density and bone mineral content growth. CT images of the defect showed restoration of cancellous bone in Zn-TCP and only minimal growth in control group. Histological slices reveal bone in-growth within the pores and porous chamber of the material detailing good bone-material integration with the presence of blood vessels. These results exhibit the future potential of biomimetic Zn-TCP as bone grafts for bone fracture repair.
Primary Phases and Natural Weathering of Smelting Slag at an Abandoned Mine Site in Southwest Japan
Authors: Sueoka Yuri , Sakakibara Masayuki
Published: December 2013

Artisanal metallurgical slag produced more than 50 years ago at a mine site in southwest Japan is rich in toxic metals and metalloids. Some of the slag remains on a waste dump and could contaminate the surrounding area through the dissolution of heavy metals and metalloids during weathering. To assess this risk, this study has investigated the behavior of the toxic elements in the smelting slag during weathering. Most of the potentially toxic elements are contained in willemite and/or matte drops. Maximum metal and metalloid concentrations in the slag are 28.1 wt % Fe, 22.7 wt % Zn, 1.63 wt % Cu, 3450 mg/kg Sn, 826 mg/kg Pb, 780 mg/kg As, and 116 mg/kg Cd. Zn is mainly contained in willemite, whereas other metals and metalloids are mainly concentrated in matte drops. The willemite and matte drops are converted to Fe-hydroxides during weathering, indicating that potentially toxic metals and metalloids contained in these phases are released by weathering processes. Therefore, weathering of the artisanal metallurgical slag, containing large amounts of willemite and matte drops, may pollute the surrounding environment.
Total Synthesis of Six 3,4-Unsubstituted Coumarins
Authors: Gao Wenqing , Li Qingyong , Chen Jian , Wang Zhichao , Hua Changlong
Published: December 2013

In this article we describe a new methodology for the total synthesis of 3,4-unsubstituted coumarins from commercially available starting materials. Six examples were prepared, including five naturally occurring coumarins—7-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-coumarin (isofraxidin), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin (scopoletin), 6,7,8-trimethoxy-coumarin, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (scoparone), and 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin (daphnetin) and one synthetic coumarin, 7-hydroxy-6-ethoxycoumarin. Moreover, five important o-hydroxybenzaldehyde intermediates were also obtained, namely 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, 2,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde, 5-ethoxy-2,4-dihydroxy-benzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde, and 2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxy-benzaldehyde. The method developed herein involves just three or four steps and allows for the rapid synthesis of these important molecules in excellent yields. This is the first synthesis of 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-6-ethoxycoumarin.
Impact of Breakfasts (with or without Eggs) on Body Weight Regulation and Blood Lipids in University Students over a 14-Week Semester
Authors: Rueda Janice , Khosla Pramod
Published: December 2013

The effects of breakfast type on body weight and blood lipids were evaluated in university freshman. Seventy-three subjects were instructed to consume a breakfast with eggs (Egg Breakfast, EB, n = 39) or without (Non-Egg Breakfast, NEB, n = 34), five times/week for 14 weeks. Breakfast composition, anthropometric measurements and blood lipids were measured at multiple times. During the study, mean weight change was 1.6 ± 5.3 lbs (0.73 ± 2.41 kg), but there was no difference between groups. Both groups consumed similar calories for breakfast at all time-points. The EB group consumed significantly more calories at breakfast from protein, total fat and saturated fat, but significantly fewer calories from carbohydrate at every time-point. Cholesterol consumption at breakfast in the EB group was significantly higher than the NEB group at all time points. Breakfast food choices (other than eggs) were similar between groups. Blood lipids were similar between groups at all time points, indicating that the additional 400 mg/day of dietary cholesterol did not negatively impact blood lipids.
Mathematical Model to Predict Skin Concentration after Topical Application of Drugs
Authors: Todo Hiroaki , Oshizaka Takeshi , Kadhum Wesam , Sugibayashi Kenji
Published: December 2013

Skin permeation experiments have been broadly done since 1970s to 1980s as an evaluation method for transdermal drug delivery systems. In topically applied drug and cosmetic formulations, skin concentration of chemical compounds is more important than their skin permeations, because primary target site of the chemical compounds is skin surface or skin tissues. Furthermore, the direct pharmacological reaction of a metabolically stable drug that binds with specific receptors of known expression levels in an organ can be determined by Hill’s equation. Nevertheless, little investigation was carried out on the test method of skin concentration after topically application of chemical compounds. Recently we investigated an estimating method of skin concentration of the chemical compounds from their skin permeation profiles. In the study, we took care of “3Rs” issues for animal experiments. We have proposed an equation which was capable to estimate animal skin concentration from permeation profile through the artificial membrane (silicone membrane) and animal skin. This new approach may allow the skin concentration of a drug to be predicted using Fick’s second law of diffusion. The silicone membrane was found to be useful as an alternative membrane to animal skin for predicting skin concentration of chemical compounds, because an extremely excellent extrapolation to animal skin concentration was attained by calculation using the silicone membrane permeation data. In this chapter, we aimed to establish an accurate and convenient method for predicting the concentration profiles of drugs in the skin based on the skin permeation parameters of topically active drugs derived from steady-state skin permeation experiments.
Secularization and the Loss of Love in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress
Authors: Boscaljon Daniel
Published: December 2013

In this paper, I place Bunyan’s popular Pilgrim’s Progress into a cultural context infused with, and informed by, a change from a sacred to secular preunderstanding. I discuss the ways that Bunyan wrestles with these changes in light of Taylor’s work on secularization, and theorize that Bunyan’s text reveals how the sacred and secular imaginaries were able to merge through a shared embrace of an economic system of rationalization. Additionally, and more tragically, both ideologies share a disdain for love in its vulnerable, intimate, and material forms that has led us to desire security instead of attending to a more humble (but powerful and enriching) need for assurance. I conclude by discussing Adorno’s discussion of love and Auschwitz as a warning still necessary in our 21st century secular age.
Distribution of Actual Evapotranspiration over Qaidam Basin, an Arid Area in China
Authors: Jin Xiaomei , Guo Renhong , Xia Wei
Published: December 2013

Evapotranspiration is a major loss flux of the water balance in arid and semi-arid areas. The estimation of actual evapotranspiration has significance for hydrological and environmental purposes. The Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) algorithm was applied to estimate actual evapotranspiration in the Qaidam Basin and its eight hydrological sub-regions, Northwest China. There were 3,036 cloud-free and atmospherically corrected MODIS satellite images from 2001 to 2011 used in the SEBS algorithm to determine the actual evapotranspiration. The result indicated that the estimated annual actual evapotranspiration of the basin increased with time and the value varied from 72.7 to 182.3 mm. SEBS estimates were 7.5% and 14.1% of observed pan evaporation over the western and eastern areas, respectively. The variation of SEBS actual evapotranspiration is influenced by climate factors, vegetation, net radiation, land cover type and water table depth. The analysis of the evaporative behavior of different land cover types in the basin presented that water bodies, marsh, and farmland had relatively higher mean actual evapotranspiration though these land cover types make up less than 3.5% of the total basin. Bare soil has very low evapotranspiration and covered almost 60% of the study area. The actual evapotranspiration was observed to be decreased with an increase of water table depth. Overall, the SEBS algorithm proved to be useful and has potential for estimating spatial actual evapotranspiration on a regional scale.
New Methodology of Designing Inexpensive Hybrid Control-Acquisition Systems for Mechatronic Constructions
Authors: Augustyn Jacek
Published: December 2013

This article presents a new methodology for designing a hybrid control and acquisition system consisting of a 32-bit SoC microsystem connected via a direct Universal Serial Bus (USB) with a standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) component running the Android operating system. It is proposed to utilize it avoiding the use of an additional converter. An Android-based component was chosen to explore the potential for a mobile, compact and energy efficient solution with easy to build user interfaces and easy wireless integration with other computer systems. This paper presents results of practical implementation and analysis of experimental real-time performance. It covers closed control loop time between the sensor/actuator module and the Android operating system as well as the real-time sensor data stream within such a system. Some optimisations are proposed and their influence on real-time performance was investigated. The proposed methodology is intended for acquisition and control of mechatronic systems, especially mobile robots. It can be used in a wide range of control applications as well as embedded acquisition-recording devices, including energy quality measurements, smart-grids and medicine. It is demonstrated that the proposed methodology can be employed without developing specific device drivers. The latency achieved was less than 0.5 ms and the sensor data stream throughput was on the order of 750 KB/s (compared to 3 ms latency and 300 KB/s in traditional solutions).
Reliability of Measured Data for pH Sensor Arrays with Fault Diagnosis and Data Fusion Based on LabVIEW
Authors: Liao Yi-Hung , Chou Jung-Chuan , Lin Chin-Yi
Published: December 2013

Fault diagnosis (FD) and data fusion (DF) technologies implemented in the LabVIEW program were used for a ruthenium dioxide pH sensor array. The purpose of the fault diagnosis and data fusion technologies is to increase the reliability of measured data. Data fusion is a very useful statistical method used for sensor arrays in many fields. Fault diagnosis is used to avoid sensor faults and to measure errors in the electrochemical measurement system, therefore, in this study, we use fault diagnosis to remove any faulty sensors in advance, and then proceed with data fusion in the sensor array. The average, self-adaptive and coefficient of variance data fusion methods are used in this study. The pH electrode is fabricated with ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) sensing membrane using a sputtering system to deposit it onto a silicon substrate, and eight RuO2 pH electrodes are fabricated to form a sensor array for this study.
A Practical Monitoring System for the Structural Safety of Mega-Trusses Using Wireless Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges
Authors: Park Hyo , Lee Hwan , Choi Se , Kim Yousok
Published: December 2013

Sensor technologies have been actively employed in structural health monitoring (SHM) to evaluate structural safety. To provide stable and real-time monitoring, a practical wireless sensor network system (WSNS) based on vibrating wire strain gauges (VWSGs) is proposed and applied to a building under construction. In this WSNS, the data measured from each VWSG are transmitted to the sensor node via a signal line and then transmitted to the master node through a short-range wireless communication module (operating on the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band). The master node also employs a long-range wireless communication module (Code Division Multiple Access—CDMA) to transmit the received data from the sensor node to a server located in a remote area, which enables a manager to examine the measured data in real time without any time or location restrictions. In this study, a total of 48 VWSGs, 14 sensor nodes, and seven master nodes were implemented to measure long-term strain variations of mega-trusses in an irregular large-scale building under construction. Based on strain data collected over a 16-month period, a quantitative evaluation of the construction process was performed to determine the aspects that exhibit the greatest influence on member behavior and to conduct a comparison with numerical simulation results. The effect of temperature stress on the structural elements was also analyzed. From these observations, the feasibility of a long-term WSNS based on VWSGs to evaluate the structural safety of an irregular building under construction was confirmed.
A Proteomics and Transcriptomics Investigation of the Venom from the Barychelid Spider Trittame loki (Brush-Foot Trapdoor)
Authors: Undheim Eivind , Sunagar Kartik , Herzig Volker , Kely Laurence , Low Dolyce , Jackson Timothy , Jones Alun , Kurniawan Nyoman , King Glenn , Ali Syed , Antunes Agostino , Ruder Tim , Fry Bryan
Published: December 2013

Although known for their potent venom and ability to prey upon both invertebrate and vertebrate species, the Barychelidae spider family has been entirely neglected by toxinologists. In striking contrast, the sister family Theraphosidae (commonly known as tarantulas), which last shared a most recent common ancestor with Barychelidae over 200 million years ago, has received much attention, accounting for 25% of all the described spider toxins while representing only 2% of all spider species. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the venom arsenal of a barychelid spider, Trittame loki, using transcriptomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic methods. The venom was revealed to be dominated by extremely diverse inhibitor cystine knot (ICK)/knottin peptides, accounting for 42 of the 46 full-length toxin precursors recovered in the transcriptomic sequencing. In addition to documenting differential rates of evolution adopted by different ICK/knottin toxin lineages, we discovered homologues with completely novel cysteine skeletal architecture. Moreover, acetylcholinesterase and neprilysin were revealed for the first time as part of the spider-venom arsenal and CAP (CRiSP/Allergen/PR-1) were identified for the first time in mygalomorph spider venoms. These results not only highlight the extent of venom diversification in this neglected ancient spider lineage, but also reinforce the idea that unique venomous lineages are rich pools of novel biomolecules that may have significant applied uses as therapeutics and/or insecticides.
The Role of Innate Immunity in Conditioning Mosquito Susceptibility to West Nile Virus
Authors: Prasad Abhishek , Brackney Doug. , Ebel Gregory
Published: December 2013

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) represent an emerging threat to human and livestock health globally. In particular, those transmitted by mosquitoes present the greatest challenges to disease control efforts. An understanding of the molecular basis for mosquito innate immunity to arbovirus infection is therefore critical to investigations regarding arbovirus evolution, virus-vector ecology, and mosquito vector competence. In this review, we discuss the current state of understanding regarding mosquito innate immunity to West Nile virus. We draw from the literature with respect to other virus-vector pairings to attempt to draw inferences to gaps in our knowledge about West Nile virus and relevant vectors.
The p36 Isoform of Murine Cytomegalovirus m152 Protein Suffices for Mediating Innate and Adaptive Immune Evasion
Authors: Fink Annette , Renzaho Angeliqué , Reddehase Matthias , Lemmermann Niels
Published: December 2013

The MHC-class I (MHC-I)-like viral (MHC-Iv) m152 gene product of murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) was the first immune evasion molecule described for a member of the β-subfamily of herpesviruses as a paradigm for analogous functions of human cytomegalovirus proteins. Notably, by interacting with classical MHC-I molecules and with MHC-I-like RAE1 family ligands of the activatory natural killer (NK) cell receptor NKG2D, it inhibits presentation of antigenic peptides to CD8 T cells and the NKG2D-dependent activation of NK cells, respectively, thus simultaneously interfering with adaptive and innate immune recognition of infected cells. Although the m152 gene product exists in differentially glycosylated isoforms whose individual contributions to immune evasion are unknown, it has entered the scientific literature as m152/gp40, based on the quantitatively most prominent isoform but with no functional justification. By construction of a recombinant mCMV in which all three N-glycosylation sites are mutated (N61Q, N208Q, and N241Q), we show here that N-linked glycosylation is not essential for functional interaction of the m152 immune evasion protein with either MHC-I or RAE1. These data add an important functional detail to recent structural analysis of the m152/RAE1g complex that has revealed N-glycosylations at positions Asn61 and Asn208 of m152 distant from the m152/RAE1g interface.
Archéologie 1953, 2
Authors: De Laet Sigfried Jan , Faider-Feytmans Germaine , Moisin P. , Hawkes C. F. C. , Glasbergen W. , Amand A. , Breuer J.
Published: December 2013

Revue critique des publications, fouilles et trouvailles archéologiques intéressant le territoire actuel de la Belgique et les régions limitrophes ; 1. Généralités, 2. et mésolithique ; 3. Néolithique et âges des métaux ; 4. Époque gallo- romaine ; 5. Époque mérovingienne et périodes postérieures.
Quelques trouvailles originales à Aquincum-Budapest
Authors: Colin Jean
Published: December 2013

L'auteur passe en revue quelques découvertes archéologiques récentes faites à Buda (rive droite) et qui intéressent l'histoire et l'archéologie générales : le vicus indigène d'Albertfalva, l'amphithéâtre militaire des canabenses et le sang des gladiateurs (autel à Némésis dans la fosse centrale de l'arène), le pied à estampiller les tuiles de la légion X Adjutrix, le palais du légat et sa date de construction en rapport avec la question de l'adoption d'Hadrien et de l'empoisonnement de Trajan, la situation du palais à l'intérieur du camp légionnaire, le praetorium, les thermes de la légion II Adjutrix, le valetudinarium, l'orgue du collège des pompiers, le mithraeum de Symphorus. Précisions sur le castel transdanubien du IVe siècle à Pest.
Horace, Epist., II, 1, 268 : Capsa operta
Authors: Delaunois Marcel
Published: December 2013

Il faut choisir la leçon CAPSA OPERTA et non APERTA. CAPSA OPERTA doit se traduire par « boîte à livres fermée ». A la lumière de l'interprétation des vers voisins, on constate qu'il s'agit uniquement d'une métaphore littéraire et non funéraire ; il n'y a donc aucune allusion à un « cercueil » ni à des « funérailles ».
Le positivisme de Tacite dans sa notion de « fors »
Authors: Beguin P.
Published: December 2013

La mention du hasard, chez Tacite, rend simplement raison du côté imprévu que comportent la plupart des événements (Hist. I, 4). « Fors » n'a donc dans son œuvre aucune résonance philosophique ni religieuse, et Tacite ramène l'action du hasard sur les choses humaines, à celle du libre jeu des causes naturelles : c'est une nouvelle confirmation de la mentalité positiviste de notre historien.
Des dates de fondation des colonies siciliotes
Authors: Van Compernolle René
Published: December 2013

Analyse d'un article récent de K. J. Dover sur la colonisation grecque en Sicile dans les Histoires de Thucydide. Apports de cette étude à l'élaboration d'une chronologie de la siciliote ; arguments à opposer à la thèse de l'auteur.
L'augure des douze vautours
Authors: Magotteaux Émile
Published: December 2013

Recherchant l'influence de l'astrologie égyptienne sur les calculs de la destinée de Rome, l'auteur rapproche l'augure des douze vautours de Romulus du signe égyptien nr.t qui signifie « période », et ici, mois d'année. Ainsi se trouverait rattaché à la légende romuléenne le discours de Camillus avec l'allusion à la période déjà vécue par Rome de 365 ans, soit 12 mois d'années. L'auteur émet aussi l'hypothèse que la Quatrième Bucolique célébrerait l'approche du second terme de 12 nr.t.
Archéologie 1956, 2
Authors: De Laet Sigfried Jan , Faider-Feytmans Germaine , N. J. , Amand M. , Delerive H. , Trips E.
Published: December 2013

Revue critique des publications, fouilles et trouvailles archéologiques intéressant le territoire actuel de la Belgique et les régions limitrophes : 1. Généralités. — 2. Époque préhistorique et protohistorique. — 3. Époque gallo-romaine. — 4. Époque mérovingienne et moyen âge.
Notes sur l'Anthologie Grecque
Authors: Herrmann Léon
Published: December 2013

V, 125 de Bassus nous renseigne sur la Corinne d'Ovide ; V, 38 et XI, 187 sur le poète Simylus ; IX, 47 sur le meurtre d'Agrippine ; XVI, 140 appartient à Pollianus ; V, 117 et IX, 411 attaquent Cornelius Gallus. Statilius Flaccus doit avoir été l'ami et le protégé dePerse. Des trois préfaces du livre IV, la première de Méléagre avait 54 vers, la seconde de Philippe 18, la troisième d'Agathias 144, ce qui correspond à la règle des 18 vers.
Die karische Grabinschrift von Kaunos
Authors: Stoltenberg Hans L.
Published: December 2013

Traduction de l'inscription carienne de Kaunos par mon nouveau déchiffrement des lettres cariennes non-grecques dans mon article « Die Karische Schrift » dans le journal « Die Sprache » (Wien 1958).
Un symbolisme juridique de la chaussure
Authors: Deroy Louis
Published: December 2013

Un même radical égéen préhellénique arapa signifiant « entourer, enserrer, enclore », rend compte d'une part, des noms du « gage » en grec (ἀρραβών) et en hébreu (êrâbôn), et explique, d'autre part, le très vieil emploi de la chaussure (à lacet) pour symboliser l'engagement dans un contrat tant en Grèce qu'en Palestine. Transmis par l'étrusque, ce radical est aussi à l'origine du latin arbiter. Usages et mots sont antérieurs à l'expansion phénicienne dans la Méditerranée.
Sur le sens d'αἶθρος dans Homère (ξ 318)
Authors: Bouquiaux-Simon Odette
Published: December 2013

Le substantif αΐθρος ne se rencontre qu'en deux passages dans la littérature grecque, chez Homère et chez Alcée. Des commentateurs anciens, à partir de l'emploi isolé de ce mot chez Homère, comprennent froid, d'autres, sans référence au poète, chaleur, sens qui s'éclaire bien par l'étymologie. Comme il est difficile d'entrevoir une idée de froid dans les mots apparentés à αίθήρ chez Homère (αϊθρη, αϊθρος), pourquoi des grammairiens anciens ont-ils interprété dans ce sens le passage de £ 318 ? Ils seraient partis des épithètes homériques αιθρηγενής ou αίθρηγενέτης appliquées exclusivement à Borée, vent du Nord apportant le froid.
The Purpose of the Apocolocyntosis
Authors: L. Currie H. Mac
Published: December 2013

La satire a son origine dans la psychologie de l'auteur (qui était sans doute Sénèque). Il voulait se venger sur le mort Claudius, étant lui-même mal assuré et d'une instabilité spirituelle ; il pensait qu'une telle satire ferait rire les courtisans, ce qui lui donnerait du plaisir malicieux. Peu à peu, il réalisa que la satire pourrait être aussi un document politique pour apprendre au jeune Néron comment le roi sage et juste doit se comporter.
L'étymologie de Macellum « Marché »
Authors: De Meyer Léon
Published: December 2013

Le mot latin macellum « marché » pourrait être un emprunt à la langue commerciale des Phéniciens. Il dériverait de la racine sémitique commune mkr qui signifie « faire du commerce» ; la transmission de ce vocable aurait suivi l'évolution phonétique suivante : *makîrum > *makirrwm > *makerrum > *makellum.
Les passages lyriques dans l'« Alceste» d'Euripide
Authors: Duysinx François
Published: December 2013

L'auteur cherche, pour chacun des passages lyriques de l'Alceste, une interprétation rythmique vraisemblable, fondée sur ce que nous connaissons de la musique grecque. Il envisage l'interprétation qui convient à ces passages. Il montre qu'Euripide, en composant ses chœurs ou ses monodies, avait la constante préoccupation de faire œuvre de musicien.
Ars ludiera. Aux origines du théâtre latin
Authors: Préaux Jean G.
Published: December 2013

L'analyse de deux textes, indépendants de la tradition de Varron sur les origines du théâtre latin, à savoir les propos de Caton, le censeur de 184, recueillis par Macrobe (Saturnales, 3, 14, 9), et la mesure des censeurs de 1 15 avant notre ère, dont l'énoncé est conservé par Cassiodore (Chron., éd. Mommsen, p. 123), permet d'évaluer la vigueur d'un art scénique indigène, qui a maintenu l'ars ludiera Latina, au nom de l'Italica seueritas, dans les traditions des divertissements variés, groupés aux Compitalia, et dans celles de l'atellane.
Lisia XII 98. Una precisazione sintattica
Authors: Coppola Carmine
Published: December 2013

L'A., partendo dall' interpretazione, chiaramente errata, della proposizione relativa όσοι μεν ενΘάδε ἥσαν (Lys., XII, 98), come di una prop. rel. ipotetica irreale sic et simpliciter ( = « quanti si fossero trovati qui»)e risalendo più indietro alla traduzione classica di K. Mueller (1847), osserva come l'interpretazione del Mueller (= quotquot remans is sent in urbe) si giustificherebbe come rel. ipotet. irreale dipendente a sua volta da una ipot. irr. esplicita εἰ δὲ ἐδυστυχήσατε κτλ.) nel senso : « quanti si fossero trovati qui, seil, nella condizione (irreale) di figli di vinti». Tutτavia, rileggendo più attentamente i prgg. 97-98, l'A. ritiene che l'ἦσαν non possa intendersi nemmeno in tal senso e che quindi l'unica interpretazione possibile sia ἦσαν = erant, «si trovavano».