bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Complex Event Processing over RFID Streams
Authors: Bok Kyoung Soo , Yeo Myung Ho , Lee Byoung Yeop , Yoo Jae Soo
Published: March 2012

RFID events are a large volume of stream data that continuously come out for tracking and monitoring objects. Many studies have been done to detect a complex event in the RFID stream. However, the existing studies have many problems which increase unnecessary operations when complex events do not satisfy minimum conditions. In this paper, we propose a new scheme to detect complex events when the minimum conditions are satisfied to remove unnecessary operations. To check the minimum conditions of the complex events, we register complex queries in a query index. We detect complex events using the query index and bitmap. To demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method, we compare it with the existing methods through various experiments. As a result, it is shown that the proposed method outperforms the existing methods as a whole.
Strong Convergence of the Viscosity Approximation Process for the Split Common Fixed‐Point Problem of Quasi‐Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Zhao Jing , He Songnian
Published: March 2012

Very recently, Moudafi (2011) introduced an algorithm with weak convergence for the split common fixed‐point problem. In this paper, we will continue to consider the split common fixed‐point problem. We discuss the strong convergence of the viscosity approximation method for solving the split common fixed‐point problem for the class of quasi‐nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results announced by many others.
Crystal Structure of L-Histidinium 2-Nitrobenzoate
Authors: Natarajan Subramanian , Moovendaran Kalimuthu , Kalyana Sundar Jeyaperumal , Ravikumar Krishnan
Published: March 2012

A new nonlinear optical organic compound, namely, L-histidinium 2-nitrobenzoate (abbreviated as LH2NB (I); ([C6H10N3O2]+[C7H4NO4]−)), was synthesized. The molecular structure of LH2NB (I) was elucidated using single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of this compound is about two times that of the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals.
Penile Degloving Injury in an Adolescent with Congenital Hypothyroid
Authors: Kiffin Chauniqua , Porcelli Matthew , Prychyna Oksana , Pazmino Byron , Pust Daniel , DeCostanza Joseph
Published: March 2012

This case follows a 17-year-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism who sustained penile skin avulsion secondary to a dog bite. Initially, an attempt was made to repair the wound using the avulsed skin flap itself as coverage. The repair was done immediately upon presentation to enhance the chances of adequate flap viability; however, the dorsal portion of the reconstruction necrosed within the following week. Ultimately a full thickness surgical graft (FTSG) repair was performed to ensure the most desirable outcome.
A Study of the Wound Healing Mechanism of a Traditional Chinese Medicine,Angelica sinensis, Using a Proteomic Approach
Authors: Hsiao Chia-Yen , Hung Ching-Yi , Tsai Tung-Hu , Chak Kin-Fu
Published: March 2012

Angelica sinensis(AS) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been formulated clinically to treat various form of skin trauma and to help wound healing. However, the mechanism by which it works remains a mystery. In this study we have established a new platform to evaluate the pharmacological effects of total AS herbal extracts as well as its major active component, ferulic acid (FA), using proteomic and biochemical analysis. Cytotoxic and proliferation-promoting concentrations of AS ethanol extracts (AS extract) and FA were tested, and then the cell extracts were subject to 2D PAGE analysis. We found 51 differentially expressed protein spots, and these were identified by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, biomolecular assays, involving collagen secretion, migration, and ROS measurements, gave results that are consistent with the proteomic analysis. In this work, we have demonstrated a whole range of pharmacological effects associated withAngelica sinensisthat might be beneficial when developing a wound healing pharmaceutical formulation for the herbal medicine.
Algorithms for General System of Generalized Resolvent Equations with Corresponding System of Variational Inclusions
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Wen Ching-Feng
Published: March 2012

Very recently, Ahmad and Yao (2009) introduced and considered a system of generalized resolvent equations with corresponding system of variational inclusions in uniformly smooth Banach spaces. In this paper we introduce and study a general system of generalized resolvent equations with corresponding general system of variational inclusions in uniformly smooth Banach spaces. We establish an equivalence relation between general system of generalized resolvent equations and general system of variational inclusions. The iterative algorithms for finding the approximate solutions of general system of generalized resolvent equations are proposed. The convergence criteria of approximate solutions of general system of generalized resolvent equations obtained by the proposed iterative algorithm are also presented. Our results represent the generalization, improvement, supplement, and development of Ahmad and Yao corresponding ones.
Efficient Dual Domain Decoding of Linear Block Codes Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Azouaoui Ahmed , Belkasmi Mostafa , Farchane Abderrazak
Published: March 2012

A computationally efficient algorithm for decoding block codes is developed using a genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed algorithm uses the dual code in contrast to the existing genetic decoders in the literature that use the code itself. Hence, this new approach reduces the complexity of decoding the codes of high rates. We simulated our algorithm in various transmission channels. The performance of this algorithm is investigated and compared with competitor decoding algorithms including Maini and Shakeel ones. The results show that the proposed algorithm gives large gains over the Chase‐2 decoding algorithm and reach the performance of the OSD‐3 for some quadratic residue (QR) codes. Further, we define a new crossover operator that exploits the domain specific information and compare it with uniform and two point crossover. The complexity of this algorithm is also discussed and compared to other algorithms.
HIV RNA Suppression and Immune Restoration: Can We Do Better?
Authors: Pinzone Marilia Rita , Di Rosa Michelino , Cacopardo Bruno , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: March 2012

HAART has significantly changed the natural history of HIV infection: patients receiving antiretrovirals are usually able to control viremia, even though not all virological responders adequately recover their CD4+ count. The reasons for poor immune restoration are only partially known and they include genetic, demographic and immunologic factors. A crucial element affecting immune recovery is immune activation, related to residual viremia; indeed, a suboptimal virological control (i.e., low levels of plasma HIV RNA) has been related with higher levels of chronic inflammation and all-cause mortality. The sources of residual viremia are not yet completely known, even though the most important one is represented by latently infected cells. Several methods, including 2-LTR HIV DNA and unspliced HIV RNA measurement, have been developed to estimate residual viremia and predict the outcome of antiretroviral therapy. Considering that poor immunologic responders are exposed to a higher risk of both AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related diseases, there is a need of new therapeutic strategies, including immunomodulators and drugs targeting the latent viral reservoirs, in order to face residual viremia but also to “drive” the host immunologic responses.
How Can We Increase Postpartum Glucose Screening in Women at High Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Korpi-Hyövälti Eeva , Laaksonen David E. , Schwab Ursula , Heinonen Seppo , Niskanen Leo
Published: March 2012

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for diabetes mellitus but postpartum followup is problematic for frequent nonattendance. Our aim was to increase coverage of postpartum oral glucose tolerance tests (ppOGTTs) and examine associated factors. This was a prospective observational study of altogether 266 high-risk women for GDM from 2005 to 2008 in four Finnish municipalities. The groups were as follows: women (n=54) who had previously participated in early pregnancy lifestyle intervention study and high-risk women (n=102) from the same municipalities studied within one-year after delivery. Furthermore, in two neighboring municipalities nurses were reminded to perform a ppOGTT on high-risk women (n=110). The primary outcome was the prevalence of ppOGTT performed and associated factors. Overall the ppOGTT was performed in 35.7% of women. Only 14.7% of women returned for testing to health care centers, 30.9% after a reminder in municipalities, and 82.5% to the central hospital, respectively. The most important explaining factor was a special call or reminder from the central hospital (OR 13.4 (4.6–38.1),P<0.001). Thus, additional reminders improved communication between primary care and secondary care and more attention to postpartum oral glucose testing in primary care are of great importance.
ynthesis and Characterization of 1‐Aryl‐5‐hepta‐O‐acetyl‐β-D‐maltosyl‐2‐S‐benzyl‐2,4‐isodithiobiurets
Authors: Ghuge R. D. , Deshmukh S. P.
Published: March 2012

The facile synthesis of 1‐aryl‐5‐hepta‐o‐acetyl‐β-D‐maltosyl‐2‐S‐benzyl‐2,4‐isodithiobiurets (IIIa-g) has been achieved by the interaction of 1‐hepta‐O‐acetyl‐β–D‐maltosyl isothiocyanate (I) with various1‐aryl‐S‐benzyl isothiocarbamides (IIa-g). All the newly synthesized N‐maltosylated compounds characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR and Mass spectral studies.
Stochastic Approximations and Monotonicity of a Single Server Feedback Retrial Queue
Authors: Boualem Mohamed , Djellab Natalia , Aïssani Djamil
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on stochastic comparison of the Markov chains to derive some qualitative approximations for an M/G/1 retrial queue with a Bernoulli feedback. The main objective is to use stochastic ordering techniques to establish various monotonicity results with respect to arrival rates, service time distributions, and retrial parameters.
Review on the Relationship between Human Polyomaviruses-Associated Tumors and Host Immune System
Authors: Delbue Serena , Comar Manola , Ferrante Pasquale
Published: March 2012

The polyomaviruses are small DNA viruses that can establish latency in the human host. The name polyomavirus is derived from the Greek rootspoly-, which means “many,” and -oma, which means “tumours.” These viruses were originally isolated in mouse (mPyV) and in monkey (SV40). In 1971, the first human polyomaviruses BK and JC were isolated and subsequently demonstrated to be ubiquitous in the human population. To date, at least nine members of thePolyomaviridaefamily have been identified, some of them playing an etiological role in malignancies in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we describe the biology of human polyomaviruses, their nonmalignant and malignant potentials ability, and their relationship with the host immune response.
Runoff and Nutrient Losses from Constructed Soils Amended with Compost
Authors: Hansen N. E. , Vietor D. M. , Munster C. L. , White R. H. , Provin T. L.
Published: March 2012

Composted organic materials used to stabilize roadside embankments in Texas promote rapid revegetation of soils disturbed by construction activities. Yet, adding compost to soil may increase total and soluble plant nutrients available for loss in runoff water. Composted municipal biosolids and dairy manure products were applied to soils in Texas according to prescribed Texas Department of Transportation specifications for stabilizing roadside soils. The specifications included a method for incorporating compost into soils prior to seeding or applying a compost and woodchip mix over a disturbed soil and then seeding. Applying compost and woodchips over the soil surface limited sediment losses (14 to 32 fold decrease) compared to incorporating compost into the soil. Yet, the greatest total phosphorus and nitrogen losses in runoff water occurred from soils where the compost and woodchip mix was applied. The greatest losses of soluble phosphorus also occurred when the compost and woodchip mix was applied. In contrast, nitrate-nitrogen losses in runoff were similar when compost was incorporated in the soil or applied in the woodchip mix. Compost source affected the nutrient losses in runoff. While the composted municipal biosolids added greater nutrient loads to the soil, less nutrient loss in runoff occurred.
Optimization of Spoken Term Detection System
Authors: Wang Chuanxu , Zhang Pengyuan
Published: March 2012

Generally speaking, spoken term detection system will degrade significantly because of mismatch between acoustic model and spontaneous speech. This paper presents an improved spoken term detection strategy, which integrated with a novel phoneme confusion matrix and an improved word‐level minimum classification error (MCE) training method. The first technique is presented to improve spoken term detection rate while the second one is adopted to reject false accepts. On mandarin conversational telephone speech (CTS), the proposed methods reduce the equal error rate (EER) by 8.4% in relative.
X‐Ray Reflectometry Study of Self‐Assembled Ionic Nanolayers
Authors: Jasiecki Szymon , Serafińczuk Jarosław , Gotszalk Teodor , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: March 2012

The self‐assembly technique has been applied for the fabrication of thin films including macrocyclic molecules. These multilayered structures, grown by sequential deposition of oppositely charged molecules, were characterised with X‐ray reflectometry. The data obtained indicate regular thickness of ion pair layers formed regardless of the number of depositions made as well as the number of ion groups occurring in the molecule. Savitzky‐Golay algorithm was used for the calculation of the layer thickness. Formation of self‐assembled multilayers (SAMs) occurs not only for polymeric structures but also for small ionic compound systems and results from the electrostatic interaction of many strongly dissipated charges on the whole structure of the molecule.
History, Present, and Progress of Frontotemporal Dementia in China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ren Ru-Jing , Huang Yue , Xu Gang , Li Chun-Bo , Cheng Qi , Chen Sheng-Di , Wang Gang
Published: March 2012

We aim to provide an overview of clinical and demographical features and neuropathological research on frontotemporal dementia (FTD) from China over the past decade. We reviewed the demographic features, clinical presentations, and neuropathology of the FTD-spectrum disorders from the 49 cases in China published since 1998. On the basis of these findings, we retrospect the history and speculate on future progress in terms of FTD in China. We found that most published papers comprise case reports with a few retrospective studies with small sample sizes. Behavior variant FTD (bvFTD) was the most common diagnostic subtype, of which 35% were associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinsonian syndrome. More than 47% patients with FTD had age onset before 65. There were no differences in age of onset and sex distribution between diagnostic subtypes. The spectrum of neuropathological diagnosis of bvFTD was frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTLD) with tau protein or ubiquitin-immunopositive inclusions, and FTLD without intracellular inclusions. Median survival in bvFTD was 14 years. This paper provides an overview of the current status and pointers for future research directions of FTD in China.
Lipid Peroxidation and Paraoxonase-1 Activity in Celiac Disease
Authors: Ferretti Gianna , Bacchetti Tiziana , Saturni Letizia , Manzella Nicola , Candelaresi Cinzia , Benedetti Antonio , Di Sario Antonio
Published: March 2012

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role. Aim of the study was to investigate the alteration of paraoxonase-1 activity in celiac disease (CD), an intestinal disorder characterized by toxic injury exerted by gluten peptides. Activities of PON1, levels of biochemical markers of lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in serum obtained from 27 celiac patients (11 at diagnosis, 16 treated with gluten free diet) and 25 healthy subjects. Moreover, the serum susceptibility of Cu2+-induced lipid peroxidation was investigated in controls and patients. The results showed a lower PON1 activity in serum of both groups of celiac patients with respect to control subjects. PON1 activity in CD was related with markers of disease severity and was negatively correlated with the levels of lipid hydroperoxide and with the susceptibility of serum to lipid peroxidation induced in vitro by metal ions. The alteration of PON1 activity and markers of lipid peroxidation realized at lower extent in patients who were on a gluten-free diet.
Disorders of Sex Development: Management of Gender Assignment in a Preterm Infant with Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Mastrandrea Lucy D. , Albini Christine H. , Wynn Ralph J. , Greenfield Saul P. , Robinson Luther K. , Mazur Tom
Published: March 2012

We describe how a gender specialist team managed the case of a disorder of sex development in a preterm infant where definitive diagnosis and gender assignment were delayed due to complications of prematurity, anemia, and severe intrauterine growth restriction.
Modeling Count Outcomes from HIV Risk Reduction Interventions: A Comparison of Competing Statistical Models for Count Responses
Authors: Xia Yinglin , Morrison-Beedy Dianne , Ma Jingming , Feng Changyong , Cross Wendi , Tu Xin
Published: March 2012

Modeling count data from sexual behavioral outcomes involves many challenges, especially when the data exhibit a preponderance of zeros and overdispersion. In particular, the popular Poisson log-linear model is not appropriate for modeling such outcomes. Although alternatives exist for addressing both issues, they are not widely and effectively used in sex health research, especially in HIV prevention intervention and related studies. In this paper, we discuss how to analyze count outcomes distributed with excess of zeros and overdispersion and introduce appropriate model-fit indices for comparing the performance of competing models, using data from a real study on HIV prevention intervention. The in-depth look at these common issues arising from studies involving behavioral outcomes will promote sound statistical analyses and facilitate research in this and other related areas.
Programme Costing of a Physical Activity Programme in Primary Prevention: Should the Costs of Health Asset Assessment and Participatory Programme Development Count?
Authors: Wolfenstetter Silke B. , Schweikert Bernd , John Jürgen
Published: March 2012

This analysis aims to discuss the implications of the “health asset concept”, introduced by the WHO, and the “investment for health model” requiring a “participatory approach” of cooperative programme development applied on a physical activity programme for socially disadvantaged women and to demonstrate the related costing issues as well as the relevant decision context. The costs of programme implementation amounted to €48,700. Adding the costs for developing the programme design of €48,800 results in total costs of €97,500; adding on top of that the costs of asset assessment running to €35,600 would total €133,100. These four different cost figures match four different types of potentially relevant decisions contexts. Depending on the decision context the total costs, and hence the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a health promotion intervention, could differ considerably. Therefore, a detailed cost assessment and the identification of the decision context are of crucial importance.
Paraoxonase-1 55 LL Genotype Is Associated with No ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and with High Levels of Myoglobin
Authors: Marchegiani Francesca , Spazzafumo Liana , Cardelli Maurizio , Provinciali Mauro , Lescai Francesco , Franceschi Claudio , Antonicelli Roberto
Published: March 2012

It is well known that serum paraoxonase (PON1) plays an important role in the protection of LDL from oxidation. PON1 55 polymorphism is currently investigated for its possible involvement in cardiovascular diseases. The objective of our study is to verify if PON1 55 polymorphism is associated with risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and with biochemical myocardial ischemia markers, such as troponin I, creatine kinase (CK)-MB, myoglobin, and C-reactive protein. We analysed PON1 55 polymorphism in a total of 440 elderly patients who underwent an ACS episode: 98 patients affected by unstable angina (UA), 207 AMI (acute myocardial infarction) patients affected by STEMI (ST elevation), and 135 AMI patients affected by NSTEMI (no ST elevation). We found that individuals carrying PON1 55 LL genotype are significantly more represented among AMI patients affected by NSTEMI; moreover, the patients carrying LL genotype showed significantly higher levels of myoglobin in comparison to LM + MM carriers patients. Our study suggests that PON1 55 polymorphism could play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac ischemic damage. In particular, the significant association between PON1 55 LL genotype and the occurrence of a NSTEMI may contribute to improve the stratification of the cardiovascular risk within a population.
Metamagnetic Phase Transitions in Ceramics
Authors: Bukhanko Fedor N.
Published: March 2012

The temperature dependences of ac magnetic susceptibility of the (Sm0.5Gd0.5)0.55Sr0.45MnO3 ceramics provide evidence of the formation of a mixed insulating state with a specific quantum-disordered phase, in which the domains with a long-range antiferromagnetic order dominate at temperatures below  K. Irreversible metamagnetic phase transition in the ferromagnetically ordered state is carried out at the critical field  kOe which remains constant in the temperature range from 4.2 K to 60 K. From the analysis of the magnetization isotherms, the conclusion can be made about a spontaneous phase transition into the state with charge and orbital ordering at temperatures below the critical value  K. It is supposed that short-range charge correlations exist in unusually large interval of temperatures ~90 K at temperatures above that considerably exceeds the area of existence of local orbital correlations ~50 K.
Changes in Maternal Glucose Metabolism after the Administration of Dexamethasone for Fetal Lung Development
Authors: Jian Yun Xu , Zhaoxia Liang , Yun Chai , Qin Fang , Yuanyuan Chen , Danqing Chen
Published: March 2012

Aims. Antenatal dexamethasone administration for fetal lung development may impair maternal glucose tolerance. In this study, we investigated whether glucose and insulin levels differed among singleton and twin pregnancies and pregnancies with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) after treatment with dexamethasone.Methods. Singleton pregnancies, twin pregnancies, and pregnancies with IGT between 28 and 33 weeks of gestation whose mothers were treated with dexamethasone were enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria included gestational hypertension, diabetes, renal disorders, and infectious diseases. The fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels were checked before administration and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after treatment was completed.Results. Mean glucose levels were significantly higher in the twin pregnancy and IGT groups at 24 h and 48 h after the administration of dexamethasone than those in the singleton pregnancy group (P<0.05). Although there was no significant difference in glucose levels before administration and 72 h after dexamethasone administration among the three groups, insulin levels in the IGT group were significantly higher (P<0.05). Insulin levels in the singleton pregnancy group at 24 h and 48 h after treatment were significantly lower than in the twin and IGT groups.Conclusion. The effects on maternal fasting blood glucose and insulin levels of dexamethasone administrated to promote fetal lung maturation correlated with embryo number and the presence of IGT.
Synthesis of Certain Poly[bis(benzylidene)] Esters and Investigation on their Photocrosslinkability
Authors: Singh D. Roop , Vasanthi S. , Moli J. Arul
Published: March 2012

Random copolyesters were synthesized directly from respective diacids and diols with diphenylchlorophosphate (DPCP) as a polycondensation agent. These polymers were characterized by FT‐IR and NMR spectrometry. Interestingly, they were observed to possess photocrosslinkability which was established using scanning electron microscopy by UV irradiation experiments. Photocrosslinkable polymers have significant applications in the field of non‐linear optics, in the generation of photoresists and photorefractive materials.
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Ruta graveolens L. In Vitro Culture Lines
Authors: Diwan Renuka , Shinde Amit , Malpathak Nutan
Published: March 2012

Ruta graveolens L. is a medicinal plant used in traditional systems of medicine for treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, leucoderma, and lymphomas with well-known anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Therefore antioxidant potential of R. graveolens (in planta and in vitro) was investigated. As antioxidants present in plant extracts are multifunctional, their activity and mechanism depends on the composition and conditions of the test system. Therefore, the total antioxidant capacity was evaluated using assays that detect different antioxidants: free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), transition metal ion reduction (phosphomolybdenum assay), reducing power, and nitric oxide reduction. Content of furanocoumarin-bergapten in the extracts showed good corelation with free radical scavenging, transition metal reduction and reducing power, while total phenolic content showed good corelation with nitric oxide reduction potential. Antioxidant activity of in vitro cultures was significantly higher compared to in vivo plant material. The present study is the first report on comprehensive study of antioxidant activity of R. graveolens and its in vitro cultures.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Larrude D. G. , Ayala P. , Maia da Costa M. E. H. , Freire F. L.
Published: March 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized by spray pyrolysis were decorated with cobalt oxide nanoparticles using a simple synthesis route. This wet chemistry method yielded nanoparticles randomly anchored to the surface of the nanotubes by decomposition of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate diluted in acetone. Electron microscopy analysis indicated that dispersed particles were formed on the MWCNTs walls. The average size increased with the increasing concentration of cobalt nitrate in acetone in the precursor mixture. TEM images indicated that nanoparticles were strongly attached to the tube walls. The Raman spectroscopy results suggested that the MWCNT structure was slightly damaged after the nanoparticle growth.
Nonlinear Response of Vibrational Conveyers with Nonideal Vibration Exciter: Superharmonic and Subharmonic Resonance
Authors: Bayıroğlu H. , Alışverişçi G. F. , Ünal G.
Published: March 2012

Vibrational conveyers with a centrifugal vibration exciter transmit their load based on the jumping method. Common unbalanced‐mass driver oscillates the trough. The motion is strictly related to the vibrational parameters. The transition over resonance of a vibratory system, excited by rotating unbalances, is important in terms of the maximum vibrational amplitude produced and the power demand on the drive for the crossover. The mechanical system is driven by the DC motor. In this study, the working ranges of oscillating shaking conveyers with nonideal vibration exciter have been analyzed analytically for superharmonic and subharmonic resonances by the method of multiple scales and numerically. The analytical results obtained in this study agree well with the numerical results.
Antenna Design for Directivity-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ahmed Aftab , Pang Yuanjie , Hajisalem Ghazal , Gordon Reuven
Published: March 2012

Antenna performance can be described by two fundamental parameters: directivity and radiation efficiency. Here, we demonstrate nanoantenna designs in terms of improved directivity. Performance of the antennas is demonstrated in Raman scattering experiments. The radiated beam is directed out of the plane by using a ground plane reflector for easy integration with commercial microscopes. Parasitic elements and parabolic and waveguide nanoantennas with a ground plane are explored. The nanoantennas were fabricated by a series of electron beam evaporation steps and focused ion beam milling. As we have shown previously, the circular waveguide nanoantenna boosts the measured Raman signal by 5.5x with respect to a dipole antenna over a ground plane; here, we present the design process that led to the development of that circular waveguide nanoantenna. This work also shows that the parabolic nanoantenna produces a further fourfold improvement in the measured Raman signal with respect to a circular waveguide nanoantenna. The present designs are nearly optimal in the sense that almost all the beam power is coupled into the numerical aperture of the microscope. These designs can find applications in microscopy, spectroscopy, light-emitting devices, photovoltaics, single-photon sources, and sensing.
B(HSO4)3 as an Efficient Catalyst for the Syntheses of Bis(1H ‐Indol‐3‐yl)ethanones and Bis(benzotriazol‐1‐yl)ethanones
Authors: Mosslemin Mohammad Hossein , Movahhed Abolfazl Eshghi
Published: March 2012

Efficient syntheses of bis (1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethanones and bis (benzotriazolyl)ethanones via reaction of phenylglyoxals with indole or 1,H‐benzotriazole in the presence B(HSO4)3 in solvent‐free thermal and in aqueous media conditions are discribed. The syntheses have several advantages such as: generality, short reaction time, simple experiment and work‐up procedures, excellent isolated yields.
Gene Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Denyer Rachel , Douglas Michael R.
Published: March 2012

Current pharmacological and surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease offer symptomatic improvements to those suffering from this incurable degenerative neurological disorder, but none of these has convincingly shown effects on disease progression. Novel approaches based on gene therapy have several potential advantages over conventional treatment modalities. These could be used to provide more consistent dopamine supplementation, potentially providing superior symptomatic relief with fewer side effects. More radically, gene therapy could be used to correct the imbalances in basal ganglia circuitry associated with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, or to preserve or restore dopaminergic neurons lost during the disease process itself. The latter neuroprotective approach is the most exciting, as it could theoretically be disease modifying rather than simply symptom alleviating. Gene therapy agents using these approaches are currently making the transition from the laboratory to the bedside. This paper summarises the theoretical approaches to gene therapy for Parkinson's disease and the findings of clinical trials in this rapidly changing field.
Numerical Analysis of Constrained, Time‐Optimal Satellite Reorientation
Authors: Melton Robert G.
Published: March 2012

Previous work on time‐optimal satellite slewing maneuvers, with one satellite axis (sensor axis) required to obey multiple path constraints (exclusion from keep‐out cones centered on high‐intensity astronomical sources) reveals complex motions with no part of the trajectory touching the constraint boundaries (boundary points) or lying along a finite arc of the constraint boundary (boundary arcs). This paper examines four cases in which the sensor axis is either forced to follow a boundary arc, or has initial and final directions that lie on the constraint boundary. Numerical solutions, generated via a Legendre pseudospectral method, show that the forced boundary arcs are suboptimal. Precession created by the control torques, moving the sensor axis away from the constraint boundary, results in faster slewing maneuvers. A two‐stage process is proposed for generating optimal solutions in less time, an important consideration for eventual onboard implementation.
Iterative Algorithm for Common Fixed Points of Infinite Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: He Songnian , Guo Jun
Published: March 2012

Let C be a nonempty closed convex subset of a real uniformly smooth Banach space X, an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings with the nonempty set of common fixed points , and f : C → C a contraction. We introduce an explicit iterative algorithm xn+1 = αnf(xn)+(1 − αn)Lnxn, where
and wk > 0 with . Under certain appropriate conditions on {αn}, we prove that {xn} converges strongly to a common fixed point x* of , which solves the following variational inequality: , where J is the (normalized) duality mapping of X. This algorithm is brief and needs less computational work, since it does not involve W‐mapping.
Communication and Memory Architecture Design of Application‐Specific High‐End Multiprocessors
Authors: Jan Yahya , Jóźwiak Lech
Published: March 2012

This paper is devoted to the design of communication and memory architectures of massively parallel hardware multiprocessors necessary for the implementation of highly demanding applications. We demonstrated that for the massively parallel hardware multiprocessors the traditionally used flat communication architectures and multi‐port memories do not scale well, and the memory and communication network influence on both the throughput and circuit area dominates the processors influence. To resolve the problems and ensure scalability, we proposed to design highly optimized application‐specific hierarchical and/or partitioned communication and memory architectures through exploring and exploiting the regularity and hierarchy of the actual data flows of a given application. Furthermore, we proposed some data distribution and related data mapping schemes in the shared (global) partitioned memories with the aim to eliminate the memory access conflicts, as well as, to ensure that our communication design strategies will be applicable. We incorporated these architecture synthesis strategies into our quality‐driven model‐based multi‐processor design method and related automated architecture exploration framework. Using this framework, we performed a large series of experiments that demonstrate many various important features of the synthesized memory and communication architectures. They also demonstrate that our method and related framework are able to efficiently synthesize well scalable memory and communication architectures even for the high‐end multiprocessors. The gains as high as 12-times in performance and 25-times in area can be obtained when using the hierarchical communication networks instead of the flat networks. However, for the high parallelism levels only the partitioned approach ensures the scalability in performance.
The Effects of the KCNQ Openers Retigabine and Flupirtine on Myotonia in Mammalian Skeletal Muscle Induced by a Chloride Channel Blocker
Authors: Su Tzu-Rong , Zei Wen-Shan , Su Ching-Chyuan , Hsiao George , Lin Min-Jon
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of KCNQ (potassium channel, voltage-gated, KQT-like subfamily) openers in preventing myotonia caused by anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9-AC, a chloride channel blocker). An animal model of myotonia can be elicited in murine skeletal muscle by 9-AC treatment. KCNQ openers, such as retigabine and flupirtine, can inhibit the increased twitch amplitude (0.1 Hz stimulation) and reduce the tetanic fade (20 Hz stimulations) observed in the presence of 9-AC. Furthermore, the prolonged twitch duration of skeletal muscle was also inhibited by retigabine or flupirtine. Lamotrigine (an anticonvulsant drug) has a lesser effect on the muscle twitch amplitude, tetanic fade, and prolonged twitch duration as compared with KCNQ openers. In experiments using intracellular recordings, retigabine and flupirtine clearly reduced the firing frequencies of repetitive action potentials induced by 9-AC. These data suggested that KCNQ openers prevent the myotonia induced by 9-AC, at least partly through enhancing potassium conductance in skeletal muscle. Taken together, these results indicate that KCNQ openers are potential alternative therapeutic agents for the treatment of myotonia.
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Citric Acid by Aqueous Extract of Piper Nigrum L.
Authors: Matheswaran P. , Ramasamy A. K.
Published: March 2012

The inhibition efficiency (IE) of an aqueous extract of Piper Nigrum L. in controlling corrosion of mild steel at pH 12 has been evaluated by weight loss method in the absence and presence of inhibitor in citric acid medium at different concentration. The result showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency of these compounds was found to vary with the different concentration at two hour time interval at room temperature. Also, it was found that the corrosion inhibition behaviour of Piper Nigrum L. is greater in 2 N Citric acid than 1 N Citric acid medium. So Piper Nigrum L. can be used has a good inhibitor for preventing mild steel material which is used in many construction purpose.
Limited Transmission of the Ectoparasitic FungusHesperomyces virescensbetween Lady Beetles
Authors: Cottrell Ted E. , Riddick Eric W.
Published: March 2012

The ectoparasitic fungusHesperomyces virescensThaxter (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales) commonly infects the invasive lady beetleHarmonia axyridis(Pallas) and several other aphidophagous lady beetles in North America and Europe. We tested the hypothesis that bodily contact between adults of different lady beetle species supports horizontal transmission ofH. virescens. We used laboratory assays to determine whetherH. axyridisorOlla v-nigrum(Mulsant) harboringH. virescens(i.e., source beetles) transmit the fungus to noninfected target beetlesH. axyridis,O. v-nigrum,Coccinella septempunctataL.,Coleomegilla maculata(De Geer), orHippodamia convergensGuerin-Meneville. Results indicate that intraspecific transmission (i.e., for the source beetlesH. axyridisandO. v-nigrum) was common but interspecific transmission (i.e., from sourceH. axyridisorO. v-nigrumto target species) was low. Interspecific transmission occurred at low rates fromH. axyridisto bothC. septempunctataandO. v-nigrumand fromO. v-nigrumto bothC. septempunctataandH. convergens. Based upon our laboratory assays of forced pairings/groupings of source and target beetles, we predict that horizontal transmission ofH. virescensbetween species of aphidophagous coccinellids is possible but likely rare.
On Heat Conduction in Domains Containing Noncoaxial Cylinders
Authors: Lukkassen Dag , Meidell Annette
Published: March 2012

We consider heat conduction in domains containing noncoaxial cylinders. In particular, we present some regularity results for the solution and consider criteria which ensure the single valueness of the corresponding complex potential. Examples are discussed. In addition, we present some classes of cases where the parameters describing the solution are rational. Alternative ways of calculating the heat flux are also discussed.
Comparison of Catalysts Preyssler and Silica‐Supported Nano Preyssler in the Synthesis of Acetyl Salicylic Acid
Authors: Nazari H. , Ahmadpour A. , Bamoharram F. F. , Heravi M. M. , Eslami N.
Published: March 2012

The extensive demand for cleaner environment is forcing chemical industry to use less hazardous materials. In this regard, heteropolyacids attracted considerable amount of interest due to the less toxic behavior in addition of possessing higher acidity. Heteropoly acids have been used as catalysts for the reaction of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride. The performance of different forms of heteropoly acids in the presence of acetic anhydride as acetylating agent for acetylation of salicylic acid was compared. The best conditions were observed using Preyssler and Silica‐supported Preyssler Nanoparticles as catalysts. The catalyst is recyclable and reusable.
Inflammation and the Peritoneal Membrane: Causes and Impact on Structure and Function during Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Baroni Gilberto , Schuinski Adriana , de Moraes Thyago P. , Meyer Fernando , Pecoits-Filho Roberto
Published: March 2012

Peritoneal dialysis therapy has increased in popularity since the end of the 1970s. This method provides a patient survival rate equivalent to hemodialysis and better preservation of residual renal function. However, technique failure by peritonitis, and ultrafiltration failure, which is a multifactorial complication that can affect up to 40% of patients after 3 years of therapy. Encapsulant peritoneal sclerosis is an extreme and potentially fatal manifestation. Causes of inflammation in peritoneal dialysis range from traditional factors to those related to chronic kidney diseaseper se, as well as from the peritoneal dialysis treatment, including the peritoneal dialysis catheter, dialysis solution, and infectious peritonitis. Peritoneal inflammation generated causes significant structural alterations including: thickening and cubic transformation of mesothelial cells, fibrin deposition, fibrous capsule formation, perivascular bleeding, and interstitial fibrosis. Structural alterations of the peritoneal membrane described above result in clinical and functional changes. One of these clinical manifestations is ultrafiltration failure and can occur in up to 30% of patients on PD after five years of treatment. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in peritoneal inflammation is fundamental to improve patient survival and provide a better quality of life.
Degradation of Abamectin Using the Photo-Fenton Process
Authors: Matos Thiago Augusto de Freitas , Dias Alexandra Lemos Nunes , Reis Amanda Di Piazza , Silva Milady Renata Apolinário da , Kondo Márcia Matiko
Published: March 2012

The cultivation of strawberries generally requires substantial use of pesticides, and abamectin is the active principle of one of those most commonly employed. Conventional water treatment does not remove pesticides efficiently, so there is a need to investigate alternative procedures. The use of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can achieve good results in removal of toxic organic compounds present in aqueous solutions. The photo-Fenton process, one example of an AOP, was employed to study the degradation of abamectin. Results showed that when natural water samples contaminated with abamectin were treated using the photo-Fenton process, 70% of the initial amount of the compound was removed within 60 minutes of UV irradiation, and 60% mineralization was observed after 180 minutes of reaction.
Plasmonic Band-Pass Microfilters for LWIR Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Banks J. M. , Flammer P. D. , Furtak T. E. , Hollingsworth R. E. , Collins R. T.
Published: March 2012

Absorption spectroscopy in the long wave infrared provides an effective method for identification of various hazardous chemicals. We present a theoretical design for plasmonic band-pass filters that can be used to provide wavelength selectivity for uncooled microbolometer sensors. The microfilters consist of a pair of input reflection gratings that couple light into a plasmonic waveguide with a central resonant waveguide cavity. An output transmission grating on the other side of the structure pulls light out of the waveguide where it is detected by a closely spaced sensor. Fabrication of the filters can be performed using standard photolithography procedures. A spectral bandpass with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 100 nm can be obtained with a center wavelength spanning the entire 8–12 μm atmospheric transmission window by simple geometric scaling of only the lateral dimensions. This allows the simultaneous fabrication of all the wavelength filters needed for a full spectrometer on a chip.
Severe Diarrhea in a 4-Month-Old Baby Girl with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Guzganu Ionela Loredana
Published: March 2012

A 4.5-month-old baby girl presented to hospital with a 2-day history of watery diarrhea and fever. Rehydration and electrolytic balance were restored with intravenous fluid therapy followed by oral rehydration solution but diarrhea did not improve by the fourth day of hospitalization despite treatment with a probiotic. The patient was next treated with gelatin tannate, a medical device recently marketed in Europe to control and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea in infants, children, and adults. The child’s diarrhea improved considerably within the first twelve hours and resolved completely within three days. Gelatin tannate might be considered as a useful treatment complementary to oral rehydration solution for the treatment of diarrhea in infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
A System for Harvesting Eggs from the Pink-Spotted Lady Beetle
Authors: Allen Margaret L. , Riddick Eric W.
Published: March 2012

We describe a system for harvesting eggs from a predatory insect, the pink-spotted lady beetle,Coleomegilla maculataDe Geer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Adult beetles placed in square, transparent containers that included oviposition substrates hanging from the top of the cage deposited eggs on the materials provided. We harvested eggs from these substrates in quantities sufficient for either destructive sampling or synchronous development of larvae. We evaluated effects of crowding inside cages; effects of a chemical attractant on oviposition behavior; egg cannibalism. Females preferred a textured surface rather than a smooth, waxy one for laying eggs. Crowding inhibited oviposition of beetles. Presence of a chemical attractant (methyl salicylate) did not significantly improve oviposition. This paper describes an inexpensive system for harvesting eggs fromC. maculata. Refinement of this system should improve oviposition and reduce cannibalism.
Theoretical Investigation of Solvation Effects on the Tautomerism of Maleic Hydrazide
Authors: Shabanian Meisam , Moghanian Hassan , Hajibeygi Mohsen , Mohamadi Azin
Published: March 2012

A DFT study is used to calculate structural data of tautomers of maleic hydrazide (MH) in the gas phase and selected solvents such as benzene (non‐polar solvent), tetrahydrofuran (polar aprotic solvent) and methanol (protic solvent), dimethyl sulfoxide (polar aprotic solvent) and water (protic solvent) using PCM model. All tautomers are optimized at the B3LYP/6−31++G(d,p). The results show that the tautomer MH2except in methanol is more stable than the other tautomers but in methanol MH5 (Diol) is more stable. In addition, stability of the tautomers in deferent solvents shows interesting results. Variation of dipole moments and NBO charges on atoms in the solvents were studied.
“Bath Salts” Intoxication: A Case Report
Authors: Falgiani Michael , Desai Bobby , Ryan Matt
Published: March 2012

We present a case of a potentially lethal ingestion of “Bath Salts.” After presentation, we briefly review the epidemiology and pathology of “bath salts” ingestion.