bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Biochemistry discipline at the graduation courses ins Sciences of Health at the São Paulo Universities
Authors: Batista I. F. , Batista N. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Genetics and Molecular Biology: the role of the didatic books and the media in the knowlodge transfer and the academy participation in these different information forms
Authors: Ometto-Nascimento et al. T. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Teaching protein chemistry for undergraduate students using hemoglominopaties
Authors: Faça V. M. , Rosa J. C. , Greene L. J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
The mitochondria in 3 acts - animated Molecular Biochemistry
Authors: Rangel et al. D. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
A CD-ROM for teaching/ learning of blood clels in health areas
Authors: Maia W. B. , Correia M. T.S. , Lima V. L.M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
The Brazilian graduate evaluation
Authors: Velloso A. , Lannes D. , De Meis L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
A model for teaching amplification, cloning and sequencing of DNA for undergraduate students
Authors: Possik P. A. , Malagó Jr. W. , Henrique-Silva F.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
A practical approach for a basic Biochemistry course to physical education students
Authors: Macedo D. V.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Software AMPs - Intracellular signling
Authors: Yokaichiya et al Daniela K. , Fraceto L. F. , Miranda M. A. , Galembeck E. , Torres Bayardo Baptista
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Biochemistry teaching by using cybernetic resources
Authors: Maia W. B. , Lins B. M. , Lima V. L.M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Playing Medical Biochemistry using cards and boards
Authors: Schneedorf J. M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Using clinical cases as support for Molecular Biology teaching to undergraduate medicine students
Authors: Gadelha F. R. , Ferreira C. V.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Profile of Biochemistry professors in heatlh sciences graduation of the Universities in the city of São Paulo
Authors: Silva I. F. , Batista N. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract of the panel presented at the SBBq annual meeting (see attachament).
Success of the Tutorial Program in Biochemistry at The Federal University of Vi
Authors: Baracat-Pereira M.C. , Sartori M.A. , Mendes F.Q. , Carvalho A.M.X. , Dias A.S. , Ganda T. , Pereira H.J.V. , Mendonça M.A.C. , Paiva V.R. , Braathen P.C.
Published: February 2015

Institutionalized at UFV in 2001, the Tutorial Program in Biochemistry aims to reduce the une-venness of basic prior knowledge among the students enrolled in regular Biochemistry courses. Thework methodology has been periodically evaluated and rened in order to overcome identied pro-blems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the Tutorial Program based on the stu-dentsachievement, to show implemented modications and proposed alternatives to adjust methodo-logies. The student-nal-grades were obtained from UFV les. Questionnaires were applied to thePrograms students at the end of each semester. Suggestions and criticism from tutors and coordinatingprofessors were discussed at weekly meetings. Along six semesters (2001-2003), a leveling o of thetutorial students was observed with the attending students (S, minimum of 75% attendance, averagegrade 71.3) that got grades close to the average of no-tutorial students (average grade 71.5). For thetutorial students with attendance below the required minimum (N), the average grade was 58.8. Thefailure rate for grade S students (7.4%) was lower then that for no-tutorial students (9.9%) and forgrade N students (27.9%). Based on the lled out questionnaire from tutorial students, we observeas follows: 96.7% stated that it is eective to participate in the Program and 79.9% modied theirstudy approach. Among the modications implemented in the Program, are as folows: 1) Increase inthe number of tutorial groups (from 4 to 6); 2) Reduction in the number of volunteer-students, givingpriority to students with decient prior knowledge in pre-requisite-disciplines; and 3) Time reductionof tutorial sessions (from 3 to 2h weekly), with smaller groups and exercise classes. Thus, the observedmotivation, the leveling o and the lower failure rate of the S grade tutorial students indicated that theTutorial Program at UFV is improving and reaching its objectives.
INTERACTIVE ILUSTRATION FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS TEACHING
Authors: Pereira M.R. , Dórea F.C. , Lima C.M.R. , Castro M.S. , Fontes W.
Published: February 2015

Computational resources became the major tool in the challenge of making high education moreeasy and motivating. Complex Biochemical pathways can now be presented in interactive and three-dimensional animations. One of the most complex (detailed) and interesting metabolic pathway thatstudents must understand in biochemical courses is photosynthesis. The light-dependent reactionsare of special interest since they involve many dierent kinds of mechanisms, as light absorptionby membrane complexes, proteins movement inside membranes, reactions of water hydrolysis, andelectrons ow; making it dicult to understand by static bi-dimensional representations.The resources of animation and ActionScript programming were used to make an interactive ani-mation of photosynthesis, which at some times even simulates three-dimensionality. The animationbegins with a leaf and progressively zooms in, until we have a scheme of a tylakoyd membrane, whereeach of the dierent steps of the pathway can be clicked to reveal a more detailed scheme of it. Whereappropriate, the energy graphs are shown side by side with the reactions. The electron is representedwith a face, so it can be shown to be stressing while going up in the energy graphs. Finally, there isa simplied version of the whole pathway, to illustrate how it all goes together.The objective is to help professors on teaching the subject in regular classes, since currently allthe explanations are omitted. In a future version, texts will be added to each step so it can beself-explicative to the students, helping them even on home or on-line learning.
When Is It Abuse? How Assailant Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Protection Orders Influence Perceptions of Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Russell Brenda , Chapleau Kristine M. , Kraus Shane W.
Published: February 2015

Incidents of intimate partner violence (IPV) are considered more serious when perpetrated by a male than when perpetrated by a female, and IPV among gay men and lesbians are perceived as less serious than IPV among heterosexual couples. This study examines how assailant and victim sexual orientation and protection orders (POs) influence individuals’ evaluations of abuse in a case of simple assault. Respondents (N = 640 college students) were provided with scenarios of IPV among opposite- and same-sex couples with or without a PO. IPV was more likely to be perceived as abuse when a PO was in effect but less likely to be considered abuse when the couple was gay/lesbian. The IPV incident was most likely to be considered abuse when perpetrated by a heterosexual male and least likely to be considered abuse when perpetrated by a gay male. Female respondents were more likely to consider IPV more abusive when perpetrated by heterosexuals with POs than gay/lesbians with or without a PO. Although male respondents rated IPV between opposite- and same-sex couples with a PO similarly, they were less likely to identify IPV abuse in same-sex conditions when no PO was issued. Current findings emphasize some of the disparities in perceptions of what constitutes abuse among same- and opposite-sex couples.
Starting and Sustaining LGBTQ Antiviolence Programs in a Southern State
Authors: Strickler Edward , Drew Quillin
Published: February 2015

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) persons experience partner and other violence at high levels requiring culturally competent interventions. Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP)—a 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia (organized in 2006 and incorporated since 2008)—has a mission focusing on LGBTQ experiences of violence, and has collaborative bonds with organizations involved with sexual and partner violence, promoting LGBTQ community health and safety, and concerned with social inclusion and legal protection of LGBTQ individuals, families, and communities. VAVP’s programs have increased provider and community competency and capacity toward improving LGBTQ safety, health, and well-being. Findings from a statewide assessment of transgender Virginians, and other local research informs its programs, including advocacy, training, direct services, and its consulting platform, VAVP’s research, organizational development, and contextual issues may inform other programs in other jurisdictions, identification of critical research questions, and implementation of rigorous program evaluation models toward a shared purpose of preventing LGBTQ partner violence.
A Novel, Field-Representative Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Coreflood Method
Authors: Gupta Robin , Lu Pengbo , Glotzbach Rodney , Hehmeyer Owen
Published: February 2015

This study describes a new method that can improve laboratory determination of enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) potential for a test fluid relative to a base fluid. The new method uses a modified steady-state fractional-flow method to measure the shift in oil saturation in a rock at an intermediate fractional flow when changing from a base brine to a test EOR brine(s). This study uses fractional-flow analysis and simulations to illustrate the new method and compare it with the conventional-unsteady-state approach. Through case studies, this work demonstrates that the conventional-unsteady-state approach can under- or overestimate EOR brine performance because of poor test design or limitations of the conventional method. The proposed method addresses these limitations. The study also discusses how to determine optimal values of fractional-flow rate and total flow rate, both of which are critical test parameters for the new method.
Modeling the Properties of H2S/CO2/Salt/Water Systems in Wide Ranges of Temperature and Pressure
Authors: Springer Ronald D. , Wang Peiming , Anderko Andrzej
Published: February 2015

To address the need to predict the properties of fluids in severe environments in the oil and gas industry, a comprehensive thermodynamic model has been developed for mixtures containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), H2O, and selected salts. The model is based on the previously developed mixed-solvent electrolyte framework, which combines an equation of state for standard-state properties of individual species, an excess-Gibbs-energy model, and an algorithm for solving phase and chemical equilibria in multiphase systems. The standard-state properties are calculated from the Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (Helgeson et al. 1974a, 1974b, 1976, 1981; Tanger and Helgeson 1988) equation, whereas the excess Gibbs energy is expressed as a sum of a long-range electrostatic-interaction term expressed by a Pitzer-Debye-Hückel equation (Pitzer 1980), a virial coefficient-type term for interactions between ions, and a short-range term for interactions involving neutral molecules. The model has been parameterized using critically evaluated phase equilibrium data for various binary and ternary subsystems of the H2S/CO2/H2O/Na/Ca/Cl system and has been validated for temperatures ranging from 0 to 300°C, pressures up to approximately 3,500 atm, and salt concentrations up to solid saturation. The model reproduces chemical speciation in acid gas/brine systems as exemplified by the accurate prediction of pH. Because of its capability of predicting pH and activities of solution species, the model can serve as a foundation for studying metal/environment interactions in severe oil and gas environments.
Emotions Including Anger, Bodily Sensations and The “Living Matrix”
Authors: Lindhard Tina
Published: February 2015

The importance of the body is enormous; it is our physical reality. So maybe it is about time we recognize not only that "there is no human function which does not involve both the brain and social context" [1], but also that there is certainly no human function that does not also involve our bodies and all that this implies. And we may well ask what in fact does this imply? Science in general has been interested in a world "out there". However, largely due to quantum physics, consciousness, awareness, inner experiencing and human perception are now being taken seriously in many fields of study such as transpersonal psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience. Even new disciplines like consciousness studies and electronic biology are being created. Psychology, in its endeavor to be recognized as a science, has largely made an object of its field of interest by looking at the human being in a mechanical way. Psychology too, almost by definition, has concerned itself mainly with certain aspects, namely the mind (usually associated with the brain), neurological processes and behavior and it has therefore neglected the body. The phenomenological method, as an additional way of gaining information through introspection, will also briefly be discussed here In this essay the effect of our thoughts when naming an emotion such as anger and fear on our bodies will be considered. In addition the "living matrix" model, which owes its origin to quantum mechanics and electronic biology, will be presented as a new complementary way of understanding how the living organism functions. The basic tenets of the quantum reality will also be presented.
The influence of BA and BA+GA4+7 on formation of sylleptic shoots on one-year-old apple nursery trees
Authors: Radivojevic Dragan , Momirovic Ivan , Milivojevic Jasminka , Velickovic Milovan , Oparnica Cedo , Lukic Milan
Published: February 2015

This study presents the influence of BA (6-benzyladenine) and BA+GA4+7
(6-benzyladenine + gibberellic acids 4 and 7) on feathering of one-year-old
apple trees of two cultivars Jonagold and Cadel. Different concentrations of
BA (300, 600, 1,200 and 1,800 mg L-1) and BA+GA4+7 (500, 1,000, 1,500 and
2,000 mg L-1) were applied, and two treatments for both chemicals were
performed. The first treatment was applied at 70-cm height of nursery trees
and the second 2 weeks later. Comparison was performed in relation to
untreated control. An application of BA and BA+GA4+7 did not affect both
rootstock and nursery tree diameter at 10 cm above the grafting union.
Nursery trees of cultivar Jonagold were not influenced by treatments applied,
whereas in cultivar Cadel, the treatment with BA+GA4+7 decreased apical
growth of nursery trees. The development of sylleptic shoots in both
cultivars tested was influenced by the type of growth regulator and
concentration applied. Treatment with BA at 300 mg L-1 concentration in both
cultivars tested did not influence total length and number of sylleptic
shoots, as well as the number of sylleptic shoots longer than 20 cm. The most
positive influence on all studied parameters was observed on nursery trees
treated with the concentration of 1,200 mg L-1 BA. The lowest concentration
of BA+GA4+7 (500 mg L-1) caused the low feathering of both studied cultivars.
The higher concentrations (1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 mg L-1) similarly increased
the number and total length of sylleptic shoots of nursery trees.
Evidence of β-sheet structure induced kinetic stability of papain upon thermal and sodium dodecyl sulphate denaturation
Authors: Raskovic Brankica , Babic Nikolina , Korac Jelena , Polovic Natalija
Published: February 2015

Papain is a protease that consists of ?-helical and ?-sheet domains which
unfold almost independently. Both, papain considerable thermal stability and
sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) resistance have been shown. However, the
ability of each domain to unfold upon thermal and SDS denaturation has never
been studied. This work shows that fruit papain has slightly higher thermal
inactivation resistance when it is compared to stem papain with rather high
activation energy (Ea) of 223 ? 16 kJmol-1 and Tm50 value of 79 ? 2 ?C. SDS
resistance of fruit papain was estimated by SDS-PAGE analysis and activity
staining. It has been noted that, in the presence of SDS, unless heat energy
was applied in order to unfold papain, the protein remained active.
Furthermore, it has been proven via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FT-IR) that ?-helical domain of fruit papain is more prone to unfolding at
elevated temperatures and in the presence of SDS then ?-sheet rich domain.
Thermal denaturation of papain without detergent present led to accelerated
formation of aggregation specific intermolecular ?-sheets as compared to
native protein. Presented results are both, of fundamental and application
importance.
Experimental study of thermodynamic and transport properties of binary mixtures of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and alcohols at different temperatures
Authors: Vuksanovic Jelena , Radovic Ivona , Serbanovic Slobodan , Kijevcanin Mirjana
Published: February 2015

Experimental density r, refractive index nD and viscosity h data of three
binary systems of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) + ethanol, +
1-propanol, and + 1-butanol were measured at eight temperatures from (288.15
to 323.15) K, with temperature step of 5 K, and at atmospheric pressure. The
experimental data were correlated as a function of PEGDA mole fraction and
temperature. Densities and refractive indices of the investigated mixtures
could be fitted well with exponential function vs. composition, including
temperature dependence of parameters, while in the case of viscosities
polynomial function fits well over a mixture?s composition. In the case of
temperature correlation, all three properties (?, ln? and nD) exhibit linear
trend. The viscosity modeling was performed using four models: UNIFAC-VISCO,
ASOG-VISCO, Mc-Allister and Teja-Rice. For application of UNIFAC-VISCO model
interaction parameters of following groups were determined: CH2=CH/CH3,
CH2=CH/CH2, CH2=CH/OH, CH2=CH/CH2O and CH2=CH/COO. Also, in the same way
binary interaction parameters used in ASOG-VISCO of the following groups were
determined: CH2=CH/CH2, CH2=CH/OH, CH2=CH/CH2O and CH2=CH/COO.
Electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid at p-phenylenediamine film-holes modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Olana Bikila , Kitte Shimeles , Soreta Tesfaye
Published: February 2015

In this work the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) at glassy carbon
electrode (GCE) modified with a perforated film produced by reduction of
diazonium generated in situ from p-phenylenediamine (PD) is reported. Holes
were intentionally created in the modifier film by stripping a pre-deposited
gold nanoparticles. The modified electrodes were electrochemically
characterized by common redox probes: hydroquinone, ferrocyanide and
hexamineruthenium(III). The cyclic voltammetric and amperometric response of
AA using the modified electrodes was compared with that of bare GCE. The bare
GCE showed a linear response to AA in the concentration range of 5 mM to 45
mM with detection limit of 1.656 mM and the modified GCE showed a linear
response to AA in the concentration range of 5 ?M to 45 ?M with detection
limit of 0.123 ?M. The effect of potential intereferents on amperometric
signal of AA at the modified GCE was examined and found to be minimal. The
inter-electrode reproducibility, stability, and accuracy were determined. The
modified electrode showed excellent inter-electrode reproducibility, accuracy
and stability. The modified electrode reported is a promising candidate for
use in electroanalysis of AA.
Analysis of chemical reactivity of aminocyclopyrachlor herbicide through the Fukui function
Authors: Mendoza-Huizar Luis
Published: February 2015

We have calculated global and local DFT reactivity descriptors for
aminocyclopyrachlor herbicide at the MP2/6-311++G (2d,2p) level of theory in
the aqueous phase. Global reactivity descriptors such as ionization energy,
molecular hardness, electrophilicity, and total energies were calculated to
evaluate the aminocyclopyrachlor reactivity. Local reactivity was evaluated
through the Fukui function. Our results suggest that the cationic and dipolar
forms of aminocyclopyrachlor exhibit similar global reactivity and they are
susceptible to deamination and decarboxylation. Also, the opening of the ring
might become factible through free radical attacks to the neutral form, while
a similar process is caused by nucleophilic attacks on the anionic form.
Fourier ellipsometry – an ellipsometric approach to Fourier scatterometry
Authors: Petrik P. , Kumar N. , Fried M. , Fodor B. , Juhasz G. , Pereira S. F. , Burger S. , Urbach H. P.
Published: February 2015

An extension of Fourier scatterometry is presented, aiming at increasing the sensitivity by measuring the phase difference between the reflections polarized parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence. The ellipsometric approach requires no additional hardware elements compared with conventional Fourier scatterometry. Furthermore, incoherent illumination is also sufficient, which enables spectroscopy using standard low-cost light sources.
Phase retrieval from carrier frequency interferograms: reduction of the impact of space-variant disturbances
Authors: Schwider J. , Nercissian V. , Mantel K.
Published: February 2015

Phase “extraction” by using temporal phase shifting is sensitive to vibrations and drifts, producing systematic phase errors periodic withtwice the fringe frequency. This error source may be avoided by evaluating only single carrier frequency interferograms, which makesthe procedure immune against vibrations and drifts provided that the integration time is short enough to freeze the fringe pattern.However, the phases extracted from single interferograms in this way often show local irregularities depending on the mean phase of theinterference pattern. Such local phase irregularities are caused by local disturbances in the light path like specks and dust particles onthe optical components of the interferometer. Moreover, since digitized data are gathered, there is a nonlinear processing step involvedwhich is also responsible for the generation of such irregularities. Here, it is proposed to use a set of suitably combined phase-rampedinterferograms to reduce phase dependent irregularities. The proposed averaging technique also reduces edge ringing effects known fromFourier evaluation procedures. Since the imaging optics also contributes to the phase to be measured when tilted wavefronts are used,calibration is mandatory. The calibrated state is only valid if strict rules considering fringe number per diameter as well as the position of the wedge in the interferometer are maintained in the measuring process.
Nepalese Trekking Guides: A Quantitative Study of Sexual Health Knowledge And Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Simkhada P , Van Teijlingen E , Regmi P , Bhatta P , Ingham R , Stone N
Published: February 2015

Tourism, a global industry, brings with it a number of public health problems, one of which is the spread of sexually transmitted infections transmitted between travelers and hosts. Previous studies have largely focused on sex workers and sex tourists. This study assesses sexual behavior, knowledge and condom use among male trekking guides in Nepal. A self-administered questionnaire survey (n=324) was conducted using snowball sampling amongst men working as mountain trekking guides in Nepal. Most respondents (59%) had initiated sex before the age of 18. Most (84 %) reported sexual relations with a woman other than their partner, 46% reported foreign partners, 43% had Nepalese partners, and 28% had concurrent foreign and Nepalese partners. Most (70 %) reported ever having sex with a foreign woman and two-thirds had had sexual intercourse with foreign women in the previous 12 months. Participants’ age, education status, age of first sex, smoking and drinking habits and English proficiency were significant predictors of having sex with foreign women. About 60% reported condom use during their most recent occasion of extra-marital sex. A similar proportion had used a condom during last sexual intercourse with a foreign woman. The likelihood of condom use was associated with a guide’s age, educational level, ethnicity, age of first sex and work experience. Most trekking guides reported sexual relations with foreign women as well as irregular use of condoms. Although sexual health knowledge about among trekking guides is high, some misconceptions still result in unsafe sex. Hence there is an urgent need to revise the existing training for trekking guides and implement appropriate health promotion programmes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v1i4.12000Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health SciencesVol. 1, Issue 4, 2015Page: 35-42
Seaweed Supplements Normalise Metabolic, Cardiovascular and Liver Responses in High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Fed Rats
Authors: Kumar Senthil , Magnusson Marie , Ward Leigh , Paul Nicholas , Brown Lindsay
Published: February 2015

Increased seaweed consumption may be linked to the lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in eastern Asia. This study investigated the responses to two tropical green seaweeds, Ulva ohnoi (UO) and Derbesia tenuissima (DT), in a rat model of human metabolic syndrome. Male Wistar rats (330–340 g) were fed either a corn starch-rich diet or a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with 25% fructose in drinking water, for 16 weeks. High-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rats showed the signs of metabolic syndrome leading to abdominal obesity, cardiovascular remodelling and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Food was supplemented with 5% dried UO or DT for the final 8 weeks only. UO lowered total final body fat mass by 24%, systolic blood pressure by 29 mmHg, and improved glucose utilisation and insulin sensitivity. In contrast, DT did not change total body fat mass but decreased plasma triglycerides by 38% and total cholesterol by 17%. UO contained 18.1% soluble fibre as part of 40.9% total fibre, and increased magnesium, while DT contained 23.4% total fibre, essentially as insoluble fibre. UO was more effective in reducing metabolic syndrome than DT, possibly due to the increased intake of soluble fibre and magnesium.
Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks Model for Meteosat Second Generation SEVIRI Daytime Cloud Masking
Authors: Taravat Alireza , Proud Simon , Peronaci Simone , Del Frate Fabio , Oppelt Natascha
Published: February 2015

A multilayer perceptron neural network cloud mask for Meteosat Second Generation SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager) images is introduced and evaluated. The model is trained for cloud detection on MSG SEVIRI daytime data. It consists of a multi-layer perceptron with one hidden sigmoid layer, trained with the error back-propagation algorithm. The model is fed by six bands of MSG data (0.6, 0.8, 1.6, 3.9, 6.2 and 10.8 μm) with 10 hidden nodes. The multiple-layer perceptrons lead to a cloud detection accuracy of 88.96%, when trained to map two predefined values that classify cloud and clear sky. The network was further evaluated using sixty MSG images taken at different dates. The network detected not only bright thick clouds but also thin or less bright clouds. The analysis demonstrated the feasibility of using machine learning models of cloud detection in MSG SEVIRI imagery.
Frequency Split Elimination Method for a Solid-State Vibratory Angular Rate Gyro with an Imperfect Axisymmetric-Shell Resonator
Authors: Lin Zhen , Fu Mengyin , Deng Zhihong , Liu Ning , Liu Hong
Published: February 2015

The resonator of a solid-state vibratory gyro is responsible for sensing angular motion. Frequency splitting of an axisymmetric-shell resonator is a common problem caused by manufacturing defects. The defect causes a frequency difference between two working modes which consist of two nodes and two antinodes. The difference leads to the loss of gyroscopic effect, and thus the resonator cannot sense angular motion. In this paper, the resonator based on an axisymmetric multi-curved surface shell structure is investigated and an approach to eliminate frequency splits is proposed. Since axisymmetric multi-curved surface shell resonators are too complex to be modeled, this paper proposes a simplified model by focusing on a common property of the axisymmetric shell. The resonator with stochastic imperfections is made equivalent to a perfect shell with an imperfect mass point. Rayleigh’s energy method is used in the theoretical analysis. Finite element modeling is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the elimination approach. In real cases, a resonator’s frequency split is eliminated by the proposed approach. In this paper, errors in the theoretical analysis are discussed and steps to be taken when the deviation between assumptions and the real situation is large are figured out. The resonator has good performance after processing. The elimination approach can be applied to any kind of solid-state vibratory gyro resonators with an axisymmetric shell structure.
Uptake of Clostridium botulinum C3 Exoenzyme into Intact HT22 and J774A.1 Cells
Authors: Rohrbeck Astrid , Von Elsner Leonie , Hagemann Sandra , Just Ingo
Published: February 2015

The Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme selectively ADP-ribosylates low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins RhoA, B and C. This covalent modification inhibits Rho signaling activity, resulting in distinct actin cytoskeleton changes. Although C3 exoenzyme has no binding, the translocation domain assures that C3 enters cells and acts intracellularly. C3 uptake is thought to occur due to the high concentration of the C3 enzyme. However, recent work indicates that C3 is selectively endocytosed, suggesting a specific endocytotic pathway, which is not yet understood. In this study, we show that the C3 exoenzyme binds to cell surfaces and is internalized in a time-dependent manner. We show that the intermediate filament, vimentin, is involved in C3 uptake, as indicated by the inhibition of C3 internalization by acrylamide, a known vimentin disruption agent. Inhibition of C3 internalization was not observed by chemical inhibitors, like bafilomycin A, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, nocodazole or latrunculin B. Furthermore, the internalization of C3 exoenzyme was markedly inhibited in dynasore-treated HT22 cells. Our results indicate that C3 internalization depends on vimentin and does not depend strictly on both clathrin and caveolae.
A Fuzzy ANP Based Weighted RFM Model for Customer Segmentation in Auto Insurance Sector
Authors: Ravasan Ahad Zare , Mansouri Taha
Published: February 2015

Data mining has a tremendous contribution for researchers to extract the hidden knowledge and information which have been inherited in the raw data. This study has proposed a brand new and practical fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) based weighted RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary value) model for application in K-means algorithm for auto insurance customers' segmentation. The developed methodology has been implemented for a private auto insurance company in Iran which classified customers into four “best”, “new”, “risky”, and “uncertain” patterns. Then, association rules among auto insurance services in two most valuable customer segments including “best” and “risky” patterns are discovered and proposed. Finally, some marketing strategies based on the research results are proposed. The authors believe the result of this paper can provide a noticeable capability to the insurer company in order to assess its customers' loyalty in marketing strategy.
Optimization Studies on Electroless Nickel Coatings
Authors: Kundu Sanjib , Sahoo Prasanta , Das Suman Kalyan
Published: February 2015

Electroless nickel coating is a novel method of coating which can be developed in various combinations of alloys and composites each having its unique set of characteristics. Electroless nickel coatings are mainly used for wear and corrosion resistant properties. However, additional characteristics like smoothness of deposit, low friction, descent plating rate, electrical and magnetic properties also make them suitable for a host of applications. The properties of electroless nickel coatings depend mainly on the electroless solution ingredients as well as deposition conditions. Important deposition parameters include bath temperature, concentration of nickel source, concentration of reducing agent, pH of the solution, concentration of surfactants, and so on. Moreover, heat treatment is found to modify the microstructure of the coating and influence certain properties viz. hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, etc. A large number of works have been published by the researchers on the evaluation of electroless nickel coating performance on the basis of hardness, roughness, corrosion resistance, friction and wear resistance for various types of coatings and substrates. Several approaches are proposed in the literatures to solve the problems related with optimization of these parameters. It is felt that a review of the various approaches developed would help to compare their main features and their relative advantages or limitations which will enable to choose the most suitable approach for a particular application and also throw light on aspects that needs further attention. In this regard, the present paper presents a review on the developments done on the optimization of electroless nickel coatings to increase its efficiency.
FEA Based Study of Loose Transmission Gearbox Housing
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Jaiswal Himanshu , Patil Pravin P.
Published: February 2015

Transmission gearbox housing is subjected to noise and vibration induced by internal harmonic excitation. The internal harmonic excitation produces a dynamic mesh force, which is transmitted to the housing through the shafts and bearings and causes transmission failure. The main objective of this research work is to study the relation between the transmission vibration and the positional fixed constraints of vehicle frame by comparing the free vibration results of zero displacement constraint condition to positional constraint of the different number of connecting bolts. The vehicle gearbox housing is mounted on vehicle frame using connecting bolts fixture. The present design of heavy vehicle truck transmission housing is mounted on vehicle frame using 37 connecting bolts on five different positions. The study has been completed in two parts, in first parts all 37 connecting bolts were fixed on vehicle frame and in second part of study the front and bottom positional bolts were loosened to study the relation between vibration and constraint connecting bolts. Reciprocity Principle was used to apply the loads on housing. The first 20 vibration mode shape and natural frequencies were calculated using ANSYS 14.5. The study has theoretical and practical importance for the structure optimization of gearbox housing. ANSYS 14.5 is used as FEA based analysis tool. The natural frequency for zero displacement condition varies from 1669 Hz to 3576 Hz and for loose transmission housing frequency varies from 750 Hz to 3802 Hz. The analysis results is verify with experimental results available in literature.
Till Surgery Do Us Part: Unexpected Bilateral Kissing Molars
Authors: Anish Narayanankutty , Vivek Velayudhannair , Thomas Sunila , Daniel Vineet Alex , Thomas Jincy , Ranimol Prasanna
Published: February 2015

The occurrence impacted teeth, single or multiple is very common. But, phenomenon of kissing molars is an extremely rare phenomenon. Mandibular third molars are the most common impacted teeth. Mandibular first or second molars does not share the same frequency of occurrence. But, there are rare cases in which the occlusal surfaces of impacted molars are united by the same follicular space and the roots point in the opposite direction, and are termed as kissing molars. Sometimes, these teeth will be associated with pathologies. This article reports a rare case of mandibular bilateral kissing molars.
Promising Role of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Associated Non-Hodgkin′s Lymphoma
Authors: Kung Boom , Mak W , Lau S. M. J. , Auyong T , Tong C
Published: February 2015

This case report explores the potential role of FDG PET/CT in HIV -associated systemic non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma (HIV-NHLs). In our locality, there are a cumulative total of 5523 reported HIV infections cases since 1984. We reported a case of HIV-related Burkitt′s lymphoma (BL) and a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that underwent PET/CT examination in our PET centre. In HIV-NHLs patients, we must be reminded that not all hypermetabolic foci represent lymphomatous lesions. There is a close correlation between the pattern of lymphoid tissue activation in FDG PET/CT and HIV progression in patients without HIV-related malignancy. The unique patterns of lymphoid tissue activation observed in HIV-infected patients have great clinical implications. Secondly, HIV-infected patients are prone to suffer from opportunistic infections due to immunosuppression, particularly in those with high levels of HIV viral loads. FDG PET/CT cannot reliably differentiate metabolic active lymphoma from other benign diseases such as inflammation in the context of low CD4 count and high viral loads. In those cases, benign markedly hypermetabolic foci can be erroneously interpreted as lymphoma, particularly in those normal-sized lymph nodes. Furthermore, FDG PET/CT may be useful for assessing the efficacy of HAART in suppressing HIV replication and detecting its complication such as lipodystrophy. FDG PET/CT may play a potential useful role in staging and management of HIV -associated systemic non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma. Plasma variables such as viral loads and CD4 count must be taken into account during image interpretation. FDG PET/CT as a potential useful tool for diagnosis, treatment response assessment and disease relapse detection in HIV -associated systemic non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma worth to be further explored.
Unusual Intense Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in the Intercostal Muscles Due to Severe Shortness of Breath in a Patient with Heart Failure
Authors: Shariat Masoud , Mohan Ravi , Iwanochko Mark
Published: February 2015

We present a case of unusually intense Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the intercostal muscles during a Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). We hypothesized that severe left ventricular failure causing the patient to be short of breath during the study in association with insulin injection as part of study protocol led to the intense uptake of FDG in the respiratory muscles causing such an unusual appearance.
Simulation and optimization models for emergency medical systems planning
Authors: Bettinelli, PhD Andrea , Cordone, PhD Roberto , Ficarelli, MSc Federico , Righini, PhD Giovanni
Published: February 2015

The authors address strategic planning problems for emergency medical systems (EMS). In particular, the three following critical decisions are considered: i) how many ambulances to deploy in a given territory at any given point in time, to meet the forecasted demand, yielding an appropriate response time; ii) when ambulances should be used for serving nonurgent requests and when they should better be kept idle for possible incoming urgent requests; iii) how to define an optimal mix of contracts for renting ambulances from private associations to meet the forecasted demand at minimum cost. In particular, analytical models for decision support, based on queuing theory, discrete-event simulation, and integer linear programming were presented. Computational experiments have been done on real data from the city of Milan, Italy.
A 2-D process-based model for suspended sediment dynamics: a first step towards ecological modeling
Authors: Achete F. M. , van der Wegen M. , Roelvink D. , Jaffe B.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. In estuaries most of the sediment load is carried in suspension. Sediment dynamics differ depending on sediment supply and hydrodynamic forcing conditions that vary over space and over time. Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most important contributors to turbidity, which influences habitat conditions and ecological functions of the system. A robust sediment model is the first step towards a chain of model including contaminants and phytoplankton dynamics and habitat modeling. This works aims to determine turbidity levels in the complex-geometry Delta of San Francisco Estuary using a process-based approach (D-Flow Flexible Mesh software). Our approach includes a detailed calibration against measured SSC levels, a sensitivity analysis on model parameters, the determination of a yearly sediment budget as well as an assessment of model results in terms of turbidity levels for a single year (Water Year 2011). Model results shows that our process-based approach is a valuable tool in assessing sediment dynamics and their related ecological parameters over a range of spatial and temporal scales. The current model may act as the base model for a chain of ecological models and climate scenario forecasting.
International assessment of medical students: Should it matter anymore where the school is located?
Authors: Melnick Donald E.
Published: February 2015

With assessment systems that are adequate, robust, comprehensive, as well as responsive to local and regional needs, should the location of the medical education institution be irrelevant? Adequate assessment is determined by local needs, along with accepted minimum global standards of practice. If an assessment system is robust, it should be able to predict future behavior and performance to some degree. A comprehensive system would include assessment of all relevant competencies. In order to achieve comprehensiveness, new approaches are needed to demonstrate mastery of competencies that is now inferred from medical school and graduate medical education participation. These are likely to require a novel approach to assessment – gathering natural, real world data longitudinally rather than only through point-in-time tests. Increasingly the world of assessment may be able to provide tools and data that offer individualized assurances of competence.
Engaging with others to improve global medical care through international board certification
Authors: Allbee Krista , Margaret Nora Lois
Published: February 2015

This commentary, based on comments made by Lois Margaret Nora, MD, during the Globalization of Medical Education panel at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges, provides information about the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), ABMS, International (ABMS-I), and the ABMS Board Certification process. The ABMS was founded near the beginning of the Twentieth century and has a long history of protecting the public through rigorous standards of physician certification. This article highlights the reasons that ABMS and ABMS-I are engaging with the international community to explore international board certification and provides one current example of such a collaboration.
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed through non-contrast MRI
Authors: Chatra Priyank S
Published: February 2015

Rupture of an aneurysm is a rare complication although it is considered a common cause of death. Some of these patients present with the classic triad of symptoms such as abdominal pain, pulsatile abdominal mass and shock. Most symptoms are misleading and will only present as vague abdominal pain. Here we describe one such patient with an unusual presentation of a misleading abdominal mass which was eventually diagnosed as a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after an emergency MRI.
Neuroscience & Four Challenges Concerning Freedom, Character, & Action
Authors: Peterson Gregory R
Published: February 2015

This short talk will introduce four challenges posed by neuroscience for our understanding of moral personhood and action. I begin with a well-known challenge: that of free will and voluntary action. I propose to frame the challenge not in terms of whether or not we have free will, but the kind of freedom we have. In philosophy, this often centers on debates between libertarian free will and compatibilist free will. There are already a significant number of neuroscientific studies providing evidence on this question. But there are two further questions that can be asked. First, what would it take to conclusively show that humans do (or do not) have free will? Second, if it turns out that we don’t have free will, can neuroscience provide means to help us have free will?

A second challenge, deeply tied to that of freedom, concerns moral responsibility. Increasingly, brain scans are being used in courts of law aiming to show whether or not a defendant can be held responsible for the crimes committed. Such usages are requiring scholars to consider how and when this new form of scientific evidence can be used, and what the evidence shows. The traditional view is that moral responsibility is connected to our ability to act freely. To what extent can brain scans show that I am incapable of acting freely? To what extent can brain scans show that I lack the ability to act responsibly?

A third challenge: A long standing tradition in philosophical ethics places equal if not more emphasis on the role of character in decision-making. What matters is not simply that I make the right decision, but that the decision also flows out of a pattern of life, one lived according to virtue. According to Aristotle, virtues are developed through habitual action and by example. If this is so, then there is good reason to think that there is a real sense that virtues are encoded in the brain. Thus, we can ask, to what extent can there be a science of virtue? Can neuroscience tell us the difference between the courageous person and the coward? If so, what role can and should neuroscience play in helping us turn the coward into the courageous, the selfish into the generous?

This leads to the final challenge: Should we socially implement neurotechnologies and, if so, how should we implement them? One form of implementation, that of neuroceuticals, exists already. Many American college students take Ritalin in an effort to improve performance on exams. Neuroscientific interventions can be used for individual level therapy and enhancement. But they can also be used for broader social purposes. If a soldier’s PTSD can be reduced with a pill, or if individuals who are socially deviant can be treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation, to what extent is this a good thing, and what are the lines that we ought not to cross?
Exploring Personhood in Islamic Thought
Authors: Moosa Ebrahim
Published: February 2015

How is human personhood conceived in Muslim thought? It is, of course, impossible to frame such a vast question across the breadth of Muslim thought. But I will begin to explore this question drawing on the work of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (d. 1111). What are the crucial attributes about being a person? Is it to be a rational person? Or does it also involve the element of being a moral person, who requires some amount of choice in make moral choices. What is the moral authority of nature? What is the relationship between personhood and corporeality? My presentation will attempt an outline of a Muslim anthropology of personhood drawing on the work of Ghazali. Then I will also attempt to provide a framework for understanding the relationship between human beings, and technology, especially enhancements.