bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic [Ca2+] regulation of InsP3-evoked puffs
Authors: Yamasaki-Mann Michiko , Demuro Angelo , Parker Ian
Published: October 2012

InsP3-mediated puffs are fundamental building blocks of cellular Ca2+ signalling, and arise through the concerted opening of clustered InsP3Rs (InsP3 receptors) co-ordinated via Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Although the Ca2+ dependency of InsP3Rs has been extensively studied at the single channel level, little is known as to how changes in basal cytosolic [Ca2+] would alter the dynamics of InsP3-evoked Ca2+ signals in intact cells. To explore this question, we expressed Ca2+-permeable channels (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) in the plasma membrane of voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes to regulate cytosolic [Ca2+] by changing the electrochemical gradient for extracellular Ca2+ entry, and imaged Ca2+ liberation evoked by photolysis of caged InsP3. Elevation of basal cytosolic [Ca2+] strongly increased the amplitude and shortened the latency of global Ca2+ waves. In oocytes loaded with EGTA to localize Ca2+ signals, the number of sites at which puffs were observed and the frequency and latency of puffs were strongly dependent on cytosolic [Ca2+], whereas puff amplitudes were only weakly affected. The results of the present study indicate that basal cytosolic [Ca2+] strongly affects the triggering of puffs, but has less of an effect on puffs once they have been initiated.
Modification of the optical reflectance spectra of epitaxial gallium arsenide by weak magnetic fields
Authors: Red'ko R.
Published: October 2012

Long-term transformations of the optical reflectance and the surface microrelief of GaAs epitaxial structure under weak magnetic field treatment (B = 60 mT, f = 10 Hz, τ = 1.2 ms, t = 5 min) were obtained. Optical measurements were performed in the waverange of 800-1100 nm at 300 K. The epitaxial layer thickness was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Non-monotonous changes of reflectance accompanied by changes of SEM images were observed. Experimental results have been interpreted in terms of the diffusion of point defects, resulted from the destruction of metastable complexes (probably [VAs + impurity]), from the internal boundaries to the surfaces of investigated structures. A method for the detection of non-equilibrium complexes in multilayer objects was proposed.
Exploring constrained quantum control landscapes
Authors: Moore Katharine W. , Rabitz Herschel
Published: October 2012

The broad success of optimally controlling quantum systems with external fields has been attributed to the favorable topology of the underlying control landscape, where the landscape is the physical observable as a function of the controls. The control landscape can be shown to contain no suboptimal trapping extrema upon satisfaction of reasonable physical assumptions, but this topological analysis does not hold when significant constraints are placed on the control resources. This work employs simulations to explore the topology and features of the control landscape for pure-state population transfer with a constrained class of control fields. The fields are parameterized in terms of a set of uniformly spaced spectral frequencies, with the associated phases acting as the controls. This restricted family of fields provides a simple illustration for assessing the impact of constraints upon seeking optimal control. Optimization results reveal that the minimum number of phase controls necessary to assure a high yield in the target state has a special dependence on the number of accessible energy levels in the quantum system, revealed from an analysis of the first- and second-order variation of the yield with respect to the controls. When an insufficient number of controls and/or a weak control fluence are employed, trapping extrema and saddle points are observed on the landscape. When the control resources are sufficiently flexible, solutions producing the globally maximal yield are found to form connected “level sets” of continuously variable control fields that preserve the yield. These optimal yield level sets are found to shrink to isolated points on the top of the landscape as the control field fluence is decreased, and further reduction of the fluence turns these points into suboptimal trapping extrema on the landscape. Although constrained control fields can come in many forms beyond the cases explored here, the behavior found in this paper is illustrative of the impacts that constraints can introduce.
Simple and versatile heterodyne whole-field interferometer for phase optics characterization
Authors: Silva D. M. , Barbosa E. A. , Wetter N. U.
Published: October 2012

A wavefront sensor for thermally induced lens and passive lens characterization based on low-coherence digital speckle interferometry was developed and studied. By illuminating the optical setup with two slightly detuned red diode lasers, whole-field contour interference fringes were generated according to the resulting synthetic wavelength. For fringe pattern visualization the optical setup used the light transmitted through a ground glass plate as object beam. The performance of the sensor was investigated and its versatility was demonstrated by measuring the thermal lens induced in an Er-doped glass sample pumped by a 1.76-W diode laser emitting at 976 nm and by evaluating the wavefront distortion introduced by an ophthalmic progressive lens.
Embedded TiO2 waveguides for sensing nanofluorophores in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Furuhashi Masayuki , Fujiwara Masazumi , Ohshiro Takahito , Matsubara Kazuki , Tsutsui Makusu , Taniguchi Masateru , Takeuchi Shigeki , Kawai Tomoji
Published: October 2012

Crossed structure of a microfluidic channel and an optical channel waveguide is simple and promising to realize detection of weak fluorescence on an integrated device. Usage of TiO2 waveguides is suitable for the device because of the high numerical aperture. In this study, we developed fabrication processes for the TiO2 channel waveguides traversed by microfluidic channels of 0.5–6 μm widths and investigated the effect of the microfluidic channel to the transmittances. The results elucidated that the photointensity at the microfluidic channel was enough to excite fluorophores. Furthermore, we demonstrated detection of fluorescence from 350 quantum dots.
Experiencing Space—Time: The Stretched Lifeworlds of Migrant Workers in India
Authors: Rogaly Ben , Thieme Susan
Published: October 2012

In the relatively rare instances when the spatialities of temporary migrant work, workers' journeys, and labour-market negotiations have been the subject of scholarly attention, there has been little work that integrates time into the analysis. Building on a case study of low-paid and insecure migrant manual workers in the context of rapid economic growth in India, we examine both material and subjective dimensions of these workers' spatiotemporal experiences. What does it mean to live life stretched out, multiply-attached to places across national space? What kinds of place attachments emerge for people temporarily sojourning in, rather than moving to, new places to reside and work? Our analysis of the spatiotemporalities of migrant workers' experiences in India suggests that, over time, this group of workers use their own agency to seek to avoid the experience of humiliation and indignity in employment relations. Like David Harvey, we argue that money needs to be integrated into such analysis, along with space and time. The paper sheds light on processes of exclusion, inequality and differentiation, unequal power geometries, and social topographies that contrast with neoliberalist narratives of ‘Indian shining’.
Small Town Vitality and Viability: Learning from Experiences in the North East of England
Authors: Powe Neil A
Published: October 2012

Internationally, planning bodies and committees are required to make very difficult decisions with regard to the size, format, and location of rural retail developments, which may have significant long-term implications for the character and quality of rural life. Focusing on the issue of development location in the context of small towns, I evaluate the opportunities and threats associated with a movement to larger format stores. This is explored using case examples of town-centre development, out-of-centre development, and neglect from retail development within the North East of England. The results illustrate the potential to meet multiple policy objectives by encouraging town-centre/edge-of-centre development, but also permitting out-of-centre development when local circumstances render this appropriate.
Educational Mobility and the Gendered Geography of Cultural Capital: The Case of International Student Flows between Central Asia and the UK
Authors: Holloway Sarah L , O'Hara Sarah L , Pimlott-Wilson Helena
Published: October 2012

International student mobility from East to West has grown rapidly as the middle classes have sought to reproduce their advantage in the context of changing socioeconomic circumstances. Existing research shows that middle-class students and their parents are increasingly using overseas educational qualifications—an institutionalised form of cultural capital—to ensure that they stand out in the competition for lucrative employment. This paper makes two unique contributions to these debates. Firstly, it broadens the spatial frame away from East Asia to the emerging educational markets in post-Soviet Central Asia, and specifically Kazakhstan. This shift allows examination of similarities in students' accrual of cultural capital between regions, but also highlights spatial specificity in these flows. Secondly, it moves beyond narrowly class-based approaches to spotlight the importance of gender, sexuality, and religion in geographies of cultural capital. Middle-class social reproduction helps drive international student mobility, but class is experienced differently by young men and women in the context of locally specific forms of heterosexuality which in this case study reflect the cultural importance of Islam. Class matters, but to fully understand its importance in student mobility we must trace its intersections with other axes of social difference.
A superovulation protocol for the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus)
Authors: Pasco Rachael , Gardner David K. , Walker David W. , Dickinson Hayley
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to develop a superovulation protocol for the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). The spiny mouse is a desert-adapted rodent species, with a long oestrus cycle (11 days) compared with rat and mouse, and gives birth to few (mean litter size is 3) precocial offspring after a relatively long gestation (39 days). We successfully optimised a superovulation protocol that elicited a 5-fold increase in the normal ovulation rate of this species. To induce superovulation in the spiny mouse 2 injections of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG, 10 IU each), 9 h apart, were required, followed by 20 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This protocol was successful in 100% of females trialed and at 33 h post-hCG an average of 14.7 ± 1.5, 1–2 cell embryos were recovered. Histological analysis of ovaries following superovulation revealed large corpus lutea and post-ovulatory follicles occupying a large part of the ovary. Ovulation commenced 6–12 h after the hCG injection and continued until 24–33 h post-hCG as indicated by both histological analysis of ovaries and the presence of oocytes/embryos in the oviduct. This superovulation protocol will facilitate the development of an in vitro culture system for spiny mouse embryos.
The effect of the in vitro supplementation of exogenous long-chain fatty acids on bovine sperm cell function
Authors: Kiernan M. , Fahey A. G. , Fair S.
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-chain fatty acids (α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA)) at concentrations of 10–100 µM, on extended bull spermatozoa stored in vitro for up to 7 days. Progressive linear motion (PLM), viability (Experiments 1–3), ability to penetrate artificial mucus (Experiment 1), reactive oxygen species (ROS; Experiment 2) and superoxide production (Experiment 3) were assessed. Spermatozoa maintained the ability to penetrate artificial mucus up to Day 4, irrespective of treatment. In Experiments 2 and 3, DHA and EPA had detrimental effects on PLM and viability. PA preserved PLM and viability at levels greater than the control (P < 0.05), whilst keeping ROS levels to a minimum, particularly on Days 1 and 3 (P < 0.01) when ROS generation peaked in other treatments. In contrast, superoxide production peaked on Day 0 (Experiment 3) and declined thereafter with no significant effect of fatty acid. This study supports the notion that superoxide dominates on Day 0, whereas its breakdown products, hydrogen peroxide and the hydroxyl radical as assessed by CM-H2DCFDA, contribute to ROS generation on subsequent days.
Issues and possible intervention strategies relating to early weaning of piglets.
Authors: Amadori M. , Razzuoli E. , Nassuato C.
Published: October 2012

Early weaning of farmed pigs before 25 days of age is a complex multi-factor stressor, often leading to health and welfare issues. The most obvious and crucial feature is that many piglets do not consume food in this period. On this basis, the final stressing impact is derived from a combination of physical, nutritional, immunological and emotional components. On the whole, there is strong evidence that a reduction in the pigs' weaning age can lead to increased adaptation difficulties in terms of behavioural, neuroendocrine and immune responses, as also observed by means of clinical immunology and chemistry analyses. This is the argument underlying the recommended minimum age of 28 days at weaning in EU Directive 2001/93/EC. Inflammatory, stress and innate immune responses sustain the coping efforts of piglets at weaning. Some responses are weaning-specific, whereas others reflect the related social stress of regrouping (mixing) and separation from the sow. An innate immune response to tissue damage at weaning (shorter, atrophic villi and larger, deeper crypts) and relevant control mechanisms are likely to be of paramount importance. In this respect, type I (α/β) interferons (IFNs) were shown to play a major regulatory role of the inflammatory response at weaning. Also, a low-dose, oral IFN-α treatment was shown to sustain the coping efforts of piglets. These results are of some importance in view of a global assessment of food safety 'from farm to fork', and of the related need to reduce the extensive, diarrhoea-related use of drug-supplemented feeds after weaning.
The effects of forest fragmentation on species richness on the Obudu Plateau, south‐eastern Nigeria
Authors: Dami Filibus Danjuma , Mwansat Georgina Samuel , Manu Shiiwa A.
Published: October 2012

This study examines how fragmentation through changes in patch size and increasing distances between forest patches affects bird species richness. Numbers of bird species were higher in large forest patches and decrease with decreasing patch size. Bird species richness also decreased with increased isolation of forest patches. Suitable trees should be planted in the gaps between the forests that will create wildlife corridors to maintain connectivity.
Reciprocal modulation of internal and external factors determines individual movements
Authors: Martin Jodie , van Moorter Bram , Revilla Eloy , Blanchard Pierrick , Dray Stéphane , Quenette Pierre‐Yves , Allainé Dominique , Swenson Jon E.
Published: October 2012

Movement is fundamental to individual and population dynamics, as it allows individuals to meet their basic requirements. Although movement patterns reflect interactions between internal and external factors, only few studies have examined the effects of these factors on movement simultaneously, and they generally focused on particular biological contexts (e.g. dispersal, foraging).

However, the relative importance of these factors in driving individual routine movements might reflect a species' potential flexibility to cope with landscape changes and therefore buffer their potential impact on fitness.

We used data from GPS collars on Scandinavian brown bears to investigate the relative role of these factors, as well as an additional factor (period of the year) on routine movements at two spatial scales (hourly and daily relocations).

As expected, internal factors played a major role in driving movement, compared to external factors at both scales, but its relative importance was greater at a finer scale. In particular, the interaction between reproductive status and period of the year was one of the most influential variables, females being constrained by the movement capacity of their cubs in the first periods of the year. The effect of human disturbance on movement was also greater for females with cubs than for lone females.

This study showed how reciprocal modulation of internal and external factors is shaping space use of brown bears. We stress that these factors should be studied simultaneously to avoid the risk of obtaining context‐dependent inferences. Moreover, the study of their relative contribution is also highly relevant in the context of multiple‐use landscapes, as human activities generally affect the landscape more than they affect the internal states of an individual. Species or individuals with important internal constraints should be less responsive to changes in their environment as they have less freedom from internal constraints and should thus be more sensitive to human alteration of the landscape, as shown for females with cubs in this study.
Impact of aluminium stress on oxalate and other metabolites inRumex obtusifolius
Authors: MIYAGI A , UCHIMIYA M , KAWAI‐YAMADA M , UCHIMIYA H
Published: October 2012

To understand alterations of oxalate and other metabolite levels induced by aluminium ion (Al3+) stress inRumexplants, we measured the metabolites inR. obtusifoliususing the capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry. Oxalate and its precursors (isocitrate and citrate) accumulated in leaves ofR. obtusifoliusafter the Al3+treatment at pH 4.5. Such increase was not observed under the acidic condition (pH 4.5) without Al3+. Principal component analysis showed organ‐specific changes in metabolite levels inR. obtusifoliusby the Al3+treatment. Highly positive correlations between oxalate and its precursors were revealed by hierarchical clustering and correlation analyses. An increase in oxalate content was consistently observed for threeRumexspecies (R. obtusifolius, R. crispusandR. japonicus) grown in the presence of Al3+. On the other hand, multivariate analyses revealed the differential alterations of other metabolite levels betweenR. obtusifoliusand the other twoRumexspecies.
A novel wheat α‐amylase inhibitor gene, TaHPS, significantly improves the salt and drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiao Yanhong , Huang Xi , Shen Yinzhu , Huang Zhanjing
Published: October 2012

On the basis of microarray analyses of the salt‐tolerant wheat mutant RH8706‐49, a previously unreported salt‐induced gene, designated as TaHPS [Triticum aestivum hypothetical (HPS)‐like protein], was cloned. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that expression of the gene was induced by abscisic acid, salt and drought. The encoded protein was found to be localized mainly in the plasma membranes. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TaHPS were more tolerant to salt and drought stresses than non‐transgenic wild‐type (WT) plants. Under salt stress, the root cells of the transgenic plants secreted more Na+ and guard cells took up more Ca2+ ions. Compared with wild‐type plants, TaHPS‐expressing transgenic plants showed significantly lower amylase activity and glucose and malic acid levels. Our results showed that the expression of TaHPS inhibited amylase activity, which subsequently led to a closure of stomatal apertures and thus improved plant tolerance to salt and drought.
Perspectives in ablation of arrhythmias in children and patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Pflaumer Andreas
Published: October 2012

Although most arrhythmias in children have a benign outcome, recurrent arrhythmic events have a significant impact on quality of life. Electrophysiology studies with ablation have good short‐term success and an acceptably low complication rate. The long‐term outlook for this patient group is incompletely defined, however. Factors that require special consideration in children include the need to limit the size, depth and number of lesions, and the radiation exposure incurred during fluoroscopy‐guided catheters manipulation. The use of cryoablation seems promising in limiting lesion size. Three‐dimensional (3D) mapping systems clearly have been shown to reduce the radiation dose. In congenital heart disease, these advances in technology have helped to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying arrhythmias. It is anticipated that earlier intervention and newer operative techniques will reduce the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias in the future. For those patients who still develop tachyarrythmias after cardiac surgery, the use of three‐dimensional systems and other new technologies permits more efficient intervention in the electrophysiology laboratory.
The ‘Epworth–China connection’
Authors: Lim Y. L.
Published: October 2012

Interventional cardiologists from China first arrived at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne for training in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in 1988. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was initially performed in China in 1981 in Xian. In those days, angioplasty balloons and catheters that were brought into China mainly by foreign experts were used repeatedly until they were broken. Dr. Antonio Colombo was invited to visit Beijing, China, in 1998 to demonstrate coronary stenting at the Chaoyang Hospital. By 2010, more than 300 000 cases of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) had been performed throughout China. If the current rate of PCIs per population in the West was to be applied in China, more than 4 million PCIs should have been performed annually.
ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION
Authors: Brandão António , Pinho Joana
Published: October 2012

We introduce asymmetric information about consumers’ transportation costs (i.e., the degree of product differentiation) in the model of Hotelling. When transportation costs are high, both firms have lower profits with asymmetric information than with perfect information. Contrarily, if transportation costs are low, both firms may prefer the asymmetric information scenario (the informed firm always prefers the informational advantage, while the uninformed firm may or may not prefer to remain uninformed). Information exchange is ex‐ante advantageous for both firms, but ex‐post damaging if transportation costs turn out to be low. If the information is unverifiable, the informed firm does not represent a reliable source of information, since it always prefers to announce that transportation costs are high and there is no contract that induces truthful revelation.
Another Defense of Naturalized Ethics
Authors: Baeten Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

This essay argues against Richard Joyce, using him as an exemplar of a number of writers who purport to show that the best a naturalized ethics can provide are demands that we can hold only as moral agnostics; that is, that no moral claims can be shown to be epistemically warranted, hence no moral claims have the property of “inescapable authority” necessary for real moral discourse or deliberation. The prudent (and “dignified”) course of action is therefore to act as if moral claims had categorical standing, knowing full well that we cannot, in principle, know this. The essay proposes instead that a fully naturalized account of moral reasoning and sentiments, compatible with the commitment to understanding human beings as products of evolutionary processes, can provide “existence imperatives” necessarily implicated in our being social animals. It argues that, on the one hand, we're mistaken in believing that real moral discourse must include imperatives that hold with inescapable authority as a foundation and, on the other, that a naturalistic perspective can offer demands that are authoritative enough to make moral judgment sound.
To What Extent Can Definitions Help our Understanding? What Plato Might Have Said in His Cups
Authors: Powell John W.
Published: October 2012

This article argues that philosophical definitions are overrated as sources of understanding or wisdom. Socrates gives a standard argument in their favor which is often still proffered. Still, that Socrates's definitions never succeed invites an ironic reading of that argument. Plato also gives crucial arguments against treating definitions as important to understanding, and those objections have current versions. That raises an issue: What did we think definitions would do for us anyway? That question invites a reassessment of definitions that makes them less central and gives them a more humble, though still dangerous, role to play, one that requires they be integrated with surrounding examples and our own complex educations toward wisdom.
An evaluation of the role of the Assistant Practitioner in critical care
Authors: Allen Kirsty , McAleavy Janet M , Wright Shirley
Published: October 2012

Aims: To determine whether the Assistant Practitioner role has fulfilled the expectations of the original implementation plan which was to introduce this new role into the Critical Care Department of a large NHS Trust. This service evaluation will examine the introduction of Assistant Practitioners by establishing the perceptions of this new role and the impact of this change from key groups of staff, within the Critical Care Department.

Background: The Department of Health (DoH) recognized the potential of assistant practitioners in a range of care settings. As a participant in this DoH initiative the Trust introduced the role into a number of areas. This service evaluation was undertaken following the training of small cohorts of Assistant Practitioners within the Critical Care Department.

Methods: A literature review was conducted initially searching the key words assistant practitioner, role development and critical care. A service evaluation was undertaken using questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews for data collection. The data was analysed using a thematic approach.

Results: The responses from the various staff groups revealed a number of key themes including patient care skills, role, preparation and training, drug administration and patient allocation.

Conclusions: Overall, the data suggests that the Assistant Practitioner role has fulfilled the expectations of the original implementation plan as they deliver care to patients in the clinical environment as required. However, the data also reveals that there are still issues to be resolved.

Relevance to clinical practice: The study has shown the Assistant Practitioners to be excellent in delivering patient care; however, there are limitations due to the complexity of the patient group in critical care areas.
Southern Ocean Biogeography of Tintinnid Ciliates of the Marine Plankton
Authors: Dolan John R. , Pierce Richard W. , Yang Eun Jin , Kim Sun Young
Published: October 2012

Ciliate microzooplankton are important grazers in most pelagic ecosystems and among them, tintinnids, with their largely species‐specific loricas, allow relatively easy assessment of questions of diversity and distributions. Herein, we present the results of a survey of species records of tintinnids from the Southern Ocean (locations below 40°S) reported in 56 publications yielding 2,047 species records (synonyms included) from 402 locations. The 192 species reported can be parsed into two main groups: 32 endemic Southern Ocean species, known only from 40°S and further south, and a second group of 181 widespread species, forms with extensive geographic ranges extending into the Southern Ocean. Widespread species reported from the Southern Ocean can be further divided into a group of 81 species, each recorded multiple times in the Southern Ocean waters and 70 apparent “stray” species which have only been found but once. The endemic and widespread species of the Southern Ocean show both distinct distributional patterns and morphological differences. The assemblage of Southern Ocean endemics is found mostly within the Antarctic zone delimited by the average location of the Polar Front and contains a relatively large portion of wide‐mouthed forms. We give suggestions for future study.
A Church‐Based Intervention to Change Attitudes about Physical Activity among Black Adolescent Girls: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Thompson Wanda M. , Berry Diane , Hu Jie
Published: October 2012

Objective

To feasibility test a 12‐week church‐based physical activity intervention that was culturally sensitive, age‐ and gender specific directed at changing attitudes of Black adolescent girls' to be more physically active.

Design and Sample

A one‐group pre‐ and posttest design was used. A convenience sample of Black adolescent girls between the age of 12–18 (n = 41).

Intervention

A 60‐min 12‐week church‐based program that included interactive educational sessions followed by a high energy dance aerobics class was used.

Measures

Data were collected on biophysical measures. Surveys were used to assess the following variables: attitudes, enjoyment, self‐efficacy, intention, social and family support, and PA levels.

Results

Paired t‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes in key variables. Positive changes were noted in the odds ratios for attitudes, self‐efficacy, and intention. Body mass index, metabolic equivalent tasks, and fitness showed positive trends from pre to post intervention. Family support was significantly correlated with physical activity level (p < .01).

Conclusions

The study showed that physical activity programs in Black churches aimed at Black adolescent girls are feasible. Participants evaluated the intervention very favorably. Family support may be a key factor in increasing physical activity levels in Black adolescent girls.
Microchannel Two-Phase Flow Oscillation Control With an Adjustable Inlet Orifice
Authors: Odom Brent A. , Miner Mark J. , Ortiz Carlos A. , Sherbeck Jonathan A. , Prasher Ravi S. , Phelan Patrick E.
Published: October 2012

This work describes the experimental setup, method, and results of utilizing a micrometer to move an adjustable orifice immediately in front of an array of microchannels. Research by others indicates potential for significant improvement in delaying critical heat flux and increasing heat transfer coefficients when placing an orifice in front of each individual channel of a microchannel array. The experimental setup in this work allows incremental orifice size changes. This ability allows the experimentalist to find which orifice size provides enough pressure drop immediately in front of the channels to reduce oscillations. The design also allows for rapid change of orifice size without having to remove and replace any components of the test setup. Signal analysis methods were used to identify frequency and amplitude of pressure and temperature oscillations. Low mass flux experiments (300 kg m−2 s−1 and 600 kg m−2 s−1 of R134a in a pumped loop) showed reduced channel wall temperatures with smaller orifice sizes. The orifice concept was found to be effective at reducing oscillations for the higher 600 kg m−2 s−1 flow rate, but the data indicate that wall temperature reduction with inlet orifice use is not solely due to elimination of oscillations. Signal analysis was an effective method of identifying oscillations without the availability of pictorial representation of flow patterns in the channels.
Distribution and Dynamics of Transcription-Associated Proteins during Parvovirus Infection
Authors: Ihalainen Teemu O. , Willman Sami F. , Niskanen Einari A. , Paloheimo Outi , Smolander Hanna , Laurila Juha P. , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Vihinen-Ranta Maija
Published: October 2012

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection leads to reorganization of nuclear proteinaceous subcompartments. Our studies showed that virus infection causes a time-dependent increase in the amount of viral nonstructural protein NS1 mRNA. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed that the recovery kinetics of nuclear transcription-associated proteins, TATA binding protein (TBP), transcription factor IIB (TFIIB), and poly(A) binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) were different in infected and noninfected cells, pointing to virus-induced alterations in binding dynamics of these proteins.
MULTI-CLASS TRANSDUCTIVE CLASSIFICATION BASED ON LOCAL LEARNING AND ADJUSTABLE CLASS LABEL REPRESENTATION
Authors: LV JIA , DENG NAIYANG
Published: October 2012

Local learning has been successfully applied to transductive classification problems. In this paper, it is generalized to multi-class classification of transductive learning problems owing to its good classification ability. Meanwhile, there is essentially no ordinal meaning in class label of multi-class classification, and it belongs to discrete nominal variable. However, common binary series class label representation has the equal distance from one class to another, and it does not reflect the sparse and density relationship among classes distribution, so a learning and adjustable nominal class label representation method is presented. Experimental results on a set of benchmark multi-class datasets show the superiority of our algorithm.
Analysis of routing table update activity after resource failure in a distributed computer network
Authors: Johnson Marjory J.
Published: October 2012

In a distributed computer network each node participates in the routing process, making routing decisions based on information about network topology which is stored in tables in the node. To maintain the accuracy of these tables without interrupting the functionality of the network, they must be dynamically updated whenever there is a topology change in the network. The purpose of this paper is to analyze update activity required by a topology information maintenance scheme which has been implemented on the three-node MERIT Computer Network in Michigan. The main theorem gives upper and lower bounds on the number of update messages required after failure of a single network resource, either a node or a link.
Reachability analysis of protocols with FIFO channels
Authors: Vuong Son T. , Cowan Donald D.
Published: October 2012

In a complete protocol design process, it is often important to validate the protocol for general correctness properties such as boundedness, deadlock absence, and well-formedness. However, for any general protocol modeled as a number of communicating finite state machines with unbounded FIFO channels, the above properties are known to be undecidable [Brand81a, Brand80a]. In this paper we demonstrate the decidability of those properties for a class of protocols, called well-ordered protocols. We introduce an algorithm for constructing a finite reachability tree for any given protocol with FIFO channels and show that by using this reachability tree, one can decide whether any given protocol is well-ordered, and if it is well-ordered whether it has an unbounded channel, a state deadlock, or an unspecified reception.
A methodology for verifying request processing protocols
Authors: Nikolaou Christos N. , Clarke Edmund M. , Francez Nissim , Schuman Stephen A.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we view computer networks as distributed systems that provide their users with a set of services, in a way which hides the distinction between those services which are local and those which are remote. We conceive of a given target network configuration as a network of communicating virtual machines and its behavior is modelled by a system of communicating sequential processes. Network protocols are described by a high level concurrent language (CSP) and a methodology is developed which permits the verification of partial and total correctness assertions about the system in a simple and natural way. Global invariants are used to establish invariant properties of the whole system and histories to record the sequence of communication exchanges between every matching pair of processes. Eventuality properties are expressed using linear temporal logic.
A distributed routing scheme with mobility handling in stationless multi-hop packet radio networks
Authors: Belghith Abdelfettah , Kleinrock Leonard
Published: October 2012

A mobile stationless multi-hop packet radio network consists of a set of mobile and geographically distributed nodes (e.g., computers, terminals, etc., equipped with radio units), called packet radio units (PRUs), which communicate using a shared broadcast radio channel without a central station control. In this paper we consider the routing in highly mobile stationless multi-hop packet radio networks, We provide a validation of the use of the tier-ring architecture, and we present a scheme for handling mobile packet radio units in stationless environment by the use of a link-traversal approach when a node (packet radio unit) is no longer in possession of an outgoing link to communicate with the rest of the network.
Dynamic route selection algorithms for session based communication networks
Authors: Maruyama Kiyoshi , Shorter David
Published: October 2012

A session-based communication network is a store-and-forward message (or packet) switching network in which each session (conversation from logon until logoff) is assigned to a single communication route (or path) until its termination. Examples of such networks are TYMNET and SNA. A route selection algorithm can be either static or dynamic. A static selection is based on given route selection tables which are usually provided to the system by the system generation process. A dynamic selection uses dynamically changing information of the network for determining an optimal route for the new session to be assigned to.

This paper develops both static and dynamic route selection algorithms which may be used in a session-based communication network. Route selection algorithms will be classified into several classes depending on the network work-load information available for making decisions. It will be shown that very simple algorithms give good robustness with good response time.
An interprocess communication model for a distributed software testbed
Authors: Tokuda Hideyuki , Manning Eric G.
Published: October 2012

This paper describes design and implementation of an IPC model for a distributed software testbed Shoshin. The IPC model was designed to provide a reliable message communication among distributed processes and to support implementations of user level protocols for various applications. A multiprocess structure, which separates a link level and a transport level, has been used to provide a flexible protocol management. The basic performance of the current implementation and the extensibility of the model are also discussed.
Portable implementation of network architecture layers
Authors: Ford Warwick S.
Published: October 2012

The Australian CSIRONET network links a variety of host mainframes, user terminals, and other systems, via an Australia-wide packet-switching subnetwork comprising over 120 minicomputers. A layered network architecture has been used in integrating different host systems into the network. Portable software has been used extensively in implementing various layers in different systems. This paper discusses the use of portable software in supporting file transfers on CSIRONET. Two important benefits result from the systematic use of portable software. The first is the ease with which a new type of system can be integrated into the network. The second is the high degree of flexibility in changing layer functions and protocols, and propagating these changes to the network interfaces on different systems. The original layer protocols on CSIRONET were CSIRONET-specific. However, as the OSI standards emerge, these are being phased into use through the portable interface software. These portable software concepts have universal value in the present environment of evolving network standards.
Obesity, Energy Balance, and Cancer: New Opportunities for Prevention
Authors: Hursting Stephen D. , DiGiovanni John , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Azrad Maria , LeRoith Derek , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Kakarala Madhuri , Brodie Angela , Berger Nathan A.
Published: October 2012

Obesity is associated with increased risk and poor prognosis for many types of cancer. The mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer link are becoming increasingly clear and provide multiple opportunities for primary to tertiary prevention. Several obesity-related host factors can influence tumor initiation, progression and/or response to therapy, and these have been implicated as key contributors to the complex effects of obesity on cancer incidence and outcomes. These host factors include insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, leptin, adiponectin, steroid hormones, cytokines, and inflammation-related molecules. Each of these host factors is considered in the context of energy balance and as potential targets for cancer prevention. The possibility of prevention at the systems level, including energy restriction, dietary composition, and exercise is considered as is the importance of the newly emerging field of stem cell research as a model for studying energy balance and cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 5(11); 1260–72. ©2012 AACR.
Toward High-Resolution, Rapid, Probabilistic Forecasting of the Inundation Threat from Landfalling Hurricanes
Authors: Condon Andrew J. , Sheng Y. Peter , Paramygin Vladimir A.
Published: October 2012

State-of-the-art coupled hydrodynamic and wave models can predict the inundation threat from an approaching hurricane with high resolution and accuracy. However, these models are not highly efficient and often cannot be run sufficiently fast to provide results 2 h prior to advisory issuance within a 6-h forecast cycle. Therefore, to produce a timely inundation forecast, coarser grid models, without wave setup contributions, are typically used, which sacrifices resolution and physics. This paper introduces an efficient forecast method by applying a multidimensional interpolation technique to a predefined optimal storm database to generate the surge response for any storm based on its landfall characteristics. This technique, which provides a “digital lookup table” to predict the inundation throughout the region, is applied to the southwest Florida coast for Hurricanes Charley (2004) and Wilma (2005) and compares well with deterministic results but is obtained in a fraction of the time. Because of the quick generation of the inundation response for a single storm, the response of thousands of possible storm parameter combinations can be determined within a forecast cycle. The thousands of parameter combinations are assigned a probability based on historic forecast errors to give a probabilistic estimate of the inundation forecast, which compare well with observations.
Mouse natural killer cell development and maturation are differentially regulated by SHIP-1
Authors: Banh Cindy , Miah S. M. Shahjahan , Kerr William G. , Brossay Laurent
Published: October 2012

The SH2-containing inositol phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) is a 5′ inositol phosphatase known to negatively regulate the product of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), phosphatidylinositol-3.4,5-trisphosphate. SHIP-1 can be recruited to a large number of inhibitory receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. However, its role in NK cell development, maturation, and functions is not well defined. In this study, we found that the absence of SHIP-1 results in a loss of peripheral NK cells. However, using chimeric mice we demonstrated that SHIP-1 expression is not required intrinsically for NK cell lineage development. In contrast, SHIP-1 is required cell autonomously for NK cell terminal differentiation. These findings reveal both a direct and indirect role for SHIP-1 at different NK cell development checkpoints. Notably, SHIP-1–deficient NK cells display an impaired ability to secrete IFN-γ during cytokine receptor–mediated responses, whereas immunoreceptor tyrosine–based activation motif containing receptor-mediated responses is not affected. Taken together, our results provide novel insights on how SHIP-1 participates in the development, maturation, and effector functions of NK cells.
Learning Interdisciplinary Pedagogies
Authors: Friedow Alison J. , Blankenship Erin E. , Green Jennifer L. , Stroup Walter W.
Published: October 2012

This article argues for a more complex understanding of interdisciplinary pedagogy in English studies. Drawing on the authors’ experience designing and coteaching a graduate-level interdisciplinary course in “statistical literacy,” the article forwards a view of interdisciplinary pedagogy as a complex relational process of faculty and student learning.
Nanostructured Cocrystals of a Borazine with [60]Fullerene
Authors: Kervyn Simon , Nakanishi Takashi , Aimi Junko , Saeki Akinori , Seki Shu , Champagne Benoît , Bonifazi Davide
Published: October 2012

In this paper, the preparation and photophysical characterization of nanostructured cocrystals composed of B-trimesityl-N-triphenylborazine (1) and C60 are reported. Preliminary results in the solid state show that the borazine-centered fluorescence is quenched in the cocrystal, displaying strong interchromophoric interaction in the solid state, as also shown by photoconductivity measurements.
Expiration Date Unclear: Intralipid 20% or ViperSlide?: Methadone Dispensed for Methylphenidate: Too Many Numbers: Protocol Needed for Drug Concentration Change
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: October 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Ogilvie's Syndrome during High-Dose Methotrexate Chemotherapy: Bevacizumab-Induced Severe Thrombocytopenia: Clozapine-Associated Colitis: Clindamycin-Induced Ageusia, Xerostomia, and Burning Mouth Syndrome: Calcineurin-Inhibitor Pain Syndrome: Exanthematous Drug Eruptions: Angioedema as an Adverse Event of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors: Ocular Adverse Effects of Systemic Treatment with Isotretinoin: Anaphylaxis
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MEDWATCH program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MEDWATCH, please consider sharing the account with our readers.