bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catching-Up Strategy: New Member States of the European Union in the European Internal Market for High-Tech and Environmental Products in the Context of the Renewed Lisbon Strategy
Authors: Wysokinska Zofia Maria
Published: September 2008

The Central and Eastern European countries implemented an economic policy fundamentally reorienting their foreign trade in the nineteen–nineties. This involved a shift in direction from the East (the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries) to the West (primarily the European Union). The economic transformation of those countries as well as integration with the European Union was established and nearly complete in the wake of accession in the year 2004. However, transition periods facilitating the completion of integration processes were established for certain sectors, including adaptation to environmental rules and standards, for example.

The aim of this paper is to present certain findings of an international comparison among the "new" European Union member states related to: certain final economic results of the transformation with respect to achievements related to the various states of economic development (verification of the M. Porter and T. Ozawa model), and the ability to adopt selected requirements of the Renewed European Union Strategies after the year 2005, with special reference to the Renewed Sustainable Development Strategy and the Strategy: Global Europe-Competing in the World. Verification of the Ozawa and Porter Model is positive for all Central and Eastern European new members of the European Union. Transformation and integration processes supported these countries on their way to economic development. These positive results on their development path are presented in the paper in detail.
We Aren't Done Yet: Comments on the Financial Crisis and Bailout
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph
Published: October 2008

Joseph Stiglitz discusses flaws in the modified Paulson bailout plan and some elements of what should be done, either instead or in addition.
Australian Natural Therapists and Mental Health: Survey of Treatment Approaches and Referral Patterns
Authors: Morgan Amy J , Francis Andrew J. P.
Published: October 2008

This study was an initial examination of practice by Australian naturopaths and Western herbalists in their treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression. Types of treatments provided and the nature of interactions with mental health professionals were explored. Sixty-nine participants (response rate approximately 9%) completed a questionnaire devised by the authors. A variety of natural medicine modalities were chosen to treat each condition, most frequently herbs, lifestyle advice and dietary modification. Evidence was found for some degree of consistency in the treatment approaches taken to mental health issues, suggestive of common practice approaches amongst suitably qualified practitioners. Findings also indicate considerable interaction between naturopaths/herbalists and mental health professionals, with more referrals made to mental health professionals than received. These findings may inform the better integration of natural medicine and mainstream mental health care in Australia.
Top University — Downhill for Humanities? Policing the Future of Higher Education in the Finnish Mainstream Media
Authors: Ridell Seija
Published: October 2008

The ongoing structural changes of the university are under heated debate worldwide, including the Nordic countries. In scholarly discussion, however, there has been surprisingly little analysis and critical assessments of the ways the mainstream media especially represent the state and future of university for the general public. By focusing on the ways Finland's largest daily newspaper covered a specific plan to reform the Finnish university system during Spring 2007, this article explores who were given the right to define the university's contemporary state of affairs, name its problems and suggest solutions to them in the national print media's public arena. More specifically, the article is concerned with the kind of actor positions afforded to human sciences and humanist scholars in the media coverage.
The Discourse of Social Justice within European Education Policy Developments: The Example of Key Competences and Indicator Development towards Assuring the Continuation of Democracy
Authors: Hoskins Bryony
Published: October 2008

Neo-liberal discourse is described by many critical education researchers as almost the only discourse within European education policy making. However, although this discourse clearly exists and is powerful, the author identifies an alternative discourse within European Union policy making which incorporates narratives of social justice, solidarity and democracy, particularly citing education as a vehicle for these narratives. This article highlights the place of this alternative discourse in the policy process of the identification of key competences and the creation of indicators by which the competences can be evaluated. It uses official texts and direct experience of working in the European Commission's Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning (CRELL) to explain this narrative further, including the process of the development of indicators on certain key competences, such as civic competence and learning to learn and the social justice dialogue that forms the basis for these discussions. The article argues that the absence from critical educational researchers' debates of this narrative leads to an oversimplified understanding of European policy processes.
Evaluation of differences between breeds for substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and neurofilament 200 in the abomasal wall of cattle
Authors: Sickinger Marlene , Leiser Rudolf , Failing Klaus , Doll Klaus
Published: October 2008

Objective—To compare the content of substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and neurofilament 200 in biopsy specimens taken from the abomasal wall of healthy cows of 2 breeds.

Sample Population—Biopsy specimens taken from different sites of the abomasal wall from 20 German Holstein cows and 20 German Fleckvieh cows.

Procedures—Biopsy specimens were examined immunohistochemically, and the content of substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and neurofilament 200 was determined by measuring the immunoreactive areas.

Results—Significant differences between the breeds were detected. Substance P-immuno-reactive area in the corpus abomasi was significantly smaller in the German Holsteins (geometric mean ± geometric SD, 679 ± 1.83 μm2) than in the German Fleckvieh cows (1,020 ± 1.65 μm2). Concerning vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, differences between breeds were not significant. Overall nerve density in the antral abomasal wall was significantly greater in German Holsteins than in German Fleckvieh cows (immunoreactive areas for neurofilament 200 in German Holsteins was 4,842 ± 1.29 μm2 and in German Fleckvieh cows was 3,333 ± 1.63 μm2).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The significantly lower content of substance P in the corpus abomasi could explain why German Holstein cows are predisposed to abomasal displacement, compared with German Fleckvieh cows, in which this disease is a rare finding.
Hemodynamic and serum biochemical alterations associated with intravenous administration of three types of contrast media in anesthetized dogs
Authors: Pollard Rachel E. , Puchalski Sarah M. , Pascoe Peter J.
Published: October 2008

Objective—To determine the incidence and type of alterations in heart rate (HR), peak systolic blood pressure (PSBP), and serum biochemical variables (total bilirubin, BUN, and creatinine concentrations) associated with IV administration of ionic-iodinated contrast (IIC), nonionic-iodinated contrast (NIC), and gadolinium dimeglumine (GD) contrast media in anesthetized dogs.

Animals—280 anesthetized dogs undergoing cross-sectional imaging.

Procedures—HR and PSBP were recorded at 5-minute intervals for 20 minutes for untreated control dogs and dogs that received IIC, NIC, or GD contrast medium. The development of an HR of < 60 beats/min or > 130 beats/min that included a ≥ 20% change from baseline was considered a response. The development of PSBP of < 90 mm Hg or > 160 mm Hg that included a ≥ 20% change from baseline was considered a response. Pre- and postcontrast serum biochemical values were recorded.

Results—Of dogs receiving IIC medium, 3% (3/91) had a response in HR and 4% (4/91) had a response in PSBP at ≥ 1 time points. None of the dogs receiving NIC medium had a response in HR; 1 of 16 had a response in PSBP. Of dogs receiving GD contrast medium, 1% (1/92) had a response in HR and 4% (4/92) had a response in PSBP. Of control dogs, 2% (2/81) had a response in HR and 4% (3/81) had a response in PSBP. No serum biochemical alterations were observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IV administration of contrast media in anesthetized dogs caused moderate bradycardia, tachycardia, hypotension, or hypertension.
Assessment of impulse duration thresholds for electrical stimulation of muscles (chronaxy) in dogs
Authors: Sawaya Serge G. , Combet Delphine , Chanoit Guillaume , Thiebault Jean-Jacques , Levine David , Marcellin-Little Denis J.
Published: October 2008

Objective—To determine the electrical impulse duration thresholds (chronaxy) for maximal motor contraction of various muscles without stimulation of pain fibers in dogs.

Animals—10 healthy adult Beagles.

Procedures—The dogs were used to assess the minimal intensity (rheobase) required to elicit motor contraction of 11 muscles (5 in the forelimb [supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoideus, lateral head of the triceps brachii, and extensor carpi radialis], 5 in the hind limb [gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus lateralis, and tibialis cranialis], and the erector spinae). The rheobase was used to determine the chronaxy for each of the 11 muscles in the 10 dogs; chronaxy values were compared with those reported for the corresponding muscles in humans.

Results—Compared with values in humans, chronaxy values for stimulation of AA motor fibers in the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles and muscles of the more distal portions of limbs were lower in dogs. For the other muscles evaluated, chronaxy values did not differ between dogs and humans.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Application of the dog-specific chronaxy values when performing electrical stimulation for strengthening muscles or providing pain relief is likely to minimize the pain perceived during treatment in dogs.
Role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of recurrent uveitis in horses from the southeastern United States
Authors: Gilger Brian C. , Salmon Jacklyn H. , Yi Na Y. , Barden Curtis A. , Chandler Heather L. , Wendt Jennifer A. , Colitz Carmen M. H.
Published: October 2008

Objective—To determine the role of intraocular bacteria in the pathogenesis of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) in horses from the southeastern United States by evaluating affected eyes of horses with ERU for bacterial DNA and intraocular production of antibodies against Leptospira spp.

Sample Population—Aqueous humor, vitreous humor, and serum samples of 24 clinically normal horses, 52 horses with ERU, and 17 horses with ocular inflammation not associated with ERU (ie, non-ERU inflammation).

Procedures—Ribosomal RNA quantitative PCR (real-time PCR) assay was used to detect bacterial DNA in aqueous humor and vitreous humor from clinically normal horses (n = 12) and horses with chronic (> 3-month) ERU (28). Aqueous humor and serum were also evaluated for anti-Leptospira antibody titers from clinically normal horses (n = 12), horses with non-ERU inflammation (17), and horses with confirmed chronic ERU (24).

Results—Bacterial DNA was not detected in aqueous humor or vitreous humor of horses with ERU or clinically normal horses. No significant difference was found in titers of anti-Leptospira antibodies in serum or aqueous humor among these 3 groups. Only 2 horses, 1 horse with ERU and 1 horse with non-ERU inflammation, had definitive intraocular production of antibodies against Leptospira organisms.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses from the southeastern United States, Leptospira organisms may have helped initiate ERU in some, but the continued presence of the organisms did not play a direct role in the pathogenesis of this recurrent disease.
Development of a contagious ecthyma vaccine for goats
Authors: Musser Jeffrey M. B. , Taylor Charles A. , Guo Jianhua , Tizard Ian R. , Walker John W.
Published: October 2008

Objective—To identify a strain of contagious ecthyma virus from goats that possesses the appropriate characteristics for an effective vaccine for goats.

Animals—25 goat kids used for vaccine development and 100 goat kids used for evaluation of vaccine efficacy.

Procedures—5 strains of contagious ecthyma virus were tested in a vaccination-challenge study to identify the best strain to be the seed strain for a contagious ecthyma vaccine. The vaccine derived from the chosen viral stain was tested at 2 concentrations for efficacy in a vaccination-challenge study.

Results—2 of 5 viral strains induced moderate to severe scabs following infection, and 3 viral strains protected the goats from wild-type virus challenge following vaccination. Viral strain 47CE was selected as the seed source for the production of a contagious ecthyma vaccine because of the larger vaccine-to-challenge scab formation ratio. Vaccine 47CE protected all goat kids (48/48) following challenge with the wild-type contagious ecthyma virus; all goat kids (32/32) in the control group had scab formation following challenge with the wild-type contagious ecthyma virus, which indicated no protection following administration of vaccine diluent.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A vaccine containing a caprine strain of contagious ecthyma virus used in goats appeared to provide the characteristics needed for an effective vaccine, including good scab production and protection from wild-type infection. This vaccine may potentially provide better protection for goats from contagious ecthyma than currently available vaccines labeled for sheep.
A survey to determine public opinion about the ethics and governance of farm animal welfare
Authors: Lusk Jayson L. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: October 2008

Objective—To determine the attitude of the public toward farm animal welfare and identify beliefs regarding how decisions about farm animal welfare should be made.

Design—Telephone survey.

Study Population—A random sample of 1,019 US households.

Procedures—US households were contacted by telephone and asked to take part in a survey consisting of 48 items.

Results—A majority (437/773 [56.4%]) of respondents believed decisions about farm animal welfare should be made by experts rather than being based on the views of the public. Such advocates of expert decision making were less likely to believe the government should regulate farm animal welfare. Most (420/773 [54.3%]) respondents believed decisions about farm animal welfare should be based on scientific measures of animal well-being, as opposed to moral and ethical considerations. Those individuals who believed farm animal welfare decisions should be made by experts and be based on scientific measures were the least concerned about farm animal welfare issues. People who believed animal welfare decisions should be made by experts and be based on scientific measures were most responsive to information about use of gestation crates for sows.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results should help increase recognition that changing public opinion is not simply a matter of convincing the public to support positions established by veterinarians and animal scientists. People's views about the role of the democratic process in regulating technologic change are important determinants of whether people accept the changes in animal agriculture that have occurred during the past century.
Clinical Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection in two captive American bison (Bison bison)
Authors: Weiss Rachael B. , Sarver Craig F. , Thilsted John , Wolfe Barbara A.
Published: October 2008

Case Description—2 juvenile (17 and 19 months of age) male American bison (Bison bison) were examined because of acute bilateral hind limb weakness and ataxia; 1 animal also had urinary incontinence.

Treatment and Outcome—Given the clinical signs and rapid deterioration in the condition of these 2 animals, obtaining a definitive diagnosis was considered essential to minimizing the risk of disease in the remaining bison herd and among other animals at the facility. Therefore, both affected animals were euthanized. At necropsy, no gross abnormalities were seen. Histologic examination of sections of the brains from both animals revealed mild to moderate multifocal aggregates of eosinophils and mononuclear cells in perivascular regions of the meninges and gray matter of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Systematic examination of multiple sections of brain and spinal cord revealed evidence of nematode sections and aberrant parasite migration.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that CNS migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in American bison may cause clinical signs. These findings have implications for the management of captive bison and free-ranging bison sharing ranges with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the definitive host, and elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis).
Effect of Conventional and More Aggressive Rosuvastatin Treatment on Markers of Endothelial Activation
Authors: Postadzhiyan Arman , Tzontcheva Anna , Kehajov Ivan , Kyurkchiev Stanimir , Apostolova Margarita , Finkov Bojidar
Published: October 2008

Effect of Conventional and More Aggressive Rosuvastatin Treatment on Markers of Endothelial Activation

Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors results in an earlier reduction of morbidity and mortality than expected from trials using conventional cholesterol-lowering therapies. Possible explanations for this effect include improvement of endothelial function, plaque stabilization, and inhibition of the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis. In this study we assessed the effects of low and moderate dose rosuvastatin treatment, on circulating markers of endothelial activation in patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes without ST segment elevation. Thirty patients with unstable angina and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction were rando - mized into two groups, and received rosuvastatin 10 mg/day (n =16) or rosuvastatin 20 mg/day (n =14) for 12 weeks. Circulating levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured at admission, and at the end of the study. Lipid values were significantly reduced in both treatment groups, but with significantly greater reduction in the aggressively treated group. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly decreased in both rosuvastatin-treated groups during 12 weeks of follow-up with a more pronounced decrease in the more aggressively treated group. Therefore, rosuvastatin modulates endothelial activation in patients after acute coronary syndromes.
Prehospital management of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Stiver Shirley I. , Manley Geoffrey T.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to review the current protocols of prehospital practice and their impact on outcome in the management of traumatic brain injury. A literature review of the National Library of Medicine encompassing the years 1980 to May 2008 was performed. The primary impact of a head injury sets in motion a cascade of secondary events that can worsen neurological injury and outcome. The goals of care during prehospital triage, stabilization, and transport are to recognize life-threatening raised intracranial pressure and to circumvent cerebral herniation. In that process, prevention of secondary injury and secondary insults is a major determinant of both short- and longterm outcome. Management of brain oxygenation, blood pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and raised intracranial pressure in the prehospital setting are discussed. Patient outcomes are dependent upon an organized trauma response system. Dispatch and transport timing, field stabilization, modes of transport, and destination levels of care are addressed. In addition, special considerations for mass casualty and disaster planning are outlined and recommendations are made regarding early response efforts and the ethical impact of aggressive prehospital resuscitation. The most sophisticated of emergency, operative, or intensive care units cannot reverse damage that has been set in motion by suboptimal protocols of triage and resuscitation, either at the injury scene or en route to the hospital. The quality of prehospital care is a major determinant of long-term outcome for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Marine Derived Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications: Chemical Modification Approaches
Authors: D’Ayala Giovanna Gomez , Malinconico Mario , Laurienzo Paola
Published: October 2008

Polysaccharide-based biomaterials are an emerging class in several biomedical fields such as tissue regeneration, particularly for cartilage, drug delivery devices and gelentrapment systems for the immobilization of cells. Important properties of the polysaccharides include controllable biological activity, biodegradability, and their ability to form hydrogels. Most of the polysaccharides used derive from natural sources; particularly, alginate and chitin, two polysaccharides which have an extensive history of use in medicine, pharmacy and basic sciences, and can be easily extracted from marine plants (algae kelp) and crab shells, respectively. The recent rediscovery of poly-saccharidebased materials is also attributable to new synthetic routes for their chemical modification, with the aim of promoting new biological activities and/or to modify the final properties of the biomaterials for specific purposes. These synthetic strategies also involve the combination of polysaccharides with other polymers. A review of the more recent research in the field of chemical modification of alginate, chitin and its derivative chitosan is presented. Moreover, we report as case studies the results of our recent work concerning various different approaches and applications of polysaccharide-based biomaterials, such as the realization of novel composites based on calcium sulphate blended with alginate and with a chemically modified chitosan, the synthesis of novel alginate-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers and the development of a family of materials based on alginate and acrylic polymers of potential interest as drug delivery systems.
Antifilarial Lead Molecules Isolated from Trachyspermum ammi
Authors: Mathew Nisha , Misra-Bhattacharya Shailja , Perumal Vanamail , Muthuswamy Kalyanasundaram
Published: October 2008

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with the parasitic filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori, transmitted by mosquitoes. The lack of an adulticidal drug poses a challenge to filariasis elimination, hence it is essential to develop an effective antifilarial drug which could either kill or permanently sterilize the adult worms. In the reported work the in vitro activity of a methanolic extract of fruits of Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae) against adult bovine filarial Setaria digitata worms has been investigated. A bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out by subjecting the crude extract to flash chromatography. HPLC analysis was done for the crude extract and active fraction. The crude extract and the active fraction showed significant activity against the adult S. digitata by both a worm motility and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] reduction assays. The isolated active principle was chemically characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and MS analysis and identified as a phenolic monoterpene. It was screened for in vivo antifilarial activity against the human filarial worm B. malayi in Mastomys coucha, showing macrofilaricidal activity and female worm sterility in vivo against B. malayi. The findings thus provide a new lead for development of a macrofilaricidal drug from natural products
Evaluation of Flavonoids and Furanocoumarins from Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) Juice and Identification of New Compounds
Authors: Gardana Claudio , Nalin Federico , Simonetti Paolo
Published: October 2008

Bergamot juice (BJ) contains different classes of flavonoids (e.g. flavanones and flavones) that can exert beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of a BJ obtained from fruits harvested in Southern Italy (Calabria) at the end of their maturation period. The identity of several flavonoids and furanocoumarins was assessed by co-chromatography, UV spectra and molecular weight comparison. The unknown compounds were dissociated by induced collision (CID-MS) and their identity established through the characteristic ions product. By this approach a complete profile of about twenty compounds (furano-coumarins, flavonoids C- and O-glycosides) present in BJ was obtained. Furthermore, three acylated flavanones, present in amounts of 20.1±1.1, 89.3±2.2 and 190.1±3.1 mg/L, respectively, and which seem to correspond to di-oxalate derivatives of neoeriocitrin, naringin and neohesperidin, were identified for the first time in BJ. The other main flavanones were naringin, neohesperidin and neoeriocitrin, and their content was 167.5±1.8, 123.9±1.7 and 73.3±1.6 mg/L, respectively. Concerning flavones, the total amount in BJ was about 160 mg/L and the main ones were vicenin-2, stellarin-2, rhoifolin and neodiosmin. Bergapten and bergamottin were the primary furanocoumarins in BJ and their amounts were 9.0±0.4 and 18.2±0.5 mg/L, respectively.
Effects of Various Drugs on Alcohol-induced Oxidative Stress in the Liver
Authors: Popovic Mira , Janicijevic-Hudomal Snezana , Kaurinovic Biljana , Rasic Julijana , Trivic Svetlana
Published: October 2008

The major aim of this work was to investigate how alcohol-induced oxidative stress in combined chemotherapy changes the metabolic function of the liver in experimental animals. This research was conducted to establish how bromocriptine, haloperidol and azithromycin, applied to the experimental model, affected the antioxidative status of the liver. The following parameters were determined: reduced glutathione, activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, peroxidase, catalase, xanthine oxidase and lipid peroxidation intensity. Alanine transaminase was measured in serum. Alcohol stress (AO group) reduced glutathione and the activity of xanthine oxidase and glutathione peroxidase, but increased catalase and alanine transaminase activity. The best protective effect was achieved with the bromocriptine (AB1 group), while other groups had similar effects on the studied parameters.
Deriving Vegetation Dynamics of Natural Terrestrial Ecosystems from MODIS NDVI/EVI Data over Turkey
Authors: Evrendilek Fatih , Gulbeyaz Onder
Published: October 2008

The 16-day composite MODIS vegetation indices (VIs) at 500-m resolution for the period between 2000 to 2007 were seasonally averaged on the basis of the estimated distribution of 16 potential natural terrestrial ecosystems (NTEs) across Turkey. Graphical and statistical analyses of the time-series VIs for the NTEs spatially disaggregated in terms of biogeoclimate zones and land cover types included descriptive statistics, correlations, discrete Fourier transform (DFT), time-series decomposition, and simple linear regression (SLR) models. Our spatio-temporal analyses revealed that both MODIS VIs, on average, depicted similar seasonal variations for the NTEs, with the NDVI values having higher mean and SD values. The seasonal VIs were most correlated in decreasing order for: barren/sparsely vegetated land > grassland > shrubland/woodland > forest; (sub)nival > warm temperate > alpine > cool temperate > boreal = Mediterranean; and summer > spring > autumn > winter. Most pronounced differences between the MODIS VI responses over Turkey occurred in boreal and Mediterranean climate zones and forests, and in winter (the senescence phase of the growing season). Our results showed the potential of the time-series MODIS VI datasets in the estimation and monitoring of seasonal and interannual ecosystem dynamics over Turkey that needs to be further improved and refined through systematic and extensive field measurements and validations across various biomes.
Amperometric Biosensors for Real Time Assays of Organophosphates
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav , Jun Daniel , Kuca Kamil
Published: October 2008

An amperometric biosensor based on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immobilized in gelatin was used to develop an assay for the organophosphate paraoxon. The more traditional manner employing preincubation was used for comparison between measurement procedures, although the aim of the study was to examine the performance of the biosensor for real time monitoring of organophosphates. The biosensor was immersed in a reaction chamber and paraoxon was injected inside. We were able to detect 200 pg of paraoxon within one minute or 2.5 ppb when the biosensor was preincubed in the sample solution for 15 minutes. The practical impact and expectations are discussed.
Extended Calix[4]arene-Based Receptors for Molecular Recognition and Sensing
Authors: Lo Pik Kwan , Wong Man Shing
Published: October 2008

Recent advances in the area of recognition and sensing have shown that artificial receptors derived from extended calix[4]arenes bearing multiple π-conjugated fluorophoric or chromophoric systems have found useful to enhance binding affinity, selectivity and sensitivity for recognition and sensing of a targeted ion or molecule. A comprehensive review of various π-conjugation-extended calyx[4]arene-based receptors with the highlight on the design and binding characterization for recognition and sensing is presented.
Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) in a Quadruple Well Technology for Nearly 100% Fill Factor and Full CMOS Pixels
Authors: Ballin Jamie Alexander , Crooks Jamie Phillip , Dauncey Paul Dominic , Magnan Anne-Marie , Mikami Yoshiari , Miller Owen Daniel , Noy Matthew , Rajovic Vladimir , Stanitzki Marcel , Stefanov Konstantin , Turchetta Renato , Tyndel Mike , Villani Enrico Giulio , Watson Nigel Keith , Wilson John Allan
Published: October 2008

In this paper we present a novel, quadruple well process developed in a modern 0.18 mm CMOS technology called INMAPS. On top of the standard process, we have added a deep P implant that can be used to form a deep P-well and provide screening of N-wells from the P-doped epitaxial layer. This prevents the collection of radiation-induced charge by unrelated N-wells, typically ones where PMOS transistors are integrated. The design of a sensor specifically tailored to a particle physics experiment is presented, where each 50 mm pixel has over 150 PMOS and NMOS transistors. The sensor has been fabricated in the INMAPS process and first experimental evidence of the effectiveness of this process on charge collection is presented, showing a significant improvement in efficiency.
Mid-Infrared Tunable Resonant Cavity Enhanced Detectors
Authors: Quack Niels , Blunier Stefan , Dual Jurg , Felder Ferdinand , Arnold Martin , Zogg Hans
Published: October 2008

Mid-infrared detectors that are sensitive only in a tunable narrow spectral band are presented. They are based on the Resonant Cavity Enhanced Detector (RCED) principle and employing a thin active region using IV-VI narrow gap semiconductor layers. A Fabry-Pérot cavity is formed by two mirrors. The active layer is grown onto one mirror, while the second mirror can be displaced. This changes the cavity length thus shifting the resonances where the detector is sensitive. Using electrostatically actuated MEMS micromirrors, a very compact tunable detector system has been fabricated. Mirror movements of more than 3 μm at 30V are obtained. With these mirrors, detectors with a wavelength tuning range of about 0.7 μm have been realized. Single detectors can be used in mid-infrared micro spectrometers, while a detector arrangement in an array makes it possible to realize Adaptive Focal Plane Arrays (AFPA).
Impact of Soil Moisture Dynamics on ASAR σo Signatures and Its Spatial Variability Observed over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Van der Velde Rogier , Su Zhongbo , Ma Yaoming
Published: October 2008

This paper reports on the analysis of a 2.5 year-long time series of ASAR wide swath mode (WSM) observations for characterizing the soil moisture dynamics. The employed ASAR WSM data set consists of 152 VV-polarized scenes acquired in the period between April 2005 and September 2007 over the Naqu river basin located on the Tibetan Plateau. For four different spatial domains, with areas of 30x30 km2, 5x5 km2 and (two domains of) 1x1 km2, the mean backscatter (σo) and the standard deviation (stdev) have been computed for each ASAR acquisition. Comparison of the mean σo values with the stdev values results in a specific triangular distribution of data points for all spatial domains. Analysis of the mean σo and stdev with respect to in-situ soil moisture measurements demonstrates that this triangular shaped distribution can be explained by soil moisture dynamics during monsoon and winter periods. This shows that the relationship between the spatial mean soil moisture and variability is not uniquely defined and may change throughout seasons. Downscaling of coarse resolution soil moisture products should, therefore, be ideally based on additional near real time data sources. In this context, the presented results could form a basis for the development of SAR-based soil moisture downscaling methodologies.
Electrochemical Behaviors of Methylene Blue on DNA Modified Electrode and Its Application to the Detection of PCR Product from NOS Sequence
Authors: Zhu Ling , Zhao Ruijun , Wang Kegang , Xiang Haibo , Shang Zhimei , Sun Wei
Published: October 2008

An electrochemical DNA biosensor for the detection of NOS gene sequences from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is presented in this paper. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was covalently attached through the carboxylate ester formed by the 3’- hydroxy end of the DNA with the carboxyl of a mercaptoacetic acid self-assembled monolayer-modified gold electrode using N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) as linkers. The electrochemical behavior of methylene blue (MB) on the ssDNA and dsDNA modified gold electrode were carefully studied. Compared with ssDNA/Au electrode, an increase of redox peak current of MB on dsDNA/Au electrode was found, which could be further used for monitoring the recognition of DNA hybridization. Based on this result, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product of the common inserts NOS terminator from real GMOs samples was detected successfully.
Value Benefit Analysis Software and Its Application in Bolu-Lake Abant Natural Park
Authors: Aytekin Alper , Corbaci Omer Lutfu
Published: October 2008

Value benefit analysis (VBA) is a psychometric instrument for finding the best compromise in forestry multiple-use planning, when the multiple objectives cannot be expressed in the same physical or monetary unit. It insures a systematic assessment of the consequences of proposed alternatives and thoroughly documents the decision process. The method leads to a ranking of alternatives based upon weighting of the objectives and evaluation of the contribution of each alternative to these objectives. The use of the method is illustrated with hypothetical data about Bolu-Lake Abant Natural Park (BLANP). In this study, in addition, computer software controlling the confidence was created. This software puts into practice the method proposed by Churchman and Ackoff, and determines the significance of the alternatives quickly and accurately.
Use of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Enhancement of Biosensor Response to the Herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid
Authors: Loh Kee-Shyuan , Lee Yook Heng , Musa Ahmad , Salmah Abdul Aziz , Zamri Ishak
Published: October 2008

Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were found to have an average diameter of 5.48 ±1.37 nm. An electrochemical biosensor based on immobilized alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles was studied. The amperometric biosensor was based on the reaction of ALP with the substrate ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P). The incorporation of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles together with ALP into a sol gel/chitosan biosensor membrane has led to the enhancement of the biosensor response, with an improved linear response range to the substrate AA2P (5-120 μM) and increased sensitivity. Using the inhibition property of the ALP, the biosensor was applied to the determination of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The use of Fe3O4 nanoparticles gives a two-fold improvement in the sensitivity towards 2,4-D, with a linear response range of 0.5-30 μgL-1. Exposure of the biosensor to other toxicants such as heavy metals demonstrated only slight interference from metals such as Hg2+, Cu2+, Ag2+ and Pb2+. The biosensor was shown to be useful for the determination of the herbicide 2, 4-D because good recovery of 95-100 percent was obtained, even though the analysis was performed in water samples with a complex matrix. Furthermore, the results from the analysis of 2,4-D in water samples using the biosensor correlated well with a HPLC method.
Remote Water Temperature Measurements Based on Brillouin Scattering with a Frequency Doubled Pulsed Yb:doped Fiber Amplifier
Authors: Schorstein Kai , Popescu Alexandru , Göbel Marco , Walther Thomas
Published: October 2008

Temperature profiles of the ocean are of interest for weather forecasts, climate studies and oceanography in general. Currently, mostly in situ techniques such as fixed buoys or bathythermographs deliver oceanic temperature profiles. A LIDAR method based on Brillouin scattering is an attractive alternative for remote sensing of such water temperature profiles. It makes it possible to deliver cost-effective on-line data covering an extended region of the ocean. The temperature measurement is based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering in water. In this contribution, we present the first water temperature measurements using a Yb:doped pulsed fiber amplifier. The fiber amplifier is a custom designed device which can be operated in a vibrational environment while emitting narrow bandwidth laser pulses. The device shows promising performance and demonstrates the feasibility of this approach. Furthermore, the current status of the receiver is briefly discussed; it is based on an excited state Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter.
Developments and Applications of Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Sensors Based on Micro- and Nanomaterials
Authors: Hazelton Sandra G. , Zheng Xingwang , Zhao Julia Xiaojun , Pierce David T.
Published: October 2008

A variety of recent developments and applications of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) for sensors are described. While tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)-ruthenium(II) and luminol have dominated and continue to pervade the field of ECL-based sensors, recent work has focused on use of these lumophores with micro- and nanomaterials. It has also extended to inherently luminescent nanomaterials, such as quantum dots. Sensor configurations including microelectrode arrays and microfluidics are reviewed and, with the recent trend toward increased use of nanomaterials, special attention has been given to sensors which include thin films, nanoparticles and nanotubes. Applications of ECL labels and examples of label-free sensing that incorporate nanomaterials are also discussed.
Fabrication of a Novel Conductometric Biosensor for Detecting Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Antibodies
Authors: Okafor Chika , Grooms Daniel , Alocilja Evangelyn , Bolin Steven
Published: October 2008

Johne’s disease (JD) is one of the most costly bacterial diseases in cattle. In the U.S., economic losses from the disease have been estimated to exceed $1,500,000,000 per year, mainly from the effects of reduced milk production. Current diagnostic tests for JD are laboratory based and many of those tests require specialized equipment and training. Development of rapid and inexpensive diagnostic assays, which are adapted for point-ofcare applications, would aid in the control of JD. In this study, a polyaniline (Pani)-based conductometric biosensor, in an immunomigration format, was fabricated for the detection of serum antibody (IgG) against the causal organism of JD, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Immobilized Mycobacterium avium purified proteins in the capture membrane were used to detect MAP IgG, previously bound with Pani/anti-bovine IgG* conjugate in the conjugate membrane. After detection, the Pani in the sandwiched captured complex bridges an electrical circuit between the silver electrodes, flanking the capture membrane. The electrical conductance, caused by Pani, was measured as drop in electrical resistance. Testing of the biosensor with known JD positive and negative serum samples demonstrated a significant difference in the mean resistance observed between the groups. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that a conductometric biosensor could detect MAP IgG in 2 minutes. The biosensor’s speed of detection and the equipment involved would, among other things, support its application towards the various point-ofcare opportunities aimed at JD management and control.
Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Authors: Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: October 2008

Editorial note concerning the "Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" special issue.
Fabrication and Optimization of a Nanoporous Platinum Electrode and a Non-enzymatic Glucose Micro-sensor on Silicon
Authors: Lee Yi-Jae , Park Dae-Joon , Park Jae-Yeong , Kim Younghun
Published: October 2008

In this paper, optimal conditions for fabrication of nanoporous platinum (Pt) were investigated in order to use it as a sensitive sensing electrode for silicon CMOS integrable non-enzymatic glucose micro-sensor applications. Applied charges, voltages, and temperatures were varied during the electroplating of Pt into the formed nonionic surfactant C16EO8 nano-scaled molds in order to fabricate nanoporous Pt electrodes with large surface roughness factor (RF), uniformity, and reproducibility. The fabricated nanoporous Pt electrodes were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical cyclic voltammograms. Optimal electroplating conditions were determined to be an applied charge of 35 mC/mm2, a voltage of -0.12 V, and a temperature of 25 °C, respectively. The optimized nanoporous Pt electrode had an electrochemical RF of 375 and excellent reproducibility. The optimized nanoporous Pt electrode was applied to fabricate non-enzymatic glucose micro-sensor with three electrode systems. The fabricated sensor had a size of 3 mm x 3 mm, air gap of 10 µm, working electrode (WE) area of 4.4 mm2, and sensitivity of 37.5 µA•L/mmol•cm2. In addition, it showed large detection range from 0.05 to 30 mmolL-1 and stable recovery responsive to the step changes in glucose concentration.
GACEM: Genetic Algorithm Based Classifier Ensemble in a Multi-sensor System
Authors: Xu Rongwu , He Lin
Published: October 2008

Multi-sensor systems (MSS) have been increasingly applied in pattern classification while searching for the optimal classification framework is still an open problem. The development of the classifier ensemble seems to provide a promising solution. The classifier ensemble is a learning paradigm where many classifiers are jointly used to solve a problem, which has been proven an effective method for enhancing the classification ability. In this paper, by introducing the concept of Meta-feature (MF) and Trans-function (TF) for describing the relationship between the nature and the measurement of the observed phenomenon, classification in a multi-sensor system can be unified in the classifier ensemble framework. Then an approach called Genetic Algorithm based Classifier Ensemble in Multi-sensor system (GACEM) is presented, where a genetic algorithm is utilized for optimization of both the selection of features subset and the decision combination simultaneously. GACEM trains a number of classifiers based on different combinations of feature vectors at first and then selects the classifiers whose weight is higher than the pre-set threshold to make up the ensemble. An empirical study shows that, compared with the conventional feature-level voting and decision-level voting, not only can GACEM achieve better and more robust performance, but also simplify the system markedly.
Mesoporous Silicon with Modified Surface for Plant Viruses and Their Protein Particle Sensing
Authors: Vashpanov Yuriy , Young Son Jung , Dal Kwack Kae
Published: October 2008

Changes in electric parameters of a mesoporous silicon treated by a plasma chemical etching with fluorine and hydrogen ions, under the adsorption of NEPO (Nematodetransmitted Polyhedral) plant viruses such as TORSV (Tomato Ringspot Virus), GFLV (Grapevine Fan Leaf Virus) and protein macromolecule from TORSV particles are described. The current response to the applied voltage is measured for each virus particle to investigate the material parameters which are sensitive to the adsorbed particles. The peculiar behaviors of the response are modeled by the current-voltage relationship in a MOSFET. This model explains the behavior well and the double gate model of the MOSFET informs that the mesoporous silicon is a highly sensitive means of detecting the viruses in the size range less than 50 nm.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission of Poly(ladder‐type phenylene)s – The Influence of Photophysical Properties on ASE Thresholds
Authors: Laquai Frédéric , Mishra Ashok K. , Müllen Klaus , Friend Richard H.
Published: September 2008

Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of a series of blue‐emitting poly(ladder‐type phenylene)s (LPPP)s has been studied in thin film polymer waveguide structures. The chemically well‐defined step‐ladder polymers consist of an increasing number of bridged phenylene rings per monomer unit starting from fully arylated poly(ladder‐type indenofluorene) up to poly(ladder‐type pentaphenylene). The ASE characteristics of the polymers including the onset threshold values for ASE, the gain and loss coefficients as well as the photoluminescence (PL) properties, i.e., the solid state fluorescence lifetimes, decay kinetics and solid state quantum efficiencies have been studied by time‐resolved PL spectroscopy. A fully arylated polyfluorene has been synthesized and its photophysical properties were compared to the step‐ladder polymers. Steady‐state photoinduced absorption and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy have been used to study excited state absorption of singlet and triplet states and polarons present in the solid state. The results demonstrate a minimum regarding the onset threshold value of ASE for a fully arylated poly(ladder‐type indenofluorene) and a successive increase of the ASE threshold for the step‐ladder polymers with more bridged phenylene rings. In particular, carbazole‐containing step‐ladder LPPPs exhibit significantly increased ASE threshold values as compared to their carbazole‐free analogues due to a pronounced overlap of stimulated emission (SE) and photoinduced absorption (PA).