bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic vibration aided laser welding of Al alloys: improvement of laser welding-quality
Authors: Kim J. S. , Watanabe T. , Yoshida Y.
Published: August 2012

Using a pulsed YAG laser, meltability of Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Si alloys were investigated by a single-pass irradiation. In order to improve the quality in laser welding, the effectiveness of the Ultrasonic Vibration Laser Welding (UVLW) method proposed in this paper was investigated experimentally. The proposed method was also compared with the traditional welding methods of Normal Laser Welding (NLW) and preHeating Laser Welding (HLW). The welding methods were evaluated from the geometry in the melt zone generated by a single pulse of the laser beam. It was suggested that ultrasonic vibration suppressed welding defects and improved the melt characteristics due to cavitation effects and dispersion of particles in the molten pool during laser welding. The influence on melt characteristics of the melt zone by preheating was also investigated. In these experiments, UVLW was the most useful laser welding method from the point of view of improving the laser welding quality of Al alloys.
Photodynamic therapy
Authors: Grossweiner Leonard I.
Published: August 2012

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment for solid tumors utilizing the combined action of light and a photosensitizing drug. Laser–fiber optic delivery systems make it practical to treat superficial and interstitial cancers, including malignancies of the skin, head and neck, esophagus, endobronchial tract, stomach, urinary bladder, female genital tract, and other sites. The putative action mechanism in PDT involves photochemical destruction of tumor tissue membranes mediated by singlet molecular oxygen. Light dosimetry modeling based on tissue optics is applicable for treatment planning. Related research areas include non-invasive optical diagnosis and imaging, development of new PDT drugs and light sources, and the extension of PDT methods to treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease and blood detoxification.
High-speed photographic studies of laser drilling of ceramics and ceramic composites
Authors: Ramanathan S. , Modest M. F.
Published: August 2012

High-speed photographic techniques were used to study plumes generated above a material during drilling of ceramics and ceramic composites with a carbon dioxide laser. The prinicipal objectives were to identify the mechanism of material removal (spattering, particulate and fiber debris, liquid droplets) and plume phenomena (plume shapes and sizes) for ceramics and ceramic composites. High-speed photographic (1000 frames per second) visualization of laser drilling was undertaken for two monolithic ceramics, (sintered α-silicon carbide (α-SiC) and hot-pressed silicon nitride (Si3N4)) and two continuous fiber—ceramic matrix composites, (carbon fibers in a silicon carbide matrix (C–SiC) and silicon carbide fibers in a silicon carbide matrix (SiC–SiC)). The results of this study indicate that each of these ceramic materials decomposes differently during laser processing and that the material removal mechanism for a given material is possibly different at different stages of the process. In all cases, material removal is initially through high-temperature decomposition and/or vaporization. As the hole depth increases, the walls of the hole become steeper resulting in a substantial reduction of the laser flux incident on the surface; this in turn appears to modify the mechanism of material removal depending upon the composition and porosity of the material. The photographic evidence presented here clearly shows ablative material removal for sintered α-silicon carbide (α-SiC), periodic ejection of liquid silicon during laser drilling of silicon nitride and ejection of particulate/fiber debris during laser processing of the composite materials SiC–SiC and C–SiC.
Study of liquid and vapor ejection processes during laser drilling of metals
Authors: Yilbaş Bekir S.
Published: August 2012

In an experimental investigation of laser–metal interaction, one of the important parameters is the propagation velocity of the liquid–vapor interface. The quantity appears as a direct result of the theoretical examination of the interaction and may be used to test the accuracy of the theory. Consequently, in the present study, the nature of the interaction mechanism between a pulsed laser beam and metals is examined using streak photographs of the ejecta from four metals: titanium, tantalum, nickel, and EN58B stainless steel. It appears that the drilling process commences with evaporation and the expulsion of fairly large liquid particles, followed by further liquid ejection by both radial flow and nucleation-induced explosions, with a reduction in the quantity of vapor ejected.
Laser cutting of thick sectioned steels using gas flow impingement on the erosion front
Authors: Ilavarasan P. M. , Molian P. A.
Published: August 2012

An off-axial gas jet has been developed that has the potential to extend the laser's effectiveness by improving the rate at which parts can be machined, producing high-quality surfaces, enhancing the cutting thickness, and adding to the range of materials that can be machined. In laser cutting, an erosion front (liquid–gas region) forms at the momentary end of the cut. Laser heating, exothermic reactions and shear force between the gas flow and the molten layer dictate the material removal rates. The principle of the off-axial gas jet is to provide straight, nonturbulent flow to the cutting erosion front, causing further oxidation reactions and transferring momentum to the molten slag and dross, thereby improving the cutting speed and the quality of cut. The design features of the off-axial nozzle including the shape, size, gas impinging angle with respect to the erosion front, gas pressure and velocity at the nozzle exit, and the distance between the nozzle and the laser beam are described. Successful test results of the off-axial nozzle in the laser cutting of stainless and carbon steels in the laboratory are presented.
Aerobic bacteriology of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study
Authors: Sanjana RK , Singh YI , Reddy NS
Published: August 2012

The present study was carried out to determine the aerobic microorganisms involved and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern in patients with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and to provide a guideline for empirical antibiotic therapy.Between March 2009 to February 2011, the ear discharge samples submitted at the microbiology laboratory were processed aerobically and all the isolates were included in this study. All organisms were identified morphologically and biochemically by standard laboratory procedures and antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standard recommendations.Out of a total of 214 samples, microbiological culture was yielded from 202 (94.3%) specimens. Single organism were isolated from 168 (78.5%) of the culture positive specimens, while the remaining 34 (15.9%) had two or more organisms isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 59 (35.1%) was the most common isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus 42 (25.0%) including 5 (3%) of the Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic sensitivities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that 93.2% isolates were sensitive to tobramycin, whereas, 91.5% isolates were sensitive to ceftazidime and 77.9% to amikacin.Only 50.8% of the isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 25.4% to gentamicin. For Staphylococcus aureus (other than MRSA) 95.2% were sensitive to cloxacillin, 83.3% to gentamicin and 78.5% to erythromycin. Only 07.1% were sensitive to ampicillin and 26.1% to ciprofloxacin.Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus. More than 90% of Pseudomonas and 90% of Staph aureus were sensitive to tobramycin and cloxacillin respectively. Therefore, these two drugs may be included in the formulary to cover the most common aerobic isolates involved in CSOM.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 1-8DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6673
Future strategies in treatment of parkinson’s disease
Authors: Janbaz KH , Qadir MI , Younas F , Malik SA
Published: August 2012

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. COMT inhibitors, MOA-B inhibitors, Levodopa, Levodopa in combination with Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitors, Entacapone, Tolcapone, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Zonisamide, Cholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil are used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Gene therapy of cellular and brain circuit pathways for the treatment of PD is under trials. Recently nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem derived cells can be used. The presence of Lewy bodies, reduced dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase expression within transplanted cells indicated that grafted cells are pathological. Adult and fetal neural stem cells are self-renewable.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2011, Vol-7, No-2, 67-71DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i2.6687
Model for Network Assignment Problem of Capacitated Freight with Disruptions
Authors: Unnikrishnan Avinash , Shahabi Mehrdad , Figliozzi Miguel
Published: August 2012

A modeling framework is proposed for the freight network assignment problem with recourse, network travel time and cost disruptions, and link flow capacity constraints. “Recourse” is defined as the ability of a user to reconsider and adapt his or her routing decisions in response to newly acquired information about network disruption. When real-time tracking and monitoring of network shipments allow companies a routing recourse, network capacity must be simultaneously considered. If a disruption significantly alters network flows, the capacity of alternative or secondary routes may be quickly reached. A new freight mathematical model with a capacitated network and adaptive routing was developed and solved. Results showed that simultaneous consideration of recourse and capacity constraints was superior to benchmark results obtained with nonadaptive deterministic behavior.
Centralized Carrier Collaboration Multihub Location Problem for Less-Than-Truckload Industry
Authors: Hernández Salvador , Unnikrishnan Avinash , Awale Satyen S.
Published: August 2012

A centralized carrier collaboration multihub location problem (CCCMLP) for the small to medium-sized less-than-truckload industry is addressed. In the CCCMLP, a central entity (e.g., a third-party logistics firm) seeks a set of collaborative consolidation transshipment hubs to establish a hybrid collaborative hub-and-spoke system that minimizes the total collaborative costs for the set of collaborating carriers. Previous studies focused on addressing the exchange of capacity without considering the location of transfer hubs and the routes that connect them. A carrier has the option either to collaborate or to ship its demand directly without collaborating. The decision depends on the expected profit margin over shipping directly while following a revenue-generating, rate-setting behavior. The CCCMLP was formulated as a variant of the P-hub location problem, which is NP-hard and solved with Lagrangian relaxation. Numerical experiments were conducted to gain insight into the performance of the CCCMLP formulation under various network sizes and numbers of hubs. The results indicate that larger expected profit margins from collaborative carriers applying revenue-generating behavior would increase the likelihood of collaboration by carriers. As the network size increases, the effect of hybrid hub location costs drops.
Empirical Comparison of Parametric and Nonparametric Trade Gravity Models
Authors: Gallo Mariano , Marzano Vittorio , Simonelli Fulvio
Published: August 2012

A systematic comparison is made of parametric (i.e., ordinary least-squares regressions and related generalizations) and nonparametric (i.e., kernel regressions and regression trees) log-linear gravity models for reproducing international trade. Experiments were conducted to estimate a log-linear gravity model reproducing import and export trade flows in quantity between Italy and 13 world economic zones, based on a panel estimation data set. The best parametric regression model was estimated to define a baseline reference model. Some specifications of nonparametric models, belonging to the categories of kernel regressions and regression trees, were also estimated. The performance of parametric and nonparametric models is contrasted through a comparison of goodness-of-fit measures (R2, mean absolute percentage error) both in estimation and in hold-out sample validation. To assess the differences in model elasticity and forecasts, both parametric and nonparametric models are applied to future scenarios and the corresponding results compared.
Network Design for Shipping Service of Large-Scale Intermodal Liners
Authors: Meng Qiang , Wang Shuaian , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: August 2012

A model was developed for network design of a shipping service for large-scale intermodal liners that captured essential practical issues, including consistency with current services, slot purchasing, inland and maritime transportation, multiple-type containers, and origin-to-destination transit time. The model used a liner shipping hub-and-spoke network to facilitate laden container routing from one port to another. Laden container routing in the inland transportation network was combined with the maritime network by defining a set of candidate export and import ports. Empty container flow is described on the basis of path flow and leg flow in the inland and maritime networks, respectively. The problem of network design for shipping service of an intermodal liner was formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming model. The proposed model was used to design the shipping services for a global liner shipping company.
Scheduling Deliveries with Backhauls in Thailand's Cement Industry
Authors: Paraphantakul Chutipong , Miller-Hooks Elise , Opasanon Sathaporn
Published: August 2012

The problem of truckload delivery with backhaul scheduling was formulated, and a methodology for ant colony optimization that was developed for a related problem, the problem of vehicle routing with backhaul and time windows, was adapted for the solution of the truckload delivery problem. The problem of truckload delivery with backhaul scheduling differs from the problem of vehicle routing with backhaul and time windows in that shipments are in units of truckloads, multiple time windows in multiple days are available for delivery to customers, limited space for servicing customers is available, and multiple visits to each customer may be required. The problem is motivated by a real-world application arising at a leading cement producer in Thailand. Experts at the cement production plant assign vehicles to cement customers and lignite mines on the basis of manual computations and experience. Mathematical and computational frameworks are provided for modeling and solving this real-world application.
Empirical Evaluation of Economic Order Quantity Model for Choice of Shipment Size in Freight Transport
Authors: Combes François
Published: August 2012

The choice of shipment size in freight transport depends on the logistical imperatives of shippers and the technical possibilities of carriers. The choice is closely related to the mode of transportation and therefore important for public policy. The theory of optimal shipment size and mode choice is robust. Numerous inventory-theoretical models of optimal shipment size are applied by shippers in operational contexts. However, none has been validated empirically over a large and heterogeneous population of shipments, and thus none are useful for modeling freight transportation demand, particularly because of the lack of adequate data. The simple economic order quantity (EOQ) model was assessed empirically on a national scale over a heterogeneous population of shipments. The French ECHO database, which observed commodity flow rates between shippers and receivers, was used to estimate the EOQ shipment size specification, and the validity of the EOQ model was confirmed. The study revealed the dominant role of the commodity flow rate between shipper and receiver and of commodity value density. The relationship between mode choice and shipment size is highlighted.
Status Quo of City Logistics in Scientific Literature
Authors: Wolpert Stefan , Reuter Carsten
Published: August 2012

Roadway infrastructure is reaching maximum capacity in urban areas because of expanding urbanization, demographic changes, and continuously increasing freight volumes. An overview of the latest research on city logistics is needed to address these challenges, and a review of the scientific literature is presented. A specifically designed framework for systematic literature review was used to analyze 92 relevant articles from prominent electronic databases. A taxonomy of city logistics literature was created to aid academics and practitioners and to stimulate interest of other parties in this area.
Evaluation of Distance-Based and Cordon-Based Urban Freight Road Pricing in E-Commerce Environment with Multiagent Model
Authors: Teo Joel S. E. , Taniguchi Eiichi , Qureshi Ali Gul
Published: August 2012

E-commerce is gradually changing the way shoppers acquire goods and services. Shoppers seek ways to purchase goods easily through the Internet, and shippers or producers offer cheap ways to deliver goods to their customers through the services of carriers for home delivery. A theoretical model was established to evaluate city logistics schemes for multiple stakeholders before implementation. Policy measures to manage truck operations in the city and keep pollution levels at a minimum were evaluated. Cordon-based freight road pricing was found to provide better pollution reduction compared with distance-based pricing, but cordon-based pricing had less impact on areas outside a city. The problem was solved with a modeling approach for multiagent systems that used a vehicle routing problem with time windows, freight electronic marketplaces, and Q-learning.
The role of radiotherapy following gross-total resection of atypical meningiomas
Authors: Komotar Ricardo J. , Iorgulescu J. Bryan , Raper Daniel M. S. , Holland Eric C. , Beal Kathryn , Bilsky Mark H. , Brennan Cameron W. , Tabar Viviane , Sherman Jonathan H. , Yamada Yoshiya , Gutin Philip H.
Published: August 2012

Object

Atypical (WHO Grade II) meningiomas comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, with histopathology delineated under the guidance of the WHO and a spectrum of clinical outcomes. The role of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with atypical meningiomas who have undergone gross-total resection (GTR) remains unclear. In this paper, the authors sought to clarify this role by reviewing their experience over the past 2 decades.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed all patients at their institution who underwent GTR between 1992 and 2011 with a final histology demonstrating atypical meningioma. Information regarding patients, tumor characteristics, and postoperative adjuvant therapy was gleaned from medical records. Time to recurrence and overall survival were analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses.

Results

Forty-five patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent GTR for atypical meningiomas. By a median follow-up of 44.1 months, 22% of atypical meningiomas had recurred. There was no recurrence in 12 (92%) of 13 patients who received postoperative radiotherapy or in 19 (59%) of 32 patients who did not undergo postoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.085), demonstrating a strong trend toward improved local control with postoperative radiotherapy. No other factors were significantly associated with recurrence in univariate or multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

This retrospective series supports the observation that postoperative radiotherapy likely results in lower recurrence rates of gross totally resected atypical meningiomas. Although a multicenter prospective trial will ultimately be needed to fully define the role of radiotherapy in managing gross totally resected atypical meningiomas, the authors' results contribute to a growing number of series that support routine postoperative radiotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for these lesions.
Bilateral endoscopic craniectomies in the treatment of an infant with Apert syndrome
Authors: Jimenez David F. , Barone Constance M.
Published: August 2012

Patients with Apert syndrome commonly present with ocular proptosis due to bilateral coronal craniosynostosis and midfacial hypoplasia. Severe proptosis can cause visual compromise and damage, which is most commonly treated with bilateral orbital frontal advancement. The authors present the case of a patient who was treated at 8 weeks of age with endoscope-assisted bilateral coronal craniectomies followed by treatment with a custom-made postoperative cranial orthosis. The patient underwent the procedure without any complications. Over the ensuing months, the patient's proptosis corrected, the forehead and orbital rims advanced without the need for an orbital frontal advancement and craniotomies. This approach may provide an alternative treatment modality for these patients.
Infection risk for primary and revision instrumented lumbar spine fusion in the Medicare population
Authors: Kurtz Steven M. , Lau Edmund , Ong Kevin L. , Carreon Leah , Watson Heather , Albert Todd , Glassman Steven
Published: August 2012

Object

This retrospective analysis of Medicare administrative data was performed to evaluate the risk of infection following instrumented lumbar fusion over a 10-year follow-up period in the Medicare population. Although infection can be a devastating complication, due to its rarity it is difficult to characterize infection risk except in large patient populations.

Methods

Using ICD-9-CM and CPT4 procedure codes, the Medicare 5% analytical research files for inpatient, outpatient, and physician carrier claims were checked to identify patients who were treated between 1997 and 2009 with lumbar spine fusion in which cages or posterior instrumentation were used. Patients younger than 65 years old were excluded. Patients were followed continuously by using the matching denominator file until they withdrew from Medicare or died. The authors identified 15,069 patients with primary fusion procedures and 605 with revision of instrumented lumbar fusion. Infections were identified by the related ICD-9 codes (998.59 or 996.67) after fusion. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were performed to determine adjusted infection risk for each type of spine procedure (primary vs revision) and surgical approach (anterior, posterior, combined anteroposterior), accounting for patient (for example, age, sex, comorbidities/Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI], and state buy-in) and hospital (census region) characteristics.

Results

At 10 years, the overall infection incidence, including superficial and deep infections, was 8.5% in primary procedures and 12.2% in revisions. Among the factors considered, infection risk within 10 years was most influenced by comorbidities: for a CCI of 5 versus 0, the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) was 2.48 (95% CI 1.93–3.19, p < 0.001); for ≥ 9 versus 2–3 fused vertebrae, the AHR was 2.39 (95% CI 1.20–4.76, p < 0.001); for revision versus primary fusion procedures, the AHR was 1.66 (95% CI 1.28–2.15, p < 0.001). Other significant predictors of 10-year infection risk included diagnosis of obesity (p < 0.001); state buy-in—a proxy for socioeconomic status (p = 0.02); age (p = 0.003); surgical approach (p = 0.03); census region (p = 0.02); and the year of the index procedure (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Patient comorbidities were the greatest predictor of infection risk for the Medicare population. The high incidence of infection following instrumented fusion warrants increased focus on infection risk mitigation, especially for patients with comorbid conditions.
Transcriptional Gene Silencing (TGS) via the RNAi Machinery in HIV-1 Infections
Authors: Sampey Gavin C. , Guendel Irene , Das Ravi , Jaworski Elizabeth , Klase Zachary , Narayanan Aarthi , Kehn-Hall Kylene , Kashanchi Fatah
Published: August 2012

Gene silencing via non-coding RNA, such as siRNA and miRNA, can occur at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational stages of expression. Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) involving the RNAi machinery generally occurs through DNA methylation, as well as histone post-translational modifications, and corresponding remodeling of chromatin around the target gene into a heterochromatic state. The mechanism by which mammalian TGS occurs includes the recruitment of RNA-induced initiation of transcriptional gene silencing (RITS) complexes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and other chromatin remodelers. Additionally, virally infected cells encoding miRNAs have also been shown to manipulate the host cell RNAi machinery to induce TGS at the viral genome, thereby establishing latency. Furthermore, the introduction of exogenous siRNA and shRNA into infected cells that target integrated viral promoters can greatly suppress viral transcription via TGS. Here we examine the latest findings regarding mammalian TGS, specifically focusing on HIV-1 infected cells, and discuss future avenues of exploration in this field.
Optimization of Nitrogen and Metal Ions Supplementation for Very High Gravity Bioethanol Fermentation from Sweet Sorghum Juice Using an Orthogonal Array Design
Authors: Deesuth Orawan , Laopaiboon Pattana , Jaisil Prasit , Laopaiboon Lakkana
Published: August 2012

Optimization of four parameters, i.e., zinc (Zn2+), magnesium (Mg2+), manganese (Mn2+) and yeast extract for bioethanol production from sweet sorghum juice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NP 01 under very high gravity (VHG, 270 g·L−1 of total sugar) conditions was performed using an L9 (34) orthogonal array design. The fermentation was carried out at 30 °C in 500-mL air-locked Erlenmeyer flasks at the agitation rate of 100 rpm and the initial yeast cell concentration in the juice was approximately 5 × 107 cells·mL−1. The results showed that the order of influence was yeast extract > Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Mg2+ and the optimum nutrient concentrations for the ethanol fermentation were Zn2+, 0.01; Mg2+, 0.05; Mn2+, 0.04; and yeast extract, 9 g·L−1. The verification experiments under the optimum condition clearly indicated that the metals and nitrogen supplementation improved ethanol production efficiency under the VHG fermentation conditions. The ethanol concentration (P), yield (Yp/s) and productivity (Qp) were 120.58 ± 0.26 g·L−1, 0.49 ± 0.01 and 2.51 ± 0.01 g·L−1·h−1, respectively, while in the control treatment (without nutrient supplement) P, Yp/s and Qp were only 93.45 ± 0.45 g·L−1, 0.49 ± 0.00 and 1.30 ± 0.01 g·L−1·h−1, respectively.
Methodological Considerations in Screening for Cumulative Environmental Health Impacts: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Study in California
Authors: Meehan August Laura , Faust John B. , Cushing Lara , Zeise Lauren , Alexeeff George V.
Published: August 2012

Polluting facilities and hazardous sites are often concentrated in low-income communities of color already facing additional stressors to their health. The influence of socioeconomic status is not considered in traditional models of risk assessment. We describe a pilot study of a screening method that considers both pollution burden and population characteristics in assessing the potential for cumulative impacts. The goal is to identify communities that warrant further attention and to thereby provide actionable guidance to decision- and policy-makers in achieving environmental justice. The method uses indicators related to five components to develop a relative cumulative impact score for use in comparing communities: exposures, public health effects, environmental effects, sensitive populations and socioeconomic factors. Here, we describe several methodological considerations in combining disparate data sources and report on the results of sensitivity analyses meant to guide future improvements in cumulative impact assessments. We discuss criteria for the selection of appropriate indicators, correlations between them, and consider data quality and the influence of choices regarding model structure. We conclude that the results of this model are largely robust to changes in model structure.
Cell Signaling through Protein Kinase C Oxidation and Activation
Authors: Cosentino-Gomes Daniela , Rocco-Machado Nathália , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto
Published: August 2012

Due to the growing importance of cellular signaling mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), proteins that are reversibly modulated by these reactant molecules are of high interest. In this context, protein kinases and phosphatases, which act coordinately in the regulation of signal transduction through the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of target proteins, have been described to be key elements in ROS-mediated signaling events. The major mechanism by which these proteins may be modified by oxidation involves the presence of key redox-sensitive cysteine residues. Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in a variety of cellular signaling pathways. These proteins have been shown to contain a unique structural feature that is susceptible to oxidative modification. A large number of scientific studies have highlighted the importance of ROS as a second messenger in numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, gene expression, adhesion, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. In this context, the goal of this review is to discuss the mechanisms by which PKCs are modulated by ROS and how these processes are involved in the cellular response.
Formononetin Attenuates IL-1β-Induced Apoptosis and NF-κB Activation in INS-1 Cells
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhu Yunxia , Gao Lu , Yin Han , Xie Zuoling , Wang Dong , Zhu Zhengqiu , Han Xiao
Published: August 2012

Several studies suggest that the inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of some glucose disorders in adults. Exposure of pancreatic β-cells to cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), is thought to contribute to β-cell apoptosis. One important event triggered by IL-1β is induction of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme that catalyzes intracellular generation of the cytotoxic free radical NO. Recent work have suggested that formononetin, as an O-methylated isoflavone found in a number of plants and herbs like Astragalus membranaceus, inhibited some pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. However, the roles of formononetin in pancreatic beta cells have not been fully established. The aim of the present study was to assess possible in vitro effects of formononetin on cell apoptosis induced by IL-1β in the rat insulinoma cell line, INS-1. Our results demonstrate that formononetin significantly prevents IL-1β-increased INS-1 cell death and blocks cytokine-induced apoptotic signaling (the reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity). Formononetin also inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), which is a significant transcription factor for iNOS, so as to decease nitric oxide (NO) formation in a dose dependent manner in vitro. Our observations indicated that formononetin could protect against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis caused by IL-1β and therefore could be used in the future as a new drug improving diabetes mellitus.
Inhibition of Burkholderia multivorans Adhesion to Lung Epithelial Cells by Bivalent Lactosides
Authors: Wright Ciara , Leyden Rosaria , Murphy Paul V. , Callaghan Máire , Velasco-Torrijos Trinidad , McClean Siobhán
Published: August 2012

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an opportunistic pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients which is inherently resistant to antimicrobial agents. The mechanisms of attachment and pathogenesis of Bcc, a group of 17 species, are poorly understood. The most commonly identified Bcc species in newly colonised patients, Burkholderia multivorans, continues to be acquired from the environment. Development of therapies which can prevent or reduce the risk of colonization on exposure to Bcc in the environment would be a better alternative to antimicrobial agents. Previously, it has been shown that Bcc strains bound to many glycolipid receptors on lung epithelia. Using a real-time PCR method to quantify the levels of binding of B. multivorans to the lung epithelial cells, we have examined glycoconjugate derivatives for their potential to inhibit host cell attachment. Bivalent lactosides previously shown to inhibit galectin binding significantly reduced the attachment of B. multivorans to CF lung epithelial cells at micromolar concentrations. This was in contrast to monosaccharides and lactose, which were only effective in the millimolar range. Development of glycoconjugate therapies such as these, which inhibit attachment to lung epithelial cells, represent an alternative means of preventing infection with inherently antimicrobially resistant pathogens such as B. multivorans.
Dry Etching of Copper Phthalocyanine Thin Films: Effects on Morphology and Surface Stoichiometry
Authors: Van Dijken Jaron G. , Brett Michael J.
Published: August 2012

We investigate the evolution of copper phthalocyanine thin films as they are etched with argon plasma. Significant morphological changes occur as a result of the ion bombardment; a planar surface quickly becomes an array of nanopillars which are less than 20 nm in diameter. The changes in morphology are independent of plasma power, which controls the etch rate only. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that surface concentrations of copper and oxygen increase with etch time, while carbon and nitrogen are depleted. Despite these changes in surface stoichiometry, we observe no effect on the work function. The absorbance and X-ray diffraction spectra show no changes other than the peaks diminishing with etch time. These findings have important implications for organic photovoltaic devices which seek nanopillar thin films of metal phthalocyanine materials as an optimal structure.
Mechanistic Study of the Spiroindolones: A New Class of Antimalarials
Authors: Zou Bin , Yap Peiling , Sonntag Louis-Sebastian , Leong Seh Yong , Yeung Bryan K. S. , Keller Thomas H.
Published: August 2012

During the synthesis of the new antimalarial drug candidate NITD609, a high degree of diastereoselectivity was observed in the Pictet-Spengler reaction. By isolating both the 4E and 4Z imine intermediates, a systematic mechanistic study of the reaction under both kinetic and thermodynamic conditions was conducted. This study provides insight into the source of the diastereoselectivity for this important class of compounds.
A Synthetic Method to Access Symmetric and Non-Symmetric 2-(N,N'-disubstituted)guanidinebenzothiazoles
Authors: Cruz Alejandro , Padilla-Martínez Itzia I. , García-Báez Efrén V.
Published: August 2012

Symmetric and non-symmetric 2-(N-H, N-methyl, N-ethylenyl and N-aryl)guanidinebenzothiazoles were synthesized from the reaction of ammonia, methylamine, pyrrolidine and aniline with dimethyl benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl-carbono-dithioimidate (5) as intermediate. The products were characterized by 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopy and three of them by X-ray diffraction analysis. HN-phenyl protons formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds that assist the stereochemistry of the second substituent, whereas the HN-alkyl protons were involved in intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
CANoE: A Context-Aware Notification Model to Support the Care of Older Adults in a Nursing Home
Authors: Nava-Muñoz Sandra , Morán Alberto L.
Published: August 2012

Taking care of elders in a nursing home is not an easy task. Caregivers face two major problems: a lack of awareness of the situations surrounding the elderly care and the lack of information regarding the availability and the activities of other caregivers to support their coordination process. Various efforts have proposed solutions to cope with these problems, but they do it without considering all the requirements imposed by the criticality of this type of environment. In this paper we propose CANoE, a model for the design of context-aware notifications in critical environments, such as a nursing home. The main feature of this model is that it considers three sources of context (the environment, and the issuer and the receiver of the notification) for adapting the content, the terms of delivery and the presentation of the notification message. Based on the CANoE model we developed the CANoE-Aw and CU-IDA systems, which were evaluated through two case studies in a nursing home. The results of these evaluations provide evidence that caregivers achieved an increased awareness of the situations of care of the elderly and perceived the systems as adequate tools to support their coordination while attending a situation of care.
Using the Image Analysis Method for Describing Soil Detachment by a Single Water Drop Impact
Authors: Ryżak Magdalena , Bieganowski Andrzej
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present work was to develop a method based on image analysis for describing soil detachment caused by the impact of a single water drop. The method consisted of recording tracks made by splashed particles on blotting paper under an optical microscope. The analysis facilitated division of the recorded particle tracks on the paper into drops, “comets” and single particles. Additionally, the following relationships were determined: (i) the distances of splash; (ii) the surface areas of splash tracks into relation to distance; (iii) the surface areas of the solid phase transported over a given distance; and (iv) the ratio of the solid phase to the splash track area in relation to distance. Furthermore, the proposed method allowed estimation of the weight of soil transported by a single water drop splash in relation to the distance of the water drop impact. It was concluded that the method of image analysis of splashed particles facilitated analysing the results at very low water drop energy and generated by single water drops.
Novel System for Bite-Force Sensing and Monitoring Based on Magnetic Near Field Communication
Authors: Diaz Lantada Andres , González Bris Carlos , Lafont Morgado Pilar , Sanz Maudes Jesús
Published: August 2012

Intraoral devices for bite-force sensing have several applications in odontology and maxillofacial surgery, as bite-force measurements provide additional information to help understand the characteristics of bruxism disorders and can also be of help for the evaluation of post-surgical evolution and for comparison of alternative treatments. A new system for measuring human bite forces is proposed in this work. This system has future applications for the monitoring of bruxism events and as a complement for its conventional diagnosis. Bruxism is a pathology consisting of grinding or tight clenching of the upper and lower teeth, which leads to several problems such as lesions to the teeth, headaches, orofacial pain and important disorders of the temporomandibular joint. The prototype uses a magnetic field communication scheme similar to low-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (NFC). The reader generates a low-frequency magnetic field that is used as the information carrier and powers the sensor. The system is notable because it uses an intra-mouth passive sensor and an external interrogator, which remotely records and processes information regarding a patient’s dental activity. This permits a quantitative assessment of bite-force, without requiring intra-mouth batteries, and can provide supplementary information to polysomnographic recordings, current most adequate early diagnostic method, so as to initiate corrective actions before irreversible dental wear appears. In addition to describing the system’s operational principles and the manufacture of personalized prototypes, this report will also demonstrate the feasibility of the system and results from the first in vitro and in vivo trials.
A Method for Evaluating the Electro-Mechanical Characteristics of Piezoelectric Actuators during Motion
Authors: Jin Tao , Takita Akihiro , Djamal Mitra , Hou Wenmei , Jia Hongzhi , Fujii Yusaku
Published: August 2012

The electro-mechanical characteristics of piezoelectric actuators which have being driven are evaluated in this paper. The force generated by actuators is measured as an inertial force of a corner cub prism which is attached to the actuators. The Doppler frequency shift of a laser beam, due to the motion of actuator, is accurately measured by a heterodyne interferometer. Subsequently, the mechanical quantities, such as velocity, acceleration, force, power and displacement, are calculated from the Doppler frequency shift. With the measurement results of current and voltage of the actuator, the relationships between electrical and mechanical characteristics are evaluated.
Identifying Social Impacts in Product Supply Chains:Overview and Application of the Social Hotspot Database
Authors: Benoit-Norris Catherine , Cavan Deana Aulisio , Norris Gregory
Published: August 2012

One emerging tool to measure the social-related impacts in supply chains is Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), a derivative of the well-established environmental LCA technique. LCA has recently started to gain popularity among large corporations and initiatives, such as The Sustainability Consortium or the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Both have made the technique a cornerstone of their applied-research program. The Social Hotspots Database (SHDB) is an overarching, global database that eases the data collection burden in S-LCA studies. Proposed “hotspots” are production activities or unit processes (also defined as country-specific sectors) in the supply chain that may be at risk for social issues to be present. The SHDB enables efficient application of S-LCA by allowing users to prioritize production activities for which site-specific data collection is most desirable. Data for three criteria are used to inform prioritization: (1) labor intensity in worker hours per unit process and (2) risk for, or opportunity to affect, relevant social themes or sub-categories related to Human Rights, Labor Rights and Decent Work, Governance and Access to Community Services (3) gravity of a social issue. The Worker Hours Model was developed using a global input/output economic model and wage rate data. Nearly 200 reputable sources of statistical data have been used to develop 20 Social Theme Tables by country and sector. This paper presents an overview of the SHDB development and features, as well as results from a pilot study conducted on strawberry yogurt. This study, one of seven Social Scoping Assessments mandated by The Sustainability Consortium, identifies the potential social hotspots existing in the supply chain of strawberry yogurt. With this knowledge, companies that manufacture or sell yogurt can refine their data collection efforts in order to put their social responsibility performance in perspective and effectively set up programs and initiatives to improve the social conditions of production along their product supply chain.
Ecology in Urban Planning: Mitigating the Environmental Damage of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Staniunas Mindaugas , Burinskiene Marija , Maliene Vida
Published: August 2012

The principles of well-known indices of sustainability—the Ecological Footprint (EF) and the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI)—have been compared to discuss the essence of attitude, substantial differences and transferability into urban planning. An overview indicates that ideologically the EF is a more appropriate tool for ecological tasks due to its clear background of natural limits and the ability of “leakage” tracing. Furthermore the European Common Initiative is discussed as it proposes feasible indices monitoring actions towards local sustainability that could be considered in urban planning. Taking two Lithuanian cities as an example, integration of part of one index (regarding municipal solid wastes) into the ecological section of urban planning is presented. It has been estimated that in 10 years an average Lithuanian should generate an amount of municipal solid waste whose ecological impact will be equal to 19,900 kg of CO2-eq in 20 years time. Lastly considering urban planning scope and the EF practice, two opportunities are discussed: (1) tree planting and (2) waste incineration.
Supersymmetric Extensions of Non-Relativistic Scaling Algebras
Authors: Sakaguchi Makoto , Yoshida Kentaroh
Published: August 2012

An exciting subject in string theory is to consider some applications of the AdS/CFT correspondence to realistic systems like condensed matter systems. Since most of such systems are non-relativistic, an anisotropic scaling symmetry with the general value of dynamical critical exponent z plays an important role in constructing the gravity duals for non-relativistic field theories. Supersymmetric extensions of symmetry algebras including the anisotropic scaling are very helpful to consider holographic relations accurately. We give a short summary on the classification of superalgebras with the anisotropic scaling as subalgebras of the following Lie superalgebras, psu(2,2|4), osp(8|4) and osp (8*|4), which appear in the study of AdS/CFT in type IIB string and M theories. It contains supersymmetric extensions of Schrödinger algebra and Lifshitz algebra.
Effects of flood frequency and duration on the allometry of community‐level stem size‐density distributions in a floodplain forest
Authors: De Jager Nathan R.
Published: August 2012

• Premise of the study: Consistent with the self‐thinning law of plant population ecology, Niklas et al. in 2003 proposed that stem size‐density distributions (SDDs) of multispecies forest communities should change in very predictable ways as a function of the effects of past disturbances on average tree size. To date, empirical tests of this hypothesis have not been pursued in floodplain settings.

• Methods: SDDs were constructed using tree stem‐size and density data from forest plots positioned along a flood frequency and duration gradient in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain.

• Key Results: As flooding (both frequency and duration) increased, several small tree species were eliminated from forest plots and the persistent species increased in their size. Consistent with the predictions of Niklas et al., these changes corresponded with overall decreases in stem density, increases in average stem size, and reductions in both the Y‐intercept and slope terms of the community‐level SDDs.

• Conclusions: This study adds to a growing list of examples suggesting that theories related to forest community composition and biomass must account for both the broader effects of disturbances as well as the underlying biochemical processes that regulate plant growth. Further study is needed to fully address the role different disturbance frequencies play in determining plant density, diversity, average size, and associated size\frequency distributions.