bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRI-TRACKING: COMBINING THREE INDEPENDENT VIEWS FOR ROBUST VISUAL TRACKING
Authors: WANG DONG , YANG GANG , LU HUCHUAN
Published: September 2012

Robust tracking is a challenging problem, due to intrinsic appearance variability of objects caused by in-plane or out-plane rotation and extrinsic factors change such as illumination, occlusion, background clutter and local blur. In this paper, we present a novel tri-tracking framework combining different views (different models using independent features) for robust object tracking. This new tracking framework exploits a hybrid discriminative generative model based on online semi-supervised learning. We only need the first frame for parameters initialization, and then the tracking process is automatic in the remaining frames, with updating the model online to capture the changes of both object appearance and background. There are three main contributions in our tri-tracking approach. First, we propose a tracking framework for combining generative model and discriminative model, together with different cues that complement each other. Second, by introducing a third tracker, we provide a solution to the problem that it is difficult to combine two classification results in co-training framework when they are opposite. Third, we propose a principle way for combing different views, which based on their Discriminative power. We conduct experiments on some challenging videos, the results from which demonstrate that the proposed tri-tracking framework is robust.
Effect of Radical-Doped n+ Back Surface Field Layers on the Effective Minority Carrier Lifetimes of Crystalline Silicon with Amorphous Silicon Passivation Layers Deposited by Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Hayakawa Taro , Ohta Tatsunori , Nakashima Yuki , Koyama Koichi , Ohdaira Keisuke , Matsumura Hideki
Published: September 2012

To reduce surface recombination at an amorphous silicon (a-Si)/crystalline silicon (c-Si) interface in heterojunction solar cells, a thin phosphorus-doped back surface field (BSF) layer is applied to c-Si. Thin BSF layers are doped at temperatures lower than 350 °C by radical doping. The reduction in the surface recombination velocity of n-type c-Si is investigated by comparing the effective minority carrier lifetimes of c-Si samples with and without doping. Using radical-doped BSF layers, the effective minority carrier lifetimes of the samples with the thin intrinsic a-Si passivation layers increase significantly. The change in effective minority carrier lifetime under the BSF layer doping condition is also investigated. An effective minority carrier lifetime of 1.6 ms is observed in the radical-doped sample with the 6-nm-thick intrinsic a-Si passivation layer. The high carrier concentration of the radical-doped BSF layers can also decrease the contact resistivity to a metal electrode. Therefore, the radical-doped BSF layers can be utilized for passivation and ohmic contact formation on the back surface of the heterojunction solar cells.
Accurate Method of Measuring Specific Contact Resistivity of Interface between Silicide and Silicon and Its Application
Authors: Ohuchi Kazuya , Lavoie Christian , Yang Bin , Kondo Masaki , Matsuzawa Kazuya , Solomon Paul M.
Published: September 2012

Reduction of specific contact resistivity is one of the key items for downscaling of device feature size. This paper discusses an accurate method of measuring specific contact resistivity by using our simple four-point probe test structure having a small area, the interface resistance of which is to be measured, fabricated on a substrate that has low sheet resistance. We also show its application for direct specific contact resistivity measurements of several systems that have dopant dependence, i.e., the NiPtSi/Si, NiPtSi/SiGe, and Pt silicide systems, as well as the metal-metal system between silicide and contact plug metal.
Beam Divergence and Thermal Transient Characteristics of InGaN/GaN Light Emitting Diodes with Rear Side Grown ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Jin Joo , Ryu Beo Deul , Han Min , Kumar R. Saravana , Uthirakumar Periyayya , Kim Hyun Kyu , Han Yang Jong , Lee Kyu Han , Hong Chang-Hee
Published: September 2012

We report the enhanced light output power of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with ZnO nanorods grown on the polished rear side of the sapphire substrate. ZnO seeds were spin coated on the polished bottom side of the sapphire substrate and a simple solution technique was employed to grow ZnO nanorods. Results reveal that the rear side grown ZnO nanorods enhance the light output power of the GaN LEDs significantly due to the light wave guiding and reflectivity of ZnO nanorods. The light output power from the GaN LED with rear side grown ZnO nanorods was 15% higher than that of a conventional LED. Thermal conductivity characteristics showed that GaN LEDs with ZnO nanorods possess low thermal resistance (25.1 °C/W) compared to the conventional LEDs (40.5 °C/W) because of high thermal conductivity of ZnO nanorods.
Experimental Evidence for Involvement of Interface States in Random Telegraph Noise in Junction Leakage Current of Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Mori Yuki , Shima Akio , Takeda Kenichi , Yamada Ren-ichi
Published: September 2012

It was experimentally found that an interface state causes variable junction leakage (VJL), namely, random telegraph noise in a reverse-biased junction leakage current which is one result of off-state drain leakage in metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We prepared deep-submicron-scale MOSFETs of which the defect densities of the Si/SiO2 interface were controlled by the annealing conditions. It was confirmed that the occurrence rate of VJL changes with the density of interface states. Furthermore, it was shown that the mechanism of VJL is similar to that of random telegraph noise (RTN) in drive current.
Update on Typical and Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Meltzer Herbert Y.
Published: September 2012

Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are best classified as typical or atypical. The distinction is based solely on their ability to cause extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), including tardive dyskinesia (TD). The two classes differ in mechanism of action, with atypical APDs providing important modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission. TD increases the death rate and can be minimized by limiting use of typical APDs. Clozapine is unique among the atypical APDs in its efficacy for ameliorating psychosis in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), for reduction of suicide, and for improving longevity. The typical and atypical APDs do not differ in improving psychopathology in non-TRS. The atypicals vary in metabolic side effects: some have little burden. Cognitive benefits of the atypical APDs may be superior for some domains of cognition and require less use of anticholinergic drugs, which impair memory, for treatment of EPS. Overall, choosing among the atypical APDs as first-line treatment represents the best course for schizophrenia and most likely other disorders for which APDs are used.
Ion Suppression Study for Tetracyclines in Feed
Authors: Chico Joaquim , van Holthoon Frederique , Zuidema Tina
Published: September 2012

Ion suppression in analysis of tetracyclines in feed was studied. The conventional analysis consists of a liquid extraction followed by a clean-up step using solid phase extraction (SPE) technique and analysis of the tetracyclines by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. Various strategies for extraction and cleanup were tested in the present work, and the effectiveness to decrease the ion suppression on the MS/MS signals was evaluated. Four sample treatment methods were tested with five different feed samples. Extraction solvents tested were McIlvaine buffer and a mixture of McIlvaine buffer dichloromethane (3 : 1). SPE cartridges for cleanup were Oasis HLB, Oasis MCX, and Oasis MAX. The effectiveness of the methods was evaluated in terms of decreasing the ion suppression effect but also of decreasing the variability of ion suppression between samples. The method that provided the most satisfactory results involved a clean-up step based on SPE using mixed-mode cation exchange cartridges (Oasis MCX).
Strengthening Health Systems for Chronic Care: Leveraging HIV Programs to Support Diabetes Services in Ethiopia and Swaziland
Authors: Rabkin Miriam , Melaku Zenebe , Bruce Kerry , Reja Ahmed , Koler Alison , Tadesse Yonathan , Kamiru Harrison Njoroge , Sibanyoni Lindiwe Tsabedze , El-Sadr Wafaa
Published: September 2012

The scale-up of HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa has catalyzed the development of highly effective chronic care systems. The strategies, systems, and tools developed to support life-long HIV care and treatment are locally owned contextually appropriate resources, many of which could be adapted to support continuity care for noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCD), such as diabetes mellitus (DM). We conducted two proof-of-concept studies to further the understanding of the status of NCD programs and the feasibility and effectiveness of adapting HIV program-related tools and systems for patients with DM. In Swaziland, a rapid assessment illustrated gaps in the approaches used to support DM services at 15 health facilities, despite the existence of chronic care systems at HIV clinics in the same hospitals, health centers, and clinics. In Ethiopia, a pilot study found similar gaps in DM services at baseline and illustrated the potential to rapidly improve the quality of care and treatment for DM by adapting HIV-specific policies, systems, and tools.
Some Opial Dynamic Inequalities Involving Higher Order Derivatives on Time Scales
Authors: Saker Samir H.
Published: September 2012

We will prove some new Opial dynamic inequalities involving higher order derivatives on time scales. The results will be proved by making use of Hölder′s inequality, a simple consequence of Keller′s chain rule and Taylor monomials on time scales. Some continuous and discrete inequalities will be derived from our results as special cases.
Treatment of a Prolonged Air Leak with Radiotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Çetinkaya Erdoğan , Özgül M. Akif , Gül Şule , Çam Ertan , Büyükpolat Yakup
Published: September 2012

Pneumothorax is defined as air in the pleural space. Depending on the severity of the pneumothorax, treatment consists of oxygen therapy, simple aspiration, tube thoracostomy, and pleurodesis. Prolonged air leakage is observed in 25% of the patients who have undergone surgical procedures, such as thoracotomy, pleurectomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopy. The patient presented here is the third reported case successfully treated with radiotherapy. Ventilation scintigraphy was used to localise the air leak, and localised radiotherapy was performed at the targeted location. After radiotherapy, the air leak ceased and at the 3-month followup, the pneumothorax had not recurred. Radiotherapy can be a treatment modality for patients with prolonged air leak, who are not candidates for surgery.
Convergence Analysis of a Fully Discrete Family of Iterated Deconvolution Methods for Turbulence Modeling with Time Relaxation
Authors: Ingram R. , Manica C. C. , Mays N. , Stanculescu I.
Published: September 2012

We present a general theory for regularization models of the Navier-Stokes equations based on the Leray deconvolution model with a general deconvolution operator designed to fit a few important key properties. We provide examples of this type of operator, such as the (modified) Tikhonov-Lavrentiev and (modified) Iterated Tikhonov-Lavrentiev operators, and study their mathematical properties. An existence theory is derived for the family of models and a rigorous convergence theory is derived for the resulting algorithms. Our theoretical results are supported by numerical testing with the Taylor-Green vortex problem, presented for the special operator cases mentioned above.
Daily and Cultural Issues of Postnatal Depression in African Women Immigrants in South East London: Tips for Health Professionals
Authors: Babatunde Titilayo , Moreno-Leguizamon Carlos Julio
Published: September 2012

Postnatal depression has profound effects on the quality of life, social functioning, and economic productivity of women and families. This paper presents the findings of an earlier exploration of the perception of postnatal depression in African women immigrants in South East London. The aims of this research were twofold: firstly, to establish cultural elements related to postnatal depression through women’s narratives regarding their daily life situations, including the nuances and complexities present in postnatal depression, and secondly, to help health professionals understand and acknowledge postnatal depression signs in these immigrant women and some of the cultural ambiguities surrounding them. The study used a qualitative approach mainly through the implementation of two focus groups. Thematic analysis of the women’s narratives suggested that almost half of the participants in the study struggle with some signs of postnatal depression. The women did not perceive the signs as related to illness but as something else in their daily lives, that is, the notion “that you have to get on with it.” The study also highlights the fact that the signs were not identified by health visitors, despite prolonged contact with the women, due to the lack of acknowledgement of women’s silence regarding their emotional struggle, household and family politics, and intercultural communication in health services.
Epileptic Encephalopathies in Adults and Childhood
Authors: Kural Zekiye , Ozer Ali Fahir
Published: September 2012

Epileptic encephalopathies are motor-mental retardations or cognitive disorders secondary to epileptic seizures or epileptiform activities. Encephalopaties due to brain damage, medications, or systemic diseases are generally not in the scope of this definition, but they may rarely accompany the condition. Appropriate differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures as well as subclinical electroencephalographic discharges are crucial for management of seizures and epileptiform discharges and relative regression of cognitive deterioration in long-term followup. Proper antiepileptic drug, hormonal treatment, or i.v. immunoglobulin choice play major role in prognosis. In this paper, we evaluated the current treatment approaches by reviewing clinical electrophysiological characteristics of epileptic encephalopathies.
Modulation of Preactivation of PPAR-βon Memory and Learning Dysfunction and Inflammatory Response in the Hippocampus in Rats Exposed to Global Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Kuang Ge , He Qin , Zhang Yunmei , Zhuang Ruichun , Xiang Anling , Jiang Qingsong , Luo Ying , Yang Junqing
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects and relevant mechanism of GW0742, an agonist of PPAR-β, after global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (GCIRI) in rats. The rats showed memory and cognitive impairment and cytomorphological change in the hippocampus neurons following GCIRI. These effects were significantly improved by pretreatment with GW0742 in the dose-dependent manner. The expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αwere increased after GCIRI, while the increases in these proinflammatory cytokines by GCIRI were inhibited by GW0742 pretreatment. Similarly, GW0742 pretreatment also improved the GCIRI-induced decrease in the expression of IL-10, which can act as an inhibitory cytokine to reduce cerebral ischemic injury. For another, NF-κB p65 expression was significantly increased in hippocampal neurons with apparent nuclear translocation after global cerebral IRI, and these phenomena were also largely attenuated by GW0742 pretreatment. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of PPAR-βwere significantly decreased in GCIRI + GW0742 groups when compared with those in GCIRI group. Our data suggests that the PPAR-βagonist GW0742 can exert significant neuroprotective effect against GCIRI in rats via PPAR-βactivation and its anti-inflammation effect mediated by the inhibition of expression and activation of NF-κB in the hippocampus.
Renal Podocyte Injury in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Is Prevented by Metformin
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Shon Eunjin , Kim Chan-Sik , Kim Jin Sook
Published: September 2012

Hyperglycemia promotes oxidative stress and hence generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic drug, possesses antioxidant effects. The aim of this paper is to investigate the protective effects of metformin on the injury of renal podocytes in spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a new model for nonobese type 2 diabetes. Metformin (350 mg/kg/day) was given to SDT rats for 17 weeks. Blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and albuminuria were examined. Kidney histopathology, renal 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and apoptosis were examined. In 43-week-old SDT rats, severe hyperglycemia was developed, and albuminuria was markedly increased. Diabetes induced significant alterations in renal glomerular structure. In addition, urinary and renal 8-OHdG levels were highly increased, and podocyte loss was shown through application of the TUNEL and synaptopodin staining. However, treatment of SDT rats with metformin restored all these renal changes. Our data suggested that diabetes-induced podocyte loss in diabetic nephropathy could be suppressed by the antidiabetes drug, metformin, through the repression of oxidative injury.
Recovery of the Cell Cycle Inhibition inCCl4-Induced Cirrhosis by the Adenosine Derivative IFC-305
Authors: Chagoya de Sánchez Victoria , Martínez-Pérez Lidia , Hernández-Muñoz Rolando , Velasco-Loyden Gabriela
Published: September 2012

Introduction. Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative illness characterized by changes in normal liver architecture, failure of hepatic function, and impairment of proliferative activity. The aim of this study is to know how IFC-305 compound induces proliferation of the liver during reversion of cirrhosis.Methods. Once cirrhosis has been installed by CCl4treatment for 10 weeks in male Wistar rats, they were divided into four groups: two received saline and two received the compound; all were euthanized at 5 and 10 weeks of treatment. Liver homogenate, mitochondria, and nucleus were used to measure cyclins, CDKs, and cell cycle regulatory proteins PCNA, pRb, p53, E2F, p21, p27, HGF, liver ATP, and mitochondrial function.Results. Diminution and small changes were observed in the studied proteins in the cirrhotic animals without treatment. The IFC-305-treated rats showed a clear increase in most of the proteins studied mainly in PCNA and CDK6, and a marked increased in ATP and mitochondrial function.Discussion/Conclusion. IFC-305 induces a recovery of the cell cycle inhibition promoting recovery of DNA damage through the action of PCNA and p53. The increase in energy and preservation of mitochondrial function contribute to recovering the proliferative function.
Controller Parameter Optimization for Nonlinear Systems Using Enhanced Bacteria Foraging Algorithm
Authors: Rajinikanth V. , Latha K.
Published: September 2012

An enhanced bacteria foraging optimization (EBFO) algorithm-based Proportional + integral + derivative (PID) controller tuning is proposed for a class of nonlinear process models. The EBFO algorithm is a modified form of standard BFO algorithm. A multiobjective performance index is considered to guide the EBFO algorithm for discovering the best possible value of controller parameters. The efficiency of the proposed scheme has been validated through a comparative study with classical BFO, adaptive BFO, PSO, and GA based controller tuning methods proposed in the literature. The proposed algorithm is tested in real time on a nonlinear spherical tank system. The real-time results show that, EBFO tuned PID controller gives a smooth response for setpoint tracking performance.
Is Thymoglobulin or Rituximab the Cause of This Serum Sickness? A Case Report of Serum Sickness Dilemma and Literature Review
Authors: Sandhu Amarpreet , Harford Antonia , Singh Pooja , Alas Eduardo
Published: September 2012

Serum sickness is an immune-complex-mediated systemic illness that can occur after treatment with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies such as Rituxan (Rituximab) or antithymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin), respectively. Since Rituximab is now being used as an adjuvant treatment for acute humoral rejection and its prevalence to cause serum sickness is comparable to Thymoglobulin-associated serum sickness (20% versus 27%), it should be considered a potential cause of serum sickness after rejection treatment. In kidney transplant patients, there are no case reports where patient received both Thymoglobulin and Rituximab before developing serum sickness. We are reporting a patient who developed serum sickness after receiving Thymoglobulin and Rituximab that led us to consider Rituximab as one of the potential causes in this patient’s serum sickness. Since diagnosis of serum sickness is clinical, and Rituximab use has expanded into treatment of glomerulonephritis and acute humoral rejection, it should be considered as a potential offender of serum sickness in these patient populations. There are not any evidence-based guidelines or published clinical trials to help guide therapy for antibody-induced serum sickness; however, we successfully treated our case with three doses of Methylprednisone 500 mg intravenously. Further studies are needed to evaluate Rituximab-associated serum sickness in nephrology population to find effective treatment options.
Transition Parameters for Doubly Ionized Lanthanum
Authors: Karaçoban Betül , Özdemir Leyla
Published: September 2012

The transition parameters such as the wavelengths, weighted oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities (or rates) for the nd (n=5−9)−nf (n=4−8), nd (n=5−9)−np (n=6−9), np (n=6−9)−ns (n=6−10), and ng (n=5−8)−nf (n=4−8) electric dipole (E1) transitions of doubly ionized lanthanum (La III, Z=57) have been calculated using the relativistic Hartree-Fock (HFR) method. In this method, configuration interaction and relativistic effects have been included in the computations combined with a least squares fitting of the Hamiltonian eigenvalues to the observed energy levels. We have compared the results obtained from this work with the previously available calculations and experiments in literature. We have also reported new transitions with the weighted transition probabilities greater than or equal to 105.
Betulinic Acid Inhibits Growth of Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle CellsIn Vitroby InducingG1Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Vadivelu Raja Kumar , Yeap Swee Keong , Ali Abdul Manaf , Hamid Muhajir , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu
Published: September 2012

Betulinic acid is a widely available plant-derived triterpene which is reported to possess selective cytotoxic activity against cancer cells of neuroectodermal origin and leukemia. However, the potential of betulinic acid as an antiproliferative and cytotoxic agent on vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) is still unclear. This study was carried out to demonstrate the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect of betulinic acid on VSMCs using 3-[4,5-dimethylthizol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry cell cycle assay, BrdU proliferation assay, acridine orange/propidium iodide staining, and comet assay. Result from MTT and BrdU assays indicated that betulinic acid was able to inhibit the growth and proliferation of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner with IC50of 3.8 μg/mL significantly(P<0.05). Nevertheless, betulinic acid exhibited G1cell cycle arrest in flow cytometry cell cycle profiling and low level of DNA damage against VSMC in acridine orange/propidium iodide and comet assay after 24 h of treatment. In conclusion, betulinic acid induced G1cell cycle arrest and dose-dependent DNA damage on VSMC.
New Bifurcation Critical Criterion of Flip‐Neimark‐Sacker Bifurcations for Two‐Parameterized Family of n‐Dimensional Discrete Systems
Authors: Yao Shengji
Published: September 2012

A new bifurcation critical criterion of flip‐Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation is proposed for detecting or anticontrolling this type of codimension‐two bifurcation of discrete systems in a general sense. The criterion is built on the properties of coefficients of characteristic equations instead of the properties of eigenvalues of Jacobian matrix of nonlinear system, which is formulated using a set of simple equalities and inequalities consisting of the coefficients of characteristic polynomial equation. The inequality conditions enable us to easily pick off the fake parameter domain whereas the equality conditions are used to accurately locate the critical bifurcation point. In particular, after the bifurcation parameter piont is determined, the inequality conditions can be used to figure out the feasible region of other system parameters. Thus, the criterion is suitable for two‐parameterized family of n‐dimensional discrete systems. As compared with the classical critical criterion (or definition) of flip‐Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation stated in terms of the properties of eigenvalues, the proposed criterion is preferable in anticontrolling or detecting the existence of flip‐Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation in high‐dimension nonlinear systems, due to its explicit parameter mechanism of the bifurcation.
In Vitro Systems for the Study of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Wilson Garrick K. , Stamataki Zania
Published: September 2012

The study of a virus is made possible by the availability of culture systems in which the viral lifecycle can be realized. Such systems support robust virus entry, replication, assembly, and secretion of nascent virions. Furthermore, culture models provide a platform in which therapeutic interventions can be devised or monitored. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a restricted tropism to human and chimpanzees; thus investigations of HCV biology have been hindered for many years due to a lack of small animal models. Nevertheless, significant efforts have been directed at developing cell culture models to elucidate the viral lifecycle in vitro. HCV primarily infects liver parenchymal cells commonly known as hepatocytes. The liver is a highly specialized and complex organ and the development of in vitro systems that reflects this complexity has proven difficult. Consequently, host cell receptor molecules that potentiate HCV infection were identified over a decade after the virus was discovered. A summary of the various HCV in vitro culture models, their advantages, and disadvantages are described.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Associated with Right Aortic Arch and Dilated Septum Cavi Pellucidi
Authors: Morales-Roselló José , Lázaro-Santander Rafael
Published: September 2012

A 30-year-old woman with a normal first trimester Down syndrome screening attended our ultrasound unit for a 20-week scan. The most remarkable anomalies were the presence of a right aortic arch along with a dilated cavum septi pellucidi. In addition, the scan showed an atrioventricular canal and bilateral choroid plexus cysts. Fetal karyotype showed the existence of trisomy 21. A novel association between Down syndrome and dilated cavum septi pellucidi is reported and the relationship between DS and vascular rings is discussed.
Distributed Strain Sensor Networks for In-Construction Monitoring and Safety Evaluation of a High-Rise Building
Authors: Ye X. W. , Ni Y. Q. , Xia Y. X.
Published: September 2012

The New Headquarters of Shenzhen Stock Exchange (NHSSE), currently being constructed in Shenzhen, China, is a high-rise building with a height of 245 m. One salient feature of NHSSE is its huge floating platform with an overall plan dimension of [Formula: see text] and a total height of 24 m, making it one of the largest cantilever structures in the world. In recognition of the uniqueness of the floating platform, a long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) system has been designed and implemented by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for both in-construction and in-service monitoring of NHSSE. As part of this monitoring system, 224 vibrating-wire strain gauges have been permanently installed to measure the strain responses of key structural components of the floating platform. A wireless strain monitoring system by integrating local tethered data acquisition and long-range wireless data transmission has been developed for real-time strain monitoring and visualization. This paper presents the stress evolution of the floating platform during dismantlement of temporary supports on the basis of the real-time monitoring data and the statistical stress analysis and safety evaluation of the floating platform by use of the long-term monitoring data, as well as the effect of the welding residual stress on structural safety of NHSSE.
Synthesis and Studies of Potential Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents New Aryl Thiazolyl Mercury (II) Derivatives Compounds
Authors: Akbarzadeh Abolfath , Soleymani Reza , Taheri Milad , Rajabzadeh Halimeh , Daryani Mehdi
Published: September 2012

Combination of mercaptothiazoles and mercury phenyl chloride synthesized some new compounds of thiazoles. Firstly some mercaptothiazoles with different sorts have been synthesized, and then synthesized compounds were reacted with different mercury phenyl chloride structures. At last, each of these synthesized compounds was purified. Consequently, these structures were recrystallized using oil ether. Forming product through chromatogram (TLC) and combination of Rf with other compound′s Rf of were identified, and their purity percent was recognized. The 1H‐NMR and other methods like FT‐IR and mass spectroscopy have determined all of compounds. Obtained results of synthesized compounds showed that reactions were carried out with suitable speed and high yield.
Molecular Recognition and Transport of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients on Anionic Calix[4]arene‐Capped Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Perret Florent , Tauran Yannick , Suwinska Kinga , Kim Beomjoon , Chassain-Nely Cyrielle , Boulet Maxime , Coleman Anthony W.
Published: September 2012

A series of six anionic calix[4]arenes, having sulphonate, carboxylate, or phosphonate functions at either the para‐aromatic position or the phenolic face were used to cap silver nanoparticles. Their molecular recognition properties were studied with regard to three active pharmaceutical ingredients, chlorhexidine, chloramphenicol, and. gentamycin sulfate. Of these APIs chlorhexidine is known to form cocrystals with the anionic calix[4]arenes, gentamicin sulfate is an aminoglycosidic antibiotic, and chloramphenicol is a neutral antibiotic. As expected the former two APIs show clear complexation behavior as demonstrated by shifts in the visible spectra whereas the last shows no modification in the wavelength of the plasmon resonance of the silver nanoparticles.
Vortex–Vortex Interactions for the Maintenance of Blocking. Part I: The Selective Absorption Mechanism and a Case Study
Authors: Yamazaki Akira , Itoh Hisanori
Published: September 2012

A new block maintenance mechanism, the selective absorption mechanism (SAM), is proposed. According to this mechanism, which is based on vortex–vortex interactions (i.e., the interactions between a blocking anticyclone and synoptic eddies with the same polarity), a blocking anticyclone actively and selectively absorbs synoptic anticyclones (strictly, air parcels with low potential vorticity). The blocking anticyclone, which is thus supplied with low potential vorticity of the synoptic anticyclones, can subsist for a prolonged period, withstanding dissipation.

The SAM was verified in a case study through trajectory analysis. Ten actual cases of blocking were examined. Trajectories were calculated by tracing parcels originating from synoptic anticyclones and cyclones located upstream of the blocking. Parcels starting from anticyclones were attracted to and absorbed by the blocking anticyclone, whereas parcels from cyclones were repelled by the blocking anticyclone and attracted to the blocking cyclone, if one was present.

The results show that the SAM is effective in the maintenance of observed cases of blocking. In addition, the uniqueness and distinction of the SAM from other previously proposed maintenance mechanisms are discussed.
Vortex–Vortex Interactions for the Maintenance of Blocking. Part II: Numerical Experiments
Authors: Yamazaki Akira , Itoh Hisanori
Published: September 2012

The selective absorption mechanism (SAM), newly proposed in Part I of this study on the maintenance mechanism of blocking, is verified through numerical experiments. The experiments were based on the nonlinear equivalent-barotropic potential vorticity equation, with varying conditions with respect to the shape and amplitude of blocking, and characteristics of storm tracks (displacement and strength) and background zonal flow.

The experiments indicate that the SAM effectively maintains blocking, irrespective of the above conditions. At first, by applying a channel model on a β plane, numerical experiments were conducted using a uniform background westerly with and without a jet. The results show that the presence of a jet promotes the effectiveness of the SAM. Then, two types of spherical model experiments were also performed. In idealized experiments, the SAM was as effective as the β-plane model in explaining the maintenance of blocking. Moreover, experiments performed under realistic meteorological conditions showed that the SAM maintained a real block, demonstrating that the SAM is effective.

These results, and the case study in Part I, verify that the SAM is the effective general maintenance mechanism for blocking.
Improvements to an Empirical Parameterization of Heterogeneous Ice Nucleation and Its Comparison with Observations
Authors: Phillips Vaughan T. J. , Demott Paul J. , Andronache Constantin , Pratt Kerri A. , Prather Kimberly A. , Subramanian R. , Twohy Cynthia
Published: September 2012

A framework for an empirical parameterization (EP) of heterogeneous nucleation of ice crystals by multiple species of aerosol material in clouds was proposed in a 2008 paper by the authors. The present paper reports improvements to specification of a few of its empirical parameters. These include temperatures for onset of freezing, baseline surface areas of aerosol observed in field campaigns over Colorado, and new parameters for properties of black carbon, such as surface hydrophilicity and organic coatings. The EP’s third group of ice nucleus (IN) aerosols is redefined as that of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs), replacing insoluble organic aerosols. A fourth group of IN is introduced—namely, soluble organic aerosols.

The new EP predicts IN concentrations that agree well with aircraft data from selected traverses of shallow wave clouds observed in five flights (1, 3, 4, 6, and 12) of the 2007 Ice in Clouds Experiment–Layer Clouds (ICE-L). Selected traverses were confined to temperatures between about −25° and −29°C in layer cloud without homogeneously nucleated ice from aloft. Some of the wave clouds were affected by carbonaceous aerosols from biomass burning and by dust from dry lakebeds and elsewhere. The EP predicts a trend between number concentrations of heterogeneously nucleated ice crystals and apparent black carbon among the five wave clouds, observed by aircraft in ICE-L. It is predicted in terms of IN activity of black carbon.

The EP’s predictions are consistent with laboratory and field observations not used in its construction, for black carbon, dust, primary biological aerosols, and soluble organics. The EP’s prediction of biological ice nucleation is validated using coincident field observations of PBAP IN and PBAPs in Colorado.
A Diagnostic Indicator of the Stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in CCSM3
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Zhengyu
Published: September 2012

A diagnostic indicator ΔMov is proposed in this paper to monitor the stability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The ΔMov is a diagnostic for a basinwide salt-advection feedback and defined as the difference between the freshwater transport induced by the AMOC across the southern border of the Atlantic Ocean and the overturning liquid freshwater transport from the Arctic Ocean to the North Atlantic. As validated in the Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3), for an AMOC in the conveyor state, a positive ΔMov (freshwater convergence) in the Atlantic basin indicates a monostable AMOC and a negative ΔMov (freshwater divergence) indicates a bistable AMOC. Based on ΔMov, the authors investigate the AMOC stability in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and analyze the modulation of the AMOC stability by an open/closed Bering Strait. Moreover, the authors estimate that the real AMOC is likely to be bistable in the present day, since some observations suggest a negative ΔMov (freshwater divergence) is currently in the Atlantic basin. However, this estimation is very sensitive to the choice of the observational data.
Impact of Daily Arctic Sea Ice Variability in CAM3.0 during Fall and Winter
Authors: Dammann Dyre O. , Bhatt Uma S. , Langen Peter L. , Krieger Jeremy R. , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: September 2012

Climate projections suggest that an ice-free summer Arctic Ocean is possible within several decades and with this comes the prospect of increased ship traffic and safety concerns. The daily sea ice concentration tendency in five Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) simulations is compared with observations to reveal that many models underestimate this quantity that describes high-frequency ice movements, particularly in the marginal ice zone. To investigate whether high-frequency ice variability impacts the atmosphere, the Community Atmosphere Model, version 3.0 (CAM3.0), is forced by sea ice with and without daily fluctuations. Two 100-member ensemble experiments with daily varying (DAILY) and smoothly varying (SMTH) sea ice are conducted, along with a climatological control, for an anomalously low ice period (August 2006–November 2007). Results are presented for three periods: September 2006, October 2006, and December–February (DJF) 2006/07. The atmospheric response differs between DAILY and SMTH. In September, sea ice differences lead to an anomalous high and weaker storm activity over northern Europe. During October, the ice expands equatorward faster in DAILY than SMTH in the Siberian seas and leads to a local response of near-surface cooling. In DJF, there is a 1.5-hPa positive sea level pressure anomaly over North America, leading to anomalous northerly flow and anomalously cool continental U.S. temperatures. While the atmospheric responses are modest, the differences arising from high temporal frequency ice variability cannot be ignored. Increasing the accuracy of coupled model sea ice variations on short time scales is needed to improve short-term coupled model forecasts.
Dynamic ultrasound imaging—A multivariate approach for the analysis and comparison of time-dependent musculoskeletal movements
Authors: Löfstedt Tommy , Ahnlund Olof , Peolsson Michael , Trygg Johan
Published: September 2012

Background

Muscle functions are generally assumed to affect a wide variety of conditions and activities, including pain, ischemic and neurological disorders, exercise and injury. It is therefore very desirable to obtain more information on musculoskeletal contributions to and activity during clinical processes such as the treatment of muscle injuries, post-surgery evaluations, and the monitoring of progressive degeneration in neuromuscular disorders.

The spatial image resolution achievable with ultrasound systems has improved tremendously in the last few years and it is nowadays possible to study skeletal muscles in real-time during activity. However, ultrasound imaging has an inherent problem that makes it difficult to compare different measurement series or image sequences from two or more subjects. Due to physiological differences between different subjects, the ultrasound sequences will be visually different – partly because of variation in probe placement and partly because of the difficulty of perfectly reproducing any given movement.

Methods

Ultrasound images of the biceps and calf of a single subject were transformed to achieve congruence and then efficiently compressed and stacked to facilitate analysis using a multivariate method known as O2PLS. O2PLS identifies related and unrelated variation in and between two sets of data such that different phases of the studied movements can be analysed. The methodology was used to study the dynamics of the Achilles tendon and the calf and also the Biceps brachii and upper arm. The movements of these parts of the body are both of interest in clinical orthopaedic research.

Results

This study extends the novel method of multivariate analysis of congruent images (MACI) to facilitate comparisons between two series of ultrasound images. This increases its potential range of medical applications and its utility for detecting, visualising and quantifying the dynamics and functions of skeletal muscle.

Conclusions

The most important results of this study are that MACI with O2PLS is able to consistently extract meaningful variability from pairs of ultrasound sequences. The MACI method with O2PLS is a powerful tool with great potential for visualising and comparing dynamics between movements. It has many potential clinical applications in the study of muscle injuries, post-surgery evaluations and evaluations of rehabilitation, and the assessment of athletic training interventions.
Changes in intraocular pressure after pharmacologic pupil dilation
Authors: Kim Joon Mo , Park Ki Ho , Han So Young , Kim Kwan Soo , Kim Dong Myung , Kim Tae Woo , Caprioli Joseph
Published: September 2012

Background

Intraocular pressure (IOP) may vary according to the change of ocular conditions. In this study, we want to assess the effect and mechanism of pupil dilation on IOP in normal subjects.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 32 eyes of 32 patients (age; 61.7 ± 8.2 years) with normal open angles under diurnal IOP. IOP was measured every two hours from 9 AM to 11 PM for one day to establish baseline values and was measured again for one day to assess the differences after dilation. To induce dilation, we administered 2.5% phenylephrine and 1% tropicamide every 5 minutes from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM and for every two hours from 11 AM to 9 PM to keep the pupil dilated. Diurnal IOP, biometry, Visante OCT, and laser flare photometry were measured before and after dilation.

Results

We observed a significant increase in IOP after dilation, 1.85 ± 2.01 mmHg (p = 0.002). IOP elevation remained significant until about four hours after dilation. Thereafter, IOP decreased slowly and eventually reached pre-dilation level (p > 0.05). Flare values decreased, and the anterior chamber angle became wider after mydriasis.

Conclusions

Dilation of the pupil significantly and incidentally elevated IOP in normal subjects. Further related studies are warranted to characterize the mechanism of the increased IOP after dilation.
Ten-year trends in HIV prevalence among visitors to public health centers under the National HIV Surveillance System in Korea, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Kee Mee-Kyung , Lee Jin-Hee , Whang Jiyoung , Kim Sung Soon
Published: September 2012

Background

Korea saw a sharp increase in HIV diagnosis from 2000. This serious public health concern must be monitored diligently. We identified the characteristics and trends in HIV prevalence among visitors to public health centers (PHCs) from 2000 to 2009.

Methods

We retrieved ten-year data of HIV tests from 253 PHCs. The HIV prevalence was analyzed by gender, age, nationality, region, and reason for HIV testing. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and score test for trend.

Results

HIV prevalence among PHCs’ visitors has rapidly increased for six years since 2000, decreased from 2006, and then remained stable. Approximately 50% of total HIV tests were performed for sexually transmitted infection risk group (STI RG), who were tested 1.4 times within a year. Women and the 20s comprised approximately 70% and 40% of PHCs’ visitors, respectively. The prevalence of voluntary test takers was the highest and showed most rapid increase (P = 0.007), but that of prisoners declined (P = 0.003). The prevalence of STI RG was lower than those of the other groups and remained stable throughout the ten-year period (P = 0.606). Percentage of anonymous tests was 2–3% of a total HIV tests, but overall HIV-positive rate showed a rapid increase (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

As voluntary or anonymous testing groups are actively engaged in learning their status of HIV, these groups showed the highest in HIV infection. Groups in the population with these characteristics should be located and encouraged to be tested, and offered anonymity. This study suggests that it is important to ascertain the characteristics of people choosing to take voluntary testing.
Comparative analysis of hemolymph proteome maps in diapausing and non-diapausing larvae of Sesamia nonagrioides
Authors: Pérez-Hedo Meritxell , Sánchez-López Isabel , Eizaguirre Matilde
Published: September 2012

Background

Sesamia nonagrioidesis a noctuid that feeds on maize, sugar cane and sorghum in North Africa and Southern Europe. Larvae reared under long day conditions pupate after 5 or 6 larval instars, whereas larvae reared under short day conditions enter diapause and undergo up to 12 molts before dying or pupating. To better understand the mechanism of larval development and diapause, we identified proteins with different expressions in the sixth instar of diapausing and non-diapausing larvae.

Results

A total of 52 differentially regulated proteins were detected in the hemolymph of the diapausing or non-diapausing larvae at the beginning or end of the sixth instar. From these proteins, 11 were identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS or MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS): 5 were upregulated in the hemolymph of non-diapausing larvae and 6 in the hemolymph of the diapausing larvae. Interestingly, some proteins were expressed only in non-diapausing larvae but none was expressed only in the hemolymph of diapausing larvae. The possible functions of some of these proteins related to diapause maintenance or to larval-pupal metamorphosis are discussed.

Conclusions

The 2-DE proteomic map ofS. nonagrioideshemolymph shows differential protein expression in diapausing and non-diapausing larvae. Some proteins that showed higher expression in the diapausing larvae at the end of the sixth instar could be involved in JH level maintenance thus in the diapause status maintenance. On the contrary, other proteins that showed the highest expression or that were expressed only in the non-diapausing larvae could be involved in larval-pupal metamorphosis.