bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of photoperiod on vegetation phases and tuber development in topinambour (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
Authors: Terzic S. , Atlagic Jovanka , Maksimovic Ivana , Zeremski Tijana , Petrovic Sofija , Dedic B.
Published: May 2012

A topinambour collection was analyzed to determine the genetic variability of
141 accessions in reaction to the length of day (light), its influence on
vegetative and flowering phases, tuber number and mass. Day length
significantly influenced flowering, which started with the first shorter days
(15.6 h) in the third decade of June, while the majority of accessions
flowered in the third decade of August (13.3 h). Differences between
accessions were statistically significant for the analyzed phenotype traits.
A significantly longer vegetative phase was found in Montenegrin accessions
in comparison to the other groups of origin. Duration of the vegetative phase
was significantly and positively correlated to tuber mass and negatively to
their number, while duration of the reproductive phase had an opposite
effect. For further work on topinambour breeding, it would be important to
describe the mechanism of photoperiodic control of flowering initialization.
Only by obtaining accessions neutral to the photoperiod could topinambour
become a cultivated crop.
The effect of Indian liquorice on fertility potentials of male rats
Authors: Ligha A.E. , Oyibo A.C.
Published: May 2012

The use of herbs as an adjutant form of medical treatment is gaining
popularity all over the world. This study is aimed at determining the effects
of Indian liquorice on the fertility potentials of male Wistar rats.
Fifty-five rats divided into seven groups were used in this study. Doses of
200 and 400mg/kg of the extract were used. The parameters considered were the
weight of the testis, malondialdehyde concentration, hormonal levels,
histological characteristics and sperm analysis. We observed a significant
change in the weight of the testes, inhibition of testicular tissue
peroxidation, testosterone levels, sperm concentration and motility were
changed in comparison to the negative control. Obvious cellular changes were
also observed in the liquorice-treated groups. These changes were brought
back to almost pre-treatment values in the reversal groups. The changes
observed in groups co-treated with vitamin E were minimal and statistically
insignificant. The results suggest that the seed extract of Indian liquorice
has a negative effect on the fertility potentials of the male rats and shows
oxidative properties.
Development of a simple method to inoculate necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium in Artemia sp.
Authors: Avila-Villa Luz , Martinez-Porchas Marcel , Gollas-Galván Teresa , Lopez-Elias Jose
Published: May 2012

Different protocols were performed to evaluate their effectiveness to
inoculate necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium (NHPB) into Artemia sp.
Protocol-A consisted of adding to water 0.2 mL?L-1 of bacterial inoculum
composed of infected hepatopancreas (HPNHPB) and glycerol (1:1 w/v).
Protocol-B consisted of adding the same inoculum but at a ratio of 2 mL?L-1,
whereas protocol C consisted of adding 0.2 mL?L-1, of
HPNHPB+glycerol+formulated feed (0.5:0.5:1 w/v/w). Controls for each
treatment consisted of similar inoculums but using healthy hepatopancreas.
Artemia from A and B treatments were negative for NHPB after four and eight
days post-inoculation, whereas Artemia from treatment C resulted as positive
to NHPB after four (75% of individuals) and eight (100%) days
post-inoculation. The results suggest that the incorporation of formulated
feed into the inoculums induced the bacteria?s consumption of Artemia.
The effects of drought on the expression of TAO1, NCED and EIL1 genes and ABA content in tomato wild-type and flacca mutant
Authors: Milosavljevic Ana , Prokic Ljiljana , Marjanovic Milena , Stikic Radmila , Sabovljevic Aneta
Published: May 2012

The effects of drought (partial root-zone drying-PRD and regulated deficit
irrigation-RDI) and full irrigation (FI) on the expression of ABA
biosynthetic genes (TAO1 and NCED), EIL1 gene and ABA content in the leaves
of tomato wild-type (WT) and flacca mutant were investigated. Results
confirmed differences in the expression of the investigated genes under the
investigated treatments, during treatment duration as well as between
investigated WT and flacca plants. The most significant differences between
WT and flacca were found under PRD treatment. The similar expression pattern
of all genes in the WT plants could indicate synergistic signaling pathways
for ABA and ethylene. In flacca, reduced NCED and significant EIL1 expression
might reflect the increase in ethylene production, which could influence the
ABA signaling and production that occurred under PRD. Drought also induced an
increase in ABA content that is most expressed in flacca under RDI.
Water beetle distribution along a perennial distance gradient in an intermittent stream from the Mediterranean part of Montenegro
Authors: Pavicevic Ana , Pesic V.
Published: May 2012

In this study, we examined the impact of an unstable hydrological regime
(floods and seasonal drying) on water beetle fauna after a drought period, in
an intermittent stream in the Mediterranean part of Montenegro. Aquatic
beetles were collected between November 2009 and May 2010 from three
intermittent sites along the Rimanic stream at different distances from the
perennial part (DP), using quantitative sampling methods. We predicted that
water beetle assemblages would vary in structure and composition along DP
gradients. Total abundance, taxa richness, main faunal groups and proportion
of adults and larvae were assessed in order to describe the changes in the
water beetle assemblages. The water beetle fauna in the studied sites
recovered slowly from the drought periods in terms of both total abundance
and taxa richness. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) showed no significant
changes in community structure between the sites, but revealed changes in
terms of date (Rho = 0.403).
A study of the Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from western and northwestern Iran
Authors: Ghahari H. , Huang J.
Published: May 2012

Pteromalids are small parasitic koinobiont wasps that grow on immature stages
of other insects. Thus, they play an important role in most ecosystems,
mainly as secondary or tertiary consumers. In the conducted surveys of
pteromalid fauna in western and northwestern Iran, 37 parasitoids and
hyperparasitoid species from 32 genera were collected and are presented here
with the host records.
Curculionidae (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) from Lorestan province, western Iran
Authors: Ghahari H. , Arzanov Y.G.
Published: May 2012

The fauna of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Lorestan province,
western Iran is studied in this paper. A total 56 species from 19 genera and
5 subfamilies (including, Curculioninae, Ceutorhynchinae, Entiminae,
Hyperinae, Lixinae) were collected.
HPLC, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic and DFT characterization of purpurin isolated from Rubia tinctorum L.
Authors: Markovic Zoran , Manojlovic Nedeljko , Jeremic Svetlana , Zivic Miroslav
Published: May 2012

Purpurin (1,2,4-trihidroxyanthraquinone), a naurally occuring anthraquinone
pigment present in the root of Rubia tinctorum (Mull. Arg.) Zahlbr. was
isolated from the plant, purified and characterized by HPLC chromatography,
UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy. The geometries of the purpurin conformers were
optimized using the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. It was found that
all conformations have similar energies and that the corresponding purpurin
radicals are planar. In spite of their planarity, there is no significant
electron delocalization over the A and C rings. The antioxidant properties
of purpurin were investigated using the colorimetric assay as
Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity, and theoretical BDE (Bond
Dissociation Enthalpy). Both methods revealed that purpurin has strong
antioxidant capacity.
Mitigating motion artifacts in FDK based 3D Cone-beam Brain Imaging System using markers
Authors: Bhowmik Ujjal , Zafar Iqbal M. , Adhami Reza
Published: May 2012

Head motion during Computed Tomographic (CT) brain imaging studies can adversely affect the reconstructed image through distortion, loss of resolution and other related artifacts. In this paper, we propose a marker based innovative approach to detect and mitigate motion artifacts in three dimensional cone-beam brain CT systems without using any external motion tracking sensor. Motion is detected using correlations between the adjacent projections. Once motion is detected, motion parameters (i.e. six degrees-of-freedom of motions) are estimated using a numerical optimization technique. Artifacts, caused by motions, are mitigated by using a modified form Feldkemp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm which uses the estimated motion parameters in back-projection stage. The proposed approach has been evaluated on a modified three-dimensional Shepp-Logan phantom with a range of simulated motions. Simulation results demonstrate a quantitative and qualitative validation of motion detection and artifacts mitigation technique.
Faradaic current in different mullite materials: single crystal, ceramic and cermets
Authors: Mata-Osoro Gustavo , Moya Jose S. , Morales Miguel , Díaz L. Antonio , Schneider Hartmut , Pecharromán Carlos
Published: May 2012

Faradaic current measurements have been carried out on three different types of mullite: 2:1 mullite single crystals (E ⊥ c), 3:2 ceramics and 11% mullite/Mo composites. Measurements were carried out on very thin samples (60 μm) at high voltages (500 to 1000 V). Under these conditions, measurable currents were recorded even at room temperature. Results indicate notable differences between these three samples, which suggest that, although they share the same name and similar crystalline structure, binding energies and defect distributions seem to be very different. Finally, it has been seen that the excellent behaviour against dielectric breakdown of ceramic mullite does not hold for single crystals or mullite based cermets.
Development of high-strength pure magnesium and wrought magnesium alloys AZ31, AZ61, and AZ91 processed by hydrostatic extrusion with back pressure
Authors: Pachla Wacek , Mazur Andrzej , Skiba Jacek , Kulczyk Mariusz , Przybysz Sylwia
Published: May 2012

Cold hydrostatic extrusion with and without back pressure of commercial Mg 99.5+% and AZ31, AZ61, and AZ91 wrought magnesium alloys has been performed on a press operating up to 2000 MPa with a back pressure reaching up to 700 MPa. Application of back pressure extended the formability of Mg, and AZ-type magnesium alloys, which decreases with the increase in the Al content. Fibrous and elongated grains above 1 micrometre and nanometre scale sub-grains and grains were observed. The strength of all materials was significantly higher in comparison to materials conventionally and hydrostatically hot-extruded, hot ECAP-ed or after hot wire drawing. In comparison to materials processed by traditional methods the ultimate tensile strength increment after hydrostatic extrusion with back pressure increases gradually with an increase in Al content reaching for AZ91 almost 40%. The potential application of AZ-type magnesium alloys as semi-products for degradable medical implants or high strength structural components is indicated.
Immobilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabrics using poly 4-styrenesulfonic acid polyelectrolyte
Authors: Iamphaojeen Yuwanda , Siriphannon Punnama
Published: May 2012

Immobilization of ZnO nanoparticles on cotton fabrics using poly 4-styrenesulfonic acid (PSS) was studied. The cotton fabrics were firstly cationized using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (CHTAC) solution. The surfaces of cationized cotton were coated using a layer-by-layer technique by stepwise dipping the cationized cotton into a solution of anionic PSS polyelectrolyte and Zn(NO3)2 · 6H2O solution. The coating procedure was repeated 2, 4, and 6 times to obtain the PSS/Zn2+ multilayers coated on the cotton fabrics. The treated cotton fabrics were hydrothermally treated in NH4OH solution at 90 oC for 24 h, resulting in immobilization of ZnO nanocrystals on the cotton fabrics. The SEM, XRF, and XPS data revealed the accomplishment of ZnO immobilization on the surfaces of the treated cotton fabrics. The higher the number of PSS/Zn2+ coating layers on the fabrics, the more hydrothermally grown ZnO nanoparticles could be obtained, resulting in a higher UV protection factor when testing by the AATCC 183–2004 standard test method. All cotton fabrics with the ZnO immobilized on the surfaces were classified according to the AS/NZS 4339:1997 standard in the range of “VERY GOOD” UV protection category. The ZnO-immobilized cotton fabrics with the six PSS/Zn2+ coating layers could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus
aureus when testing by the AATCC 147–2004 standard test method.
Relationship between the mechanical properties and the surface roughness of marble
Authors: Karaca Zeki
Published: May 2012

Because dimension stone is a natural building material, polishing is important, especially when deciding how the stone will be used. However, the effects of stone polishing are not fully understood. In the stone industry, determining the best polishing process is often performed by trial and error or is based on an expert's experiences. This paper reports the result of a study conducted using selected true marble specimens to determine their surface roughness values and to relate these values to their grain sizes, uniaxial compressive strengths, tensile strengths, and Böhme abrasion values. For this purpose, five different true marble specimens were selected. The significance and validity of the relationships between the mechanical properties and the final surface roughness values were interpreted using test statistics. It was found that there were statistically significant correlations between uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength and the surface roughness of the studied marble specimens. It is not clearly known whether the Böhme abrasion loss value has any relationship with the surface roughness of the polished marble or not. It is thought that the present findings could help practitioners and consumers as well as architects and engineers to make more informed choices about the type of marble to use for specific applications.
In-situ observation of the fracture process in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys
Authors: Vratnica Maja
Published: May 2012

In order to investigate the fracture behaviour of highly-alloyed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys as a function of alloy purity, in-situ observations using scanning electron microscopy were performed during tensile testing. The observations were used to verify proposed fracture mechanisms in conjunction with microstructural and fractographic analyses along with fracture toughness tests. It was found that the fracture process is complex. The nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids precede ductile fracture of the alloys. The decohesion and fracture of intermetallic particles (generally >1 μm in diameter) appears to be the initial event in the fracture process, while mechanism and propagation rate of fracture depend on the alloy chemistry. A tortuous crack path and reduced crack propagation rate in the least pure alloy can be closely related to a strong interaction of the crack front with intermetallic particles.
Phase equilibria in the “SnO”–SiO2–“FeO” system in equilibrium with tin–iron alloy and the potential application for electronic scrap recycling
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni
Published: May 2012

Experimental studies have been conducted to determine the primary phases and liquidus temperatures in the pseudo-binary system “SnO”–“FeO” and the pseudo-ternary system “SnO”–SiO2–“FeO” in equilibrium with tin–iron alloy between 1148 and 1673 K, using a high-temperature equilibration and quenching technique followed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the phase compositions in the quenched samples. The following primary phase fields were identified: wustite (FeOx), spinel (Fe(3–x)SnxO4), fayalite (Fe2SiO4), tridymite (SiO2), tin iron silicate (Fe4Si2Sn7O16), and cassiterite (SnO2). With this new information on the chemistry of the “SnO”–SiO2–“FeO” slag this system may potentially be used for the processing and recycling of electronic scrap and the recovery of valuable minor elements.
Shrimp waste and marine waste as substitutes of fish meal in broiler diet
Authors: Aktar M , Rashid M , Azam MG , Howlider MAR , Hoque MA
Published: May 2012

A total of 192, 14 days old as hatched broilers were fed ad libitum up to 56 days of age, on a control diet with 12% fish meal (FM) and 3 test diets; shrimp waste (SW) and/or marine waste (MW) and equal mixture of SW and MW completely replace dietary FM to have their effects on performance. Live weight and feed conversion improved and feed intake depleted on test diets than that on control. The test diets did not affect survivability of broilers. Complete replacement of FM by SW and/or MW reduced feed cost and production cost with increased profitability of raising broilers. Meat yield decreased on test SM and MW diets, but equal mixture of SM and MW, gave similar meat yield to that on control. It was concluded that equal mixture of SM and MW might be better, economic and efficient substitute of FM.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10785Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 18-22
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of buffalo ovaries, follicles and oocytes in view of in vitro production of embryos
Authors: Khandoker MAMY , Jahan N , Asad L , Hoque SAM , Ahmed S , Faruque MO
Published: May 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the buffalo ovaries, follicles and cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) with the view of in vitro production (IVP) of embryos. Buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) ovaries were collected from local slaughterhouse and categorized according to the position of ovaries in the genital tract (left vs. right) and presence or absence of corpus luteum (CL). Moreover, collected ovaries were also evaluated for length, width and weight, number of follicles, aspirated follicles and state of COCs. The length (cm) of right ovary (2.32±0.06) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than left ones (2.14±0.05). Number of follicles were higher (P<0.05) in the left (7.25±0.31) compare to the right (6.22±0.32) ovaries. Other parameters, including width, weight and number of COC aspirated did not differ significantly (P<0.05) between right and left ovaries. The length, width and weight of ovaries with CL were higher (P<0.05) whereas, number of observed follicles, aspirated follicles, number of COCs and number of normal COCs were significantly (P<0.05) higher in ovaries without CL than their counter parts.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10786Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 409 (1-2): 23-27
Production systems of swine in the rural areas of Rangamati and Khagrachari districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain ME , Chakma S , Khatun MM , Hasanuzzaman M , Miah MY , Biswas MAA
Published: May 2012

The study was undertaken for a period of 60 days to investigate the production systems of swine in Rangamati and Khagrachari districts, Bangladesh. Production systems, particularly housing, feeding, breeding, disease prevalence, vaccination, bio-security, marketing, socio-economic condition and constraints of pig production were investigated during the study period. It was found that the propensity of rearing pig differed significantly (P<0.01) among the pig owners. Pigs were reared mostly by poor and landless peoples (54.7%) followed by marginal (32.1%), medium (9.4%) and large (3.8%). Rearing systems were also different (P<0.01) and the mean figures were 43.4% for free range, 24.5% for tin shed housing , 20.8% for fencing and 11.3% for girth tethering systems. The average litter size, birth weight, post-weaning weight and weaning period were 9.3, 1.72 kg, 9.0 kg and 40.8 days respectively. Prevalence of diseases differed (P<0.01) and most prevalent diseases were diarrhea (35.8%), coccidiosis (20.8%), pneumonia (17.0%) and hemorrhagic septicemia (13.2%). The economic benefits generated from farming were selling of piglets.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10787Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 28-33
Effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on the performance of Black Bengal goat
Authors: Ferdous MR , Khan MJ , Rashid MA , Kamruzzaman M
Published: May 2012

Fifteen castrated male goats (12.97±1.46 Kg) aged between 12 and 13 months were used to study the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Black Bengal goat under stall feeding. The feeding trial was continued for a period of 75 days where goats were supplied at the rate of 158g DM/kgW.75 /day. The animals were assigned into five dietary treatments: A (Only dal grass as sole feed), B (15% DM from concentrate + 85% DM from dal grass), C (20% DM from concentrate +80% DM from dal grass), D (25% DM from concentrate + 75% DM from dal grass), E (30% DM from concentrate + 70% DM from dal grass). Digestibility of all nutrients was gradually higher (P<0.01) from A to E. Total live weight gain of goats of group A was statistically lowest (P<0.01) than those of other groups. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) among the treatment groups E, D, C and B. Live weight was gradually increase due to gradual increase of concentrate from B to E. Nitrogen balance, carcass yield and net profit of treatment group E was highest (P<0.01) then D, C and B than A. Green grass do not fulfill the appetite and nutrient requirements as a sole feed. Concentrate supplementation is undoubtedly essential to fulfill the nutrient requirements and concentrate can be supplemented upto 30% of required DM to obtain the best result.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v40i1-2.10789Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 40-45
Magnetic Amphiphilic Composites Applied for the Treatment of Biodiesel Wastewaters
Authors: Lemos Bruno R. S. , Teixeira Ana Paula C. , Ardisson José D. , Macedo Waldemar A. A. , Fernandez-Outon Luis E. , Amorim Camila C. , Moura Flávia C. C. , Lago Rochel M.
Published: May 2012

In this work, new magnetic amphiphilic composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition with ethanol on the surface of hydrophilic natural chrysotile matrix containing Fe catalyst. XRD, Raman, Mössbauer and SEM analyses suggest the formation of a complex nanostructured material composed of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes/nanofibers grown on the hydrophilic surface of the MgSi fiber mineral and the presence of Fe metallic nanoparticles coated by carbon. These nanostructured particles show amphiphilic properties and interact very well with both oil and aqueous phases. When added to emulsions the amphiphilic particles locate on the oil/water interface and, under a magnetic field, the oil droplets collapsed leading to the separation of the aqueous and oil phases. Preliminary work showed excellent results on the use of these particles to break wastewater emulsions in the biodiesel process.
Magnetic Nanoparticles in the Imaging of Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: McDermott Shaunagh , Guimaraes Alexander R.
Published: May 2012

Angiogenesis, the growth of new capillary blood vessels, is central to the growth of tumors. Non-invasive imaging of tumor angiogenesis will allow for earlier detection of tumors and also the development of surrogate markers for assessing response to treatment. Steady state magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic nanoparticles is one method to assess angiogenesis. In this article we explain the theory behind steady state magnetic resonance imaging and review the available literature.
Development of an Electrochemical-Based Aspartate Aminotransferase Nanoparticle Ir-C Biosensor for Screening of Liver Diseases
Authors: Hsueh Chang-Jung , Wang Joanne H. , Dai Liming , Liu Chung-Chiun
Published: May 2012

Aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) is a hepatocelluar enzyme released into the bloodstream when hepatic cells are damaged, resulting in elevated blood levels of AST. A single use, disposable biosensor prototype, composed of catalytic iridium nano-particles dispersed on carbon paste, was developed to detect enzymatically-produced H2O2 in AST-mediated reactions. This biosensor is capable of measuring AST levels in a phosphate buffer and undiluted human serum over the concentration range of 0 to 0.89 μg/mL AST concentration (corresponding to 0–250 UL−1 specific activity). The biosensor operates at relatively low oxidation potential (+0.3 volt (V) versus the printed Ag/AgCl), minimizing any potential chemical interference in human serum. The measurements of AST in human serum using the biosensor compared well with those measured by standard hospital spectrophotometric assays. This Ir-C biosensor may be useful for AST measurements in the clinical environment.
Behavior in Oblivion: The Neurobiology of Subliminal Priming
Authors: Jacobs Christianne , Sack Alexander T.
Published: May 2012

Subliminal priming refers to behavioral modulation by an unconscious stimulus, and can thus be regarded as a form of unconscious visual processing. Theories on recurrent processing have suggested that the neural correlate of consciousness (NCC) comprises of the non-hierarchical transfer of stimulus-related information. According to these models, the neural correlate of subliminal priming (NCSP) corresponds to the visual processing within the feedforward sweep. Research from cognitive neuroscience on these two concepts and the relationship between them is discussed here. Evidence favoring the necessity of recurrent connectivity for visual awareness is accumulating, although some questions, such as the need for global versus local recurrent processing, are not clarified yet. However, this is not to say that recurrent processing is sufficient for consciousness, as a neural definition of consciousness in terms of recurrent connectivity would imply. We argue that the limited interest cognitive neuroscience currently has for the NCSP is undeserved, because the discovery of the NCSP can give insight into why people do (and do not) express certain behavior.
The Stroma—A Key Regulator in Prostate Function and Malignancy
Authors: Hägglöf Christina , Bergh Anders
Published: May 2012

Prostate cancer is a very common and highly unpredictable form of cancer. Whereas many prostate cancers are slow growing and could be left without treatment, others are very aggressive. Additionally, today there is no curative treatment for prostate cancer patients with local or distant metastasis. Identification of new, improved prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer and the finding of better treatment strategies for metastatic prostate cancer is therefore highly warranted. Interactions between epithelium and stroma are known to be important already during prostate development and this interplay is critical also in development, progression of primary tumors and growth of metastases. It is therefore reasonable to expect that future biomarkers and therapeutic targets can be identified in the prostate tumor and metastasis stroma and this possibility should be further explored.
New Frontiers in Gold Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Liotta Leonarda F.
Published: May 2012

For many years, gold has been regarded as a poor catalyst due to its chemical inertness towards reactive molecules such as oxygen and hydrogen. The interest in using gold in catalysis has increased during the last 20 years, since Haruta reported the surprisingly high activity in CO oxidation at low temperature for small (3–5 nm) gold particles supported on various oxides. [...]
A Sub-ppm Acetone Gas Sensor for Diabetes Detection Using 10 nm Thick Ultrathin InN FETs
Authors: Kao Kun-Wei , Hsu Ming-Che , Chang Yuh-Hwa , Gwo Shangjr , Yeh J. Andrew
Published: May 2012

An indium nitride (InN) gas sensor of 10 nm in thickness has achieved detection limit of 0.4 ppm acetone. The sensor has a size of 1 mm by 2.5 mm, while its sensing area is 0.25 mm by 2 mm. Detection of such a low acetone concentration in exhaled breath could enable early diagnosis of diabetes for portable physiological applications. The ultrathin InN epilayer extensively enhances sensing sensitivity due to its strong electron accumulation on roughly 5–10 nm deep layers from the surface. Platinum as catalyst can increase output current signals by 2.5-fold (94 vs. 37.5 μA) as well as reduce response time by 8.4-fold (150 vs. 1,260 s) in comparison with bare InN. More, the effect of 3% oxygen consumption due to breath inhalation and exhalation on 2.4 ppm acetone gas detection was investigated, indicating that such an acetone concentration can be analyzed in air.
The Sustainability Revolution: A Societal Paradigm Shift
Authors: Burns Tom R.
Published: May 2012

This article addresses a question relevant to those interested in the achievement of greater sustainability: What are some of the ways that major societal transformations come about? Firstly, four key mechanisms are identified in the article. Then, I go on to focus on one of these, which has a prominent place in the sustainability revolution that it is argued is now taking place. The question of what are characteristic features of the sustainability revolution is addressed. The ongoing transformations are largely piecemeal, incremental, diffuse—in earlier writings referred to as “organic”. Organic is a more encompassing notion than “grassroots”, since the innovation and transformation processes may be launched and developed at multiple levels by collective agents that in some cases are very large and would not be understood as “grassroots” actors. The article argues that the sustainability revolution shares some features, in particular its organic character, with the early industrial revolution. It concludes by addressing the question of what are the similarities and differences between the sustainability and industrial revolutions.
Einfluss der extrakorporalen Perfusion auf die Biodistribution 99mTc- HMPAOmarkierter Granulozyten
Authors: Margraf S. , Diener J. , Kranert W. T. , Francischetti I. , Bitu-Moreno J. , Ackermann H. , Middendorp M. , Theisen A. , Moritz A. , Scholz M. , Grünwald F. , Happel C.
Published: May 2012

Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of an extra corporal perfusion (cardiopulmonary bypass operation – cpb) on activation and biodistribution of 99mTc labelled granulocytes in pigs with and without inhibition of the granulocytes by a leukocyte inhibition module (LIM). The cpb is often related to an activation of granulocytes resulting in an inflammatory answer. The biological mechanisms are unsolved yet. First trials of our group showed that LIM may inhibit the activation of neutrophils and therefore antagonize a cpb-caused impairment of cardiac function. This study is the continuation of these experiments with a higher number of animals and the focus on scintigraphic imaging. Animals, material, methods: 39 German landrace pigs were subdivided into three groups: group A (control) median sternotomy without cpb, group B with cpb, group C with LIM in addition to cpb. After labelling with 99mTc-HMPAO autologues granulocytes were reinjected. Subsequently to cpb, the animals underwent scintigraphic imaging. Quantification was performed with ROI evaluation and with tissue samples (section analysis) examined in a well counter. Results: A high uptake of 99mTc-HMPAO was found in the liver. The count rates in brain, heart, lung, spleen and kidneys were far below. The amount of 99mTc-activity in the organ related to the half life corrected administered activity [%] was for the tissue samples (group A/B/C): brain 0.01/0.02/0.03; lung 12.1/8.3/11.5; heart 0.35/0.54/0.42; kidney 1.24/0.87/1.02; spleen 4.0/4.0/4.5, liver 16.8/20.9/19.6. The count rates determined by ROI-evaluation of the scintigraphic images related to the total count rate in the image [%] were (group A/B/C): brain 1.1/0.9/1.0; lung 15.6/10.4/12.2; heart 4.0/3.5/3.4; kidney 4.0/2.9/3.2; spleen 7.6/7.7/9.5, liver 23.1/36.7/31.4. A significant difference in the tracer uptake between the groups could neither be detected by scintigraphic imaging nor evaluation of tissue samples. Conclusion: Scintigraphic imaging as well as section analysis showed a comparable biodistribution of the tracer. Therefore, the initial results of our group were not confirmed with a considerably higher number of animals. Neither cpb nor the use of the LIM influenced distribution of 99mTc-labelled granulocytes in pigs significantly.
An easily accessible sulfated saccharide mimetic inhibits in vitro human tumor cell adhesion and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Marano Grazia , Gronewold Claas , Frank Martin , Merling Anette , Kliem Christian , Sauer Sandra , Wiessler Manfred , Frei Eva , Schwartz-Albiez Reinhard
Published: May 2012

Oligosaccharides aberrantly expressed on tumor cells influence processes such as cell adhesion and modulation of the cell’s microenvironment resulting in an increased malignancy. Schmidt’s imidate strategy offers an effective method to synthesize libraries of various oligosaccharide mimetics. With the aim to perturb interactions of tumor cells with extracellular matrix proteins and host cells, molecules with 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan as core structure were synthesized and screened in biological assays for their abilities to interfere in cell adhesion and other steps of the metastatic cascade, such as tumor-induced angiogenesis.

The most active compound, (4-{[(β-D-galactopyranosyl)oxy]methyl}furan-3-yl)methyl hydrogen sulfate (GSF), inhibited the activation of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) as well as migration of the human melanoma cells of the lines WM-115 and WM-266-4 in a two-dimensional migration assay. GSF inhibited completely the adhesion of WM-115 cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, fibrinogen and fibronectin.

In an in vitro angiogenesis assay with human endothelial cells, GSF very effectively inhibited endothelial tubule formation and sprouting of blood vessels, as well as the adhesion of endothelial cells to ECM proteins. GSF was not cytotoxic at biologically active concentrations; neither were 3,4-bis{[(β-D-galactopyranosyl)oxy]methyl}furan (BGF) nor methyl β-D-galactopyranoside nor 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan, which were used as controls, eliciting comparable biological activity. In silico modeling experiments, in which binding of GSF to the extracellular domain of the integrin αvβ3 was determined, revealed specific docking of GSF to the same binding site as the natural peptidic ligands of this integrin. The sulfate in the molecule coordinated with one manganese ion in the binding site.

These studies show that this chemically easily accessible molecule GSF, synthesized in three steps from 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan and benzoylated galactose imidate, is nontoxic and antagonizes cell physiological processes in vitro that are important for the dissemination and growth of tumor cells in vivo.
PRIVACY PRESERVING IRIS BASED BIOMETRIC IDENTITY VERIFICATION / IŠSAUGANTIS PRIVATUMĄ, AKIES RAINELĖS ANALIZE GRĮSTAS, BIOMETRINIO TAPATUMO VERIFIKAVIMAS
Authors: Strzelczyk Przemyslaw
Published: May 2012

Iris biometrics is considered one of the most accurate and robust methods of identity verification. Individually unique iris features can be presented in a compact binary form easily compared with reference template to confirm identity. However, when templates or features are disclosed, iris biometrics is no longer suitable for verification. Therefore, there is a need to perform iris feature matching without revealing the features itself and reference template. The paper proposes an extension of the standard iris-based verification protocol that introduces features and a template locking mechanism, which guarantees that no sensitive information is exposed.
STOCHASTIC MODEL OF TCP SYN ATTACKS / STOCHASTINIS TCP SYN ATAKŲ MODELIS
Authors: Ramanauskaitė Simona , Čenys Antanas
Published: May 2012

A great proportion of essential services are moving into internet space making the threat of DoS attacks even more actual. To estimate the real risk of some kind of denial of service (DoS) attack in real world is difficult, but mathematical and software models make this task easier. In this paper we overview the ways of implementing DoS attack models and offer a stochastic model of SYN flooding attack. It allows evaluating the potential threat of SYN flooding attacks, taking into account both the legitimate system flow as well as the possible attack power. At the same time we can assess the effect of such parameters as buffer capacity, open connection storage in the buffer or filte­ring efficiency on the success of different SYN flooding attacks. This model can be used for other type of memory depletion denial of service attacks.
THE METHODS OF SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AND THEIR USAGE FOR ANALYSIS OF MULTICRITERIA DECISION / JAUTRUMO ANALIZĖS METODAI IR JŲ NAUDOJIMAS DAUGIAKRITERINIAMS SPRENDIMAMS ANALIZUOTI
Authors: Simanavičienė Rūta , Ustinovičius Leonas
Published: May 2012

In this paper we describe the application's fields of the sensitivity analysis methods. We pass in review the application of these methods in multiple criteria decision making, when the initial data are numbers. We formulate the problem, which of the sensitivity analysis methods is more effective for the usage in the decision making process.
FREE OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE: SOCIAL PHENOMENON, NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW BUSINESS MODELS / ATVIROSIOS PROGRAMOS: SOCIALINIS REIŠKINYS, NAUJA VADYBA,NAUJI VERSLO MODELIAI
Authors: Jančoras Žilvinas
Published: May 2012

In the paper assumptions of free open source software existence, development, financing and competition models are presented. The free software as a social phenomenon and the open source software as the technological and managerial innovation environment are revealed. The social and business interaction processes are analyzed.
RESEARCH OF SELF-FORMATION NANOSTRUCTURES / NANODARINIŲ FORMAVIMOSI PROCESŲ TYRIMAS
Authors: Petrauskas Romas
Published: May 2012

Lateral etching processes for the modeling of the geometry of self-formation nanostructures with Silvaco TCAD Athena program are analyzed. Self-formation nanostructures is modeled with different mask selectivity values equal to 2, 10, 40 and 100 with respect to the etching layer, with the etching duration of
0–180 s. The etching rates are constant – 1.33 nm/s. The analysis of the dependence of the etching systematic error on its thickness has been carried out. The computer modeled results are close to the ones produced by means of the application of the analytical calculation models by other authors.
STATOR WINDINGS CURRENTS HARMONICS OF INDUCTION MOTOR, WHICH CONTROL FREQUANCY CONVERTER / DAŽNIO KEITIKLIU VALDOMO TRIFAZIO ASINCHRONINIO VARIKLIO STATORIAUS APVIJŲ SROVIŲ HARMONINĖS SUDĖTIES TYRIMAS
Authors: Lezner Jevgenij
Published: May 2012

Paper presents examination of induction motor stator windings currents harmonics, when modulation index and carrier frequency are changed. Mathematical model of symmetrical induction motor connected as star without zero wire is developed. Matlab Simulink models are created and tested.
EVALUATING TERRAIN IRREGULARITY BY ROBOT POSTURE / PAVIRŠIAUS NETOLYGUMO VERTINIMAS PAGAL ROBOTO PADĖTĮ
Authors: Luneckas Tomas
Published: May 2012

A method that allows evaluate the terrain irregularity by a robot posture is presented in this paper. A necessity to evaluate terrain irregularity is pointed out. Description of irregular terrain is given. A possibility to evaluate terrain irregularity by feet coordinate standard deviation is proposed. When deviation is σ = 0, all robots are in one plane. Bigger σ the more robot legs are scattered, meaning robot is walking in irregular terrain. A method to evaluate robot horizontality according to terrain by position of three planes is introduced.
ROBOT ROBOTINO® FOR MECHATRONICS SPECIALISTS TRAINING / ROBOTO ROBOTINO® NAUDOJIMAS MECHATRONIKOS SPECIALISTŲ RUOŠIMUI
Authors: Bosevičius Saulius , Lipnickas Arūnas
Published: May 2012

In this paper the robot Robotino® is presented as effective device for mechatronics specialists training. The technical characteristics of the robot are described and analyzed. Various programming and control strategies are presented. Infrared distance sensor is experimentally evaluated and the voltage dependence on the distance is obtained. For the tracking by color line the information from VGA camera was used.
Al-Ḏajīra al-saniyya: una fuente relevante para el siglo XII en la Península Ibérica
Authors: Ramírez-del-Río José
Published: May 2012

La obra al-Ḏajīra al-saniyya fī ta’rīj aldawla al-marīniyya, que aborda la historia de los Banū Marīn, incluye una serie de noticias referentes a otras tierras de la Dār al-Islam, como Egipto, Siria o al-Andalus. La autoría de la misma no ha sido determinada, por lo que señalaremos las noticias más destacadas sobre este asunto. De la información que ofrece esta obra acerca de al-Andalus, este artículo se centra en el análisis de los fragmentos relativos a los territorios conquistados por Castilla durante el s. XIII, que no había sido aprovechada hasta el momento, y que contribuye a ampliar nuestro conocimiento acerca de este período histórico, muy especialmente por lo que respecta a la suerte que corrieron las poblaciones musulmanas y a la cronología de la conquista. Abordamos las actitudes adoptadas por los dirigentes políticos de al-Andalus y el Magreb, ante el avance de los cristianos, desde la resistencia hasta la conversión, y la importancia que este grupo concedió a las luchas contra los cristianos, que fueron un elemento de legitimación del poder político de los Banū Marīn, objetivo destacado del autor de la obra.
La place des chrétiens dans la Cordoue des Omeyyades, d’après leurs églises (VIIIe-Xe siècles)
Authors: Molénat Jean Pierre
Published: May 2012

[fr] Cet article commence par examiner tous les témoignages textuels permettant de situer des églises dans la Cordoue des VIIIe-Xe siècles et ses environs. La conclusion est que si l’on rencontre bien des lieux de culte chrétiens dans la campagne et dans la montagne (notamment les monastères de la sierra), ainsi que dans les « faubourgs » (arrabales) de la ville, il est impossible d’en situer avec certitude à l’intérieur de la madīna, la vieille ville entourée de murailles. La seconde partie du travail cherche à expliquer cette situation par l’examen des textes juridiques de l’époque, et notamment une fatwā de début du Xe siècle, qui déclare qu’on ne peut construire, ou restaurer, des églises, qu’hors de la vue des musulmans, et à l’écart de leur « sanctuaire » (haram). La conclusion est que s’il y avait bien des églises, et des chrétiens pour les fréquenter, dans la Cordoue des VIIIe-Xe siècles, elles étaient situées dans la périphérie urbaine, leur intégration dans la ville résultant seulement de la croissance de l’agglomération à la fin du IXe et au Xe siècle, en même temps que du mouvement de conversion massive, qui ont réintroduit une mixité religieuse que les autorités islamiques prétendaient éviter.
Lo bello y lo útil, el esteta y el etnógrafo: El caso del Museo Etnográfico de Trocadero y del Museo del Hombre (1928-1940)
Authors: Laurière Christine
Published: May 2012

Abordar la cuestión de la relación entre lo bello y lo útil despierta un interés mayor en Francia desde hace una década y media, a raíz de la puesta en marcha del proyecto del museo del Quai Branly, que revivió ciertos debates sobre la pertinencia y el valor respectivos de las miradas etnográfica o estetizante sobre objetos provenientes de sociedades no occidentales. Este artículo quisiera darle un poco de profundidad histórica a este tema refiriéndose a lo ocurrido en el Museo de Etnografía de Trocadero y en el Museo del Hombre durante las direcciones de Paul Rivet y de Georges Henri Rivière en los 1930.
Stylistique(s) contrastive(s) du discours scientifique
Authors: Petit Michel
Published: May 2012

On postule que la stylistique a un rôle important à jouer dans l'étude du discours scientifique. Après avoir examiné les facteurs de diversité du discours scientifique et le statut de l'anglais scientifique, on s'intéresse à la question du style scientifique, notamment en termes d'expérience commune. On est enfin conduit, en étudiant les approches contrastives, à envisager une stylistique véritablement contrastive propre à rendre compte des spécificités du discours scientifique.
Stylistique et discours scientifique
Authors: Mathis Gilles
Published: May 2012

Cette communication, après avoir présenté la pluralité des pratiques de la stylistique (étude de style, analyse de style, analyse rhétorique) en liaison avec les conceptions du style et dégagé les éléments fondamentaux de la caractérisation du discours scientifique, pose les conditions épistémologiques et méthodologiques d'une application spécifique de la stylistique à l'étude du discours scientifique. Elle en illustre la pratique par quelques exemples en annexe.
Aircraft measurements of wave cloud
Authors: Cui Z. , Blyth A. M. , Bower K. N. , Crosier J. , Choularton T.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. In this paper, aircraft measurements are presented of liquid phase (ice-free) wave clouds made at temperatures greater than −5 °C that formed over Scotland, UK. The horizontal variations of the vertical velocity across wave clouds display a distinct pattern. The maximum updraughts occur at the upshear flanks of the clouds and the strong downdraughts at the downshear flanks. The cloud droplet concentrations were a couple of hundreds per cubic centimetres, and the drops generally had a mean diameter between 15–45 μm. A small proportion of the drops were drizzle. A new definition of a mountain-wave cloud is given, based on the measurements presented here and previous studies. The results in this paper provide a case for future numerical simulation of wave cloud and the interaction between wave and clouds.
Possible source of ancient carbon in phytolith concentrates from harvested grasses
Authors: Santos G. M. , Alexandre A. , Southon J. R. , Treseder K. K. , Corbineau R. , Reyerson P. E.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Plants absorb and transport silicon (Si) from soil, and precipitation of Si within the living plants results in micrometric amorphous biosilica particles known as phytoliths. During phytolith formation, a small amount of carbon (<2%) can become occluded in the silica structure (phytC) and therefore protected from degradation by the environment after plant tissue decomposition. Since the major C source within plants is from atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) via photosynthesis, the current understanding is that the radiocarbon (14C) content of phytC should reflect the 14C content of atmospheric CO2 at the time the plant is growing. This assumption was recently challenged by 14C data from phytoliths extracted from living grasses that yielded ages of several thousand years (2–8 kyr BP; in radiocarbon years "Before Present" (BP), "Present" being defined as 1950). Because plants can take up small amounts of C of varying ages from soils (e.g., during nutrient acquisition), we hypothesized that this transported C within the plant tissue could be attached to or even embedded in phytoliths. In this work, we explore this hypothesis by reviewing previously published data on biosilica mineralization and plant nutrient acquisition as well as by evaluating the efficiency of phytolith extraction protocols from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analyses from harvested grasses phytolith concentrates. We show that current extraction protocols are inefficient since they do not entirely remove recalcitrant forms of C from plant tissue. Consequently, material previously measured as "phytC" may contain at least some fraction of soil-derived C (likely radiocarbon-old) taken up by roots. We also suggest a novel interpretation for at least some of the phytC – which enters via the root pathway during nutrient acquisition – that may help to explain the old ages previously obtained from phytolith concentrates.