bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser sintering effects on the physical properties and structure of 0.94(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-0.06LiTaO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Ji Lingfei , Jiang Yijian , Gao Yi , Du Xinyu
Published: August 2009

Taking laser as the heat source for ceramic sintering, 0.94K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.06LiTaO3 ceramics with unique physical properties were prepared. Fine ferroelectric properties with remnant polarization of 18 μC/cm2 and coercive field of 18.8 kV/cm were obtained. The piezoelectric properties and density of the ceramics were d33∼120 pC/N, kp∼36.6%, TC∼420 °C, and ρ∼4.125 g/cm3. The shift of the two phase transition temperatures (tetragonal-orthorhombic phase transition temperature TO-T shifting to 100 °C from 190 °C while Curie temperature Tc shifting to 420 from 394 °C) in laser-sintered ceramics reflects large structure distortion of phase transition and Li+ substitution of high temperature phase. Orientation degree of the texture structure based on anisometric grains of submicron diameter in the ceramics was 23%. The texture structure corresponding to the fine ferroelectric properties was resulted from the mass transform in liquid phase and strictly heating directivity of laser irradiation. O2 discharge through coaxial nozzle takes some actions like O2 annealing and effectively suppression on the volatilization of Na2O during laser sintering. Lager substitution of Li+ leads to the presence of small amount of K3Li2Nb5O15 phase damaging in d33. By analysis of the sintering effects on the properties and structure evolution, laser sintering was shown as a promising method in preparation of functional ceramics with excellent and applicable physical properties, compared to a traditional furnace sintering method.
Laser welding of galvanized DP980 steel assisted by the GTAW preheating in a gap-free lap joint configuration
Authors: Yang Shanglu , Kovacevic Radovan
Published: August 2009

With the increasing need for reducing the vehicle’s weight, improving fuel efficiency and safety, as well as the corrosion resistance, more and more galvanized high-strength steels have been used in the automotive industry. However, the successful laser welding of galvanized steels in gap-free lap joint configuration is still a big challenge. The high-pressurized zinc vapor is readily developed at the interface of the two metal sheets due to the lower boiling point of zinc (around 906 °C) than the melting point of steel (over 1300 °C). The failure of mitigating the high-pressurized zinc vapor at the interface leads to the formation of different weld defects such as the spatters and blowholes, which not only damage the weld surface quality but also deteriorate the mechanical properties of welds. Until now, there is no open literature on successfully obtained the defect-free welds of galvanized high-strength steels by using only laser welding. In this paper, a new welding procedure based on using GTAW as an auxiliary preheating source with a fiber laser as a main heat source is introduced. The controlled heat management during the preheating by GTAW will transform the zinc coating at the top surface of galvanized DP 980 steel metal sheet into the zinc oxides, which will dramatically improve the coupling of the laser power to the welded material. By the formation of the zinc oxides generated by the preheating of GTAW, the keyhole is readily formed, which provides the weld with a full penetration and allows the high-pressurized zinc vapor at the interface to be vented out through the keyhole. The completely defect-free laser welds have been obtained by using this welding method. Furthermore, a charge-coupled device video camera with the frame rate of 30 frames per second is used to on-line monitor the molten pool. By the analysis of the molten pool images, it is revealed that when the welding process is stable, the keyhole is kept open. However, the keyhole is readily collapsed when the welding process is unstable. In addition, the microhardness and tensile shear tests are carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of laser welded joints. It is demonstrated that the welds of high strength are obtained in the laser welds.
Pulsed laser deposition of lanthanum phosphate protective films
Authors: Sinha Sucharita , Kutty T. R. G. , Padmanabhan P. V. A. , Warrier K. G. K.
Published: August 2009

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique has been successfully employed to generate thin film coating of lanthanum phosphate on various substrates. Sintered targets of lanthanum phosphate were ablated using pulsed Nd:YAG laser radiation. Although, coatings generated by PLD on polished stainless steel substrates, as well as on optically polished quartz samples were found to be uniform and having good homogeneity, the coatings had poor adhesion characteristics with the substrate surface. However, PLD based coating on surface treated stainless steel substrates (either sandblasted or having a pre-coating of NiCrAlY alloy) showed strong bonding with the substrate surface. Structural investigation of the deposited films under scanning electron microscope revealed high level of homogeneity and absence of porosity. PLD based thin film coatings of lanthanum phosphate were observed to be superior in terms of their microstructural characteristics in comparison to plasma based coatings that had a distinctly higher level of residual porosity. Our results suggest that a combination of a thick plasma based coating followed by a PLD based thin overcoat, both of lanthanum phosphates, would result in an effective protective coating that is dense enough to accomplish the function of isolating the substrate from a corrosive environment. Such coatings when deposited on the inside of crucibles would facilitate containment of liquid uranium and other such corrosive liquids.
Is There a de Facto National Intended Curriculum? Evidence From State Content Standards
Authors: Porter Andrew C. , Polikoff Morgan S. , Smithson John
Published: August 2009

State content standards are the backbone of the standards-based reform movement. Content standards provide teachers with a set of guidelines for what students are expected to know and be able to do, defining the intended curriculum. And although the current 50-state system of education gives each state the task of setting content standards, there has been little empirical investigation of the similarities and differences among state content standards. This analysis uses the content analysis procedures of the Council of Chief State School Officers/State Collaboratives on Assessment and State Standards to consider whether there exists a de facto national curriculum as defined in state content standards. Data from English/language arts and reading (ELAR), science, and mathematics for Grades 4, 8, and K–8 are used. Results suggest considerable variability among states in the content of content standards, particularly in individual grades, but also for the aggregated standards. Further analysis suggests that state standards are no more well aligned to national professional standards (i.e., National Science Education, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) than to other states’ standards. Still, there exists a small “core curriculum” across states in each content area. The level of focus of the state standards varies substantially across states, and the redundancy of the standards is such that alignment within state, across grades is often as high as alignment within grade, across states. Policy implications are briefly discussed.
How External Interveners Leverage Large-Scale Change: The Case of America’s Choice, 1998–2003
Authors: Glazer Joshua L.
Published: August 2009

This article discusses a dilemma that confronts reformers who seek to improve the education system yet operate from a position outside that system. On one hand, "external" reformers have found that the implementation of school-level programs is attenuated by a lack of coherence and support in schools' environment. Districts and states often enact policies and pursue initiatives that are not consistent with the aims and practices of intervention designs. On the other hand, when reformers redraw the boundaries of their operations to include districts and states, they are beset with an array of new problems inherent in such partnerships. The current discussion explores the dynamics of this dilemma by examining the experience of the America's Choice School Design between the years 1998 and 2003. The discussion concludes by arguing that while interveners cannot ignore schools' environments, their efforts to gain leverage on them will never be more than partially effective.
To Choose or not to Choose: High School Choice and Graduation in Chicago
Authors: Lauen Douglas Lee
Published: August 2009

School choice reforms have been proposed as ways to enhance efficiency, equity, and effectiveness in education. This study examines the consequences of participating in public high school choice in Chicago, a city with a wide variety of choice programs, including career academies, charter schools, magnet schools, and selective test-based college prep high schools. The analysis uses population-level administrative and survey data on all public school eighth graders enrolled in Chicago to estimate the effect of school choice participation on on-time graduation propensity (i.e., in 4 years). Techniques employed to estimate this effect include propensity score, catchment area fixed effects, and multilevel analysis. Results suggest that there is a modest positive graduation benefit from exercising school choice. There are no racial/ethnic differences in the choice benefit, but low-achieving students benefit less from high school choice than high-achieving students. In addition, students in high-poverty neighborhoods gain less from exercising choice than do students in low-poverty neighborhoods. These findings call into question the extent to which school choice enhances equity for low-achieving students and students in high-poverty neighborhoods.
Registration of ‘Cataldo’ Wheat
Authors: Chen J. , Souza E. J. , Zemetra R. S. , Bosque-Pérez N. A. , Guttieri M. J. , Schotzko D. , O'brien K. L. , Windes J. M. , Guy S. O. , Brown B. D. , Chen X. M.
Published: August 2009

‘Cataldo’ (Reg. No. CV‐1033, PI 642361) is a soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) developed by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station and released in spring 2007. Cataldo was tested under experimental numbers A02215S‐B‐1 and IDO642 and has the pedigree of IDO584/4*‘Alturas’. IDO584 carries a new source of resistance to Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)], the gene H25, originally derived from KS92WGRC 20. Cataldo was released for its novel Hessian fly resistance, conferred by the gene H25 The resistance was selected using molecular markers Xgwm610 and Xgwm397 associated with the H25 gene, together with phenotypic testing. Cataldo was released to extend the range of the Alturas genetic background into rainfed production regions of northern Idaho and eastern Washington where Hessian fly is a consistent limitation to production. Cataldo is also earlier and shorter than Alturas and has high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks.) and end‐use quality (cookie and Asian noodles) similar to Alturas.
Registration of Great Northern Common Bean Cultivar ‘Coyne’ with Enhanced Disease Resistance to Common Bacterial Blight and Bean Rust
Authors: Urrea Carlos A. , Steadman J. R. , Pastor-Corrales M. A. , Lindgren D. T. , Venegas J. P.
Published: August 2009

Great northern common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) ‘Coyne’ (Reg. No. CV‐287, PI 655574) was developed by the dry bean breeding program at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division and released in 2008. It was bred specifically for adaptation to Nebraska growing conditions and for enhanced resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB), a major disease of common bean caused by the seed‐borne bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Smith) Dye, and bean common rust Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.:Pers) Unger. Coyne is a great northern F7:8 line derived from a three‐way cross (G95023/Weihing//BelMiNeb‐RMR‐11). The first cross was made in winter 2003. The F7:8 was tested in advanced yield trials at Scottsbluff and Mitchell, NE, and in growers' fields in Nebraska. Yield of Coyne was only 47 kg ha−1 lower than ‘Marquis’ in Morrill and Scotts Bluff, NE, counties. Reaction of Coyne to CBB under field conditions was consistent across 3 yr at the West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE, where field disease ratings of 3.2, 3.5, and 4.4 were recorded in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. Coyne has the Ur‐3 and Ur‐6 genes for resistance to common bean rust and carries the single dominant hypersensitive I gene that provides resistance to all non‐necrotic strains of Bean common mosaic virus Coyne has bright white seed, blooms 44 d after planting, and is a midseason bean, maturing 91 d after planting.
Registration of ‘Fuji’ Otebo Bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Varner Gregory V. , Roman Belinda , Long Brian
Published: August 2009

‘Fuji’ Otebo bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. No. CV‐289, PI 656392), developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, was released in 2008 as a new early‐season, virus‐resistant cultivar. Fuji was developed as a fourth backcross line from the commercial cultivar Hime. Fuji differs from Hime in possessing resistance to Bean common mosaic virus. In comparative trials, Fuji is similar to Hime in performance (2406 kg ha−1), plant height (43 cm), lodging resistance (2.2), and seed size (27.6 g 100 seed−1). Fuji flowers in 43 d and matures in 90 d 3 d earlier than Hime. Fuji and Hime possess the same determinate growth habit and resistance to race 73 of anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Lams.‐Scrib.]. Fuji meets the quality characteristics for use in sweet bean paste.
Registration of ‘Whit’ Wheat
Authors: Kidwell K. K. , Shelton G. B. , DeMacon V. L. , Kuehner J. S. , Baik B. , Engle D. A. , Bosque-Pérez N. A. , Burke A. , Carter A. H. , Chen X. M.
Published: August 2009

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici) resistance is an essential trait for spring wheat cultivars produced in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The objective of this research was to develop an adapted spring wheat cultivar with high levels of resistance to stripe rust. ‘Whit’ (Reg. No. CV‐1034, PI 653841) soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released in July 2008 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Whit was tested under the experimental designations SW2K067, S0300100U, and WA008008, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Whit is an intermediate‐height semidwarf cultivar adapted to the intermediate to high rainfall (>380 mm of average annual precipitation), nonirrigated wheat production regions of Washington and Idaho. Whit is resistant to the Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)], has high‐temperature, adult‐plant resistance to local races of stripe rust, is intermediate in height, is early maturing, and has high grain yield potential. Whit is a partial waxy variety with end‐use quality properties similar or superior to ‘Louise’, ‘Alpowa’, and ‘Alturas’.
Registration of ‘Kelse’ Wheat
Authors: Kidwell K. K. , Shelton G. B. , DeMacon V. L. , Chen X. M. , Kuehner J. S. , Baik B. , Engle D. A. , Carter A. H. , Bosque-Pérez N. A.
Published: August 2009

Hard red spring (HRS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain must have high grain protein concentration (GPC) to maximize market value. The objective of this research was to develop a HRS wheat cultivar with high GPC and durable resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici), a major foliar fungal disease problem of spring wheat. ‘Kelse’ (Reg. No. CV‐1035, PI 653842) HRS wheat was developed and released in July 2008 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Kelse was tested under the experimental designations of WA007954, H0100092, and HR98036, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Kelse is a semidwarf cultivar adapted to the intermediate‐to‐high rainfall (>380 mm average annual precipitation), nonirrigated wheat production regions of Washington State. Kelse was released based on its (i) resistance to the Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)], (ii) high‐temperature, adult‐plant resistance (HTAP) to local races of stripe rust (infection type 0–3), (iii) high GPC, (iv) excellent bread‐baking quality, and (v) high grain yield potential in the target production region. Kelse is the first HRS wheat cultivar adapted to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with HTAP resistance to stripe rust. Based on molecular marker analysis, Kelse has the Lr34/Yr18 and Lr37/Yr17/Sr38 gene clusters for rust resistance. Kelse also has exceptionally high GPC compared with HRS cultivars currently in production.
Registration of Steele‐ND/ND 735 Wheat Recombinant Inbred Lines Mapping Population
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Singh Pawan K. , Frohberg Richard C. , Kianian Shahryar F. , Ghavami Farhad , Hossain Khwaja , Adhikari Tika B. , Harilal Vibin E. , Simsek Senay
Published: August 2009

Steele‐ND/ND 735 (Reg. No. MP‐1, NSL 462030), a hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (HRSW) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population, was developed and released by the North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, ND, in 2008. This mapping population is composed of 129 F2:9 RILs. The Steele‐ND/ND 735 RILs population has been used extensively to study the genetics of resistance to tan spot [caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechs.], Stagonospora nodorum blotch [caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum (E. Müller) Hedjarroud], Septoria tritici blotch [caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fückl) J. Schröt. in Cohn], and Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) and to map the resistance genes and quantitative trait loci underlying the above traits. The genetic marker data encompass hundreds of polymorphic Diversity Array Technology (DArT) and simple sequence repeats markers that were collected at Diversity Arrays Technology, Yarralumla, Australia, and NDSU, respectively.
Registration of ‘Busby’ Barley
Authors: Juskiw P. E. , Helm J. H. , Oro M. , Nyachiro J. M. , Salmon D. F.
Published: August 2009

‘Busby’ (Reg. No. CV‐343, PI 656596; CFIA Reg. No. 6540; Canadian PBR Appl. No. 08‐6470) is a two‐rowed, hulled, spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) developed at the Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC), Lacombe, AB, Canada. Busby was tested in FCDC trials as H94034003 from 2001 to 2005 and in Prairie Recommending Committee for Oat and Barley trials as TR06673 during 2006 and 2007. It was registered for production in western Canada due to its good combination of yield, agronomic performance, grain quality traits, and disease resistance. Busby is resistant to the surface‐borne smuts (caused by Ustilago spp.) and moderately resistant to the spot form of net blotch (caused by Pyrenophora teres forma maculate Smedge). Busby has shown reactions to scald [caused by Rhynchosporium secalis (Oudem.) J.J. Davis] similar to the two‐rowed cultivar Seebe that has proven to have durable resistance in Alberta, Canada.
Smoking Determinants in Turkish University Students
Authors: Celikel Feryal C. , Celikel Serhat , Erkorkmaz Unal
Published: August 2009

The aim was to explore the prevalence and the correlates of smoking in a group of Turkish university students. A sample of 1,870 students (21.2 ± 2.0 years old) completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Smoking was highly prevalent (35.9%) in this sample. Male gender (OR = 2.72, CI 2.15-3.44), and parental smoking (OR = 1.41, CI 1.13-1.78) were factors associated with increased likelihood of smoking. Higher depressive symptoms and hopelessness levels were significantly related to smoking behavior. Smoking behavior might initiate as a mild and transient habit and unfortunately could become more serious and lead to an actual dependence. The results of this study show that it is necessary to pay attention to levels of depression and hopelessness, as well as parental influence.
Correction: Meulenberg, E. P. Phenolics: Occurrence and Immunochemical Detection in Environment and Food. Molecules 2009, 14, 439-473
Authors: Meulenberg Eline  P.
Published: August 2009

In the original published version of this paper [1], there are two repeated refs. 134 in the reference list.[...]
Synthesis and Theoretical Study of Molecularly Imprinted Nanospheres for Recognition of Tocopherols
Authors: Piacham Theeraphon , Nantasenamat Chanin , Suksrichavalit Thummaruk , Puttipanyalears Charoenchai , Pissawong Tippawan , Maneewas Supanee , Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya Chartchalerm , Prachayasittikul Virapong
Published: August 2009

Molecular imprinting is a technology that facilitates the production of artificial receptors toward compounds of interest. The molecularly imprinted polymers act as artificial antibodies, artificial receptors, or artificial enzymes with the added benefit over their biological counterparts of being highly durable. In this study, we prepared molecularly imprinted polymers for the purpose of binding specifically to tocopherol (vitamin E) and its derivative, tocopherol acetate. Binding of the imprinted polymers to the template was found to be two times greater than that of the control, non-imprinted polymers, when using only 10 mg of polymers. Optimization of the rebinding solvent indicated that ethanol-water at a molar ratio of 6:4 (v/v) was the best solvent system as it enhanced the rebinding performance of the imprinted polymers toward both tocopherol and tocopherol acetate with a binding capacity of approximately 2 mg/g of polymer. Furthermore, imprinted nanospheres against tocopherol was successfully prepared by precipitation polymerization with ethanol-water at a molar ratio of 8:2 (v/v) as the optimal rebinding solvent. Computer simulation was also performed to provide mechanistic insights on the binding mode of template-monomer complexes. Such polymers show high potential for industrial and medical applications, particularly for selective separation of tocopherol and derivatives.
Structural Characterization of Calcium Alginate Matrices by Means of Mechanical and Release Tests
Authors: Grassi Mario , Sandolo Chiara , Perin Danilo , Coviello Tommasina , Lapasin Romano , Grassi Gabriele
Published: August 2009

In this paper we have concentrated on the characterization of calcium alginate hydrogels loaded with a model drug (myoglobin) by means of a mechanical approach; in addition, release tests of myoglobin from alginate hydrogels were performed. At a fixed temperature, relaxation tests (mechanical study) were carried out on matrices constituted by different polymer concentrations. The interpretation of the relaxation behavior of the different matrices was conducted using the generalized Maxwell model; as a result of this investigation it was possible to conclude that for polymer concentrations greater than 0.5 g/ 100 mL the matrices behaved as solid materials. In addition, it was observed that the mechanical properties of the matrices increased with polymer concentration. With regard to the release tests, the diffusion coefficient of myoglobin in the matrix in relation to polymer concentrations was determined. The mechanical and release data where then analyzed by Flory’s theory and by a modified free-volume theory, respectively, to estimate the network mesh size ξ. The comparison between the mesh sizes obtained by the two approaches showed a satisfactory agreement for polymer concentrations greater than 0.5 g/100 mL. It should be noted that the approach proposed here to determine the polymeric network meshes is absolutely general and can be advantageously applied to the characterization of other similar polymeric systems.
Asymmetric Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Indole with Chalcones Catalyzed by Chiral Phosphoric Acids
Authors: Scettri Arrigo , Villano Rosaria , Acocella Maria  Rosaria
Published: August 2009

The reaction of indole with chalcones, to give Michael-type adducts, was found to occur with good efficiency (up to 98% yield) and moderate enantioselectivity (up to 52% e.e.) in the presence of a chiral BINOL-based phosphoric acid. Furthermore, the alkylation products can be obtained in much higher e.e.s after one only crystallization.
A Comparison of RBF Neural Network Training Algorithms for Inertial Sensor Based Terrain Classification
Authors: Kurban Tuba , Beşdok Erkan
Published: August 2009

This paper introduces a comparison of training algorithms of radial basis function (RBF) neural networks for classification purposes. RBF networks provide effective solutions in many science and engineering fields. They are especially popular in the pattern classification and signal processing areas. Several algorithms have been proposed for training RBF networks. The Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is a new, very simple and robust population based optimization algorithm that is inspired by the intelligent behavior of honey bee swarms. The training performance of the ABC algorithm is compared with the Genetic algorithm, Kalman filtering algorithm and gradient descent algorithm. In the experiments, not only well known classification problems from the UCI repository such as the Iris, Wine and Glass datasets have been used, but also an experimental setup is designed and inertial sensor based terrain classification for autonomous ground vehicles was also achieved. Experimental results show that the use of the ABC algorithm results in better learning than those of others.
Grading the Surgical Difficulty of Cataract Phacoemulsification
Authors: Galan Alessandro , Tavolato Marco , Babighian Silvia
Published: August 2009

Background and Objective:

To propose a new grading system to preoperatively evaluate the difficulty of phacoemulsification surgery according to the anatomic condition of a patient's eye.

Patients and Methods:

In this prospective case series, a grading system covering the entire cataract spectrum was developed and field-tested in 400 consecutive patients undergoing phacoemulsification. For each eye, nine anatomic parameters were evaluated and a level of severity was assigned. The system identifies five levels of surgical difficulty based on the combined degree of severity of each parameter considered.

Results:

Preoperative score and intraoperative difficulty closely corresponded in the first 400 test cases. Analysis using the Fleiss-Cohen kappa coefficient showed substantial agreement between preoperative and intraoperative scores (k value = 0.76; 95% confidence interval = 0.71 to 0.81).

Conclusion:

A grading system of the preoperative difficulties of each phacoemulsification procedure is provided. This system is easy to complete and interpret and can be transmitted to the surgeon, patient, and anyone who may subsequently examine the case.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:361–365.]
Photodynamic Therapy for Iatrogenic CNV Due to Laser Photocoagulation in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Çakir Mehmet , Çekiç Osman , Yilmaz Ömer F.
Published: August 2009

The authors report the result of photodynamic therapy for iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization from focal argon laser photocoagulation in a case with central serous chorioretinopathy. A 45-year-old woman who developed choroidal neovascularization after focal argon laser photocoagulation for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy was treated with ocular photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Choroidal neovascularization became inactive clinically a month after photodynamic therapy. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography demonstrated the resolved choroidal neovascularization. Baseline visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/20 after photodynamic therapy. The patient's condition remained stable 2 years postoperatively. Photodynamic therapy was beneficial for the outcome of iatrogenic choroidal neovascularization that developed after laser treatment for longstanding central serous chorioretinopathy.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:405-408.]
Retinal Vascular Tumor and Peripheral Retinal Vasculitis in the Setting of Systemic Tuberculosis
Authors: Leng Theodore , Schefler Amy C. , Murray Timothy G.
Published: August 2009

Tuberculosis commonly affects the eye by causing neovascularization, peripheral vasculitis, and choroidal tubercles. The authors describe a 28-year-old man with systemic tuberculosis who presented with a retinal vascular tumor, peripheral retinal vasculitis, retinal neovascularization, and vitreous hemorrhage causing acute vision loss. He was successfully treated with systemic anti-tuberculosis medications, retinal photocoagulation, and focal ablative diode laser to the tumor. Ophthalmologists should consider performing a purified protein derivative test and a chest x-ray for any patient with a history suspicious for tuberculosis who presents with a vascular tumor.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:409–412.]
IL-10 Is a Negative Regulatory Factor of CAWS-Vasculitis in CBA/J Mice as Assessed by Comparison with Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase-Deficient CBA/N Mice
Authors: Miura Noriko N. , Komai Motohiko , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Osada Naoki , Kameoka Yosuke , Suzuki Kazuo , Ohno Naohito
Published: August 2009

Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS), a mannoprotein-β-glucan complex obtained from the culture supernatant of C. albicans NBRC1385, exhibits vasculitis-inducing activity (CAWS-vasculitis) in mice. The sensitivity to CAWS-vasculitis varies greatly among mouse strains. This study examined the factors contributing to or inhibiting CAWS-vasculitis using CAWS-vasculitis-resistant CBA/J mice and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase-deficient CBA/N mice, which is a CAWS-vasculitis-sensitive strain that has the same origin as CBA/J mice. After stimulation with various kinds of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ was induced in CBA/N mice, whereas that of immunosuppressive IL-10 was induced in CAWS-vasculitis-resistant CBA/J mice. Furthermore, the production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, an endogenous matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, was observed in CBA/J mice. The results strongly suggest that the difference in the production of these cytokines is closely linked to the development of CAWS-vasculitis.
Stimulatory and Inhibitory Killer Ig-Like Receptor Molecules Are Expressed and Functional on Lupus T Cells
Authors: Basu Dhiman , Liu Ying , Wu Ailing , Yarlagadda Sushma , Gorelik Gabriela J. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Hewagama Anura , Hinderer Robert C. , Strickland Faith M. , Richardson Bruce C.
Published: August 2009

T cells from lupus patients have hypomethylated DNA and overexpress genes normally suppressed by DNA methylation that contribute to disease pathogenesis. We found that stimulatory and inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes are aberrantly overexpressed on experimentally demethylated T cells. We therefore asked if lupus T cells also overexpress KIR, and if the proteins are functional. T cells from lupus patients were found to overexpress KIR genes, and expression was proportional to disease activity. Abs to the stimulatory molecule KIR2DL4 triggered IFN-γ release by lupus T cells, and production was proportional to disease activity. Similarly, cross-linking the inhibitory molecule KIR3DL1 prevented the autoreactive macrophage killing that characterizes lupus T cells. These results indicate that aberrant T cell KIR expression may contribute to IFN overproduction and macrophage killing in human lupus, and they suggest that Abs to inhibitory KIR may be a treatment for this disease.
CXCR2-Dependent Mucosal Neutrophil Influx Protects against Colitis-Associated Diarrhea Caused by an Attaching/Effacing Lesion-Forming Bacterial Pathogen
Authors: Spehlmann Martina E. , Dann Sara M. , Hruz Petr , Hanson Elaine , McCole Declan F. , Eckmann Lars
Published: August 2009

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a major cause of diarrheal disease in young children, yet symptoms and duration are highly variable for unknown reasons. Citrobacter rodentium, a murine model pathogen that shares important functional features with EPEC, colonizes mice in colon and cecum and causes inflammation, but typically little or no diarrhea. We conducted genome-wide microarray studies to define mechanisms of host defense and disease in C. rodentium infection. A significant fraction of the genes most highly induced in the colon by infection encoded CXC chemokines, particularly CXCL1/2/5 and CXCL9/10, which are ligands for the chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR3, respectively. CD11b+ dendritic cells were the major producers of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL9, while CXCL2 was mainly induced in macrophages. Infection of gene-targeted mice revealed that CXCR3 had a significant but modest role in defense against C. rodentium, whereas CXCR2 had a major and indispensable function. CXCR2 was required for normal mucosal influx of neutrophils, which act as direct antibacterial effectors. Moreover, CXCR2 loss led to severe diarrhea and failure to express critical components of normal ion and fluid transport, including ATPase β2-subunit, CFTR, and DRA. The antidiarrheal functions were unique to CXCR2, since other immune defects leading to increased bacterial load and inflammation did not cause diarrhea. Thus, CXCR2-dependent processes, particularly mucosal neutrophil influx, not only contribute to host defense against C. rodentium, but provide protection against infection-associated diarrhea.
HLA-DR Alleles in Amyloid β-Peptide Autoimmunity: A Highly Immunogenic Role for the DRB1*1501 Allele
Authors: Zota Victor , Nemirovsky Anna , Baron Rona , Fisher Yair , Selkoe Dennis J. , Altmann Daniel M. , Weiner Howard L. , Monsonego Alon
Published: August 2009

Active amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) immunization of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) caused meningoencephalitis in ∼6% of immunized patients in a clinical trial. In addition, long-term studies of AD patients show varying degrees of Aβ Ab responses, which correlate with the extent of Aβ clearance from the brain. In this study, we examined the contribution of various HLA-DR alleles to these immune-response variations by assessing Aβ T cell reactivity, epitope specificity, and immunogenicity. Analysis of blood samples from 133 individuals disclosed that the abundant DR haplotypes DR15 (found in 36% of subjects), DR3 (in 18%), DR4 (12.5%), DR1 (11%), and DR13 (8%) were associated with Aβ-specific T cell responses elicited via distinct T cell epitopes within residues 15–42 of Aβ. Because the HLA-DRB1*1501 occurred most frequently, we examined the effect of Aβ challenge in humanized mice bearing this allele. The observed T cell response was remarkably strong, dominated by secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17, and specific to the same T cell epitope as that observed in the HLA-DR15-bearing humans. Furthermore, following long-term therapeutic immunization of an AD mouse model bearing the DRB1*1501 allele, Aβ was effectively cleared from the brain parenchyma and brain microglial activation was reduced. The present study thus characterizes HLA-DR alleles directly associated with specific Aβ T cell epitopes and demonstrates the highly immunogenic properties of the abundant allele DRB1*1501 in a mouse model of AD. This new knowledge enables us to explore the basis for understanding the variations in naturally occurring Aβ-reactive T cells and Aβ immunogenicity among humans.
Memory-Like CD8+ T Cells Generated during Homeostatic Proliferation Defer to Antigen-Experienced Memory Cells
Authors: Cheung Kitty P. , Yang Edward , Goldrath Ananda W.
Published: August 2009

Naive T cells proliferate in response to lymphopenia and acquire the phenotypic and functional qualities of memory T cells, providing enhanced protection against infection. How well memory-like T cells generated during lymphopenia-induced homeostatic proliferation (HP)-memory differentiate into secondary memory cells and compete with Ag-experienced true-memory cells is unknown. We found that CD8+ HP-memory T cells generated robust responses upon infection and produced a secondary memory population comparable to true-memory cells in the absence of competition. However, when true-memory and HP-memory T cells competed during infection, HP-memory cells contributed less to the effector population, contracted earlier, and formed fewer secondary memory cells. Furthermore, HP- and true-memory cells demonstrated distinct chemokine receptor expression and localization within the spleen during infection, indicating differential access to signals necessary for secondary memory formation. Thus, HP-memory T cells provide protection without compromising the true-memory population. Differences in HP- and true-memory T cells may reveal the basis of competition for limited resources within the memory-T cell compartment.
Phosphorylation of Nur77 by the MEK-ERK-RSK Cascade Induces Mitochondrial Translocation and Apoptosis in T Cells
Authors: Wang Aibo , Rud Jonathan , Olson Chris M. , Anguita Juan , Osborne Barbara A.
Published: August 2009

Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor, plays a key role in apoptosis in T cells. In cancer cell lines, Nur77 can induce apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, but the mechanism by which Nur77 kills T cells remains controversial. In this study, we provide biochemical, pharmacological, and genetic evidence demonstrating that Nur77 induces apoptosis through the activation of the intrinsic pathway in T cells. We also show that Nur77 is a physiological substrate of the MEK-ERK-RSK cascade. Specifically, we demonstrate that RSK phosphorylates Nur77 at serine 354 and this modulates Nur77 nuclear export and intracellular translocation during T cell death. Our data reveal that Nur77 phosphorylation and mitochondrial targeting, regulated by RSK, defines a role for the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 cascade in T cell apoptosis.
Towards a new natural theology based on horizontal transcendence
Authors: Du Toit Cornel W.
Published: August 2009

This article explores a context for designing a new natural theology. The starting point is that traditional developments in this regard, from Augustine to Aquinas, Paley, Boyle and Barth, do not get us much further. Our thinking reflects our world – a world which has changed dramatically under modern and postmodern influences, especially those of the sciences. A new natural theology is simply an account of nature and creatureliness with due regard to scientific advances. Consequently natural theology today must start ‘from below’ with a new anthropology that reflects the worldview of our time. As a result the article rejects absolute transcendence, replacing it with a horizontal transcendence that accords with humans’ biological makeup and with presentday scientific thinking. In the framework of horizontal transcendence the pivotal problem of the human condition is no longer death, but life. This has radical implications for theological thinking. The example used in the article is the impact this has on Paul’s theological method. Examples of theology centring on the problem of life are discussed briefly with reference to Girard, Žižek and Vattimo.
Die mens as deelname aan ‘n ‘geskonde en besete wêreld’ : C.K. Oberholzer, fenomenologie en Pretoria
Authors: Duvenage Pieter
Published: August 2009

Human participation in a scarred and frenzied world: C.K. Oberholzer, phenomenology and PretoriaThis article focuses on the living presence of phenomenology as an intellectual tradition at the University of Pretoria, and more specifically the role of C.K. Oberholzer (1904–1983) in creating a space for such reflection. The article consists of four (interrelated) parts: the founding years of philosophy at the University of Pretoria against the colonial backdrop of the British Empire, and the rise of Oberholzer under different circumstances in the 1930s; a succinct definition and description of phenomenology in four chronological waves of influence over the last century; the specific way in which Oberholzer interpreted and appropriated phenomenology in the Pretoria context; and finally, the political implications of Oberholzer’s phenomenology and philosophical anthropology in the apartheid years, the present as well as the future.
Organic Superconductors
Authors: Jacobsen Claus Schelde
Published: August 2009

The old dream of organic superconductivity was finally realized in 1980, but hopes for high transition temperatures have not been fulfilled as yet. We review the phenomenon of superconductivity and the present understanding of the microscopic theory with emphasis on molecular conductors. The historical development is briefly described. We discuss how the common approach to making molecular conductors almost invariably leads to materials that are highly anisotropic, in some cases even quasi‐one‐dimensional. Quasi‐one‐dimensional conductors are susceptible to various instabilities and up till now superconductivity has only been found in two groups of related materials with a maximum superconducting temperature around 12 K. The structure and the physical properties of the materials are presented in relation to the occurrence of superconductivity.
Emergence of New Mechanical Functionality in Materials via Size Reduction
Authors: Greer Julia R. , Jang Dongchan , Kim Ju‐Young , Burek Michael J.
Published: August 2009

Julia R. Greer received her S.B. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1997) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Stanford University, where she worked on the nanoscale plasticity of gold with W. D. Nix (2005). She also worked at Intel Corporation in Mask Operations (2000–03) and was a post‐doctoral fellow at the Palo Alto Research Center (2005–07), where she worked on organic flexible electronics with R. A. Street. Greer is a recipient of TR‐35, Technology Review's Top Young Innovator award (2008), a NSF CAREER Award (2007), a Gold Materials Research Society Graduate Student Award (2004), and an American Association of University Women Fellowship (2003). Julia joined Caltech's Materials Science department in 2007 where she is developing innovative experimental techniques to assess mechanical properties of nanometer‐sized materials. One such approach involves the fabrication of nanopillars with different initial microstructures and diameters between 25 nm and 1 µm by using focused ion beam and electron‐beam lithography microfabrication. The mechanical response of these pillars is subsequently measured in a custom‐built in situ mechanical deformation instrument, SEMentor, comprising a scanning electron microscope and a nanoindenter. Read our interview with Prof. Greer on MaterialsViews.com

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Stochastic mixed integer nonlinear programming using rank filter and ordinal optimization
Authors: Wen Chengtao , Ydstie B. Erik , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: August 2009

A rank filter algorithm is developed to cope with the computational‐difficulty in solving stochastic mixed integer nonlinear programming (SMINLP) problems. The proposed approximation method estimates the expected performance values, whose relative rank forms a subset of good solutions with high probability. Suboptimal solutions are obtained by searching the subset using the accurate performances. High‐computational efficiency is achieved, because the accurate performance is limited to a small subset of the search space. Three benchmark problems show that the rank filter algorithm can reduce computational expense by several orders of magnitude without significant loss of precision. The rank filter algorithm presents an efficient approach for solving the large‐scale SMINLP problems that are nonconvex, highly combinatorial, and strongly nonlinear. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Base‐free catalytic aerobic oxidation of mercaptans for gasoline sweetening over HTLcs‐derived CuZnAl catalyst
Authors: Gao Lida , Xue Qingsong , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: August 2009

An aerobic oxidative removal of mercaptans from gasoline in the absence of liquid base has been demonstrated for gasoline sweetening over CuZnAl catalyst. This process could proceed at large WHSV of gasoline (50–70 h−1) with >95% mercaptan conversion at 150°C (or 300°C) using an O2/S molar ratio of 20–40. At 150°C, dimerization of mercaptans occurred dominantly to form their disulfides. At 300°C, deep oxidation of the mercaptans to SO2 was the dominant process in the first tens of hours, but it decreased then with prolonged time on stream and meanwhile the dimerization increased. The spent catalyst could be restored to its fresh activity level only through a calcination treatment in air. This process was also demonstrated to be effective and efficient for sweetening of a real cracking gasoline. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Agglomeration detection based on attractor comparison in horizontal stirred bed reactors by acoustic emission sensors
Authors: Cao Yijia , Wang Jingdai , He Yijun , Liu Wei , Yang Yongrong
Published: August 2009

In industrial propylene polymerization technology of Innovene and Chisso, agglomeration of polymer particles in horizontal stirred bed reactors (HSBR) has significant negative impacts on the reactor efficiency. If the hydrodynamic change could be detected early enough, then large chunks may not be formed nor cause an unscheduled shutdown of the plant. A novel non‐invasive acoustic emission (AE) technique combined with an attractor comparison method is presented. It is based on the comparison of the time series of AE signals acquired from a normal state with the time series measured during operation of the bed. The nature of the method is to determine whether or not two time series are generated by the same mechanism. A statistical characteristic S is used to test the null hypothesis that the two multidimensional probability distributions are identical. Experiments were carried out at room temperature in a 475 mm i.d. laboratory HSBR. The results demonstrated that the method is sensitive to small changes in the particle size distribution. It is, therefore, indicated that the proposed method not only can offer “early and accurate warning,” but also has the potential to locate the agglomeration in HSBR with multiple AE sensors. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Performance improvement of a combined double‐way thermochemical sorption refrigeration cycle with reheating process
Authors: Li Tingxian , Wang Ruzhu , Chen Heng , Wang Liwei , Kiplagat Jeremiah K.
Published: August 2009

A reheating process is proposed aimed at improving the system performance of a combined double‐way thermochemical sorption thermodynamic cycle based on adsorption and resorption refrigeration. The reheating process causes an increase in the driving equilibrium temperature difference, which promotes the reaction rate and thus improves the global conversion of sorbent. Experimental results showed that the proposed reheating process is an effective technique for improving the performance of the combined double‐way cycle. The improvement in the COP ranged between 12 and 48% in the different cycle conditions, when compared with the combined double‐way cycle without reheating. The low pseudo‐evaporation temperature and high heat sink temperature can further improve the system performance. The COP obtained with the combined double‐way cycle without reheating was 0.57, when the heat sink, evaporation, and pseudo‐evaporation temperatures were 25, 10, and 10°C, respectively. However, at the same cycle conditions, the COP increased to 0.64 when the proposed reheating process was introduced in the combined double‐way sorption cycle. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010