bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An energy minimization approach to stereopsis: Perception of multiple interlaced surface
Authors: Sato Yoshinobu , Awaya Hideshi , Tamura Shinichi
Published: July 2007

This paper describes a stereo‐matching algorithm which works effectively even for a scene with a large number of discontinuities such as in the case of multiple interlaced surfaces. Prazdny [6] pointed out that the discontinuity can be handled by dissolving the ambiguity based on the facilitation by the similarity, rather than employing the discontinuity of disparity as the penalty. However, his method has a problem in that the ability to dissolve the ambiguity is decreased in correspondence to the reduction of scene restriction. In this paper, to determine the dispartity field maximizing the facilitation of similarity, several matching rules and matching primitives are combined, and the result is integrated into an energy‐minimum model of a network similar to Hopfield's neural network [7]. This resulted in a strong disambiguation power. Especially, we propose a new multiresolution processing method robust against discontinuity, in which processing of the different levels is in parallel. Only the information data concerning the image features corresponding to the same physical entity are propagated from the coarse to fine levels. By the reasonings in this paper, a natural extension is derived for the Marr‐Poggio first stereo algorithm [2]. An experiment was made for a scene through a fence, and it was verified that the interactions built in the network work effectively.
The structure of experts: A parallel processor system for 3‐dimensional graphics
Authors: Niimi Haruo , Hagiwara Hiroshi , Tomita Shinji
Published: July 2007

A parallel processor system, called EXPERTS, is developed to generate realistic images of three‐dimensional (3‐D) scenes at a high speed. EXPERTS inputs a list of 3‐D objects defined by a polyhedron model, executes hidden surface elimination by utilizing a scan‐line algorithm, and calculates a frame of pixel values. To perform these processes efficiently, EXPERTS is constructed as a two‐level hierarchical bus‐connected multiprocessor system. This system architecture is derived from the processing scheme employed in which the scan‐line algorithm is divided into two succeeding stages and parallelism is introduced to each stage, respectively. Two types of special‐purpose processor elements were designed to speed up these two processes: that for the former stage is called Scan‐Line Processor (SLP), and that for the latter stage is called PiXel processor (PXP). This paper describes the parallel processing method of scan‐line algorithm, the interconnection scheme of the processor elements, and the details of their hardware architecture. Performance estimation of the system is also presented.
Machine parts recognition and processing using fourier descriptors
Authors: Itoh Hidetoshi , Hirata Tatsuya , Ishii Naohiro
Published: July 2007

In the recognition of industrial parts by image processing, one of the methods is to use the Fourier descriptor as a matching method which is invariant against rotation, expansion, contraction, and translation. This paper discusses the recognition method using the Fourier descriptor from the viewpoint of industrial applications. First, a new matching method is proposed considering the optimality and the efficiency, using, in particular, a P‐type descriptor among several Fourier descriptors. The method is to reduce the number of operations and to improve the efficiency by selecting a few coefficients with larger values from Fourier descriptors of the model, and to solve a simple algebraic equation for the object descriptor. Next, several slightly different recognition algorithms for the parts are proposed which are applicable to practical problems. Finally, the method is applied to construct an experimental system. Various kinds of automobile parts are discriminated, indicating the usefulness of the method. Further, the possibility of real‐time processing is indicated.
On‐line recognition of handwritten signatures by feature extraction of pen movements
Authors: Taguchi Hideo , Kiriyama Koichi , Tanaka Eiji , Fujii Katsuhiko
Published: July 2007

To establish an automatic method of signature verification, this paper presents an on‐line recognition technique of handwritten signatures by comparing the dynamic features extracted from pen movement with the reference data. In this paper, it is observed that dynamic features such as changes in pen inclination and writing force with time are different among the writers and these features are detected by various sensors attached to the pen. In other words, the pen inclination is estimated from the relationship between the pen inclination and the intensity of illumination at the paper surface of light emitted from an LED utilizing a reflective optical fiber sensor. The writing force in the axial direction of the pen is obtained from the relationship between the strain and applied force by using a force sensor installed at the central part of the pen. In comparison with the reference data, simple features such as number of pen‐ups and pen‐downs and maximum, minimum and average values of time histories of the writing force and pen inclination are considered first. If the data are rather significant, then further comparison is made with respect to the time series waves of the pen inclination and writing force before a final decision as to whether or not a signature is authentic is made. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to a set of test data consisting of autographs and forgeries and it is shown that this method distinguishes an autograph from a forgery from the changes in writing force and pen attitudes even though two signatures resemble each other.
Parallel execution on the function‐partitioned processor with multiple instruction streams
Authors: Sowa Masahiro , Arita Takaya , Kawamura Tadaaki , Takagi Hiromitsu
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a parallel execution mechanism with the refinement between machine instruction level to the register transfer level. In the proposed mechanism, the processor is function‐partitioned into a number of processing units, and instruction streams are assigned independently to the processing units. According to the arc indicating the dependency in the control flow graph, the processing units exchange the asynchronous control signals at a high speed. Compared with the synchronous parallel execution mechanism such as VLIW, the proposed mechanism can extract the parallelism in a flexible and detailed way.

First, the general parallel computation model based on the proposed mechanism is described. Then the basic configuration of the computer is described for the prototype model based on three classes of machine instructions. A simple evaluation is presented through execution examples of sample programs.
The generative power of multiple context‐free grammars and head grammars
Authors: Matsumura Takashi , Seki Hiroyuki , Fujii Mamoru , Kasami Tadao
Published: July 2007

Multiple context‐free grammars (mcfg's) and head grammars (hg's) are subclasses of generalized context‐free grammars introduced by Pollard to describe the syntax of natural languages. In this paper, the following properties of mcfg's and hg's are shown: (1) the class HL of languages generated by hg's is the same as that generated by the tree adjoining grammars introduced by Joshi et al.; (2) HL is the same as that generated by left‐wrapping hg's (or right‐wrapping hg's) which is a proper subclass of hg's; (3) HL is properly included in the one generated by 2‐mcfg's, which is a proper subclass of mcfg's. As a corollary of (1), it is also shown that HL is a substitution closed full AFL.
A defect recovery method for ulsi/ wsi arithmetic operation systems based on residue number systems
Authors: Tomabechi Nobuhiro
Published: July 2007

A method of fabrication defect recovery in ULSI (ultra‐large scale integration) and WSI (wafer‐scale integration) arithmetic operation systems involving fault tolerance based on residue arithmetic is presented. The implementation of the fault‐tolerant system, which includes a compact multiplexed error correcting circuit, is described. Analysis of the yield of redundant systems based on the proposed method indicates that the effect chip area of redundant ULSI/WSI systems can be extended to 10 to 20 times that of a nonredundant VLSI chip while maintaining a yield of 50 percent.
Hypercube Architecture with Bus Connections for Improving Communication Efficiency
Authors: Ishikawa Tsutomu
Published: July 2007

This paper describes a new hypercube architecture with multiple buses in which the maximum inter‐PE distance (called diameter) for any size hypercube can be shortened to two from log2N (N: the number of PEs).

This architecture is obtained by partitioning all PEs of the hypercube into subsets whose PEs are far from each other using a Hamming code and its cosets, and connecting all PEs in each subset to a bus. PEs that are remote from each other communicate via this bus as a bypass route. These multiple bypass bus routes allow this architecture to improve communication efficiency. Moreover, broadcast also is executed in two communication cycles for any size hypercube.
New method of learning vector quantization using fuzzy theory
Authors: Sakuraba Yuuichi , Nakamoto Takamichi , Moriizumi Toyosaka
Published: July 2007

Because of its high performance, the learning vector quantization (LVQ) proposed by Kohonen is noteworthy as a method for realizing a neural network. We propose herein a new method of LVQ using fuzzy theory and call it “fuzzy learning vector quantization” (FLVQ).

FLVQ algorithm is as simple as that of LVQ, and its capability of pattern recognition is higher than that of a conventional neural network. Although it is difficult for conventional neural networks to discriminate an input pattern of an unknown category from those of known ones, FLVQ can do it. Since reference vectors of FLVQ are described by use of fuzzy sets and their membership functions are obtained from learning, the data features can be effectively extracted using FLVQ.

We have used FLVQ in an odor pattern recognition system and compared its capability with those of conventional neural networks. As a result, it was confirmed that FLVQ had higher ability in an odor discrimination from the known one than is the case in conventional networks and that an unknown odor was discriminated by FLVQ.
Miscible viscous fingering with linear adsorption on the porous matrix
Authors: Mishra M. , Martin M. , De Wit A.
Published: July 2007

Viscous fingering between miscible fluids of different viscosities can affect the dispersion of finite samples in porous media. In some applications, as typically in chromatographic separations or pollutant dispersion in underground aquifers, adsorption onto the porous matrix of solutes (the concentration of which rules the viscosity of the solution) can affect the fingering dynamics. Here, we investigate theoretically the influence of such an adsorption on the stability and nonlinear properties of viscous samples displaced in a two-dimensional system by a less viscous and miscible carrying fluid. The model is based on Darcy’s law for the evolution of the fluid velocity coupled to a diffusion-convection equation for the concentration of a solute in the mobile phase inside the porous medium. The adsorption-desorption dynamics of the solute onto the stationary phase is assumed to be at equilibrium, to follow a linear isotherm and is characterized by a retention parameter κ′ equal to the adsorption-desorption equilibrium constant K multiplied by the phase ratio F. In practice, retention on the porous matrix renormalizes the log-mobility ratio by a factor (1+κ′). Correspondingly, a linear stability analysis and nonlinear simulations of the model show that an increase of κ′ leads to a stabilization of viscous fingering with fingers appearing on a dimensional time scale multiplied by (1+κ′)3 and with a dimensional wavelength multiplied by (1+κ′).
Microwave dielectric properties of strained Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films with and without strain-induced permanent polarization at room temperature
Authors: Chang Wontae , Alldredge L. M. B. , Kirchoefer Steven W. , Pond Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2007

At room temperature, Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films can be distorted into in-plane or out-of-plane tetragonal structure depending on the type of film strain while the bulk ferroelectric is in a paraelectric phase (i.e., cubic). The film distortion can be accompanied with or without strain-induced permanent polarization depending on the intensity of film strain. The microwave dielectric constant and tuning of the distorted films are observed to be heavily dependent on the directions of both the tetragonal distortion and the permanent polarization with respect to the measurement direction. The experimentally observed anisotropic dielectric properties of the distorted films are interpreted based on the phenomenological thermodynamics of film strain effect depending on the presence of permanent polarization in the films at room temperature and are discussed with a physical model of polarization and dielectric tuning mechanisms in the strained films.
Dance and Non-Dance: Patterned Movement in Iran and Islam
Authors: Shay Anthony
Published: July 2007

Much Scholarly Ink has been Spilled over the Question of What constitutes dance in different societies. Several attempts have been made to create a universal category for dance that would enable dance scholars to transcend this fundamental question and get down to the business of conducting research, secure in the knowledge that all of their colleagues understand the basic definitions of “dance.”

None of the current definitions takes into account dance and dance events in societies such as those of the Islamic areas of the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa where the term for dance (usually the Arabic word raqṣ) can possibly bear powerfully negative or, at least, ambiguous connotations. While dance, and a word to denote that activity, exists and we can perhaps come to an agreement over what constitutes dance, an even more crucial issue is what dance is not in an Islamic environment.
Redressing Gender Inequality in Employment: the National and Sub-regional Policy ‘Fit’
Authors: Barnes Sally-Anne , Green Anne , Orton Michael , Bimrose Jenny
Published: July 2007

This article examines the ‘fit’ between policy development regarding gender inequality in employment at sub-regional and national (UK) level, in particular focusing on the experience of women. Drawing on research undertaken in Coventry and Warwickshire, the article explores the question of how policy development at sub-regional level fits with national policy, and whether the sub-region is an appropriate, or effective, level at which to develop policy on gender inequality in employment. It is argued that while there needs to be recognition of the limited ability of sub-regional policy to confront structural issues, policy development at this level does offer potential strengths in redressing both gender inequality in employment and the relative lack of a gender dimension in local economic development.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ACUTE HOSPITAL ADMISSION
Authors: O'Neill Pat
Published: July 2007

One hundred acute admissions to Armidale Hospital were questioned carefully about their use of various substances with a potential for addictive misuse. The results confirmed that acute hospital admission correlates with a higher than average rate of substance abuse. The relationship with alcohol abuse was particularly strong. One‐third of all females and one‐half of all males surveyed were regularly using alcohol at risk levels.
Strategies for Developing Medical Education Programmes on Drugs and Alcohol
Authors: Irvine Susan
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Some basic principles of educational programme development are illustrated by two case histories of very familiar characters. Their relevance to medical education on drugs and alcohol is briefly discussed.
Assessment Method and Medication Requirement in Chlormethiazole Detoxification from Alcohol
Authors: Stanhope John M. , McCaskie Carol S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Two policies governing treatment of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome by administration of chlormethiazole were compared. One regime (“the old”) used subjective assessment of symptoms by nurses, the other (“the new”) used a more objective rating scale. Under the new regime chlormethiazole and carbamazepine use was less, but use of antinauseants and other sedatives was more, compared with the old regime. There was no difference in occurrence of side‐effects or proportion of patients completing detoxification. The new regime offered a small cost advantage (78 cents per patient), but indirect advantages were believed to exist in patient orientation and reassurance, earlier awareness of underlying psychiatric disorder and improved staff communication.
Hospital Based Alcohol and Drug Units in New South Wales
Authors: Goldstein Greg , Kilburn‐Watt Elisabeth
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The four existing hospital‐based drug and alcohol units in New South Wales at Royal Prince Alfred, St Vincent's, Westmead and Newcastle are reviewed in terms of staffing, services offered, clientele outcomes and management practices. It is concluded that the basic premises under which the units were set up have been confirmed. Improved and standardised data collection is recommended.
Controlled Drinking and Relapse
Authors: Saunders Bill
Published: July 2007

Abstract: It is contended that whilst relapse and controlled drinking are areas that have attracted much attention in recent years, there has been a relative failur to combine the respective developments in these areas. In this paper issues central to relapse are outlined and the implications for controlled drinking practice considered. Whilst it is acknowledged that similar issues are raised in the management of relapse in controlled drinking programmes as in abstinence oriented interventions, particular attention needs to be given to what constitutes the boundaries of controlled drinking and how to respond if a controlled drinker breaches these limits. In such cases until proper assessment and review have been conducted the tendency to impose an abstinence goal needs to be resisted. The emphasis of each review should be upon the individal's resolve and commitment to the goal of treatment as well as consideration of coping skill deficits. Failure on a controlled drinking programme can on occasions be a useful aid to the eventual attainment of abstinence.
Use of Selective Breeding in Alcohol Research
Authors: Deitrich Richard A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The use of selective breeding in alcohol research is relatively recent in spite of the extensive use of the technique in other areas of behavioural research and the long history of selective breeding in agriculture. Initial efforts were directed toward selective breeding for acute effects and preference. More recently, selective breeding for ethanol activation, hypothermia, severity of withdrawal, tolerance and stress response as well as new breeding programs for preference and acute effects are underway. Related breeding programs for benzodiazepine and opiate sensitivity are also being carried out. The technique affords the opportunity to dissect the mechanism of the action of ethanol at the molecular level and the genetic basis of various ethanol effects.
Alcohol‐Related Brain Damage: the Neuropsychological Deficits and their Implication for Independent Living
Authors: Clifford Christine A. , Maddocks David
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Alcohol related brain damage as seen in those with a long history of alcohol abuse at high levels is almost always accompanied by severe medical complications. However, more subtle neuropsychological impairment may be found in an individual who has almost no physical problems associated with alcohol abuse. The most common problems are short term memory loss, an inability to perform problem solving activities and difficulties with learning new skills. This has wide implications in an individual who needs to learn a new lifestyle which does not involve alcohol abuse. The neuropsychological deficits of alcohol abusers may be one reason why rehabilitation programmes for alcohol abusers are not very successful, since they rely heavily on the acquisition of new skills and styles of thinking.
Current World Trends in Alcoholism Research
Authors: Kalant Harold
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Biomedical research on alcohol actions and alcoholism has advanced rapidly but unevenly in the past two decades, in directions determined to a considerable extent by methodological developments. Major progress has been made in relation to (1) neurochemical and electrophysiological analysis of the mechanisms of action of ethanol on the neuronal membrane; (2) definition of genetic factors affecting sensitivity to ethanol, metabolism of alcohol, and predisposition to alcohol problems; (3) biological markers for early identification of those with drinking problems; (4) elucidation of environmental and behavioral factors modulating the acquisition of tolerance; (5) epidemiological recognition of the relation between alcohol consumption and certain types of organic damage, analysis of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved, and in some cases significant advances in therapy; and (6) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of interactions between ethanol and other drugs. In contrast, relatively little headway has been made in elucidating the brain mechanisms responsible for acquisition and maintenance of heavy drinking behavior. This must remain a high‐priority research topic, if major progress is to be made in the development of effective and safe pharmacotherapies for alcoholism.
The Drug Offensive — a review of its approach and progress from April 1986 to September 1988*
Authors: Carroll Tom E. , Loy John G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: This paper reviews the approach taken in the “Drug Offensive”, the media and public information programs of Australia's National Campaign Against Drug Abuse, from April 1986 to September 1988. A description of the campaign's progress during this period is provided, and early findings from the various monitoring and evaluation studies undertaken in the course of the campaign are reported on.
Alcohol and physical disease in Bourke Aborigines
Authors: Harris Mark F.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Alcohol consumption was found to be highest in 25 to 44 year old Aboriginal adults in 309 screened in Bourke, NSW in 1985. An association was found between stated alcohol intake and both previously diagnosed hypertension and measured blood pressure. A highly significant association was also found with recurrent seizures. These findings underline the importance of prevention and better management of alcohol abuse amongst Aborigines.
Residual Stresses in Austeno-Ferritic Steel Neutron Diffraction and Modelling
Authors: Gigout D. , Baczmanski A. , Ohms C. , Youtsos A.G. , Lodini A.
Published: July 2007

In this work plastically deformed austeno-ferritic steel was studied in order to explain the mechanism of creation and relaxation of the plastic micro and macrostresses. Using neutron method the evolution of residual stresses inside the sample was measured. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of the finite element method (FEM) and self consistent model.
NiC/Ti Supermirrors and Stress Evolution under Neutron Irradiation
Authors: N’Guy-Maréchal Kalyana , Menelle Alain , Gergaud Patrice
Published: July 2007

The stress evolution under thermal neutrons irradiation of NiC/Ti multilayers used in supermirror neutron guides are presented. After irradiation, titanium undergoes a change of structure. Stresses in nickel layers have been determined: it is shown that the evolution under irradiation depends on the deposition process.
How to Choose Sample Orientations in Full Strain/Stress Tensor Determination with a Time-of-Flight Goniometer
Authors: Ortner B. , Keckes J.
Published: July 2007

A computer program helping to plan strain tensor measurements is presented. It searches for those goniometer positions, which yield the most accurate result for a given number of measurements, a given specimen and the goniometer used. The concept of the program is very open so that it can easily be adapted for any TOF goniometer, no matter how many rotation axes it has, no matter also if it is built with one or two detectors and how these are situated. It can also take account of texture of the specimen or other influences on the intensity of the diffracted beam. The program is available from the authors or at www.oeaw.ac.at/esi/ as source code so that it can be compiled and run in any operating system and can also be changed for the special need of the user.
Multi-scale Behaviour Modelling of an Austeno–ferritic Steel
Authors: Mcirdi L. , Baptiste D. , Inal K. , Lebrun J.L. , Barbier G.
Published: July 2007

Polycrystalline approaches are more and more used to characterise the mechanical behaviour of material with the interest to take into account the mechanical properties of the material constituents. In this case, for a better understanding of the polycrystalline material mechanical response, mesoscopic and microscopic parameters must be clearly identified. Our purpose is also to characterise the mechanical behaviour of a cast duplex stainless steel, containing 30% ferrite and 70% austenite, using X-ray diffraction. The mechanical state can be determined using X-ray diffraction technique which enables to measure strains in each phase separately. The measurements are performed at the grain scale because the studied material exhibits coarse grains of up to one millimetre. In this case, only few crystals are irradiated by the incident X-ray beam and the classical sin2 Ψ method for stress determination cannot be applied to this material. An adaptation of the single crystal measurement method to large grains materials is used. Stresses so determined correspond to second order stresses. The measurement in each phase has successfully been applied to follow the stress state evolution during an in situ tensile test. Several grains, with different crystallographic orientations were studied. For each one, the stress tensor was determined in the two phases under different macroscopic loading in elastic and plastic domains. A modelling of the mechanical single crystal behaviour is developed and our purpose is to identify the parameters of the single crystal behaviour law using X-ray single crystal stress analysis during in situ tensile test.
Stress Measurements in Thin Zirconia Films At 300°C Using Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Sicardy O. , Touet I. , Rieutord F. , Eymery J.
Published: July 2007

Zirconium alloys used as cladding materials for nuclear fuel oxidise into zirconia during their stay in the reactor. The zirconia formed develops high compressive stresses because the molar volume of the oxide is greater than that of the metal. For a better understanding of the oxidation behaviour of these alloys, stress measurements on thin oxide films at the working temperature of reactor are necessary. They have been performed at 300°C by means of X-ray diffraction techniques on metal sheets previously oxidized in an autoclave. The experiment has been done on the multi-techniques goniometer of the IF beam line at ESRF by coupling the sin2(Ψ) method, grazing incidence configuration and sample heating. Stress tensor and tetragonal zirconia content of oxide layers ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 µm have been determined for two different alloys: zircaloy-4 and Zr-1%Nb. A comparison between 300°C and room temperature results has been made.
Residual Stresses in AA6082 Shrink-fit Systems: Finite Element Calculations and Neutron Diffraction Measurements
Authors: Albertini G. , Ceretti M. , Caglioti G. , Fiori F. , Monzani R. , Viviani L.
Published: July 2007

The residual stress field in shrink-fit disc-ring systems was investigated in the framework of a general research, the final goal of which is to establish optimisation criteria for the joining procedure in the AA6082 aluminium alloy. In particular, two different procedures were considered: the traditional thermoelastic and an innovative thermoelastoplastic coupling. The two processes were simulated by finite element calculations, which were optimised by comparison with existing analytic models. Neutron diffraction experiments were carried out on samples obtained by the two procedures. The comparison between the theoretical and experimental results showed a satisfactory agreement. Small differences found were ascribed to already existing residual stresses, which were actually measured in uncoupled samples.
The Determination of d0 without a Reference Material
Authors: Daymond M.R. , Johnson M.W.
Published: July 2007

A method for the calculation of a stress free lattice parameter from the analysis of diffraction data from stressed material is discussed, utilising the elastic anisotropy of the material. The technique is demonstrated using the data obtained during a uni-axial tension test on austenitic steel. The uncertainty in the calculated lattice parameter for various choices of a number of diffraction peaks and when different stress levels are available for the calculation is considered. It is shown that when all the data is within the elastic regime, an accurate evaluation of the reference lattice parameter can be made. When some data is in the plastic regime, a more limited evaluation is possible.
Barkhausen Noise Analysis for Stress Field Evaluation on Bearing Raceway Used in Aeronautic Engine
Authors: Carrerot H. , Desvaux S. , Gualandri J. , Lamare A.
Published: July 2007

SNFA has decided to develop the Barkhausen noise technique in order to determine the state of stresses and the microstructural changes in the contact zones of the bearing raceways and rolling elements. Based on its know-how, its practical experience on site of the X-ray diffraction method and the non-destructive techniques (Micrography, Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection, Magnetic Particle Inspection, Nital Etch and Eddy Current), SNFA is today in a position to officially state the efficiency of the Barkhausen noise technique to estimate the state of stresses in the bearings. A specifically developed software allows us to estimate the residual stress profiles on the following bearing contact zones: raceways after grinding; raceways after prestressing; and raceways after operation on an engine.
Performance and Calibration of the Newly Installed Medium Resolution Double Crystal Based Small-angle Neutron Scattering Instrument at Trombay
Authors: Mazumder S. , Sen D. , Saravanan T. , Vijayaraghavan P.R.
Published: July 2007

A double crystal based moderate resolution small-angle neutron scattering instrument has been built and commissioned at the guide tube laboratory of Dhruva reactor, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, India. The instrument consists of a non-dispersive ( 1, −1) setting of 111 reflections of silicon single crystals with sample between the two crystals. The neutron wavelength used is 0.312 nm. The analyser crystal rotates with smallest step size of 0.0012°. At 65 MW of reactor power, the peak count rate of the blank rocking curve is about 55 counts per second at the detector position and the ratio of integrated signal to integrated noise is 450 for a typical experiment with sintered alumina. Experiments with sintered alumina specimens reveal that the accessible range of wave vector transfer q is 0.003–0.173 nm−1. The instrument is calibrated with respect to the high resolution ultra small-angle neutron scattering instrument S18 at the Institute Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France.
Normalisation of the resolution function in TOF technique
Authors: Dorner Bruno
Published: July 2007

The normalisation factors of the resolution function are the basic components for the conversion of measured neutron scattering spectra to the scattering function S(Q, ω). The instrumental resolution function and its normalisation factors are derived independently of any sample and its S(Q, ω). As shown earlier for Three-Axis Spectrometer, these factors, also in time of flight (TOF) technique, are symmetric for the incoming beam, with p(kI)k4I, and the scattered beam, with p(kF)k4F, Here kI and kF are the wave vectors of the incoming and scattered neutrons; p(kI) describes the spectrum of the source in phase-space and p(kF) the detector efficiency. In direct TOF the conversion factor is [p(kF)k4F]−1. In inverse TOF it is [p(kF)k4I]−1 The latter depends on the neutron source. For thermal neutrons (gas in thermal equilibrium) the conversion factor is [k4I exp(−k2I/k2T)]−1, where the wave vector kT corresponds to temperature. For epithermal neutrons, in the eV range, the conversion factor is constant.
The thermal time-of-flight spectrometer IN4 with the forward scattering detector
Authors: Mutka H. , Stride J. , Manzin G. , Guérard B.
Published: July 2007

We report on the thermal time-of-flight instrument IN4 at the ILL, constructed keeping in mind the extension of accessible kinematic range by implementing small-angle coverage with a purpose-built forward-scattering detector. This detector has become operational recently. The time-resolution of this type of crystal monochromator time-of-flight instrument on a continuous source is briefly discussed. We conclude that IN4 with its forward scattering detector, and BRISP which is presently coming on line, form an interesting complementary pair of instruments, providing an extended (Q,ω)-range for the investigation of condensed matter.
What do we know about the microscopic motion in simple liquid metals and what can we learn from inelastic scattering experiments?
Authors: Pilgrim W.-C.
Published: July 2007

A short survey on recent inelastic scattering work on liquid alkali metals is given. The classification of liquid alkalis as “simple liquids” is questioned from analysing experimental data measured within the full liquid range from melting point conditions up to the immediate vicinity of the liquid vapour critical point. Depending on density, the particle dynamics passes through several characteristic domains. At sufficiently high density where the electron gas determines the interparticle interactions, the motional behaviour is rather solid-like and essentially two relaxation mechanisms are needed to correctly account for the single particle as well as for the collective dynamics. At sufficiently reduced density, electron localisation must be taken into account favouring the formation of molecular species. Their internal degrees of freedom resulting from this chemical variation gradually determine the shape of the scattering law.
Low-Q Brillouin scattering from glasses
Authors: Courtens Eric , Rufflé Benoît , Vacher René
Published: July 2007

A general framework for the understanding of Brillouin scattering spectra observed in glasses with light, X-rays, or neutrons is presented. Several sources of acoustic damping are discussed. Crossovers between different damping regimes can occur, depending on the glass and on the temperature. Generally, the damping of sound culminates in the THz frequency range with a Ioffe-Regel limit corresponding to a resonance with the boson peak. This limit should be of direct relevance to BRISP, as the instrument will mostly operate in that region.
Neutron Diffraction for Non-Destructive Strain/Stress Measurements in Industrial Devices
Authors: Priesmeyer Hans Georg , Larsen Jörg , Meggers Kay
Published: July 2007

High resolution neutron diffraction is becoming widely used as a non-destructive tool to investigate three-dimensional stress fields in polycrystalline metals and ceramics. Lattice strains can be derived from Bragg peak positions measured with an accuracy better than 1 : 104. Both crystal and time-of-flight diffractometry are used to perform the measurements, as is demonstrated by examples. New instrumental developments like the European PREMIS project at ISIS, England, the Fourier correlation spectrometer FSS at Geesthacht, Germany and the energy-dispersive Neutron Transmission Stroboscope at LANSCE, United States, are introduced. Recent results on industrial devices are presented.
Regulation of Muscle Blood Flow in Obesity
Authors: Hodnett Benjamin L. , Hester Robert L.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Obesity has been shown to impair muscle blood flow in humans. Vasodilatory control mechanisms such as metabolic control, myogenic mechanisms, conducted vasodilation, and release of endothelium‐derived factors may be impaired in obesity due to insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. The physiological importance of these blood flow control mechanisms has predominately been determined during the increase in blood flow (functional hyperemia) that occurs in response to the increased metabolism associated with exercise. This review examines the mechanisms by which functional hyperemia may be impaired in obesity and indicates areas where further studies are needed. The most extensively studied area of obesity‐induced changes in muscle blood flow has been the role of endothelium‐derived mediators during resting blood flow and exercise‐induced hyperemia. Elevations in oxidative stress alter endothelium‐derived factors, resulting in impaired vasodilatory responses. Alterations in metabolic and conducted vasodilatory regulation of blood flow have not been extensively studied in obesity, providing a potential area of research.
Microvascular Permeability in Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yuan Sarah Y. , Breslin Jerome W. , Perrin Rachel , Gaudreault Nathalie , Guo Mingzhang , Kargozaran Hamed , Wu Mack H.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Microvascular barrier injury has been implicated in the initiation and progress of end organ complications of diabetic mellitus. Plasma leakage and fluid retention are seen in various tissues of diabetic patients or animals at the early stages of the disease before structural microangiopathy can be detected. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycemia, often accompanied with insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, causes impaired autoregulation and increased permeability in microvessels. Multiple molecular pathways have been identified as contributors to the altered fluid homeostasis, including increased polyol flux that promotes oxidative stress, advanced glycation that leads to carbonyl stress, and excessive glucose metabolism that results in protein kinase C activation. These abnormal metabolic activities are associated with the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which can stimulate an array of signaling reactions and structural changes at the endothelial barrier and ultimately cause microvascular leakage. Interventions that manipulate these metabolic and inflammatory pathways have demonstrated efficacy in delaying the progress of diabetic microvascular complications; however, their direct effects and mechanisms of action on the microcirculation remain elusive. A deeper understanding of the molecular basis of diabetes‐induced endothelial barrier dysfunction will provide a framework for the development of new therapeutic targets to treat this chronic and debilitating disease process.
An optical biosensor study of the interaction parameters and role of hydrophobic tails of cytochrome P450 2B4, b5 and NADPH‐flavoprotein in complex formation
Authors: Ivanov Yuriy D. , Kanaeva Irina P. , Eldarov Michail A. , Sklyabin Konstantin G. , Lehnerer Michael , Schulze Johannes , Hlavica Peter , Archakov Alexander I.
Published: July 2007

The real‐time interactions of membrane proteins ‐ cytochrome P450 2B4, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5 ‐ were studied by use of an optical biosensor system. The association and dissociation rate constants for the individual complexes were measured and the affinities of the redox partners for each other were estimated. The association rate constants of these complexes were found to be close to the diffusion limit and their dissociation rate constants were in the order of 1s‐1. A dominant role of the interaction of the membraneous hydrophobic fragments in the formation of productive electron transferring complexes between the proteins was demonstrated.
Mapping the common antigenic determinants in avidin and streptavidin
Authors: Subramanian N. , Adiga P. Radhakantha
Published: July 2007

An epitope scan analysis of the whole sequence of avidin and core streptavidin using polyclonal antibodies to these two antigens reveal the presence of multiple common epitopes in both the proteins. These antigenic determinants consist mostly of either identical or similar residues. The antibody recognition sites in both antigens are shown to be localized to homologous regions.
Effects of the local anesthetic bupivacaine on mitochondrial energy metabolism: change from uncoupling to decoupling depending on the respiration state
Authors: Sztark François , Ouhabi Rachid , Dabadie Philippe , Mazat Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2007

The local anesthetic bupivacaine has been found to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation. However, the precise mechanisms of bupivacaine uncoupling have not been elucidated. In the present paper, we demonstrate that the uncoupling effect of the local anesthetic depends on the respiration state. In state 4‐respiration (no ADP phosphorylation), bupivacaine acts as a true protonophoretic uncoupler. On the other hand, in state 3‐respiration (ADP phosphorylation), bupivacaine induces a change in proton pump stoichiometry and appears to be a decoupler (slip inducer). Moreover, at high concentration, the local anesthetic inhibits the respiratory chain itself. Thus, the divergent reports in the literature on the action of bupivacaine show in fact the various mechanisms by which the local anesthetic may alter mitochondrial energy metabolism
Kinetic analysis of the Fenton reaction by ESR‐spin trapping
Authors: Mizuta Yukio , Masumizu Toshiki , Kohno Masahiro , Mori Akitane , Packer Lester
Published: July 2007

A quantitative analysis of hydroxyl radical (·OH) generated in the Fe2+‐hydrogen peroxide reaction system was explored by a spin‐trapping method using 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) combined with electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Based on the numerical analysis of Fenton‐related reactions, the reduction of DMPO‐OH adduct from 1…n1 stoichiometry prominent at high concentrations of Fe2+ was consistent with a reaction model in which a molar amount of hydrogen peroxide was reduced by two molar amounts of Fe2+. Furthermore, time‐dependent decrease in DMPO‐OH quantity, apparent at much higher concentration of Fe2+, was proved due to the reaction not with Fe2+ but with Fe3+.
Activation of red blood cell glutathione peroxidase and morphological transformation of erythrocytes under the action of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide
Authors: Zavodnik Lev B. , Zavodnik Ilya B. , Niekurzak Andrzej , Szosland Konrad , Bryszewska Maria
Published: July 2007

Susceptibility of control and diabetic erythrocytes to oxidative stress was measured after incubation with various concentration of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP). TBA‐reactive substances (TBARS) formed were determined by the method of Stocks & Dormady [9] modified by Jain [2]. GSH and total glutathione were estimated by the procedure of Ellman [10] and Akerboom and Sies [11]. Activity of GSH peroxidase was determined by the method of Martinez et al. [12]. Protein SH groups were determined after membrane isolation by the method of Dodge et al. [13]. Cell morphology was viewed under phase contrast microscope with a magnification of 500x.

All results were analyzed by the unpaired two tailed Student's t‐test. Oxidative treatment of erythrocytes with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide significantly increases the reaction rate but decreases the affinity for substrate (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide). The susceptibility of the enzyme from diabetic erythrocytes to oxidation is higher in comparison with normal cells. The oxidation of cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) is not correlated with oxidation of membranous protein SH‐groups. Oxidative damage of erythrocytes induces significant cell morphological transformations.
Dietary flavonoids and interaction with endogenous antioxidants
Authors: Pietta Piergiorgio , Simonetti Paolo
Published: July 2007

Green tea catechins were given to healthy volunteers under controlled diet for 4 consecutive weeks. Plasma concentrations of ascorbate, urate, α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene and blood levels of total glutathione were measured before, after the supplementation and the washout period. RBC membranes were assayed for their levels of α‐tocopherol and phosphatidylcholine PUFA's. Catechin intake provides antioxidant protection in vivo through a cascade involving endogenous antioxidants, which interact differently according to their redox potentials and polarity. As a final beneficial effect, liposoluble vitamin E and β‐carotene are spared by catechins, resulting in an overall protection against oxidative modification of RBC membrane PUFA's.
Molecular cloning and expression of mouse ceramide glucosyltransferase
Authors: Ichikawa Shinichi , Ozawa Katsuya , Hirabayashi Yoshio
Published: July 2007

Ceramide glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.80) catalyzcs the first glycosylation step of glycosphingolipid (GSL) synthesis, the transfer of glucose from UDP‐Glucose to hydrophobic ceramide and generate gtucosylceramide (GlcCer). We have chined mouse ceramide glucosyltransferase cDNA from a brain cDNA library by PCR based homology cloning. The nucleotide sequence determination revealed that mouse ceramidc glucosyltransferase cDNA encodes 394 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 45 kDa. The amino acid sequence of mouse ceramide glucosyltransferase showed 98% identity with the human sequence. Homology searches against currently available databases identified three homologous proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans and one homologous protein in Cyanobacteria. Highly conserved sequences of ceramide glucosyltransferases and the homologs among a wide variety of organisms suggest biological significance of the lipid glucosylation system.
Gene transfer via pollen‐tube pathway for anti‐fusarium wilt in watermelon
Authors: Chen Wen‐Shaw , Chiu Chien‐Chih , Liu Ho‐Yih , Lee Tan‐Lon , Cheng Jiin‐Tsuey , Lin Cheng‐Chung , Wu Yue‐Jean , Chang Huei‐Yu
Published: July 2007

In order to obtain transgenic fusarium wilt resistant watermelon plants, squash DNA was introduced into the ovaries of watermelon plants via the pollen‐tube pathway. The introduction of foreign genes into ovaries was accomplished using co‐transformation with the CaMV35S‐GUS as a marker. Transformed watermelon plants contained integrated copies of the GUS activity and the seeds of transformed progeny produced a blue color when stained with 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl glucuronide, whereas seeds from untransformed control plants did not. Of 200 transformed seedlings, ten were wilt resistant. The presence of the GUS activity in the genome of stable transgenic seedlings was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Furthermore, the generation of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints using primers with embedded restriction sites showed amplification products unique to these transgenic plants. Primers OPA‐1 and OPA‐9 gave distinct band patterns of genomic DNA using the polymerase chain reaction.