bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel three‐component one‐pot reaction involving β‐naphthol, aldehydes, and urea promoted by TMSCl/NaI
Authors: Sabitha Gowravaram , Arundhathi K. , Sudhakar K. , Sastry B. S. , Yadav J. S.
Published: January 2010

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Amidoalkyl naphthol derivatives have been synthesized in good yields in a one‐pot condensation of β‐naphthol, aromatic aldehydes and urea in presence of TMSCl/NaI at room temperature. Ring closure of amidoalkyl naphthol derivatives occurred at 140°C to afford 1,2‐dihydro‐1‐arylnaphtho[1,2‐e] [1,3]oxazin‐3‐one derivatives. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of some impurities and/or degradation products of zaleplon
Authors: Rádl Stanislav , Blahovcová Michaela , Plaček Lukáš , Pekárek Tomáš , Havlíček Jaroslav
Published: January 2010

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Synthesis of several potential impurities and/or degradation products of zaleplon is identified. All the prepared compounds were unambiguously identified by NMR techniques. Spectral characteristics (IR, UV, MS) of these compounds are also given. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Attenuation of proliferation in oligodendrocyte precursor cells by activated microglia
Authors: Taylor Deanna L. , Pirianov Grisha , Holland Samantha , McGinnity Colm J. , Norman Adele L. , Reali Camilla , Diemel Lara T. , Gveric Djordje , Yeung Davy , Mehmet Huseyin
Published: January 2010

Activated microglia can influence the survival of neural cells through the release of cytotoxic factors. Here, we investigated the interaction between Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐activated microglia and oligodendrocytes or their precursor cells (OPC). Primary rat or N9 microglial cells were activated by exposure to TLR4‐specifc lipopolysaccharide (LPS), resulting in mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation, increased CD68 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and release of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Microglial conditioned medium (MGCM) from LPS‐activated microglia attenuated primary OPC proliferation without inducing cell death. The microglial‐induced inhibition of OPC proliferation was reversed by stimulating group III metabotropic glutamate receptors in microglia with the agonist L‐AP4. In contrast to OPC, LPS‐activated MGCM enhanced the survival of mature oligodendrocytes. Further investigation suggested that TNF and IL‐6 released from TLR4‐activated microglia might contribute to the effect of MGCM on OPC proliferation, insofar as TNF depletion of LPS‐activated MGCM reduced the inhibition of OPC proliferation, and direct addition of TNF or IL‐6 attenuated or increased proliferation, respectively. OPC themselves were also found to express proteins involved in TLR4 signalling, including TLR4, MyD88, and MAL. Although LPS stimulation of OPC did not induce proinflammatory cytokine release or affect their survival, it did trigger JNK phosphorylation, suggesting that TLR4 signalling in these cells is active. These findings suggest that OPC survival may be influenced not only by factors released from endotoxin‐activated microglia but also through a direct response to endotoxins. This may have consequences for myelination under conditions in which microglial activation and cerebral infection are both implicated. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postinjury estrogen treatment of chronic spinal cord injury improves locomotor function in rats
Authors: Sribnick Eric A. , Samantaray Supriti , Das Arabinda , Smith Joshua , Matzelle D. Denise , Ray Swapan K. , Banik Naren L.
Published: January 2010

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes loss of neurological function and, depending on serverity, may cause paralysis. The only recommended pharmacotherapy for the treatment of SCI is high‐dose methylprednisolone, and its use is controversial. We have previously shown that estrogen treatment attenuated cell death, axonal and myelin damage, calpain and caspase activities, and inflammation in acute SCI. The aim of this study was to examine whether posttreatment of SCI with estrogen would improve locomotor function by protecting cells and axons and reducing inflammation during the chronic phase following injury. Moderately severe injury (40 g · cm force) was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats following laminectomy at T10. Three groups of animals were used: sham (laminectomy only), vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide; DMSO)‐treated injury group, and estrogen‐treated injury group. Animals were treated with 4 mg/kg estrogen at 15 min and 24 hr postnjury, followed by 2 mg/kg estrogen daily for the next 5 days. After treatment, animals were sacrificed at the end of 6 weeks following injury, and 1‐cm segments of spinal cord (lesion, rostral to lesion, and caudal to lesion) were removed for biochemical analyses. Estrogen treatment reduced COX‐2 activity, blocked nuclear factor‐κB translocation, prevented glial reactivity, attenuated neuron death, inhibited activation and activity of calpain and caspase‐3, decreased axonal damage, reduced myelin loss in the lesion and penumbra, and improved locomotor function compared with vehicle‐treated animals. These findings suggest that estrogen may be useful as a promising therapeutic agent for prevention of damage and improvement of locomotor function in chronic SCI. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of benzoylurea insecticides in food by pressurized liquid extraction and LC‐MS
Authors: Brutti Monia , Blasco Cristina , Picó Yolanda
Published: January 2010

A method based on pressurized liquid extraction and LC‐MS/MS has been developed for determining nine benzoylureas (BUs) in fruit, vegetable, cereals, and animal products. Samples (5 g) were homogenized with diatomaceous earth and extracted in a 22 mL cell with 22 mL of ethyl acetate at 80°C and 1500 psi. After solvent concentration and exchange to methanol, BUs were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS using an IT mass analyzer, which achieved several transitions of precursor ions that increase selectivity providing identification. LOQs were between 0.002 and 0.01 mg/kg, which are equal or lower than maximum residue limits established by the Codex Alimentarius. Excellent linearity was achieved over a range of concentrations from 0.01 to 1 mg/kg with correlation coefficients 0.995–0.999 (n=7). Validation of the total method was performed by analyzing in quintuplicate seven different commodities (milk, eggs, meat, rice, lettuce, avocado, and lemon) at three concentration levels (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg). The recoveries ranged from 58 to 97% and the RSDs from 5 to 19% depending on the compound and the commodity. The combination of pressurized liquid extraction with LC‐MS/MS provides a sensitive and selective method for the determination of BUs in food.
Small molecule adsorption on to polyester capillary‐channeled polymer fibers: Frontal analysis of naphthalene and naphthol (naphthalene and naphthol adsorption on capillary‐channeled polymer fibers)
Authors: Straut Christine M. , Kenneth Marcus R.
Published: January 2010

Frontal analysis was carried out employing poly(ethylene‐terephthalate) capillary‐channeled polymer fibers as the stationary phase for the immobilization of low‐molecular‐weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (naphthol and naphthalene) from 2% methanol/water solutions. The effects of several experimental parameters on the frontal profile, the breakthrough volume, and the equilibrium parameters were determined for each solute. The amount adsorbed at exhaustion of naphthalene and naphthol was also compared. The kinetics and thermodynamics were maintained at relatively fast flow rates/linear velocities (∼6–18 mm/s). Comparisons of dynamic capacity revealed that naphthalene was more retained than naphthol, in most situations more than five times that of the naphthol adsorption. This increase in capacity is most likely due to the multilayering of naphthalene on the surface of the fibers through π–π interactions between the solute and the fiber surface and successive layering of solute molecules. The extent of layering is a function of the flow, with faster flow rates (and subsequent shear forces) reducing the extent of adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. Although the overall loading capacity of the capillary‐channeled polymer fibers is far below porous phases, there are a number of attractive attributes that support further development.
Modern materials for forming and cutting tools – overview
Authors: Berger C. , Scheerer H. , Ellermeier J.
Published: January 2010

Materials are an ever‐changing field of science with high innovation potential. The knowledge in this subject is fundamental for manufacturing industry. Future products play a decisive role in choosing materials. With new production and processing technologies the quality of materials was improved significantly. Modern heat treatments and high specialized coatings create properties, which lead for example to high speed machining with an excellent productivity. Under these conditions, it is necessary, to develop customized products. This paper presents an overview of the state of the art of modern materials for forming and cutting tools and depicts the investigation on tool steels, cemented carbides, ceramics and materials with very high hardness and describes some selected fields of innovation in these fields.

Werkstoffe sind ein sich ständig verändernder wissenschaftlicher Themenbereich mit hohem Innovationspotenzial. Für die verarbeitende Industrie ist die Wissenserweiterung in diesem Themenbereich von fundamentaler Bedeutung. Die Werkstoffauswahl spielt dabei für zukünftige Produkte eine entscheidende Rolle. Mit neuen Produkten und Prozesstechniken wurde die Qualität von Werkstoffen wesentlich verbessert. Moderne Wärmebehandlungen und hoch spezialisierte Beschichtungen führen zu neuen Eigenschaften, die z.B. eine exzellente Produktivität durch Hochgeschwindigkeitsspanen ermöglichen. Unter diesen Bedingungen ist es notwendig anwendungsorientierte Produkte zu entwickeln. Dieser Beitrag präsentiert einen Überblick über den Stand der Technik bei modernen Werkstoffen für Umform‐ und Schneidwerkwerkzeuge und stellt die Entwicklungen im Bereich von Werkzeugstählen, Hartmetallen, Keramiken, und Werkstoffen mit sehr hoher Härte vor und beschreibt einige ausgewählte innovative Bereiche.
Measurement of electron beam quality for non vacuum electron beam equipment
Authors: Reisgen U. , Schleser M. , Abdurakhmanov A. , Masny H.
Published: January 2010

In den letzten Jahrzehnten hat das Elektronenstrahlschweißen, das bereits im größeren Maßstab verwendet wird, seine Fähigkeit als qualitatives Werkzeug für die Verbindung verschiedener Materialen nachgewiesen. Das Non Vacuum Electron Beam Welding (NV‐EBW) hat zahlreiche Vorteile im Vergleich zum Elektronenstrahlschweißen im Vakuum, da man unter normalem Atmosphärendruck arbeiten kann. Im Hinblick auf die reproduzierbare Qualität, insbesondere im Bereich der Massen‐Fertigung, ist die Kontrolle der Strahlparameter sowie deren Einfluss auf das Schweißergebnis von großer Bedeutung. Durch eine genaue Kenntnis der Strahlkenngrößen wie des Strahldurchmessers und der Leistungsdichteverteilung kann eine Aussage über die sich ausbildende Schweißnaht sowie die Schweißbaddynamik getroffen werden. Messungen der Strahlkenngrößen im Prozess erlauben insbesondere die Untersuchung von Humping‐Effekten. In diesem Beitrag wird der Prozess der Elektronenstrahlvermessung unter atmosphärischen Bedingungen beschrieben. Es wird zudem die Abhängigkeit der Elektronenstrahlcharakteristika von den verschiedenen Prozessparametern dargestellt.

In the last decade the electron beam welding has proved its capability as a qualitative instrument for joining of different materials. The Non Vacuum Electron Beam Welding (NV‐EBW) with its possibility to work under atmospheric pressure has numerous benefits compared to the electron beam welding in vacuum. The control of electron beam parameters and their influence on welding results is of great importance in regard to the reproducible quality especially in the field of mass production. Predictions may be done about the weld seam and its pool dynamics under the properly acquirement of beam properties such as beam diameter or beam power distribution. This allows especially the investigation of humping phenomena. In this paper the process of electron beam measurement under air pressure is described. Dependencies upon electron beam properties under different welding parameters are presented.
Patterns of social identity in relation to tooth ablation among prehistoric Jomon foragers from the Yoshigo site, Aichi prefecture, Japan
Authors: Temple D. H. , Kusaka S. , Sciulli P. W.
Published: January 2010

This study documents and interprets patterns of identity in relation to tooth ablation patterns at Yoshigo, a Late/Final Jomon period (3500–2500 yBP) site. Two patterns of tooth ablation are observed among the Yoshigo people: both (2) mandibular canines or four (4) mandibular incisors were extracted during life and formed a basis for identity differentiation. Three hypotheses are tested regarding these groups: (1) tooth ablation groups will be unrelated to postmarital residence; (2) tooth ablation groups will be associated with age‐based achievements; (3) tooth ablation groups will be associated with occupational specialisation. Biodistance, demographic and stable isotope analyses were performed on skeletal remains recovered from Yoshigo (3500–2300 BP) to test these hypotheses. Within‐group variation expressed by cranial and dental measurements was not significantly different between tooth ablation groups. This indicates that tooth ablation practices were not related to migration. Previous biodistance findings do, however, suggest that tooth ablation groups represent closely related individuals, possibly kin‐based networks. Demographic analysis of age‐at‐death and tooth ablation suggests that tooth ablation styles were achieved at different ages. Stable isotope analysis indicates that the tooth ablation groups consumed similar foods. Based on isotopic findings from other sites and archaeological evidence for food sharing among Jomon people, these results suggest that dietary variability between tooth ablation groups was homogenised by cooperative food sharing. The totality of these findings support the hypothesis that the identities associated with tooth ablation were unrelated to migratory patterns, and instead, possibly reflect kin‐based social units, where achievement or age acted as a determinant of membership. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and numerical investigation of injection molding with microrib patterns
Authors: Lee Jae Gu , Lee Bong‐Kee , Kang Tae Gon , Kwon Tai Hun
Published: January 2010

In this study, experimental and numerical studies were carried out to investigate the transcriptability of microrib structures and flow characteristics in injection molding of such geometry. For this purpose, mold inserts with nine parallel microribs on top of a thick ground plate were designed and fabricated in such a way that the gate location could be varied to change flow directions: parallel or transverse to the microrib structures. By utilizing the fabricated mold insert, the transcriptability affected by gate location and flow direction was experimentally investigated. As for the numerical methods for injection molding filling simulation, we have developed an Interpolated Domain Decomposition Method (IDDM) enabling a coarse mesh for a ground plate and a finer mesh for microstructures. The effect of processing conditions on transcriptability has been extensively investigated. Under various processing conditions, an interesting flow phenomenon similar to “race‐tracking” was observed due to “flow‐hesitation” in the microribs. The same phenomenon was observed in flow analyses via IDDM, as well as a full 3D analysis. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of film and substrate dimensions on warpage of film insert molded parts
Authors: Kim Seong Yun , Lee Jung Tae , Kim Jin Young , Youn Jae Ryoun
Published: January 2010

Three‐dimensional flow and structural analyses were carried out for film insert injection molding to investigate warpage of film insert molded (FIM) parts with respect to variation of film and substrate thickness. Asymmetry of temperature distribution in the thickness direction was increased with increasing film thickness but decreased with increasing substrate thickness. Asymmetry of the in‐mold residual stress distribution in the FIM specimen was generated by the nonuniform temperature distribution, and it was increased with increasing film thickness but reduced with increasing substrate thickness. Warpage of the ejected FIM specimen was determined by relaxation of the asymmetric in‐mold residual stress distribution, and it was increased with increasing film thickness but reduced with increasing substrate thickness. Warpage of FIM specimens annealed at 80°C for 30 min showed complex behavior, and the behavior was understood by using factors such as degree of warpage of the ejected part, thermal shrinkage of the inserted film, and retardation of heat transfer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Identifying kinetically stable proteins with capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Songjie , Xia Ke , Chung Wai Keen , Cramer Steven M. , Colón Wilfredo
Published: January 2010

Unlike most proteins, which are in equilibrium with partially and globally unfolded conformations, kinetically stable proteins (KSPs) are trapped in their native conformations and are often resistant to harsh environment. Based on a previous correlation between kinetic stability (KS) and a protein's resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we show here a simple method to identify KSPs by SDS‐capillary electrophoresis (CE). Control non‐KSPs were fully denatured by SDS and formed protein:SDS complexes that exhibited similar mobility in CE. In contrast, KSPs bound fewer SDS molecules, and showed a very different migration time and peak pattern in CE, thereby providing some insight about the structural heterogeneity of SDS:protein complexes and the relative KS of the various proteins.
Classification of transporters using efficient radial basis function networks with position‐specific scoring matrices and biochemical properties
Authors: Ou Yu‐Yen , Chen Shu‐An , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: January 2010

Transporters are proteins that are involved in the movement of ions or molecules across biological membranes. Transporters are generally classified into channels/pores, electrochemical transporters, and active transporters. Discriminating the specific class of transporters and their subfamilies are essential tasks in computational biology for the advancement of structural and functional genomics. We have systematically analyzed the amino acid composition, residue pair preference and amino acid properties in six different families of transporters. Utilizing the information, we have developed a radial basis function (RBF) network method based on profiles obtained with position specific scoring matrices for discriminating transporters belonging to three different classes and six families. Our method showed a fivefold cross validation accuracy of 76%, 73%, and 69% for discriminating transporters and nontransporters, three different classes and six different families of transporters, respectively. Further, the method was tested with independent datasets, which showed similar level of accuracy. A web server has been developed for discriminating transporters based on three classes and six families, and it is available at http://rbf.bioinfo.tw/∼sachen/tcrbf.html. We suggest that our method could be effectively used to identify transporters and discriminating them into different classes and families. Proteins 2010;. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Near‐field study of light scattering at rough interfaces of a‐Si:H/µc‐Si:H tandem solar cells
Authors: Bittkau K. , Beckers T.
Published: January 2010

Light scattering at randomly textured interfaces in tandem solar cells consisting of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) and hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) is studied in the optical near‐field experimentally by near‐field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and theoretically by a rigorous solution of Maxwell's equations using a Fourier ansatz. The work concentrates on the influence of evanescent light modes on the absorption in the a‐Si:H top cell. It is found that the improvement of solar cell efficiency due to the surface texturing is borne by evanescent light modes. For both, the theoretical and the experimental study, techniques are developed to extract the evanescent part of the light from the obtained data. From the theoretical results, the principal mechanism of light scattering in the optical near‐field regime is studied and, in particular, light which is trapped in the a‐Si:H top cell by total internal reflection is visualized. From the experimental results, a map of the local light trapping efficiency is generated and the correlation to morphological properties is studied.
Three hydrogenated amorphous silicon photodiodes stacked for an above integrated circuit colour sensor
Authors: Gidon Pierre , Giffard Benoit , Moussy Norbert , Parrein Pascale , Poupinet Ludovic
Published: January 2010

We present theoretical simulation and experimental results of a new colour pixel structure. This pixel catches the light in three stacked amorphous silicon photodiodes encompassed between transparent electrodes. The optical structure has been simulated for signal optimisation. The thickness of each stacked layer is chosen in order to absorb the maximum of light and the three signals allow to linearly calculate the CIE colour coordinates1with minimum error and noise. The whole process is compatible with an above integrated circuit (IC) approach. Each photodiode is an n‐i‐p structure. For optical reason, the upper diode must be controlled down to 25 nm thickness. The first test pixel structure allows a good recovering of colour coordinates. The measured absorption spectrum of each photodiode is in good agreement with our simulations. This specific stack with three photodiodes per pixel totalises two times more signal than an above IC pixel under a standard Bayer pattern2,3.

In each square of this GretagMacbeth chart is the reference colour on the right and the experimentally measured colour on the left with three amorphous silicon photodiodes per pixel.

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Optical demultiplexer based on an a‐SiC:H voltage controlled device
Authors: Louro P. , Vieira M. , Fernandes M. , Costa J. , Vieira M. A. , Caeiro J. , Neves N. , Barata M.
Published: January 2010

In this paper we present results on the use of a semiconductor heterostructure based on a‐SiC:H as a wavelength‐division demultiplexer for the visible light spectrum. The proposed device is composed of two stacked p‐i‐n photodiodes with intrinsic absorber regions adjusted to short and long wavelength absorption and carrier collection. An optoelectronic characterisation of the device was performed in the visible spectrum. Demonstration of the device functionality for WDM applications was done with three different input channels covering the long, the medium and the short wavelengths in the visible range. The recovery of the input channels is explained using the photocurrent spectral dependence on the applied voltage.

An electrical model of the WDM device is proposed and supported by the solution of the respective circuit equations. Short range optical communications constitute the major application field however other applications are foreseen (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract on respiratory chain system activity in rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Juzyszyn Z. , Czerny B. , Myśliwiec Z. , Pawlik A. , Droździk M.
Published: January 2010

The effect of artichoke extract on mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activity in isolated rat liver mitochondria (including reaction kinetics) was studied. The effect of the extract on the activity of isolated cytochrome oxidase was also studied. Extract in the range of 0.68–2.72 μg/ml demonstrated potent and concentration‐dependent inhibitory activity. Concentrations ≥5.4 μg/ml entirely inhibited MRC activity. The succinate oxidase system (MRC complexes II–IV) was the most potently inhibited, its activity at an extract concentration of 1.36 μg/ml being reduced by 63.3% compared with the control (p < 0.05). The results suggest a complex inhibitory mechanism of the extract. Inhibition of the succinate oxidase system was competitive (Ki= 0.23 μg/ml), whereas isolated cytochrome oxidase was inhibited noncompetitively (Ki= 126 μg/ml). The results of this study suggest that the salubrious effects of artichoke extracts may rely in part on the effects of their active compounds on the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quest for the algorithm for evaluating the molecular hardness
Authors: Ghosh Dulal C. , Islam Nazmul
Published: January 2010

In this work, we have basically launched a search whether the molecular hardness, an important conceptual descriptor of chemistry and physics, can be evaluated in terms of the atomic hardness values invoking various mathematical algorithms for averaging or not. Starting from the semi‐empirical radial dependent formula of computing global hardness of atoms suggested by us, we have derived an ansatz of the molecular hardness assuming that the hardness equalization principle is operative and justifiably valid. In this work, we have attempted a validity test of our ansatz for computing molecular hardness by application to real world. We have also computed the hardness of considerable number of molecules through various mathematical averaging techniques. We have also computed the hardness data of such molecules by invoking ab initio quantum chemical method through the formula of Parr and Pearson, (I − A)/2. Results demonstrate that the set of hardness data evaluated through our suggested ansatz have very close agreement with the ab initio hardness data compared to the sets of data obtained through the various averaging techniques. In our next effort, by exploiting the suggestion of Gazquez, we have evaluated the reaction energy of a number of hard–soft acid–base exchange reactions. On a comparative study, it is found that (i) the arithmetic formula does not predict the reaction path at all, (ii) other methods fail to explain all the reactions efficiently, and (iii) the molecular hardness evaluated by the method suggested by us represent the reaction surface quite reasonably. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Cross‐layer optimization for CDMA/TDD wireless mesh networks
Authors: Liao Deng , Elhakeem Ahmed
Published: January 2010

This paper proposes a new cross‐layer optimization algorithm for wireless mesh networks (WMNs). CDMA/TDD (code division multiple access/time division duplex) is utilized and a couple of TDD timeslot scheduling schemes are proposed for the mesh network backbone. Cross‐layer optimization involves simultaneous consideration of the signal to interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) at the physical layer, traffic load estimation and allocation at medium access control (MAC) layer, and routing decision at the network layer. Adaptive antennas are utilized by the wireless mesh routers to take advantage of directional beamforming. The optimization formulation is subject to routing constraints and can be solved by general nonlinear optimization techniques. Comparisons are made with respect to the classic shortest‐path routing algorithm in the network layer. The results reveal that the average end‐to‐end successful packet rate (SPR) can be significantly improved by the cross‐layer approach. The corresponding optimized routing decisions are able to reduce the traffic congestion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐cost mounting arrangements for building‐integrated wind turbines
Authors: Udell David , Infield David , Watson Simon
Published: January 2010

Micro‐generation is being widely promoted as a way for householders in the UK and elsewhere to take part in ‘the Green Revolution’. Building‐integrated wind turbines (BIWTs) provide a way to do this, enabling people to reduce their contribution to the problems of both climate change and decreasing fossil fuel availability. Although energy yields from BIWTs for many householders have been shown to be low, there are still situations where such turbines can make a useful contribution to electricity generation, e.g. in windier areas and for isolated detached buildings. The standards for the installation of BIWTs are still being developed including those for the safe mounting of turbines on domestic buildings. This paper investigates the current trend for mounting small wind turbines on the walls of domestic premises and compares this with an approach which uses roof timbers. It identifies the main characteristics of building construction which affect the integrity of such installations. European and British standards have been used to calculate wind and gravitational loads. Finite element models are used to derive working stresses and, hence, some basic principles of good design. The likely costs of wall and roof mounting are then compared. Installation and health and safety issues are also examined briefly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free convective flow between vertical porous plates with periodic heat input
Authors: Jha B.K. , Ajibade A.O.
Published: January 2010

A suction/injection controlled free convective motion of a viscous incompressible fluid between two periodically heated infinite vertical parallel plates is presented. The temperature and velocity fields are separated into steady and periodic parts and the resulting second order ordinary differential equations solved to obtain the solution to the problem. The influence of each governing parameter is discussed with the aid of contour maps. The significant result from this study is that temperature is higher near the plate with injection while velocity is more enhanced near the plate with suction. It is also interesting to note that for large values of suction, the nature of the flow is that of constant heating of the plates, while for large values of Strouhal number, the flow behaves as if there was no suction/injection at the plates [11].
Modelling of thermo‐viscoelastic material behaviour of polyurethane close to the glass transition temperature
Authors: Johlitz M. , Scharding D. , Diebels S. , Retka J. , Lion A.
Published: January 2010

In this contribution a viscoelastic elastomer is examined with respect to its thermo‐mechanical behaviour. Therefore uniaxial tension tests and relaxation tests are performed at different constant temperatures up to the glass transition region. Hence an experimental data pool is provided. On the theoretical side a finite viscoelastic and incompressible material model is used and enhanced by temperature dependency in order to model the experimentally observed effects. The material parameters are strategically identified by means of biologic evolution strategies. Thereby it turned out that the investigated material cannot be modelled as a thermo‐rheologically simple material. Quite the contrary, a new ansatz is chosen.
Use of intrauterine devices in women with uterine anatomic abnormalities
Authors: Tepper Naomi K. , Zapata Lauren B. , Jamieson Denise J. , Curtis Kathryn M.
Published: January 2010

Objective

To examine the evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in women with uterine abnormalities.

Methods

We searched PubMed for all peer‐reviewed articles in any language that had been published on the topic from database inception to September 2009. Primary research articles were included if they addressed the safety or effectiveness of any type of IUD among women with Müllerian anomalies or uterine synechiae.

Results

In total, 19 case reports or case series met the inclusion criteria. Reported complications included expulsion, pregnancy, bleeding, perforation, and pain. In several case reports, no complications were reported.

Conclusion

Evidence concerning the safety and effectiveness of IUD use among women with uterine abnormalities is very limited.
How Opportunity Costs Decrease the Probability of War in an Incomplete Information Game
Authors: Polachek Solomon , Xiang Jun
Published: January 2010

This article shows that the opportunity costs resulting from economic interdependence decrease the probability of war in an incomplete information game. This result is strongly consistent with existing empirical analyses of the inverse trade-conflict relationship but is the opposite of the conclusion reached by Gartzke, Li, and Boehmer, who reject the opportunity cost argument in a game-theoretic framework. As a result of our findings, one cannot dismiss the opportunity cost argument as the explanation why trading nations fight less. Instead our study reaffirms the central position of opportunity costs as the basis for the inverse trade-conflict relationship, thus implying that one need not rely on signaling.
Constraining Coercion? Legitimacy and Its Role in U.S. Trade Policy, 1975–2000
Authors: Pelc Krzysztof J.
Published: January 2010

The role of legitimacy in international relations is a topic of much debate, yet there is little understanding of the mechanism behind it. Here I address this discrepancy by asking: are state threats perceived as (il)legitimate more or less likely to be successful? By operationalizing illegitimacy as unilateral action in the presence of a multilateral option, I consider the variation in the success of U.S. trade measures from 1975 to 2000. As I show, the (il)legitimacy of threats modifies the nature of the signal sent by concessions to those threats, and this effect can be measured and predicted. I find that, controlling for material pressure, perceived illegitimacy of U.S. trade threats decreases the likelihood of a target conceding by over 34 percent. Moreover, it pays to resist: targets that resist illegitimate unilateral measures from the United States are 25 percent less likely to encounter similar unilateral measures over the following five years.
God, compatibilism, and the authorship of sin
Authors: HELM PAUL
Published: January 2010

Peter Byrne has presented arguments against the effectiveness of two ‘defensive strategies’ deployed in my books Eternal God and The Providence of God respectively. These strategies were originally presented to support the cogency of ‘theological compatibilism’ by arguing against the claims that it is inconsistent with human responsibility, and that it entails that God is the author of sin. In this present article the author offers a number of clarifications to his original thesis and argues that Byrne's arguments do not succeed in their aim of undermining the two strategies.
TWO (OR THREE) NOTIONS OF FINITISM
Authors: GANEA MIHAI
Published: January 2010

Finitism is given an interpretation based on two ideas about strings (sequences of symbols): a replacement principle extracted from Hilbert’s work and a counting principle inspired by Tait. These principles are used to justify an equational arithmetic${\cal T}_{{\cal L}^2 } $based on the algebra of lower elementary functions. The extension of this algebra to Grzegorczyk’s classɛ2can be justified by means of an additional finitistic choice principle, thus obtaining a second equational theory${\cal T}_{{\cal E}^2 } $. It is unknown whether${\cal T}_{{\cal E}^2 } $is strictly stronger than${\cal T}_{{\cal L}^2 } $sinceɛ2may coincide with the class of lower elementary functions.

If the objects of arithmetic are taken to be binary numerals instead of tally numerals, then it becomes possible to provide a finitistic justification for a theory${\cal T}_B $that may be incomparable to${\cal T}_{{\cal E}^2 } $(neither of the two includes the other). I conclude by suggesting that the equational theory of Kalmar elementary functions is a strict upper bound for finitistic arithmetic.
Variations in geomagnetic reversal frequency during the Earth's middle age
Authors: Pavlov Vladimir , Gallet Yves
Published: January 2010

We have obtained new magnetostratigraphic results from two Precambrian sedimentary sections from eastern Siberia and the southern Urals dated between ∼1100 Ma and ∼800 Ma. Sample magnetizations from the uppermost Mesoproterozoic Talakh‐Khaya section in the Siberian Uchur‐Maya region appear to be mostly carried by a mixture of magnetite and hematite. A sequence of 33 magnetic polarity intervals is recorded within the section. All reversals occur in the first ∼24 m, while the upper ∼160 m are characterized by a single magnetic interval of normal polarity assuming a Northern Hemisphere position of Siberia around 1000 Ma. The Lower Neoproterozoic Uralian Minyar section also possesses an ancient magnetization carried by magnetite and hematite. The high‐temperature magnetization component obtained from the Minyar section establishes a sequence of 43 magnetic polarity intervals. Positive reversal tests obtained from the data sets presented here and from other previously analyzed Proterozoic sections provide no convincing evidence for a long‐standing asymmetric geomagnetic field during the Proterozoic that would make the Precambrian field markedly less dipolar than during the Phanerozoic. The new data further reveal the occurrence of sharp transitions and alternations between long periods without any reversal (one superchron is observed from the Talakh‐Khaya section) and periods with high reversal frequencies, possibly larger than 5–10 reversals per Myr. This characteristic may well be an important property of the Precambrian field, although rather sudden transitions between reversing and nonreversing states of the geodynamo may not be unique to this period.
Holocene carbon cycle dynamics
Authors: Kleinen Thomas , Brovkin Victor , von Bloh Werner , Archer David , Munhoven Guy
Published: January 2010

We are investigating the late Holocene rise in CO2 by performing four experiments with the climate‐carbon‐cycle model CLIMBER2‐LPJ. Apart from the deep sea sediments, important carbon cycle processes considered are carbon uptake or release by the vegetation, carbon uptake by peatlands, and CO2 release due to shallow water sedimentation of CaCO3. Ice core data of atmospheric CO2 between 8 ka BP and preindustrial climate can only be reproduced if CO2 outgassing due to shallow water sedimentation of CaCO3 is considered. In this case the model displays an increase of nearly 20 ppmv CO2 between 8 ka BP and present day. Model configurations that do not contain this forcing show a slight decrease in atmospheric CO2. We can therefore explain the late Holocene rise in CO2 by invoking natural forcing factors only, and anthropogenic forcing is not required to understand preindustrial CO2 dynamics.
Impacts of nonideal field conditions on vertical water velocity estimates from streambed temperature time series
Authors: Lautz Laura K.
Published: January 2010

Analytical solutions to the 1‐D heat transport equation can be used to quantify surface‐groundwater interactions directly from temperature time series data in streams and their streambeds. The solutions rely on three assumptions: purely vertical flow, no thermal gradient with depth in the streambed and sinusoidal temperature signals. Here numerical models of heat transport in streambeds are used to generate synthetic time series data under conditions that violate the aforementioned assumptions. These synthetic records are used to evaluate the impact of violations of model assumptions on vertical water velocity estimates. Analytical methods using the amplitude ratio to derive flux are less prone to error than methods that use lag time under nonideal field conditions. The greatest source of error is nonvertical flow in the streambed. Errors from analytical solutions for flux are comparable to or smaller than errors inherent to Darcy‐based flux estimates and therefore the use of temperature data to quantify flux across the streambed is a promising alternative to more commonly used approaches, such as Darcy flux calculations.
Artificial Photosynthesis Would Unify the Electricity-Carbohydrate-Hydrogen Cycle for Sustainability
Authors: Zhang Yi-Heng Percival
Published: January 2010

Sustainable development requires balanced integration of four basic human needs – air (O2/CO2), water, food, and energy. To solve key challenges, such as CO2 fixation, electricity storage, food production, transportation fuel production, water conservation or maintaining an ecosystem for space travel, we wish to suggest the electricity-carbohydrate-hydrogen (ECHo) cycle, where electricity is a universal energy carrier, hydrogen is a clean electricity carrier, and carbohydrate is a high-energy density hydrogen (14.8 H2 mass% or 11-14 MJ electricity output/kg)carrier plus a food and feed source. Each element of this cycle can be converted to the other reversibly & efficiently depending on resource availability, needs, and costs. In order to implement such cycle, here we propose to fix carbon dioxide by electricity or hydrogen to carbohydrate (starch) plus ethanol by cell-free synthetic biology approaches. According to knowledge in the literature, the proposed artificial photosynthesis must be operative. Therefore, collaborations are urgently needed to solve several technological bottlenecks before large-scale implementation.
Interaction with Sug1 enables Ipaf ubiquitination leading to caspase 8 activation and cell death
Authors: Kumar Yatender , Radha Vegesna , Swarup Ghanshyam
Published: January 2010

Activation of initiator caspases is dependent on interacting proteins, and Ipaf [ICE (interleukin-1β-converting enzyme)-protease activating factor] {NLRC4 [NLR (Nod-like receptor) family CARD (caspase activation and recruitment domain)-containing 4]} an inflammasome component, is involved in caspase 1 activation and apoptosis. Investigating the mechanisms of Ipaf activation, we found that the C-terminal LRR (leucine-rich repeat) domain of Ipaf, through intramolecular interaction, negatively regulates its apoptosis-inducing function. In A549 lung carcinoma cells, expression of Ac-Ipaf (LRR-domain-deleted Ipaf) induced cell death that was dependent on caspase 8, but not on caspase 1. A yeast two-hybrid screen using Ac-Ipaf as bait identified human Sug1 (suppressor of gal 1), a component of the 26S proteasome, as an interacting protein. In mammalian cells Sug1 interacts and co-localizes with Ipaf. Sug1 binds to amino acids 91–253 of Ipaf, which is also the region that the LRR domain binds to. It potentiates cell death induced by Ipaf and Ac-Ipaf, and co-expression of Sug1 and Ipaf induces caspase-8-dependent cell death. Cellular complexes formed by Ipaf and Sug1 contain caspase 8. Expression of Ac-Ipaf or co-expression of Sug1 with Ipaf results in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates and caspase 8 activation. Sug1 co-expression enabled modification of Ipaf by ubiquitination. Tagging ubiquitin molecules to Ipaf led to aggregate formation, enhanced caspase 8 interaction and activation, resulting in induction of cell death. Using RNAi (RNA interference) and dominant-negative approaches, we have shown that cell death induced by Ac-Ipaf expression or by treatment with TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor α) or doxorubicin is dependent on Sug1. Our results suggest a role for ubiquitination of Ipaf that is enabled by its interaction with Sug1, leading to caspase 8 activation and cell death.
Drug discovery and assay development in the ubiquitin–proteasome system
Authors: Berkers Celia R. , Ovaa Huib
Published: January 2010

The observation that tumour cells are more sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of the proteasome than normal cells has led to the development of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. To date, this is the only proteasome inhibitor that has been approved for clinical use. The clinical success of bortezomib, combined with the occurrence of adverse effects and the development of clinical resistance against this compound, has initiated the development of a broad range of second-generation proteasome inhibitors as well as of assays that can be used to establish a relationship between the extent and type of proteasome inhibition and the effectiveness of a particular drug. In the present paper, we discuss new strategies that may be used in the future to overcome drug resistance and to broaden the use of proteasome inhibitors for the treatment of both cancer and infectious and autoimmune disease.
Chaperone-assisted assembly of the proteasome core particle
Authors: Matias Ana C. , Ramos Paula C. , Jürgen Dohmen R.
Published: January 2010

The 26S proteasome is a non-lysosomal protease in the cytosol and nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Its main function is to mediate ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. The 26S proteasome is a multimeric complex composed by the 20S proteasome CP (core particle) and the 19S RPs (regulatory particles). Although the atomic structure of the 26S proteasome has not yet been determined, high-resolution structures are available for its CP. Studies on the complicated assembly pathway of the proteasome have revealed that it involves an unprecedented number of dedicated chaperones. Assembly of the CP alone involves three conserved proteasome-assembly chaperones [PAC1–PAC2, PAC3–PAC4 and UMP1 (ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis 1)]. Whereas the two heterodimeric PACs have been implicated in the formation of rings of the seven distinct α subunits, UMP1 is important for the formation and dimerization of proteasome precursor complexes containing β subunits. Dimerization coincides with the incorporation of the last β subunit (β7). Additional modules important for the assembly of precursor complexes and their dimerization reside in the β subunits themselves, either as transient or as permanent extensions. Particularly important domains are the propeptide of β5 and the C-terminal extensions of β2 and β7. Upon maturation of the active sites by autocatalytic processing, UMP1 is degraded by the native proteasome.
SUMO chains: polymeric signals
Authors: Vertegaal Alfred C.O.
Published: January 2010

Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins are conjugated to a wide variety of target proteins that play roles in all biological processes. Target proteins are conjugated to ubiquitin monomers or to ubiquitin polymers that form via all seven internal lysine residues of ubiquitin. The fate of these target proteins is controlled in a chain architecture-dependent manner. SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) shares the ability of ubiquitin to form chains via internal SUMOylation sites. Interestingly, a SUMO-binding site in Ubc9 is important for SUMO chain synthesis. Similar to ubiquitin–polymer cleavage by USPs (ubiquitin-specific proteases), SUMO chain formation is reversible. SUMO polymers are cleaved by the SUMO proteases SENP6 [SUMO/sentrin/SMT3 (suppressor of mif two 3)-specific peptidase 6], SENP7 and Ulp2 (ubiquitin-like protease 2). SUMO chain-binding proteins including ZIP1, SLX5/8 (synthetic lethal of unknown function 5/8), RNF4 (RING finger protein 4) and CENP-E (centromere-associated protein E) have been identified that interact non-covalently with SUMO chains, thereby regulating target proteins that are conjugated to SUMO multimers. SUMO chains play roles in replication, in the turnover of SUMO targets by the proteasome and during mitosis and meiosis. Thus signalling via polymers is an exciting feature of the SUMO family.
SUMO and ubiquitin modifications during steroid hormone synthesis and function
Authors: Talamillo Ana , Martín David , Hjerpe Roland , Sánchez Jonatan , Barrio Rosa
Published: January 2010

Steroid hormones control many aspects of animal physiology and behaviour. They are highly regulated, among other mechanisms, by post-translational modifications of the transcription factors involved in their synthesis and response. In the present review, we will focus on the influence of SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) and ubiquitin modifications on the function of transcription factors involved in adrenal cortex formation, steroidogenesis and the hormonal response.