bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-{[(Pyridin-2-yl)amino]methyl}phenol
Authors: Gao Shan , Ng Seik Weng
Published: July 2012

The planes of the aromatic rings of the title compound, C12H12N2O, are twisted by 50.33 (15)°. The phenol O atom is a hydrogen-bond donor to the pyridine N atom, resulting in the formation of an eight-membered ring in the molecule. The amino N atom is a hydrogen-bond donor to the phenol O atom of an adjacent molecule; this hydrogen bond leads to the formation of a helical chain that runs along theaaxis.
4-[(2-Hydroxybenzyl)amino]pyridinium nitrate
Authors: Gao Shan , Ng Seik Weng
Published: July 2012

The planes of the aromatic rings in the cation of the title salt, C12H13N2O+·NO3−, are twisted along the –CH2—NH– single bond by 75.3 (1)°. In the crystal, the phenol O, amine N and pyridinium N atoms are hydrogen-bond donors to the O atoms of the nitrate counter-ions. These hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of a layer in the crystal.
3-Bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Metlay Jessica B. , Tanski Joseph M.
Published: July 2012

The molecule of the title compound, C7H5BrO2, is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation from the plane of all the non-H atoms = 0.0271 Å) and displays intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonding between the phenol group and the aldehyde O atom. Packing is directed by weak intermolecular C—H...Br interactions and π-stacking between nearly parallel molecules [dihedral angle = 5.30 (6)° and centroid–centroid distance = 3.752 (1) Å].
1-(3-Bromophenyl)thiourea
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Quah Ching Kheng , Nayak Prakash S. , Narayana B. , Sarojini B. K.
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C7H7BrN2S, the thiourea moiety is nearly planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.004 Å) and it forms a dihedral angle of 66.72 (15)° with the benzene ring. The C—N—C—N2 torsion angle is 15.1 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...S and N—H...N hydrogen bonds into sheets lying parallel to (101).
1-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)thiourea
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Quah Ching Kheng , Nayak Prakash S. , Narayana B. , Sarojini B. K.
Published: July 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C7H6F2N2S, consists of two independent molecules, with comparable geometries. In one molecule, the thiourea moiety is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.014 Å) and it forms a dihedral angle of 78.67 (9)° with the benzene ring. The corresponding r.m.s. deviation and dihedral angle for the other molecule are 0.011 Å and 81.71 (8)°, respectively. In both molecules, one of the F atoms is disordered over two positions with refined site occupancies of 0.572 (3):0.428 (3) and 0.909 (2):0.091 (2), respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...S and C—H...F hydrogen bonds into two-dimensional networks parallel to (010).
(E)-4-[(4-Bromophenyl)iminomethyl]-2-methoxyphenol
Authors: Fejfarová Karla , Dušek Michal , Maghsodlou Rad Sepideh , Khalaji Aliakbar Dehno
Published: July 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C14H12BrNO2, the dihedral angle between the rings is 37.87 (10)° and the molecule has anEconformation about the central C=N bond. In the crystal, molecules are connected by intermolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds into zigzag chains running parallel to thebaxis. The packing also features C—H...O interactions.
Nioboaeschynite-(Ce), Ce(NbTi)O6
Authors: Morrison Shaunna M. , Downs Robert T. , Domanik Kenneth J. , Yang Hexiong , Doell Donald
Published: July 2012

Nioboaeschynite-(Ce), ideally Ce(NbTi)O6[cerium(III) niobium(V) titanium(IV) hexaoxide; refined formula of the natural sample is Ca0.25Ce0.79(Nb1.14Ti0.86)O6], belongs to the aeschynite mineral group which is characterized by the general formulaAB2(O,OH)6, where eight-coordinatedAis a rare earth element, Ca, Th or Fe, and six-coordinatedBis Ti, Nb, Ta or W. The general structural feature of nioboaeschynite-(Ce) resembles that of the other members of the aeschynite group. It is characterized by edge-sharing dimers of [(Nb,Ti)O6] octahedra which share corners to form a three-dimensional framework, with theAsites located in channels parallel to thebaxis. The averageA—O andB—O bond lengths in nioboaeschynite-(Ce) are 2.471 and 1.993 Å, respectively. Moreover, another eight-coordinated site, designated as theCsite, is also located in the channels and is partially occupied byA-type cations. Additionally, the refinement revealed a splitting of theAsite, with Ca displaced slightly from Ce (0.266 Å apart), presumably resulting from the crystal-chemical differences between the Ce3+and Ca2+cations.
Poly[[bis(μ-3-amino-5-carboxybenzoato-κ2N:O1)diaquazinc] dihydrate]
Authors: Zhang Kou-Lin , Qiu Ting-Ting , Ng Seik Weng
Published: July 2012

The ZnIIatom in the title polymeric compound, {[Zn(C8H6NO4)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}n, lies on a center of inversion and is coordinated by two amine N atoms and two carboxylate O atoms from two 3-amino-5-carboxybenzoate anions along with two water molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry. The bridging nature of the anion generates a layer motif parallel to (100). Hydrogen bonds of the N—H...O and O—H...O types exist in the structure. One H atom of the coordinated water molecule and one H atom of the solvent water molecule are each disordered over two positions in a 1:1 ratio.
5-Fluoro-3-(3-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-1-benzofuran
Authors: Choi Hong Dae , Seo Pil Ja , Lee Uk
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C15H10F2O3S, the 3-fluorophenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 79.51 (6)° with the mean plane [r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 (2) Å] of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...F and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure also exhibits slipped π–π interactions between the benzene and furan rings of neighbouring molecules [centroid–centroid distances = 3.563 (3) and 3.820 (3) Å and slippages of 0.358 (3)and 1.551 (3) Å]. In the 3-fluorophenyl ring, the F atom is disordered over two positions with site-occupancy factors of 0.887 (3) and 0.113 (3).
2-[(2Z)-Azepan-2-ylidene]-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethanone
Authors: Mthembu Siyanda T. , Madeley Lee G. , Koning Charles B. de , Michael Joseph P.
Published: July 2012

The title compound, C14H16N2O3, is an NH-vinylogous amide (enaminone) produced by the reaction of 4-nitrophenacyl bromide with azepane-2-thione. The conformation about the C=C bond [1.3927 (14) Å] isZ, which allows for the formation of an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond that leads to anS(6) loop. Inversion-related molecules associateviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds to form a 12-membered {...OC3NH}2synthon.
N-(4-Methylphenylsulfonyl)maleamic acid
Authors: Purandara H. , Foro Sabine , Gowda B. Thimme
Published: July 2012

In the title compound, C11H11NO5S, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the amide group is 76.88 (6)°. In the crystal, N—H...O(S) and O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into hydrogen-bonded layers perpendicular to theaaxis.
2-Ethoxy-4-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenylpyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Singh Kuldip , El-Remaily Mahoud A. A.
Published: July 2012

The title compound, C21H18N2O, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. In moleculeA, the central pyridine ring forms dihedral angles of 14.55 (13) and 39.14 (12)° with the terminal phenyl and benzene rings, respectively. The latter rings make a dihedral angle of 33.06 (13)° with each other. The corresponding values for moleculeBare 26.86 (13), 41.82 (12) and 38.99 (13)°, respectively. In the crystal, theBmolecules are linkedviaa pair of weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. In addition, C—H...π interactions and π–π [centroid–centroid distances = 3.5056 (16) and 3.8569 (17) Å] stacking interactions are observed.
Heat Transfer During Multiwire Sawing of Silicon Wafers
Authors: Johnsen Lars , Olsen Jan Erik , Bergstrøm Trond , Gastinger Kay
Published: July 2012

During sawing of silicon wafers for the photovoltaic industry, the variations in temperature will influence the process performance and surface quality of the wafers. To investigate the significance of this effect, the temperature field and heat transfer have been studied experimentally and computationally. Among others, it is found that the temperature typically can increase from 30 °C at the inlet to 65 °C at the outlet of the sawing channel. It is also shown that viscous dissipation is by far the most significant heating source in the process.
Noise of cleanroom recirculation systems
Authors: Wu Mei Q. , Gordon Colin G.
Published: July 2012

Recirculation air systems are used by the microelectronics industry as the primary source of unidirectional air flow in cleanrooms. The commonly used recirculation systems include: (1) packaged air handlers, which include centrifugal or plug (plenum) fans, generally located at fan deck level above the cleanroom; (2) fan-tower recirculation systems, consisting, most often, of vertically mounted vaneaxial fans arranged along the cleanroom perimeter; (3) individual fan-filter units, in which the HEPA or ULPA filters are combined with small direct drive blowers, supported by the ceiling suspension system; and (4) minienvironments, which create superclean conditions around individual tools within a less clean ‘‘ballroom.’’ In this paper, the commonly used recirculation systems will be described, typical sound power levels and spectrum characteristics of the systems will be presented, the natural noise attenuation along the air flow paths will be listed, the theoretical models for predicting noise levels in a cleanroom will be introduced, and noise mitigation means which can be integrated into different systems will be discussed. Also presented will be the typical noise levels measured in operating cleanrooms.
An implementation of the recognition system for Windows 95 commander
Authors: Lee Seong-Kwon , Kim Soon-Hyob
Published: July 2012

This paper is a study on the window commander recognition system. The applied recognition algorithm is a one-stage/DP with DMS(dynamic multisection) model which generates a reference pattern and recognizes 60 commanders in Windows 95. From the results of experiments, the optimal recognition considering a tradeoff of real time is obtained by applying a DMS model with 20 section and 13 order PLP coefficients for feature parameter. The whole system is constructed by a soundblast card within an IBM-PC/586. After the commander is recognized, the commander is processed automatically. The references are made by five male speakers in a noisy laboratory environment. The recognition experiment is performed for 60 different commanders and the recognition rate was 96.2% in multispeaker independent.
A novel end-point detection method for noisy speech signal
Authors: Seok Jongwon , Bae Keunsung
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a novel and robust end-point detection algorithm in the presence of noise. Zero crossing rate and energy of the speech signal have been the most widely used features for locating the end point of an utterance. Most detection algorithms with these parameters work quite well in the high signal-to-noise ratio environment, but they show very poor performance with background noise, i.e., in the low signal-to-noise ratio environment. Therefore robust end-point detection under a noise condition still remains an unsolved problem. A new detection measure based on a discrete wavelet transformed speech signal is proposed. As a detection parameter, the sum of standard deviations of wavelet coefficients in the first and weighted fourth scale are used. Since the new feature parameter enhances high-frequency components of the weak fricative sounds, better discriminating between speech segments and background noise is possible. Experimental results and examples demonstrate that the proposed method is more effective than traditional methods in capturing word boundary even in noisy environments. [This work was supported partially by Korea Telecommunication Inc. and Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF: 971-0917-103-2).]
Ultrasound-positioned high-intensity focused ultrasound in the ablation of superficial bladder wall in miniswines
Authors: Wang Zhi B. , Wu Feng , Wang Zhi L. , Liu Chuan
Published: July 2012

In order to simulate the ablation of a superficial bladder tumor, the effectiveness of ultrasound-positioned high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on the bladder wall was determined. One part of the bladder wall in 10 miniswines was selected as a damage region using ultrasonic imaging. Then, it was treated with a 1.6-MHz extracorporeal spherical-bowl transducer. Animals were killed immediately after treatment and the bladder wall and rectal tissue were examined macroscopically and histologically. As a result, brighter echoic regions at the selective damage of the bladder wall were detected by ultrasonic imaging immediately after treatment. These brighter echoes corresponded to the acute bladder wall damage which caused obvious necrosis on the superficial bladder wall. Also, histological analysis of the treated areas revealed epithelial denudation and irreversible changes of submucosal and superficial muscular layer under light and electron microscope. Two of the ten animals had microscopic hematuria. No macroscopic hematuria and rectal perforation occurred except for one case of a small burn on the rectal wall. It was concluded that as an extracorporeal approach HIFU can be used successfully to sonicate the selective region of the bladder wall in a large animal model in vivo.
Vowel perception by children and adults: Based on steady states or transitions?
Authors: Sussman Joan E. , Steinberg Jason , Fenwick Julie
Published: July 2012

The current investigation studied whether children, aged 4–5 years, and adults identified vowels on the basis of steady-state or transitional formant frequencies. Four types of synthetic tokens, created with a female voice, served as stimuli: (1) steady-state centers—220-ms formant frequencies for the vowels [i] and [ae]. (2) vowelless tokens with transitions appropriate for [bib] and [baeb], (3) ‘‘congruent’’ tokens that combined the first two types of stimuli into [bib] and [baeb], and (4) ‘‘conflicting’’ tokens that combined the transitions from [bib] with the vowel in [baeb] and vice versa. Results showed that children identified vowels most accurately in steady-state centers and congruent stimuli (96%) and used steady-state cues in 87% of conflicting tokens for vowel identification. Adults were equally accurate for vowelless, steady-state, and congruent tokens (99%) and used steady-state and transition cues for vowel identification. Findings do not support Nittrouer’s Developmental Weighting Shift Hypothesis, but findings for adults do lend some support to the Dynamic Specification theory of Strange and colleagues. [Work supported by a Research Development Fund award from the Research Foundation at the University at Buffalo and by the Center for Hearing and Deafness at UB.]
Perception of intoxication effects on speech
Authors: Hollien Harry , DeJong Gea
Published: July 2012

Can speakers, especially actors, effectively mimic the speech of intoxicated individuals and can they volitionally reduce speech degradation resulting from this behavioral state? Auditors were tasked to determine if actors sounded more inebriated when simulating it than when they actually were intoxicated and if they sounded less intoxicated (than they were) when attempting to sound sober. Young, healthy actors, chosen on the basis of a large number of selection criteria were required to produce several types of utterances: (1) during a learning phase, (2) when sober, (3) at three simulated levels of intoxication, (4) during actual, and parallel, levels of controlled intoxication, and (5) at the highest level of intoxication but when attempting to sound sober. Two (counterbalanced, ABX) aural–perceptual procedures were carried out with 40 listeners. It was found that these auditors rated the speakers as being more intoxicated when sober, but simulating drunkenness, 88% more often than when actually intoxicated. They also were judged as sounding less inebriated (than they were), when attempting to sound sober, 61% of the time. The bases for these relationships will be discussed.
Acoustic spectroscopy of deep centers in high resistivity GaAs using a light beam generated interface
Authors: Bury Peter
Published: July 2012

An acoustoelectric effect on a light beam generated interface of high resistivity Cr-doped GaAs is used as a probing tool to study bulk deep centers using acoustic deep-level transient spectroscopy (A-DLTS). The space charge inhomogeneity, produced by the illumination of part of the photoresistive semiconductor by weakly absorbed light, can be generated by applying a high-frequency electric field in the proper conditions for the fast mode shear acoustic wave. The amplitude of such a generated acoustic wave depends on the concentration of free carriers excited from the deep centers at the light–dark interface. When the illumination of the semiconductor is turned off, the photoexcited carriers recombine thereby establishing thermal equilibrium and temperature dependence of the time development of the amplitude. The acoustoelectric response signal is then investigated to determine the deep centers’ parameters. The A-DLTS technique, based on the computer evaluation of acoustoelectric isothermal transients registered after the excitation illumination [P. Bury and I. Jamnický, Acta Phys. Slovaca 46, 693–700 (1996)], was used to calculate activation energies and capture cross-sections of deep centers in Cr-doped GaAs. [Work supported by Grant of Slovak Ministry of Education No. 1/4261/97.]
An intercomparison of hydrophone calibrations within Europe
Authors: Robinson Stephen P. , Preston Roy C. , Green Geraint J.
Published: July 2012

Intercomparisons between different laboratories are an important way of validating calibration methods and indicating where improvements are required. This paper describes a European intercomparison of free-field hydrophone calibrations in the frequency range 10–315 kHz. A total of 12 participants from seven European countries took part by calibrating three reference hydrophones, with project coordination provided by the National Physical Laboratory, UK. The agreement between the results was generally encouraging, with a majority of the results lying within ±1 dB of the Grand Mean. However, some large variations were observed which give cause for concern, and the uncertainties in the calibrations were typically underestimated by the participants with the maximum differences from the Grand Mean almost invariably exceeding the quoted overall uncertainties. A discussion is given of possible reasons for the disagreement, and of useful further work identified as a result of undertaking the intercomparison.
Out-of-plane defocusing in a time reversal mirror
Authors: Song Hee Chun , Kuperman William A. , Hodgkiss William S. , Gerstoft Peter , Akal T. , Ferla C. , Jackson D. R.
Published: July 2012

Recent time-reversal mirror (TRM) experiments conducted in the Mediterranean Sea in May 1997 extended the range of focus from the earlier results of 6 km to 30 km [Kuperman et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 3088 (1997)]. Ideally, the probe source (PS) should be in the vertical SRA-VRA plane. However, for practical reasons the PS was placed several hundred meters out of this plane. This geometry did not introduce any significant errors at 6 km range in the April 1996 experiment. In the May 1997 experiment, the authors conducted a source tow in which the PS moved along the arc of a circle at a range of 15 km from the SRA and maximum transverse offsets of 1 km from the VRA. The TRM focus appeared robust to the transverse offset of the source from the VRA on one side of the SRA-VRA plane, but defocused on the other side of the plane. Backpropagation simulations reveal that the TRM focusing along this 15-km, mildly range-dependent region is quite sensitive to the geo- acoustic properties of the seafloor, e.g., sediment layer thickness and sound speed gradient. This sensitivity is explored to determine the geoacoustic properties of the seafloor.
Swarm of terminal 35S in Cheirolophus (Asteraceae, Centaureinae)
Authors: Garnatje T. , Hidalgo O. , Vitales D. , Pellicer J. , Vallès J. , Robin O. , Garcia S. , Siljak-Yakovlev S.
Published: July 2012

Island radiation constitutes a playground for species diversification, which has long fascinated researchers and still does today. Because only a small subset of taxa within the pool of island colonizers is concerned by this process, the question is raised on whether some factors could make a taxon prone to radiate. Cheirolophus is the only genus of Centaureinae subtribe to have experienced a radiation in the Canary Islands. Cytogenetic characterization through FISH of 5S and 35S ribosomal RNA genes in eight Cheirolophus species from continent and Canary Islands revealed an unusually high number of 35S predominantly at terminal position, together with a single interstitial 5S rDNA locus in all the studied taxa. Such an abundance of 35S rDNA signals is unique among Centaureinae and predates Cheirolophus arrival in Canary Islands. The possible link of the rDNA profile with radiation process is discussed through a comparison with two other case studies, the closely related Rhaponticum group and the genus Centaurea .
5q Minus Myelodysplasia Associated with Multiple Epithelioid Granulomas within Conventional Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Matnani Rahul G. , Patel Roshan K. , Strup Stephen E. , Karabakhtsian Rouzan G.
Published: July 2012

A 69-year-old Caucasian female, with a previous diagnosis of 5q minus myelodysplastic syndrome, presented with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with multiple-epithelioid nonnecrotizing granulomas. Two previous reports of sarcoidosis, primarily involving the lung and skin, have been described in patients with 5q minus myelodysplasia. A cluster of closely linked genes encoding for cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-3 are present on chromosome 5q. Hence, in sarcoidosis, cytokine imbalances associated with the deletion of these cytokine genes have been postulated. However, an occurrence of epithelioid granulomas within a carcinoma, in preexisting clonal myelodysplastic syndrome, has not been described. The patient, in the current study, had long standing 5q minus deletion, clinically characterized by refractory anemia associated with hypolobated megakaryocytes. However, the patient's history was negative for sarcoidosis and the extensive nonnecrotizing epithelioid granulomas were confined within RCC. Due to the absence of Th-2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in a subset of 5q minus myelodysplastic syndrome, proinflammatory Th-1 cytokines such as IFN-γand TNF-αmay be exaggerated in an environment conducive to antigen expression. Hence, we propose a greater susceptibility for the development of granulomas, at least in a subset of patients with 5q minus myelodysplasia.
Minimal Invasive Percutaneous Fixation of Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures
Authors: De Iure Federico , Cappuccio Michele , Paderni Stefania , Bosco Giuseppe , Amendola Luca
Published: July 2012

We studied 122 patients with 163 fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine undergoing the surgical treatment by percutaneous transpedicular fixation and stabilization with minimally invasive technique. Patient followup ranged from 6 to 72 months (mean 38 months), and the patients were assessed by clinical and radiographic evaluation. The results show that percutaneous transpedicular fixation and stabilization with minimally invasive technique is an adequate and satisfactory procedure to be used in specific type of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures.
Television Watching, Diet Quality, and Physical Activity and Diabetes among Three Ethnicities in the United States
Authors: Huffman Fatma G. , Vaccaro Joan A. , Exebio Joel C. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Katz Timothy , Dixon Zisca
Published: July 2012

Diabetes is a world-wide epidemic associated with multiple environmental factors. Prolonged television viewing (TV) time has been related to increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in several studies. TV viewing has been positively associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, lower energy expenditure, over-eating high-calorie and high-fat foods. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of hours of TV viewing with dietary quality, obesity and physical activity for three ethnic minorities with and without type 2 diabetes. Diet quality and physical activity were inversely related to prolonged TV viewing. African Americans and participants with type 2 diabetes were more likely to watch more than 4 hours of TV per day as compared to their counterparts. Diet quality was inversely associated with physical activity level. Future studies are needed to establish the risk factors of prolonged TV watching in adult populations for the development of diabetes or diabetes-related complications. Although strategies to reduce TV watching have been proven effective among children, few trials have been conducted in adults. Intervention trials aimed at reducing TV viewing targeting people with type 2 diabetes may be beneficial to improve dietary quality and physical activity, which may reduce diabetes complications.
Functional MRI Examination of Visual Pathways in Patients with Unilateral Optic Neuritis
Authors: Mascioli Giulia , Salvolini Simone , Cavola Gian Luca , Fabri Mara , Giovannini Alfonso , Mariotti Cesare , Salvolini Luca , Polonara Gabriele
Published: July 2012

The relations between brain areas involved in vision were explored in 8 patients with unilateral acute optic neuritis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In all patients monocular stimulation of affected and unaffected eye elicited significantly different activation foci in the primary visual cortex (V1), whereas the foci evoked in the middle temporal visual area (area V5) were similar in size and in delay of blood-oxygen-level-dependent response. DTI analysis documented lower white matter anisotropy values and reduced fibre reconstruction in the affected compared with the unaffected optic nerves. The preserved activation of area V5 observed in all our patients is an interesting finding that suggests the notion of a different sensitivity of the optic pathways to inflammatory changes.
First Report ofNocardia asiaticaPresenting as an Anterior Mediastinal Mass in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: El-Herte Rima I. , Kanj Souha S. , Araj George F. , Chami Hassan , Gharzuddine Walid
Published: July 2012

The spectrum of infections withNocardia spp. is heterogeneous. It has classically been associated with lung, brain, or skin involvement. We describe an unusual presentation ofNocardia asiatica (N. asiatica)in an Iraqi patient with myasthenia gravis suffering from a disseminated infection and presenting with an anterior mediastinal cystic mass.N. asiaticahas only been three times described outside Japan and Thailand, and the rarity of this entity deserves this communication.
Ovarian Fibroma with Serous Cystadenoma—An Unusual Combination: A Case Report
Authors: Jayalakshmy P. S. , Poothiode Usha , Krishna G. , Jayalakshmy P. L.
Published: July 2012

Surface epithelial tumors account for more than 90% of ovarian tumors, of which serous tumors comprise 46%. Sex-cord stromal tumors constitute 8% of ovarian tumors, fibroma being the commonest, comprising 70% in this category. Combination of different types of tumors can occur in ovary with most common being Mucinous cystadenoma and Brenner tumour. We report a case of a very rare combination of ovarian tumour-Fibroma with Serous cystadenoma of the ovary. This combination is not mentioned in any standard textbooks or reference books of gynaecologic pathology. Extensive search of the English Literature showed only one reported case with this combination of ovarian tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case to be reported in English Literature.
A New Time-Invariant Fuzzy Time Series Forecasting Method Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Eğrioğlu Erol
Published: July 2012

In recent years, many fuzzy time series methods have been proposed in the literature. Some of these methods use the classical fuzzy set theory, which needs complex matricial operations in fuzzy time series methods. Because of this problem, many studies in the literature use fuzzy group relationship tables. Since the fuzzy relationship tables use order of fuzzy sets, the membership functions of fuzzy sets have not been taken into consideration. In this study, a new method that employs membership functions of fuzzy sets is proposed. The new method determines elements of fuzzy relation matrix based on genetic algorithms. The proposed method uses first-order fuzzy time series forecasting model, and it is applied to the several data sets. As a result of implementation, it is obtained that the proposed method outperforms some methods in the literature.
Investigations of Accelerated Climate Aged Wood Substrates by Fourier Transform Infrared Material Characterization
Authors: Jelle Bjørn Petter , Rüther Petra , Hovde Per Jostein
Published: July 2012

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) material characterization by applying the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) experimental technique represents a powerful measurement tool. The ATR technique may be applied on both solid state materials, liquids and gases with none or only minor sample preparations, also including materials which are nontransparent to infrared radiation. This facilitation is made possible by pressing the sample directly onto various crystals, for example, diamond, with high refractive indices, in a special reflectance setup. Materials undergoing ageing processes by natural and accelerated climate exposure, decomposition and formation of chemical bonds and products, may be studied in an ATR-FTIR analysis. In this work, the ATR-FTIR technique is utilized to detect changes in selected wood building material substrates subjected to accelerated climate exposure conditions. Changes in specific FTIR absorbance peaks are designated to different wood deterioration processes. One aim is by ATR-FTIR analysis to be able to quantitatively determine the length of the wood ageing time before priming/treatment. Climate parameters like temperature (including freezing/thawing), relative air humidity, wind driven rain amount, solar and/or ultraviolet radiation, and exposure duration may be controlled in different climate ageing apparatuses. Both impregnated and raw wood samples have been employed in the experimental investigations.
Intravenous Thrombolytic Treatment in the Oldest Old
Authors: García-Caldentey Juan , Alonso de Leciñana María , Simal Patricia , Fuentes Blanca , Reig Gemma , Díaz-Otero Fernando , Guillán Marta , García Ana , Martínez Patricia , García-Pastor Andrés , Egido José Antonio , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , Gil-Núñez Antonio , Vivancos José , Masjuan Jaime
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose.Intravenous thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator is safe and probably effective in patients >80 years old. Nevertheless, its safety has not been specifically addressed for the oldest old patients (≥85 years old, OO). We assessed the safety and effectiveness of thrombolysis in this group of age.Methods.A prospective registry of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Patients were divided in two groups (<85 years and the OO). Demographic data, stroke aetiology and baseline National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were recorded. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) and functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale, mRS).Results.A total of 1,505 patients were registered. 106 patients were OO [median 88, range 85–101]. Female sex, hypertension, elevated blood pressure at admission, cardioembolic strokes and higher basal NIHSS score were more frequent in the OO. SICH transformation rates were similar (3.1% versus 3.7%,P=1.00). The probability of independence at 3 months (mRS 0–2) was lower in the OO (40.2% versus 58.7%,P=0.001) but not after adjustment for confounding factors (adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.37;P=0.455). Three-month mortality was higher in the OO (28.0% versus 11.5%,P<0.001).Conclusion.Intravenous thrombolysis for stroke in OO patients did not increase the risk of SICH although mortality was higher in this group.
Biventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy in a Patient Presenting with New Onset Seizure: Case Report
Authors: Odiete Oghenerukevwe , Nagendra Ramanna , Lawson Mark A. , Okafor Henry
Published: July 2012

Ventricular noncompaction (VNC) of the myocardium is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy caused by a disorder during endocardial morphogenesis and could be accompanied by life-threatening complications. The major clinical manifestations of VNC are heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolic events. The left ventricle is the most commonly reported affected site, but a few cases of right ventricular involvement have also been reported. We report a case of biventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in a 31-year-old woman presenting with a new onset seizure. On the second day of her telemetry-monitored hospitalization, she suffered a witnessed ventricular fibrillation arrest requiring emergency direct-current cardioversion and induced hypothermia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed isolated left ventricular (LV) noncompaction and depressed LV systolic function. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed both left and right ventricular noncompaction. This unusual presentation highlights the importance of a complete and thorough evaluation of patients even when presenting with apparently noncardiac symptom(s).
Right- and Left-Subclavian Vein Port-A-Cath Systems: Comparison of Complications
Authors: Tsai Y.-F. , Ku Y.-H. , Chen S.-W. , Huang W.-T. , Lu C.-C. , Tsao C.-J.
Published: July 2012

Background: Central venous access systems are frequently used for delivery of medications; however, few studies have compared surgical and postoperative complications of right versus left access via the subclavian vein (SCV). The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and postoperative complications associated with Port-A-Cath system insertion via the right and left SCV. Methods: The medical records of patients who received Port-A-Cath insertion via the SCV for parenteral chemotherapy between August 2004 and July 2008 were reviewed. The incidence of surgical and postoperative complications was compared between patients who received right- versus left-SCV Port-A-Cath insertion. Results: A total of 1,848 patients were included in the study. Right-SCV catheterization was attempted in 1,029 (55.7%) patients and was successful in 866 (84.2%). Left-SCV catheterization was attempted in 819 (44.3%) patients and was successful in 651 (79.5%). The mean length of postoperative follow-up was 417.3 ± 401.3 and 396.7 ± 379.9 days for the right- and left-SCV groups, respectively. The incidence of SCV puncture failure was significantly lower in the right-SCV group (12.3%) compared with the left-SCV group (16.8%, p = 0.006). The incidence of catheter knotting at the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein was also significantly lower in the right-SCV group (0.0%) compared with the left-SCV group (0.5%, p = 0.038), as was the incidence of catheter occlusion (1.0% for right SCV vs. 3.5% for left SCV, p = 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the right-SCV approach is superior to the left-SCV approach for Port-A-Cath insertion.
Aldosterone Induces Kidney Fibroblast Proliferation via Activation of Growth Factor Receptors and PI3K/MAPK Signalling
Authors: Huang L.L. , Nikolic-Paterson D.J. , Ma F.Y. , Tesch G.H.
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: The mineralocorticoid hormone, aldosterone, has pro-fibrotic properties which can cause kidney damage. The severity of kidney interstitial fibrosis is dependent on the accumulation of fibroblasts, which result largely from local proliferation; however, it is unknown whether aldosterone stimulates kidney fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, we examined the effects of aldosterone on the proliferation of cultured kidney fibroblasts. Methods: Uptake of 3H-thymidine and cell number quantitation were used to determine the proliferative effects of aldosterone on a rat kidney fibroblast cell line (NRK49F cells) and interstitial fibroblasts extracted from mouse kidneys after unilateral ureter obstruction. The role of different mitogenic signalling pathways in aldosterone-induced proliferation was assessed using specific inhibitors of receptors and kinases. Results: Physiological levels of aldosterone induced a doubling of proliferation of kidney fibroblasts (p < 0.0001), which was inhibited by pre-treatment with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, eplerenone. Aldosterone-induced fibroblast proliferation was dependent upon the kinase activity of growth factor receptors [platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor]. Notably, PDGF ligands were not involved in aldosterone-induced PDGFR activation, indicating receptor transactivation. Aldosterone-induced fibroblast proliferation also required signalling via PI3K, JNK and ERK pathways, but not via the transforming growth factor-β1 receptor. Conclusion: Aldosterone ligation of the mineralocorticoid receptor in kidney fibroblasts results in rapid activation of growth factor receptors and induction of PI3K/MAPK signalling, which stimulates proliferation. This suggests that increased levels of aldosterone during disease may promote the severity of kidney fibrosis by inducing fibroblast proliferation.
A Three-Step Method for Estimating the Mixing Height Using Ceilometer Data from the Helsinki Testbed
Authors: Eresmaa Noora , Härkönen Jari , Joffre Sylvain M. , Schultz David M. , Karppinen Ari , Kukkonen Jaakko
Published: July 2012

A new three-step idealized-profile method to estimate the mixing height from vertical profiles of ceilometer backscattering coefficient is developed to address the weaknesses found with such estimates that are based on the one-step idealized-profile method. This three-step idealized-profile method fits the backscattering coefficient profile of ceilometer measurements into an idealized scaled vertical profile of three error functions, thus having the potential to determine three aerosol layers (one for the surface layer, one for the mixing height, and one for the artificial layer caused by the weakened signal). This three-step idealized-profile method is tested with ceilometer and radiosounding data collected during the Helsinki Testbed campaign (2 January 2006–13 March 2007). Excluding cases with low aerosol concentration in the boundary layer, cases with clouds present, and cases with precipitation present, the resulting dataset consists of 97 simultaneous backscattering coefficient profiles and radiosoundings. The three-step method is compared with the one-step method and other commonly employed algorithms. A strong correlation (correlation coefficient r = 0.91) between the mixing heights as determined by the three-step method using ceilometer data and those determined from radiosoundings is an improvement over the same correlation using the one-step method (r = 0.28), as well as the other algorithms.
The Inclusion of IWV Estimates from AIRS/AMSU and SSM/I Sensors into the CPTEC/INPE Global Data Assimilation System
Authors: Sapucci Luiz F. , Herdies Dirceu L. , Mendonça Renata W. B.
Published: July 2012

Water vapor plays a crucial role in atmospheric processes and its distribution is associated with cloud-cover fraction and rainfall. The inclusion of integrated water vapor (IWV) estimates in numerical weather prediction improves the vertical structure of the humidity analysis and consequently contributes to obtaining a more realistic atmospheric state. Currently, satellite remote sensing is the most important source of humidity measurements in the Southern Hemisphere, providing information with good horizontal resolution and global coverage. In this study, the inclusion of IWV retrieved from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AIRS/AMSU) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) were investigated as additional information in the Physical-space Statistical Analysis System (PSAS), which is the operational data assimilation system at the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (CPTEC/INPE). Experiments were carried out with and without the assimilation of IWV values from both sensors. Results show that, in general, the IWV assimilation reduces the error in short-range forecasts of humidity profile, particularly over tropical regions. In these experiments, an analysis of the impact of the inclusion of IWV values from SSM/I and AIRS/AMSU sensors was done. Results indicated that the impact of the SSM/I values is significant over high-latitude oceanic regions in the Southern Hemisphere, while the impact of AIRS/AMSU values is more significant over continental regions where surface measurements are scarce, such as the Amazonian region. In that area the assimilation of IWV values from the AIRS/AMSU sensor shows a tendency to reduce the overestimate of the precipitation in short-range forecasts.
Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites based on amino group-terminated multi-wall carbon nanotubes and bismaleimide resin
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qi Shuhua , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2012

In this work, a novel nanocomposite consisting of bismaleimide resin (BMI) and amino group-terminated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWNTs) have been discussed. The fluorinating MWNTs (F-MWNTs) were synthesized by solid-phase method and the NH2-MWNTs were prepared by interaction of the F-MWNTs with 1,2-diaminoethane. The NH2-MWNTs/BMI nanocomposites have been prepared by solution blend method. Their morphology and properties were characterized by transmission electron microscope, fourier transmission infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc. The results showed that impurities in the MWNTs were removed after the purification treatment and amine groups have been successfully attached to the purified MWNTs. The impact strength of the NH2-MWNTs/BMI nanocomposites increased firstly as the NH2-MWNTs increased and then decreased. When the content of the NH2-MWNTs is 0.6 wt%, the impact strength of nanocomposites is optimal (about 12.57 kJ/m2) which increase by 58.51% compared with the neat BMI resin.
Preparation and properties of silica tubes/high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber composites
Authors: Zheng Junping , Wang Hao , Li Jian
Published: July 2012

In this article, the silica tubes were prepared by template-directed sol–gel method under the optimal synthetic condition. The prepared silica tubes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Silica tubes with uniform size and high aspect ratios have a diameter of 200–300 nm and a length of over 50 µm. The inner shape of silica tubes is rectangular. The prepared silica tubes were modified by hexamethyldisilazane. Silica tubes/high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (HTVSR) composites were prepared by solution mixing method. The mechanical, electrical insulating and dielectric properties were examined. The fracture surfaces of silica tubes/HTVSR were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical property and electrical insulating property of HTVSR were improved dramatically by the introduction of STs, and it was found the dielectric performance of the HTVSR exhibited an interesting change as the introduction of the silica tubes. The good overall performance of the composites gives a great potential of silica tubes to be ideal fillers for HTVSR used in aircraft manufacturing or other high tech areas.
An analysis of preferences for hazardous substances free products: manufacturing, use and end of life of mobile phones
Authors: Kaushal Rajendra Kumar , Nema Arvind K
Published: July 2012

Electronic communication devices such as mobile phones pose significant environmental risks when disposed of after the end of their useful life. Mobile communication devices are one of the fastest growing contributors to the electronic waste (e-waste) stream. Recent legislative pressure and increasing awareness about the environmental risk associated with the hazardous components of the electronic products warrants the manufacturers to reduce or replace the hazardous materials with alternatives. The present study analyses the economic consequences of reducing or replacing these hazardous materials and the possible response of the consumers. A strategic game theory model has been applied in this paper for manufacturer and consumers considering the cost difference between hazardous substances free (HSF) and hazardous substance (HS) mobile. Results suggest that the HSF mobiles can be a preferred choice of the manufacturers as well as consumers if the cost of disposal of HS mobiles can be internalized and a marginal incentive (e.g. 0.9% for a cost difference to 5%, and 5.3% for a cost difference to 10%) is given. The study further highlights the need for realizing the fact that passing on the incentives to the consumers in order to promote schemes for return back to manufacturer at its end of life for effective reuse and recycling gives higher returns.
Fatigue and Depression in Children With Demyelinating Disorders
Authors: Parrish Joy B. , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Smerbeck Audrey , Benedict Ralph H. B. , Yeh E. Ann
Published: July 2012

Fatigue and depression have been shown to be significant problems in children with multiple sclerosis. The rate at which these conditions occur in children with other acquired demyelinating syndromes is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated 49 children with demyelinating disorders (multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) and 92 healthy controls for depression and/or fatigue using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition behavior and mood rating scale and Varni PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. The parents of acquired demyelinating syndrome patients were more likely to report elevated depressive symptoms (30.8% vs 10.8%, P = .008). Elevated parent and self-reported total fatigue (25% vs 0%, P < .001, 26.7% vs 8.6%, P = .024) was seen in the patient cohort. The authors conclude that fatigue and depression are far more common in children with acquired demyelinating syndromes than in controls. Clinical attention to and implementation of effective therapies oriented toward these conditions in children with acquired demyelinating syndromes is needed.
School Functioning and Chronic Tension Headaches in Adolescents
Authors: Claar Robyn Lewis , Kaczynski Karen J. , Minster Anna , McDonald-Nolan Lori , LeBel Alyssa A.
Published: July 2012

Pediatric patients with chronic tension-type headaches often experience significant school impairment. Although some improve after treatment with a neurologist, many require more comprehensive treatment. The authors examined whether school functioning and attendance improved after a multidisciplinary evaluation focusing on a return to functioning despite headaches. They also examined whether patients’ headaches improved. Participants were 47 adolescents ages 12-17, most of whom had not responded to past neurological treatment. Adolescents completed the PedsQL School Functioning Scale at evaluation, 2-3 months later, and again 6 months after evaluation. Information regarding headache frequency, severity and duration, and school attendance was obtained from medical records. Using repeated measures analyses of variance, the authors found that school functioning and attendance improved significantly from evaluation to follow-up, as did headache frequency and duration. An emphasis on returning to functioning can help patients with chronic, difficult-to-treat tension-type headaches improve in their school functioning and experience fewer, shorter headaches.