bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMPLIFIED BIOSENSING STRATEGIES FOR THE DETECTION OF BIOLOGICALLY RELATED MOLECULES WITH SILICA NANOPARTICLES AND CONJUGATED POLYELECTROLYTES
Authors: WANG LIHUA , WANG YANYAN , ZOU JIE , LIU BIN , FAN CHUNHAI
Published: December 2010

Development of rapid, field-portable and cost-effective sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity is of great importance for biomedical diagnostics, food safety and environmental monitoring. Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have great potential in sensor application due to their biocompatibility, controllable surface modification, excellent chemical stability and high specific surface area. On the other hand, conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) have been widely used in sensor design due to their efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to dyes and unique interaction with biomolecules. In this contribution, we briefly summarize the recent development of silica-related NP-based assays that incorporate CPEs as the signal amplifier or reporter. The silica-related NPs are used for probe immobilization, target recognition and separation, while CPEs provide amplified fluorescence signals and high sensitivity. These assays have been proven efficient for the detection of DNA, proteins, and small molecules through specific biorecognition events, such as DNA hybridization, antibody–antigen recognition and target–aptamer binding.
FACILE FABRICATION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL MULTI-COMPONENT NANOSTRUCTURES USING POROUS ANODIZED ALUMINA MEMBRANE
Authors: PUI YEE LOH , CHENMIN LIU , WEICHENG PUA , FONG YU KAM , WEE SHONG CHIN
Published: December 2010

In this short review, we report the facile fabrication of various interesting multi-component nanostructures including arrays of core-shell nanowires, multiwall nanotubes, segmented nanowires and multilayer stacked nanodisks, using anodized alumina membrane (AAM). We demonstrate that metallic (Cu, Ni and Au) and polymeric (PPV and PPy) one-dimensional (1D) arrays can be readily prepared by electrochemical deposition into the AAM. By optimizing the experimental design and conditions, we developed techniques to produce various multi-component nanostructures such as polymer/metal or metal/metal core-shell nanowires as well as nanotubes, with reasonably good control over both the length and the shell thickness of the nanostructures. Furthermore, we extend this method to make segmented nanowires as well as multilayer stacked nanodisks. Selective functionalization of the segmented nanowires resulted in end-on or side-on adhesion of nanowires during assembly. We illustrate the possibility of utilizing these 1D arrays to present patterns with luminescent and/or magnetic properties at this length scale.
A BRIEF REVIEW ON GRAPHENE-NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITES
Authors: HUANG XIAO , BOEY FREDDY , ZHANG HUA
Published: December 2010

Graphene, a single layer of hexagonal packed carbon atoms, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Because of its exceptional electronic, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, graphene has shown great promises in a wide range of applications. Graphene derivatives, e.g. graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, possess surface defects and oxygen functional groups, which make them ideal templates for synthesis of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs). Enhanced properties are expected in these graphene–NP composites, which arise from the synergic effect of the GO/rGO sheets and the anchored NPs. In this review, after a brief introduction on the properties and synthesis of graphene, we will discuss the fabrication methods of graphene–metal NP and graphene–semiconductor NP composites, as well as their related applications in catalysis, photovoltaic devices, supercapacitors, and so on.
RECENT ADVANCES IN METAL-ENHANCED OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: LEE YIH HONG , LAKSHMINARAYANA POLAVARAPU , JIANG CUIFENG , YUAN PEIYAN , XU QING-HUA
Published: December 2010

Noble metal nanoparticles exhibit strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and have been utilized in many chemical, biological and electronic applications. Recent advances on metal-enhanced optical properties demonstrated that the quantum yield and photo-stability of the fluorophores can be significantly enhanced when they are in the proximity of the metal surface, that will benefit many fluorescence-based applications. In this review article we first discuss the fundamental concepts of metal-enhanced optical properties and the recent achievements of metal-enhanced fluorescence of organic fluorophores and quantum dots, as well as metal-enhanced phosphorescence of organic molecules and upconversion nanoparticles that have long life times. Finally, we present recent applications of metal-enhanced optical properties in biosensing and bioassays, photodynamic therapy and optoelectronics.
GOLD NANOPARTICLE-INCORPORATED POLYELECTROLYTE MULTILAYER FOR SENSITIVE ELECTROCHEMICAL IMMUNOSENSING
Authors: HU WEIHUA , LI CHANG MING
Published: December 2010

Reported was a novel amperometric immunosensor based on layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled polyethylenimine/gold nanoparticles/poly (acrylic acid) (PEI/AuNPs/PAA) multilayer. The assembly process was in situ monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. Anti-goat IgG as a capture antibody was covalently immobilized on the outermost PAA layer of the multilayer to construct an immunosensor. A target protein, goat IgG was electrochemically detected with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-goat IgG (ALP-anti-goat IgG) as a recognition antibody. Electrochemical investigations suggest that the incorporation of AuNPs facilitates the electron transfer between the underlying electrode and the redox species in solution, and thus enhances the electrochemical signals and in turn improves the immunosensing performance. A detection limit of 100 pg mL-1 with a dynamic range of five orders of magnitude was achieved. Due to the protein-friendly environment and the protein resistance of the polyelectrolyte multilayer, the resulting immunosensor demonstrates excellent storage stability, satisfying assay specificity.
Materials Research in a Knowledge-Based & Innovation-Driven Singapore
Authors: Andy Hor T. S.
Published: December 2010

The pace of growth for research in Singapore is nothing short of spectacular. Though still in its infancy compared to the might of research giants like Finland, Norway, Israel, Japan, USA, UK and China, Singapore is rapidly moving into higher gear. This comes at a time when the research and development (R&D) of some of the world's leading nations has stalled due in part to the financial meltdown that has only recently seen signs of recovery.

But as the saying goes, the best opportunities are found in times of adversity. The approach that Singapore takes is an astute one. Investment in R&D for a country with no natural resources has to be based on the next best thing — intellectual capital and its people. Developing R&D capabilities in a knowledge-based economy therefore depends first and foremost on our human capital. An integrated effort in education and research is hence crucial.

The government has taken the lead in R&D investment. It has set a national target of driving the current level of 2.9% of gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) to 3.5% by 2015 — a significant milestone that would put Singapore in the "premier league" of R&D nations. It is with this objective that the new national R&D budget for the next five years will be increased by more than 20% to S$16.1 billion. This increase is justified on the basis of pushing a research agenda that is driven by innovation with an economic mission.
Symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted carboxy phthalocyanines as sensitizers for nanoporousZnOfilms
Authors: Masilela Nkosiphile , Nombona Nolwazi , Loewenstein Thomas , Nyokong Tebello , Schlettwein Derck
Published: December 2010

The photoelectroectrochemical studies of water soluble octacarboxylated oxotitanium (OTiOCPc) , zinc (ZnOCPC) , hydroxyaluminium ((OH)AlOCPc) , dihydroxysilicon ((OH)2SiOCPc) , hydroxygallium (OHGaOCPc) and low symmetry zinc monocarboxy (ZnMCPc) phthalocyanines were performed. The dyes were adsorbed to nanoporous ZnO electrodeposited in the presence of eosin Y as structure directing agent (SDA) on FTO substrates by refluxing or soaking the films in a solution containing the dye of interest such that a full surface coverage was achieved. High external (IPCE) and internal (APCE) quantum efficiencies of up to 50.6% and 96.7% were achieved for the OTiOCPc complex. There was a lower overall cell efficiency for cells sensitized with phthalocyanines containing hydroxyl as axial ligand ZnO/(OH)2SiOCPc , ZnO/(OH)GaOCPc and (OH)AlOCPc because of strong aggregation on the surface of the electrodes. To further suppress dye aggregation, the zinc complex of a new monocarboxylated phthalocyanine sensitizer with bulky naphtho side groups (ZnMCPc) was employed. Among the studied sensitizers, ZnMCPc gave the highest overall cell efficiency of phthalocyanine electrodeposited on ZnO of η = 0.48%.
Light-induced TPP photoproduct formation in chloroform and protective role of lipids
Authors: Dĕdic Roman , Molnár Alexander , Svoboda Antonín , Hála Jan
Published: December 2010

In this contribution, the influence of lipids on excitation energy transfer from lipophilic photosensitizer tetraphenylporphyrin to oxygen was investigated in chloroform solutions of phosphatidylcholine as well as in bulk lipid. The excited states kinetics were examined in a wide range of lipid concentrations (from zero to the saturated concentration) by direct time- and spectral-resolved detection of weak near infrared phosphorescence of the photosensitizer (around 840 nm) and singlet oxygen (about 1278 nm). While photosensitizer triplet kinetics follows single-exponential decay with lifetime of 0.52 μs in pure chloroform, two distinct components with lifetimes of approximately 0.4 and 1 μs appear after phosphatidylcholine addition. Both the lifetimes exhibit shortening tendency with increasing lipid concentration. Relative weights of the two components depend on the lipid concentration. Singlet oxygen kinetics exhibit single-exponential rise with lifetimes roughly corresponding to the shorter components of photosensitizer decays while their decays require two exponentials. The lifetime of the longer component decreases with increasing concentration of lipid from (77.6 ± 1.3) μ s at pure chloroform to (14.3 ± 1.1) μ s at the saturated lipid concentration. The time-constants obtained in bulk lipid sample follow the above-mentioned trends. Tetraphenylporphyrin photoproduct formation under pulsed excitation in chloroform solutions was demonstrated. The quantum yield of singlet oxygen production of the photoproduct is lower than that of the tetraphenylporphyrin. It was shown that lipids prevent the singlet-oxygen mediated formation of TPP photoproduct, probably by efficient quenching of singlet oxygen. This quenching is justified by shortening of the longer component of singlet oxygen luminescence decays with increasing concentration of the lipid. Moreover, the lipids also quench triplet states of the photosensitizer.
Amine-sensing properties of a covalently linked calix[4]arene–porphyrin ("calixporph") multilayered film
Authors: Brittle Stuart A. , Richardson Tim H. , Varley Lisa , Hunter Chris A.
Published: December 2010

Four zinc porphyrin molecules have been linked covalently to a central amphiphilic calix[4]arene molecule to form a zinc "calixporph", ZnCP , which displays enhanced sensitivity to dibutylamine compared to both the discrete zinc porphyrin and two-component mixtures of zinc porphyrin with calixarene. Langmuir-Blodgett films (20 monolayers) of ZnCP display UV-visible spectra which are modified upon exposure to dibutylamine in the concentration range 0.09–0.45 ppt (in N2) with a t50response time of 8.8 s. The dense packing of the monomeric porphyrin moieties leads to a high absorbance per layer and thus a large sensing signal compared to other LB films capable of amine-detection. This, coupled to the very fast t50value, leads to a high figure of merit. This verifies the adopted strategy of using a covalently linked calixporph in order to avoid the potential problems of phase separation associated with two-component mixtures. Furthermore, the ZnCP is selectively responsive to the secondary amine, dibutylamine, compared to the primary and tertiary compounds.
FRACTAL NATURE OF LIGHT SCATTERING IN TISSUES
Authors: JACQUES STEVEN L.
Published: December 2010

Light scattering by a tissue has a wavelength dependence that depends on the size distribution of scatterers in the tissue. By measuring the wavelength dependence of scattering, one can deduce changes in the nanoscale architecture of cells and tissues. This report discusses the connection between nanoscale architecture and measurable light scattering. The significance of this work is to develop label-free optical imaging that describes tissue structure, to complement the absorption, fluorescence, and Raman scattering spectra that describe the chemical constituents of a tissue.
EXTRACTION OF ANTHRAQUINONE DERIVATIVES FROM RHUBARB RHIZOMES AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL TESTS
Authors: CAO YUAN-CHENG , ZHAO YUAN-DI
Published: December 2010

Photometry was employed to study the optimum extraction conditions of anthraquinone derivatives from rhizomes of Rheum officinale Baill in this study. The influences of extraction solvents (chloroform, benzene, ethanol, methanol, and glycerol), acid, and extraction time on the extraction yield were discussed. The results indicate that, to the Rhubarb rhizomes powder with the average particle size 0.18 mm, the conditions of the extraction solvent composed by chloroform, glycerol, and sulfuric acid (20%) in the ratio of 4:1:1 (v:v), the weight of dried Rhubarb to the solvent volume in the ratio of 1:12 (w:v), extraction time of 110 min, the anthraquinone derivatives extraction could achieve the best yield. And the antibacterial tests showed the raw extraction products had the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of 20 μg/mL and 30 μg/mL to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively.
Time warp sports for internet television
Authors: Olsen Dan R. , Partridge Brett , Lynn Stephen
Published: December 2010

Internet-based video delivery offers new opportunities for interactive television. The creation and usability of interactive television is very different from desktop or web-based interaction. The concepts of frameworks and genres provides an approach to learnable interaction in an entertainment rather than task-oriented activity. The concept of a framework defines the tools required for both producing and viewing a particular style of interactive video experience. An interactive framework for televised sports is presented. This framework implements a sports television experience that support play-by-play navigation as well as viewer's interactive choice of camera angles. Tools for creating and viewing interactive sports are developed in parallel. In-home and in-lab experiments give indications of how sports fans will use interactive television in the future. The experiments demonstrate that fans will use the interaction rather than passively watching, can easily learn the interactive features and strongly prefer the new features over tradition rewind/fast-forward. The data indicates that many users will use the interactive controls to enrich and prolong their viewing rather than simply skipping as rapidly as possible through a game. However, there is also indication that some viewers will simply skip rapidly. There are also indications that the skip vs. review interaction depends on the interest level of current game play.
Attribute-Based Messaging
Authors: Bobba Rakesh , Fatemieh Omid , Khan Fariba , Khan Arindam , Gunter Carl A. , Khurana Himanshu , Prabhakaran Manoj
Published: December 2010

Attribute-Based Messaging
(ABM) enables messages to be addressed using attributes of recipients rather than an explicit list of recipients. Such messaging offers benefits of efficiency, exclusiveness, and intensionality, but faces challenges in access control and confidentiality. In this article we explore an approach to intraenterprise ABM based on providing access control and confidentiality using information from the same attribute database exploited by the addressing scheme. We show how to address three key challenges. First, we demonstrate a manageable access control system based on attributes. Second, we demonstrate use of attribute-based encryption to provide end-to-end confidentiality. Third, we show that such a system can be efficient enough to support ABM for mid-size enterprises. Our implementation can dispatch confidential ABM messages approved by XACML policy review for an enterprise of at least 60,000 users with only seconds of latency.
A Simple and Generic Construction of Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data
Authors: Sarkar Palash
Published: December 2010

We revisit the problem of constructing a protocol for performing Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data (AEAD). A technique is described which combines a collision-resistant hash function with a protocol for Authenticated Encryption (AE). The technique is both simple and generic and does not require any additional key material beyond that of the AE protocol. Concrete instantiations are shown where a 256-bit hash function is combined with some known single-pass AE protocols employing either 128-bit or 256-bit block ciphers. This results in possible efficiency improvement in the processing of the header.
Animated paper
Authors: Koizumi Naoya , Yasu Kentaro , Liu Angela , Sugimoto Maki , Inami Masahiko
Published: December 2010

In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of available rapid prototyping tools, making it easier than ever to create functioning prototypes with minimal technical background and at a low cost. However, most of these tools do not have the flexibility to allow for immediate physical modifications once a prototype has been built or programmed, and are often limited in movement by the size or range of the wired system. Accordingly, simple paper remains one of the most pervasive creative platforms in the world due to its low cost, light weight, freedom of physical spatial manipulation, disposability, and low interaction overhead.

In this article we introduce “Animated Paper,” a new wireless prototyping platform which combines paper, shape memory alloy (SMA), retro-reflective material, and copper foil. This platform makes it possible to create moving toys out of ordinary print paper with minimal modification to the physical composition of the paper itself, facilitating simple trial-and-error modifications. We also introduce a laser control system which allows for precise, wireless motion control of the SMA-enhanced paper by tracking retro-reflective markers on the paper using a laser and photo sensor. Lastly, we present the results of a preliminary user study to demonstrate the usability of our prototype system and also provide possibilities for how to further develop our wirelessly controlled, moving paper platform.
Charisma
Authors: Rhalibi Abdennour El , Carter Chris , Cooper Simon , Merabti Madjid , Price Marc
Published: December 2010

The MPEG-4 standards define a technique for 3D facial and body model animations (FAPS/BAPS respectively), as seen in animation systems such as Greta. The way this technique works is in contrast to the set of animation techniques currently used within modern games technologies and applications, which utilize more advanced, expressive animation systems such as Skeletal, Morph Target, and Inverse Kinematics. This article describes an object-oriented, Java-based framework for the integration and transformation of MPEG4 standards-compliant animation streams known as Charisma. Charisma is designed for use with modern games animation systems; this article illustrates the application of this framework on top of our Java/OpenGL-based games engine framework known as Homura.
ImpAct
Authors: Withana Anusha , Kondo Makoto , Makino Yasutoshi , Kakehi Gota , Sugimoto Maki , Inami Masahiko
Published: December 2010

This article explores direct touch and manipulation techniques for surface computing environments using a specialized haptic force feedback stylus, called ImpAct, which can dynamically change its effective length and equipped with sensors to calculate its orientation in world coordinates. When a user pushes it against a touch screen, the physical stylus shrinks and a rendered projection of the stylus is drawn inside the screen, giving the illusion that it is submerged in the display device. Once the users can see the stylus immersed in the digital world below the screen, he or she can manipulate and interact with the virtual objects with active haptic sensations. In this article, ImpAct's functionality, design, and prototype applications are described in detail with relevance to the concept of direct touch, giving special attention to novel interaction scenarios and design challenges. Furthermore, a technical evaluation was done to study ImpAct's accuracy and controlability and the results presented. This article concludes by discussing ImpAct's current limitations and future perspectives as a direct touch and manipulation tool.
PuzzleTale
Authors: Shen Yang Ting , Mazalek Ali
Published: December 2010

We describe the design and development of PuzzleTale, an interactive storytelling system that makes use of tangible puzzle pieces on the surface of an interactive table. In the PuzzleTale system, assembling the tangible puzzle piece can affect the digital characters and create a flexible story context. Different assembled patterns represent the diverse ways that users explore and compose the story.

The PuzzleTale system creates a dynamic causal relationship between the process of interactive storytelling and the outcome of a story. There are two variables that continuously affect the story context including the amount and the sequence of digital characters that the reader plays. The system engages the reader participating in the development of the story through playing tangible puzzle pieces with digital characters as a decision-making tool, thus providing individualized storytelling experiences.
Progesterone increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2emission in nonmenopausal women
Authors: Kane Daniel A. , Lin Chien-Te , Anderson Ethan J. , Kwak Hyo-Bum , Cox Julie H. , Brophy Patricia M. , Hickner Robert C. , Neufer P. Darrell , Cortright Ronald N.
Published: December 2010

The luteal phase of the female menstrual cycle is associated with both 1) elevated serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2), and 2) reduced insulin sensitivity. Recently, we demonstrated a link between skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2emission (mEH2O2) and insulin resistance. To determine whether serum levels of P4 and/or E2are related to mitochondrial function, mEH2O2and respiratory O2flux ( Jo2) were measured in permeabilized myofibers from insulin-sensitive (IS, n = 24) and -resistant (IR, n = 8) nonmenopausal women (IR = HOMA-IR > 3.6). Succinate-supported mEH2O2was more than 50% greater in the IR vs. IS women ( P < 0.05). Interestingly, serum P4 correlated positively with succinate-supported mEH2O2( r = 0. 53, P < 0.01). To determine whether P4 or E2 directly affect mitochondrial function, saponin-permeabilized vastus lateralis myofibers biopsied from five nonmenopausal women in the early follicular phase were incubated in P4 (60 nM), E2 (1.4 nM), or both. P4 alone inhibited state 3 Jo2, supported by multisubstrate combination ( P < 0.01). However, E2 alone or in combination with P4 had no effect on Jo2. In contrast, during state 4 respiration, supported by succinate and glycerophosphate, mEH2O2was increased with P4 alone or in combination with E2 ( P < 0.01). The results suggest that 1) P4 increases mEH2O2with or without E2; 2) P4 alone inhibits Jo2but not when E2 is present; and 3) P4 is related to the mEH2O2previously linked to skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
A mathematical model of the myogenic response to systolic pressure in the afferent arteriole
Authors: Chen Jing , Sgouralis Ioannis , Moore Leon C. , Layton Harold E. , Layton Anita T.
Published: December 2010

Elevations in systolic blood pressure are believed to be closely linked to the pathogenesis and progression of renal diseases. It has been hypothesized that the afferent arteriole (AA) protects the glomerulus from the damaging effects of hypertension by sensing increases in systolic blood pressure and responding with a compensatory vasoconstriction (Loutzenhiser R, Bidani A, Chilton L. Circ Res 90: 1316–1324, 2002). To investigate this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model of the myogenic response of an AA wall, based on an arteriole model (Gonzalez-Fernandez JM, Ermentrout B. Math Biosci 119: 127–167, 1994). The model incorporates ionic transport, cell membrane potential, contraction of the AA smooth muscle cell, and the mechanics of a thick-walled cylinder. The model represents a myogenic response based on a pressure-induced shift in the voltage dependence of calcium channel openings: with increasing transmural pressure, model vessel diameter decreases; and with decreasing pressure, vessel diameter increases. Furthermore, the model myogenic mechanism includes a rate-sensitive component that yields constriction and dilation kinetics similar to behaviors observed in vitro. A parameter set is identified based on physical dimensions of an AA in a rat kidney. Model results suggest that the interaction of Ca2+ and K+ fluxes mediated by voltage-gated and voltage-calcium-gated channels, respectively, gives rise to periodicity in the transport of the two ions. This results in a time-periodic cytoplasmic calcium concentration, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and cross-bridge formation with the attending muscle stress. Furthermore, the model predicts myogenic responses that agree with experimental observations, most notably those which demonstrate that the renal AA constricts in response to increases in both steady and systolic blood pressures. The myogenic model captures these essential functions of the renal AA, and it may prove useful as a fundamental component in a multiscale model of the renal microvasculature suitable for investigations of the pathogenesis of hypertensive renal diseases.
Design and Implementation of a Mobile Multihop WSN for AGV System
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Jia Molin , Yamauchi Noriyoshi , Baba Takaaki
Published: December 2010

A system data sharing protocol of mobile WSN named synchronous dynamic multihop data sharing protocol (S-DMDS) is presented for automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. It is a cross-layer protocol designed from route layer to MAC layer. By adopting a concept of system data sharing, it is possible to make each node exchange the data timely with all the other nodes. It is also a topology-agnostic protocol which has no knowledge of neighbors, routes, or next hops. From the results of the 16-nodes simulation, S-DMDS protocol is proved to be efficient exchange data timely between the devices of AGV system in mobile multihop situation. Moreover, it also shows that S-DMDS significantly outperforms NST-AODV with investing about 41.6% system sharing delay as well as 80% RAM consumption. At last, 5-node experiment indicates that S-DMDS can work well in real environment.
Focusing X-Ray Optics for Astronomy
Authors: Gorenstein Paul
Published: December 2010

Focusing X-ray telescopes have been the most important factor in X-ray astronomy’s
ascent to equality with optical and radio astronomy. They are the prime tool for studying
thermal emission from very high temperature regions, non-thermal synchrotron radiation
from very high energy particles in magnetic fields and inverse Compton scattering of
lower energy photons into the X-ray band. Four missions with focusing grazing incidence
X-ray telescopes based upon the Wolter 1 geometry are currently operating in space
within the 0.2 to 10 keV band. Two observatory class missions have been operating since
1999 with both imaging capability and high resolution dispersive spectrometers. They are
NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has an angular resolution of 0.5 arc seconds
and an area of 0.1 m2 and ESA’s XMM-Newton which has 3 co-aligned telescopes with a
combined effective area of 0.43 m2 and a resolution of 15 arc seconds. The two others are
Japan’s Suzaku with lower spatial resolution and non-dispersive spectroscopy and the
XRT of Swift which observes and precisely positions the X-ray afterglows of gamma-ray
bursts. New missions include focusing telescopes with much broader bandwidth and
telescopes that will perform a new sky survey. NASA, ESA, and Japan’s space agency
are collaborating in developing an observatory with very large effective area for very
high energy resolution dispersive and non-dispersive spectroscopy. New technologies are
required to improve upon the angular resolution of Chandra. Adaptive optics should
provide modest improvement. However, orders of magnitude improvement can be
achieved only by employing physical optics. Transmitting diffractive-refractive lenses are
capable theoretically of achieving sub-milli arc second resolution. X-ray interferometry
could in theory achieve 0.1 micro arc second resolution, which is sufficient to image the
event horizon of super massive black holes at the center of nearby active galaxies.
However, the physical optics systems have focal lengths in the range 103 to 104 km and
cannot be realized until the technology for accurately positioned long distance formation
flying between optics and detector is developed.
Rapid Screening ofAlicyclobacillus acidoterrestrisSpoilage of Fruit Juices by Electronic Nose: A Confirmation Study
Authors: Cagnasso Stefano , Falasconi Matteo , Previdi Maria Paola , Franceschini Barbara , Cavalieri Chiara , Sberveglieri Veronica , Rovere Pierpaolo
Published: December 2010

Early screening ofAlicyclobacillus spp.in fruit juices is a major applicative goal for the food industry, since juice contamination can lead to considerable loss of quality, and subsequently, to economic damages for juice producers. This paper presents an accurate study to assess and confirm the EOS507 electronic nose's (EN) ability of diagnosingAlicyclobacillus acidoterrestrisspoilage in artificially contaminated fruit juices. The authors experimental results have shown that the EOS507 can early identify, just after 24 hours from inoculation, contaminated orange and pear juices with an excellent classification rate close to 90% and with a detection threshold as low as 103 cfu/ml. In apple juice the detection threshold was about 105 cfu/ml, thus requiring longer incubation times (72 hours). PLS regression of EOS507 data can be also used to predict with fair accuracy the colony-forming units concentration of the bacteria. These results were supported by the GC/MS/MS measurements of specific chemical markers, such as guaiacol.
The Natural History of Globus Pharyngeus
Authors: Cashman E. C. , Donnelly M. J.
Published: December 2010

Globus pharyngeus is a common disorder and accounts for 5% of all ENT referrals.Objectives. To evaluate the role of barium swallow and endoscopy in these patients, to ascertain the incidence, if any, of aerodigestive tract malignancy in this group and to assess the natural evolution of globus pharyngeus.Materials and Methods. Seventy-nine patients underwent barium swallow and rigid oesophagoscopy for globus pharyngeus between January 2005 and October 2008. Fifty-five patients were contacted by phone on average 5 years and 3 months after intervention and asked if their symptoms still persisted. Twenty-four patients were uncontactable or lost to followup, three patients were deceased, two of cardiac related disease and one of renal failure.Results. The majority of patients, 36 of 55 (65%), had a normal barium swallow. Forty-five of 55 (82%) of patients had normal rigid endoscopies. Thirty-one of 55 (56%) patients were at an average followup time of 5 years and 3 months. No patient developed a malignant lesion.Conclusion. Globus pharyngeus is a relatively common but benign condition of indeterminate origin. Our study demonstrates that many of these patients spontaneously improve with time.
Resistance Exercise Training-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy Was Associated with Reduction of Inflammatory Markers in Elderly Women
Authors: Ogawa Kishiko , Sanada Kiyoshi , Machida Shuichi , Okutsu Mitsuharu , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: December 2010

Aging is associated with low-grade inflammation. The benefits of regular exercise for the elderly are well established, whereas less is known about the impact of low-intensity resistance exercise on low-grade inflammation in the elderly. Twenty-one elderly women (mean age ± SD, 85.0 ± 4.5 years) participated in 12 weeks of resistance exercise training. Muscle thickness and circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), heat shock protein (HSP)70, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured before and after the exercise training. Training reduced the circulating levels of CRP, SAA (P<.05), HSP70, IGF-I, and insulin (P<.01). The training-induced reductions in CRP and TNF-α were significantly (P<.01,P<.05) associated with increased muscle thickness (r=−0.61,r=−0.54), respectively. None of the results were significant after applying a Bonferroni correction. Resistance training may assist in maintaining or improving muscle volume and reducing low-grade inflammation.
Two New Species ofChaetopteryxStephens, 1837 from Turkey with a Description of the Unknown Female ofC. bektasensisSipahiler, 2008 (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae: Limnephilinae: Chaetopterygini)
Authors: Sipahiler Füsun
Published: December 2010

Two new species of Trichoptera from Turkey are described and illustrated:Chaetopteryx akgolensissp.n. andChaetopteryx sinopicasp.n. (Limnepphilidae). Both belong to the tribe Chaetopterygini in the Limnephilinae.C. akgolensissp.n. is close toC. bektasensisSipahiler, 2008, whereasC. sinopicasp.n. is closely related toC. nalanaeSipahiler, 1996. The previously unknown female ofChaetopteryx bektasensisSipahiler, 2008 is described and figured.
WY-14643, a Potent Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor-α PPAR-α Agonist Ameliorates the Inflammatory Process Associated to Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Briguglio Enrico , Di Paola Rosanna , Paterniti Irene , Mazzon Emanuela , Oteri Giacomo , Cordasco Giancarlo , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: December 2010

We have investigated the effects of WY14643, a potent peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-α(PPAR-α) agonist, in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were lightly anaesthetized with pentobarbitone (35 mg/kg). Sterile, 2-0 black braided silk thread was placed around the cervix of the lower left first molar and knotted medially. Animals received WY14643 (1 mg/kg i.p, daily for eight days). Eighths days after placement of the ligature, we evaluated several markers of inflammation such us (1) myeloperoxidase activity, (2) a cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, (3) NF-κB expression, (4) iNOS expression, (5) the nitration of tyrosine residues, (6) activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, (7) apoptosis, and (8) the degree of gingivomucosal tissues injury. Administration of WY14643 significantly decreased all of the parameters of inflammation as described above. These results demonstrate that WY14643 exerts an anti-inflammatory role during experimental periodontitis and is able to ameliorate the tissue damage.
Developmental Profiles of Mucosal Immunity in Pre‐school Children
Authors: Ewing Patricia , Otczyk Diana C. , Occhipinti Stefano , Kyd Jennelle M. , Gleeson Maree , Cripps Allan W.
Published: December 2010

This study investigated the effect of attending pre‐school on mucosal immunity. Children 3.5 to 5 years of age who attended pre‐school were observed for a 10 month period. Demographic information was collected on previous childcare experiences, the home environment and clinical information relating to the child and the family. A daily illness log was kept for each child. A multivariate longitudinal analysis of the relation between immunoglobulins in saliva and age, gender, childcare experience, pre‐school exposure, number of siblings, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), atopy and hospitalisation was conducted. There was a positive association of higher IgA levels with the winter season and with children being older than 4 years (P < .001), having attended childcare prior to commencing pre‐school (P < .05), and having been exposed to ETS at home (P < .05). Lower IgA levels were associated with being atopic (P < .05). Higher IgG levels were associated with exposure to ETS (P < .001), while lower levels were associated to having atopy. Higher IgM levels were associated with previous childcare experience (P < .01) whilst having been hospitalised was associated with having low salivary IgM levels (P < .01). Lagged analyses demonstrated that immunological parameters were affected by the number of respiratory infections in the preceding 2 months.
Accidental Cutaneous Burns Secondary to Salbutamol Metered Dose Inhaler
Authors: Kale Ashutosh , Shackley Fiona
Published: December 2010

We report a case of accidental cutaneous burns caused by salbutamol metered dose inhaler. A 9-year-old boy underwent dental extraction at a children's hospital and was incidentally noted to have burn injuries on dorsum of both hands. On questioning, the boy revealed that a few days ago his 14-year-old brother, who is an asthmatic, playfully sprayed his salbutamol metered dose inhaler on the back of both his hands with the inhaler's mouth piece being in direct contact with the patient's skin. On examination, there was a rectangular area of erythema with superficial peeling on the dorsum of both hands, the dimensions of which exactly matched those of the inhaler's mouthpiece. It is possible that the injury could have been a chemical burn from the pharmaceutical/preservative/propellant aerosol or due to the physical effect of severe cooling of the skin or mechanical abrasive effect of the aerosol blasts or a combination of some or all the above mechanisms. This case highlights the importance of informing children and parents of the potentially hazardous consequences of misusing a metered dose inhaler.
Endovascular Embolization of Ruptured Infundibular Dilation of Posterior Communicating Artery: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Jinlu , Wang Honglei , Xu Kan , Wang Bai , Luo Qi
Published: December 2010

Hemorrhage due to the rupture of the infundibular dilatation of the posterior communicating artery (ID of the PCo-A) occurs infrequently. The preferred treatment of such hemorrhages is surgical clipping through craniotomy. There are few reports about endovascular coil embolization in such cases. We report such a case treated by endovascular embolization. A 35-year-old man, who had experienced 2 episodes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), was found to have a ruptured ID of the PCo-A by head computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We performed stent-assisted endovascular coil embolization through a combined anterior and posterior circulation approach. Postembolization angiography showed absence of contrast filling of the ID of the PCo-A and nonleakage of the contrast agent. The patient recovered well with no complications. SAH recurrence was not recorded during the 1-year followup. The postoperative angiographic result was good. To our knowledge, this is the first case of hemorrhage due to ruptured ID of the PCo-A that was treated by such a technique.
Organic Nitrates and Nitrate Resistance in Diabetes: The Role of Vascular Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress with Emphasis on Antioxidant Properties of Pentaerithrityl Tetranitrate
Authors: Oelze Matthias , Schuhmacher Swenja , Daiber Andreas
Published: December 2010

Organic nitrates represent a class of drugs which are clinically used for treatment of ischemic symptoms of angina as well as for congestive heart failure based on the idea to overcome the impaired NO bioavailability by “NO” replacement therapy. The present paper is focused on parallels between diabetes mellitus and nitrate tolerance, and aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying nitrate resistance in the setting of diabetes. Since oxidative stress was identified as an important factor in the development of tolerance to organic nitrates, but also represents a hallmark of diabetic complications, this may represent a common principle for both disorders where therapeutic intervention should start. This paper examines the evidence supporting the hypothesis that pentaerithrityl tetranitrate may represent a nitrate for treatment of ischemia in diabetic patients. This evidence is based on the considerations of parallels between diabetes mellitus and nitrate tolerance as well as on preliminary data from experimental diabetes studies.
Designing Energy-Efficient Topologies for Wireless Sensor Network: Neural Approach
Authors: Patra Chiranjib , Guha Roy Anjan , Chattopadhyay Samiran , Bhaumik Parama
Published: December 2010

Preserving energy or battery power of wireless sensor network is of major concern. As such type of network, the sensors are deployed in an ad hoc manner, without any deterministic way. This paper is concerned with applying standard routing protocols into wireless sensor network by using topology modified by neural network which proves to be energy efficient as compared with unmodified topology. Neural network has been proved to be a powerful tool in the distributed environment. Here, to capture the true distributed nature of the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), neural network's Self-Organizing Feature Map (SOFM) is used.
T Cell‐Tumor Interaction Directs the Development of Immunotherapies in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Albers A. E. , Strauss L. , Liao T. , Hoffmann T. K. , Kaufmann A. M.
Published: December 2010

The competent immune system controls disease effectively due to induction, function, and regulation of effector lymphocytes. Immunosurveillance is exerted mostly by cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) while specific immune suppression is associated with tumor malignancy and progression. In squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, the presence, activity, but also suppression of tumor‐specific CTL have been demonstrated. Functional CTL may exert a selection pressure on the tumor cells that consecutively escape by a combination of molecular and cellular evasion mechanisms. Certain of these mechanisms target antitumor effector cells directly or indirectly by affecting cells that regulate CTL function. This results in the dysfunction or apoptosis of lymphocytes and dysregulated lymphocyte homeostasis. Another important tumor‐escape mechanism is to avoid recognition by dysregulation of antigen processing and presentation. Thus, both induction of functional CTL and susceptibility of the tumor and its microenvironment to become T cell targets should be considered in CTL‐based immunotherapy.
Verification of the FlexRay Transport Protocol for AUTOSAR In-Vehicle Communications
Authors: Gordon Steven , Choosang San
Published: December 2010

The FlexRay Transport Protocol (FrTp) is designed to support reliable and efficient communication between various computers embedded in vehicles. It uses a standardised FlexRay communication bus and introduces a go-back-N style retransmission algorithm. A formal modelling language, Coloured Petri nets (CPN), has been applied to verify the protocol design. Separate CPN models of the FrTp service and protocol are developed and with state space analysis-used to prove for selected configurations that FrTp is deadlock-free and conforms to the service specification when transferring a single-protocol data unit from sender to receiver. In addition, closed-form solutions relating the state space size, retransmission limit, and number of segments are found, giving increased confidence that FrTp is error-free, even for configurations where the state explosion problem arises.
Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Plasma CVD
Authors: Kato Toshiaki , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: December 2010

Recent research in plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) growth has achieved low-temperature synthesis, individually freestanding formation, and structure control of diameter, chirality, and length. Detailed growth kinetics of SWNTs are revealed using a combination of techniques for plasma control and nanomaterial analysis. Plasma CVD also allows tube metallicity to be controlled by tuning the mean diameter of SWNTs. This plasma CVD progress contributes to the next stage of nanotube fabrication, which is required for practical use of SWNTs in a variety of applications.
Visible Light Photocatalytic Properties of Ta and N Codoped SrTiO3Nanoparticles
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio
Published: December 2010

Ta and N co-doped SrTiO3was synthesized by microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction using SrCl2⋅6H2O, Ti(OC3H7)4, TaCl5, and HMT (hexamethylenetetramine) in KOH and oleic acid mixed solutions. The products were characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, BET surface area measurement, TEM, EDX, DRS, PL-Spectra, and XPS. The nanoparticles of perovskite-type SrTi1-xTaxO3-yNy(x=0−0.1) were successfully synthesized. The photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3for DeNOxability in the visible light region could be improved by the codoping of Ta5+and N3-. The excellent visible light photocatalytic activity of this substance may be due to the generation of a new band gap by doping nitrogen that enables the absorption of visible light as well as a decrease in the incidence of the lattice defects, which acts as a recombination center of photo-induced electrons and holes by codoping with Ta5+.
Creating a Long-Term Diabetic Rabbit Model
Authors: Wang Jianpu , Wan Rong , Mo Yiqun , Zhang Qunwei , Sherwood Leslie C. , Chien Sufan
Published: December 2010

This study was to create a long-term rabbit model of diabetes mellitus for medical studies of up to one year or longer and to evaluate the effects of chronic hyperglycemia on damage of major organs. A single dose of alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg) was given intravenously to 20 young New Zealand White rabbits. Another 12 age-matched normal rabbits were used as controls. Hyperglycemia developed within 48 hours after treatment with alloxan. Insulin was given daily after diabetes developed. All animals gained some body weight, but the gain was much less than the age-matched nondiabetic rabbits. Hyperlipidemia, higher blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were found in the diabetic animals. Histologically, the pancreas showed marked beta cell damage. The kidneys showed significantly thickened afferent glomerular arterioles with narrowed lumens along with glomerular atrophy. Lipid accumulation in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes appeared as vacuoles. Full-thickness skin wound healing was delayed. In summary, with careful management, alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits can be maintained for one year or longer in reasonably good health for diabetic studies.