bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS ON INNOVATION ADOPTION — USING MULTI-AGENT SIMULATIONS TO PROJECT THE LAUNCH OF AN INNOVATIVE MEDICAL DEVICE
Authors: BARROT CHRISTIAN , KUHLMANN JAN , POPA ANDREA
Published: August 2013

Adoption processes are often heavily influenced by interpersonal communication. Marketing managers are increasingly trying to use these relationships to foster the market penetration of their products. In an empirical study of the US market for an innovative medical device, we survey the social network of (mostly chief) anesthetists from 151 hospitals. We confirm the influences from personal communication on individual adoption decisions through hazard regressions. We then use a multi-agent modeling framework trying to identify what seeding strategies would have been optimal to achieve a fast market penetration, i.e. which and how many anesthetists should be selected to initiate personal communication processes.
Compressed matrix multiplication
Authors: Pagh Rasmus
Published: August 2013

We present a simple algorithm that approximates the product of
n
-by-
n
real matrices
A
and
B
. Let ‖AB‖

F

denote the Frobenius norm of
AB
, and
b
be a parameter determining the time/accuracy trade-off. Given 2-wise independent hash functions
h
1
,
h
2
: [
n
]→ [
b
], and
s
1
,
s
2
: [
n
]→ {−1,+1} the algorithm works by first “compressing” the matrix product into the polynomial
p
(
x
) = ∑

k
=1

n

\left(∑

i
=1

n

A

ik

s
1
(
i
)
x

h
1
(
i
)

\right) \left(∑

j
=1

n
B

kj

s
2
(
j
)
x

h
2
(
j
)

\right). Using the fast Fourier transform to compute polynomial multiplication, we can compute
c
0
,…,
c

b
−1

such that ∑
i
c

i

x

i

= (
p
(
x
) mod
x

b

) + (
p
(
x
) div
x

b

) in time Õ(
n
2
+
nb
). An unbiased estimator of (
AB
)

ij

with variance at most ‖
AB
‖

F

2
/
b
can then be computed as:
C

ij

=
s
1
(
i
)
s
2
(
j
)
c

(
h
1
(
i
)+
h
2
(
j
)) mod
b

. Our approach also leads to an algorithm for computing
AB
exactly, with high probability, in time Õ(
N
+
nb
) in the case where
A
and
B
have at most
N
nonzero entries, and
AB
has at most
b
nonzero entries.
Spatiotemporal properties of high-speed calcium oscillations in the pedunculopontine nucleus
Authors: Hyde James , Kezunovic Nebojsa , Urbano Francisco J. , Garcia-Rill Edgar
Published: August 2013

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a component of the reticular activating system (RAS), and is involved in the activated states of waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Gamma oscillations (approximately 30–80 Hz) are evident in all PPN neurons and are mediated by high-threshold voltage-dependent N- and P/Q-type calcium channels. We tested the hypothesis that high-speed calcium imaging would reveal calcium-mediated oscillations in dendritic compartments in synchrony with patch-clamp recorded oscillations during depolarizing current ramps. Patch-clamped 8- to 16-day-old rat PPN neurons ( n = 67 out of 121) were filled with Fura 2, Bis Fura, or OGB1/CHR. This study also characterized a novel ratiometric technique using Oregon Green BAPTA-1 (OGB1) with coinjections of a new long-stokes-shift dye, Chromeo 494 (CHR). Fluorescent calcium transients were blocked with the nonspecific calcium channel blocker cadmium, or by the combination of ω-agatoxin-IVA, a specific P/Q-type calcium channel blocker, and ω-conotoxin-GVIA, a specific N-type calcium channel blocker. The calcium transients were evident in different dendrites (suggesting channels are present throughout the dendritic tree) along the sampled length without interruption (suggesting channels are evenly distributed), and appeared to represent a summation of oscillations present in the soma. We confirm that PPN calcium channel-mediated oscillations are due to P/Q- and N-type channels, and reveal that these channels are distributed along the dendrites of PPN cells.
Supramolecular Arrangement in Styphnic Acid and Naphthalene‐1,4‐diol (1 : 1) through a Novel Synthetic Rote for Styphnic Acid
Authors: Refat Moamen S. , Saad Hossam A. , El-Sayed Mohamed Y. , Adam Abdel Majid A. , Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Taş Murat
Published: August 2013

The chemical preparation and crystal structure of styphnic acid and naphthalene‐1,4‐diol (1 : 1) (I) have been reported. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system in space group Pnma and cell parameters a = 6.6712(2), b = 16.8267(7), c = 13.6450(5) Å and V = 1531.71(10) Å3, and Z = 4. Crystal structure has been determined and refined to R = 0.0576. The crystal structure of I, the asymmetric unit, contains C6H2N3O7, C10H7O, and it is a half portion of both styphnic acid and naphthalene‐1,4‐diol. The O1–H1⋯O2 intramolecular hydrogen bond was found between the O–H and a nitro group in the styphnic acid unit.
The Regulation of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensitivity of Silver Nanorods by Silicon Sections
Authors: Zhang Xian , Zhou Qin , Huang Yu , Li Zhengcao , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: August 2013

Vertically aligned silver nanorods were good substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering sensitivity of nanorods can be regulated through the method that the silver nanorod is divided into four uniform silver sections using five uniform silicon sections. And the length of silicon sections is the key factor in regulating the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering sensitivity. In the regulation, the best surface‐enhanced Raman scattering performance is about 4 times as large as the worst performance. The study provides an effective way to regulate the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering sensitivity of silver nanorods and its possible explanation about mechanism.
Simulation of Proton Beam Effects in Thin Insulating Films
Authors: Timotijevic Ljubinko , Fetahovic Irfan , Lazarevic Djordje , Vujisic Milos
Published: August 2013

Effects of exposing several insulators, commonly used for various purposes in integrated circuits, to beams of protons have been investigated. Materials considered include silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, alumina, and polycarbonate (Lexan). The passage of proton beams through ultrathin layers of these materials has been modeled by Monte Carlo simulations of particle transport. Parameters that have been varied in simulations include proton energy and insulating layer thickness. Materials are compared according to both ionizing and nonionizing effects produced by the passage of protons.
Plasma Levels of Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products and Coronary Atherosclerosis: Possible Correlation with Clinical Presentation
Authors: Falcone Colomba , Bozzini Sara , D’Angelo Angela , Matrone Benedetta , Colonna Anna , Benzi Alberto , Paganini Edoardo Maria , Falcone Rossana , Pelissero Gabriele
Published: August 2013

Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand receptor ubiquitous present on epithelial, neuronal, vascular and inflammatory cells, usually expressed at low levels in homeostasis and to increased degrees at sites of stress or injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sRAGE plasma levels in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and to assess its diagnostic efficacy in identification of patients with acute events. Plasma levels of sRAGE were determined in 860 patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): 530 patients presented stable angina and 330 were observed during acute ischemic event (147 with unstable angina and 183 with myocardial infarction). sRAGE plasma levels were significantly lower in patients with ACS than in patients with stable angina: [median 584 pg/mL (IQR: 266–851 pg/mL) in MI patients, median 769 pg/mL (IQR: 394–987 pg/mL) in patients with unstable angina, median 834 pg/mL (IQR 630–1005 pg/mL) in patients with stable angina;P<0.001]. sRAGE levels did not differ among ACS patients stratified by the extent of coronary artery disease. In conclusion, this study confirm the role of sRAGE in activation and progression of inflammatory process and suggests the possibility that sRAGE can be considered an indicator of destabilization of vulnerable plaque.
Impacts of Future Climate Changes on Shifting Patterns of the Agro-Ecological Zones in China
Authors: Lin Yingzhi , Liu Anping , Ma Enjun , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2013

An agroecological zone (AEZ) is a land resource mapping unit, defined in terms of climate, landform, and soils, and has a specific range of potentials and constraints for cropping (FAO, 1996). The shifting patterns of AEZs in China driven by future climatic changes were assessed by applying the agroecological zoning methodology proposed by International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in this study. A data processing scheme was proposed in this study to reduce systematic errors in projected climate data using observed data from meteorological stations. AEZs in China of each of the four periods: 2011–2020, 2021–2030, 2031–2040, and 2041–2050 were drawn. It is found that the future climate change will lead to significant local changes of AEZs in China and the overall pattern of AEZs in China is stable. The shifting patterns of AEZs will be characterized by northward expansion of humid AEZs to subhumid AEZs in south China, eastward expansion of arid AEZs to dry and moist semiarid AEZs in north China, and southward expansion of dry semiarid AEZs to arid AEZs in southwest China.
Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials of Acupressure Therapy for Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Jiang Hui-ru , Ni Shuang , Li Jin-long , Liu Miao-miao , Li Ji , Cui Xue-jun , Zhang Bi-meng
Published: August 2013

The evidence of acupressure is limited in the management of dysmenorrhea. To evaluate the efficacy of acupressure in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we searched MEDLINE, the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from inception until March 2012. Two reviewers independently selected articles and extracted data. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.1 software. Eight RCTs were identified from the retrieved 224 relevant records. Acupressure improved pain measured with VAS (−1.41 cm 95% CI [−1.61, −1.21]), SF-MPQ at the 3-month followup (WMD −2.33, 95% CI [−4.11, −0.54]) and 6-month followup (WMD −4.67, 95% CI [−7.30, −2.04]), and MDQ at the 3-month followup (WMD −2.31, 95% CI [−3.74, −0.87]) and 6-month followup (WMD −4.67, 95% CI [−7.30, −2.04]). All trials did not report adverse events. These results were limited by the methodological flaws of trials.
Effects of Swedish Massage Therapy on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Inflammatory Markers in Hypertensive Women
Authors: Supa’at Izreen , Zakaria Zaiton , Maskon Oteh , Aminuddin Amilia , Nordin Nor Anita Megat Mohd
Published: August 2013

Swedish Massage Therapy (SMT) is known for its therapeutic relaxation effects. Hypertension is associated with stress and elevated endothelial inflammatory markers. This randomized control trial measured the effects of whole body SMT (massage group) or resting (control group) an hour weekly for four weeks on hypertensive women. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before and after each intervention and endothelial inflammatory markers: vascular endothelial adhesion molecules 1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM-1) were measured at baseline and after the last intervention. Massage group (n=8) showed significant systolic BP (SBP) reduction of 12 mmHg (P=0.01) and diastolic BP (DBP) reduction of 5 mmHg (P=0.01) after four sessions with no significant difference between groups. Reductions in HR were also seen in massage group after sessions 1, 3, and 4 with significant difference between groups. VCAM-1 showed significant reduction after four sessions: the massage group showed reduction of 998.05 ng/mL (P=0.03) and the control group of 375.70 ng/mL (P=0.01) with no significant differences between groups. There were no changes in ICAM-1. In conclusion, SMT or resting an hour weekly has effects on reducing BP, HR, and VCAM-1 in hypertensive women.
An Aqueous-Ethanol Extract ofLiriope spicatavar.proliferaAmeliorates Diabetic Nephropathy through Suppression of Renal Inflammation
Authors: Lu Hung-Jen , Tzeng Thing-Fong , Hsu Jui-Chin , Kuo Shih-Hao , Chang Chia-Hsin , Huang Shin-Ya , Chang Fang-Yu , Wu Ming-Chang , Liu I-Min
Published: August 2013

The tuberous root ofLiriope spicatavar.prolifera(TRLS; Liliaceae family) is valued for the ability to promote glucose homeostasis, and it may therefore be utilized as an adjuvant therapy in the control of diabetic complications. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an aqueous ethanol extract from TRLS (TRLS-ext) (100 or 200 mg kg−1per day for eight weeks) on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN). Renal dysfunction in diabetic rats was ameliorated by TRLS-ext as evidenced by reduced creatinine clearance, as well as increased blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria. Treatment with TRLS-ext was found to markedly improve histological architecture in the diabetic kidney. Hyperglycemia induced degradation of inhibitory kappa B and reduced nuclear factor kappa B activation, leading to increased infiltration of macrophages and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α. All of the above abnormalities were reversed by TRLS-ext treatment, which also decreased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and fibronectin in the diabetic kidneys. These findings provide a perspective on the renoprotective effects of TRLS-ext in DN.
Stress and Strain Analysis of Functionally Graded Rectangular Plate with Exponentially Varying Properties
Authors: Hadi Amin , Rastgoo Abbas , Daneshmehr A. R. , Ehsani Farshad
Published: August 2013

The bending of rectangular plate made of functionally graded material (FGM) is investigated by using three-dimensional elasticity theory. The governing equations obtained here are solved with static analysis considering the types of plates, which properties varying exponentially along direction. The value of Poisson’s ratio has been taken as a constant. The influence of different functionally graded variation on the stress and displacement fields was studied through a numerical example. The exact solution shows that the graded material properties have significant effects on the mechanical behavior of the plate.
Antitumor Activity of Human Hydatid Cyst Fluid in a Murine Model of Colon Cancer
Authors: Berriel Edgardo , Russo Sofía , Monin Leticia , Festari María Florencia , Berois Nora , Fernández Gabriel , Freire Teresa , Osinaga Eduardo
Published: August 2013

This study evaluates the antitumor immune response induced by human hydatic cyst fluid (HCF) in an animal model of colon carcinoma. We found that anti‐HCF antibodies were able to identify cell surface and intracellular antigens in CT26 colon cancer cells. In prophylactic tumor challenge experiments, HCF vaccination was found to be protective against tumor formation for 40% of the mice (P = 0.01). In the therapeutic setting, HCF vaccination induced tumor regression in 40% of vaccinated mice (P = 0.05). This vaccination generated memory immune responses that protected surviving mice from tumor rechallenge, implicating the development of an adaptive immune response in this process. We performed a proteomic analysis of CT26 antigens recognized by anti‐HCF antibodies to analyze the immune cross‐reactivity between E. granulosus (HCF) and CT26 colon cancer cells. We identified two proteins: mortalin and creatine kinase M‐type. Interestingly, CT26 mortalin displays 60% homology with E. granulosus hsp70. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the capacity of HCF vaccination to induce antitumor immunity which protects from tumor growth in an animal model. This new antitumor strategy could open new horizons in the development of highly immunogenic anticancer vaccines.
Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured and Conventional TiAlN and AlCrN Coatings on ASTM-SA210 Grade A-1 Boiler Steel
Authors: Chawla Vikas
Published: August 2013

Nanostructured and conventional TiAlN and AlCrN coatings were deposited on ASTM-SA210 Grade A-1 boiler steel. The present work has been focused to characterize the conventional thick (by plasma spraying and gas nitrided) and nanostructured thin (by physical vapor deposition process) TiAlN and AlCrN coatings developed on ASTM-SA210 Grade A-1 boiler steel. The surface morphology of the coated samples was studied using FE-SEM with EDAX attachment, XRD analysis, AFM analysis, and the X-ray mapping analysis. The presence of metal nitride phases as identified by XRD analysis indicates that the desired coatings were successfully developed. The bond strength, surface roughness, and microhardness of the gas nitrided plasma sprayed conventional coatings were measured. A good adhesion of the conventional thick TiAlN and AlCrN coatings was evident from bond test results.
A Fuzzy Collaborative Forecasting Approach for Forecasting the Productivity of a Factory
Authors: Wang Yi-Chi , Chen Toly
Published: August 2013

Productivity is always considered as one of the most basic and important factors to the competitiveness of a factory. For this reason, all factories have sought to enhance productivity. To achieve this goal, we first need to estimate the productivity. However, there is considerable degree of uncertainty in productivity. For this reason, a fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach is proposed in this study to forecast the productivity of a factory. First, a learning model is established to estimate the future productivity. Subsequently, the learning model is converted into three equivalent nonlinear programming problems to be solved from various viewpoints. The fuzzy productivity forecasts by different experts may not be equal and should therefore be aggregated. To this end, the fuzzy intersection and back propagation network approach is applied. The practical example of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) factory is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
On a Class of Anisotropic Nonlinear Elliptic Equations with Variable Exponent
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Hongtao
Published: August 2013

Based on truncation technique and priori estimates, we prove the existence and uniqueness of weak solution for a class of anisotropic nonlinear elliptic equations with variable exponentp(x)→growth. Furthermore, we also obtain that the weak solution is locally bounded and regular; that is, the weak solution isLloc∞(Ω)andC1,α(Ω).
Role of Th17 Cells in Skin Inflammation of Allergic Contact Dermatits
Authors: Peiser Matthias
Published: August 2013

Extending the classical concept considering an imbalance exclusively of T helper(h) 1 and Th2 cells on the bottom of many inflammatory diseases, Th17 cells were recently described. Today, there is sufficient experimental evidence to classify psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) amongst other inflammatory skin disorders as IL-17 associated diseases. In several human studies, T-cell-clones could be isolated from eczema biopsies, and high IL-17 levels were observed after challenge with allergen. In the last years, the phenotype of these IL-17 releasing T cells was in the focus of discussion. It has been suggested that Th17 could be identified by expression of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR)C (humans) or RORγt (mice) and IL-17, accompanied by the absence of IFN-γand IL-22. In cells from skin biopsies, contact allergens elevate IL-17A, IL-23, and RORC within the subset of Th cells. The indications for a participation of Th17 in the development of ACD are supported by data from IL-17 deficient mice with reduced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions that could be restored after transplantation of wild type CD4+T cells. In addition to Th17 cells, subpopulations of CD8+T cells and regulatory T cells are further sources of IL-17 that play important roles in ACD as well. Finally, the results from Th17 cell research allow today identification of different skin diseases by a specific profile of signature cytokines from Th cells that can be used as a future diagnostic tool.
The Existence of a Nontrivial Solution for a -Kirchhoff Type Elliptic Equation in
Authors: Xiu Zonghu
Published: August 2013

Using Mountain Pass lemma, under some appropriate assumptions, we establish the existence of one nontrivial solution for a class ofp-Kirchhoff-type elliptic equations in .
Functional Outcomes of Surgery in Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy versus Myelopathy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Omidi-Kashani F. , Hasankhani E. G. , Vavsari M. F. , Afsari S. , Golhasani-Keshtan F.
Published: August 2013

Background. Cervical spondylosis can cause three different categories of symptoms and signs with possible overlap in the affected patients. Aim. We aim to compare functional outcome of surgery in the patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy, regardless of their surgical type and approach. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 140 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy who had been operated from August 2006 to January 2011, as Group A (68 cases) and Group B (72 cases), respectively. The mean age was 48.2 and 55.7 years, while the mean followup was 38.9 and 37.3 months, respectively. Functional outcome of the patients was assessed by neck disability index (NDI) and patient satisfaction with surgery. Results. Only in Group A, the longer delay caused a worse surgical outcome (NDI). In addition, in Group B, there was no significant relationship between imaging signal change of the spinal cord and our surgical outcomes. Improvement in NDI and final satisfaction rate in both groups are comparable. Conclusions. Surgery was associated with an improvement in NDI in both groups (P<0.001). The functional results in both groups were similar and comparable, regarding this index and patient's satisfaction score.
A Numerical and Experimental Study of the Aerodynamics and Stability of a Horizontal Parachute
Authors: Dawoodian Mazyar , Dadvand Abdolrahman , Hassanzadeh Amir
Published: August 2013

The flow past a parachute with and without a vent hole at the top is studied both experimentally and numerically. The effects of Reynolds number and vent ratio on the flow behaviour as well as on the drag coefficient are examined. The experiments were carried out under free-flow conditions. In the numerical simulations, the flow was considered as unsteady and turbulent and was modelled using the standard - turbulence model. The experimental results reveal good agreement with the numerical ones. In both the experiments and numerical simulations, the Reynolds number was varied from 85539 to 357250 and the vent ratio was increased from zero to 20%. The results show that the drag coefficient decreases by increasing the Reynolds number for all the cases tested. In addition, it was found that at low and high Reynolds numbers, the parachutes, respectively, with 4% vent ratio and without vent are deemed more efficient. One important result of the present work is related to the effect of vent ratio on the stability of the parachute.
Spiritual Therapy to Improve the Spiritual Well-Being of Iranian Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jafari Najmeh , Farajzadegan Ziba , Zamani Ahmadreza , Bahrami Fatemeh , Emami Hamid , Loghmani Amir , Jafari Nooshin
Published: August 2013

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of spiritual therapy intervention in improving the spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) of Iranian women with breast cancer.Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) recruited 65 women with breast cancer, randomly assigned to a 6-week spirituality-based intervention (n=34) or control group (n=31). Before and after six-week spiritual therapy intervention, spiritual well-being and quality of life (QOL) were assessed using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-being scale (FACIT-Sp12) and cancer quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ-C30), respectively.t-test, Pairedt-test, pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were used for analysis using Predictive Analytic software (PASW, version 18) for Windows.Results. After six spiritual therapy sessions, the mean spiritual well-being score from 29.76 (SD=6.63) to 37.24 (SD=3.52) in the intervention group (P<0.001). There was a significant difference between arms of study (F=22.91,P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was detected between meaning and peace with all subscales of functional subscales on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30) (P<0.05). Hierarchical regression analyses of participants indicated that the study arm, pain, and financial impact were significant predictors of spiritual well-being and overall QOL. Social functioning was another significant predictor of spiritual well-being.Conclusion. The results of this randomized controlled trial study suggest that participation in spiritual therapy program is associated with improvements in spiritual well-being and QOL. Targeted interventions to acknowledge and incorporate spiritual needs into conventional treatment should be considered in caring of Iranian patients with breast cancer.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of 5-Phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-amine Incorporated Azo Dye Derivatives
Authors: Keerthi Kumar Chinnagiri T. , Keshavayya Jathi , Rajesh Tantry N. , Peethambar Sanehalli K. , Shoukat Ali Angadi R.
Published: August 2013

5-Phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-amine has been synthesized by single step reaction. A series of heterocyclic azodyes were synthesized by diazotisation of 5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-amine by nitrosyl sulphuric acid followed by coupling with different coupling compounds such as 8-hydroxyquinoline, 2,6-diaminopyridine, 2-naphthol, N,N-dimethyl aniline, resorcinol, and 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine. The dyes were characterized by UV-Vis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were also screened for biological activity.
Development of Oral Sustained Release Rifampicin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles by Design of Experiment
Authors: Patel Bhavin K. , Parikh Rajesh H. , Aboti Pooja S.
Published: August 2013

Objective. The main objective of the present investigation was to develop and optimize oral sustained release Chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) of rifampicin by design of experiment (DOE). Methodology. CNs were prepared by modified emulsion ionic gelation technique. Here, inclusion of hydrophobic drug moiety in the hydrophilic matrix of polymer is applied for rifampicin delivery using CN. The 23 full-factorial design was employed by selecting the independent variables such as Chitosan concentration (X1), concentration of tripolyphosphate (X2), and homogenization speed (X3) in order to achieve desired particle size with maximum percent entrapment efficiency and drug loading. The design was validated by checkpoint analysis, and formulation was optimized using the desirability function. Results. Particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug loading for the optimized batch were found to be 221.9 nm, 44.17 ± 1.98% W/W, and 42.96 ± 2.91% W/W, respectively. In vitro release data of optimized formulation showed an initial burst followed by slow sustained drug release. Kinetic drug release from CNs was best fitted to Higuchi model. Conclusion. Design of Experiment is an important tool for obtaining desired characteristics of rifampicin loaded CNs. In vitro study suggests that oral sustained release CNs might be an effective drug delivery system for tuberculosis.
Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of a Solar Parabolic Trough System: Thermal Oil as the Heat Transfer Fluid
Authors: Rongrong Zhai , Yongping Yang , Qin Yan , Yong Zhu
Published: August 2013

The thermal oil is applied as the heat transfer fluid in a solar parabolic trough collector system. Firstly, the system dynamic model was established and validated by the real operating data in typical summer and spring days in references. Secondly, the alteration characteristics of different solar radiation, inlet water temperature and flow rate, and collectors’ area and length are analyzed and compared with the normal working condition. The model can be used for studying, system designing, and better understanding of the performance of parabolic trough systems.
Mediterranean Spotted Fever in Southeastern Romania
Authors: Pitigoi Daniela , Olaru Ioana D. , Badescu Daniela , Rafila Alexandru , Arama Victoria , Hristea Adriana
Published: August 2013

Although cases of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) have been reported for decades in southeastern Romania, there are few published data. We retrospectively studied 339 patients, diagnosed with MSF at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” between 2000 and 2011, in order to raise awareness about MSF in certain regions of Romania. According to the Raoult diagnostic criteria 171 (50.4%) had a score >25 points. Mean age was 52.5 years. One hundred and fifty-five (90.6%) patients were from Bucharest and the surrounding region. Almost all patients presented with fever (99.4%) and rash (98.2%), and 57.9% had evidence of a tick bite. There were no recorded deaths. Serologic diagnosis was made by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Of the 171 patients, serology results forR. conoriiwere available in 147. One hundred and twenty-three (83.7%) of them had a titer IgG ≥1 : 160 or a fourfold increase in titer in paired samples. MSF is endemic in southeastern Romania and should be considered in patients with fever and rash even in the absence of recognized tick exposure. Since the disease is prevalent in areas highly frequented by tourists, travel-associated MSF should be suspected in patients with characteristic symptoms returning from the endemic area.
On the Completeness of Pruning Techniques for Planning with Conditional Effects
Authors: Cai Dunbo , Xu Sheng , Zhao Tongzhou , Zhang Yanduo
Published: August 2013

Pruning techniques and heuristics are two keys to the heuristic search-based planning. Thehelpful actionspruning (HAP) strategy andrelaxed-plan-based heuristicsare two representatives among those methods and are still popular in the state-of-the-art planners. Here, we present new analyses on the properties of HAP. Specifically, we show new reasons for which HAP can cause incompleteness of a search procedure. We prove that, in general, HAP is incomplete for planning with conditional effects if factored expansions of actions are used. To preserve completeness, we propose a pruning strategy that is based onrelevance analysisandconfrontation. We will show that bothrelevance analysisandconfrontationare necessary. We call it theconfrontation and goal relevant actionspruning (CGRAP) strategy. However, CGRAP is computationally hard to be exactly computed. Therefore, we suggest practical approximations from the literature.
Microwave Imaging of Three-Dimensional Targets by Means of an Inexact-Newton-Based Inversion Algorithm
Authors: Estatico Claudio , Pastorino Matteo , Randazzo Andrea
Published: August 2013

A microwave imaging method previously developed for tomographic inspection of dielectric targets is extended to three-dimensional objects. The approach is based on the full vector equations of the electromagnetic inverse scattering problem. The ill-posedness of the problem is faced by the application of an inexact-Newton method. Preliminary reconstruction results are reported.
Biomass Production and Ester Synthesis byIn SituTransesterification/Esterification Using the MicroalgaSpirulina platensis
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Baumgartner Tatiana , Mendes Burak Jorge Augusto , Baumgartner Dirceu , Zanin Gisella Maria , Arroyo Pedro Augusto
Published: August 2013

The increasing energy demand and reduction in the availability of nonrenewable energy sources, allied with an increase in public environmental awareness, have stimulated a search for alternative energy sources. The present study was aimed at producing biomass from the microalgaSpirulina platensisand at assessingin situsynthesis of alkyl esters via acid transesterification/esterification of biomass to produce biodiesel. Two alcohols (ethanol and methanol) and two cosolvents (hexane and chloroform) were tested, at different temperatures (30, 45, 60, 75, and 90°C) and reaction times (10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 min). The factorial analysis of variance detected an interaction between the factors (): temperature, reaction time, alcohol, and cosolvent. The best yields were obtained with the combination ethanol and chloroform at 60°C, after 30 min of reaction, and with hexane at 45°C, after 10 min of reaction.In situtransesterification/esterification of alga biomass to form esters for biodiesel production adds unconventional dynamics to the use of this feedstock.
Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity for TiO2Nanotube Array Films by Codoping with Tungsten and Nitrogen
Authors: Zhang Min , Wu Juan , Lu DanDan , Yang Jianjun
Published: August 2013

A series of W, N codoped TiO2nanotube arrays with different dopant contents were fabricated by anodizing in association with hydrothermal treatment. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflection spectroscopy. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of W and N codoped TiO2nanotube arrays was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. It was found that N in codoped TNAs exists in the forms of Ti-N-O, while W exists as W6+by substituting Ti in the lattice of TiO2. In the meantime, W and N codoping successfully extends the absorption of TNAs into the whole visible light region and results in remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to (i) increasing number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of TNAs after the hydrothermal treatment, (ii) a strong W-N synergistic interaction leads to produce new states, narrow the band gap which decrease the recombination effectively, and then greatly increase the visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity; (iii) W ions with changing valences in all codoped samples which are considered to act as trapping sites, effectively decrease the recombination rate of electrons and holes, and improve the photocatalytic activity.
Research on the Detection of Metal Debris with Microplane Inductance Sensor
Authors: Liu Bendong , Zhang Fangzhou , Wu Yude , Li Desheng
Published: August 2013

The debris detection system is simulated and analyzed with the software of Maxwell 14 in this paper. The magnetic induction intensity and the magnetic density of the detection system with metal debris are simulated. The static experimental system is designed to measure the inductance caused by different metal debris. The simulation and experimental result indicate that the nonferromagnetic metal debris reduces the inductance of microplane inductance sensor and that ferromagnetic metal debris increases the inductance of microplane sensor. The detection of metal debris with microplane sensor is feasibly proved by the research. This paper provides a model for detecting the debris with a plane eddy current sensor and a case for the 3D simulation of the eddy current. This work may have some significance for improving the efficiency of the plane eddy current sensor.
Fabrication of Ag:TiO2Nanocomposite Thin Films by Sol-Gel Followed by Electron Beam Physical Vapour Deposition Technique
Authors: Kumar Manish , Parashar Krishna Kumar , Tandi Sushil Kumar , Kumar Tanuj , Agarwal D. C. , Pathak Abhishek
Published: August 2013

Ag:TiO2nanocomposite films have been synthesized by sol-gel method followed by electron beam physical vapour deposition. Targets for this deposition were prepared by a hydraulic press using a powder containing Ag and TiO2prepared by sol-gel technique. Microstructure, surface, and plasmonic properties of nanocomposite films were studied using glancing angle X-ray diffractometer, atomic force microscopy, field emission secondary electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Microstructural study reveals that Ag nanoparticles are embedded in TiO2matrix consisting of mixed phases of anatase and rutile. Size estimation using Scherrer formula reveals that average crystallite size of Ag nanoparticles is 23 nm. Surface morphological studies indicate that deposited films are uniform and intact to the substrate and have very low value of root mean square roughness. Optical studies exhibit a surface plasmon resonance induced absorption band in visible region, which is the characteristic feature of Ag nanoparticles. The intensity of this absorption band is found to increase with the increase in deposition time. Multiple peaks observed in absorption band were explained using the concepts of extended Mie scattering. Preliminary experiments also suggested that these nanocomposite films exhibit promising photocatalytic properties, which can be used for water treatment.
Boric Acid Catalyzed Convenient Synthesis of Benzimidazoles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Poor Heravi Mohammad Reza , Ashori Marjan
Published: August 2013

Synthesis of benzimidazoles has been developed by the o‐phenylenediamine with aldehydes using boric acid an efficient catalyst under mild reaction conditions in aqueous media. The product is applicable to aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes. This reaction led to the formation of benzimidazoles new derivatives in good yields. The FT‐IR, 19F‐NMR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR spectra and elemental analysis confirm the structure of compounds.
Bronchial Responsiveness in Patients with Restrictive Spirometry
Authors: Keddissi Jean I. , Elya Marwan K. , Farooq Saif U. , Youness Houssein A. , Jones Kellie R. , Awab Ahmed , Kinasewitz Gary T.
Published: August 2013

Background. Improvement in PFT after bronchodilators is characteristic of obstructive airway diseases such as COPD. However, improvement in patients with restrictive pattern is occasionally seen. We aim to determine the clinical significance of a bronchodilator responsive restrictive defect.Methods. Patients with restrictive spirometry and a bronchodilator study were identified at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City VAMC between September 2003 and December 2009. Restriction was defined as a decreased FVC and FEV1, with normal FEV1/FVC. Responsiveness to bronchodilators was defined as an improvement in FEV1 and/or FVC of at least 12% and 200 mL. Patients with lung volume measurements had their clinical and radiographic records reviewed.Results. Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Most were current or ex-smokers, with most being on bronchodilators. The average FVC and FEV1 were65±11%and62±10%of the predicted, respectively. Most patients (66%) had a normal TLC, averaging90±16%of the predicted. RV, RV/TLC, and the TLC-VA values strongly suggested an obstructive defect.Conclusions. Reversible restrictive pattern on spirometry appears to be a variant of obstructive lung disease in which early airway closure results in air trapping and low FVC. In symptomatic patients, a therapeutic trial of bronchodilators may be beneficial.
Necessary Conditions for Existence Results of Some Integral System
Authors: Hua Yongxia , Yu Xiaohui
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we give some necessary conditions for the existence of positive solutions for integral systems.
Leaf Gas Exchange and Nutrient Use Efficiency Help Explain the Distribution of Two Neotropical Mangroves under Contrasting Flooding and Salinity
Authors: Cardona-Olarte Pablo , Krauss Ken W. , Twilley Robert R.
Published: August 2013

Rhizophora mangleandLaguncularia racemosacooccur along many intertidal floodplains in the Neotropics. Their patterns of dominance shift along various gradients, coincident with salinity, soil fertility, and tidal flooding. We used leaf gas exchange metrics to investigate the strategies of these two species in mixed culture to simulate competition under different salinity concentrations and hydroperiods. Semidiurnal tidal and permanent flooding hydroperiods at two constant salinity regimes (10 g L−1and 40 g L−1) were simulated over 10 months. Assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gw), intercellular CO2concentration (Ci), instantaneous photosynthetic water use efficiency (PWUE), and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) were determined at the leaf level for both species over two time periods.Rhizophora manglehad significantly higher PWUE than didL. racemosaseedlings at low salinities; however,L. racemosahad higher PNUE andgwand, accordingly, had greater intercellular CO2(calculated) during measurements. Both species maintained similar capacities forAat 10 and 40 g L−1salinity and during both permanent and tidal hydroperiod treatments. Hydroperiod alone had no detectable effect on leaf gas exchange. However, PWUE increased and PNUE decreased for both species at 40 g L−1salinity compared to 10 g L−1. At 40 g L−1salinity, PNUE was higher forL. racemosathanR. manglewith tidal flooding. These treatments indicated that salinity influences gas exchange efficiency, might affect how gases are apportioned intercellularly, and accentuates different strategies for distributing leaf nitrogen to photosynthesis for these two species while growing competitively.
Preparation and Evaluation of Acetabularia‐Modified Carbon Paste Electrode in Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Copper and Lead Ions
Authors: Kooh Muhammad Raziq Rahimi , Santos Jose H. , Dahri Muhammad Khairud
Published: August 2013

Seaweed is well known about for potential in chelating heavy metals. In this study, carbon paste electrodes were fabricated with siphonous seaweed Acetabularia acetabulum as the modifiers to sense lead (II) and copper (II) by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Various scan rates and deposition potentials were measured to obtain the optimal peak current for Pb(II) and Cu(II). Optimum conditions of Acetabularia‐CPE for sensing Pb(II) were at the scan rate of 75 mV/s and deposition potential of −800 mV, while for Cu(II) sensing were at 100 mV/s and −300 mV, respectively. The electrodes were characterized by the duration of accumulation time, preconcentration over a range of standards, supporting electrolyte, and standard solutions of various pH values. Interference studies were carried out. Both Zn(II) and Cu(II) were found to interfere with Pb(II) sensing, whereas only Zn(II) causes interference with Cu(II) sensing. The electrode was found to have good regeneration ability via electrochemical cleaning. Preliminary testing of complex samples such as NPK fertilisers, black soil, and sea salt samples was included.
RobustH∞Filtering for a Class of Uncertain Markovian Jump Systems with Time Delays
Authors: Yang Yi , Lu Junwei
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the problem of robustH∞filtering for a class of uncertain time-delay systems with Markovian jumping parameters. The system under consideration is subject to norm-bounded time-varying parameter uncertainties. The problem to be addressed is the design of a Markovian jump filter such that the filter error dynamics are stochastically stable and a prescribed bound on theℒ2-induced gain from the noise signals to the filter error is guaranteed for all admissible uncertainties. A sufficient condition for the existence of the desired robustH∞filter is given in terms of two sets of coupled algebraic Riccati inequalities. When these algebraic Riccati inequalities are feasible, the expression of a desiredH∞filter is also presented. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is provided.
A Work-Demand Analysis Compatible with Preemption-Aware Scheduling for Power-Aware Real-Time Tasks
Authors: Chen Da-Ren , Chen Mu-Yen , Chen You-Shyang , Chen Lin-Chih
Published: August 2013

Due to the importance of slack time utilization for power-aware scheduling algorithms,we propose a work-demand analysis method called parareclamation algorithm (PRA) to increase slack time utilization of the existing real-time DVS algorithms. PRA is an online scheduling for power-aware real-time tasks under rate-monotonic (RM) policy. It can be implemented and fully compatible with preemption-aware or transition-aware scheduling algorithms without increasing their computational complexities. The key technique of the heuristics method doubles the analytical interval and turns the deferrable workload out the potential slack time. Theoretical proofs show that PRA guarantees the task deadlines in a feasible RM schedule and takes linear time and space complexities. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method combining the preemption-aware methods seamlessly reduces the energy consumption by 14% on average over their original algorithms.
Neurogenesis and Increase in Differentiated Neural Cell Survival via Phosphorylation of Akt1 after Fluoxetine Treatment of Stem Cells
Authors: Rahmani Anahita , Kheradmand Danial , Keyhanvar Peyman , Shoae-Hassani Alireza , Darbandi-Azar Amir
Published: August 2013

Fluoxetine (FLX) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Its action is possibly through an increase in neural cell survival. The mechanism of improved survival rate of neurons by FLX may relate to the overexpression of some kinases such as Akt protein. Akt1 (a serine/threonine kinase) plays a key role in the modulation of cell proliferation and survival. Our study evaluated the effects of FLX on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate and Akt1 phosphorylation levels in MSCs. Evaluation tests included reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunocytochemistry assays. Nestin, MAP-2, andβ-tubulin were detected after neurogenesis as neural markers. TenμM of FLX upregulated phosphorylation of Akt1 protein in induced hEnSC significantly. Also FLX did increase viability of these MSCs. Continuous FLX treatment after neurogenesis elevated the survival rate of differentiated neural cells probably by enhanced induction of Akt1 phosphorylation. This study addresses a novel role of FLX in neurogenesis and differentiated neural cell survival that may contribute to explaining the therapeutic action of fluoxetine in regenerative pharmacology.
Investigation of the Working Parameters of a Single Magnetron of a Multiple Ion Cluster Source: Determination of the Relative Influence of the Parameters on the Size and Density of Nanoparticles
Authors: Ruano Manuel , Martínez Lidia , Huttel Yves
Published: August 2013

Multiple Ion Cluster Source (MICS) is the new optimized route of a standard technique based on a sputtering gas aggregation source, the Ion Cluster Source. The single magnetron used in the standard Ion Cluster Source is replaced by three magnetrons inside the aggregation zone, and they are controlled individually in order to fabricate nanoparticles with the desired and tunable chemical composition. Apart from the working parameters of each magnetron, it is also reported that the relation between the working parameters of individual magnetrons is of prime importance for the control of both the size and density of the nanoparticles. The influences of fluxes of the sputtering gas applied to each magnetron, the total gas flux in the aggregation zone, the position in the aggregation zone of Ag magnetron, and the relative position of the magnetrons in the aggregation zone have been studied through the operation of one of the magnetrons loaded with a silver target.