bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Matrix Porosity on the Mechanical Properties of a Porous‐Matrix, All‐Oxide Ceramic Composite
Authors: Mattoni Michael A. , Yang James Y. , Levi Carlos G. , Zok Frank W.
Published: January 2009

The effects of matrix porosity on the mechanical properties of an all‐oxide ceramic composite are investigated. The porosity is varied through impregnation and pyrolysis of a ceramic precursor solution. Mechanical tests are performed to assess the role of the matrix in both matrix‐dominated and fiber‐dominated loading configurations. The results demonstrate a loss in damage tolerance and tensile strength along the fiber direction as the porosity is reduced. Concomitantly, some improvements in interlaminar strength are obtained. The latter improvements are found to be difficult to quantify over the entire porosity range using the standard short beam shear method, a consequence of the increased propensity for tensile fracture as the porosity is reduced. Measurements of interlaminar shear strength based on the double‐notched shear specimen are broadly consistent with the limited values obtained by the short beam shear method, although the former exhibit large variability. In addition, effects of precursor segregation during drying on through‐thickness gradients in matrix properties and their role in composite performance are identified and discussed. An analysis based on the mechanics of crack deflection and penetration at an interphase boundary is presented and used to draw insights regarding the role of matrix properties in enabling damage tolerance in porous‐matrix composites. Deficiencies in the understanding of the mechanisms that enable damage tolerance in this class of composites are discussed.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Porous Alumina Ceramics Fabricated by the Decomposition of Aluminum Hydroxide
Authors: Deng Zhen‐Yan , Fukasawa Takayuki , Ando Motohide , Zhang Guo‐Jun , Ohji Tatsuki
Published: January 2009

The mechanical properties of Al2O3‐based porous ceramics fabricated from pure Al2O3 powder and the mixtures with Al(OH)3 were investigated. The fracture strength of the porous Al2O3 specimens sintered from the mixture was substantially higher than that of the pure Al2O3 sintered specimens because of strong grain bonding that resulted from the fine Al2O3 grains produced by the decomposition of Al(OH)3. However, the elastic modulus of the porous Al2O3 specimens did not increase with the incorporation of Al(OH)3, so that the strain to failure of the porous Al2O3 ceramics increased considerably, especially in the specimens with high porosity, because of the unique pore structures related to the large original Al(OH)3 particles. Fracture toughness also increased with the addition of Al(OH)3 in the specimens with higher porosity. However, fracture toughness did not improve in the specimens with lower porosity because of the fracture‐mode transition from intergranular, at higher porosity, to transgranular, at lower porosity.
Randomized clinical trial of root‐end resection followed by root‐end filling with mineral trioxide aggregate or smoothing of the orthograde gutta‐percha root filling – 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Christiansen R. , Kirkevang L.‐L. , Hørsted‐Bindslev P. , Wenzel A.
Published: January 2009

Aim  To compare healing after root‐end resection with a root‐end filling of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or smoothing of the orthograde gutta‐percha (GP) root filling.

Methodology  Forty‐four patients (consisting of 52 teeth with periapical infection), average age of 54.6 years (range 30–77) participated in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing the MTA and GP treatment methods. Radiographs produced 1‐week and 12 months post‐operatively were compared after blinding for treatment method, and healing was assessed as complete, incomplete, uncertain, or unsatisfactory.

Results  Six teeth were not available for the 12‐month follow‐up: three teeth (GP) had been re‐operated because of pain and two teeth (one GP, one MTA) had been extracted because of root fracture (these five teeth were classified as failures). One patient (GP) was not available for recall. In the GP group, seven teeth (28%) showed complete healing, six teeth (24%) incomplete healing, six teeth (24%) uncertain healing and two teeth (8%) unsatisfactory healing after 1 year. In the MTA group, 22 teeth (85%) showed complete healing, three teeth (12%) incomplete healing, and none were scored as uncertain or unsatisfactory healing after 1 year. The difference in healing between the GP and the MTA groups was significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The results from this RCT emphasize the importance of placing a root‐end filling after root‐end resection. Teeth treated with MTA had significantly better healing (96%) than teeth treated by smoothing of the orthograde GP root filling only (52%).
Analysis of gastrointestinal physiology using a novel intestinal transit assay in zebrafish
Authors: Field H. A. , Kelley K. A. , Martell L. , Goldstein A. M. , Serluca F. C.
Published: January 2009

Abstract  Gastrointestinal function depends upon coordinated contractions to mix and propel food through the gut. Deregulation of these contractions leads to alterations in the speed of material transit through the gut, with potentially significant consequences. We have developed a method for visualizing intestinal transit, the physiological result of peristaltic contractions, in larval zebrafish. This method allows direct, non‐invasive observation of luminal content as it traverses the gut. Using this method, we characterized gastrointestinal transit in zebrafish larvae at 7 days postfertilization. In addition, we used this transit assay to assess the physiological consequences of reduced or absent enteric neurones on intestinal transit in larval zebrafish. This may facilitate the use of the zebrafish for investigating the effect of compounds and candidate genes on gastrointestinal motility.
Transplanted bone marrow stromal cells improves cognitive dysfunction due to diffuse axonal injury in rats
Authors: Maruichi Katsuhiko , Kuroda Satoshi , Chiba Yasuhiro , Hokari Masaaki , Shichinohe Hideo , Hida Kazutoshi , Iwasaki Yoshinobu
Published: January 2009

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) often leads to persistent cognitive dysfunction in spite of the lack of gross lesions on MRI. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate whether transplanted bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) can improve DAI‐induced cognitive dysfunction or not. The rats were subjected to impact acceleration head injury, using a pneumatic high‐velocity impactor. The BMSC were harvested from the mice and were cultured. The BMSC (4.0 × 105 cells) or vehicle were stereotactically transplanted into the right striatum at 10 days post‐injury. Cognitive function analysis was repeated at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post‐injury, using the Morris water maze test. Histological analysis was performed at 2, 8 and 20 weeks post‐injury, using double fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Transplanted BMSC were widely distributed in the injured brain and gradually acquired the phenotypes of neurons and astrocytes over 20 weeks. In addition, they significantly improved DAI‐induced cognitive dysfunction as early as 2 weeks post‐injury, although their processes of neuronal differentiation were not completed at this time point. The findings suggest that the engrafted BMSC may exhibit this early beneficial effect on cognitive function by producing neuroprotective or neurotrophic factors. In conclusion, direct transplantation of BMSC may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance the recovery from DAI‐induced cognitive impairment.
Methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter fails to predict the clinical outcome of glioblastoma patients treated with ACNU plus cisplatin
Authors: Park Chul‐Kee , Park Sung‐Hye , Lee Se‐Hoon , Kim Chae‐Yong , Kim Dong‐Wan , Paek Sun Ha , Kim Dong Gyu , Heo Dae Seog , Kim Il Han , Jung Hee‐Won
Published: January 2009

We analyzed the methylation status of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter using a methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in glioblastoma patients treated with 1‐(4‐amino‐2‐methyl‐5‐pyrimidinyl)methyl‐3‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐3‐nitrosourea (ACNU) plus cisplatin followed by radiation therapy. Forty‐eight patients with interpretable MSP results were included in this study. The MGMT promoter was methylated in 26 patients (54.2%, methylated group) and unmethylated in 22 patients (45.8%, unmethylated group). Comparison of clinical outcomes between the two groups revealed that the methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter was not a prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.516) or a predictive factor for radiological response to ACNU plus cisplatin treatment (P = 0.529). The most noteworthy explanation for the result is that the synergistic antitumor effects of ACNU and cisplatin resulting from inactivation of MGMT by cisplatin in MGMT active tumors offset the drug resistance.
Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Widespread multisystem degeneration with TDP‐43 pathology in a patient after long‐term survival on a respirator
Authors: Nishihira Yasushi , Tan Chun‐Feng , Toyoshima Yasuko , Yonemochi Yosuke , Kondo Hiroshi , Nakajima Takashi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: January 2009

It has been reported that widespread multisystem degeneration can occur in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) who have survived for long periods with artificial respiratory support (ARS). We report a case of SALS of 8 years and 8 months duration in a 71‐year‐old woman, who received ARS for 7 years and 8 months. In this patient, the symptoms at the early stage were those of typical ALS, and a totally locked‐in state with frontal lobe atrophy appeared a few years after the start of ARS. At autopsy, marked atrophy of the frontal lobe and brainstem tegmentum was evident. Microscopically, widespread multisystem degeneration with obvious neuronal loss was a feature. Bunina bodies and ubiquitinated inclusions were observed in the remaining lower motor neurons. Of interest was that Lewy body‐like hyaline inclusions (LBHIs), which were later shown to be immunnoreactive (ir) for 43‐kDa TAR DNA‐binding protein (TDP‐43) and ubiquitin, were also detected in neurons in various regions of the nervous system, including the lower and upper motor neuron nuclei. The distributions of neurons with TDP‐43‐ir and ubiquitin‐ir cytoplasmic inclusions were also widespread in the nervous system, and in each region, the numbers of these neurons were apparently larger than those of neurons with LBHIs. Importantly, double‐labeling immunofluorescence revealed that the widespread TDP‐43‐ir inclusions were often ubiqutinated. In conclusion, the entire pathological picture appeared to correspond well to the patient's long‐standing, progressive disease, including the TDP‐43 pathology with ubiquitination. These findings further strengthen the idea that TDP‐43 abnormality is closely associated with the pathogenesis of SALS.
Actin expression in neural crest cell‐derived tumors including schwannomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, neurofibromas and melanocytic tumors
Authors: Dundr Pavel , Povýšil Ctibor , Tvrdík Daniel
Published: January 2009

Tumors that originate from neural crest‐derived cells represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms including benign and malignant tumors with melanocytic and schwannian differentiation. The immunophenotype of these tumors is well known but little is known about the expression of smooth muscle/myofibroblastic markers in these tumors. A total of 590 neural crest‐derived tumors (50 benign schwannomas, five malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, 80 neurofibromas, 240 nevocytic nevi, 115 primary melanomas, and 100 melanoma metastases) were studied with respect to α‐smooth muscle actin and muscle‐specific actin expression. α‐Smooth muscle actin and muscle‐specific actin‐positive tumor cells with a co‐expression of S‐100 protein were found in one benign schwannoma, one primary cutaneous melanoma, and four melanoma metastases. Four of these cases were examined ultrastructurally, but typical actin filaments with focal densities were not found in any of the four. Other immunohistochemical markers examined including desmin, h‐caldesmon and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain were negative in the tumor cells. The present results suggest that neural crest‐derived tumors could show expression of α‐smooth muscle actin on rare occasion.
Pleomorphic carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells of the breast: Immunohistochemical differentiation between coexisting neoplastic and reactive giant cells
Authors: Kurokawa Kei , Mouri Yukako , Asano Atsushi , Kamei Keitaro , Iwata Yosuke , Isogai Masatoshi , Saga Shinsuke , Ichihara Shu
Published: January 2009

Herein is described a unique case of breast carcinoma with two different types of giant cells noted in both cytological and histological specimens. A 51‐year‐old Japanese woman noticed a hard mass in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. Aspiration cytology exhibited numerous anaplastic giant cells; the cytological diagnosis was high‐grade ductal carcinoma, although a few osteoclastic giant cells were also observed. A left simple mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed. Histologically, approximately 90% of the tumor was composed of giant cells; conventional invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ were found focally at the periphery of the tumor. The main part of the tumor contained both anaplastic, neoplastic giant cells and non‐neoplastic, osteoclastic giant cells that were distinguishable from nuclear atypism. The presence of the two types of giant cells was also confirmed on immunohistochemistry using a histiocytic marker (CD68) and two epithelial markers (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2). Based on the latest World Health Organization classification, the diagnosis was pleomorphic carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells. To the authors' knowledge there has been no previous report on this subject except for a single case mentioned in Rosen's Breast Pathology.
AGENCY IN SOCIAL ACTIVITY INTERACTIONS: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN TIME AND SPACE
Authors: CARRASCO JUAN ANTONIO , HOGAN BERNIE , WELLMAN BARRY , MILLER ERIC J.
Published: January 2009

This paper explores the relationship between travel behaviour, ICT use and social networks. Specifically, we outline a theory of social action that can inform how ICTs relates to social activity travel and explore the efficacy of this theory in an empirical setting. We begin by outlining two factors that influence the propensity to travel: an individual's will to initiate events with members of one's social network, referred to asagency, and thesocial accessibilityof network members themselves. Social accessibility defines a series of practical constraints for social‐activity travel and agency defines the extent to which an individual willactivelywork within these constraints to maintain their social network. The theoretical section first unpacks these concepts while embedding them in the research literature, finishing with an operationalisation of agency and social accessibility. Using this theory, the empirical section investigates the relationship between agency, social accessibility, and factors associated with both the respondents and their personal networks. More specifically, we examine how agency levels of interaction are related to differences in demographics, global measures of network structure and composition, and measures of media use, particularly of Internet and telephone. We conclude that individuals who are proximate or more active are more likely to maintain reciprocal relationships, and that more distant or infrequent ties require greater maintenance on the individual's part. We believe that studies of activity‐travel and ICTs will benefit from a theoretical lens that articulates some of the transformative effects of ICTs on travelvis‐à‐visits effects on social life. Social accessibility and agency can help focus that lens thereby enabling researchers to make potentially more elaborate and realistic models that move beyond the spatial and temporal dimensions into social dimensions.
R&D, TECHNOLOGY SPILLOVERS AND STOCK PRICES†
Authors: Madsen Jakob B. , Barner Martin , Farø Christian
Published: January 2009

Abstract. Theories of endogenous growth suggest that technological progress is driven by firms’ own R&D effort and knowledge spillovers. Using panel data for US firms over the period from 1990 to 1999 this paper tests the influence on stock prices of technological spillovers through firms’ purchase of intermediate products from other firms. The empirical results show that stock prices are significantly positively affected by knowledge spillovers through the input of intermediate products.
Der Skeptizismus in der deutschen Aufklärung und die literarischen Folgen
Authors: Hilliard K. F.
Published: January 2009

Der Aufsatz befasst sich mit der kontroversen Einschätzung des philosophischen Skeptizismus in der deutschen Aufklärung und mit der Umsetzung skeptischer Fragestellungen in literarischen Werken von Klopstock, Wieland, Lessing und Goethe. Das Augenmerk gilt dabei besonders der Ausdifferenzierung des Skeptizismus in eine melancholische und eine sanguinische Variante. Die Entstehung dieser Varianten wird in den Zusammenhang polemischer und apologetischer Argumente gestellt. Die Frage wird untersucht, inwieweit skeptische Ansätze systemstabilisierende bzw. systemzersetzende Wirkung hatten. Es erweist sich, dass der Skeptizismus zwar die Dogmen erschütterte, jedoch in dem Maße, in dem er auf Indifferenz und Resignation hinauslief, eine eher affirmative und konservative Wirkung entfaltete.
Human synthetic sebum formulation and stability under conditions of use and storage
Authors: Wertz P. W.
Published: January 2009

Synopsis

The human skin surface and hair are generally coated with a thin film of liquid phase sebaceous lipids. This surface lipid film contributes to the cosmetic properties of the skin. Synthetic sebum has been used for studies on properties of skin and hair. However, there has been no standardized formulation of synthetic sebum and many of the synthetic sebum formulations that have been used do not closely resemble actual sebum. In this study, a formulation for a standardized and inexpensive synthetic sebum is proposed, and the chemical stability of this lipid mixture is demonstrated under conditions of use and storage. The proposed synthetic sebum consists of 17% fatty acid, 44.7% triglyceride, 25% wax monoester (jojoba oil) and 12.4% squalene. This lipid mixture takes up approximately 6% of its weight in water when equilibrated in an atmosphere saturated with water vapour. It is stable on exposure to the atmosphere at 32°C for at least 48 h, and it is also stable on storage at 4 or −20°C, either dry or in chloroform : methanol solution for at least 6 months. This synthetic sebum could be useful in studies on cosmetic properties of the skin surface or hair, on penetration of chemicals into the skin or in development of standardized tests of laundry detergent performance.
Plastid signals that affect photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana are dependent on GENOMES UNCOUPLED 1 and cryptochrome 1
Authors: Ruckle Michael E. , Larkin Robert M.
Published: January 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02808.xCommentary p 287
Risk of Dementia in Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Population‐Based Cohort Study of the Association with Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Baxter Nancy N. , Durham Sara B. , Phillips Kelly‐Anne , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Virning Beth A.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether there is an association between delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy to older women with breast cancer and development of dementia over time.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data linked to Medicare claims data.

SETTING: Women residing in geographic areas included in the SEER registry.

PARTICIPANTS: Women aged 66 to 80 diagnosed with non‐metastatic invasive breast cancer from 1992 to 1999 were included. It was determined whether patients had undergone chemotherapy within 6 months of diagnosis.

MEASUREMENTS: Whether women developed dementia over time was determined using diagnostic codes. The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on development of dementia was evaluated, adjusting for confounders using a proportional hazards model stratified for age.

RESULTS: Twenty‐one thousand three hundred sixty‐two women met selection criteria; 2,913 received chemotherapy, and 18,449 did not. Women who received chemotherapy were younger than those who did not (median aged 70 vs 73; P<.001). Median follow‐up time was 59 months. After controlling for other factors, it was found that chemotherapy was not associated with a greater risk of development of dementia over time for any age group (hazard ratio for dementia in women receiving chemotherapy: aged 66–70=0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.48–1.45, P=.5; aged 71–75=0.74, 95% CI=0.46–1.18, P=.2; aged 76–80=0.49, 95% CI=0.28–0.88, P=.02).

CONCLUSION: Receipt of chemotherapy in older women with breast cancer was not associated with a greater risk of dementia diagnosis over time; very elderly women who undergo chemotherapy may be at lower baseline risk. The use of a claims‐based definition of dementia limited the study.
Ethnographic inspection identifying project risks
Authors: OBATA AKIHIKO , YAMADA SHIGERU , HARADA HIROAKI , HIRATA SADAYO , ITO SEISUKE
Published: January 2009

We propose a new approach for project inspection applying ethnography to identifying IT system project risks. Guideline‐based inspection is generally conducted in the IT industry to reduce project risks. Guidelines are created based on analysis of failures in past projects. However, it is difficult to detect new risks that emerged according to changes of project environments. We hypothesized that an ethnographic method would have some value to detect such emerging risks by capturing insiders' perspectives. We developed procedures and guidelines to conduct inspection by ethnographic approach for IT experts. To clarify the value of the method, we conducted project inspection by the ethnographic approach on two projects that have already received guideline‐based inspection. Problems found by the ethnographic inspection were not quite new for the members observed and interviewed However, the ethnographic inspection successfully captured tacit problems that were rooted in organizational structures and culture, and triggered discussion and review of policy and standard models.
Reflective probes, primitive probes and playful triggers
Authors: LOI DARIA
Published: January 2009

In this paper I present and discuss Reflective Probes, Primitive Probes, and Playful Triggers —derivates of Cultural Probes that build off such work promoting multiple places for and uses of creative, inspirational and provocative artifacts in research and development endeavors. In the first parts of this paper I introduce the topic as well as providing relevant background details, briefly examining Cultural Probes from the perspective of their intended outcomes — what probes can enable. I then overview the three mentioned notions as well as emphasizing complications, implications and conclusions related to the deployment of these and similar tools. The paper offers a number of suggestions and questions related to the context, time, audience, producer, content, soul, purpose and form of these tools. Such suggestions have great implications within business contexts, where timelines, directions and multidisciplinary tensions can act as ‘interfering agents’, complicating how these tools can be designed and deployed by ethnographers operating within the industry.
Aberrant p53 protein expression and function in a panel of hematopoietic cell lines with different p53 mutations
Authors: Kamihira Shimeru , Terada Chiharu , Sasaki Daisuke , Yanagihara Katsunori , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Hasegawa Hiroo , Yamada Yasuaki
Published: January 2009

Thep53gene is one of the most important genes involved in carcinogenesis and its role in part has been clarified by research using cell lines. To know the comprehensive characteristics of 22 hematopoietic cell lines (T, 13 and non‐T, nine lines), the relationship between p53 mutational status, its altered functioning, and its mRNA and protein levels were examined. p53 mutations were less frequent in T‐cell lines (38% vs. 78%) with mainly single nucleotide substitutions generating missense codons. Of 22 different p53 mutations, 12 (54.5%) resulted in mutated proteins, with the mutations clustering mainly in the sequence‐specific DNA‐binding site region located from amino acid residues 102 to 292.p53mRNA and protein assays determined that wild‐type cell lines expressed constant levels of both mRNA and protein, but mutated cell lines demonstrated two expression patterns: protein over‐expression with reduced mRNA levels, because of missense mutations; and protein under‐expression with little mRNA expression, because of other mutations. The resistance to Nutlin (MDM2 inhibitor)‐induced apoptosis was associated with p53 mutations independently of MDM2 expression levels. This clarification of the unique associations in cell lines useful for bio‐medical studies will contribute to a better understanding of p53‐associated carcinogenesis.
Exogen involves gradual release of the hair club fibre in the vibrissa follicle model
Authors: Higgins Claire A. , Richardson Gavin D. , Westgate Gillian E. , Jahoda Colin A. B.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Exogen is a distinct phase of the hair cycle describing the process by which the hair club fibre is shed from the follicle. This process is difficult to study in human skin and little is known about the mechanisms involved in the release of club fibres. We sought an alternative model system to study exogen in more detail, and therefore utilised the vibrissa system on the rodent mystacial pad. The time at which a vibrissa club hair will be lost can be predicted, based on the relative lengths of the new growing fibre and old club fibre. This timing phenomenon was exploited to investigate the club fibre within the follicle as it approaches final release, revealing key changes in the adhesive state of the club fibre within the epithelial sac as it approached release. We propose that exogen should be subdivided to represent variations in the club fibre status.
The Effects of a Novel Anti‐arrhythmic Drug, Acehytisine Hydrochloride, on the HumanEther‐a‐go‐go RelatedGene K+Channel and Its Trafficking
Authors: Huang Xingfu , Yang Yanmin , Zhu Jun , Dai Yan , Pu Jielin
Published: January 2009

Abstract: Many drugs cause severe side‐effects such as long QT syndromes by blocking thehuman ether‐a‐go‐go related gene(HERG) K+channels and/or disrupting HERG protein trafficking. Acehytisine hydrochloride is an anti‐arrhythmic drug in phase IV clinical trial. To study whether acehytisine hydrochloride affects HERG channel activity and protein trafficking, we expressed HERG in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and recorded HERG channel currents with a whole‐cell patch clamp technique. We also measured the protein levels by Western blot analysis. We found that acehytisine hydrochloride inhibited HERG step current (IHERG) in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, it had little effect on the tail current (Itail). In addition, acehytisine hydrochloride accelerated channel inactivation and slowed recovery from inactivation. In contrast, it did not inhibit HERG protein (135 and 155 kD) trafficking, although it reduced the 155 kD band density at 2500 µM. Moreover, the F656C mutation in the S6 domain abolished acehytisine hydrochloride inhibition on theIHERGand enhanced the inhibitive effects on the trafficking of the 155 kD band. Acehytisine hydrochloride interrupted HERG protein trafficking at 1000 and 2500 µM. Our data showed that acehytisine hydrochloride could inhibitIHERG, but had no effects onItailuntil the concentration was above 1000 µM. Therefore, acehytisine hydrochloride may not induce QT interval prolongation and could be a promising anti‐arrhythmic drug without severe side‐effects.
Factors Affecting Late Twentieth Century Land Use Patterns in Kamakura City, Japan
Authors: IWATA OH , OGUCHI TAKASHI
Published: January 2009

Land use patterns can be viewed as a reflection of various factors including zoning regulations and environmental and social influences. To understand the effects of these factors, late twentieth century land use data for Kamakura City, Japan were analysed in relation to zoning regulations and geomorphological influences using geographic information systems techniques. Kamakura is a typical example of an Asian historic city experiencing the pressures of recent urbanisation. Statistical analyses, including principal component analysis, were employed to identify factors affecting changes in major land use patterns over time and space. The rapid increase in population and government regulation in the 1970s led to the construction of low‐rise buildings in piedmont areas. However, topography and conservation activities limited construction to areas with slope angles below about 10°. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the area of vacant land on the urban lowlands increased due to the large increases in land value during the Japanese Bubble Economy phase. Land use intensified in most urban areas, although hilly areas were still characterised by low‐rise buildings. Although urban sprawl has occurred in many cities in Asia, this has been limited in Kamakura because of strong land use regulation and conservation activities. However, the city has experienced high‐rise development in its urban lowlands.
Inhibition of α7‐containing nicotinic ACh receptors by muscarinic M1 ACh receptors in rat hippocampal CA1 interneurones in slices
Authors: Shen Jian‐xin , Tu Bin , Yakel Jerrel L.
Published: January 2009

Cys‐loop ligand‐gated nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and G protein‐coupled muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) are expressed on rat hippocampal interneurones where they can regulate excitability, synaptic communication and cognitive function. Even though both nAChRs and mAChRs appear to co‐localize to the same interneurones, it is not clear whether there is crosstalk between them. We utilized patch‐clamp techniques to investigate this issue in rat hippocampal CA1 interneurones in slices under conditions where synaptic transmission was blocked. The α7 nAChR‐mediated currents were activated by choline, and when the activation of this receptor was preceded by the activation of the M1 mAChR subtype, the amplitude of α7 responses was significantly reduced in a rapidly reversible and voltage‐independent manner, without any change in the kinetics of responses. This M1 mAChR‐mediated inhibition of α7 nAChRs was through a PLC‐, calcium‐ and PKC‐dependent signal transduction cascade. These data show that M1 mAChRs and α7 nAChRs are functionally co‐localized on individual rat hippocampal interneurones where the activation of these particular mAChRs inhibits α7 nAChR function. This information will help to understand how these cholinergic receptor systems might be regulating neuronal excitability in the hippocampus in a manner that has relevance for synaptic plasticity and cognition.
Experimental Research on the Gasification and Co-Gasification of Sawdust and Polyethylene in a Fluidized Bed
Authors: Dong Changqing , Jin Baosheng , Lan Jixiang
Published: January 2009

This paper is focused on the gasification and co-gasification of sawdust and polyethylene in a fluidized bed for their high weight percentages in the municipal solid waste. The product gas compositions were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and gas chromatogram. The influence of bed temperature and the ratio of air to fuel (ER) on the distribution of product gas were considered. The results showed that co-gasification of sawdust and PE could promote the formation of H2. With run temperature increasing, the concentration of H2 and CH4 increased while CO and C2Hm decreased. With ER increasing, the concentration of combustible gas decreased. And a comprehensive model was proposed to model the co-gasification of sawdust and PE. The volatile of the mixing fuel was considered through equilibrium sub-model. The fluidized bed was supposed to consist of three phases. The results showed that calculated values were consistent with experimental results.
The First Operational Experience of World’s Largest Biofuel Fired CFB
Authors: Kokko Ari , Nickull Stig
Published: January 2009

Oy Alholmens Kraft Ab, with its unique combination of owners, was founded for the purpose of building a power station at Pietarsaari on the west coast of Finland. The power utility companies initiated the co-operation with the saw-, pulp and paper mill owners with the goal of finding a solution which maximized biomass utilization through co-firing with other fuels, to produce steam and heat in a utility sized power plant. Concept development resulted in a 240 MWe circulating fluidized bed unit with a flexible and demanding combination of fuels. The Alholmens Kraft power plant supplies process steam to the nearby UPM-Kymmene paper mill, and for district heating in Pietarsaari. The plant produces electricity for the power company owners in Finland and in Sweden. The CFB boiler steam capacity is 550 MWth (1875 MMBtu/hr), giving a maximum electric power of 240 MWe. When commissioned in autumn 2001 the boiler was one of the largest CFB boilers in the world, and the largest biofuel-burning CFB. The Alholmens Kraft CFB boiler is a multi-fuel boiler, whose main fuels are bark, wood residue and peat, with coal as a back-up fuel. Due to its location at the pulp and paper mill, high reliability and low emissions were the most important design criteria for the boiler. Steam production for the mill must be ensured all year-round, apart from during the mill’s short annual service shutdowns. Another important design consideration was the controllability of the boiler due to Nord Pool electricity production requirements. Typical regular load variation is between day and night but sometimes the load change speed requirement is quite high. This paper presents the Alholmens Kraft power plant application, and its very smooth start-up and operational experience during the first year with different fuels and fuel combinations at various load levels. The paper also describes how well the large boiler has performed with regard to the strict emission limits. The selection of design fuel contributes well towards the target for net CO2 reduction, but it also places huge requirements in terms of fuel purchasing and logistics. The volumetric fuel consumption by the boiler at full load is 1000 m3/h (35 000 ft3) of biofuel. More coal, the support and reserve fuel, is used in spring as weather conditions may cause availability problems with peat, before the new peat can be harvested and dried at the peat bogs. Coal is always available at the site. This paper presents the first year’s operational experience of the fuel logistics chain. The successful Alholmens Kraft CFB boiler project is an excellent example of the very wide fuel flexibility that is possible in a CFB unit.
Agglomeration of Bed Material: Influence on Efficiency of Biofuel Fluidized Bed Boiler
Authors: Ryabov Georgy A. , Litoun Dmitry S. , Dik Eduard P.
Published: January 2009

The successful design and operation of a fluidized bed combustor requires the ability to control and mitigate ash-related problems. The main ash-related problem of biomass firing boiler is agglomeration. The fluidized bed boiler with steam capacity of 66 t/h (4 MPa, 440 °C) was started up at the Archangelsk Paper-Pulp-Plant in 2001. This boiler was manufactured by the Russian companies “Energosofin” and “Belenergomash” and installed instead of the existing boiler with mechanical grate. Some constructional elements and steam drum of existing boiler remained unchanged. The primary air fan was installed past the common air fan, which supply part of the air into 24 secondary air ports. First operating period shows that the bed material is expanded and then operator should increase the primary air rate, and the boiler efficiency dramatically decreases. This paper presents some results of our investigations of fuel, bed and fly ash chemical compositions and other characteristics. Special experiments were carried out to optimize the bed drain flow rate. The influence of secondary air supply improvement on mixing with the main flow and boiler efficiency are given.
Fuel Processing for Mobile Fuel Cell Systems
Authors: Krumpelt Michael , Krause Theodore R. , Kopasz John P.
Published: January 2009

Fuel cells may in the future compete with heat engines in automobiles and motor generators and with batteries in portable electronics. Hydrogen, either in compressed, cryogenic, or chemically stored form is a good fuel if the storage density can be improved. Alternatively, the hydrogen could be obtained by converting gasoline, alcohols or other liquid hydrocarbons into a hydrogen-rich gas in a fuel processor that is a component of the fuel cell system. Such processors will have to be small, light, and inexpensive, and will have to have rapid ramp-up and ramp-down capabilities to follow the power demands of the applications. Traditional steam reforming technology does not meet these requirements, but newly developed catalytic auto-thermal reformers do. The principles of operation and the status of the technology are discussed.
Fuel Cell Applications of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Raffaelle R. P. , Landi B. , Gennett T. , Morris R. S. , Dixon B. , Lamarre P.
Published: January 2009

Novel carbon materials with nanometer dimensions are of potentially significant importance for a number of advanced technological applications. Currently, considerable interest exists in the possible applications of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Proposed uses include as anode materials in both hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells, solid polymer electrolyte additives, active cathode materials and bipolar plate interconnects. One of the desirable attributes afforded by the use of SWNTs in fuel cell applications stems from a combination of their extremely high electrical conductivity and large aspect ratios which results in a low weight percent for the electrical percolation threshold. This conductivity combined with the outstanding catalytic surface area offered by these nanostructured materials makes them a potentially outstanding active material for PEM electrodes. In addition, the high thermal conductivity, enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of polymer-SWNT composites may play a large role in developing new fuel cell designs such as thin-film microelectronic fuel cells. We will review the current applications involving SWNTs in PEM fuel cells and report on the recent work in the Nanopower Research Lab at RIT and it partners on utilizing high purity SWNT’s in microelectronic fuel cells.
GlidArc-Assisted Production of Synthesis Gas Through Propane Partial Oxidation
Authors: Czernichowski Albin , Czernichowski Mieczyslaw , Wesolowska Krystyna
Published: January 2009

Commercial propane can contain up to 300 ppm of Sulfur so that reforming technologies based on catalytic processes can not be directly applied without prior cleaning of such a feed in order to avoid the reformer’s catalyst poisoning (while some Solid Oxide Fuel Cells can accept Sulfur-polluted syngas). We run our reforming process in a presence of high-voltage discharges (called GlidArc) that assist the Partial Oxidation of pure or polluted propane. Electric consumption for this non-catalytic reformer is less than 2% of a Fuel Cell electric output. Recycling such a small portion of the electric energy is, in our opinion, an acceptable compromise as our active (and also very simple) GlidArc discharges play a role of an igniter and homogeneous phase catalyst; they also stabilize a post-plasma zone of our reformer. Our 1-Liter reactor works at atmospheric pressure and needs less than 100 W of electric assistance to produce up to 3 m3(n)/h of pure syngas corresponding to about 10 kW of electric power of an ideal Fuel Cell. The propane is totally reformed at more than 70% energetic efficiency and at the total absence of soot.
The Simulation of a Zero-Energy Residential Building for the Solar Decathlon Competition
Authors: Wassmer Michael R. , Brandemuehl Michael J. , Jackaway Adam
Published: January 2009

In 2002, the Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored the world’s first university competition to design and build a completely solar powered house. One requirement of the competition was to perform simulations of the house’s photovoltaic, solar thermal, and space conditioning systems. By instituting this requirement, DOE is encouraging the building industry to apply the “whole-building design” approach to residences as a method of reducing financial and environmental operation costs of the building over its lifetime. This paper describes the simulation approach taken by the University of Colorado Solar Decathlon Team. In addition to describing the process of simulating a zero-energy residential building, the specific results of the simulations and related parametric studies are also presented. The design and analysis process provides a case study in the application of six different simulation tools for zero-energy building design. Energy-10 provided an environment for parametric analysis of building design options during the critical early design phase. However, it lacks the flexibility to model solar electric, solar thermal, and specialized HVAC systems. FChart gave valuable guidance early in the project on the impact of solar system sizing and performance. TRNSYS is extremely flexible in that it can simulate various solar systems and the interactions of virtually any thermal system commonly found in buildings. This flexibility is accompanied by the burden of complexity and a generic user interface that limits its use as a routine building design tool. Radiance, AGI32, and ECOTECT provided specialized simulation tools for the integration of the daylight delivery system, external shading devices, and the electric lighting system. Additional development is required to better integrate these design needs into general building energy analysis tools.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzene in Air
Authors: Einaga Hisahiro , Ibusuki Takashi , Futamura Shigeru
Published: January 2009

Photocatalytic oxidation of benzene in air at room temperature was studied in order to obtain the information on its reactivity on the photoirradiated TiO2 catalyst. The objective of this paper is to describe in detail the dependence of the rate for benzene photooxidation on humidity, initial benzene concentration, and incident light intensity, since they are important factors for construction of VOC control system utilizing solar energy. The reaction mechanism is also discussed to understand the decomposition behavior of benzene.
Digital Signal Processing Techniques for Positioning of Off-Axis Solar Concentrators
Authors: Beasley Joseph N.
Published: January 2009

This paper will discuss the results of using digital signal processing (DSP) techniques to determine the location of the focal point of an off-axis solar concentrator projected onto a visually complex thruster absorber and secondary concentrator. Once the location of the focal spot is located, position control information is generated to move the concentrator to a location that maximizes power transfer. A program that simulates an off-axis solar concentrator is used to generate binary “image” files to analyze for positioning information. The analysis progresses from Discrete Fourier analysis on the two-dimensional images, through spectrograms, to introduce wavelets and wavelet analysis to conceptually verify the use of DSP techniques to determine position information.
A Model of Radiation-Induced Thermal Stratification in an Integral-Collector-Storage Tank
Authors: Gawlik Keith , Burch Jay
Published: January 2009

A finite difference model was developed that predicts the transient temperature profile of the water in an integral collector-storage unit during charge from solar radiation incident on the absorber. The model uses a forward difference technique. A Nu(Gr*) correlation for a flat plate in an infinite medium under prescribed uniform heat flux was used on the inside surface of the absorber to relate imposed flux to boundary layer mass flow and temperature. Nodal mass-energy balances were imposed to derive the overall mass flows and temperatures. Model results were compared to experimental and numerical data with good agreement.
Flow Control and Unsteady State Analysis on Thermal Performance of Solar Air Collectors
Authors: Ito Sadasuke , Kashima Minoru , Miura Naokatsu
Published: January 2009

Solar air collectors can be used for heating rooms, drying crops and wood, and heating water. In present studies, first, a flow control system for obtaining a constant temperature at the exit of a flat-plate collector was installed in a hot air supply system and the feasibility of the control system was examined. When the flow temperature was lower than the temperature that was set by a digital indicating controller, the fan power was reduced to decrease the flow rate. When the outlet air temperature was higher than the setting temperature, the flow rate was increased. Consequently, the control system worked well to maintain the exit air temperature. Secondly, an unsteady state analysis was made on thermal performance of the collector. In analysis, flow rate variations over time were given as conditions. Validity of this analysis was checked by experimentation. Analytical results agreed well even when solar radiation intensity, wind speed, or flow rate changed abruptly.
A Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant Simulation Model
Authors: Price Henry
Published: January 2009

As interest for clean renewable electric power technologies grows, a number of parabolic trough power plants of various configurations are being considered for deployment around the globe. It is essential that plant designs be optimized for each specific application. The optimum design must consider the capital cost, operations and maintenance cost, annual generation, financial requirements, and time-of-use value of the power generated. Developers require the tools for evaluating tradeoffs between these various project elements. This paper provides an overview of a computer model that is being used by scientists and developers to evaluate the tradeoff between cost, performance, and economic parameters for parabolic trough solar power plant technologies. An example is included which shows how this model has been used for a thermal storage design optimization.
Refurbishment of an Existing 1000 TPD MSW Facility Using Modern State of the Art Equipment
Authors: Gillum Craig , Cole Arthur , Anderson Roger
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses the design, startup and operation of four rebuilt and redesigned 250 TPD MSW combustion trains located at the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility in Tampa Florida. Each independent MSW train consists of a new steam generator, reciprocating grate stoker, ash handling and air pollution control system. The new steam generators are built on the footprint of the original units, which were removed in their entirety leaving only the lower foundation steel. The refurbishment was accomplished in two stages to permit the facility to remain in operation. The new steam generators are designed to minimize fouling, maximize the amount of operating time between cleaning cycles and maintain steam temperature. Evaluation of startup and operating data demonstrates that the units exceed their planned operating time between cleaning cycles and will provide consistent reliable performance over the service life of the facility.