bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Applications in Science Education (LASE) Project at Santa Teresa High School
Authors: Sagray James D.
Published: August 2012

The goal of the Laser Applications in Science Education (LASE) Project, centered at San Jose State University, is to bring significant laser technology and optics to the secondary level with a special emphasis on student research and publication. Its implementation at Santa Teresa High School has focused on permitting all students in physics classes (32/period) to experience laser labs in small groups working throughout the classroom. In addition to receiving this exposure, all physics students are encouraged to do original research projects and to compete for cash or other prizes against other California high-school students at local science fairs, and to publish their results in the LASE LOG journal.
Chronic maxillary sinusitis: Clinical and microbiological evaluation
Authors: Shrestha D , Yadav LK , Thapa P
Published: August 2012

Chronic sinusitis essentially results from untreated or inadequately treated acute sinusitis. Sinusitis is one of the common health problems worldwide. This is a prospective study, done in Department of ENT Bir Hospital Kathmandu. The study period was one year from 14 March 2009 to 15 March 2010. In this study the most commonly involved group is 21–30years (44%). The most presenting symptoms was Nasal discharge 46(92%) and nasal obstruction 44(88%). The most common sign was mucopus in nasal cavity in 44(88%) cases followed by post nasal drip in 39(78%) cases. The bacteria most frequently isolated from sinus aspirates were staphylococcus aureus 18(36%) and streptococcus pneumonia 16(32%). Majority of the aspirates 34(68%) cases yielded single organism. The antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that 48(96%) cases of isolates were sensitive to Cephalexin and ceftriaxone.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 17-22DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6675
Comparison of clinical examination and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Chhetri PK , Tayal A , Deka PK
Published: August 2012

This study was undertaken to compare clinical examination and ultrasonography (USG) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and to establish their accuracy in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. 100 patients who presented to the emergency department with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis were subjected to USG. After USG a specific diagnosis was made. Patients underwent appendicectomy on the basis of the surgeon‘s final clinical impression after correlating with USG findings. Histopathological examination of the appendicectomy specimen was taken as the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Appendicectomy was performed in 74 patients. Out of these 74 cases, only 66 had appendicitis on histopathological examination. Eight normal appendixes were removed. Twenty-six patients were prevented from surgery after USG had shown an alternative diagnosis for the cause of pain in right iliac fossa. Clinical examination thus had a sensitivity and Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 66%. USG examination made a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 62 of the 66 patients. However the remaining 4 cases with appendicitis were missed by USG. USG had a sensitivity of 93.93%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 89.47% and an overall accuracy of 96% in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. USG is thus a sensitive and specific imaging modality in the diagnostic work up of patients with right iliac fossa pain. USG may improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 34-40DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6678
Study of clinical profile of megaloblastic anemia: An experience of six year at Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel
Authors: Pokharel BR , Pant P , Gurung R , Koju R , Bedi TRS , Makaju R , Sanjel S
Published: August 2012

Megaloblastic anemia is not uncommon, however varied of presentation makes difficult to come to conclusion. It’s more difficult when resources are limited. In this back ground clinical features of megaloblastic anemia are very important for diagnosis and treatment. It is a retrospective analysis of data from December 2003 to September 2009. During the period, bone marrow aspiration was done for analysis of cause and type of anemia.A total of 14 cases bone marrow findings was consistent with megaloblastic anemia. These reports were taken into consideration after pathologist impression. Serum Vitamin B12 and RBC folate were not done in view of limited resources and financial constrain. In the analysis 14 (11.96%) bone marrow findings were consistent with megaloblastic anemia. Regarding clinical presentation; pallor was 13 (92.85%) followed by glossitis 5 (35.71%) and Jaundice 5 (35.71%), paresthesia 3 (21.42%), and pigmentation, ataxia, confusion each case (7.14 %). Mostly the patients were between the 21- 40 years of age. Megloblastic anemia is common clinical problem with pallor and glossitis as major presentation. However some had neurological features. This disease can be diagnosed and treated on the basis of bone marrow aspiration when resources are limited.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 41-44DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6679
Osteoid osteoma of the femoral head
Authors: Gupta HK , Khare KD
Published: August 2012

We present a rare case of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the femoral head in the subarticular region in a 52 years old woman, treated with intralesional excision and bone grafting along with prophylactic internal fixation for impending stress fracture. At one year follow up, the patient has returned to her normal functional status. The patient was asymptomatic and without recurrence at one year follow up.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 45-48DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6680
Tuberculous myocarditis presenting as a refractory ventricular tachycardia of biventricular origin
Authors: Gautam MP , Sogunuru G , Subramanyam G , Viswanath RC
Published: August 2012

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is one of the difficult clinical problems for the physician. Its evaluation and treatment are complicated because of its life-threatening nature and urgent need of rapid management. Any process that creates myocardial scar tissue could be the substrate for ventricular tachycardia. The coronary artery disease is the most common cause of myocardial scar. The dilated cardiomyopathies, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, right ventricular dysplasia, Chagas disease, sarcoidosis, myocarditis including tubercular and other chronic granulomatous conditions and surgical incisions in the ventricle also can create myocardial scar and can lead to ventricular tachycardia. Occasionally, the arrhythmia may be well-tolerated, but in most of the situations it is associated with grave, life-threatening hemodynamic compromise. Regardless of the arrhythmia mechanism, the severity of clinical symptoms and hemodynamic compromise determines the urgency with which VT must be treated. Rarely, patients present with repetitive runs of nonsustained or sustained VT despite the medical treatment and poorly respond to the conventional treatment. Such refractory VT may cause a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in long run. In such cases, long-term management also include looking beyond the VT and work up for the possible and treatable cause of VT. Here we are presenting a case report of a young patient with tubercular myocarditis who has presented to us with recurrent ventricular tachycardia of both right bundle and left bundle branch block morphology and LV dysfunction. A review of literature has been carried out on causes and management of refractory VT.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 60-66DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6686
Road Closures and Freight Diversion
Authors: Pierce David , Short Jeffrey
Published: August 2012

The FHWA-sponsored Freight Performance Measures (FPM) program generates and monitors a series of performance measures related to the freight transportation system of the United States. The primary information analyzed by the FPM program is a data set consisting of billions of Global Positioning System data points from trucks. These data can be used to demonstrate empirically changes in truck travel patterns and freight performance independent of the availability of roadside sensing technology. A case study that was based on the flooding closure of Arkansas Interstate 40 in May 2011 was presented to show how FPM data can be used to analyze diversion behavior around road closures. This type of empirical analysis is in contrast to the majority of current diversion analyses, which rely on modeling to generate results. Not only do FPM data provide a viable alternative to modeling for studying past events, but the data may provide valuable insight into the underlying assumptions of future models designed to predict the impact of disaster scenarios. By understanding more fully how previous events unfolded, planners can prepare better for the next disaster.
Behavioral Analysis of Decisions in Choice of Commercial Vehicular Mode in Urban Areas
Authors: Wang Qian , Hu Jinge
Published: August 2012

The decisions of vehicular mode choice by businesses and commercial sectors in urban areas are addressed with attention to the unique trip-chaining behavior of commercial vehicles. Travel diary data from a collection of large-scale commercial vehicles in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area were used for analysis. Four types of travel activities were surveyed: business meetings, pickup and drop-off of people, pickup and delivery of cargo, and service calls. The survey results indicated that automobiles, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, single-unit trucks, and combination trucks were the main vehicular modes for travel with commercial purposes. The original survey data were sorted into trip-based and tour-based data sets for measuring commercial vehicle travel activities. A “trip” is defined as travel from one stop to another, and a “tour” is an entire travel journey starting from and ending at the home base of a vehicle with visits to various locations of interest. Discrete choice modeling techniques, particularly multinomial logit and nested logit models, were used to quantify the relationship between decisions on the choice of commercial vehicular mode and their affecting factors, and the two data sets were used separately. The modeling results indicate that mode choice by the commercial sector is travel specific, territory dependent, and cargo sensitive and varies by company. As proved by the comparison of trip-based and tour-based models, the tour is an intuitively and quantitatively better unit for measuring the travel activities of commercial vehicles and for modeling behavior of mode choice of the commercial sectors.
Estimated Generation of Freight Trips Based on Land Use
Authors: Lawson Catherine T. , Holguín-Veras José , Sánchez-Díaz Iván , Jaller Miguel , Campbell Shama , Powers Erica Levine
Published: August 2012

The effects of land use and business size (quantified as number of employees) on freight trip generation were analyzed. Standard trip generation rates, ordinary least squares, and multiple classification analysis were applied to a New York City data set. Three land use classification codes—the City of New York zoning resolution (NYCZR), the Land-Based Classification Standards (LBCS), and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manual—were used. The authors developed models for NYCZR and function and activity of LBCS and used the ITE manual's trip rates. Root mean square error analysis was used to compare the performance of these models. It was found that models for NYCZR and LBCS land use classification codes provide better alternatives to ITE trip rates because they give more accurate estimates of freight trip attraction, cover a wider range of land use classifications, and are exclusively for freight trip attraction.
Prognosis of patients with multifocal glioblastoma: a case-control study
Authors: Patil Chirag G. , Yi Anthony , Elramsisy Adam , Hu Jethro , Mukherjee Debraj , Irvin Dwain K. , Yu John S. , Bannykh Serguei I. , Black Keith L. , Nuño Miriam
Published: August 2012

Object

The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma who present with multifocal disease is not well documented. The objective of this study was to determine whether multifocal disease on initial presentation is associated with worse survival.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 368 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and identified 47 patients with multifocal tumors. Each patient with a multifocal tumor was then matched with a patient with a solitary glioblastoma on the basis of age, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score, and extent of resection, using a propensity score matching methodology. Radiation and temozolomide treatments were also well matched between the 2 cohorts. Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank tests were used to compare patient survival.

Results

The incidence of multifocal tumors was 12.8% (47/368). The median age of patients with multifocal tumors was 61 years, 76.6% had KPS scores ≥ 70, and 87.2% underwent either a biopsy or partial resection of their tumors. The 47 patients with multifocal tumors were almost perfectly matched on the basis of age (p = 0.97), extent of resection (p = 1.0), and KPS score (p = 0.80) compared with 47 patients with a solitary glioblastoma. Age (>65 years), partial resection or biopsy, and low KPS score (<70) were associated with worse median survival within the multifocal group. In the multifocal group, 19 patients experienced tumor progression on postradiation therapy MRI, compared with 11 patients (26.8%) with tumor progression in the unifocal group (p = 0.08). Patients with multifocal tumors experienced a significantly shorter median overall survival of 6 months (95% CI 4–10 months), compared with the 11-month median survival (95% CI 10–19 months) of the matched solitary glioblastoma group (p = 0.02, log-rank test). Two-year survival rates were 4.3% for patients with multifocal tumors and 29.0% for the unifocal cohort. Patients with newly diagnosed multifocal tumors were found to have an almost 2-fold increase in the hazard of death compared with patients with solitary glioblastoma (hazard ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1; p = 0.02). Tumor samples were analyzed for expression of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatase and tensin homolog, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, laminin β1 and β2, as well as epidermal growth factor receptor amplification, and no significant differences in expression profile between the multifocal and solitary glioblastoma groups was found.

Conclusions

Patients with newly diagnosed multifocal glioblastoma on presentation experience significantly worse survival than patients with solitary glioblastoma. Patients with multifocal tumors continue to pose a therapeutic challenge in the temozolomide era and magnify the challenges faced while treating patients with malignant gliomas.
Primary chordomas of the cervical spine: a consecutive series of 14 surgically managed cases
Authors: Wang Yu , Xiao Jianru , Wu Zhipeng , Huang Quan , Huang Wending , Zhu Qing , Lin Zaijun , Wang Liangzhe
Published: August 2012

Object

Cervical chordomas are rare lesions and usually bring about challenges in treatment planning because of their wide extension and complicated adjacent anatomy. There are few large published series at present focusing on cervical chordomas. The authors studied a consecutive series of 14 patients with primary cervical chordomas who underwent surgical treatment and were observed between 1989 and 2008. By reviewing the clinical patterns and follow-up data, they sought to investigate the clinical characters, tailor the appropriate surgical techniques, and establish prognosis factors for cervical chordomas.

Methods

Hospitalization and follow-up data in the 14 patients were collected. All patients underwent piecemeal tumor excision and reconstruction for stability; total spondylectomy was achieved in 5 cases. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered in all patients. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to represent tumor recurrence and patient survival, and log-rank testing was used to determine the risk factors of local recurrence.

Results

Follow-up ranged from 8 to 120 months (mean 58.6 months). Symptom and neural status in most patients improved after surgery. The 1- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 78.6% and 50%, respectively, and the 1- and 5-year survival rates were 92.9% and 85.7%, respectively. Log-rank tests revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with a high rate of tumor recurrence: age less than 40 years or greater than 70 years (p = 0.006) and an upper cervical tumor location (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Chordomas in the cervical spine are usually neoplasms that exhibit insidious growth and a wide extension by the time of diagnosis. Radical intralesional debulking surgery and postoperative radiotherapy have been effective treatment. A limited application of en bloc tumor resection and the highly likely intraoperative intralesional tumor seeding may partially explain the high local recurrence rate, whereas the chance of distant metastases, fortunately, is very low. Most recurrence were documented within 3 years. Some specific surgical techniques should be emphasized to minimize tumor seeding. Patients with upper cervical chordomas, younger adults, and elderly adults have worse prognosis. For patients with chordoma extending to both the anterior and posterior spinal columns, total spondylectomy combined with piecemeal excision is recommended for a better prognosis.
How Hume Became ‘The New Hume’: A Developmental Approach
Authors: Hill James
Published: August 2012

It is argued that we should distinguish between an ‘early Hume’ and a ‘mature Hume’ on causality. In his early period, represented by the Treatise, Hume had not yet adopted Newtonian active principles. In the mature period, however, represented in particular by the First Enquiry, his theory of causation has been transformed by a reception of Newton. This leads Hume to drop the condition of contiguity, which had excluded action-at-a-distance in the Treatise. It also leads him to allow real necessary connexions in nature which are inaccessible to us just as the real cause of gravitation was thought by Newtonians to be unknown.
Are Humean Beliefs Pyrrhonian Appearances? Hume's Critique of Pyrrhonism Revisited
Authors: Palkoska Jan
Published: August 2012

The aim of the paper is to reassess Hume's handling of scepticism in its Pyrrhonian form. I argue that, contrary to what Hume declares, his own philosophy comes close to what Sextus Empiricus sets out as the essential moments of the Pyrrhonian [Formula: see text], at least in one crucial respect: I contend that Hume's conception of belief is in line with precisely the type of doxastic state which Sextus ascribes to the Pyrrhonian sceptic as appropriate for ‘following appearances’. Then I show that if such an affinity is established, Hume's attack against Pyrrhonism, launched in Enquiry XII, Part 2, is rendered toothless.
Neuroantigen-Specific CD4 Cells Expressing Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-3 in a Mutually Exclusive Manner Prevail in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
Authors: Karulin Alexey Y. , Quast Stefan , Hesse Maike D. , Lehmann Paul V.
Published: August 2012

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is mediated by neuroantigen-specific pro-inflammatory T cells of the Th1 and Th17 effector class. Th-17 cells can be clearly defined by expression of IL-17, but not IFN-γ, IL-2 or IL-3. Th1 cells do not express IL-17, but it is unclear presently to what extent they co-express the cytokines canonically assigned to Th1 immunity (i.e., IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-3) and whether CD4 cells producing these cytokines indeed belong to a single Th1 lineage. It is also unclear to what extent the Th1 response in EAE entails polyfunctional T cells that co-express IFN-γ and IL-2. Therefore, we dissected the Th1 cytokine signature of neuroantigen-specific CD4 cells studying at single cell resolution co-expression of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-3 using dual color cytokine ELISPOT analysis. Shortly after immunization, in the draining lymph nodes (dLN), the overall cytokine signature of the neuroantigen-specific CD4 cells was highly type 1-polarized, but IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-3 were each secreted by different CD4 cells in a mutually exclusive manner. This single cell – single cytokine profile was stable through the course of chronic EAE–polyfunctional CD4 cells co-expressing IL-2 and IFN-γ presented less than 5% of the neuroantigen-specific T cells, even in the inflamed CNS itself. The neuroantigen-specific CD4 cells that expressed IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-3 in a mutually exclusive manner exhibited similar functional avidities and kinetics of cytokine production, but showed different tissue distributions. These data suggest that Th1 cells do not belong to a single lineage, but different Th1 subpopulations jointly mediate Th1 immunity.
Antisense Oligonucleotide Against Clusterin Regulates Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Invasion Through Transcriptional Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and E-Cadherin
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang Yan , Zhang Kejun , Jiao Xuelong , Yan Bomin , Liang Jun
Published: August 2012

Secreted clusterin (sCLU) has been shown to be overexpressed in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue, and its overexpression in HCC cells increases cell migration and the formation of liver metastatic tumor nodules in vivo. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that sCLU plays a role in the invasiveness of human HCC and may be associated with its metastatic spread. HCCLM3, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, was transiently transfected with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against sCLU (OGX-011). HepG2 liver hepatocellular cells were transiently transfected with the pc.DNA3.1-sCLU plasmid to overexpress sCLU, and subsequently evaluated for effects on invasion and the expression of molecules involved in invasion. We observed that suppression of the sCLU gene significantly reduced the invasive capability of the highly invasive HCCLM3 cells, and vice versa in the low invasive HepG2 cell line. The results revealed that knockdown of sCLU by OGX-011 resulted in a significant increase in the expression of E-cadherin and a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene transcription. Overexpression of sCLU by transfection with pc.DNA3.1-sCLU significantly decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased MMP-2 gene transcription. These data were further verified by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analysis. A significant reduction in MMP-2 expression and an increase in E-cadherin expression in sCLU-knockdown HCCLM3 cells were observed, as well as a significant increase in MMP-2 expression and a decrease in E-cadherin expression in HepG2 cells overexpressing sCLU. These data indicate a role for sCLU in augmenting MMP-2 transcription and decreasing E-cadherin expression. Our data show the involvement of sCLU in human HCC invasion, and demonstrate that silencing sCLU gene expression inhibits the invasion of human HCC cells by inhibiting MMP-2 expression and promoting E-cadherin expression. Thus, OGX-011 could be an effective therapeutic agent for HCC.
Optimization of Xylanase Production from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 by a Two-Step Statistical Strategy: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken Experimental Design
Authors: Cui Fengjie , Zhao Liming
Published: August 2012

The objective of the study was to optimize the nutrition sources in a culture medium for the production of xylanase from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 using Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The Plackett-Burman multifactorial design was first employed to screen the important nutrient sources in the medium for xylanase production by Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) was further optimized for xylanase production by Box-Behnken design. The important nutrient sources in the culture medium, identified by the initial screening method of Placket-Burman, were wheat bran, yeast extract, NaNO3, MgSO4, and CaCl2. The optimal amounts (in g/L) for maximum production of xylanase were: wheat bran, 32.8; yeast extract, 1.02; NaNO3, 12.71; MgSO4, 0.96; and CaCl2, 1.04. Using this statistical experimental design, the xylanase production under optimal condition reached 46.50 U/mL and an increase in xylanase activity of 1.34-fold was obtained compared with the original medium for fermentation carried out in a 30-L bioreactor.
4-[5-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)furan-2-yl]-2,3,7-triazaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-1-one Hydrochloride
Authors: Srinivasan Rajagopalan , Narayana Badiadka , Samshuddin Seranthimata , Sarojini Balladka Kunhanna
Published: August 2012

A novel route for the synthesis of new spirocyclic derivative is developed. The present work involves the synthesis of title compound 3 by Suzuki coupling of 3,5-difluorophenyl boronic acid with tert-butyl 1-(5-bromofuran-2-yl)-4-oxo-2,3,7-triazaspiro[4.5]dec-1-ene-7-carboxylate (2), which in turn prepared from the ethyl nipecotate (1). Newly prepared spirocyclic derivative (3) is characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectral data.
Strain Measurements within Fibre Boards. Part II: Strain Concentrations at the Crack Tip of MDF Specimens Tested by the Wedge Splitting Method
Authors: Sinn Gerhard , Müller Ulrich , Konnerth Johannes , Rathke Jörn
Published: August 2012

This is the second part of an article series where the mechanical and fracture mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard (MDF) were studied. While the first part of the series focused on internal bond strength and density profiles, this article discusses the fracture mechanical properties of the core layer. Fracture properties were studied with a wedge splitting setup. The critical stress intensity factors as well as the specific fracture energies were determined. Critical stress intensity factors were calculated from maximum splitting force and two-dimensional isotropic finite elements simulations of the specimen geometry. Size and shape of micro crack zone were measured with electronic laser speckle interferometry. The process zone length was approx. 5 mm. The specific fracture energy was determined to be 45.2 ± 14.4 J/m2 and the critical stress intensity factor was 0.11 ± 0.02 MPa.
Heterogeneous Coordination Environments in Lithium-Neutralized Ionomers Identified Using 1H and 7Li MAS NMR
Authors: Alam Todd M. , Jenkins Janelle E. , Bolintineanu Dan S. , Stevens Mark J. , Frischknecht Amalie L. , Buitrago C. Francisco , Winey Karen I. , Opper Kathleen L. , Wagener Kenneth B.
Published: August 2012

The carboxylic acid proton and the lithium coordination environments for precise and random Li-neutralized polyethylene acrylic acid P(E-AA) ionomers were explored using high speed solid-state 1H and 7Li MAS NMR. While the 7Li NMR revealed only a single Li coordination environment, the chemical shift temperature variation was dependent on the precise or random nature of the P(E-AA) ionomer. The 1H MAS NMR revealed two different carboxylic acid proton environments in these materials. By utilizing 1H-7Li rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) MAS NMR experiments, it was demonstrated that the proton environments correspond to different average 1H-7Li distances, with the majority of the protonated carboxylic acids having a close through space contact with the Li. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the shortest 1H-7Li distance corresponds to un-neutralized carboxylic acids directly involved in the coordination environment of Li clusters. These solid-state NMR results show that heterogeneous structural motifs need to be included when developing descriptions of these ionomer materials.
Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Carrying Thiol Groups Using a Simple Reagent Derived from Threoninol
Authors: Pérez-Rentero Sonia , Grijalvo Santiago , Ferreira Rubén , Eritja Ramon
Published: August 2012

Oligonucleotides carrying thiol groups are useful intermediates for a remarkable number of applications involving nucleic acids. In this study, DNA oligonucleotides carrying tert-butylsulfanyl (t-BuS) protected thiol groups have been prepared. A building block derived from threoninol has been developed to introduce a thiol group at any predetemined position of an oligonucleotide. The resulting thiolated oligonucleotides have been used for the preparation of oligonucleotide conjugates and for the functionalization of gold nanoparticles using the reactivity of the thiol groups.
Activity of Spray-dried Microparticles Containing Pomegranate Peel Extract against Candida albicans
Authors: Endo Eliana Harue , Ueda-Nakamura Tânia , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Filho Benedito Prado Dias
Published: August 2012

Pomegranate has attracted interest from researchers because of its chemical composition and biological properties. It possesses strong antioxidant activity, with potential health benefits, and also antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to produce microparticles containing pomegranate extract by the spray-drying technique, utilizing alginate or chitosan as encapsulating agents. Characterization and antifungal assays were carried out. Production yields were about 40% for alginate microparticles and 41% for chitosan. Mean diameters were 2.45 µm and 2.80 µm, and encapsulation efficiencies were 81.9% and 74.7% for alginate and chitosan microparticles, respectively. The spray-drying process preserved the antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These results could be useful for developing dosage forms for treating candidiasis, and should be further investigated in in vivo models.
Distribution of Primary and Specialized Metabolites in Nigella sativa Seeds, a Spice with Vast Traditional and Historical Uses
Authors: Botnick Ilan , Xue Wentao , Bar Einat , Ibdah Mwafaq , Schwartz Amnon , Joel Daniel M. , Lev Efraim , Fait Aaron , Lewinsohn Efraim
Published: August 2012

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L., Ranunculaceae) is an annual herb commonly used in the Middle East, India and nowadays gaining worldwide acceptance. Historical and traditional uses are extensively documented in ancient texts and historical documents. Black cumin seeds and oil are commonly used as a traditional tonic and remedy for many ailments as well as in confectionery and bakery. Little is known however about the mechanisms that allow the accumulation and localization of its active components in the seed. Chemical and anatomical evidence indicates the presence of active compounds in seed coats. Seed volatiles consist largely of olefinic and oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly p-cymene, thymohydroquinone, thymoquinone, γ-terpinene and α-thujene, with lower levels of sesquiterpenes, mainly longifolene. Monoterpene composition changes during seed maturation. γ-Terpinene and α-thujene are the major monoterpenes accumulated in immature seeds, and the former is gradually replaced by p-cymene, carvacrol, thymo-hydroquinone and thymoquinone upon seed development. These compounds, as well as the indazole alkaloids nigellidine and nigellicine, are almost exclusively accumulated in the seed coat. In contrast, organic and amino acids are primarily accumulated in the inner seed tissues. Sugars and sugar alcohols, as well as the amino alkaloid dopamine and the saponin α-hederin accumulate both in the seed coats and the inner seed tissues at different ratios. Chemical analyses shed light to the ample traditional and historical uses of this plant.
Misión Integral and Progressive Evangelicalism: The Latin American Influence on the North American Emerging Church
Authors: Clawson Michael
Published: August 2012

Though commonly identified with the conservative politics of the Christian Right, over the past decade evangelicals in the United States have increasingly embraced a more politically progressive range of social concerns. Often treated as something wholly new, this trend actually has roots in Latin American evangelicalism from the 1970s. Latin American theologian/practitioners like C. René Padilla and Samuel Escobar of the Latin American Theological Fellowship, promoted a holistic vision of the church’s mission, what they called misión integral, seeking to integrate both evangelism and socio-political involvement on behalf of the poor and oppressed. These Latin American thinkers played a direct role in the rise of progressive evangelicalism in the United States in the 1970s. While overshadowed for a time by the Christian Right, the concept of misión integral and its Latin American exponents has continued to influence the resurgence of progressive social concerns among North American evangelicals in the first decade of the 21st century, and especially those associated with the emerging church movement.
Recent Advances in Paper-Based Sensors
Authors: Liana Devi D. , Raguse Burkhard , Gooding J. Justin , Chow Edith
Published: August 2012

Paper-based sensors are a new alternative technology for fabricating simple, low-cost, portable and disposable analytical devices for many application areas including clinical diagnosis, food quality control and environmental monitoring. The unique properties of paper which allow passive liquid transport and compatibility with chemicals/biochemicals are the main advantages of using paper as a sensing platform. Depending on the main goal to be achieved in paper-based sensors, the fabrication methods and the analysis techniques can be tuned to fulfill the needs of the end-user. Current paper-based sensors are focused on microfluidic delivery of solution to the detection site whereas more advanced designs involve complex 3-D geometries based on the same microfluidic principles. Although paper-based sensors are very promising, they still suffer from certain limitations such as accuracy and sensitivity. However, it is anticipated that in the future, with advances in fabrication and analytical techniques, that there will be more new and innovative developments in paper-based sensors. These sensors could better meet the current objectives of a viable low-cost and portable device in addition to offering high sensitivity and selectivity, and multiple analyte discrimination. This paper is a review of recent advances in paper-based sensors and covers the following topics: existing fabrication techniques, analytical methods and application areas. Finally, the present challenges and future outlooks are discussed.
The function of intercellular spaces along the ray parenchyma in sapwood, intermediate wood, and heartwood of Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Nagai Satoshi , Utsumi Yasuhiro
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: Intercellular spaces along ray parenchyma (ISRP) are common in many conifer xylems, but their function is uncertain because the in‐situ structural network among ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids has not been evaluated. Analysis of water distribution in ISRP from sapwood to heartwood is needed to elucidate the function of ISRP in sapwood, intermediate wood, and heartwood.

• Methods: We used cryo‐scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray photography, and water content measurement in xylem to analyze the presence of liquids in ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids from sapwood to heartwood in Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae).

• Key results: In sapwood, almost all ISRP were empty. “Cingulate‐cavitated regions”, which lose water along the tangential direction within one annual ring, formed in the earlywood tracheids, and their frequency increased toward the inner annual rings, whereas ray parenchyma cells were alive and not involved in the partial cavitation. In intermediate wood, almost all ISRP and earlywood tracheids and many of the ray cells were empty, and only some latewood tracheids retained liquid in their lumina. The ISRP were connected with tracheids via gas‐filled ray parenchyma cells.

• Conclusions: The ISRP work as a pathway of gas for aspiration of ray parenchyma cells in sapwood. On the other hand, the occurrence of a gas network between ISRP, ray parenchyma, and tracheids facilitates cavitation of tracheids, resulting in the generation of low‐moisture, intermediate wood.
A REPRESENTATIVE SOLUTION TO M-ORDER LINEAR ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION WITH NONLOCAL CONDITIONS BY GREEN'S FUNCTIONAL CONCEPT
Authors: Ozen Kemal , Orucoglu Kamil
Published: August 2012

In this work, we investigate a linear completely nonhomogeneous nonlocal multipoint problem for an m-order ordinary differential equation with generally variable nonsmooth coefficients satisfying some general properties such as p-integrability and boundedness. A system of m + 1 integro-algebraic equations called the special adjoint system is constructed for this problem. Green's functional is a solution of this special adjoint system. Its first component corresponds to Green's function for the problem. The other components correspond to the unit effects of the conditions. A solution to the problem is an integral representation which is based on using this new Green's functional. Some illustrative implementations and comparisons are provided with some known results in order to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach.
Safety of Tenofovir Gel, a Vaginal Microbicide, in South African Women: Results of the Caprisa 004 Trial
Authors: Sokal David C , Karim Quarraisha Abdool , Sibeko Sengeziwe , Yende-Zuma Nonhlanhla , Mansoor Leila E , Baxter Cheryl , Grobler Anneke , Frolich Janet , Kharsany Ayesha BM , Miya Nomsa , Mlisana Koleka , Maarshalk Silvia , Karim Salim S Abdool
Published: August 2012

Background

Tenofovir gel, used vaginally before and after coitus, reduced women's acquisition of HIV by 39%. This is a safety assessment of tenofovir gel, including renal, bone, gastrointestinal, genital and haematological parameters.

Methods

In the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004, a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, 445 of the 889 eligibly enrolled women were assigned to tenofovir gel. All participants were advised to use the gel vaginally only, with one dose of gel within 12 h before and a second dose as soon as possible after sex, with no more than two doses in 24 h. Clinical and laboratory safety data were collected at monthly and quarterly visits, respectively. Genital assessments were undertaken at enrolment and quarterly thereafter, or as indicated.

Results

Women assigned to tenofovir gel were exposed to an average monthly vaginal dose of 240 mg of tenofovir (six applications). In total, six women, three in each group, had mild creatinine elevations, all of which occurred in July/ August 2008. The incidence of anaemia was 3.5 and 3.8 per 100 women-years in tenofovir and placebo groups, respectively ( P=0.80). Of the six women (four tenofovir and two placebo) experiencing bone fractures, none were associated with abnormal phosphate or calcium values. The proportion of women with diarrhoea was higher in the tenofovir gel group (17% versus 11%; P=0.026). There was no significant increase of any genital adverse event in the tenofovir group.

Conclusions

No significant renal, haematological, genital or bone effects were associated with the use of tenofovir gel. Aside from a puzzling increase in diarrhoea, tenofovir gel has an excellent safety profile.
Progressive Collapse and Structural Robustness of Bridges
Authors: Wang Min Rong , Zhou Zhi Jun
Published: August 2012

Structural robustness has been recognized as a fundamental property of structural systems to prevent the occurrence of disproportionate failure events and progressive collapse. Bridges are primarily horizontally aligned structures with one main axis of extension. Only a few of many modern building codes provided methods can be applied to bridges. In this paper, associated strategies to enhance collapse resistance can be addressed by controlling abnormal events, individual local element behavior and global system behavior. Various design methods towards preventing progressive collapse such as non-structural protective measures, local resistance, multiple load paths or structural segmentation are applied to bridges. The suitability depends on the type of bridge structures.
Additive Load Influence Analysis of Shield Tunneling Construction on Adjacent Piles
Authors: Wei Gang , Hong Jie , Wei Xin Jiang
Published: August 2012

The distribution regular of total additive load induced by bulkhead additive thrust, force of friction between shield and soil, and soil loss during shield tunnelling construction was studied. The analytical results show that, the distribution regular of additive load is closely related with the relative position of pile and shield, and it is a three-dimensional problem. Toward the shield tunnelling direction and perpendicular to the pipe wall, the additive load is changed from press to pull force along with the pass of shield excavation face. In addition, the value and influence bound of additive load in shield tunnelling direction is bigger than that of perpendicular to the pipe wall. Value of additive load in vertical direction is small. Direction of additive load close to the axes of pipeline is opposite with that of both ends and the force distribution curve is arch-shaped. It is proved by the comparison with the results of numerical simulation, centrifuge experiments and field measurement that the study on the influence due to shield tunnel excavation on neighboring piles is reliable through analytical analysis.
The Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Experimental Research on the Combined Cooling Ceiling and Displacement Ventilation System
Authors: Ma Jiu Chen , Zhang Zhi Gang
Published: August 2012

In this energy saving and environment protection society, as a new kind of air conditioning system, the combined cooling ceiling (CC) and displacement ventilation (DV) system has been attracting more and more attention both at home and abroad. This paper has done experiments with different supply air temperature, various supply air velocity and changeable temperature of supply water by simulating to cool a small office in summer. Based on similarity theories, some suggestions are given for the numerical area of cooling parameters under some laboratory conditions. According to PMV, it is also presented in general guidance for indoor air quality and thermal comfort with CC/DV system.
Structure Design in the Design of Natural Lighting of Exhibition Hall Space of the Contemporary Convention and Exhibition Building
Authors: Liu Li Jun , Kang Tai Yuan
Published: August 2012

Taking structure design of the exhibition hall of a convention and exhibition building as the research subject, based on the two cross-discipline areas of Structure and Architectural Creation, from the perspective that the structure of convention and exhibition building itself has its own art characteristic, on the basis of outstanding cases of contemporary convention and exhibition buildings,in the method of analytic induction ,this article analyses the combination of structural design of a convention and exhibition building and natural lighting of the exhibition hall space in the convention and exhibition building, and summarizes the structural design techniques combining with the natural lighting of the exhibition hall.
Cross-Sectional Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Columns Considering both Economical and Environmental Costs
Authors: Kripka Moacir , de Medeiros Guilherme Fleith
Published: August 2012

This work presents the development and implementation of a mathematical formulation for obtaining optimal sections of reinforced concrete columns subjected to uniaxial flexural compression. In order to minimize the cost of the reinforced concrete columns, the amount and diameters of the reinforcement bars and the dimensions of the columns cross sections were considered as discrete variables. The optimization was made by Harmony Search optimization method, a metaheuristic inspired by music performance. Initially, the economical cost of each material (concrete, steel and formwork) were considered, as usual in most optimization strategies. In the sequence, the lesser environmental cost was studied, by considering the Life Cicle Assessment (LCA) to determine the global warming potential. The results obtained led to a different configuration when the objective is a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, regarding the optimum economical cost.
A New Form of Genetic Algorithm for Back-Calculating Pavement Structure Modulus Based on Database Searching Theory
Authors: Feng Xin Jian , Fu Jian Fang , Zhang Jian Lin
Published: August 2012

The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is designed to impart a load pulse to the pavement surface which simulates the load produced by a rolling vehicle wheel, wildly used in back-calculating pavement structure modulus. In this paper, a new form of Genetic Algorithm based on database searching theory is introduced. This method is not sensitive to initial values and it could identify the modulus effectively with establishing simple databases. By using a project measured data as an example, the result shows that this method is stable, convergent and practical. This method is better than the traditional method. It will be one of useful tools for the highway assessment.
Smoke Control Models in Building Fire: A Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Xu Tao , Wang Song Ling
Published: August 2012

The smoke control is of great importance for the life safety of the occupants in the building fire. Many analytical models have been studied for the design of smoke control. The objective of the article is to bring several numerical simulation models about building fire and smoke movement. There are generally three kinds of different models, which are net model, zone model and field model. The characteristics and weak points of each category are discussed, indicating that each model might be applicable to different building fire scenarios.
Relation-Formula for Room Temperature and the Flow of Heating User in Design Conditions
Authors: Shi Jiu Sheng , Liu Zhe , Yang Ying , Wu Di
Published: August 2012

The paper puts forward to the differential relationship of heating, and has solved the simulative relation-formula for design conditions of direct heating pipe network. This paper indicated the discipline concerning the user temperature (or load) changes with the flow, and proposed the terms such as limit load ratio and allowable relative flow ratio, and Etc. This paper lay the groundwork for heating pipe network simulation design of thermal conditions.
Multidimensional Analysis on the Digital Architecture
Authors: Lai Shou Liang
Published: August 2012

Architecture leads the design trend, and the digital is the trend of the architecture. In the process of digital, the designer's original remains unshakable, but the derivative type design based on the traditional rules, the performance driving type design which is the starting point of performance and the integration design which gathers the both before in one are being used in the design of digital architecture. At the same time, the digital architecture is also and must also be related with the green design, the ecological design and many social, economic and cultural factors.
Study on Failure Mechanism of Rural Building in Flood and Protection Strategies
Authors: Liu Yong Jun , Zhou Jing Hai , Ma Xing Tao
Published: August 2012

In Chinese rural areas, flooding is one of the most common and frequent natural disasters, which can cause terribly life and property losses partly due to heavily damage and collapse of rural buildings. Therefore, it is very urgent to conduct comprehensive study on failure mechanism of rural buildings under flood actions. In this paper, the failure mechanism of rural buildings in flood is studied, and protection strategies are summarized with emphasis on describing some new technology proposed by authors. The contents presented in this paper may be useful references for further study on flood damage to rural buildings and be helpful for Chinese government to develop correct flood mitigation policies.