bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive tubular retractor system for adequate exposure during surgical obliteration of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas with the aid of indocyanine green intraoperative angiography
Authors: Desai Atman , Bekelis Kimon , Erkmen Kadir
Published: May 2012

Effective surgical obliteration of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) traditionally requires laminectomy or hemilaminectomy to allow intradural exposure and occlusion of the draining vein. The authors present successful treatment of a spinal DAVF by using a tubular retractor system to provide minimally invasive exposure at the L5–S1 level adequate for both microsurgical treatment and intraoperative indocyanine green angiography.
Elevation changes of glaciers revealed by multitemporal digital elevation models calibrated by GPS survey in the Khumbu region, Nepal Himalaya, 1992-2008
Authors: Nuimura Takayuki , Fujita Koji , Yamaguchi Satoru , Sharma Rishi R.
Published: May 2012

Due to remoteness and high altitude, only a few ground-based glacier change studies are available in high-mountain areas in the Himalaya. However, digital elevation models based on remotely sensed data (RS-DEMs) provide feasible opportunities to evaluate how fast Himalayan glaciers are changing. Here we compute elevation changes in glacier surface (total area 183.3 km2) in the Khumbu region, Nepal Himalaya, for the period 1992-2008 using multitemporal RS-DEMs and a map-derived DEM calibrated with differential GPS survey data in 2007. Elevation change is calculated by generating a weighted least-squares linear regression model. Our method enables us to provide the distribution of uncertainty of the elevation change. Debris-covered areas show large lowering rates. The spatial distribution of elevation change shows that the different wastage features of the debris-covered glaciers depend on their scale, slope and the existence of glacial lakes. The elevation changes of glaciers in the eastern Khumbu region are in line with previous studies. The regional average mass balance of -0.40 ± 0.25 m w.e.a-1 for the period 1992-2008 is consistent with a global value of about -0.55 m w.e. a-1 for the period 1996-2005.
An Agent-Based Fuzzy Collaborative Intelligence Approach for Predicting the Price of a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) Product
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: May 2012

Predicting the price of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) product is a critical task to the manufacturer. However, it is not easy to contend with the uncertainty of the price. In order to effectively predict the price of a DRAM product, an agent-based fuzzy collaborative intelligence approach is proposed in this study. In the agent-based fuzzy collaborative intelligence approach, each agent uses a fuzzy neural network to predict the DRAM price based on its view. The agent then communicates its view and forecasting results to other agents with the aid of an automatic collaboration mechanism. According to the experimental results, the overall performance was improved through the agents’ collaboration.
Spin and Charge Transport in the X-ray Irradiated Quasi-2D Layered Compound: κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl
Authors: Antal Ágnes , Fehér Titusz , Yoneyama Naoki , Forró László , Sasaki Takahiko , Jánossy András
Published: May 2012

The interplane spin cross relaxation time Tx measured by high frequency ESR in X-ray irradiated κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl is compared to the interplane resisitivity ρ⊥and the in-plane resistivity ρII between 50 K and 250 K. The irradiation transforms the semiconductor behavior of the non-irradiated crystal into metallic. Irradiation decreases Tx, ρ⊥ and ρII but the ratio Tx/ρ⊥ and ρ⊥/ρII remain unchanged between 50 and 250 K. Models describing the unusual defect concentration dependence in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl are discussed.
Intermolecular Hydrogen Transfer in Isobutane Hydrate
Authors: Kobayashi Naohiro , Minami Takashi , Tani Atsushi , Nakagoshi Mikio , Sugahara Takeshi , Takeya Kei , Ohgaki Kazunari
Published: May 2012

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of butyl radicals induced with γ-ray irradiation in the simple isobutane (2-methylpropane) hydrate (prepared with deuterated water) were investigated. Isothermal annealing results of the γ-ray-irradiated isobutane hydrate reveal that the isobutyl radical in a large cage withdraws a hydrogen atom from the isobutane molecule through shared hexagonal-faces of adjacent large cages. During this “hydrogen picking” process, the isobutyl radical is apparently transformed into a tert-butyl radical, while the sum of isobutyl and tert-butyl radicals remains constant. The apparent transformation from isobutyl to tert-butyl radicals is an irreversible first-order reaction and the activation energy was estimated to be 35 ± 3 kJ/mol, which was in agreement with the activation energy (39 ± 5 kJ/mol) of hydrogen picking in the γ-ray-irradiated propane hydrate with deuterated water.
U.S. EPA Authority to Use Cumulative Risk Assessments in Environmental Decision-Making
Authors: Alves Sarah , Tilghman Joan , Rosenbaum Arlene , Payne-Sturges Devon C.
Published: May 2012

Conventionally, in its decision-making, the U.S. EPA has evaluated the effects and risks associated with a single pollutant in a single exposure medium. In reality, people are exposed to mixtures of pollutants or to the same pollutant through a variety of media, including the air, water, and food. It is now more recognized than before that environmental exposure to pollutants occurs via multiple exposure routes and pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Moreover, chemical, biologic, radiologic, physical, and psychologic stressors are all acknowledged as affecting human health. Although many EPA offices attempt to consider cumulative risk assessment and cumulative effects in various ways, there is no Agency-wide policy for considering these risks and the effects of exposure to these risks when making environmental decisions. This article examines how U.S. courts might assess EPA’s general authority and discretion to use cumulative risk assessment as the basis for developing data in support of environmental decision-making, and how courts might assess the validity of a cumulative risk assessment methodology itself.
Correction: Nanostructured Biomaterials for Tissue Engineered Bone Tissue Reconstruction. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13, 737-757
Authors: Gardin Chiara , Ferroni Letizia , Favero Lorenzo , Stellini Edoardo , Stomaci Dario , Sivolella Stefano , Bressan Eriberto , Zavan Barbara
Published: May 2012

We would like to change the authors’ names and E-Mail addresses on Page 737 of Article [1] from: [...]
“Pore-Like” Effects of Super-Molecular Self-Assembly on Molecular Diffusion of Poly(Ethylene Oxide)-Poly(Propylene Oxide)-Poly(Ethylene Oxide) in Water
Authors: Ulrich Konstantin , Galvosas Petrik , Kärger Jörg , Grinberg Farida
Published: May 2012

Molecular diffusion of triblock copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) in water was studied with the help of Pulsed Field Gradient NMR in the broad range of polymer weight fractions from 0.09 to 0.8. Owing to amphiphilic nature of the molecules, these block copolymers exhibit rich self-organization properties when mixed with water. In particular, at ambient temperatures they form micelles and three liquid crystalline mesophases: cubic, hexagonal, and lamellar. The corresponding super-molecular structure formations were studied with the same block copolymer and at the same temperature. Self-assembly of molecules was shown to produce “pore-like” effects on their self-diffusion properties by imposing severe constraints on the dimensionality of propagation. Diffusion in the hexagonal phase was shown to be quasi one-dimensional in the direction parallel to the long axis of the ordered molecular rods. In the lamellar phase, diffusion was found to be quasi two-dimensional, in the plane of the lamellar structures. The observed diffusion anisotropy was attributed to the effects of the specific molecular ordering on the mesoscopic length scale.
Direct Wafer Bonding and Its Application to Waveguide Optical Isolators
Authors: Mizumoto Tetsuya , Shoji Yuya , Takei Ryohei
Published: May 2012

This paper reviews the direct bonding technique focusing on the waveguide optical isolator application. A surface activated direct bonding technique is a powerful tool to realize a tight contact between dissimilar materials. This technique has the potential advantage that dissimilar materials are bonded at low temperature, which enables one to avoid the issue associated with the difference in thermal expansion. Using this technique, a magneto-optic garnet is successfully bonded on silicon, III-V compound semiconductors and LiNbO3. As an application of this technique, waveguide optical isolators are investigated including an interferometric waveguide optical isolator and a semileaky waveguide optical isolator. The interferometric waveguide optical isolator that uses nonreciprocal phase shift is applicable to a variety of waveguide platforms. The low refractive index of buried oxide layer in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide enhances the magneto-optic phase shift, which contributes to the size reduction of the isolator. A semileaky waveguide optical isolator has the advantage of large fabrication-tolerance as well as a wide operation wavelength range.
Simplexins P–S, Eunicellin-Based Diterpenes from the Soft Coral Klyxum simplex
Authors: Wu Shwu-Li , Su Jui-Hsin , Huang Chiung-Yao , Tai Chi-Jen , Sung Ping-Jyun , Liaw Chih-Chung , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: May 2012

Four new eunicellin-based diterpenes, simplexins P–S (1–4), and the known compound simplexin A (5), have been isolated from the soft coral Klyxum simplex. The structures of the new metabolites were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, particularly 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 1 and 3–5 were shown to exhibit cytotoxicity against a limited panel of cancer cell lines, 3 being the most cytotoxic.
Chemical Constituents of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC Roots and Their Antitumor Activities
Authors: Liu Mingchuan , Yang Shengjie , Jin Linhong , Hu Deyu , Wu Zhibing , Yang Song
Published: May 2012

An activity-directed fractionation and purification process was used to isolate antitumor compounds from the roots of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. The ethyl acetate extract showed greater antitumor activities than the other extracts, consequently leading to the isolation of 18 compounds identified as b-sitosterol (1), dausterol (2), quercetin (3), kampferol (4), shikimic acid (5), gallic acid (6), ursolic acid (7), betulin (8), betulonic acid (9), betulone (10), tectoridin (11), irisflorentin (12), 4′,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxyisoflavone (13), tectorigenin (14), irilins A (15), iridin (16), irigenin (17), and iristectongenin A (18). Compounds 3–10, 13, and 15 were isolated from B. chinensis for the first time. Compounds 4 and 7–10 showed potent cytotoxic activities against PC3, MGC-803, Bcap-37, and MCF-7 cell lines. The mechanism of the antitumor action of compound 7 was preliminarily investigated through acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, Hoechst 33258 staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, which indicated the growth inhibition of MGC-803 cells via the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.
Synthesis and Antiangiogenic Activity of Novel Gambogic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Rong-Hong , He Shi-Chao , Xu Qin-Yuan , Ma Liang , Wang Guang-Cheng , Qiu Neng , Peng Fei , Chen Jin-Ying , Qiu Jing-Xiang , Peng Ai-Hua , Chen Li-Juan
Published: May 2012

Gambogic acid (GA) is in a phase II clinical trial as an antitumor and antiangiogenesis agent. In this study, 36 GA derivatives were synthesized and screened in a zebrafish model to evaluate their antiangiogenic activity and toxicity. Derivatives 4, 32, 35, 36 effectively suppressed the formation of newly grown blood vessels and showed lower toxicities than GA as evaluated by zebrafish heart rates and mortalities. They also exhibited more potent migration and HUVEC tube formation inhibiting activities than GA. Among them, 36 was the most potent one, suggesting that it may serve as a potential new antiangiogenesis candidate with low toxicity. Additionally, 36 showed comparable antiproliferative activity to HUVECs and five tumor cell lines but low cytotoxicity to LO2 cells.
α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Constituents from Acanthopanax senticosus Harm Leaves
Authors: Wang Zhi-Bin , Jiang Hai , Xia Yong-Gang , Yang Bing-You , Kuang Hai-Xue
Published: May 2012

A new triterpene glycoside, 3-O-[(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)(1→2)]-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-6-O-methyl ester]-olean-12-ene-28-olic acid (1) and a new indole alkaloid, 5-methoxy-2-oxoindolin-3-acetic acid methyl ester (5) were isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms along with six known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by means of 2D-NMR experiments and chemical methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their glycosidase inhibition activities and compound 6 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibition activity.
Antiproliferative and Molecular Mechanism of Eugenol-Induced Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Supriyanto Eko
Published: May 2012

Phenolic phytochemicals are a broad class of nutraceuticals found in plants which have been extensively researched by scientists for their health-promoting potential. One such a compound which has been comprehensively used is eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), which is the active component of Syzigium aromaticum (cloves). Aromatic plants like nutmeg, basil, cinnamon and bay leaves also contain eugenol. Eugenol has a wide range of applications like perfumeries, flavorings, essential oils and in medicine as a local antiseptic and anesthetic. Increasing volumes of literature showed eugenol possesses antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Molecular mechanism of eugenol-induced apoptosis in melanoma, skin tumors, osteosarcoma, leukemia, gastric and mast cells has been well documented. This review article will highlight the antiproliferative activity and molecular mechanism of the eugenol induced apoptosis against the cancer cells and animal models.
Biological Activities of a-Pinene and β-Pinene Enantiomers
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina Rivas da , Lopes Paula Monteiro , Azevedo Mariana Maria Barros de , Costa Danielle Cristina Machado , Alviano Celuta Sales , Alviano Daniela Sales
Published: May 2012

The antimicrobial activities of the isomers and enantiomers of pinene were evaluated against bacterial and fungal cells. The agar diffusion test showed that only the positive enantiomers of the a- and β-isomers of pinene were active. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) of these monoterpenes were also determined, confirming that the positive enantiomers exhibited microbicidal activity against all fungi and bacteria tested with MICs ranging from 117 to 4,150 µg/mL. However, no antimicrobial activity was detected with the negative enantiomers up to 20 mg/mL. Time-kill curves showed that (+)-a-pinene and (+)-β-pinene were highly toxic to Candida albicans, killing 100% of inoculum within 60 min. By contrast, the bactericidal effect occurred after 6 h in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In combination with commercial antimicrobials, ciprofloxacin plus (+)-a-pinene or (+)-β-pinene presented synergistic activity against MRSA whereas an indifferent effect against all fungi was detected when amphotericin B was combined with the positive enantiomers of pinene. The potential of (+)-a-pinene and (+)-β-pinene to inhibit phospholipase and esterase activities was also evaluated, and the best inhibition results were obtained with Cryptococcus neoformans. C. albicans biofilm formation was prevented with the MIC concentration of (+)-a-pinene and twice the MIC value of (+)-β-pinene. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the positive enantiomers of pinene to murine macrophages was evaluated, and 250 µg/mL of (+)-a-pinene and (+)-β-pinene reduced the cell viability to 66.8% and 57.7%, respectively.
Preparation of Quinolinium Salts Differing in the Length of the Alkyl Side Chain
Authors: Marek Jan , Buchta Vladimir , Soukup Ondrej , Stodulka Petr , Cabal Jiri , Ghosh Kallol K. , Musilek Kamil , Kuca Kamil
Published: May 2012

Quaternary quinolinium salts differing in alkyl chain length are members of a widespread group of cationic surfactants. These compounds have numerous applications in various branches of industry and research. In this work, the preparation of quinoline-derived cationic surface active agents differing in the length of the side alkyl chains (from C8 to C20) is described. An HPLC method was successfully developed for distinction of all members of the series of prepared long-chain quinolinium derivatives. In conclusion, some possibilities of intended tests or usage have been summarized. In vitro testing using a microdilution broth method showed good activity of a substance with a C12 chain length against Gram-positive cocci and Candida species.
A Community-Based Study of Enduring Eating Features in Young Women
Authors: Hay Phillipa J. , Buettner Petra , Mond Jonathan , Paxton Susan J. , Quirk Frances , Rodgers Bryan
Published: May 2012

We conducted a prospective exploration of the temporal course of eating disorder (ED) symptoms in two cohorts of community women. One hundred and twenty-two young women (Cohort 1) identified in a general population based survey with ED symptoms of clinical severity agreed to participate in a 5-year follow-up study. A comparative sample (Cohort 2) of 706 similar aged self-selected college women (221 with disordered eating) was recruited one year later. Both ED groups were given a health literacy package in the first year. ED symptoms, health related quality of life, and psychological distress were assessed annually with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Short Form—12 Health Survey and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, respectively. Forty percent (Cohort 1) and 30.3% (Cohort 2) completed questionnaires at each year of follow-up. In both groups, there was early improvement in ED symptoms which plateaued after the first year, and participants retained high EDE-Q scores at 5 years. BMI increased as expected. Mental health related quality of life scores did not change but there were small improvements in psychological distress scores. The findings suggest little likelihood of spontaneous remission of ED problems in community women.
Application of Semi-Automated Filter to Improve Waveform Lidar Sub-Canopy Elevation Model
Authors: Fricker Geoffrey A. , Saatchi Sassan S. , Meyer Victoria , Gillespie Thomas W. , Sheng Yongwei
Published: May 2012

Modeling sub-canopy elevation is an important step in the processing of waveform lidar data to measure three dimensional forest structure. Here, we present a methodology based on high resolution discrete-return lidar (DRL) to correct the ground elevation derived from large-footprint Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor (LVIS) and to improve measurement of forest structure. We use data acquired over Barro Colorado Island, Panama by LVIS large-footprint lidar (LFL) in 1998 and DRL in 2009. The study found an average vertical difference of 28.7 cm between 98,040 LVIS last-return points and the discrete-return lidar ground surface across the island. The majority (82.3%) of all LVIS points matched discrete return elevations to 2 m or less. Using a multi-step process, the LVIS last-return data is filtered using an iterative approach, expanding window filter to identify outlier points which are not part of the ground surface, as well as applying vertical corrections based on terrain slope within the individual LVIS footprints. The results of the experiment demonstrate that LFL ground surfaces can be effectively filtered using methods adapted from discrete-return lidar point filtering, reducing the average vertical error by 15 cm and reducing the variance in LVIS last-return data by 70 cm. The filters also reduced the largest vertical estimations caused by sensor saturation in the upper reaches of the forest canopy by 14.35 m, which improve forest canopy structure measurement by increasing accuracy in the sub-canopy digital elevation model.
Development of a UAV-LiDAR System with Application to Forest Inventory
Authors: Wallace Luke , Lucieer Arko , Watson Christopher , Turner Darren
Published: May 2012

We present the development of a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Light Detecting and Ranging (UAV-LiDAR) system and an accompanying workflow to produce 3D point clouds. UAV systems provide an unrivalled combination of high temporal and spatial resolution datasets. The TerraLuma UAV-LiDAR system has been developed to take advantage of these properties and in doing so overcome some of the current limitations of the use of this technology within the forestry industry. A modified processing workflow including a novel trajectory determination algorithm fusing observations from a GPS receiver, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a High Definition (HD) video camera is presented. The advantages of this workflow are demonstrated using a rigorous assessment of the spatial accuracy of the final point clouds. It is shown that due to the inclusion of video the horizontal accuracy of the final point cloud improves from 0.61 m to 0.34 m (RMS error assessed against ground control). The effect of the very high density point clouds (up to 62 points per m2) produced by the UAV-LiDAR system on the measurement of tree location, height and crown width are also assessed by performing repeat surveys over individual isolated trees. The standard deviation of tree height is shown to reduce from 0.26 m, when using data with a density of 8 points perm2, to 0.15mwhen the higher density data was used. Improvements in the uncertainty of the measurement of tree location, 0.80 m to 0.53 m, and crown width, 0.69 m to 0.61 m are also shown.
Meeting People’s Needs in a Fully Interoperable Domotic Environment
Authors: Miori Vittorio , Russo Dario , Concordia Cesare
Published: May 2012

The key idea underlying many Ambient Intelligence (AmI) projects and applications is context awareness, which is based mainly on their capacity to identify users and their locations. The actual computing capacity should remain in the background, in the periphery of our awareness, and should only move to the center if and when necessary. Computing thus becomes ‘invisible’, as it is embedded in the environment and everyday objects. The research project described herein aims to realize an Ambient Intelligence-based environment able to improve users’ quality of life by learning their habits and anticipating their needs. This environment is part of an adaptive, context-aware framework designed to make today’s incompatible heterogeneous domotic systems fully interoperable, not only for connecting sensors and actuators, but for providing comprehensive connections of devices to users. The solution is a middleware architecture based on open and widely recognized standards capable of abstracting the peculiarities of underlying heterogeneous technologies and enabling them to co-exist and interwork, without however eliminating their differences. At the highest level of this infrastructure, the Ambient Intelligence framework, integrated with the domotic sensors, can enable the system to recognize any unusual or dangerous situations and anticipate health problems or special user needs in a technological living environment, such as a house or a public space.
Analysis of Airborne Particulate Matter (PM2.5) over Hong Kong Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Shi Wenzhong , Wong Man Sing , Wang Jingzhi , Zhao Yuanling
Published: May 2012

Airborne fine particulates (PM2.5; particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm) are receiving increasing attention for their potential toxicities and roles in visibility and health. In this study, we interpreted the behavior of PM2.5 and its correlation with meteorological parameters in Hong Kong, during 2007–2008. Significant diurnal variations of PM2.5 concentrations were observed and showed a distinctive bimodal pattern with two marked peaks during the morning and evening rush hour times, due to dense traffic. The study observed higher PM2.5 concentrations in winter when the northerly and northeasterly winds bring pollutants from the Chinese mainland, whereas southerly monsoon winds from the sea bring fresh air to the city in summer. In addition, higher concentrations of PM2.5 were observed in rush hours on weekdays compared to weekends, suggesting the influence of anthropogenic activities on fine particulate levels, e.g., traffic-related local PM2.5 emissions. To understand the spatial pattern of PM2.5 concentrations in the context of the built-up environment of Hong Kong, we utilized MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) 500 m data and visibility data to derive aerosol extinction profile, then converted to aerosol and PM2.5 vertical profiles. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) prototype was developed to integrate atmospheric PM2.5 vertical profiles with 3D GIS data. An example of the query function in GIS prototype is given. The resulting 3D database of PM2.5 concentrations provides crucial information to air quality regulators and decision makers to comply with air quality standards and in devising control strategies.
An Ultra-Low Power and Flexible Acoustic Modem Design to Develop Energy-Efficient Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Sánchez Antonio , Blanc Sara , Yuste Pedro , Perles Angel , Serrano Juan José
Published: May 2012

This paper is focused on the description of the physical layer of a new acoustic modem called ITACA. The modem architecture includes as a major novelty an ultra-low power asynchronous wake-up system implementation for underwater acoustic transmission that is based on a low-cost off-the-shelf RFID peripheral integrated circuit. This feature enables a reduced power dissipation of 10 µW in stand-by mode and registers very low power values during reception and transmission. The modem also incorporates clear channel assessment (CCA) to support CSMA-based medium access control (MAC) layer protocols. The design is part of a compact platform for a long-life short/medium range underwater wireless sensor network.
Ultra-Fast Displaying Spectral Domain Optical Doppler Tomography System Using a Graphics Processing Unit
Authors: Jeong Hyosang , Cho Nam Hyun , Jung Unsang , Lee Changho , Kim Jeong-Yeon , Kim Jeehyun
Published: May 2012

We demonstrate an ultrafast displaying Spectral Domain Optical Doppler Tomography system using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computing. The calculation of FFT and the Doppler frequency shift is accelerated by the GPU. Our system can display processed OCT and ODT images simultaneously in real time at 120 fps for 1,024 pixels × 512 lateral A-scans. The computing time for the Doppler information was dependent on the size of the moving average window, but with a window size of 32 pixels the ODT computation time is only 8.3 ms, which is comparable to the data acquisition time. Also the phase noise decreases significantly with the window size. Since the performance of a real-time display for OCT/ODT is very important for clinical applications that need immediate diagnosis for screening or biopsy. Intraoperative surgery can take much benefit from the real-time display flow rate information from the technology. Moreover, the GPU is an attractive tool for clinical and commercial systems for functional OCT features as well.
Sensoring Fusion Data from the Optic and Acoustic Emissions of Electric Arcs in the GMAW-S Process for Welding Quality Assessment
Authors: Alfaro Sadek Crisóstomo Absi , Cayo Eber Huanca
Published: May 2012

The present study shows the relationship between welding quality and optical-acoustic emissions from electric arcs, during welding runs, in the GMAW-S process. Bead on plate welding tests was carried out with pre-set parameters chosen from manufacturing standards. During the welding runs interferences were induced on the welding path using paint, grease or gas faults. In each welding run arc voltage, welding current, infrared and acoustic emission values were acquired and parameters such as arc power, acoustic peaks rate and infrared radiation rate computed. Data fusion algorithms were developed by assessing known welding quality parameters from arc emissions. These algorithms have showed better responses when they are based on more than just one sensor. Finally, it was concluded that there is a close relation between arc emissions and quality in welding and it can be measured from arc emissions sensing and data fusion algorithms.
Use of Finite Elements Analysis for a Weigh-in-Motion Sensor Design
Authors: Opitz Rigobert , Goanta Viorel , Carlescu Petru , Barsanescu Paul-Doru , Taranu Nicolae , Banu Oana
Published: May 2012

High speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensors are utilized as components of complex traffic monitoring and measurement systems. They should be able to determine the weights on wheels, axles and vehicle gross weights, and to help the classification of vehicles (depending on the number of axles). WIM sensors must meet the following main requirements: good accuracy, high endurance, low price and easy installation in the road structure. It is not advisable to use cheap materials in constructing these devices for lower prices, since the sensors are normally working in harsh environmental conditions such as temperatures between –40 °C and +70 °C, dust, temporary water immersion, shocks and vibrations. Consequently, less expensive manufacturing technologies are recommended. Because the installation cost in the road structure is high and proportional to the WIM sensor cross section (especially with its thickness), the device needs to be made as flat as possible. The WIM sensor model presented and analyzed in this paper uses a spring element equipped with strain gages. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the authors have attempted to obtain a more sensitive, reliable, lower profile and overall cheaper elastic element for a new WIM sensor.
CLASSICAL SOLUTION FOR INITIAL–BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM FOR WAVE EQUATION WITH INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITION
Authors: Korzyuk Victor , Erofeenko Victor , Sheika Julia
Published: May 2012

The unique existence of classical solution of initial–boundary value problem for wave equation with a special integral boundary condition is proved in the work. Classical solution of the problem in analytical form is also found in the article. This problem arises at the modeling of electromagnetic fields with arbitrary time dependence when interaction between the field and solids is simulated with impedance boundary conditions.
W 0 1, P(X) VERSUS C 1 LOCAL MINIMIZERS FOR NONSMOOTH FUNCTIONALS
Authors: Che Chengfu , Ge Bin , Xue Xiao-Ping , Zhou Qing-Mei
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we study that the local minimizers of a class of functionals (not necessarily differentiable) in the C 1 -topology are still their local minimizers in
New Antiviral Therapies in the Management of HCV Infection
Authors: Farnik Harald , Zeuzem Stefan
Published: May 2012

Improved knowledge of the HCV life cycle and of structural features of HCV proteins have led to the discovery of numerous potential targets for antiviral therapy. Viral replication and polyprotein processing have been tagged as promising viral targets. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis, fusion of HCV with cellular membranes, translation of viral RNA, virus production and release as well as several host cell factors may provide alternative targets for future anti-HCV therapies. Several compounds are currently under investigation in clinical trials and showed high antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Recently, Phase III studies for two protease inhibitors, telaprevir and boceprevir, each given in combination with pegylated interferon (standard of care [SOC]), were completed. In HCV-genotype-1-infected patients, the addition of telaprevir or boceprevir to SOC increased sustained virological response rates from <50% to >70%. Nucleoside/nucleotide inhibitors of the HCV NS5B polymerase have shown antiviral activity against different HCV genotypes, and have a higher barrier to resistance than protease inhibitors. In addition, several allosteric binding sites have been identified for non-nucleoside inhibitors of the NS5B polymerase. Inhibitors of NS5A are potentially active against all HCV genotypes. Among the different host cell-targeting compounds, cyclophilin inhibitors have shown promising results. Future hope lies in the combination of direct-acting antiviral agents with the possibility of interferon-free treatment regimens.
La fraude de Bernardo Cutica, agent par nécessité et négociant par aspiration dans la Trieste du XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Panariti Loredana
Published: May 2012

Résumé La profession d’agent commercial au XVIII e siècle à Trieste est mal connue car les marchands eux-mêmes étaient très souvent engagés à la fois dans leurs propres activités commerciales ou productives et dans la représentation dans la cité d’autres maisons de commerce. En raison de ces partiularités, seul le commerce à grande distance permettait de distinguer les représentants d’autres marchands ou les véritables agents commerciaux. Rassemblés dans une sorte de corporation, reconnue par l’administration impériale à Vienne, les membres de ce groupe bénéficiaient d’exemptions douanières et d’autres facilités ; ils comprenaient les marchands typiques du monde préindustriel qui s’adonnaient au commerce, aux activités financières et à l’assurance et investissaient dans la manufacture et l’artisanat. Nous connaissons seulement le nom de quelques-uns de ces agents. En revanche, nous avons beaucoup de documents relatifs à Bernardo Cutica, qui a quitté Buda pour Trieste afin de suivre les affaires de la maison de commerce Brentano Cimaroli e Venino. En fait, les documents accessibles aujourd’hui qui ont trait aux longues poursuites contre lui pour vol et fraude autorisent une étude approfondie de sa vie et de son action. Cet article cerne d’abord la ville et les marchands jusqu’à la seconde moitié du XVIII e siècle. Il présente ensuite les hauts et les bas de la vie de Cutica, sa formation et sa position, ses activités professionnelles, et les relie au processus de création à Trieste d’un capital social fondé sur la confiance.
Le représentant et le Roquefort de la Société des Caves (1851-1914)
Authors: Vabre Sylvie
Published: May 2012

Résumé De 1851, date de sa création, à 1914, la Société des Caves et des Producteurs Réunis de Roquefort – aujourd’hui bien connue sous le nom de Roquefort Société – se dote d’un réseau commercial étoffé : limité à une personne à l’origine, il atteint 146 représentants, dont 31 localisés à l’étranger, à la veille de la Grande Guerre. Vendre du roquefort est une tâche qui demande de multiples compétences mais le résultat collectif obtenu par cette armée de commerciaux est à la hauteur : un réseau national est construit dès les années 1880 et le fromage est exporté. Il serait trop court toutefois de limiter l’épopée de ces hommes payés à la commission à des succès commerciaux. Ils sont aussi une force de transformation de l’entreprise et du produit.
Applications des concordanciers à l'enseignement de la grammaire anglaise en DEUG
Authors: Rézeau Joseph
Published: May 2012

Les programmes de recherche des collocations des mots d'une langue sont récemment devenus conviviaux et abordables ; les corpus de textes sous forme numérique existent. L'utilisation didactique de ces outils reste néanmoins marginale ou épisodique. Cet article donne des exemples concrets et commentés d'application des concordanciers à l'enseignement de la grammaire anglaise à l'université et une ébauche de typologie d'exercices.
Methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH) in urban, suburban and rural atmosphere: ambient concentration, budget, and contribution to the atmospheric oxidizing capacity
Authors: Zhang X. , He S. Z. , Chen Z. M. , Zhao Y. , Hua W.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Methyl hydroperoxide (MHP), one of the most important organic peroxides in the atmosphere, contributes to the tropospheric oxidizing capacity either directly as an oxidant or indirectly as a free radical precursor. In this study we report measurements of MHP from seven field campaigns at urban, suburban and rural sites in China in winter 2007 and summer 2006/2007/2008. MHP was usually present in the order of several hundreds of pptv level, but the average mixing ratios have shown a wide range depending on the season and measuring site. Primary sources and sinks of MHP are investigated to understand the impact of meteorological and chemical parameters on the atmospheric MHP budget. The MHP/(MHP+H2O2) ratio is also presented here to examine different sensitivities of MHP and H2O2 to certain atmospheric processes. The diurnal cycle of MHP/(MHP+H2O2), which is out of phase with the diurnal cycle of both H2O2 and MHP, could imply that MHP production is more sensitive to the ambient NO concentration, while H2O2 is more strongly influenced by the wet deposition and the subsequent aqueous chemistry. It is interesting to note that our observation at urban Beijing site in winter 2007 provides evidence for the occasional transport of MHP-containing air masses from the marine boundary layer to the continent. Highly constrained box model is performed to study the influence of MHP on the free radical cycle. The simulation shows that MHP has a significant impact on the CH3O2 racial budget in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the contribution of MHP as an atmospheric oxidant to the overall tropospheric oxidizing capacity is also assessed based on the "Counter Species" concept.
More about arc-polarized structures in the solar wind
Authors: Haaland S. , Sonnerup B. , Paschmann G.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. We report results from a Cluster-based study of the properties of 28 arc-polarized magnetic structures (also called rotational discontinuities) in the solar wind. These Alfvénic events were selected from the database created and analyzed by Knetter (2005) by use of criteria chosen to eliminate ambiguous cases. His studies showed that standard, four-spacecraft timing analysis in most cases lacks sufficient accuracy to identify the small normal magnetic field components expected to accompany such structures, leaving unanswered the question of their existence. Our study aims to break this impasse. By careful application of minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field (MVAB) from each individual spacecraft, we show that, in most cases, a small but significantly non-zero magnetic field component was present in the direction perpendicular to the discontinuity. In the very few cases where this component was found to be large, examination revealed that MVAB had produced an unusual and unexplained orientation of the normal vector. On the whole, MVAB shows that many verifiable rotational discontinuities (Bn ≠ 0) exist in the solar wind and that their eigenvalue ratio (EVR = intermediate/minimum variance) can be extremely large (up to EVR = 400). Each of our events comprises four individual spacecraft crossings. The events include 17 ion-polarized cases and 11 electron-polarized ones. Fifteen of the ion events have widths ranging from 9 to 21 ion inertial lengths, with two outliers at 46 and 54. The electron-polarized events are generally thicker: nine cases fall in the range 20–71 ion inertial lengths, with two outliers at 9 and 13. In agreement with theoretical predictions from a one-dimensional, ideal, Hall-MHD description (Sonnerup et al., 2010), the ion-polarized events show a small depression in field magnitude, while the electron-polarized ones tend to show a small enhancement. This effect was also predicted by Wu and Lee (2000). Judging only from the sense of the plasma flow across our DDs, their propagation appears to be sunward as often as anti-sunward. However, we argue that this result can be misleading as a consequence of the possible presence of magnetic islands within the DDs. How the rotational discontinuities come into existence, how they evolve with time, and what roles they play in the solar wind remain open questions.
From existing in situ, high-resolution measurement technologies to lab-on-a-chip – the future of water quality monitoring?
Authors: Wade A. J. , Palmer-Felgate E. J. , Halliday S. J. , Skeffington R. A. , Loewenthal M. , Jarvie H. P. , Bowes M. J. , Greenway G. M. , Haswell S. J. , Bell I. M. , Joly E. , Fallatah A. , Neal C. , Williams R. J. , Gozzard E. , Newman J. R.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. This paper introduces new insights into the hydrochemical functioning of lowland river-systems using field-based spectrophotometric and electrode technologies. The streamwater concentrations of nitrogen species and phosphorus fractions were measured at hourly intervals on a continuous basis at two contrasting sites on tributaries of the River Thames, one draining a rural catchment, the River Enborne, and one draining a more urban system, The Cut. The measurements complement those from an existing network of multi-parameter water quality sondes maintained across the Thames catchment and weekly monitoring based on grab samples. The results of the sub-daily monitoring show that streamwater phosphorus concentrations display highly complex, seemingly chaotic, dynamics under storm conditions dependent on the antecedent catchment wetness, and that diurnal phosphorus and nitrogen cycles occur under low flow conditions. The diurnal patterns highlight the dominance of sewage inputs in controlling the streamwater phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations at low flows, even at a distance of 7 km from the nearest sewage works in the rural, River Enborne, and that the time of sample collection is important when judging water quality against ecological thresholds or standards. An exhaustion of the supply of phosphorus from diffuse and septic tank sources during storm events was evident and load estimation was not improved by sub-daily monitoring beyond that achieved by daily sampling because of the eventual reduction in the phosphorus mass entering the stream during events. The dominance of respiration over photosynthesis in The Cut indicated a prevalence of heterotrophic algae, and the seasonal patterns in respiration and photosynthesis corresponded with those of temperature and light in this nutrient over-enriched stream. These results highlight the utility of sub-daily water quality measurements but the deployment of modified wet-chemistry technologies into the field was limited by mains electricity availability. A new approach is therefore needed to allow measurement of a wide range of analytes at a broader range of locations for the development of water quality web-sensor networks. The development and field deployment of a miniaturised "lab-on-a-chip" ion chromatograph is proposed and justified.
Multicomponent Physical Vapor Deposited Films with Homogeneous Molecular Material Distribution Featuring Improved Resist Sensitivity
Authors: Kolb Tristan , Neuber Christian , Krysak Marie , Ober Christopher K. , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: May 2012

Each film preparation technique affects the physical properties of the resulting coating and thus defines its applicability in modern device construction. In this context solvent based spin coated and solvent‐free physical vapor deposited molecular glass photoresist films are systematically investigated for their dissolution behavior, sensitivity, and overall lithographic performance. These investigations demonstrate that the solvent‐free physical vapor deposition leads to a marked increase in sensitivity. This could be explained by the individual molecule by molecule deposition step producing a more homogeneous distribution of the multicomponent resist system, especially the photoacid generator. In addition, this assumption is supported by former published simulations focusing on aggregate formation within thin films. This work demonstrates that the lithographic sensitivity of multicomponent resist system is an intrinsic parameter to investigate molecular material distribution and indicates that the applied film preparation technique is crucial for the corresponding performance and applicability.
Interfacial Reaction‐Directed Synthesis of Ce–Mn Binary Oxide Nanotubes and Their Applications in CO Oxidation and Water Treatment
Authors: Chen Guozhu , Rosei Federico , Ma Dongling
Published: May 2012

Interfacial oxidation–reduction reaction is herein developed to prepare hollow binary oxide nanostructures. Ce–Mn nanotubes are fabricated by treating Ce(OH)CO3 templates with KMnO4 aqueous solution, where MnO4− is reduced to manganese oxide and the Ce3+ in Ce(OH)CO3 is simultaneously oxidized to form cerium oxide, followed by selective wash with HNO3. The resulting Ce–Mn binary oxide nanotubes exhibit high catalytic activity towards CO oxidation and show significant adsorption capacity of Congo red. Moreover, guided by the same interfacial‐reaction principle, binary oxide hollow nanostructures with different shapes and compositions are synthesized. Specifically, hollow Ce–Mn binary oxide cubes, and Co‐Mn and Ce‐Fe binary oxide hollow nanostructures are achieved by changing the shape of the Ce(OH)CO3 templates from rods to cubes, by changing the tempates from Ce(OH)CO3 nanorods to Co(CO3)0.35Cl0.20(OH)1.10 nanowires, and by replacing the oxidant of KMnO4 with another strong one, K2FeO4, respectively. This work is expected to open a new, simple avenue for the general synthesis of hollow binary oxide nanostructures.
Aquaporin 4‐specific T cells in neuromyelitis optica exhibit a Th17 bias and recognize Clostridium ABC transporter
Authors: Varrin‐Doyer Michel , Spencer Collin M. , Schulze‐Topphoff Ulf , Nelson Patricia A. , Stroud Robert M. , C. Cree Bruce A. , Zamvil Scott S.
Published: May 2012

Objective:

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4)‐specific autoantibodies in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, a T cell‐dependent Ig subclass, indicating that AQP4‐specific T cells participate in NMO pathogenesis. Our goal was to identify and characterize AQP4‐specific T cells in NMO patients and healthy controls (HC).

Methods:

Peripheral blood T cells from NMO patients and HC were examined for recognition of AQP4 and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Monocytes were evaluated for production of T cell‐polarizing cytokines and expression of costimulatory molecules.

Results:

T cells from NMO patients and HC proliferated to intact AQP4 or AQP4 peptides (p11–30, p21–40, p61–80, p131–150, p156–170, p211–230, and p261–280). T cells from NMO patients demonstrated greater proliferation to AQP4 than those from HC, and responded most vigorously to p61–80, a naturally processed immunodominant determinant of intact AQP4. T cells were CD4+, and corresponding to association of NMO with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1*0301 and DRB3, AQP4 p61–80‐specific T cells were HLA‐DR restricted. The T‐cell epitope within AQP4 p61–80 was mapped to 63–76, which contains 10 residues with 90% homology to a sequence within Clostridium perfringens adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter permease. T cells from NMO patients proliferated to this homologous bacterial sequence, and cross‐reactivity between it and self‐AQP4 was observed, supporting molecular mimicry. In NMO, AQP4 p61–80‐specific T cells exhibited Th17 polarization, and furthermore, monocytes produced more interleukin 6, a Th17‐polarizing cytokine, and expressed elevated CD40 and CD80 costimulatory molecules, suggesting innate immunologic dysfunction.

Interpretation:

AQP4‐specific T‐cell responses are amplified in NMO, exhibit a Th17 bias, and display cross‐reactivity to a protein of an indigenous intestinal bacterium, providing new perspectives for investigating NMO pathogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2012;