bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterações da Lei Nº 14.230/21 nos Atos de Improbidade Administrativa violadores de princípios adminstrativos: retrocesso e enfraquecimento na tutela do patrimônio público
Authors: Moreira Izabella Diniz dos Santos
Published: July 2024

A melhor forma de gerir os bens e serviços públicos é questão que sempre gerou debates na comunidade jurídica e política. Ao longo da história, o Brasil perpassou por vários modelos, até que Constituição Federal de 1988 previu em seus dispositivos normas influenciadas tanto pelo modelo burocrático, que impôs a atuação do Estado com base na legalidade, como gerencial, que visa buscar a eficiência na prestação dos serviços públicos. Neste viés, destacam-se os princípios da administração pública, os quais são parâmetros de conduta aos agentes que atuam em nome do Estado, seja pela ausência de uma codificação unificada em direito administrativo, ou pela participação do setor privado na atividade pública após a introdução dos ideais gerencialistas, que favoreceram a manutenção de um ambiente público corrupto e mal gerido. A partir desta nova realidade é que se destacou a probidade administrativa, a qual, embora intimamente relacionada com o princípio da moralidade administrativa, não se confunde com este, já que ela deve ser vista como uma espécie de dever público a ser observado por todos que mantém relações jurídicas com o Estado, e cujo descumprimento enseja responsabilização do agente com base na Lei nº 8.429/92, assim como determina o Art. 34, §4º da Constituição Federal. Dessa maneira o dever de Probidade Administrativa é delineado por um padrão de ética pública, cuja alta reprovabilidade admite a imposição de sanções gravosas, tais como a perda da função pública e a suspensão de direitos políticos. É por esta razão os deveres públicos aptos a motivar a improbidade devem estar atrelados a fatos graves, tais como a corrupção, a grave desonestidade ou ineficiência funcional, até porque o direito difuso e humanitário de viver em um ambiente livre de corrupção está intimamente relacionado a promoção de outros direitos humanos por excelência. Neste contexto, ciente da importância dos princípios regentes da atividade estatal para a padronização das condutas e da ética no setor público, o legislador infraconstitucional tipificou, dentre as espécies de improbidade administrativa, aquela que atenta contra os Princípios da Administração Pública, a qual, em sua redação originária, servia como um efetivo instrumento para rescindir vínculos entre Estado e agentes desalinhados dos padrões éticos da moralidade administrativa. Contudo, após as alterações efetuadas pela Lei nº 14.230/21, este importante instrumento de combate à má gestão pública foi desmantelado, em razão das novas regras de imputação dadas a esta espécie de improbidade, o que representou verdadeiro retrocesso na tutela do patrimônio público e da probidade administrativa.
Governança nas contratações públicas: referencial teórico
Authors: Cunha Helton Souza da , Ferreira Cristiano Vasconcellos , Murari Thiago Barros
Published: July 2024

O Decreto nº 9.203/17 estabeleceu que a administração pública federal, direta, autárquica e fundacional deve implementar e manter os mecanismos, instâncias e práticas de governança. O Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) mostrou que, em 2017, 58% das entidades avaliadas estavam em estágio inicial de capacidade em governança e gestão (IGG). Esse número caiu para 47% em 2019. O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os referenciais mais relevantes que compõem o conceito da governança em contratações públicas. Para isto, por meio de revisão sistemática da literatura, caracterizou-se o conhecimento sobre a governança em contratação em Órgãos Públicos Federais no Brasil, em conformidade com as regras adotadas pelo Tribunal de Contas (TCU) e as novas leis vigentes que devem ser implementadas imediatamente, especialmente em relação ao disposto no parágrafo único do artigo 11 da nova lei de licitações nº 14.133/2021. Como resultado, notou-se que os órgãos públicos ainda precisam amadurecer para alcançar um nível satisfatório de governança em contratações. E, que atualmente, a padronização dos processos de contratação e das rotinas estão sendo intensificadas em relação às leis e sistemas de compras pertinentes do Governo Federal.
Revolutionizing Aviation Education: Integrating Virtual Reality into Runway Light Prototype Development at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic
Authors: Wartoyo Bayu Purbo , Yahya Muhammad , Agung Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This research endeavors to design, develop, and test a Virtual Reality (VR) runway light application prototype as a practicum tool at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic. The primary objective of this application is to overcome the limitations of existing runway light practice tools, which are currently only accessible in a restricted area of Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. The research methodology employed is Research and Development (R&D), specifically the 4D development model, comprising Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. A needs analysis was conducted during the define stage through a comprehensive literature review, observation, and interviews with lecturers and students. The design stage involved designing the user interface and application structure, whereas the development stage entailed creating 3D models of runway light equipment and developing interactive features of the application. The disseminate stage comprised testing the application with students and distributing usage guides. The development results indicate that the VR runway light application successfully created a realistic and interactive simulation environment. The pilot test revealed that 83.33% of students "strongly agreed" and 16.67% "agreed" regarding the ease of use aspect. In terms of movement accuracy, 45.83% of students "strongly agreed," 41.67% "agreed," and 12.5% "moderately agreed." Furthermore, 66.66% of students "strongly agreed," 16.67% "agreed," and 16.67% "moderately agreed" that the application increased their competence. This study concludes that the VR runway light application is an effective practicum aid, enhancing students' understanding and skills in installing and dismantling runway light equipment. Recommendations for future development include improving movement accuracy, incorporating additional interactive features, and testing the application in other educational institutions to further validate its effectiveness.
The Effect of Technology Adoption on the Profitability of Construction Businesses: A Qualitative Evaluation of Present Trends in Developing Nations
Authors: Musa Shamsudeen , Ayotunde Babalola Anthony , Josephine Aina Yetunde , Owolabi Abass Jimoh
Published: July 2024

This study examined the impacts of technology adoption on the profitability of construction businesses. A theoretical approach was used to identify various construction companies adopting different technologies. The qualitative component of the survey research method was employed to collect data from published literature, focusing on current trends in construction business profitability research, particularly in developing countries. Articles were sourced from open research corpora such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Academia. Relevant references were then exported to an Excel file, including details like the author's name, publication year, work title, abstract, and date. Data collection involved document analysis, including examining financial reports, technology adoption records, and business plans. The literature review covered discussions on technology adoption, exploring the process, reasons, challenges, decision-making, and the impact on profitability. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the documents, identifying patterns, themes, and connections related to technology adoption and profitability.
The collective findings of these studies demonstrate the significant influence of a number of factors on firm profitability, including dividend policies, turnover, digital transformation, firm size, narratives in innovation, and financial ratios. It is imperative that financial managers and decision-makers have a thorough understanding of these factors in order to formulate strategies that will optimize profitability and maintain business growth. By embracing technological advancements, construction firms can enhance their competitiveness, achieve sustainable growth, and ultimately thrive in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Well Based Elastic Attribute Analysis for Reservoir Characterization in Ek-field Niger Delta
Authors: N.O Ekone , T Dagogo,
Published: July 2024

Derived elastic attributes has been used to discriminate rock and fluid properties in EK Field using well logs data. These derived rock attributes were analyzed in cross-plot space for target reservoirs. The log analysis for delineated reservoir B20 shows an average volume of shale (7.5%), total porosity (33.9%) and water saturation (29.3%). Cross-plots of elastic rock attributes (Vp/Vs, Lambda-Rho (λρ), Mu-Rho (μρ), Poisson ratio and acoustic impedance) were used as fluid and lithology indicators and in reservoir characterization. The cross plots results shows distinct separation of hydrocarbon sand, brine sand and shale. Low Poisson’s ratio (0.2-0.26), Lambda-Rho (7 GPa*g/cc -10 GPa*g/cc), Vp/Vs (1.6-1.8), low acoustic impedance and high Mu-Rho values indicate hydrocarbon sands. The intermediate values of Poisson’s ratio (0.2-0.26), Lambda-Rho (17 GPa*g/cc - 21GPa*g/cc) , Vp/Vs ratio (2.05-2.3),  relatively high acoustic impedance and Mu-rho  indicated brine sand while high Poisson’s ratio (0.35-0.41), Lambda-rho (24 GPa*g/cc -27 GPa*g/cc), Vp/Vs ratio (2.3-2.5), high acoustic impedance and low Mu-Rho indicated shale.  The cross-plot models all show similar result of hydrocarbon sand characterized by high porosity, low water saturation and volume of shale. The well based elastic attribute analyses established useful relationships between elastic derived seismic attributes and reservoir properties in delineating lithology and reservoir fluid for better understanding of reservoirs in the Niger Delta field.
Designing and Characterization of Docetaxel Loaded Nanoparticles with Piperine
Authors: Saharan Priyanka , Saharan Shyo Parakash
Published: July 2024

Objective: The main objective of this research was to develop a novel formulation with an herbal bioenhancer to boost the bioavailability of an anticancer drug that was poorly soluble in water and overcome its limitations of short half-life.
Methods: Eudragit RLPO was used as a polymer in an emulsification solvent evaporation process to generate Docetaxel loaded bioenhancer (Piperine) nanoparticles and to evaluate its parameters.
Results: The study demonstrated that encapsulating Docetaxel with herbal bioenhancers (Piperine) in a nanoparticle system effectively enhanced its in vitro release profile. The particle size range (142 to 189 nm) is optimal range for enhanced cellular uptake and improved bioavailability for nanoparticle drug delivery, and the drug release from all batches was significant, with a release percentage ranging from 83.69% to 96.44% over 24 hours. This indicates a controlled release profile, which is desirable for maintaining therapeutic drug levels over an extended period.
The release data adhered to Fick's law of diffusion, suggesting that the drug release mechanism is diffusion-controlled. Higuchi's model best described the release kinetics, indicating that the release rate is proportional to the square root of time, which is typical for systems where the drug release is controlled by diffusion through a polymer matrix.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that encapsulating Docetaxel with herbal bioenhancers (Piperine) in a nanoparticle system effectively enhanced its in vitro release profile. The particle size range (142 to 189 nm) is optimal for nanoparticle drug delivery, and the release kinetics following Higuchi’s model confirm the controlled release mechanism. The significant finding that higher amounts of Piperine enhance drug release rates underscores the potential of using bioenhancers to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs like Docetaxel.
These promising in vitro results pave the way for further in vivo pharmacokinetic and cytotoxicity studies to fully assess the therapeutic potential and bioavailability improvements provided by this novel formulation.
Characterization of P1 (Adenosine) Purinoceptors
Authors: Jarvis Michael F.
Published: October 2013

The purine nucleoside adenosine (ADO) is an important modulator of cellular function in mammalian tissues, modulating cellular function and neuronal excitability via interactions with different cell surface receptor subtypes that are heterogeneously distributed in both the mammalian CNS and peripheral tissues. Four ADO receptor subtypes have been cloned and characterized. Described in this unit are three radioligand binding assays for pharmacological characterization of the high‐affinity ADO receptor subtypes A1, A2A, and A3 receptors. Pharmacological characterization of the low‐affinity A2B receptor has been enabled by the use of tritiated xanthine PSB‐603. Because receptor localization is an important criterion for differentiation of receptor subtypes, a support protocol that describes the methodology for the localization of ADO receptors in rat brain tissue using autoradiography is also included. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 62:1.9.1‐1.9.16. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Purification of Fibronectin
Authors: Akiyama Steven K.
Published: October 2013

This unit describes the purification of the multifunctional adhesive glycoprotein fibronectin from plasma or of cell‐derived fibronectin from cell surfaces and from conditioned medium. Fibronectin can be used in cell adhesion and migration assays, and can be obtained in relatively high purity using simple affinity chromatography techniques. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 60:10.5.1‐10.5.13. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Crowdsourcing Power Plant Carbon Dioxide Emissions Data
Authors: Gurney Kevin , O'Keeffe Darragh
Published: October 2013

Information on greenhouse gas emissions from the world's power plants is surprisingly limited. Publicly available information such as exact location, fuel, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions varies in comprehensiveness and quality from country to country. A research group at Arizona State University (ASU) is attempting to solve this problem by leveraging crowdsourcing.
Treaty to Curb Mercury Pollution Adopted
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2013

The international Minamata Convention on Mercury to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds was formally adopted at a 10 October meeting in Minamata, Japan. The legally binding treaty, currently signed by 92 countries, comes 57 years after the government of Japan officially acknowledged, in 1956, the existence of Minamata disease, which was caused by eating seafood contaminated with methylmercury compounds discharged into Minamata Bay in southern Japan.
Karl K. Turekian (1927–2013)
Authors: Kirk Cochran J.
Published: October 2013

Karl K. Turekian, geochemist and educator extraordinaire, passed away on 15 March 2013. He was 85. Karl's career spanned 6 decades and saw geochemistry evolve from a field largely documenting the distributions of chemical elements on Earth to, as he put it, “a tool that…has pervaded the entire field of Earth sciences.” In large part, Karl Turekian was responsible for guiding that evolution.
Physics‐based model portrays midriver island formation
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: October 2013

From the Amazon and the Brahmaputra to Russia's Lena, Brazil's Negro, or South America's Paraná River, many of the world's largest rivers share a number of important characteristics: They are long, they are wide, they carry high volumes of water down a course with a shallow slope, and their flows are broken up by sand bars and small islands. Despite these broad similarities, sediment dynamics related to the formation of sand bars and islands in large, branching rivers can vary markedly from one to the next. A number of processes affect the formation and stability of midstream islands, such as the rate of riverbank erosion, the hydrologic regime (the long‐term variability of the river's flows), and the colonization and growth rates of stabilizing vegetation. Although researchers have previously used reduced‐complexity models to study river island dynamics, Nicholas et al. describe a new physics‐based, two‐dimensional morphodynamic model that realistically simulates branching river dynamics over large distances and long time scales.
Acoustic emission and microslip precursors to stick‐slip failure in sheared granular material
Authors: Johnson P. A. , Ferdowsi B. , Kaproth B. M. , Scuderi M. , Griffa M. , Carmeliet J. , Guyer R. A. , Le Bas P‐Y. , Trugman D. T. , Marone C.
Published: October 2013

We investigate the physics of laboratory earthquake precursors in a biaxial shear configuration. We conduct laboratory experiments at room temperature and humidity in which we shear layers of glass beads under applied normal loads of 2–8 MPa and with shearing rates of 5–10 µm/s. We show that above ~ 3 MPa load, acoustic emission (AE), and shear microfailure (microslip) precursors exhibit an exponential increase in rate of occurrence, culminating in stick‐slip failure. Precursors take place where the material is in a critical state—still modestly dilating, yet while the macroscopic frictional strength is no longer increasing.
Large‐scale structures in the Polar Rain
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Paxton Larry , Kil Hyosub
Published: October 2013

We present two distinctive spatial structures (~140 and ~1000 km) in the polar rain electron energy fluxes observed by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites. The 16 May 2005 event indicates that sources of the ~1000 km structures were not in the solar wind electrons. Statistical analysis of 239 events shows that the ~1000 km structures were associated with high solar wind speed and density while the ~140 km structures did not depend on solar wind conditions. The structures are about 5 and 0.7 RE when mapped to the magnetopause and comparable to the typical Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) wavelengths (3–14 RE) and flux transfer event (FTE) sizes (~0.6–1.3 RE) on the magnetopause. Our calculations indicate that the KH waves are unstable under the high solar wind speed and density. The observations and calculations suggest that the ~1000 km and ~140 km structures are likely caused by the KH waves and FTE on the magnetopause.
Array‐Based High‐Throughput Screening in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells with shRNAs
Authors: Wang Chia‐Hui , Ma Nianhan , Lin Yu‐Tsen , Wu Cheng‐Chung , Wu Hong‐Jin , Yu Ching‐Chia , Hsiao Michael , Lu Frank Leigh , Schuyler Scott C. , Lu Jean
Published: October 2013

High‐throughput short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus screening is a powerful tool for identifying multiple functional regulators in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). shRNA libraries can efficiently down‐regulate target genes persistently with high efficiency. The concurrent measurement of relative cell number by alamarBlue (AB) assay and undifferentiated ESC markers via an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay in the same cell culture well provides an efficient and economical way to pinpoint factors crucial for ESC pluripotency and/or expansion. Most of the renewal pathways affect ALP activity. Thus, multiple positive and negative regulators can be identified by this method. In addition, morphological changes and/or the expression levels of specific pluripotency or differentiation markers examined by immunofluorescence can be used as secondary screens for target‐gene selection. In summary, we describe an efficient way to identify multiple regulators of ESC renewal using shRNAs. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 26:5C.3.1‐5C.3.19. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structure–activity relationship of N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd(II)–imidazole complexes in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling between 4‐methoxyphenyl chloride and phenylboronic acid
Authors: Lv Huan , Zhu Lei , Tang Yi‐Qiang , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: October 2013

A series of N‐heterocyclic carbene–PdCl2–imidazole [NHC–Pd(II)–Im] complexes were synthesized and the structure of most of them was unambiguously determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The structure–activity relationship of these complexes was investigated for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling between 4‐methoxyphenyl chloride and phenylboronic acid, and the effect of the NHCs and Im moieties were fully discussed. The sterically hindered IPr‐based complex showed the highest catalytic activity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint subcarrier and power allocation in downlink OFDMA systems: an multi‐objective approach
Authors: Sharma N. , Anpalagan A.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we present a new technique for resource allocation in multi‐user orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems. The goal is to maximise the minimum data rate available to any user while minimising the total transmitted power. In order to achieve an optimal solution and capacity bounds, the subcarrier and power should be allocated simultaneously. Multi‐objective genetic algorithm can be used for joint allocation of subcarriers and power in such a case, and in this paper, it is achieved using non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm achieves high data rates as compared with previous algorithms. The algorithm allocates both subcarriers and bits jointly without being computationally expensive. The faster convergence of the algorithm to near optimal value, as compared with previous algorithms, is indicative of its less complexity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromium‐ and Manganese‐containing Carbonyl Chalcogenide Clusters: Syntheses, Reactivities, and Special Properties
Authors: Shieh Minghuey , Lin Chien‐Nan
Published: October 2013

This mini‐review covers the systematic survey of our previous research on chromium‐ and manganesecontaining chalcogenide clusters in terms of synthetic strategies, reactivities, and special properties. In addition, mixed chromium‐manganese carbonyl chalcogenide clusters were also synthesized rationally via several facile routes, which resulted in the generation of a series of mixed‐metal clusters possessing expanded frameworks with enhanced electrochemical and magnetic properties.
Synthetic Approaches towards the Sulfonamide Substituted‐1,5‐Diarylimidazole‐2‐thiones as Selective Cyclooxygense‐2 inhibitors
Authors: Navidpour Latifeh , Amini Mohsen , Miri Ramin , Firuzi Omidreza , Tavakkoli Marjan , Shafiee Abbas
Published: October 2013

A new series of sulfonamide substituted 1,5‐diarylimidazole, possessing C‐2 alkylthio moiety, were synthesized for their cyclooxygense‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitory activity starting from condensation of N,N‐dibenzylaminosulfonylphenacylamine hydrochloride (2) and corresponding isothiocyanate in the presence of Et3N, followed by alkylation in the basic medium. In concomitant with these intermediates, 2‐arylamino‐5‐arylthiazole derivatives 5 were also produced. The ratio of these two products was variable with different isothiocyanates. Final debenzylation was achieved using concentrated sulfuric acid to give the title sulfonamides 8.
Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of influenza B viruses circulating in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2010–2011: Evolution and sequence analysis
Authors: Ali Ghazanfar , Amer Haitham M. , Almajhdi Fahad N.
Published: October 2013

Influenza viruses are known as continuing threats to human public health every year worldwide. Evolutionary dynamics of influenza B viruses in humans are in a unique progression having two lineages; B/Yam and B/Vic‐like viruses, which are circulating simultaneously worldwide. There is a considerable lack of data on influenza B viruses circulating in Saudi Arabia. During the winter‐spring season of 2010–2011, 80 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from hospitalized patients with flu‐like symptoms in Riyadh. Screening of samples by one‐step RT‐PCR identified three (3.8%) influenza B viruses. Sequencing of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes was performed to analyze influenza B viruses circulating in Riyadh as compared to the globally circulating strains. Several common and six unique amino acid substitutions were observed for both HA and NA genes of influenza B Saudi strains. Three unique substitutions (T182A, D196N, and K254R) were identified in HA gene of the B/Yam‐like Riyadh strains. In NA gene, a unique common substitution (D53G) was found in all Riyadh strains, while two unique substitutions (L38P, G233R) were recognized only in B/Vic‐like Riyadh strains. Riyadh strains were also found to contain N‐glycosylation site in HA gene of both B/Vic and B/Yam lineages at positions 197–199 (NET) and 196–198 (NNK/DNK), respectively. The significance of these mutations on the antigenicity of both lineages is discussed herein. The unique changes observed in HA and NA genes of influenza B Riyadh strains support strongly the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of new evolving strains that might pose threat to the Saudi community. J. Med. Virol. 86:1003–1016, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Movement disorders in women: A review
Authors: Rabin Marcie L. , Stevens‐Haas Claire , Havrilla Emilyrose , Devi Tanvi , Kurlan Roger
Published: October 2013

The field of women's health developed based on the recognition that there are important sex‐based differences regarding several aspects of medical illnesses. We performed a literature review to obtain information about differences between women and men for neurological movement disorders. We identified important differences in prevalence, genetics, clinical expression, course, and treatment responses. In addition, we found that female life events, including menstruation, pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause, and medications prescribed to women (such as oral contraceptives and hormone‐replacement therapy), have significant implications for women with movement disorders. Understanding this biological sex‐specific information can help improve the quality and individualization of care for women with movement disorders and may provide insights into neurobiological mechanisms. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Protamine‐Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Biologically Triggered Drug Release
Authors: Radhakrishnan Krishna , Gupta Satyajit , Gnanadhas Divya Prakash , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Chakravortty Dipshika , Raichur Ashok M.
Published: October 2013

The fabrication of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)−protamine hybrid system (MSN−PRM) is reported that selectively releases drugs in the presence of specific enzyme triggers present in the proximity of cancer cells. The enzyme trigger involved is a protease called trypsin, which is overexpressed in certain specific pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. Overexpression of trypsin is known to be associated with invasion, metastasis, and growth in several cancers, such as leukemia, colon cancer, and colorectal cancer. The current system (MSN–PRM) consists of an MSN support in which mesopores are capped with an FDA‐approved peptide drug protamine, which effectively blocks the outward diffusion of the drug molecules from the mesopores of the MSNs. On exposure to the enzyme trigger, the protamine cap disintegrates, opening up the molecular gates and releasing the entrapped drug molecules. The system exhibits minimal premature release in the absence of the trigger and selectively releases the encapsulated drugs in the presence of the proteases secreted by colorectal cancer cells. The ability of the MSN–PRM particles to deliver anticancer drugs to colorectal cancer cells has also been demonstrated. The hydrophobic drug is released into cancer cells subsequent to disintegration of the protamine cap, resulting in cell death. Drug‐induced cell death in colorectal cancer cells is significantly enhanced when the hydrophobic drug that is known to degrade in aqueous environments is encapsulated in the MSN–PRM system in comparison to the free drug (P < 0.05). The system, which shows good biocompatibility and selective drug release, is a promising platform for cancer specific drug delivery.
Snapshots of the Formation of NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O Nanowires: A Time‐Resolved XRD/HRTEM Study
Authors: Koll Dominik , Andrusenko Iryna , Mugnaioli Enrico , Birkel Alexander , Panthöfer Martin , Kolb Ute , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Layered titanates are important intermediates during the formation of TiO2‐related nanostructures in hot concentrated base solution. Microwave‐assisted hydrothermal techniques allow a time‐resolved ex‐situ analysis of the reaction in one‐minute intervals by rapid heating and quenching followed by separation and structure analysis of the intermediates. By a combination of powder X‐ray diffraction, high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) the individual stages of the reaction could be identified. Sodium titanate nanosheets are formed within several minutes by digesting the crystalline TiO2‐P25 precursor in NaOH. These nanosheets with a low sodium content form flake‐like aggregates. Subsequently, these nanosheet intermediates form nanoscrolls and/or nanotubes, which transform in the next step to NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O nanowires by reaction with NaOH via an oriented attachment of nanotubes from solution. The NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O nanowires grow at the expense of the nanotubes and form an ordered structure via dissolution‐recrystallization equilibria between solid NaTi3O6(OH)·2H2O and soluble titanate species.
A description of two new species of Ligophorus Euzet & Suriano, (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) from Malaysian mugilid fish using principal component analysis and numerical taxonomy
Authors: Soo O.Y.M. , Lim L.H.S.
Published: October 2013

Ligophorus belanaki n. sp. and Ligophorus kederai n. sp. are described from Liza subviridis Valenciennes, 1836 and Valamugil buchanani Bleeker, 1854, respectively. Ligophorus kederai n. sp. has fenestrated ventral anchors, while in L. belanaki n. sp. the ventral anchor is not fenestrated. Ligophorus belanaki n. sp. is similar to L. careyensis, one of its coexisting congeners, in the overall shape and size of hard parts, but differs in having a flat median piece in the structure of the AMP (antero-median protuberance of the ventral bar), copulatory organ with non-ornamented initial part and longer vaginal tube, compared to raised median piece in the AMP, ornamented initial part and comparatively shorter vaginal tube in L. careyensis. Ligophorus kederai n. sp. is similar to L. fenestrum, a coexisting congener, in having fenestrated ventral anchors, but differs in having longer points and narrower base. Ligophorus fenestrum, unlike L. kederai n. sp., also possesses fenestrated dorsal anchors. The principal component analysis (PCA) scatterplots indicate that the two new and eight known Ligophorus species from Malaysian mugilids can be differentiated based on the morphometries of their anchors, ventral bars and copulatory organ separately and when combined together. Numerical taxonomy (NT) analyses based on Jaccard's Index of Similarity and neighbour-joining clustering, is used to facilitate comparison of these two new species with the 50 known Ligophorus based on morphological and metric characters. The two new species are different from each other and the other 50 species in the overall shapes and sizes of hard parts, as indicated by the NT analyses.
Numerical and functional responses to the presence of a competitor – the case ofAggregatasp. (Apicomplexa: Aggregatidae) andOctopicola superba(Copepoda: Octopicolidae)
Authors: CAVALEIRO F. I. , SANTOS M. J.
Published: October 2013

Evidence of interference competition between the eimeriorin coccidianAggregatasp. and the octopicolid copepodOctopicola superbaat the level of the gills of naturally infectedOctopus vulgarisis evaluated. Numerical and functional responses are considered for analysis, and the fundamental and realized spatial niches (FSNs and RSNs) are measured as part of the study. While it was not possible to measure the FSN ofAggregatasp., the analysis of the infection levels ofO. superbarecorded for non-concomitantly and concomitantly infected hosts suggests that the gills and body skin constitute, respectively, the main and accessory sites of infection of the parasite. According to the evidence found, the gills function mainly as an accessory site of infection ofAggregatasp., in specimens in which the caecum and intestine are massively infected. Evidence for a negative interaction betweenAggregatasp. andO. superbahas been found while controlling for a potential confounding effect of host size. Furthermore, the presence ofO. superbaon gill lamellae appears to have been negatively affected by the presence ofAggregatasp., while this latter remained mostly undisturbed. The mean number of oocysts ofAggregatasp. in the gills was higher in spring and summer, which were also the seasons presenting the broadest RSN forO. superba.
Refactoring tools for functional languages
Authors: THOMPSON SIMON , LI HUIQING
Published: October 2013

Refactoring is the process of changing the design of a program without changing what it does. Typical refactorings, such as function extraction and generalisation, are intended to make a program more amenable to extension, more comprehensible and so on. Refactorings differ from other sorts of program transformation in being applied to source code, rather than to a ‘core’ language within a compiler, and also in having an effect across a code base, rather than to a single function definition, say. Because of this, there is a need to give automated support to the process. This paper reflects on our experience of building tools to refactor functional programs written in Haskell (HaRe) and Erlang (Wrangler). We begin by discussing what refactoring means for functional programming languages, first in theory, and then in the context of a larger example. Next, we address system design and details of system implementation as well as contrasting the style of refactoring and tooling for Haskell and Erlang. Building both tools led to reflections about what particular refactorings mean, as well as requiring analyses of various kinds, and we discuss both of these. We also discuss various extensions to the core tools, including integrating the tools with test frameworks; facilities for detecting and eliminating code clones; and facilities to make the systems extensible by users. We then reflect on our work by drawing some general conclusions, some of which apply particularly to functional languages, while many others are of general value.
Accurate recursive generation of spherical Bessel and Neumann functions for a large range of indices
Authors: Gillman E. , Fiebig H. R.
Published: October 2013

Partial wave expansion is encountered in a wide range of problems in theoretical physics. Typically, spherical Bessel functions are encountered in scattering of nuclei, atoms, and molecules. A routine is described for computing spherical Bessel and Neumann functions jl( x) and nl( x), respectively, by backward and forward recurrence relations. The method is fast, very accurate, not code intensive, and easily adopted for a personal computer. These features make the code well suited for the physics student research environment.
Orthogonal least-squares line fit with variable scaling
Authors: Miller Benjamin P. , Dunn Howard E.
Published: October 2013

An orthogonal least-squares method was considered for linear correlations of data sets in which both variables are subject to unknown uncertainties in measurement. A previously reported method and an alternatively developed equivalent method were investigated. The orthogonal method was found to be sensitive to the relative numerical scales of the two variables, but its application is considered appropriate to data sets rescaled to dimensionless forms. A versatile computer program was developed for application of the method. It allows for the comparison of the orthogonal and standard least-squares methods and has the ability to produce publication quality plots. Results are given for one experimental data set.
Interaction of U(1) cosmic strings: Numerical intercommutation
Authors: Matzner Richard A.
Published: October 2013

The putative ability of cosmic strings to act as seeds for galaxies depends on the efficiency of a number of processes that produce an initial network of strings and then allow them to evolve to a population that can act as condensation centers. Here the classical field theory of the interaction of cosmic strings is studied. A limited survey of numerical evolutions has been carried out. Calculations have been carried out showing parallel string–string repulsion; string–antistring (i.e., antiparallel string) annihilation with initial velocity v=0 and v=0.75; string–string collision at right angles with v/c=0.1, 0.5, 0.75, 0.85, 0.9c, with v/c=0.75 at θ=π/4 and at θ=3π/4, and with v/c=0.9 at θ=7π/8; and string–string and string–antistring collisions with v/c=0.9 and v/c=0.95. Intercommutation occurs in all situations so far investigated except that string–antistring collision with v/c≳0.90 apparently leads to reemergence, i.e., no intercommutation. All simulations have a ‘‘sombrero’’ potential V (φ)=λ(‖φ‖2−σ2)2 and a gauge field coupling e. (The numerical results are obtained with λ=0.01, e=0.2, giving the gauge field a slightly longer scale length than that of the scalar field.)
Semi-intuitive computations and artificial intelligence: Dimensional analysis as a case study
Authors: Hardt S. L. , Chen G.
Published: October 2013

The computational power of a semi-intuitive or semiformal problem solving method is investigated using dimensional analysis as a case study. By modeling this problem solving method in a computer program, it is found that it provides a computational shortcut to the formal methods that are involved in solving the full equations of motion for a given problem by utilizing domain knowledge in the form of facts, typical behaviors, and anecdotal information about the physical system. This cooperation of knowledge of various forms seems to be a key characteristic of creative analysis and problem solving tasks.
A simple microprocessor for FASTBUS slave modules
Authors: Meyer W. T. , Gorbics M. S.
Published: October 2013

A simple but powerful implementation of a microprocessor is described for use as an embedded processing engine in FASTBUS modules. This design uses a 16 MHz 68000 processor and 128K of static random access memory, yet it is economical enough for use on boards which are produced in large quantities. The circuit contains 11 chips, draws less than 4 W of power, and costs less than $75 in parts. Software can be written using any assembler or compiler/linker which can create Motorola S-code or an absolute binary image, and several tools exist to aid software development.
Markov aggregation on a sticky circle
Authors: Pickover Clifford A.
Published: October 2013

This note illustrates simple graphics techniques for visualizing a large class of graphically interesting manifestations of chaotic behavior arising from aggregating particles.
A parallel algorithm for determining the ground state of some ferromagnetic spin systems
Authors: Inchiosa Mario E. , Janowsky Steven A.
Published: October 2013

A Monte Carlo algorithm has been developed for determining low-temperature states of certain statistical mechanical systems. The advantage of the algorithm is that it can be implemented on a very simple parallel computer (or a local area network) since interprocessor communication is kept to a minimum.
Operating experience with a multiple-processor system for data acquisition and reduction in nuclear physics
Authors: Kutt P. H. , Balamuth D. P.
Published: October 2013

A multiprocessor system based on commercially available VMEbus components has been developed for the acquisition and reduction of event-mode data in nuclear structure physics experiments. The system contains seven 68000 CPU’s and 14MB of memory. A simple operating system handles data transfer and task allocation, and a compiler for a specially designed event analysis language produces code for the processors. Design considerations are discussed for the hardware and software, with emphasis on the differences in requirements between nuclear and high-energy physics applications. The system has been in operation for four years at the University of Pennsylvania Tandem Accelerator Laboratory. Computation rates several times that of a MicroVAX II have been achieved at a fraction of the cost. A recent improvement to the system has been the addition of WORM optical disks which allow the processing of gigabyte data sets without operator intervention.
Diagonalization of a complex Hermitian matrix with a band structure
Authors: Camarda H. S.
Published: October 2013

Presented here is a FORTRAN program called HBAND which reduces to tridiagonal form relatively large complex Hermitian matrices with a band structure. Numerical computations with Hermitian matrices of dimension ∼4000×4000 indicate the execution time is about four times greater than that required to bring an equivalent real symmetric matrix with a band structure to tridiagonal form using the IMSL routine EIGBS. Additional tests performed with much smaller matrices indicate HBAND is about three times faster than the IMSL routine EHOUSH which is used for general complex Hermitian matrices. The algorithm used in HBAND is discussed and an example is given of how a band Hermitian matrix arises by numerically solving, with the finite difference technique, the Schrodinger equation with imaginary terms. A listing of HBAND written in complex double-precision arithmetic is given along with a short program that illustrates how HBAND is used by diagonalizing a simple test matrix.
Quantum transmission in periodic potentials: A transfer matrix approach
Authors: Yu K. W.
Published: October 2013

A transfer matrix approach to deal with the problems of electrons in a periodic potential in one dimension is presented. A nonlinear recursive formula for the transmission coefficient is derived and used to study the band structure of crystals. The present method is shown to be more powerful than the well-known Kronig–Penney model.
The Polyp multiprocessor: Architecture and applications in nuclear physics
Authors: Männer R. , Stucky O.
Published: October 2013

This article describes the architecture of the Heidelberg Polyp multiprocessor and its application in nuclear physics. The system is used for real-time preprocessing and filtering of events that are read in from Fastbus front-end electronics at a rate of ≤108 parameters/s. The computing power is provided by a concurrent operation of many microprocessors (currently 30 Motorola 68000 CPUs with 16 kbytes of cache memory and 1 Mbyte of main memory each). They are interconnected by a multiple bus system, which allows adjustment of the bus bandwidth from 10 to 200 Mbytes/s. The processors and buses constitute pools that are managed by a decentralized hardware that permits making changes to the computing power and bus bandwidth without any software modifications. Another special feature is provided by the Syncbus that supports distributed scheduling by hardware. In addition, fault tolerance is achieved by forward and backward hardware error correction. Several systems have been runnning for more than 2 years, with one of them being currently upgraded to 48 processors (68020/68882 Motorola VME boards with 4 Mbytes each).
Time domain analysis of the impulse response of physical systems using optimization methods
Authors: Saleh A. H. M.
Published: October 2013

The paper describes a flexible method for estimating the impulse response of physical systems. The input and output signals of the system are deconvolved numerically in the time domain by an iteration scheme. The method is based on an optimization strategy that minimizes the least-squares error between the theoretical model and the observed behavior of the system.
An algorithm for the fast Fourier transform on a Connection Machine
Authors: Hertz Paul
Published: October 2013

An efficient algorithm for performing a fast Fourier transform on a data parallel computer is presented. The algorithm allows both the decimation in time (bit reversal) and Danielson–Lanczos (butterfly) phases to be executed in log(N) steps, where N is the size of the transform. Pseudocode is given for implementing the algorithm on a Connection Machine.
Continued fraction calculation of spherical Bessel functions
Authors: Lentz W. J.
Published: October 2013

An efficient new method of calculating spherical Bessel functions of complex argument based on continued fractions is developed. The method does not depend on recurrence relations, and it allows accurate calculations on computers with differing word lengths. The method may be easily extended to other types of Bessel functions and to complex orders.
A general field-line plotting algorithm
Authors: Horowitz E. J.
Published: October 2013

A new, general algorithm for plotting electrostatic field lines is presented which requires a minimal amount of control to plot two-dimensional field lines in vacuum regions containing conductors. The resulting plot has the property that the density of field lines is linearly related to the strength of the field. The new method is applicable to other fields as well.
Methods for performance evaluation of algorithms and computers
Authors: Arnold Clifford N.
Published: October 2013

Several popular CPU performance metrics are summarized. Hockney’s method for modeling CPU performance as a linear timing equation is discussed and extended to evaluate nonlinear algorithms and their interactions with complex CPU instruction sets. It is argued that instead of determining Hockney’s n1/2 and r∞ of a computer, it is appropriate to determine these values for the combination of the algorithm, compiler, and computer hardware (thus renaming the parameters N1/2 and R∞). The resulting discussion demonstrates how computers and algorithms can be evaluated both separately and as an integrated unit. This method allows users to predict the performance of complex codes using a fairly simple set of measurements. It also provides guidance and rationale for effective program coding styles and design habits.
A statistic filter routine
Authors: Younan Nicolas H. , Frazier William G.
Published: October 2013

A statistic controlled filter algorithm to reduce random white noise from experimental data is developed. This technique is equivalent to implementing an ideal low-pass filter where a statistical test is used to determine the cutoff frequency. Moreover, this filter requires no a priori knowledge of the signal and provides an estimate of the noise level. The routine is simple, fast, and easy to implement on a microcomputer.
Using the Computer as a Camera
Authors: Centrella Joan M.
Published: October 2013

The photos accompanying this article are from a 1985 computer-animated film that resulted from an unusual collaboration between science and art: the film, which depicts the clustering of matter in the early evolution of the universe, was produced by astrophysicist Joan M. Centrella and a Hollywood graphics company led by John Whitney Jr. and Gary Demos. Whitney and Demos won a 1985 Academy award for their work in developing a motion-picture graphics technique called digital scene simulation; their computer-generated graphics have been used in such movies as Tron, Looker, and 2010 and in the music video for Mick Jagger's “Hard Woman.” Computers In Physics asked Centrella for the scientist's perspective on her collaboration.
What's NeXT?
Authors: Cralle R. K.
Published: October 2013

Few product announcements in the field of scientific computing have drawn as much notoriety as the introduction of “The Cube” from NeXT Inc. Targeted at the university market, the commercial release 1.0 of this product is yet to become available at the time we go to press. Nevertheless, wide interest in the community prompts us to publish this preliminary review based on experience with developmental versions 0.8 and 0.9 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We are in the process of preparing a full-length feature covering physics applications on NeXT.