bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tight versus non tight control of metabolic acidosis on early renal function after kidney transplantation
Authors: Etezadi Farhad , Pourfakhr Pejman , Mojtahedzade Mojtaba , Najafi Atabak , Moharari Reza Shariat , Yarandi Kourosh Karimi , Khajavi Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2012

Background

Recently, several studies have been conducted to determine the optimal strategy for intra-operative fluid replacement therapy in renal transplantation surgery. Since infusion of sodium bicarbonate as a buffer seems to be safer than other buffer compounds (lactate, gluconate, acetate)that indirectly convert into it within the liver, We hypothesized tight control of metabolic acidosis by infusion of sodium bicarbonate may improve early post-operative renal function in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

120 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group A, bicarbonate was infused intra-operatively according to Base Excess (BE) measurements to achieve the normal values of BE (−5 to +5 mEq/L). In group B, infusion of bicarbonate was allowed only in case of severe metabolic acidosis (BE ≤ −15 mEq/L or bicarbonate ≤ 10 mEq/L or PH ≤ 7.15). Minute ventilation was adjusted to keep PaCO2 within the normal range. Primary end-point was sampling of serum creatinine level in first, second, third and seventh post-operative days for statistical comparison between groups. Secondary objectives were comparison of cumulative urine volumes in the first 24 h of post-operative period and serum BUN levels which were obtained in first, second, third and seventh post-operative days.

Results

In group A, all of consecutive serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in comparison with group B. With regard to secondary outcomes, no significant difference between groups was observed.

Conclusion

Intra-operative tight control of metabolic acidosis by infusion of Sodium Bicarbonate in renal transplant recipients may improve early post-operative renal function.
In vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of phenolic constituents from aerial parts of Polygonum hyrcanicum
Authors: Moradi-Afrapoli Fahimeh , Asghari Behavar , Saeidnia Soodabeh , Ajani Yusef , Mirjani Mobina , Malmir Maryam , Dolatabadi Bazaz Reza , Hadjiakhoondi Abbas , Salehi Peyman , Hamburger Mattias , Yassa Narguess
Published: September 2012

Background and the purpose of the study

The early stage of diabetes mellitus type 2 is associated with postprandial hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is believed to increase the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative tissue damage. In an effort of identifying herbal drugs which may become useful in the prevention or mitigation of diabetes, biochemical activities of Polygonum hyrcanicum and its constituents were studied.

Methods

Hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of P. hyrcanicum were tested for α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Active constituents were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract in an activity guided approach.

Results

A methanolic extract from flowering aerial parts of the plant showed notable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 15 μg/ml). Thirteen phenolic compounds involving a cinnamoylphenethyl amide, two flavans, and ten flavonols and flavonol 3-O-glycosides were subsequently isolated from the extract. All constituents showed inhibitory activities while compounds 3, 8 and 11 (IC50 = 0.3, 1.0, and 0.6 μM, respectively) were the most potent ones. The methanol extract also showed antioxidant activities in DPPH (IC50 = 76 μg/ml) and FRAP assays (1.4 mmol ferrous ion equivalent/g extract). A total phenol content of 130 mg/g of the extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.

Conclusion

This study shows that P. hyrcanicum contains phenolic compounds with in vitro activity that can be useful in the context of preventing or mitigating cellular damages linked to diabetic conditions.
Nondestructive Method for Analysis of the Soybean Quality
Authors: Dong Yan , Qu Shi You
Published: September 2012

Fourier transform near infrared (NIR) spectra combined with chemometric methods was proposed to the analysis of the crude protein and fat contents in whole-kernel soybean. The calibration models were established by partial least square. After optimizing spectral pre-treatment, the determination coefficient (R2) of the crude protein and fat were 0.971, 0.970, and root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) were 0.610, 0.365，respectively. For the prediction samples of the crude protein and fat, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were 0.766, 0.420, respectively. The analytical results showed that NIR spectra had significant potential as a rapid and nondestructive method for the crude protein and fat contents in soybean.
Imaging optics on scanner for SMO generation process
Authors: Matsuyama Tomoyuki , Mizuno Yasushi , Smith Daniel G.
Published: September 2012

The k1 factor continues to be driven downward, in order to enable the 22-nm feature generation and beyond. Such a low k1 factor tends to lead to extremely small process windows. For such demanding imaging challenges, it is not only necessary for each unit, contributing to the imaging system, to be driven to its ultimate performance capability, but also that active techniques that can expand the process window and the robustness of the imaging against various kinds of imaging parameters be implemented. One such technique is source and mask optimization (SMO). In this paper, we study the effect of SMO. Furthermore, we discuss how to realize the SMO solution in the imaging system setup on the scanner. The setup process includes freeform pupilgram generation (source intensity distribution on the pupil) and pupilgram adjustment.
Advances in EUV light sources
Authors: Farrar Nigel R. , La Fontaine Bruno M. , Fomenkov Igor V. , Brandt David C.
Published: September 2012

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has emerged as the preferred choice for high-volume manufacturing, now that immersion ArF reaches its limits. Light source power is a key driver to achieve the throughput required for successful adoption of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). Cymer has developed a laser-produced plasma source based on a high-power CO2 drive laser exciting tin targets to emit 13.5 nm light. Five sources are currently installed at chipmaker fabs and are being used for process development. The power output of the fielded source configuration is currently 20 W, lower than required for manufacturing introduction. The technology for scaling up power is under development, focusing on increasing the conversion efficiency and collection efficiency of the source. Increasing drive laser power to 17 kW has allowed the demonstration of EUV power of nearly 50 W, with paths identified for further scaling to 100 W. An additional focus on product reliability has driven the availability up to 70%, primarily through extending the collector mirror lifetime.
Effect of coagulation factors on discrepancies in International Normalized Ratio results between instruments
Authors: Sølvik Una Ørvim , Røraas Thomas Helge , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Stavelin Anne Vegard , Monsen Grete , Sandberg Sverre
Published: September 2012

The reasons for discrepancies between International Normalized Ratio (INR) results determined by point-of-care-instruments and laboratory measurements are not fully understood. In this study we investigated whether different levels of coagulation factors in the plasma of patients can explain some of the systematic and/or random parts of the difference in INR between the instruments.

Blood samples were collected at four different patient visits from each of 34 outpatients on warfarin treatment. INR was determined on a laboratory instrument (STA Compact

The coagulation factors, especially fibrinogen, factors II and VII, could explain between 16% and 45% of the total variance of the differences in INR between instruments dependent on instruments compared. After correction for factors no systematic difference was seen for four of the six comparisons and the between- and within-subject variation of the differences were reduced by up to 69% and 52%, respectively.

By correcting for the appropriate coagulation factors, especially the systematic differences, but also the between- and within-subject variation of the differences between instruments, were reduced. This indicates that different levels of coagulation factors in the plasma of the patients play an important role in explaining discrepancies between INR instruments.
Analytical performance, reference values and decision limits. A need to differentiate between reference intervals and decision limits and to define analytical quality specifications
Authors: Petersen Per Hyltoft , Jensen Esther A. , Brandslund Ivan
Published: September 2012

With the increasing use of decision limits (action limits, cut-off points) specified for a number of analytical components in diagnosis and for action in critical situations, formulated in national or international recommendations, the traditional interpretation of reference intervals has been uncertain, and sometimes the two concepts are being mixed up by incorporating risk calculations in the reference intervals. There is, therefore, a need to clarify the two concepts and to keep them definitely separated. Reference intervals are the 95% limits for the descriptions of the distributions of the values of analytical components measured on reference samples from reference individuals. Decision limits are based on guidelines from national and international expert groups defining specific concentrations of certain components as limits for decision about diagnosis or well-defined specific actions. Analytical quality specifications for reference intervals have been defined for bias since the 1990s, but in the recommendations specified in the clinical guidelines analytical quality specifications are only scarcely defined. The demands for negligible biases are, however, even more essential for decision limits, as the choice is no longer left to the clinician, but emerge directly from the concentration. Even a small bias will change the number of diseased individuals, so the demands for negligible biases are obvious. A view over the analytical quality as published gives a variable picture of bias for many components, but with many examples of considerable bias which must be critical – yet no specifications have been stipulated until now.
Aberrant lamellar body counts noted on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800
Authors: Kyle Patrick B. , Lawrence Thomas J.
Published: September 2012

The lamellar body count (LBC) plays a crucial role in fetal lung maturity testing. Lamellar bodies are often counted in the platelet channel of routine hematology analyzers, resulting in a rapid and inexpensive assay for fetal lung maturity. Recently, significant imprecision was noted during LBC validation on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800.

The results of two Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800 instruments were compared to those of a Coulter LH 750 and Coulter LH 500. Three pools of amniotic fluid, commercial quality control materials, and proficiency test specimens were analyzed on all four instruments. Fifty patient specimens were also analyzed using the Coulter LH 500 and the Unicel DxH 800.

The mean values and precision obtained from commercial quality control materials and proficiency test samples were comparable on all four instruments. However, many erroneously low LBC results were produced from amniotic fluid pools using both DxH 800 instruments. The erroneous values were approximately 50% lower than respective target values, occurred randomly, and affected the low, medium, and high LBC results. Inter-assay precision of the three pools ranged from 24.7 to 39.0 CV% on the DxH 800 instruments.

The source of LBC errors likely involves the exclusion of smaller lamellar bodies from the counts. The DxH 800 combines new data fusion technology and mathematical algorithms to produce increased accuracy and flagging efficiency. Laboratorians should be aware that the improved specificity of the DxH 800 may preclude its use for this laboratory-developed test.
Evaluation of NGAL Test™, a fully-automated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) immunoassay on Beckman Coulter AU 5822
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Aloe Rosalia , Storelli Antonietta , Cervellin Gianfranco , Trenti Tommaso
Published: September 2012

The neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been identified as the most promising biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was aimed to evaluate a NGAL immunoassay on Beckman Coulter AU 5822.

NGAL Test™ (BioPorto Diagnostics A/S) is a particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. The within-and between-run imprecision were assessed on three urine samples. The linearity was assessed by serially diluting two urine samples with low and high NGAL concentration. The comparison study was performed with Abbott ARCHITECT NGAL, on 70 urine samples.

The within-run imprecision was comprised between 1.0% and 2.3%, whereas the between-run imprecision was between 1.2% and 2.0%. The linearity was excellent in the range between 18 ng/mL and 790 ng/mL (r=1.000; p<0.001). A highly significant agreement was observed between NGAL Test™ on Beckman Coulter AU5822 and Abbott ARCHITECT NGAL (r=0.925; p<0.001), although the method exhibited a bias of +65%. Excellent sensitivity and specificity against the ARCHITECT values were found at 200 ng/mL.

This analytical evaluation attests that the NGAL Test™ has several technical and analytical advantages, including no manual pretreatment, low volume of sample (i.e., 3 μL), fast turnaround time (approx. 10 min), low imprecision, wide dynamic range, optimal linearity.
Inhibition of Aeromonas sobria serine protease (ASP) by α2-macroglobulin
Authors: Murakami Yoji , Wada Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Hidetomo , Irie Atsushi , Hasegawa Makoto , Yamanaka Hiroyasu , Okamoto Keinosuke , Eto Masatoshi , Imamura Takahisa
Published: September 2012

ASP is a serine protease secreted by Aeromonas sobria. ASP cleaves various plasma proteins, which is associated with onset of sepsis complications, such as shock and blood coagulation disorder. To investigate a host defense mechanism against this virulence factor, we examined the plasma for ASP inhibitor(s). Human plasma inhibited ASP activity for azocasein, which was almost completely abolished by treating plasma with methylamine, which inactivates α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG). The ASP-inhibitor complex in ASP-added plasma was not detected by immunoblotting using anti-ASP antibody; however, using gel filtration of the plasma ASP activity for an oligopeptide, the ASP substrate was eluted in the void fraction (M
w>200 000), suggesting ASP trapping by α2-MG. Indeed, human α2-MG inhibited ASP azocaseinolytic activity in a dose-dependent manner, rapidly forming a complex with the ASP. Fibrinogen degradation by ASP was completely inhibited in the presence of α2-MG. α1-Protease inhibitor, antithrombin, and α2-plasmin inhibitor neither inhibited ASP activity nor formed a complex with ASP. Surprisingly, ASP degraded these plasma serine protease inhibitors. Thus, α2-MG is the major ASP inhibitor in the human plasma and can limit ASP virulence activities in A. sobria infection sites. However, as shown by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, slow ASP inhibition by α2-MG in plasma may indicate insufficient ASP control in vivo.
An acetylation site in lectin domain modulates the biological activity of polypeptide GalNAc-transferase-2
Authors: Zlocowski Natacha , Lorenz Virginia , Bennett Eric P. , Clausen Henrik , Nores Gustavo A. , Irazoqui Fernando J.
Published: September 2012

Polypeptide GalNAc-transferases (ppGalNAc-Ts) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation. All ppGalNAc-T family members contain a common (QXW)3 motif, which is present in the R-type lectin group. The acetylation site K521 is part of the QKW motif of β-trefoil in the lectin domain of ppGalNAc-T2. We used a combination of acetylation and site-directed mutagenesis approaches to examine the functional role of K521 in ppGalNAc-T2. Binding assays of non-acetylated and acetylated forms of the mutant ppGalNAc-T2K521Q to various naked and αGalNAc-glycosylated mucin peptides indicated that the degree of interaction of lectin domain with αGalNAc depends on the peptide sequence of mucin. Studies of the inhibitory effect of various carbohydrates on the interactions of ppGalNAc-T2 with MUC1αGalNAc indicate that point K521Q mutation enhance the carbohydrate specificity of lectin domain for αGalNAc. K521Q mutation resulted in an enzyme activity lower than that of the wild-type ppGalNAc-T2, similar to the acetylation of ppGalNAc-T2. We conclude that an acetylation site in the QKW motif of the lectin domain modulates carbohydrate recognition specificity and catalytic activity of ppGalNAc-T2 for partially preglycosylated acceptors and a certain naked peptide. Posttranslational modifications of ppGalNAc-Ts, such as acetylation, may play key roles in modulating the functions of the R-type lectin domains in cellular homeostasis.
Covalent and non-covalent reversible proteasome inhibition
Authors: Beck Philipp , Dubiella Christian , Groll Michael
Published: September 2012

The 20S proteasome core particle (CP) is the proteolytically active key element of the ubiquitin proteasome system that directs the majority of intracellular protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Over the past decade, the CP has emerged as an anticancer therapy target after approval of the first-in-class drug bortezomib (Velcade®) by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, bortezomib and all second-generation CP inhibitors that are currently explored in clinical phase studies react covalently and most often irreversibly with the proteolytic sites of the CP, hereby causing permanent CP blockage. Furthermore, reactive head groups result in unspecific binding to proteasomal active centers and in substantial enzymatic off-target activities that translate to severe side effects. Thus, reversible proteasome inhibitors might be a promising alternative, overcoming these drawbacks, but are challenging with respect to their urge for thorough enthalpic and entropic optimization. This review describes developments in the hitherto neglected field of reversible proteasome inhibitors focusing on insights gained from crystal structures, which provide valuable knowledge and strategies for future directions in drug development.
PhoB transcriptional activator binds hierarchically to pho box promoters
Authors: Blanco Alexandre G. , Canals Albert , Coll Miquel
Published: September 2012

The PhoR-PhoB phosphorelay is a bacterial two-component system that activates the transcription of several genes involved in phosphate uptake and assimilation. The response begins with the autophosphorylation of the sensor kinase PhoR, which activates the response regulator PhoB. Upon binding to the pho box DNA sequence, PhoB recruits the RNA polymerase and thereby activates the transcription of specific genes. To unveil hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms along the activation pathway, we report biochemical data characterizing the PhoB binding to promoters containing multiple pho boxes and describe the crystal structure of two PhoB DNA-binding domains bound in tandem to a 26-mer DNA.
Structural origins of AGC protein kinase inhibitor selectivities: PKA as a drug discovery tool
Authors: Åberg Espen , Lund Bjarte , Pflug Alexander , Gani Osman A.B.S.M. , Rothweiler Ulli , de Oliveira Taianà M. , Engh Richard A.
Published: September 2012

The era of structure-based protein kinase inhibitor design began in the early 1990s with the determination of crystal structures of protein kinase A (PKA, or cyclic AMP-dependent kinase). Although many other protein kinases have since been extensively characterized, PKA remains a prototype for studies of protein kinase active conformations. It serves well as a model for the structural properties of AGC subfamily protein kinases, clarifying inhibitor selectivity profiles. Its reliable expression, constitutive activity, simple domain structure, and reproducible crystallizability have also made it a useful surrogate for the discovery of inhibitors of both established and emerging AGC kinase targets.
The role of program, people, process, policy and place (5Ps) in the implementation of a positive youth development program
Authors: Wu Florence K.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: September 2012

There is scant literature about identifying factors contributing to the success of the implementation of programs to help understand the interrelationships among multiple facets of implementation. In this paper, a front-line implementer reviewed the execution practice of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in her former school in terms of program, people, process, policy and place (5Ps). By examining the factors contributing to the success of the implementation, the authors intend to fill the gap between the research and the practical school-based front-line implementation. Although the program implementation process was examined in researchers’ “expert” perspective, it would be helpful if more research employed front-line workers as collaborators and participants in the implementation process to understand what actually happen in the program implementation process.
Program implementers’ evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: a study based on different cohorts
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Tsui Pik Fong
Published: September 2012

A total of 216 schools participated in the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1, 2 and 3 levels) of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in the 2008/09 school year. Based on the subjective outcome evaluation findings collected from students and instructors in each grade, the program implementers wrote down five conclusions in their reports. Utilizing secondary data analysis, the conclusions in the reports were further analyzed. Results showed that most of the conclusions concerning perceptions of the program, instructors and effectiveness of the program were positive in nature. There were also conclusions indicating difficulties encountered and recommendations for improvement. The result of the present study is consistent with previous studies using the same method as well as using other evaluation means for the same grades. The findings suggest that the Tier 1 Program is well received by the stakeholders and the program is effective in promoting the holistic development of adolescents.
Implementation of the Secondary 3 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.: observations based on the co-walker scheme
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Ma Cecilia M.S.
Published: September 2012

The present study was conducted to explore the implementation quality of the Secondary 3 Program of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in the third year of the Full Implementation Phase. Classroom observations of 182 units in 129 schools were conducted. Results showed that the overall level of program adherence was 73.9%. Thirteen aspects concerning program delivery were significantly correlated. Multiple regression analyses revealed that overall implementation quality was significantly predicted by student participation and involvement, strategies to enhance student motivation, use of positive and supportive feedback, degree of achievement of the objectives, and lesson preparation. Success of implementation was significantly predicted by student participation and involvement, classroom control, use of positive and supportive feedback, opportunity for reflection, degree of achievement of the objectives and time management. The present findings generally suggest that the implementation quality of Project P.A.T.H.S. was high.
No changes in cochlear implant mapping and audiometric parameters in adolescence
Authors: Geal-Dor Miriam , Adelman Cahtia , Adler Miriam , Fostick Leah , Levi Haya
Published: September 2012

Background: Audiologists mapping in the clinic report that many cochlear-implanted teenagers and their parents complain of deterioration in hearing capabilities. The aim of this study was to compare the mapping parameters measured over the years and determine whether more changes occurred throughout adolescence than during childhood.

Methods: The files of 23 cochlear-implanted teenagers were studied retrospectively. Data were collected for each individual at several time points between the ages of 6.5 and 18.25 years. Typical data collected from the mapping sessions included behaviorally measured T values, impedance results, audiogram thresholds in the free field with the implant, speech reception threshold, and speech perception of vowel-consonant-vowel syllables.

Results: No changes were found in either the behavioral or the objective parameters over the years.

Conclusions: The stability in mapping and audiometric measurements found in adolescence do not support an explanation based on hormonal and growth effects on implant function. Perhaps a more likely cause of the subjective sense of hearing deterioration is related to changes in social and educational requirements.
Value of Doppler sonography near term: can umbilical and uterine artery indices in low-risk pregnancies predict perinatal outcome?
Authors: Bolz Nora , Kalache Karim D. , Fotopoulou Christina , Proquitte Hans , Slowinski Torsten , Hartung John P. , Henrich Wolfgang , Bamberg Christian
Published: September 2012

Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate the umbilical and uterine Doppler velocimetry waveforms for predicting the perinatal outcome of low-risk pregnancies at term.

Methods: We prospectively recruited 514 women with low-risk pregnancies and performed umbilical and uterine artery Doppler assessments between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound measurements (completed in 365 patients) were correlated with the perinatal outcome.

Results: The velocimetry waveforms of the umbilical artery were significantly associated with birthweight, placental weight, and postpartal umbilical artery pH. Low pH, placental weight, and birthweight were correlated with increasing pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). An umbilical artery PI>1.2 and a uterine artery RI>0.5 were associated with statistically higher rates of infants that were small for gestational age (SGA). Also, high cesarean delivery rates were correlated with an umbilical artery PI>1.2.

Conclusions: In our low-risk pregnancies population, the elevated umbilical artery indices at term appeared to be associated with the higher rates of infants that were SGA and cesarean deliveries. The Doppler waveforms at term had low prognostic value for predicting neonatal acidosis or decreased Apgar scores.
Simulation und Evaluation von Echtzeit-Ethernet in
Fahrzeugnetzen
Authors: Steinbach Till , Korf Franz , Schmidt Thomas C.
Published: September 2012

Die Zunahme von elektronischen Systemen insbesondere im Fahrerassistenz- und
Komfortbereich der Fahrzeuge drängt die etablierten
Automotive-Kommunikations\-technologien an die Grenze ihrer
Leistungsfähigkeit. Ein neuer Ansatz für die Kommunikation zwischen
Steuergeräten ist Ethernet im Automobil. Echtzeiterweiterungen haben den
Einsatzbereich von Standard-Switched-Ethernet auf zeitkritische Anwendungen
ausgedehnt. Diese Arbeit stellt eine simulationsbasierte Evaluationsstrategie
für Echtzeit-Ethernet-basierte Vermittlungsinfrastrukturen im Fahrzeug vor.
Wir führen eine gründliche Analyse des zugrundeliegenden
Simulationsmodells durch, welche die Simulationsergebnisse mit Berechnungen
eines mathematischen Modells und Messungen auf echter Hardware vergleicht. Sehr
präzise Übereinstimmungen belegen die Gültigkeit der Implementierung
und der mit ihr ermittelten Kenngrößen.
Modeling the Behavior of IPTV Users with Application to Call Blocking
Probability Analysis
Authors: Abdollahpouri Alireza , Wolfinger Bernd E. , Lai Junyu , Vinti Catalin
Published: September 2012

In traditional TV delivery systems, all the channels are pushed toward the
subscribers. Therefore, user activities like channel switching have no effect on
the provider network. Consequently, TV providers have felt no strong need to
analyze and investigate the behavior of their subscribers. In IPTV networks,
however, the situation is quite different. Channel switching activity of users
imposes extra load on the network and therefore is worth to be investigated and
analyzed. In this paper we elaborate the requirements of IPTV user modeling and
propose a model taking into account the requirements. The model is implemented
using the LoadSpec tool. Our proposed model can produce, in a realistic manner,
the workload of switching events of a typical IPTV client during an active
session. The application of the proposed model for the IPTV analysis,
specifically, for the evaluation of the call blocking probability is shown by
two case studies.
Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) conductive nanofibers
Authors: Koysuren Ozcan
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to prepare polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) conductive nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Prior to composite preparation, carbon nanotubes are dispersed homogeneously in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and mixed with a PVA solution. A series of PVA/CNT films and nanofibers with various CNT compositions are prepared. Electrical conductivity and specific capacitance of spin-coated PVA/CNT films and electrospun PVA/CNT fibers increase with an increase in CNT content. Electrospun PVA/CNT nanofibers with a larger electrode surface result in a higher specific capacitance when compared with spin-coated PVA/CNT films. According to the morphology analysis, homogeneous and highly porous PVA/CNT mats containing 50–300 nm diameter nanofibers are obtained by the electrospinning process.
Static, dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics of ultra-high performance cementitious composites
Authors: Zhang Wenhua , Zhang Yunsheng , Zhang Guorong
Published: September 2012

A new type of construction material named ultra-high performance cementitious composite (UHPCC) was developed in order to reduce the production cost and energy consumption of reactive powder concrete (RPC). Six different mixture proportions of UHPCC were designed, and their properties, including workability (slump test), static mechanical properties (compressive strength and flexure strength), and dynamic mechanical properties (dynamic compressive strength, toughness and fracture pattern), were investigated. Finally, the microstructure of the UHPCC was studied. The experiment result indicate that the compressive and flexural strength of UHPCC can reach 150–200 MPa and 15–50 MPa under standard curing conditions, respectively, which is close to RPC200. Besides, the steel fiber has significant improvement on mechanical properties of UHPCC. The dynamic impact test results show that UHPCC has obvious strain rate effects. Besides, UHPCC exhibits excellent properties to resist dynamic impact. The microstructure investigation showed that UHPCC has dense microstructures and very strong bonds of the interfacial transition zone between cementitious paste and fine aggregate steel fiber.
Did the Financial Crisis Save the Red-Green Government in the 2009 Norwegian Election – the Dissatisfaction with Rising Expectations Superseded By a Grace Period?
Authors: Jenssen Anders Todal , Kalstø Åshild Male
Published: September 2012

According to much of the voluminous literature on economic voting, governments are rewarded or punished for their economic policies as a consequence of economic changes. Economic problems decrease the chance of re-election, whereas good times improve the incumbent’s chances. The last three national elections in Norway give evidence to the contrary. In the 2001 and 2005 elections all economic indicators pointed upwards, but the governments were nevertheless voted out of office. In 2009 the international financial crisis challenged the Norwegian economy, but the government was still re-elected. We argue that this must be explained by introducing two new factors into the economic voting argument: the role of the media and the role of popular expectations. According to the sociotropic voter argument, voters assess the national economy, rather than their personal economy, when they decide how to vote. We argue that sociotropic voters rely heavily on the media as their source of information. In a complex economy, the voter’s personal experience is of little relevance when it comes to assessing the government’s economic policies. The media also form people’s expectations. In 2001 and 2005 expectations exceeded the economic output, whereas in 2009, the public’s expectations were well below the government’s ability to deliver, creating a rare grace period for the governing parties. A content analysis of two major newspapers demonstrates that the financial crisis dominated the media agenda for more than three months, and that the tone in the coverage was positive towards the government during this period. A significant change in party support in this period is demonstrated through auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling of a time series based on opinion polls.
Neo-liberalism, Semi-clientelism and the Politics of Scale in Mexican Anti-poverty Policies
Authors: Luccisano Lucy , Macdonald Laura
Published: September 2012

This article examines the implications of the multi-scalar politics of Mexican anti-poverty policy for the long-term process of democratization. The federal anti-poverty policy, Progresa/Oportunidades, was designed to eliminate traditional clientelistic practices. While more obvious practices of pork-barrel politics have been eliminated in poverty alleviation programs, continued practices of top-down processes of program design and implementation strategies have resulted in the emergence of semi-clientelism. Argued in this paper is that municipal and state political actors have responded to these federal policies in ways that may or may not promote deeper levels of democracy, and which have led to the reconstitution of semi-clientelism. The paper draws upon recent revisionist approaches to political clientelism, and introduces a multi-scalar approach borrowed from political geography. Based on this theoretical approach, the article examines the role of state and municipal authorities in the delivery of federal anti-poverty benefits within the Oportunidades conditional cash transfer program.
Decision Costs and Welfare Effects of Democratic Voting Rules: an Experimental Analysis
Authors: Glassmann Ulrich , Sauermann Jan
Published: September 2012

What impact do majority rule and unanimity rule have on welfare and decision costs? According to Buchanan and Tullock ([1962] 1999) the unanimity principle must be regarded as a democratic norm, because it guarantees Pareto-efficient welfare effects. We present experimental results from a public goods game, which demonstrate in contrast to this assumption that majority rule can produce greater welfare effects than unanimity rule. This result suggests a critical revision of theoretical approaches which narrow the legiti­macy of majority rule in this respect.
On Ligand Binding Energies in Porphyrinic Systems
Authors: Schalk Oliver , Liang Yu , Unterreiner Andreas-Neil
Published: September 2012

Energy decomposition analysis is a powerful tool to study the bond properties of molecules. Here, we used a recent implementation by P. Su and H. Li (J. Chem. Phys. 131 (2009) 014102) to test the method for investigations of ligand binding to medium sized molecules (30–40 atoms). We studied the properties of the bond between porphyrins or phthalocyanines with central metals without (Mg) or with a closed d shell (Zn and Cd) to ligands binding via various row II and III atoms (nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulphur) using various methods and basis sets. Several interesting results could be deduced: In the porphyrins, ligands binding via a nitrogen atom were preferred to those binding via oxygen and sixfold coordination was readily available for magnesium as central metal atom as opposed to zinc and cadmium derivatives which also showed a weaker bond strength. In phthalocyanines, a tendency to form fivefold coordination was also seen for magnesium compounds and bonds to nitrogen and oxygen had the same strength. Ligation to row III elements created only weak bonds that were prone to fluctuations.
Measurements of the Potentials of Zero Free Charge and Zero Total Charge for 1-thio- ± bβ-D-glucose and DPTL Modified Au(111) Surface in Different Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Su Zhangfei , Leitch Jay , Lipkowski Jacek
Published: September 2012

The immersion method was used to measure the potential of zero free charge (E
pzfc) of a bare Au(111) electrode and the electrode modified by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1-thio-β-D-glucose (β-Tg) and 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol-1-tetraethylene glycol-D,L-α-lipoic acid ester (DPTL). The measurements were performed in three electrolyte solutions: 0.1 M NaH2PO4, 0.1 MKClO4 and 0.1 M NaF. The E
pzc of the Au(111) electrode has different values in these electrolyte solutions due to the specific adsorption of phosphate and fluoride anions on the Au(111) surface. In contrast, when the gold surface is covered by a SAM of β-Tg, the adsorption of anions is suppressed and similar values of E
pzfc were measured in the three electrolytes. Additional chronocoulometric experiments were performed to determine the potentials of the zero total charge (E
pztc) for the thiol covered electrode. Significant differences between numerical values of potentials of the zero free charge E
pzfc and potentials of the zero total charge E
pztc were observed.
14N–1H Heteronuclear Multiple-Quantum Correlation Magic-Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy of Organic Solids
Authors: Tatton Andrew S. , Bradley Jonathan P. , Iuga Dinu , Brown Steven P.
Published: September 2012

14N–1H heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation (HMQC) solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra recorded at a 1H Larmor frequency of 850 MHz are presented for the dipeptide β-AspAla. A modified version of the pulse sequence presented by Gan et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett. 435 (2007) 163) that utilises rotary resonance recoupling (R3) at the n = 2 condition (ν
1 = 2ν
R
) is employed. Spectra recorded with a short recoupling period (under 200 μs) show two correlation peaks corresponding to the NH and NH3 moieties in the dipeptide. The quadrupolar product, P
Q = C
Q √ [1 + (η
Q
2/3)], is determined experimentally as 3.1 MHz (NH) and 1.0 MHz (NH3) by a comparison of the 14N and 15N isotropic chemical shifts which differ due to the isotropic second-order quadrupolar shift for the spin I = 1 14N nucleus. It is shown that the peak sensitivities increase markedly upon increasing the MAS frequency from 30 to 45 to 60 kHz due to a combination of the reduced residual dipolar broadening of the 1H resonances and a lengthening of the coherence lifetimes under R
3
recoupling. Increasing the recoupling period leads to the observation of additional peaks corresponding to longer range intra- and intermolecular NH proximities. Reasonable agreement is evident upon comparing the experimental build-up of correlation peak intensity to that observed for eight-spin density-matrix simulations.
Structure and Function in the Budding Yeast Nucleus
Authors: Taddei Angela , Gasser Susan M
Published: September 2012

Budding yeast, like other eukaryotes, carries its genetic information on chromosomes that are sequestered from other cellular constituents by a double membrane, which forms the nucleus. An elaborate molecular machinery forms large pores that span the double membrane and regulate the traffic of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. In multicellular eukaryotes, an intermediate filament meshwork formed of lamin proteins bridges from pore to pore and helps the nucleus reform after mitosis. Yeast, however, lacks lamins, and the nuclear envelope is not disrupted during yeast mitosis. The mitotic spindle nucleates from the nucleoplasmic face of the spindle pole body, which is embedded in the nuclear envelope. Surprisingly, the kinetochores remain attached to short microtubules throughout interphase, influencing the position of centromeres in the interphase nucleus, and telomeres are found clustered in foci at the nuclear periphery. In addition to this chromosomal organization, the yeast nucleus is functionally compartmentalized to allow efficient gene expression, repression, RNA processing, genomic replication, and repair. The formation of functional subcompartments is achieved in the nucleus without intranuclear membranes and depends instead on sequence elements, protein–protein interactions, specific anchorage sites at the nuclear envelope or at pores, and long-range contacts between specific chromosomal loci, such as telomeres. Here we review the spatial organization of the budding yeast nucleus, the proteins involved in forming nuclear subcompartments, and evidence suggesting that the spatial organization of the nucleus is important for nuclear function.
The SelfishSegregation DistorterGene Complex ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Larracuente Amanda M , Presgraves Daven C
Published: September 2012

Segregation Distorter (SD) is an autosomal meiotic drive gene complex found worldwide in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. During spermatogenesis, SD induces dysfunction of SD+ spermatids so that SD/SD+ males sire almost exclusively SD-bearing progeny rather than the expected 1:1 Mendelian ratio. SD is thus evolutionarily “selfish,” enhancing its own transmission at the expense of its bearers. Here we review the molecular and evolutionary genetics of SD. Genetic analyses show that the SD is a multilocus gene complex involving two key loci—the driver, Segregation distorter (Sd), and the target of drive, Responder (Rsp)—and at least three upward modifiers of distortion. Molecular analyses show that Sd encodes a truncated duplication of the gene RanGAP, whereas Rsp is a large pericentromeric block of satellite DNA. The Sd–RanGAP protein is enzymatically wild type but mislocalized within cells and, for reasons that remain unclear, appears to disrupt the histone-to-protamine transition in drive-sensitive spermatids bearing many Rsp satellite repeats but not drive-insensitive spermatids bearing few or no Rsp satellite repeats. Evolutionary analyses show that the Sd–RanGAP duplication arose recently within the D. melanogaster lineage, exploiting the preexisting and considerably older Rsp satellite locus. Once established, the SD haplotype collected enhancers of distortion and suppressors of recombination. Further dissection of the molecular genetic and cellular basis of SD-mediated distortion seems likely to provide insights into several important areas currently understudied, including the genetic control of spermatogenesis, the maintenance and evolution of satellite DNAs, the possible roles of small interfering RNAs in the germline, and the molecular population genetics of the interaction of genetic linkage and natural selection.
Clinical presentation and hospital outcome of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction – Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry data
Authors: Jánosi András , Ofner Péter , Voith László
Published: September 2012

Introduction: There are only very few data on gender differences in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Aim: To compare the clinical data and prognosis of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry database. Patients and methods: Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 4981 patients (3038 men) were included in the database. Results: Women were significantly older (67.7±13.5 vs. 60.5±12.5 years; p<0.001). Hypertension, diabetes, and stroke were more frequent among women, whereas smoking and previous myocardial infarction were found more often among men. Percutaneous coronary intervention was significantly more frequently performed in men than in women (82.4% vs. 75.3%; p<0.001), and the time between the onset of pain and arrival of patients to the site of percutaneous coronary intervention was longer in women than in men. Hospital mortality was higher among women than men (7.5% vs. 4.4%; p<0.001). Conclusions: At present women have a poorer hospital outcome than men. By increasing the revascularization treatment ratio in women an improvement may be achieved in the prognosis. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1465–1468.
A diabetic patient with asymptomatic multiple arterial disease
Authors: Bényi Zoltán , Nagy György , Nyirati Gábor , Szentpétery László , Vallus Gábor
Published: September 2012

The authors present the case of a 73-year-old diabetic woman who was referred to hospital because of the suspicion of lower limb peripheral arterial stenosis. During evaluations signs of the subclavian artery occlusion were found. In addition to diabetes, the patient had several risk factors revealed by medical history. Subclavian artery occlusion was solved by angiography guided stenting, and angiography also showed the presence of abnormalities in renal arteries. This case draws the attention to the importance of screening old diabetic patients for arterial stenosis and the importance of accurate risk factor assessment. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1475–1479.
Using aspect-oriented state machines for detecting and resolving feature interactions
Authors: Dinkelaker Tom , Erradi Mohammed , Ayache Meryeme
Published: September 2012

Composing different features in a software system may lead to conflicting
situations. The presence of one feature may interfere with the correct
functionality of another feature, resulting in an incorrect behavior of the
system. In this work we present an approach to manage feature interactions. A
formal model, using Finite State Machines (FSM) and Aspect-Oriented (AO)
technology, is used to specify, detect and resolve features interactions. In
fact aspects can resolve interactions by intercepting the events which causes
troubleshoot. Also a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) was developed to handle
Finite State Machines using a pattern matching technique.
Paths to Self-Employment among Immigrants
Authors: Cobas Jose A.
Published: September 2012

Using data collected in a sample of Cuban exiles in Puerto Rico, this article tests hypotheses derived from four explanations of immigrant entrepreneurship, each of which emphasizes one of the following: Business background, labor market disadvantages, sojourning, and participation in the ethnic subeconomy. In addition, the article proposes an extension of the explanations, to wit, that their predictions will vary according to the type of entrepreneurial activity under consideration. Data support three of the interpretations—business background, labor market disadvantages, and participation in the ethnic subeconomy—as well as the extension. However, they reject the sojourning explanation. The implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.