bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A framework for classifying and evaluating process architecture methods
Authors: Green Stewart , Ould Martyn
Published: December 2005

Piecemeal identification, development, and support of an organisation's processes may lead to problems: first, it may be difficult to identify which processes should be supported, and, second, it is unlikely that processes developed piecemeal will either optimise the achievement of an organisation's objectives, or work well together. One solution involves identifying and modelling an organisation's process architecture, and then using it to develop and subsequently support the constituent processes. However, this solution leads to a new challenge: a number of different types of process architecture method have been proposed, but it is not clear which should be used in a given situation. To address this challenge, the article outlines a framework for classifying, evaluating, and comparing process architectures. Following the work of Rolland et al.(1998), the proposed framework considers process architecture methods from four different views: contents, form, purpose, and lifecycle. To partially validate the framework, it was used to classify and evaluate Riva (Ould 2005), a particular process architecture method. The result of this application of the framework suggests how it might be refined. It could then be used for comparing other process architecture methods. Such a comparative analysis should help practitioners choose between process architecture methods. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epilepsy-Induced Microarchitectural Changes in the Brain
Authors: Armstrong Dawna Duncan
Published: December 2005

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of the neuropathology of epilepsy has been challenged by a need to separate the “lesions” that cause epilepsy from the “lesions” that are produced by the epilepsy. Significant clinical, genetic, pathologic, and experimental studies of Ammon horn sclerosis (AHS) suggest that AHS is the result and cause of seizures. The data support the idea that seizures cause alterations in cell numbers, cell shape, and organization of neuronal circuitry, thus setting up an identifiable seizure-genic focus. As such, AHS represents a slowly progressive lesion and a search for the cause of the initiating seizure has led to the identification of ion channel mutations. In this report, the neuropathology of other conditions associated with intractable epilepsy is considered, suggesting that in them similar epilepsy-produced alterations in microarchitecture can be observed. The idea is important to define the optimum time for epilepsy surgery and the underlying etiology of these seizure-genic lesions.
Assessing the potential for recovery of lakeshore vegetation: species richness of sediment propagule banks
Authors: Nishihiro Jun , Nishihiro Miho A. , Washitani Izumi
Published: December 2005

To assess the potential and develop appropriate techniques for the recolonization of lakeshore vegetation at sites where it had been completely lost, a pilot project was launched at Lake Kasumigaura, Japan. We investigated the species composition and density of the soil seed banks (propagule banks) of lake sediments at nine sites (total area, 65,200 m2) where lake sediments were spread thinly (∼10 cm) on the surfaces of artificial littoral zones. These zones were constructed in front of concrete levees and had microtopographic variations. In total, 180 species, including six endangered or vulnerable species and 12 native submerged plants that had disappeared from the aboveground vegetation of the lake, were recorded during the first year of restoration. The distribution of each restored species at the sites suggested the importance of microtopographic variation for recolonizing species‐rich lakeshore vegetation. Furthermore, the origin of the source sediment affected the species composition of the established vegetation.
A Preadmission Telephone Call to Initiate the Consent Process for Clinical Anesthesia Research
Authors: Brull Richard , YaDeau Jacques T. , Lipnitsky Jane Y. , Liguori Gregory A. , MacKenzie C. Ronald
Published: December 2005

Consent for a clinical anesthesia research trial is frequently sought in hospital on the day of surgery. This time is often associated with increased anxiety, diminished privacy, and limited opportunity for reflection. Our objective was to determine whether a preadmission telephone call on the day before surgery resulted in greater satisfaction compared to the traditional practice of initiating the consent process on the day of surgery. We randomized 124 patients eligible for participation in a minimal-risk clinical anesthesia trial to receive either a preadmission telephone call on the day before surgery to initiate consent (Telephone group; n = 62), or no telephone call (Control group; n = 62). In the Telephone group, 21 patients (33.9%) were successfully contacted by telephone, whereas 41 patients (66.1%) were not contacted. Both the Telephone and Control groups reported similar understanding regarding the purpose of the trial. Both groups similarly agreed that the time and setting of recruitment and consent were appropriate. Patients in both groups reported having enough time to consider their participation in the trial. Few patients in either group reported feeling anxious at the time of consent or pressured to participate in the trial. Finally, patients in both groups were equally satisfied with the consent process. Implications: A preadmission telephone call on the day before surgery to initiate the consent process for a minimal-risk clinical anesthesia research trial does not improve satisfaction among consenting patients compared to initiating consent in hospital on the day of surgery, and can be an impractical method to initiate the consent process.
The anti‐CD14 antibody IC14 suppresses ex vivo endotoxin stimulated tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Genth‐Zotz Sabine , von Haehling Stephan , Bolger Aidan P. , Kalra Paul R. , Wensel Roland , Coats Andrew J.S. , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Anker Stefan D.
Published: December 2005

Background:

Activation of the endotoxin (LPS) receptor, CD14, leads to tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) production. Plasma LPS activity is elevated in patients with severe chronic heart failure (CHF). An anti‐CD14 antibody, IC14, blocks TNF production in healthy volunteers. It is not known whether IC14 prevents TNF production in CHF patients.

Methods and results:

Blood from 20 CHF patients (age 64±2.1 years, NYHA class 2.2±0.1, LVEF 27±3%, mean±SEM) was pre‐incubated with 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10 and 50 μg/mL IC14 for 1 h followed by incubation with 1 or 10 ng/mL LPS for 6 h. Fourteen subjects served as controls (58±2.4 years). LPS‐stimulated TNF release was 76% and 60% greater at 1 and 10 ng/mL LPS, respectively, in CHF patients versus controls (p=0.07 and p=0.008). IC14 at concentrations of 5.0, 10 and 50 μg/mL substantially reduced TNF production in response to stimulation with LPS (all p<0.05). CD14 receptor density was similar in patients and controls. In controls, but not in CHF patients, there was a positive correlation between CD14 receptor density and TNF production (r=0.61, p=0.03).

Conclusion:

IC14 suppresses LPS‐stimulated whole blood TNF production in patients with CHF and in normal subjects and therefore may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for CHF patients with systemic immune activation.
Fusion energy from plasma block ignition
Authors: HORA H. , BADZIAK J. , GLOWACZ S. , JABLONSKI S. , SKLADANOWSKI Z. , OSMAN F. , CANG YU , ZHANG JIE , MILEY G.H. , PENG HANSHENG , HE XIANTU , ZHANG WEIYAN , ROHLENA K. , ULLSCHMIED J. , JUNGWIRTH K.
Published: December 2005

Generation of high speed dense plasma blocks is well known from hydrodynamic theory and computations (PIC) with experimental confirmation by Badziaket al.(2005) since ps laser pulses with power above TW are available. These blocks may be used for fusion flame generation (thermonuclear propagation) in uncompressed solid state deuterium and tritium for very high gain uncomplicated operation in power stations. Hydrodynamic theory from computations from the end of 1970s to recent, genuine two fluid computations support the skin layer accelerations (SLA), by nonlinear (ponderomotive) forces as measured now in details under the uniquely selected conditions to suppress relativistic self-focusing by high contrast ratio and to keep plane geometry interaction. It is shown how the now available PW-ps laser pulses may provide the very extreme conditions for generating the fusion flames in solid state density DT.
Single event laser fusion using ns-MJ laser pulses
Authors: MILEY GEORGE H. , HORA H. , OSMAN F. , EVANS P. , TOUPS P.
Published: December 2005

Studies of single-event laser-target interaction for fusion reaction schemes leading to volume ignition are discussed. Conditions were explored where single-event ns-laser pulses give rise to temperatures sufficient for volume ignition. Thus, ignition is possible, particularly if X-ray reabsorption is sufficiently high. Unfortunately, this scheme requires laser pulses with energies above 5 MJ and target densities of compressed DT above 1000 g/cm−3. Both requirements are quite demanding for near term systems. Nevertheless the present state technology and the detailed knowledge about volume ignition at direct drive are a basis. Systems as NIF or LMJ can well confirm these physics-clarified conditions and the technology for large laser systems with sufficient repetition rate and for a drastic reduction of the size and costs is necessary and possible and by physics similar to the known reductions in transistor development.
Radiation reduction of optical solitons resulting from higher order
dispersion terms in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: BEECH ROBERT , OSMAN FREDERICK
Published: December 2005

This paper will present the nonlinearity and dispersion effects
involved in propagation of optical solitons, which can be understood by
using a numerical routine to solve the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
(NLSE). Here, Mathematica v5© (Wolfram,
2003) is used to explore in depth several features of optical
solitons formation and propagation. These numerical routines were
implemented through the use of Mathematica v5© and the results give a
very clear idea of this interesting and important practical phenomenon. It
is hoped that this work will open up an important new approach to the
cause, effect, and correction of interference from secondary radiation
found in the uses of soliton waves in lasers and in optical fiber
telecommunication. It is believed that these results will be of
considerable use in any work or research in this field and in
self-focusing properties of the soliton (Osman et al., 2004a, 2004b; Hora, 1991).
In a previous paper on this topic (Beech & Osman,
2004), it was shown that solitons of NLSE radiate. This paper goes
on from there to show that these radiations only occur in solitons derived
from cubic, or odd-numbered higher orders of NLSE, and that there are no
such radiations from solitons of quadratic, or even-numbered higher order
of NLSE. It is anticipated that this will stimulate research into
practical means to control or eliminate such radiations.
Gas discharge in a gas peaking switch
Authors: WANG XINXIN , HU YUAN , SONG XINHAI
Published: December 2005

The gas discharge in a gas peaking switch was experimentally studied
and numerically simulated. For simulation, the discharge was divided into
two phases, gas breakdown and voltage collapse. The criterion for an
electron avalanche to transit to streamer was considered as the criterion
of gas breakdown. The spark channel theory developed by Rompe-Weizel was
used to calculate the spark resistance. It was found that the prepulse
considerably lowers the voltage pulse applied to the gap. Even for a given
input pulse, the voltage pulse applied to a peaking gap is different for
different gap distance due to existence of a different prepulse. In this
case, the breakdown voltage of a gas peaking gap depends on gas pressure
and gap distance, individually. For nitrogen pressure varying from 3 MPa
to 10 MPa and gap distance from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, the peak electric field
higher than 2 MV/cm was achieved when breakdown. The output 10% to 90%
rise time, tr, varies from 145 ps to 192 ps.
As gas pressure increases, tr decreases,
which can be explained by the fact that the breakdown field increases with
the increase of gas pressure. It was found in experiment that the jitter
in tr could be attributed to the jitter in
breakdown field. Instead of getting longer, the averaged experimental
tr gets shorter as gap distance increases
from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, which differs from the results of calculation and
indicates there may exist something, other than electric field, that is
also related to tr. The reason for this
difference may lies in the inverse coefficient of spark resistance varying
with gap distance. On the whole, the results from the calculations agree
with the experimental ones.
Stochastic heating in ultra high intensity laser-plasma
interaction
Authors: PATIN D. , BOURDIER A. , LEFEBVRE E.
Published: December 2005

(This article appeared in Volume 23, Number 3, Pages 297–302,
2005)
Microwave emission from TW-100 fs laser irradiation of gas jet
Authors: DORRANIAN DAVOUD , GHORANNEVISS MAHMOOD , STARODUBTSEV MIKHAIL , YUGAMI NOBORU , NISHIDA YASUSHI
Published: December 2005

A new kind of high power tunable microwave radiation source is studied
theoretically and experimentally. Following the previous works presented
by Dorranian et al. (2003, 2004) in this paper more details about the radiation
is presented. The theory of the radiation is developed to calculate the
radiation spatial distribution, and more discussion on radiation behavior
and characteristics is done. In this radiation scheme, a part of large
amplitude electrostatic plasma wake, generated by an intense laser pulse
or a relativistic electron bunch, are converted to electromagnetic
oscillations by applying a modest dc magnetic field perpendicular to the
wake propagation direction. A direct one-dimensional (1D) analytic
procedure for calculating the magnetized plasma wake equations is
developed and the properties of the radiation are investigated
theoretically. The effects of the ramp plasma-vacuum boundary in coupling
the radiation from plasma to vacuum is noticed and solved by employing a
gas jet flow to generate a sharp boundary. Wakefield is excited by TW-100
fs Ti:sapphire laser beam operating at 800 nm wavelength. The neutral
density of gas jet flow is measured with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
The frequency of the emitted radiation with the pulse width of 200 ps
(detection limitation) is in the millimeter wave range. Radiation is
polarized perpendicularly to the dc magnetic field lines and propagates in
the forward direction and normal direction with respect to the laser pulse
propagation direction, both perpendiculars to the direction of the applied
magnetic field. Intensity of the radiation in different plasma densities
and different magnetic field strengths has been observed.
WiFi localization methods for autonomous robots
Authors: Olivera Vicente Matellán , Plaza José María Cañas , Serrano Oscar Serrano
Published: December 2005

This paper compares two methods to estimate the position of a mobile robot in an indoor environment using only odometric calculus and the WiFi energy received from the wireless communication infrastructure. In both cases we use a well-known probabilistic method based on the Bayes rule to accumulate localization probability as the robot moves on with an experimental WiFi map, and with a theoretically built WiFi map. We will show several experiments made in our university building to compare both methods using a Pioneer robot. The two major contributions of the presented work are that the self-localization error achieved with WiFi energy is bounded, and that no significant degradation is observed when the expected WiFi energy at each point is taken from radio propagation model, instead of an a priori experimental intensity map of the environment.
Social networks and the foundations of oligarchy in medieval towns
Authors: SHAW DAVID GARY
Published: December 2005

Although it is widely acknowledged that urban oligarchy pre-dominated across medieval England, oligarchy's foundations are only partly known. This article argues that part of oligarchy's success derived from close social interaction between oligarchs and the rest of the citizens. A case study of social networks and arbitration within the city of Wells demonstrates how the elite insinuated themselves into the town's social web, establishing and securing their influence and power. Moreover, such a social role brought the oligarchs together often and helped to define the elite. Such power encouraged a more benevolent form of oligarchy than later prevailed.
Configuring the region: maritime trade and port–hinterland relations in Bremen, 1815–1914
Authors: LEE ROBERT
Published: December 2005

This article analyses the relationship between the port-city of Bremen and its different hinterlands. It examines four determinants of port–hinterland linkages: the political framework; the volume and pattern of trade; the extent and significance of population transfers; and Bremen's contribution to the transmission of cultural innovation. It focuses, in turn, on trade, migration and cultural exchange as distinct, but interrelated, fields of interaction and discusses new theoretical approaches for understanding the historical complexity of port–hinterland relations and the extent to which trading, migration and cultural hinterlands were part of an interactive system.
Atmospheric O2/N2 changes, 1993–2002: Implications for the partitioning of fossil fuel CO2 sequestration
Authors: Bender Michael L. , Ho David T. , Hendricks Melissa B. , Mika Robert , Battle Mark O. , Tans Pieter P. , Conway Thomas J. , Sturtevant Blake , Cassar Nicolas
Published: December 2005

Improvements made to an established mass spectrometric method for measuring changes in atmospheric O2/N2 are described. With the improvements in sample handling and analysis, sample throughput and analytical precision have both increased. Aliquots from duplicate flasks are repeatedly measured over a period of 2 weeks, with an overall standard error in each flask of 3–4 per meg, corresponding to 0.6–0.8 ppm O2 in air. Records of changes in O2/N2 from six global sampling stations (Barrow, American Samoa, Cape Grim, Amsterdam Island, Macquarie Island, and Syowa Station) are presented. Combined with measurements of CO2 from the same sample flasks, land and ocean carbon uptake were calculated from the three sampling stations with the longest records (Barrow, Samoa, and Cape Grim). From 1994–2002, We find the average CO2 uptake by the ocean and the land biosphere was 1.7 ± 0.5 and 1.0 ± 0.6 GtC yr−1 respectively; these numbers include a correction of 0.3 Gt C yr−1 due to secular outgassing of ocean O2. Interannual variability calculated from these data shows a strong land carbon source associated with the 1997–1998 El Niño event, supporting many previous studies indicating that high atmospheric growth rates observed during most El Niño events reflect diminished land uptake. Calculations of interannual variability in land and ocean uptake are probably confounded by non‐zero annual air sea fluxes of O2. The origin of these fluxes is not yet understood.
Registering imagery to ICESat data for measuring elevation changes on Byrd Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Schenk T. , Csatho B. , van der Veen C. J. , Brecher H. , Ahn Y. , Yoon T.
Published: December 2005

We present a new approach to derive control information from ICESat data that enables rigorous registration of aerial and satellite imagery. The technique, based on matching terrain features identified from ICESat measurements and aerial imagery, opens the door to transform results of previous studies to a global reference frame. We demonstrate the proposed methodology with historical aerial photographs to determine surface changes between 1979 and 2004 over Byrd Glacier. This is important because there is no satellite radar altimetry coverage south of 81.5° S, which limits mass balance knowledge of outlet glaciers draining the East Antarctic ice sheet through the southern Transantarctic Mountains. Our study indicates that the grounded part of Byrd Glacier is close to being in balance. However, we observe large thinning on the floating part of the glacier, probably induced by increased basal melting.
Decadal variability of wintertime North Atlantic and Pacific blockings: A possible cause
Authors: Luo Dehai , Wan Han
Published: December 2005

Decadal variability of the wintertime (DJFM) blocking occurring over the North Atlantic (NA) and North Pacific (NP) sectors is investigated by using the daily mean NCEP‐NCAR reanalyses. It is found that the wintertime blocking activities over the NA and NP sectors exhibit a remarkable decadal variability, which is likely controlled by a decadal change in the basic‐state (BS) baroclinicity associated with the large‐scale atmosphere‐ocean coupling in the midlatitudes. In each decadal cycle the high BS baroclinicity over the Northwest Atlantic corresponds to a higher blocking frequency over the Northeast Atlantic, but the low BS baroclinicity over the Northwest Pacific corresponds to a higher frequency of blockings over the Northeast Pacific. In climatological mean the blocking activity in the Northeast Atlantic and Pacific can exhibit a marked linear downward trend when the BS baroclinicity over the Northwestern Atlantic and Pacific sectors exhibits a linear upward trend. This may be because the excessively strong BS baroclinicity tends to suppress the onset of downstream blockings. It is thus concluded that a change in the atmospheric BS baroclinicity associated with the mid‐latitude large‐scale atmosphere‐ocean coupling on decadal timescales is responsible for the decadal variability of the blocking activities over the NA and NP sectors.
Spatial patterns of soil erosion and deposition in two small, semiarid watersheds
Authors: Nearing M. A. , Kimoto Akitsu , Nichols Mary H. , Ritchie Jerry C.
Published: December 2005

This work investigates spatial patterns of hillslope erosion and sediment yields in a semiarid ecosystem considering influences of vegetation, slope, rocks, and landscape morphology. The 137Cs inventories were measured on one shrub and one grassed watershed in southeastern Arizona. Calculated mean erosion rates in eroding areas were 5.6 and 3.2 t ha−1 yr−1, and net erosion rates for the entire watershed, including depositional areas, were 4.3 and nearly 0 t ha−1 yr−1 for the shrub and grass watersheds, respectively, over the past four decades. Differences in hillslope erosion rates between the two watersheds were apparently due to vegetation: while on the shrub site, runoff pathways were unobstructed, on the grass site, runoff was obstructed by vegetation patches and litter. Hillslope erosion rates within the watersheds were not correlated to slope gradient or curvature but were correlated to rocks in the upper soil profile. These results are interpretable in terms of slope‐velocity equilibrium wherein overland flow velocities became independent of slope gradient because of differential rock cover, which evolved as a result of preferential erosion of fine material on the steeper slopes prior to 137Cs deposition. Watershed morphology and channel incision controlled sediment yield. Most of the eroded soil was deposited in swales of the grassed watershed. Most of the soil eroded in the shrub watershed was exported from the watershed outlet by way of a well‐incised channel system. The study shows that measurement of sediment yield from a watershed can be a poor indicator of erosion taking place within the watershed.
αB-crystallin, a small heat-shock protein, prevents the amyloid fibril growth of an amyloid β-peptide and β2-microglobulin
Authors: Raman Bakthisaran , Ban Tadato , Sakai Miyo , Pasta Saloni Y. , Ramakrishna Tangirala , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji , Rao Ch. Mohan
Published: December 2005

αB-crystallin, a small heat-shock protein, exhibits molecular chaperone activity. We have studied the effect of αB-crystallin on the fibril growth of the Aβ (amyloid β)-peptides Aβ-(1–40) and Aβ-(1–42). αB-crystallin, but not BSA or hen egg-white lysozyme, prevented the fibril growth of Aβ-(1–40), as revealed by thioflavin T binding, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and CD spectroscopy. Comparison of the activity of some mutants and chimaeric α-crystallins in preventing Aβ-(1–40) fibril growth with their previously reported chaperone ability in preventing dithiothreitol-induced aggregation of insulin suggests that there might be both common and distinct sites of interaction on α-crystallin involved in the prevention of amorphous aggregation of insulin and fibril growth of Aβ-(1–40). αB-crystallin also prevents the spontaneous fibril formation (without externally added seeds) of Aβ-(1–42), as well as the fibril growth of Aβ-(1–40) when seeded with the Aβ-(1–42) fibril seed. Sedimentation velocity measurements show that αB-crystallin does not form a stable complex with Aβ-(1–40). The mechanism by which it prevents the fibril growth differs from the known mechanism by which it prevents the amorphous aggregation of proteins. αB-crystallin binds to the amyloid fibrils of Aβ-(1–40), indicating that the preferential interaction of the chaperone with the fibril nucleus, which inhibits nucleation-dependent polymerization of amyloid fibrils, is the mechanism that is predominantly involved. We found that αB-crystallin prevents the fibril growth of β2-microglobulin under acidic conditions. It also retards the depolymerization of β2-microglobulin fibrils, indicating that it can interact with the fibrils. Our study sheds light on the role of small heat-shock proteins in protein conformational diseases, particularly in Alzheimer's disease.
Conformation-dependent inactivation of human betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase by hydrogen peroxide in vitro
Authors: Miller Catherine M. , Szegedi Sandra S. , Garrow Timothy A.
Published: December 2005

Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) transfers a methyl group from betaine to Hcy to form DMG (dimethylglycine) and Met. The reaction is ordered Bi Bi; Hcy is the first substrate to bind and Met is the last product off. Using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence [Castro, Gratson, Evans, Jiracek, Collinsova, Ludwig and Garrow (2004) Biochemistry 43, 5341–5351], it was shown that BHMT exists in three steady-state conformations: enzyme alone, enzyme plus occupancy at the first substrate-binding site (Hcy or Met), or enzyme plus occupancy at both substrate-binding sites (Hcy plus betaine, or Hcy plus DMG). Betaine or DMG alone do not bind to the enzyme, indicating that the conformational change associated with Hcy binding creates the betaine-binding site. CBHcy [S-(δ-carboxybutyl)-D,L-homocysteine] is a bisubstrate analogue that causes BHMT to adopt the same conformation as the ternary complexes. We report that BHMT is susceptible to conformation-dependent oxidative inactivation. Two oxidants, MMTS (methyl methanethiosulphonate) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cause a loss of the enzyme's catalytic Zn (Zn2+ ion) and a correlative loss of activity. Addition of 2-mercaptoethanol and exogenous Zn after MMTS treatment restores activity, but oxidation due to H2O2 is irreversible. CD and glutaraldehyde cross-linking indicate that H2O2 treatment causes small perturbations in secondary structure but no change in quaternary structure. Oxidation is attenuated when both binding sites are occupied by CBHcy, but Met alone has no effect. Partial digestion of ligand-free BHMT with trypsin produces two large peptides, excising a seven-residue peptide within loop L2. CBHcy but not Met binding slows down proteolysis by trypsin. These findings suggest that L2 is involved in the conformational change associated with occupancy at the betaine-binding site and that this conformational change and/or occupancy at both ligand-binding sites protect the enzyme from oxidative inactivation.
Deciphering the molecular bases ofMycobacterium tuberculosisbinding to the lectin DC-SIGN reveals an underestimated complexity
Authors: Pitarque Sylvain , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Duteyrat Jean-Luc , Jackson Mary , Stewart Graham R. , Lecointe François , Payre Bruno , Schwartz Olivier , Young Douglas B. , Marchal Gilles , Lagrange Philippe H. , Puzo Germain , Gicquel Brigitte , Nigou Jérôme , Neyrolles Olivier
Published: December 2005

Interactions between dendritic cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the aetiological agent of tuberculosis in humans, are thought to be central to anti-mycobacterial immunity. We have previously shown that M. tuberculosis binds to human monocyte-derived dendritic cells mostly through the C-type lectin DC-SIGN (dendritic-cell-specific intercellular molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin)/CD209, and we have suggested that DC-SIGN may discriminate between mycobacterial species through recognition of the mannose-capping residues on the lipoglycan lipoarabinomannan of the bacterial envelope. Here, using a variety of fast- and slow-growing Mycobacterium species, we provide further evidence that mycobacteria recognition by DC-SIGN may be restricted to species of the M. tuberculosis complex. Fine analyses of the lipoarabinomannan molecules purified from these species show that the structure and amount of these molecules alone cannot account for such a preferential recognition. We propose that M. tuberculosis recognition by DC-SIGN relies on both a potential difference of accessibility of lipoarabinomannan in its envelope and, more probably, on the binding of additional ligands, possibly including lipomannan, mannose-capped arabinomannan, as well as the mannosylated 19 kDa and 45 kDa [Apa (alanine/proline-rich antigen)] glycoproteins. Altogether, our results reveal that the molecular basis of M. tuberculosis binding to DC-SIGN is more complicated than previously thought and provides further insight into the mechanisms of M. tuberculosis recognition by the immune system.
The type III inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase at three sites
Authors: Soulsby Matthew D. , Wojcikiewicz Richard J. H.
Published: December 2005

IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) receptors form tetrameric, IP3-gated Ca2+ channels in endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and are substrates for several kinases, including PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase). Activation of PKA has been reported to either enhance or inhibit type III IP3 receptor Ca2+-channel activity, but, as yet, the sites of phosphorylation remain unknown. Here, we reveal that PKA phosphorylates the type III IP3 receptor at Ser916, Ser934 and Ser1832, and that, intriguingly, each site is located close to a putative surface-exposed peptide loop. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ser934 is considerably more susceptible to PKA-dependent phoshorylation than either Ser916 or Ser1832. These findings define the sites at which the type III IP3 receptor is phosphorylated by PKA, and provide the basis for exploring the functional consequences of this regulatory event.
Effects of counterion valency on the damping of phonons propagating along the axial direction of liquid-crystalline DNA
Authors: Liu Yun , Chen Sow-Hsin , Berti Debora , Baglioni Piero , Alatas Ahmet , Sinn Harald , Alp Ercan , Said Ayman
Published: December 2005

The phonon propagation and damping along the axial direction of films of aligned 40wt% calf-thymus DNA rods are studied by inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS). The IXS spectra are analyzed with the generalized three effective eigenmode theory, from which we extract the dynamic structure factor S(Q,E) as a function of transferred energy E=ℏω, and the magnitude of the transferred wave vector Q. S(Q,E) of a DNA sample typically consists of three peaks, one central Rayleigh scattering peak, and two symmetric Stokes and anti-Stokes Brillouin side peaks. By analyzing the Brillouin peaks, the phonon excitation energy and damping can be extracted at different Q values from about 4 to 30nm−1. A high-frequency sound speed is obtained from the initial slope of the linear portion of the dispersion relation below Q=4nm−1. The high-frequency sound speed obtained in this Q range is 3100m∕s, which is about twice faster than the ultrasound speed of 1800m∕s, measured by Brillouin light scattering at Q∼0.01nm−1 at the similar hydration level. Our observations provide further evidence of the strong coupling between the internal dynamics of a DNA molecule and the dynamics of the solvent. The effect on damping and propagation of phonons along the axial direction of DNA rods due to divalent and trivalent counterions has been studied. It is found that the added multivalent counterions introduce stronger phonon damping. The phonons at the range between ∼12.5 and ∼22.5nm−1 are overdamped by the added counterions according to our model analyses. The intermediate scattering function is extracted and it shows a clear two-step relaxation with the fast relaxation time ranging from 0.1 to 4ps.
Prior poling effect on thermal phase stability in (110)-cut Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)0.74Ti0.26O3 single crystal
Authors: Chien R. R. , Schmidt V. Hugo , Tu Chi-Shun , Wang F.-T.
Published: December 2005

Phases and domains in a (110)-cut Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)0.74Ti0.26O3 (PMNT26%) single crystal have been investigated as functions of temperature and dc electric (E) field by dielectric permittivity, polarizing microscopy, and electric polarization. The unpoled sample has a dominant rhombohedral (R) phase, which coexists with monoclinic (M) phase domains, i.e., R∕M at room temperature. With 45kV∕cm dc poling applied along [110] at room temperature, a single domain of R phase with polar orientation perpendicular to the poling field, i.e., Ṟ, was obtained. After the poling was removed, the poled sample has Ṟ∕M microdomains, where the M distortion is close to the R phase. The zero-field-heating domain patterns in both unpoled and poled samples exhibit continuous polarization rotation via an intrinsic M phase in the regions of 355-375 and 365-380 K, respectively. Orthohombic and tetragonal phases were not observed in the temperature-dependent study. In general, a rhombohedral/monoclinic→monoclinic→cubic transition sequence takes place upon heating for unpoled and poled samples.
Effects of In composition on ultraviolet emission efficiency in quaternary InAlGaN light-emitting diodes on freestanding GaN substrates and sapphire substrates
Authors: Kyono Takashi , Hirayama Hideki , Akita Katsushi , Nakamura Takao , Ishibashi Koji
Published: December 2005

350 - nm -band quaternary InAlGaN quantum-well (QW) structures have been fabricated on low-dislocation-density GaN substrates and sapphire substrates, and the impact of the In composition on ultraviolet emission efficiency has been investigated. Photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence, and atomic force microscopy measurements have revealed that with increasing In concentration, band-gap inhomogeneity in InAlGaN layers is promoted and quantum efficiency becomes less sensitive to dislocation densities. However, this does not necessarily result in the enhancement of QW emission efficiency, because both a decrease in growth temperature and an increase in Al concentration degrade the InAlGaN crystalline quality. It is found that improving the InAlGaN crystalline quality by increasing the growth temperature while maintaining an In fluctuation effect with minimal In composition is essential for highly efficient InAlGaN QWs. The utilization of the optimized InAlGaN growth condition significantly improves the output power of 350-nm-band light-emitting diodes on GaN and sapphire substrates to 7.4mW at 400mA and 2.9mW at 200mA, respectively.
Lipid diffusion compared in outer and inner leaflets of planar supported bilayers
Authors: Zhang Liangfang , Granick Steve
Published: December 2005

The translational diffusion coefficient (D) of lipids located in the outer and inner leaflets of planar supported DLPC (1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayers in the fluid phase was measured using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy of dye-labeled lipids at the low concentration of 0.001% and using iodide quenching of dyes in the outer leaflet to distinguish diffusion in the inner leaflet from that in the outer leaflet. To confirm the generality of these findings, the bilayers were prepared not only by vesicle fusion but also by Langmuir–Blodgett deposition. We conclude that regardless of whether the bilayers were supported on quartz or on a polymer cushion, D in the inner and outer leaflets was the same within an experimental uncertainty of ±10% but with a small systematic tendency to be slower (by <5%) within the inner leaflet.
Manganese-doped zinc oxide tetratubes and their photoluminescent properties
Authors: Xu C. X. , Sun X. W. , Dong Z. L. , Tan S. T. , Cui Y. P. , Wang B. P.
Published: December 2005

Based on vapor-phase transport method, manganese-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Mn) tetropod whiskers were fabricated. The pods of the ZnO:Mn whiskers show hexagonal hollow shape with multitips at the front. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that the tube pods and the tips are composed of wurtzite ZnO growing along [0001] direction. The generation of the luminescent center in ZnO whiskers and electron transport between the ground state and the excitation states of Mn2+ are analyzed by Raman-scattering, photoluminescence, and photoluminescent excitation measurements.
Phase-matched second-harmonic generation at 1064nm in quaternary crystals of silver thiogermanogallate
Authors: Badikov Valeriy , Shevyrdyaeva Galina , Chizhikov Vladimir , Panyutin Vladimir , Xu Guibao , Petrov Valentin , Noack Frank
Published: December 2005

We demonstrate frequency doubling of 1064nm radiation in sulphide crystals of AgxGaxGe1−xS2 having engineerable birefringence and superior nonlinearity in comparison to oxide crystals.
Electrically conductive polyaniline-sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) composites
Authors: Sankir N. D. , Claus R. O. , Mecham J. B. , Harrison W. L.
Published: December 2005

Electrically conductive composite films from sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) and polyaniline emeraldine base were prepared. The electrical conductivity values, which would be useful for a wide range of applications, were achieved after only 1min of doping in protonic acid solution. A molecular interaction between the supportive matrix and conductive filler is inferred based on significant difference in the Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the doped and undoped composite films.
Low-voltage polymer thin-film transistors with a self-assembled monolayer as the gate dielectric
Authors: Park Yeong Don , Kim Do Hwan , Jang Yunseok , Hwang Minkyu , Lim Jung Ah , Cho Kilwon
Published: December 2005

By a simple process, we manufactured polymer thin-film transistors (PTFTs) using a 2.6 nm thick self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of alkyl chains as the gate dielectric to reduce the operating voltage of the device. These manufactured PTFTs operate with supply voltages of less than 2 V. A densely packed SAM of docosyltrichlorosilanes (DCTS) was a very efficient insulating barrier due to the very limited penetration of polymer transistor molecules into the SAM insulator. The present results show that a DCTS monolayer is suitable for use as a gate dielectric. These results enhance the prospects of using polymer TFTs with a SAM gate dielectric in low-power applications such as identification tags.
Hydrogen-induced modification of the medium-range structural order in amorphous silicon films
Authors: Nittala L. N. , Jayaraman S. , Sperling B. A. , Abelson J. R.
Published: December 2005

We use fluctuation electron microscopy to determine changes in the medium-range structural order of un-hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films after they are exposed to atomic hydrogen at a substrate temperature of 230 °C. The films are deposited by magnetron sputtering at either 230 or 350 °C substrate temperature to obtain starting states with small or large initial medium-range order, respectively. The in-diffusion of atomic hydrogen causes the medium-range order to decrease for the small initial order but to increase for the large initial order. We suggest that this behavior can be understood in terms of classical nucleation theory: The ordered regions of small diameter are energetically unstable and can lower their energy by evolving towards a continuous random network, whereas the ordered regions of large diameter are energetically stable and can lower their energy by coarsening towards the nanocrystalline state.
Reduction of threading dislocations in AlGaN layers grown on AlN∕sapphire templates using high-temperature GaN interlayer
Authors: Jiang H. , Egawa T. , Hao M. , Liu Y.
Published: December 2005

Crack-free AlGaN layers were grown on AlN∕sapphire templates by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Reduction of threading-dislocation (TD) density is achieved by inserting a high-temperature GaN interlayer between the AlGaN and AlN layers. Structural characterization reveals that such an interlayer can efficiently block the TDs propagating from the underlying AlN layer, and reduce the TD density in the subsequent AlGaN layer by one order of magnitude with an optimum thickness of 25 nm. It is also clarified that the decrease of edge TDs is the dominant contribution to this reduction.
One-to-many laser fanout generated by single large-size two-dimensional holographic photonic crystal
Authors: Liu Shou , Zhang Xiangsu , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Ying , Ren Xuechang
Published: December 2005

The phenomenon of one-to-many laser fanout in large-size two-dimensional (2D) holographic photonic crystals (H-PhCs) is presented. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the phenomenon is induced by multiple substrate waveguiding effect of 2D H-PhCs, and the orientations of the waveguided beams depend on the lattice structures of 2D H-PhCs. The fanout angle and separations between output spots are determined by λ∕d, light incident angle and thickness of glass substrate, therefore can be controlled via fabricating special lattice structures. The phenomenon has the potential to enable the application of 2D PhCs as interconnection devices in optical networks.
Electro-optical switching of a thin antiferroelectric liquid crystal film in the planar geometry with evaporated top electrode
Authors: Blinov L. M. , Geivandov A. R. , Lazarev V. V. , Palto S. P. , Yudin S. G. , Pelzl G. , Weissflog W.
Published: December 2005

An antiferroelectric liquid crystal phase formed by bent-shape molecules was investigated in a geometry typical of solid-state technology. A thin Langmuir film of the compound was transferred onto a conductive glass and supplied with a top electrode evaporated in vacuum. Upon heating the sandwich keeps its integrity even in a high-temperature B2 phase which, despite strong confinement, manifests antiferroelectric and electrooptic properties similar to those in bulk samples. This approach fills the gap between investigations of solid and liquid crystal ferroelectrics and open new ways for studying dielectric, ferro- and antiferroelectric properties of thin and ultrathin films of liquid crystals.
Codes of Life: Identification Codes and the Machine-Readable World
Authors: Dodge Martin , Kitchin Rob
Published: December 2005

In this paper we present a detailed examination of identification codes, their embeddedness in everyday life, and how recent trends are qualitatively altering their nature and power. Developing a Foucaultian analysis we argue that identification codes are key components of governmentality and capitalism. They provide a means of representing, collating, sorting, categorising, matching, profiling, regulating, of generating information, knowledge, and control through processes of abstraction, computation, modeling, and classification. Identification codes now provide a means of uniquely addressing all the entities and processes that make up everyday life—people, material objects, information, transactions, and territories. Moreover, they provide a means of linking these entities and processes together in complex ways to form dense rhizomic assemblages of power/knowledge. At present, however, the information that identification codes provide access to are, at best, oligopticon in nature—that is, they afford only partial and selective views. In the latter part of the paper we outline four trends—wide-scale trawling for data, increased granularity, forever storage, and enhanced processing and analysis—that seek to convert these partial oligopticons into more panoptic arrangements. In turn, we contend that these trends are part of a larger metatrend—the creation of a machine-readable world in which identification codes can be systematically and automatically ‘read’ and acted on by software independent of human control. This metatrend is supported by interlocking discourses such as safety, security, efficiency, antifraud, citizenship and consumer empowerment, productivity, reliability, flexibility, economic rationality, and competitive advantage to construct powerful, supportive discursive regimes.
The Ghosts of Industrial Ruins: Ordering and Disordering Memory in Excessive Space
Authors: Edensor Tim
Published: December 2005

In this paper I investigate how the effects of the disordered spaces of industrial ruins can interrogate and contest the normative ways in which memory is spatialised in the city. By focusing upon confrontations with the ghosts which haunt ruins, I will suggest that the affective and sensual memories conjured up act as an antidote to the fixed, classified, and commodified memories purveyed in heritage and commemorative spaces. In contradistinction to the didactic and constrained remembering that prevails across Western cities, a form of remembering which is inarticulate, sensual, and conjectural allows improvisatory scope to supplement and challenge ordered forms of social remembering.
Harry Clive Minnett 1917 - 2003
Authors: Thomas Bruce MacA. , Robinson Brian J.
Published: December 2005

In April 1940, Harry Minnett joined the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, renamed CSIRO in May 1949), soon after the establishment of the Radiophysics Laboratory for research into advanced radar systems. He remained with the organization until his retirement in 1981. Harry's ability as a meticulous engineer with a thorough understanding of the related underlying scientific principles was recognized by his being appointed to leading roles in a number of significant projects. These were to have a long-term impact on Australian science and technology. Among the most important was his role in guiding the design of the Parkes 64-m radio telescope to successful completion, and the establishment of a world-recognized research group on antenna design to support radio telescope design and upgrades. He also had considerable impact on the construction of the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian optical telescope at Siding Spring Mountain, New South Wales, and the 'Interscan' aircraft Microwave Landing System being developed by the Division of Radiophysics in collaboration with industry. He was Chief of the Division from 1978 to 1981. Harry died on 20 December 2003 after a short period of illness.