bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Cavitation and Aeration System in Dam Outlets
Authors: Nikseresht Amir H. , Talebbeydokhti Nasser , Khorshidi Hossein
Published: August 2012

Preservation of the live storage of reservoirs is a serious challenge for most of the countries that encounter drought. Flushing of deposited sediments through bottom outlets in a dam is one of the suitable means to transport sediments toward downstream of the dam. Due to complicated conditions of flow through bottom outlets, we are facing a lack of accurate information about the various phenomena that occurs in bottom outlets such as cavitation, corrosion, and abrasion. Cavitation is the most important problem that causes remarkable damages on the lining of these tunnels. A numerical model based on the finite volume method for fully three-dimensional (3D) open channel flow equations is incorporated into a modeling cavitation and aeration system along the dam outlets. In this study, complex two-phase turbulent flow is simulated using the K-ɛ model. The pressure and velocity distribution under different conditions of gate opening and reservoir water level are computed along the tunnel and validation of the work has been obtained by comparison with measurements of a laboratory model. For both nonaerated and aerated flow, cavitation index in flow direction have been estimated and compared with each other.
On the Identification of Impedance Spectroscopy Processes of an SOFC Under Different Hydrogen Concentrations
Authors: DiGiuseppe Gianfranco , Sun Li
Published: August 2012

This paper reports a series of new electrochemical impedance measurements that were performed on an anode supported planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) tested at different anode gas conditions and at different applied voltages. This study indicates that impedance spectroscopy can resolve four different processes, as long as one of those processes does not become too large. At open circuit voltage the four processes can be resolved best; however, as a voltage is applied the processes are convoluted and cannot be resolved properly. Two of the processes seem to remain almost unchanged as the fuel conditions are changed and can be attributed to the cathode. The two anode processes change with the fuel conditions and both indicate a dependence on charge transfer and diffusion. This methodology can be applied to determine the mode or modes of SOFC degradation for long term testing where one or both electrodes are deteriorating over time.
Effect of Pressure on the Flow Properties of Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Spaggiari A. , Dragoni E.
Published: August 2012

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are widely used in the industrial world; however, sometimes their properties fail to meet system requirements. In shear mode, MR fluids have been found to exhibit a pressure dependency called squeeze strengthen effect. Since a lot of MR fluid based devices work in flow mode (i.e., dampers), this paper investigates the behavior in flow mode under pressure. The system design consists of three steps: the hydraulic system, the magnetic circuit, and the design of experiment method. The experimental apparatus is a cylinder in which a piston displaces the fluid without the use of standard gear pumps, which are incompatible with MR fluids. The experimental apparatus measures the yield stress of the MR fluid as a function of the pressure and magnetic field, thus, enabling the yield shear stress to be calculated. A statistical analysis of the results shows that the squeeze strengthen effect is also present in flow mode, and that the internal pressure enhances the performance of MR fluids by nearly five times.
Interface layer in hafnia/Si films as a function of ALD cycles
Authors: Mani-Gonzalez Pierre-Giovanni , Vazquez-Lepe Milton-Oswaldo , Espinosa-Magaña Francisco , Herrera-Gomez Alberto
Published: August 2012

A systematic angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the structure of hafnia films grown on silicon with atomic layer deposition (ALD) is presented. The hafnium precursor employed was tetrakis dimethyl amino hafnium with water as the oxidant agent. The number of ALD cycles ranged from 3 to 25. The Hf 4f spectrum shows two components 0.47 eV apart, one associated with hafnia (17.6 eV) and the other (18.1 eV) with a hafnium silicate interface layer. The composition of the interface layer, HfxSi1-xOy, evolves continuously from silicon-rich (x = 0.1 for 3 ALD cycles) to hafnium rich (x = 0.75 for 25 ALD cycles). The binding energy difference between the Hf 4f components associated with the silicate and hafnia changes very little with the silicate composition. The binding energy of the Si4+ component, which is associated with the silicate, varies from 3.25 to 2.85 eV (referenced to the Si0+ component) with the number of ALD cycles. The oxygen stoichiometric coefficient of the silicate is close to the expected value of 2 for all the samples. However, the hafnia shows an excess of oxygen for some of the samples.
Engineering Approaches to Immunotherapy
Authors: Swartz Melody A. , Hirosue Sachiko , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2012

The rapidly evolving field of immunoengineering will bring new design strategies to clinical immunology.
Measuring the Benefits of HPV Vaccination
Authors: Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: August 2012

Costs of HPV disease in the United States could be offset by vaccination.
A Window of Opportunity for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bettegowda Chetan
Published: August 2012

Patients with hereditary forms of Alzheimer’s disease show changes in the brain more than two decades before symptom onset.
A Sweet Way to Construct Vascular Networks
Authors: Collier Joel H.
Published: August 2012

Sacrificial networks of carbohydrate glass form vascular channels in engineered materials.
Microbial Manipulation of Metabolism
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa
Published: August 2012

The human gut microbiome changes during pregnancy and resembles that associated with metabolic syndrome.
Pai syndrome: first reported case in Qatar and review of literature of previously published cases
Authors: Abdelmaaboud Mohamed , Nimeri Nuha
Published: August 2012

A full-term male baby born with severe complete median cleft lip and palate and multiple facial cutaneous polyps on the right nostril, left and right ears and angle of the mouth. Eye fundus examination revealed hypopigmented fundi, pigmented rings around both discs and hypopigmented maculae. Neurological, Cardiovascular and abdominal examination was unremarkable, with normal echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound. CT and MRI of the brain revealed hypogenesis of the corpus callosum and midline paracallosal lipomas and calcifications. Chromosomal study showed normal male 46, XY karyotype. This is the first reported case in Qatar and the second case in a patient of Arabian descent.
Facebook: can it be a diagnostic tool for neurologists?: Figure 1
Authors: Mittal Manoj K , Sloan Jeff A , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: August 2012

A 56-year-old woman presented with acute ischaemic stroke with NIHSS 13. She had right eye ptosis and miosis. She and her husband were not sure if her facial features were different than usual. With her consent, we compared her face with her pictures on Facebook. In the absence of any ptosis or miosis in her pictures, she was diagnosed with acute Horner syndrome. Facebook may be a useful tool for the neurologists to define the timing of facial neurological signs.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage as the initial manifestation of cortical venous thrombosis
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Sahu Ritesh , Lalla Rakesh
Published: August 2012

Aneurysmal rupture is the commonest cause of non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). SAH can rarely be the manifestation of cortical venous thrombosis (CVT). CVT is potentially lethal but treatable disorder with positive outcome if timely treatment is instituted. The site of bleeding is mainly on convexities and sulcus with sparing of basal cisterns in SAH related to CVT. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment, in spite of SAH complicated by CVT. In this submission, the author highlighted a case of SAH presented as initial manifestation of CVT in an elderly woman. Early therapy with anticoagulation led to complete clinical and radiological recovery in a short duration of 2 weeks. Thus, diagnosis of CVT should be kept in mind in unusual presentation of SAH.
A crying baby: not simply infant colic
Authors: Onesimo Roberta , Giorgio Valentina , Monaco Serena , Fundarò Carlo
Published: August 2012

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a relatively common condition, but atypical presentations can present a diagnostic challenge. We describe the case of a 9-week-old Latin male infant who presented with a 2-day history of intermittent crying and poor feeding. He was suspected to have intussusception but was affected by and successfully treated for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Diagnostic tools of atypical HPS cases are discussed.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: gallstone-induced auto-sphincterotomy
Authors: Kalipershad Sujala , Chung Kin Tong , Jehangir Ernest
Published: August 2012

A 67-year-old gentleman with no significant medical history of note presented with sudden onset of epigastric pain, coffee ground vomiting and passing black tarry stool. A series of investigations including blood tests, ultrasound scan, CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast and endoscopy failed to reveal any site of active bleeding. The mystery remained and the patient continued to have upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A second CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast was carried out and showed evidence of contrast extravasation into the duodenum ( figure 3). An exploratory laparotomy showed no obvious site of haemorrhage and a loop jejunostomy was performed. The diagnosis of gallstone-induced auto-sphincterotomy was only made, using gastroscope via jejunostomy, when a big gallstone was found in the third part of the duodenum and the papilla was ruptured ( figure 5).
Analysis and quantification of endovascular coil distribution inside saccular aneurysms using histological images
Authors: Morales Hernán G , Larrabide Ignacio , Geers Arjan J , Dai Daying , Kallmes David F , Frangi Alejandro F
Published: August 2012

Objective

Endovascular coiling is often performed by first placing coils along the aneurysm wall to create a frame and then by filling up the aneurysm core. However, little attention has been paid to quantifying this filling strategy and to see how it changes for different packing densities. The purpose of this work is to analyze and quantify endovascular coil distribution inside aneurysms based on serial histological images of experimental aneurysms.

Method

Seventeen histological images from 10 elastase-induced saccular aneurysms in rabbits treated with coils were studied. In-slice coil density, defined as the area taken up by coil winds, was calculated on each histological image. Images were analyzed by partitioning the aneurysm along its longitudinal and radial axes. Coil distribution was quantified by measuring and comparing the in-slice coil density of each partition.

Results

Mean total in-slice coil density was 22.0±6.2% (range 10.1–30.2%). The density was non-significantly different (p =0.465) along the longitudinal axis. A significant difference (p <0.001) between peripheral and core densities was found. Additionally, the peripheral-core density ratio was observed to be inversely proportional to the total in-slice coil density (R2 =0.57, p <0.001). This ratio was near unity for high in-slice coil density (around 30%).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate and confirm that coils tend to be located near the aneurysm periphery when few are inserted. However, when more coils are added, the radial distribution becomes more homogeneous. Coils are homogeneously distributed along the longitudinal axis.
Evaluation of overburden stress effects on liquefaction resistance at Duncan Dam
Authors: Boulanger Ross W. , Idriss I.M.
Published: August 2012

The cyclic resistance of sand unit 3c at Duncan Dam in British Columbia for overburden stresses of about 2 to 12 atm (1 atm = 101.325 kPa) was evaluated previously using cyclic undrained direct simple shear (DSS) and cyclic undrained triaxial testing of samples obtained using frozen sampling techniques. The in situ standard penetration test (SPT) and laboratory testing results provide a unique set of data for evaluating how the effects of effective overburden stress are accounted for in liquefaction evaluation procedures. The present study re-examines the cyclic resistance of these sands based on the field and laboratory test data for the unit 3c sands underlying Duncan Dam relative to the site-specific procedures developed by Pillai and Byrne and the liquefaction triggering evaluation procedures presented by Idriss and Boulanger, Youd et al., and Cetin et al. The differences in the results and the reasons for the differences are discussed.
Evaluation of the efficiencies of helical anchor plates in sand by centrifuge model tests
Authors: Tsuha C.H.C. , Aoki N. , Rault G. , Thorel L. , Garnier J.
Published: August 2012

The uplift capacity of helical anchors normally increases with the number of helical plates. The rate of capacity gain is variable, considering that the disturbance caused by the anchor installation is generally more pronounced in the soil mass above the upper plates than above the lower plates, because the upper soil layers are penetrated more times. The present investigation examines the effect of the number of helices on the performance of helical anchors in sand, based on the results of centrifuge model tests. Uplift loading tests were performed on 12 different types of piles installed in two containers of dry sand prepared with different densities. The measured fractions of the uplift capacity related to each individual helical plate of multi-helix anchors were compared with the fractions predicted by the individual bearing method. The results of this investigation indicate that in double- and triple-helix anchors, the contributions of the second and third plate to the total anchor uplift capacity decreased with the increase of sand relative density and plate diameter. In addition, these experiments demonstrated that the variation of the anchor load–displacement behavior with the number of helices also depends on these parameters.
Mechanics of the Casagrande liquid limit test
Authors: Haigh S.K.
Published: August 2012

The liquid limit of soils can be measured using either the cup apparatus developed by Casagrande or by the fall-cone method, which is now the standard in much of Europe. This paper will demonstrate, based on a Newmarkian sliding block analysis of the Casagrande percussion test, that these two methods measure different mechanical properties of the soil; the cup test being a measure of specific strength, i.e., strength divided by density, whereas the fall cone is a direct measure of strength. Sources of error in the operation of the percussion test are quantified and a modification to the fall-cone test is proposed to standardize results between the two test methods.
Ground–atmosphere interaction modelling for long-term prediction of soil moisture and temperature
Authors: Rajeev Pathmanathan , Chan Derek , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: August 2012

Land surface and subsurface variables, such as soil moisture–suction and temperature, are among the most important components to study the behaviour of expansive soil, geothermal energy, and climate change. A more accurate and long-term series of soil moisture and temperature prediction, due to ground–atmosphere interaction, is very important for real-time drought monitoring for understanding and improving the behaviour of soil, buried structures, and climate prediction. In this study, ground–atmosphere interaction is numerically modelled using Vadose/W software for two instrumented sites in Melbourne, Australia. Soil moisture and temperature down to 2 m depth were monitored over 2 years at discrete locations and the meteorological variables including air temperature, air humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and solar radiation were measured from a weather station installed at the sites. Further, laboratory and field tests were performed to establish initial conditions and soil characteristics such as the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC ), hydraulic conductivity, and thermal conductivity functions. The numerical model results were calibrated with the field data, indicating good agreement between numerical and field results. The calibrated numerical model was used to compute the long-term moisture and temperature variations into the immediate future using the past 20 years of weather data in Melbourne.
SIZE-DEPENDENCE OF INFRARED SPECTRA IN NIOBIUM CARBIDE NANOCRYSTALS
Authors: SHUBERT V. ALVIN , LEWIS STEVEN P.
Published: August 2012

Niobium carbide nanocrystals of ~1:1 stoichiometry have recently been observed for particle sizes ranging from Nb4C4to Nb50C50. Infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements show that a new band of IR vibrational modes appears with increasing particle size at Nb9C9. Using density-functional theory, we show that the vibrational modes in the new band involve structural features present only in nanocrystals with three or more atomic layers in every direction. The Nb9C9nanocrystal is right at this structural threshold.
ENERGY DYNAMICS IN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL APERIODIC ANHARMONIC LATTICE
Authors: DOS SANTOS C. A. A. , ASSUNÇÃO T. F. , LYRA M. L. , DE MOURA F. A. B. F.
Published: August 2012

We study the nature of collective excitations in classical anharmonic lattices with aperiodic and pseudo-random harmonic spring constants. The aperiodicity was introduced in the harmonic potential by using a sinusoidal function whose phase varies as a power-law, ϕ ∝ nν, where n labels the positions along the chain. In the absence of anharmonicity, we numerically demonstrate the existence of extended states and energy propagation for a sufficiently large degree of aperiodicity. Calculations were done by using the transfer matrix formalism (TMF), exact diagonalization and numerical solution of the Hamilton's equations. When nonlinearity is switched on, we numerically obtain a rich framework involving stable and unstable solitons.
QUANTUM TRANSPORT THROUGH FULLY CONNECTED BETHE LATTICES
Authors: VARGHESE CHRIS , NOVOTNY M. A.
Published: August 2012

We introduce a variant of the Bethe lattice, the fully connected Bethe lattice (FCBL); with every site in each shell of the Bethe lattice connected to every other site in the shell. A recently introduced decimation renormalization group (RG) method is utilized to obtain the quantum transmission through the Bethe lattice and FCBL. Although classically the extra intra-shell connections would not change the transmission, they have a large effect on the quantum transport and the wave functions.
METHODS TO COMPUTE PRESSURE AND WALL TENSION IN FLUIDS CONTAINING HARD PARTICLES
Authors: DEB DEBABRATA , WILMS DOROTHEA , WINKLER ALEXANDER , VIRNAU PETER , BINDER KURT
Published: August 2012

Colloidal systems are often modeled as fluids of hard particles (possibly with an additional soft attraction, e.g. caused by polymers also contained in the suspension). In simulations of such systems, the virial theorem cannot be straightforwardly applied to obtain the components of the pressure tensor. In systems confined by walls, it is hence also not straightforward to extract the excess energy due to the wall (the “wall tension”) from the pressure tensor anisotropy. A comparative evaluation of several methods to circumvent this problem is presented, using as examples fluids of hard spheres and the Asakura–Oosawa model of colloid-polymer mixtures with a size ratio q = 0.15 (for which the effect of the polymers can be integrated out to yield an effective attractive potential between the colloids). Factors limiting the accuracy of the various methods are carefully discussed, and controlling these factors very good mutual agreement between the various methods is found.
INTRINSIC AMBIGUITY IN SECOND-ORDER VISCOSITY PARAMETERS IN RELATIVISTIC HYDRODYNAMICS
Authors: NAKAYAMA YU
Published: August 2012

We show that relativistic hydrodynamics in Minkowski space–time has intrinsic ambiguity in second-order viscosity parameters in the Landau–Lifshitz frame. This stems from the possibility of improvements of energy–momentum tensor. There exist at least two viscosity parameters which can be removed by using this ambiguity in scale invariant hydrodynamics in (1+3) dimension, and seemingly nonconformal hydrodynamic theories can be hiddenly conformal invariant.
DOES A LARGER CARRYING CAPACITY FOR AN EXOTIC SPECIES ALLOW ENVIRONMENT INVASION? — SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE COMPETITION OF RED AND GREY SQUIRRELS
Authors: GOSSO A. , LA MORGIA V. , MARCHISIO P. , TELVE O. , VENTURINO E.
Published: August 2012

The conjecture is explored, whether the main reason for an invader to replace antagonistic indigenous populations can be ascribed to the larger carrying capacity of the former. The final outcome of the analysis highlights that this may not always be the case, but anyway to fight an invasion repelling the alien species is a difficult task. Measures aimed at decreasing the grey squirrel reproductive rate might be a viable route, but to find their suitable implementation at affordable costs is far from easy.
Sunitinib inhibits catecholamine synthesis and secretion in pheochromocytoma tumor cells by blocking VEGF receptor 2 via PLC-γ-related pathways
Authors: Aita Yuichi , Ishii Kiyo-aki , Saito Yuria , Ikeda Tatsuhiko , Kawakami Yasushi , Shimano Hitoshi , Hara Hisato , Takekoshi Kazuhiro
Published: August 2012

Sunitinib is an oral, small molecule multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antitumor activity that primarily targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). Although sunitinib is an active agent for the treatment of malignant pheochromocytomas, it is unclear whether sunitinib acts through only antiangiogenic mechanisms or also directly targets tumor cells. We previously showed that sunitinib directly induced apoptosis of PC-12 cells. To further confirm these direct effects, we examined the effects of sunitinib on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis) activity and catecholamine secretion in PC-12 cells and the underlying mechanisms. Sunitinib inhibited TH activity in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased TH protein levels. Consistent with this finding, sunitinib decreased TH phosphorylation at Ser31and Ser40and significantly decreased catecholamine secretion. VEGFR-2 knockdown attenuated these effects, including inhibition of TH activity and catecholamine secretion, suggesting that they were mediated by VEGFR-2. Sunitinib significantly decreased phospholipase C (PLC)-γ phosphorylation and subsequent protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Because Ser40phosphorylation significantly affects TH activity and is known to be regulated by PKC, sunitinib may inhibit Ser40phosphorylation via the VEGFR-2/PLC-γ/PKC pathway. Additionally, sunitinib markedly decreased the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Therefore, sunitinib may reduce TH Ser31phosphorylation through inhibition of the VEGFR-2/PLC-γ/PKC/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase/ERK pathway. Sunitinib also significantly reduced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production. However, because PC-12 cells do not precisely reflect the pathogenesis of malignant cells, we confirmed the key findings in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH. In conclusion, sunitinib directly inhibits catecholamine synthesis and secretion in pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells.
A Systematic Review of Barriers to Breast Cancer Care in Developing Countries Resulting in Delayed Patient Presentation
Authors: Sharma Ketan , Costas Ainhoa , Shulman Lawrence N. , Meara John G.
Published: August 2012

Background. Within the developing world, many personal, sociocultural, and economic factors cause delayed patient presentation, a prolonged interval from initial symptom discovery to provider presentation. Understanding these barriers to care is crucial to optimizing interventions that pre-empt patient delay.Methods. A systematic review was conducted querying: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, J East, CAB, African Index Medicus, and LiLACS. Of 763 unique abstracts, 122 were extracted for full review and 13 included in final analysis.Results. Studies posed variable risks of bias and produced mixed results. There is strong evidence that lower education level and lesser income status contribute to patient delay. There is weaker and, sometimes, contradictory evidence that other factors may also contribute.Discussion. Poverty emerges as the underlying common denominator preventing earlier presentation in these settings. The evidence for sociocultural variables is less strong, but may reflect current paucity of high-quality research. Conflicting results may be due to heterogeneity of the developing world itself.Conclusion. Future research is required that includes patients with and without delay, utilizes a validated questionnaire, and controls for potential confounders. Current evidence suggests that interventions should primarily increase proximal and affordable healthcare access and secondarily enhance breast cancer awareness, to productively reduce patient delay.
Technology in the Aid of Delivering Economic Content to Teachers: Virtual Economics v. 3
Authors: Swinton John R. , Scafidi Benjamin
Published: August 2012

We examine the impact on student achievement of a face-to-face teacher workshop that also provides economics instructors with access to an electronic library of instructional and reference material for their economics classroom—Virtual Economics v. 3 (VE3), offered by the Council for Economic Education. Based on evidence using student and teacher-level administrative data from the Georgia Department of Education and controlling for students’ prior achievement in mathematics, we find evidence that the VE3 workshop experience increases student achievement in high school economics. Our difference-in-differences estimates suggest that teacher participation in the VE3 workshop increases student achievement by 0.061 standard deviations on Georgia’s high stakes economics end-of-course test. Future research should seek estimating the effect of treatments in education such as theVE3workshop using randomized controlled trials (RCT).
Childhood Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Narang Indra , Mathew Joseph L.
Published: August 2012

The global epidemic of childhood and adolescent obesity and its immediate as well as long-term consequences for obese individuals and society as a whole cannot be overemphasized. Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with an increased risk of adult obesity and clinically significant consequences affecting the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Importantly, obesity is additionally complicated by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurring in up to 60% of obese children. OSA, which is diagnosed using the gold standard polysomnogram (PSG), is characterised by snoring, recurrent partial (hypopneas) or complete (apneas) obstruction of the upper airway. OSA is frequently associated with intermittent oxyhemoglobin desaturations, sleep disruption, and sleep fragmentation. There is emerging data that OSA is associated with cardiovascular burden including systemic hypertension, changes in ventricular structure and function, arterial stiffness, and metabolic syndromes. Thus, OSA in the context of obesity may independently or synergistically magnify the underlying cardiovascular and metabolic burden. This is of importance as early recognition and treatment of OSA in obese children are likely to result in the reduction of cardiometabolic burden in obese children. This paper summarizes the current state of understanding of obesity-related OSA. Specifically, this paper will discuss epidemiology, pathophysiology, cardiometabolic burden, and management of obese children and adolescents with OSA.
Self-Organization of -Crown Ether Derivatives into Double-Columnar Arrays Controlled by Supramolecular Isomers of Hydrogen-Bonded Anionic Biimidazolate Ni Complexes
Authors: Tadokoro Makoto , Isoda Kyosuke , Tanaka Yasuko , Kaneko Yuko , Yamamoto Syoko , Sugaya Tomoaki , Nakasuji Kazuhiro
Published: August 2012

Anionic tris (biimidazolate) nickelate (II) ([Ni(Hbim)3]−), which is a hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding) molecular building block, undergoes self-organization into honeycomb-sheet superstructures connected by complementary intermolecular H-bonds. The crystal obtained from the stacking of these sheets is assembled into channel frameworks, approximately 2 nm wide, that clathrate two cationic K+-crown ether derivatives organised into one-dimensional (1D) double-columnar arrays. In this study, we have shown that all five cationic guest-included crystals form nanochannel structures that clathrate the 1-D double-columnar arrays of one of the four types of K+-crown ether derivatives, one of which induces a polymorph. This is accomplished by adaptably fitting two types of anionic [Ni(Hbim)3]−host arrays. One is a network with H-bonded linkages alternating between the two different optical isomers of the and types with flexible H-bonded [Ni(Hbim)3]−. The other is a network of a racemate with 1-D H-bonded arrays of the same optical isomer for each type. Thus, [Ni(Hbim)3]−can assemble large cations such as K+crown-ether derivatives into double-columnar arrays by highly recognizing flexible H-bonding arrangements with two host networks of and .
Novel Insights of Oligometastases and Oligo-Recurrence and Review of the Literature
Authors: Niibe Yuzuru , Chang Joe Y.
Published: August 2012

Oligometastases and oligo-recurrence are among the most important notions of metastatic and recurrent cancer. The concept of oligometastases is related to the notion that cancer patients with 1–5 metastatic or recurrent lesions that could be treated by local therapy achieve long-term survival or cure, while the concept of oligo-recurrence is related to the notion that cancer patients with 1–5 metastatic or recurrent lesions that could be treated by local therapy have controlled primary lesions. Achievement of long-term survival or cure in patients with oligometastases and oligo-recurrence is cancer and organ specific. These facts rely on the seed and soil theory and multiple steps of cancer progression. Oligo-recurrence is considered to have a better prognosis than oligometastases. In patients with oligometastases and oligo-recurrence, the oligometastases and oligo-recurrence are sometimes cured with only local therapy, which is an example of the abscopal effect, previously described in relation to cure of lesions outside of the field of radiation therapy without systemic therapy. Oligometastases and oligo-recurrence can now be cured by less invasive local treatment methods combined with systemic therapy. The mechanisms of oligometastases and oligo-recurrence, as well as novel insights into these important concepts, are presented in this paper.
A Two-Piece Derivative of a Group I Intron RNA as a Platform for Designing Self-Assembling RNA Templates to Promote Peptide Ligation
Authors: Tanaka Takahiro , Furuta Hiroyuki , Ikawa Yoshiya
Published: August 2012

Multicomponent RNA-peptide complexes are attractive from the viewpoint of artificial design of functional biomacromolecular systems. We have developed self-folding and self-assembling RNAs that serve as templates to assist chemical ligation between two reactive peptides with RNA-binding capabilities. The design principle of previous templates, however, can be applied only to limited classes of RNA-binding peptides. In this study, we employed a two-piece derivative of a group I intron RNA from theTetrahymenalarge subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) as a platform for new template RNAs. In this group I intron-based self-assembling platform, modules for the recognition of substrate peptides can be installed independently from modules holding the platform structure. The new self-assembling platform allows us to expand the repertoire of substrate peptides in template RNA design.
A Note on Impulsive Fractional Evolution Equations with Nondense Domain
Authors: Zhang Zufeng , Liu Bin
Published: August 2012

This paper is concerned with the existence of integral solutions for nondensely defined fractional functional differential equations with impulse effects. Some errors in the existing paper concerned with nondensely defined fractional differential equations are pointed out, and correct formula of integral solutions is established by using integrated semigroup and some probability densities. Sufficient conditions for the existence are obtained by applying the Banach contraction mapping principle. An example is also given to illustrate our results.
Solution-Processed Nanowire Coating for Light Management in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tsuboi K. , Fukawa T. , Konosu Y. , Matsumoto H. , Tanioka A.
Published: August 2012

We report a novel light management approach based on solution-processed nanowire (NW) coating for enhancing organic solar cell efficiency. A titanium dioxide (TiO2) NW dispersion was produced by electrospinning. The coatings with various coverage fractions were fabricated by a simple solution casting of a TiO2NW dispersion. Reduced reflectivity was observed for the NW-coated glass slide. The bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells with the NW coating showed improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) due to their antireflection and light trapping effects in the active layer. In addition, the PCE of the cell with the NW coating was improved compared with that without the NW coating for incident angles above 70° (increased by a maximum of 51.6% at an incident angle of 85°). These results indicate that solution-processed NW coating is a promising light management approach easily scalable and applicable to a wide range of devices, including solar cells.
Nonlinear Contractions in 0‐Complete Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Bin Ahmad Abd Ghafur , Fadail Zaid Mohammed , Ćojbašić Rajić Vesna , Radenović Stojan
Published: August 2012

Using the setting of 0‐complete partial metric spaces, some common
fixed point results of maps that satisfy the nonlinear contractive conditions are obtained. These results generalize and improve the existing fixed point results in the literature in the sense that weaker conditions are used. An example shows how our result can be used when the corresponding result in standard metric cannot.
Influence of an Ice Storm on Aboveground Biomass of Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Forest in Lechang, Nanling Mountains of Southern China
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhou Guangyi , Hiratsuka Motoshi , Tanaka Kazuo , Morikawa Yasushi
Published: August 2012

This study focuses on the influence of the 2008 ice storm in China and subsequent forest rehabilitation dynamics up until 2011. All seven plots studied exhibited significant damage, with the total number of damaged trees varying between 63 and 92%. In addition, most trees suffered stem bending in 2008 and the extent of damage varied with tree diameter at breast high (DBH). Relationships between loss of biomass as dead trees and stand characteristics were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression. The results showed that the decrease in biomass (Y) could be related to altitude (X1), slope (X2), and aboveground biomass (AGB) in 2008 (X5) according to the following formula:Y=−0.02456X1+0.2815X5−1.480X2+51.23. After 2 to 3 years, tree numbers had declined in all seven plots. The mean increase in AGB (4.9 t ha−1) for six of the plots was less than the biomass loss as dead trees (9.4 t ha−1) over the 3 year periods. This corresponds to a release of CO2to the atmosphere for each plot. Therefore, the forests of Lechang in the Nanling Montains have probably acted as a carbon source to the atmosphere for a short period after the 2008 ice storm.
N-Acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) Genotype: A Risk Factor for Urinary Bladder Cancer in a Lebanese Population
Authors: Yassine Ibrahim A. , Kobeissi Loulou , Jabbour Michel E. , Dhaini Hassan R.
Published: August 2012

In Lebanon, bladder cancer is the second most incident cancer among men. This study investigates a possible association between N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) genotype, a drug-metabolizing enzyme coding gene, and bladder cancer in Lebanese men. A case-control study (54 cases and 105 hospital-based controls) was conducted in two major hospitals in Beirut. Cases were randomly selected from patients diagnosed in the period of 2002–2008. Controls were conveniently identified and selected from the same settings. Data was collected using interview questionnaire and blood analysis.NAT1genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis revolved around univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression models, along with checks for effect modification. Results showedNAT1∗14Aallele, smoking, occupational exposure to combustion fumes, and prostate-related symptoms, to be risk factors for bladder cancer. The odds of carrying at least oneNAT1∗14Aallele are 7 times higher in cases compared to controls (OR=7.86, 95% CI: 1.53–40.39). A gene-environment interaction was identified forNAT1∗14Aallele with occupational exposure to combustion fumes. Among carriers ofNAT1∗14Aallele, the odds of bladder cancer dropped to 2.03 from 3.72. Our study suggestsNAT1∗14Aallele as a possible biomarker for bladder cancer. Further research is recommended to confirm this association.
Photoanode of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on a ZnO/TiO2Composite Film
Authors: Yan Lu-Ting , Wu Fang-Lue , Peng Lan , Zhang Li-Juan , Li Pu-Jun , Dou Sui-Yang , Li Tian-Xiang
Published: August 2012

A photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells based on a ZnO/TiO2composite film was fabricated on a transparent conductive glass substrate using different techniques including electrophoretic deposition, screen printing, and colloidal spray coating. The ZnOs used in the composite film were ZnO tetrapods prepared via thermal evaporation and ZnO nanorods obtained via hydrothermal growth. The structural and morphological characterizations of the thin composite films were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The best power conversion was 1.87%, which corresponds to the laminated TiO2/ZnO/TiO2structure prepared via screen printing.
Gender Differences in the Influence of Social Support on One-Year Changes in Functional Status in Older Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Berard Danielle M. , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth G. , Harrison Margaret , Tranmer Joan E.
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effects of gender and levels of social support on 1-year functional health outcomes in older persons diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Persons ≥ 65 years of age with an acute HF exacerbation (164 females; 271 males) were enrolled and followed for a year. Participants completed baseline and 12-month questionnaires containing clinical and demographic descriptive information and validated self-report measures of: (1) physical functioning (Medical Outcome Study [MOS] SF12 and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]) and (2) social support (MOS- Social Support Survey). Women were more likely to be single, widowed or divorced, living alone and earning less annual income. At baseline, women reported significantly lower support and physical function scores. However, at 1 year there were no significant gender differences in the proportion of men or women who experienced clinically meaningful functional decline or death across the year of follow-up. In multivariable modeling, men with lower levels of social support were more likely to experience functional decline. This was not the case for women. Our findings suggest that gender-directed strategies to promote optimization of function for both men and women living with HF in their community are warranted.
Circulating Adiponectin Is Associated with Renal Function Independent of Age and Serum Lipids in West Africans
Authors: Doumatey A. P. , Zhou J. , Huang H. , Adeleye J. , Balogun W. , Fasanmade O. , Johnson T. , Oli J. , Okafor G. , Amoah A. , Eghan B. , Agyenim-Boateng K. , Acheampong J. , Adebamowo C. , Adeyemo A. , Rotimi C. N.
Published: August 2012

Adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipose tissue, has been associated with renal dysfunction. However, these observations have not been adequately investigated in large epidemiological studies of healthy individuals in general and in African populations in particular. Hence, we designed this study to evaluate the relationship between adiponectin and renal function in a large group of nondiabetic West Africans. Total adiponectin was measured in 792 participants. MDRD and Cockroft-Gault (CG-) estimated GFR were used as indices of renal function. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between adiponectin and renal function. Adiponectin showed an inverse relationship with eGFR in univariate (BetaMDRD=-0.18,BetaCG=-0.26) and multivariate (BetaMDRD=-0.10,BetaCG=-0.09) regression analyses. The multivariate models that included age, sex, BMI, hypertension, smoking, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, and adiponectin explained 30% and 55.6% of the variance in GFR estimated by MDRD and CG methods, respectively. Adiponectin was also a strong predictor of moderate chronic kidney disease (defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). We demonstrate that adiponectin is associated with renal function in nondiabetic West Africans. The observed relationship is independent of age and serum lipids. Our findings suggest that adiponectin may have clinical utility as a biomarker of renal function.
Concentrating PV/T Hybrid System for Simultaneous Electricity and Usable Heat Generation: A Review
Authors: Zhang Longzhou , Jing Dengwei , Zhao Liang , Wei Jinjia , Guo Liejin
Published: August 2012

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is one of the attractive choices for efficient utilization of solar energy. Considering that the efficiency and cost of PV cells cannot be significantly improved in near future, a relatively cheap concentrator to replace part of the expensive solar cells could be used. The photovoltaic thermal hybrid system (PV/T), combining active cooling with thermal electricity and providing both electricity and usable heat, can enhance the total efficiency of the system with reduced cell area. The effect of nonuniform light distribution and the heat dissipation on the performance of concentrating PV/T was discussed. Total utilization of solar light by spectral beam splitting technology was also introduced. In the last part, we proposed an integrated compound parabolic collector (CPC) plate with low precision solar tracking, ensuring effective collection of solar light with a significantly lowered cost. With the combination of beam splitting of solar spectrum, use of film solar cell, and active liquid cooling, efficient and full spectrum conversion of solar light to electricity and heat, in a low cost way, might be realized. The paper may offer a general guide to those who are interested in the development of low cost concentrating PV/T hybrid system.
Barrier-Restoring Therapies in Atopic Dermatitis: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives
Authors: Valdman-Grinshpoun Y. , Ben-Amitai D. , Zvulunov A.
Published: August 2012

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial, chronic relapsing, inflammatory disease, characterized by xerosis, eczematous lesions, and pruritus. The latter usually leads to an “itch-scratch” cycle that may compromise the epidermal barrier. Skin barrier abnormalities in atopic dermatitis may result from mutations in the gene encoding for filaggrin, which plays an important role in the formation of cornified cytosol. Barrier abnormalities render the skin more permeable to irritants, allergens, and microorganisms. Treatment of atopic dermatitis must be directed to control the itching, suppress the inflammation, and restore the skin barrier. Emollients, both creams and ointments, improve the barrier function of stratum corneum by providing it with water and lipids. Studies on atopic dermatitis and barrier repair treatment show that adequate lipid replacement therapy reduces the inflammation and restores epidermal function. Efforts directed to develop immunomodulators that interfere with cytokine-induced skin barrier dysfunction, provide a promising strategy for treatment of atopic dermatitis. Moreover, an impressive proliferation of more than 80 clinical studies focusing on topical treatments in atopic dermatitis led to growing expectations for better therapies.
Silicon Nitride Film by Inline PECVD for Black Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Bangwu , Zhong Sihua , Liu Jinhu , Xia Yang , Li Chaobo
Published: August 2012

The passivation process is of significant importance to produce high-efficiency black silicon solar cell due to its unique microstructure. The black silicon has been produced by plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) process. And the Silicon nitride films were deposited by inline plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to be used as the passivation layer for black silicon solar cell. The microstructure and physical properties of silicon nitride films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), spectroscopic ellipsometry, and the microwave photoconductance decay (μ-PCD) method. With optimizing the PECVD parameters, the conversion efficiency of black silicon solar cell can reach as high as 16.25%.
Radiochemical Studies on the Separation of Cesium, Cobalt, and Europium from Aqueous Solutions Using Zirconium Selenomolybdate Sorbent
Authors: El-Said H.
Published: August 2012

A procedure for removal and separation of Cs, Eu and activation product of Co using zirconium selenomolybdate was developed. Interactions of 134Cs(I), 152,154Eu(III), and 60Co(II) ions from HNO3 acid solutions with zirconium selenomolybdate matrix, dried at 50°C, have been individually investigated by the batch equilibration method. The sorption behavior of the three ions showed a selectivity sequence in the following order: Cs(I) > Eu(III) > Co(II). The breakthrough capacities of zirconium selenomolybdate for Cs(I), Eu(III) and Co(II) were found to be 0.82, 0.45, and 0.18 mmol/g of the sorbent, respectively. A mixture of the three radionuclides (1 × 10−2 M each) in 140 mL of 1 × 10−2 M HNO3 solution was passed through 1 g zirconium selenomolybdate chromatographic column. Thereafter, quantitative elution of the retained Co(II) was achieved with 14 mL of 1 × 10−1 M HNO3 acid solution leaving Eu(III) and Cs(I) strongly retained onto the column. Quantitative elution of Eu(III) was achieved by passing 22 mL 2.5 × 10−1 M HNO3. About 89% of the retained Cs(I) was eluted with 32 mL of 2 M NH4Cl solution at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.
Preparation, Characterization, and Thermal Degradation Studies of p‐Nitrophenol‐Based Copolymer
Authors: Kalbende Pawan P. , Tarase Mangesh V. , Zade Anil B.
Published: August 2012

Polycondensation reaction was employed to synthesize a new copolymer resin (p‐NP‐4,4′‐MDA‐F) from p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) and 4,4′‐methylene dianiline (4,4′‐MDA) with formaldehyde (F) in presence of 2 M hydrochloric acid as a catalyst at 130 ± 1°C. The resin was characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies such as UV‐visible, FT‐IR, and 1H‐NMR spectra which were used to confine the most probable structure of synthesized copolymer. Thermal degradation pattern and kinetics have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal degradation curve have been studied with minute detail for each degradation step. Friedman, Chang, Sharp‐Wentworth, Freeman‐Carroll, and Coat‐Redfern methods have been implemented in order to compute the kinetic parameters, that is, thermal activation energy (Ea), order of reaction (n), and frequency factor (z).