bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft-input iterative channel estimation for bit-interleaved turbo-coded MIMO-OFDM systems
Authors: Oyerinde Olutayo O. , Mneney Stanley H.
Published: January 2013

Bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) is a robust multiplexing technique for achieving multiplexing gain in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. However, in order to benefit maximally from the various advantages offered by BICM-based MIMO-OFDM systems, availability of accurate MIMO channel state information (CSI) at the receiver end of the system is essential. Without accurate MIMO CSI, accurate MIMO demapping and coherent detection and decoding of the transmitted message symbols at the system’s receiver would be impossible. In such cases, the multiplexing gain offered by the BICM technique, as well as the higher data rate made possible by the MIMO-OFDM system, is not benefitted from in full. In this paper, we propose a soft input based decision-directed channel estimation scheme for the provision of MIMO CSI for coherent detection of signals in MIMO-OFDM systems. The proposed channel estimator works in iterative mode with a MIMO demapper and a turbo decoder, and is based on the fast data projection method (FDPM) and the variable step size normalised least mean square (VSSNLMS) algorithm. Simulation results of the proposed estimator based on the FDPM and VSSNLMS algorithms indicate better performance in comparison with the same estimator employing minimum mean square error criteria and deflated projection approximation subspace tracking algorithms for both slow- and fast-fading channel scenarios. The proposed estimator would be suitable for use at the receiver end of MIMO-OFDM wireless communication systems operating in either slow- or fast-fading channels.
Analysis of Regional Timelines To Set Up a Global Phase III Clinical Trial in Breast Cancer: The Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimization Experience
Authors: Metzger-Filho Otto , de Azambuja Evandro , Bradbury Ian , Saini Kamal S. , Bines José , Simon Sergio D. , Van Dooren Veerle , Aktan Gursel , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Wolff Antonio C. , Smith Ian , Jackisch Christian , Lang Istvan , Untch Michael , Boyle Frances , Xu Binghe , Baselga Jose , Perez Edith A. , Piccart-Gebhart Martine
Published: January 2013

Learning Objectives

Discuss methods for improving the efficiency of global clinical trials. Explain the need for national regulatory authorities and collaborative cancer groups to initiate efforts to quicken the activation process in their countries. Describe the activation process of phase III studies and its complex and heterogeneous regulation across different geographic and economic regions.

Purpose.

This study measured the time taken for setting up the different facets of Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimization (ALTTO), an international phase III study being conducted in 44 participating countries.

Methods.

Time to regulatory authority (RA) approval, time to ethics committee/institutional review board (EC/IRB) approval, time from study approval by EC/IRB to first randomized patient, and time from first to last randomized patient were prospectively collected in the ALTTO study. Analyses were conducted by grouping countries into either geographic regions or economic classes as per the World Bank's criteria.

Results.

South America had a significantly longer time to RA approval (median: 236 days, range: 21–257 days) than Europe (median: 52 days, range: 0–151 days), North America (median: 26 days, range: 22–30 days), and Asia-Pacific (median: 62 days, range: 37–75 days). Upper-middle economies had longer times to RA approval (median: 123 days, range: 21–257 days) than high-income (median: 47 days, range: 0–112 days) and lower-middle income economies (median: 57 days, range: 37–62 days). No significant difference was observed for time to EC/IRB approval across the studied regions (median: 59 days, range 0–174 days). Overall, the median time from EC/IRB approval to first recruited patient was 169 days (range: 26–412 days).

Conclusion.

This study highlights the long time intervals required to activate a global phase III trial. Collaborative research groups, pharmaceutical industry sponsors, and regulatory authorities should analyze the current system and enter into dialogue for optimizing local policies. This would enable faster access of patients to innovative therapies and enhance the efficiency of clinical research.
Fertilizer Nitrogen Rate Effects on Nutrient Removal by Corn Stover and Cobs
Authors: Sindelar A. J. , Lamb J. A. , Sheaffer C. C. , Rosen C. J. , Jung H. G.
Published: January 2013

The harvest of corn (Zea mays L.) stover and cobs for cellulosic ethanol production will likely accelerate the depletion of soil N, P, K, and S, thus increasing nutrient replacement costs. Fertilizer N rate is a management variable that may influence N, P, K, and S removed by corn cellulosic materials. The effects of fertilizer N rate on grain and cellulosic biomass yields have been reported for the Upper Midwest, but no information exists regarding its effects on stover and cob nutrient removal across a range of rates in diverse environments. Experiments were conducted in eight environments in Minnesota to determine the effect of fertilizer N rate on N, P, K, and S removal by corn stover (leaves, stalks, husks, shanks, and tassels) and cobs. Removal of N, K, and S by stover and cobs generally increased as fertilizer N rate increased, although the response often differed among environments. Removal of P by stover and cobs decreased or did not change as fertilizer N rate increased. Harvesting 7.5 Mg ha−1 of corn stover removed on average 46, 3.5, 76, and 3.7 kg ha−1 of N, P, K, and S, respectively, while harvesting 1.5 Mg ha−1 of cobs removed 6.1, 0.37, 9.5, and 0.38 kg ha−1 of N, P, K, and S, respectively. The harvest of solely corn cobs would remove 9 to 12% less N, P, K, and S, and thus deplete soil nutrient pools at slower rates compared with the harvest of both stover and cobs.
Water Use by Grazed and Ungrazed Pigeon Pea is Similar
Authors: Srinivas Rao C. , Northup Brian K.
Published: January 2013

Water use by the warm‐season annual pulse pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] must be described for this legume to be effectively used as grazed summer forage in the southern Great Plains (SGP). A study was conducted in central Oklahoma during 2008 to 2010 to quantify soil water content, water use, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) in six grazed 0.41 ha paddocks planted to two short‐duration cultivars (GA‐2, MN‐8). Exclosures (9 m−2) were established to measure biomass, and crossbred stocker cattle (n = 3) grazed the paddocks during August through October. Total water content in the upper 57.5 cm of soil was quantified by neutron density gauge at planting, flowering, and end of growing season (EOS), to calculate water use and WUE in producing aboveground biomass. Grazing main and interaction effects were not significant on available soil water (0.13 < p < 0.50), or water use (0.10 < p < 0.62). Cultivar × year × time of season interactions on water use were significant (p ≤ 0.02), due to 49% greater water use by MN‐8 in 2008 (wettest year). Lowest water use within years occurred at flowering and the lowest overall occurred in 2009 (driest year). Year and time of season main effects on WUE were significant (p < 0.01); WUE in 2009 and 2010 (8.1 and 9.4 kg mm−1, respectively) differed from 2008 (4.7 kg mm−1), and was lower at flowering than EOS (5.9 vs. 9.1 kg mm−1). Results showed conditions during growing seasons had greater effects on water use by short‐duration pigeon pea than grazing or cultivar planted.
Are Raffinose and Stachyose Unloaded from Soybean Seed Coats to Developing Embryos?
Authors: Kosina Suzanne M. , Schnebly Steven R. , Obendorf Ralph L.
Published: January 2013

During soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seed development, seed coat tissues contain sucrose, myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, D-pinitol and low concentrations of galactinol. Low concentrations of fagopyritol B1, galactopinitols, and raffinose also accumulate in seed coats during mid-maturation and stachyose accumulates late in maturation. Traces of raffinose can be detected in cotyledons of young seeds (24 days after pollination) and infrequently in seed coat cup exudates at mid-seed fill. On gas chromatograms, questionable peaks corresponding to the retention time of raffinose may be observed in seed coat cup exudates. To determine if raffinose and stachyose can be unloaded from seed coats into the free space surrounding developing seeds, soybean stem-leaf-pod explants from plants with low-raffinose, low-stachyose seeds (LRS) or normal raffinose and stachyose seeds (CHECK) were fed solutions containing 10 mM raffinose or 10 mM stachyose via the cut stem for 3 days. Raffinose was present in leaf, pod and seed coat tissues after feeding raffinose or stachyose to explants. Small amounts of raffinose were unloaded into seed coat cups. Stachyose accumulated in leaf and pod tissues after feeding stachyose to explants, but stachyose was detected in only one of the 32 seed coat exudates assayed. Soybean seed coats unloaded raffinose in very small amounts that may explain the presence of trace amounts of raffinose in embryo tissues of young seeds.
A Group Case Study Assignment: Implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in a U.S. Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Angeletti Michelle , Nothdurft Charles
Published: January 2013

While evidence demonstrates that hospital practices impact breastfeeding duration and exclusivity and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is considered the gold standard for evidence-based breastfeeding care in hospitals, there remain hospital policies and practices that interfere with breastfeeding success. The U.S. Surgeon General and others have called for an improvement in the breastfeeding content in university programs. In this group case study assignment, appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate programs, students are introduced to the BFHI, and learn best management approaches as they address the case study problems at the individual, organizational, and community levels. Students develop administrative, management, and policy development skills as they design a plan to achieve Baby Friendly designation.
Multiferroics application: Magnetic controlled piezoelectric transformer
Authors: Kozielski Lucjan , Clemens Frank
Published: January 2013

Dense lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics is typically used for
fabrications of high power piezoelectric devices. In case of lanthanum and
iron ions doping into PZT solid solution (PLFZT), material exhibiting both
piezoelectric and magnetic properties can be obtained. Among many
investigated compositions particularly the
Pb0.91(La0.5Fe0.5)0.09(Zr0,65Ti0,35 )0,9775O3, located near the morphotropic
boundary, exhibits the highest magnetoelectric effect. This coupling between
magnetization and polarization is achieved by the Fe3+ ions addition that
sufficiently rise sensitivity to magnetic field without decreasing the
dielectric loss coefficient at the same time. Taking advantage of this
specific material the piezoelectric transformer (PT) with magnetic feedback
was fabricated, which converts an electrical AC input voltage into ultrasonic
vibrations and reconverts back to an output as AC voltage proportionally to
the magnetic field intensity. In the present study the unipoled radial mode
piezoelectric transformers based on PLFZT-type ceramics prepared by hot-press
sintering have been investigated. The effect of the magnetic field on the
operating properties was measured for piezoelectric transformer operating at
the first resonance frequency.
Microstructure and electrical properties of SrTi0.98Nd0.02O3-δ-based composites applied as porous layers for SOFCs
Authors: Bochentyn Beata , Kusz Bogusław
Published: January 2013

SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3-?-CeO2 and SrTi0.98Nb0.02O3-?-YSZ composites have been
prepared. In order to evaluate the applicability of the material for solid
oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) both bulk samples and porous composite layers have
been investigated. The electrical conductivity of the bulk samples was
measured using the four-terminal DC method, whereas the conductivity of the
porous layers was determined using the DC Van der Pauw method in the
temperature range of 400-850 ?C in humidified hydrogen. The microstructure of
the samples was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
technique. From the fuel cells point of view a significant advantage of the
bulk Sr(Ti,Nb)O3-?-YSZ over Sr(Ti,Nb)O3-?-CeO2 composite was noticed in the
case of microstructure and electrical properties. Ceria grains in the
Sr(Ti,Nb)O3-?-CeO2 composite tend to form large clusters, especially at the
grain boundaries. This phenomenon results in sample cracking during redox
cycles.
Magnetic and ferroelectric phase coexistence in multiferroic PFW-PT ceramics
Authors: Fraygola Bárbara , Coelho Adelino , Garcia Ducinei , Eiras Antônio
Published: January 2013

The multiferroic (1-x)PbFe2/3W1/3O3-xPbTiO3 solid solutions with various
compositions x = 0, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.30 were investigated. The features of
the relaxor-to-ferroelectric transition with increasing x were discussed
based in connection with dielectric and ferroelectric proprieties. Different
types of magnetic activity dependent on composition and temperature were
found. The temperature of ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic phase
coexistence was investigated in function of PT content, determining the
temperature where each composition becomes multiferroic.
Effect of catalyst HF concentration on the electrical characteristics of ultra low-k materials
Authors: He Zhi-Wei , Zhu Shi-Qiu , Wang Sheng-Li , Qi Zheng , Guan Yu-Yuan
Published: January 2013

The effects of catalyst HF concentration on the dielectric and electrical
properties of SiOF films are discussed. From the current density-voltage and
capacitance-voltage curves, we observed that the film catalyzed with the
special concentration of HF (the ratio of HF/H2O = 1/5) shows good moisture
resistance, low leakage current (10-11 A/cm2 at 1 MV/cm) and high breakdown
field (6 MV/cm), which can be explained by the results of Fourier transform
infrared spectra. The dielectric constant value is also very low and reaches
about 1.75 after annealing at the temperature of 450?C. Therefore, the
concentration of HF catalyst is an important factor in the sol-gel process.
TEM and FESEM investigation of Lanthanum nickelate thin films obtained by chemical solution deposition
Authors: Pocuca-Nesic Milica , Brankovic Goran , Bernik Slavko , Recnik Aleksander , Vasiljevic-Radovic Dana , Brankovic Zorica
Published: January 2013

Lanthanum nickelate (LNO) is a perovskite oxide material with metallic
conductivity in a wide temperature range which makes it suitable for
application as electrode material for thin films. In this paper LNO thin
films were prepared by polymerizable complex method from the diluted citrate
solutions. Precursor solutions were spin coated onto Si-substrates with
amorphous layer of SiO2. Deposited layers were thermally treated from the
substrate side with low heating rate (1?/min) up to 700?C and finally
annealed for 10 hours. Results of AFM and FESEM showed that films are very
smooth (Ra = 4 nm), dense, crack-free and with large square-shaped grains
(170 nm). According to FESEM and TEM results the obtained four-layered film
was only 65 nm thin. EBSD and XRD analyses confirmed polycrystalline
microstructure of the films without preferential orientation. It was
concluded that the presence of SiO2 layer on Si substrate prevents epitaxial
or oriented growth of LNO.
Nanocrystalline zirconia based powders synthesized by hydrothermal method
Authors: Tsukrenko Viktoria , Dudnik Elena , Shevchenko Alexey
Published: January 2013

Nanocrystalline powders in the ZrO2-Y2O3-CeO2-CoO-Al2O3 system with 1 and 10
mol% Al2O3 were prepared via hydrothermal treatment in alkaline medium. The
characteristics of nanocrystalline powders after heat treatment in the
temperature range from 500 to 1200 ?C were investigated by XRD phase
analysis, scanning electron microscopy, petrography and BET measurements. It
was found that hydrothermally treated powders contained metastable
low-temperature cubic solid solution based on ZrO2 and addition of Al2O3
increased temperature of phase transformation of the metastable cubic- ZrO2
to tetragonal-ZrO2. It was evidenced that both powders remained
nanocrystalline after all processing steps with the average particle sizes
from 8 to 20 nm. The addition of 0.3 mol% CoO allows one to obtain composites
with good sinterability at 1200 ?C.
Effect of calcium fluoride on sintering behavior of SiO2-CaO-Na2O-MgO glass-ceramic system
Authors: Mirhadi Bahman , Mehdikhani Behzad
Published: January 2013

The crystallization characteristics of glasses based on the SiO2-CaO-Na2O-MgO
(SCNM) system containing calcium fluoride (CaF2) have been investigated by
differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). The partial replacement of CaO by CaF2 in the
studied glass-ceramics led to the development of different crystalline phase
assemblages, including wollastonite and diopside using various heat-treatment
processes. With the increase of CaF2 content, the crystallization temperature
of the glass and the strength of the crystallization peak temperature
decreases. Addition of CaF2 up to 6.0 mol%, as expected, improved the
sinterability. This sample reached to maximum density by sintering at 950 ?C.
Bone bonding ability of some borate bio-glasses and their corresponding glass-ceramic derivatives
Authors: Margha Fatma , Abdelghany Amr
Published: January 2013

Ternary borate glasses from the system Na2O?CaO?B2O3 together with
soda-lime-borate samples containing 5 wt.% of MgO, Al2O3, SiO2 or P2O5 were
prepared. The obtained glasses were converted to their glass-ceramic
derivatives by controlled heat treatment. X-ray diffraction was employed to
investigate the separated crys?talline phases in glass-ceramics after heat
treatment of the glassy samples. The glasses and corresponding glass-ceramics
after immersion in water or diluted phosphate solution for extended times
were characterized by the grain method (adopted by several authors and
recommended by ASTM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectra to justify the
formation of hydroxyapatite as an indication of the bone bonding ability. The
influence of glass composition on bioactivity potential was discussed too.
Radiotherapy treatment planning: Benefits of CT-MR image registration and fusion in tumor volume delineation
Authors: Djan Igor , Petrovic Borislava , Erak Marko , Nikolic Ivan , Lucic Silvija
Published: January 2013

Background/Aim. Development of imaging techniques, computed tomography (CT),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET),
made great impact on radiotherapy treatment planning by improving the
localization of target volumes. Improved localization allows better local
control of tumor volumes, but also minimizes geographical misses. Mutual
information is obtained by registration and fusion of images achieved
manually or automatically. The aim of this study was to validate the CT-MRI
image fusion method and compare delineation obtained by CT versus CT-MRI
image fusion. Methods. The image fusion software (XIO CMS 4.50.0) was applied
to delineate 16 patients. The patients were scanned on CT and MRI in the
treatment position within an immobilization device before the initial
treatment. The gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV) were
delineated on CT alone and on CT+MRI images consecutively and image fusion
was obtained. Results. Image fusion showed that CTV delineated on a CT image
study set is mainly inadequate for treatment planning, in comparison with CTV
delineated on CT-MRI fused image study set. Fusion of different modalities
enables the most accurate target volume delineation. Conclusion. This study
shows that registration and image fusion allows precise target localization
in terms of GTV and CTV and local disease control.
Construction and Use of Environmental Management Accounting Systems with the REA Business Ontology
Authors: Weigand Hans , Elsas Philip
Published: January 2013

Environmental Management Accounting is rapidly evolving from an ethical side-issue into a core business concern. However, traditional management accounting methods and currently available tools provide only limited support. Resource-Event-Agent (REA) is a well-known business ontology that offers a rigorous axiomatic basis for accounting and auditing. The paper demonstrates that on the basis of an extension of REA, it is possible to develop integrated modeling solutions and tools for environmental management accounting and assurance. The focus is on physical resource flow modeling (internal and external).
Renal Glucose Handling
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Veltkamp Stephan A. , Smulders Ronald A. , Kadokura Takeshi
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Ipragliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, stimulates glycosuria and lowers glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamics of ipragliflozin in T2DM patients with impaired renal function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glycosuria was measured before and after a single ipragliflozin dose in 8 nondiabetic subjects and 57 T2DM patients (age 62 ± 9 years, fasting glucose 133 ± 39 mg/dL, mean ± SD) with normal renal function (assessed as the estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) (eGFR1 ≥90 mL · min–1 · 1.73 m−2), mild (eGFR2 ≥60 to <90), moderate (eGFR3 ≥30 to <60), or severe reduction in eGFR (eGFR4 ≤15 to <30).

RESULTS

Ipragliflozin significantly increased urinary glucose excretion in each eGFR class (P < 0.0001). However, ipragliflozin-induced glycosuria declined (median [IQR]) across eGFR class (from 46 mg/min [33] in eGFR1 to 8 mg/min [7] in eGFR4, P < 0.001). Ipragliflozin-induced fractional glucose excretion (excretion/filtration) was 39% [27] in the T2DM patients (pooled data), similar to that of the nondiabetic subjects (37% [17], P = ns). In bivariate analysis of the pooled data, ipragliflozin-induced glycosuria was directly related to eGFR and fasting glucose (P < 0.0001 for both, r2 = 0.55), predicting a decrement in 24-h glycosuria of 15 g for each 20 mL/min decline in eGFR and an increase of 7 g for each 10 mg/dL increase in glucose above fasting normoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, ipragliflozin increases glycosuria in direct, linear proportion to GFR and degree of hyperglycemia, such that its amount can be reliably predicted in the individual patient. Although absolute glycosuria decreases with declining GFR, the efficiency of ipragliflozin action (fractional glucose excretion) is maintained in patients with severe renal impairment.
Analysis of inter-quark interactions in classical chromodynamics
Authors: Darewych Jurij , Duviryak Askold
Published: January 2013

The QCD gluon equation of motion is solved approximately by means of a Green function. This solution is used to reformulate the Lagrangian of QCD such that the gluon propagator appears directly in the interaction terms of the Lagrangian. The nature of the interactions is discussed. A coordinate-space form of the interactions is presented and analyzed in the static, non-relativistic case.
Insurance Industry and Non-Agriculture Sector of Nepal: An Empirical Study
Authors: Gaire Hom Nath
Published: January 2013

In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyse relationship between Nepalese insurance industry and the non-agriculture sector using the annual data of the period of 1997 to 2010. In order to accomplish this goal, unit root test, co-integration test, granger causality test, and ordinary least square method of regression analysis have been performed. The empirical result from the co-integration tests clearly shows that there is a long-run relationship between total premium collection and Resources/Liabilities of Nepalese insurance industry vis-á-vis non-agriculture real GDP. Likewise, the null hypotheses that the total premium collection and Resource/Liabilities does not granger cause non-agriculture and real GDP of Nepal and was rejected. Moreover, estimated coefficients of regression models also indicate that there is strong positive correlation between the insurance industry and non-agriculture sector of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v3i1.7510 Banking Journal Vol.3(2) 2013 pp.43-60
Dante’s Hermeneutic Complicity in Violence and Fraud inInfernoIX–XVII
Authors: Franke William
Published: January 2013

Self-interpretation is made manifest as a crucial structuring principle of the Inferno in the segment of the poem that begins with Dante’s entry into the city of Dis. This transition directly involves the reader as interpreter by means of the poem’s explicit addresses to the reader. The self-deceptions manifest in the souls Dante encounters take on violent and then fraudulent forms in the seventh and eighth circles respectively. By his interpretive acts as poet, Dante actually participates in this violence and fraud. He makes himself complicit in what he condemns. He is not merely an observer from on high but descends into his own sinful self through acts that involve the author and, behind him, the reader too as interpreters. Dante constantly highlights how it is we ourselves who are secretly at risk in the sins we interpret as readers, for the sins punished in hell are presented as fundamentally sins of self-interpretation.
The ‘Supremest of Yankee Critics’: Harold Stearns, the Young Intellectuals, and America’s Discontents
Authors: Muller Adam
Published: January 2013

This article works to shed light on Harold Stearns’s (1891–1943) thinking about Americans’ struggle for authentic modes of creative and critical self-expression in an environment he and others perceived as generally inimical to that struggle. It attempts to convey some sense of the contribution to American art and culture made by Stearns’s early and most influential work, the essays collected in America and the Young Intellectual (1921), and traces its relationship to the cultural criticism produced by other noteworthy intellectuals in the twilight of the Progressive Era. Along the way, it shows how Stearns both reflected and contributed to the view of America held by the extraordinary generation of writers and intellectuals responsible for shaping American cultural identity during and after the interwar years.
The Space of Poetry: Inhabiting Form in the Ghazal
Authors: Ward David
Published: January 2013

It is easy to use metaphors of structure (scaffolding, skeletons, architecture) when discussing poetic form. This essay takes that impulse seriously in an attempt to understand how prosodic form affects not poetry in general or poems in specific but the imagination of the reader or writer who engages with it. Cross-pollinating Bachelard’s The Poetics of Space with Agha Shahid Ali’s ghazals, this essay studies the ways in which rhyme, refrain, couplets, and the inclusion of the author in the poem itself might affect an inhabiting imagination. Just as Bachelard complicates the idea of houses as mere containers, so too this essay finds a dynamic relationship between external poetic structures and the internal inhabitant.
Forsters Vision of the Marabar Caves
Authors: Huq Syed Anwarul
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v4i0.13488 Stamford Journal of English Vol.4 2008 pp.30-40
Shakespearean Influence on Moby-Dick
Authors: Sharmin Sonia
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v4i0.13494 Stamford Journal of English Vol.4 2008 pp.142-153
The Replication Fork: Understanding the Eukaryotic Replication Machinery and the Challenges to Genome Duplication
Authors: Leman Adam , Noguchi Eishi
Published: January 2013

Eukaryotic cells must accurately and efficiently duplicate their genomes during each round of the cell cycle. Multiple linear chromosomes, an abundance of regulatory elements, and chromosome packaging are all challenges that the eukaryotic DNA replication machinery must successfully overcome. The replication machinery, the “replisome” complex, is composed of many specialized proteins with functions in supporting replication by DNA polymerases. Efficient replisome progression relies on tight coordination between the various factors of the replisome. Further, replisome progression must occur on less than ideal templates at various genomic loci. Here, we describe the functions of the major replisome components, as well as some of the obstacles to efficient DNA replication that the replisome confronts. Together, this review summarizes current understanding of the vastly complicated task of replicating eukaryotic DNA.
Measurement of the Interaction Between Recombinant I-domain from Integrin alpha 2 beta 1 and a Triple Helical Collagen Peptide with the GFOGER Binding Motif Using Molecular Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Attwood Simon , Simpson Anna , Hamaia Samir , Bihan Dominique , Roy Debdulal , Farndale Richard , Welland Mark
Published: January 2013

The role of the collagen-platelet interaction is of crucial importance to the haemostatic response during both injury and pathogenesis of the blood vessel wall. Of particular interest is the high affinity interaction of the platelet transmembrane receptor, alpha 2 beta 1, responsible for firm attachment of platelets to collagen at and around injury sites. We employ single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) using the atomic force microscope (AFM) to study the interaction of the I-domain from integrin alpha 2 beta 1 with a synthetic collagen related triple-helical peptide containing the high-affinity integrin-binding GFOGER motif, and a control peptide lacking this sequence, referred to as GPP. By utilising synthetic peptides in this manner we are able to study at the molecular level subtleties that would otherwise be lost when considering cell-to-collagen matrix interactions using ensemble techniques. We demonstrate for the first time the complexity of this interaction as illustrated by the complex multi-peaked force spectra and confirm specificity using control blocking experiments. In addition we observe specific interaction of the GPP peptide sequence with the I-domain. We propose a model to explain these observations.
In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Lactoferrin-Conjugated Liposomes as a Novel Carrier to Improve the Brain Delivery
Authors: Huang Feng-Yun , Chen Wan-Jou , Lee Wan-Yu , Lo Su-Tang , Lee Te-Wei , Lo Jem-Mau
Published: January 2013

In this study, lactoferrin-conjugated PEGylated liposomes (PL), a potential drug carrier for brain delivery, was loaded with radioisotope complex, 99mTc labeled N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N',N'-diethylethylenediamine (99mTc-BMEDA) for in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The hydrophilicity of liposomes was enhanced by PEGylation which was not an ideal brain delivery system for crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB). With the modification of a brain-targeting ligand, lactoferrin (Lf), the PEGylated liposome (PL) might become a potential brain delivery vehicle. In order to test the hypothesis in vitro and in vivo, 99mTc-BMEDA was loaded into the liposomes as a reporter with or without Lf-conjugation. The mouse brain endothelia cell line, bEnd.3 cells, was cultured to investigate the potential uptake of liposomes in vitro. The in vivo uptake by the mouse brain of the liposomes was detected by tissue biodistribution study. The results indicated that Lf-conjugated PEGylated liposome showed more than three times better uptake efficiency in vitro and two-fold higher of brain uptake in vivo than PEGlyated liposome. With the success of loading the potential Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) imaging probe, 99mTc-BMEDA, Lf-PL might serve as a promising brain delivery system for loading diagnostics or therapeutics of various brain disorders.
Biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) Composites Reinforced by Cotton Fiber with Silane Coupling Agent
Authors: Calabia Buenaventurada , Ninomiya Fumi , Yagi Hisaaki , Oishi Akihiro , Taguchi Kazuhiro , Kunioka Masao , Funabashi Masahiro
Published: January 2013

In this study, the use of cotton fiber (CF) as a filler in poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and the effect of silane treatment on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biodegradability of PBS/CF composites are investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength of PBS was improved (15%–78%) with the incorporation of CF (10–40 wt%) and was further increased (25%–118%) when CF was treated with a silane coupling agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of the fracture surfaces of PBS/CF composites showed that there was slight improvement in fiber-matrix compatibility. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis showed that the thermal stability of the composites was lower than that of neat PBS and decreased with increasing filler loading. The biobased carbon content of the composites increased with increasing CF content. The incorporation of CF (with and without silane treatment) in PBS significantly increased the biodegradation rate of the composites.
Pigs and Pollards: Medieval Insights for UK Wood Pasture Restoration
Authors: Jørgensen Dolly
Published: January 2013

English wood pastures have become a target for ecological restoration, including the restoration of pollarded trees and grazing animals, although pigs have not been frequently incorporated into wood pasture restoration schemes. Because wood pastures are cultural landscapes, created through the interaction of natural processes and human practices, a historical perspective on wood pasture management practices has the potential to provide insights for modern restoration projects. Using a wide range of both written and artistic sources form the Middle Ages, this article argues that pigs were fed in wood pastures both during the mast season when acorns were available and at other times as grazing fields. Pollarded pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) likely dominated these sustainable cultural landscapes during the medieval period.
Interaction between Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Regulatory T-Cells
Authors: Engela Anja U. , Baan Carla C. , Peeters Annemiek M. A. , Weimar Willem , Hoogduijn Martin J.
Published: January 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immunosuppressive capabilities, which have evoked interest in their application as cell therapy in transplant patients. So far it has been unclear whether allogeneic MSCs and host regulatory T-cells (Tregs) functionally influence each other. We investigated the interaction between both cell types using perirenal adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs) from kidney donors and Tregs from blood bank donors or kidney recipients 6 months after transplantation. The immunomodulatory capacity of ASCs was not prejudiced by both Tregs from healthy donors and Tregs from graft recipients, indicating that ASCs were not targeted by the inhibitory effects of Tregs and vice versa. In addition, Tregs supported ASC function, as they did not alter the secretion of IFN-γ by immune cells and hence contributed to ASC activation and efficiency. ASCs exerted their suppressive role by expressing IDO, reducing levels of TNF-α, and by inducing the production of IL-10 in effector cells and Tregs. In conclusion, this study presents evidence that donor ASCs and acceptor Tregs do not impair each other's function and therefore encourages the use of MSC therapy for the prevention of graft rejection in solid organ transplantation.
ZNF281 Knockdown Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Multipotent Stem Cells in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Seo Kwang-Won , Roh Kyoung-Hwan , Bhandari Dilli Ram , Park Sang-Bum , Lee Seon-Kyung , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: January 2013

ZNF281 is one of the core transcription factors in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and has activation and repression roles in the transcription of ESC genes. A known target molecule of Zfp281 (the mouse homologue of ZNF281) is Nanog. However, NANOG is not expressed in most human multipotent stem cells (hMSCs). Here, we investigated the roles of ZNF281 with a gain- and loss-of-function study. The knockdown of ZNF281 in vivo and in vitro resulted in spontaneous osteochondrogenic differentiation and reduced the proliferation of hMSCs, as determined by cell morphology and molecular markers. When ZNF281-knockdown hMSCs were subcutaneously implanted into mice along with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), many cells were converted into osteoblasts within 4 weeks. In contrast, the overexpression of ZNF281 in hMSCs resulted in accelerated proliferation. The expression pattern of ZNF281 correlated well with the expression of β-CATENIN during differentiation and in the gain/loss-of-function study in hMSCs. The binding of ZNF281 to the promoter region of β-CATENIN was observed using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. In conclusion, we propose that ZNF281 plays an important role in the maintenance and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells via the transcriptional regulation of genes including β-CATENIN.
Electroacupuncture Promotes the Differentiation of Transplanted Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing TrkC into Neuron-Like Cells in Transected Spinal Cord of Rats
Authors: Ding Ying , Yan Qing , Ruan Jing-Wen , Zhang Yan-Qing , Li Wen-Jie , Zeng Xiang , Huang Si-Fan , Zhang Yu-Jiao , Wu Jin-Lang , Fisher Danny , Dong Hongxin , Zeng Yuan-Shan
Published: January 2013

Our previous study indicated that electroacupuncture (EA) could increase neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels in the injured spinal cord, stimulate the differentiation of transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and improve functional recovery in the injured spinal cord of rats. However, the number of neuron-like cells derived from the MSCs is limited. It is known that NT-3 promotes the survival and differentiation of neurons by preferentially binding to its receptor TrkC. In this study, we attempted to transplant TrkC gene-modified MSCs (TrkC-MSCs) into the spinal cord with transection to investigate whether EA treatment could promote NT-3 secretion in the injured spinal cord and to determine whether increased NT-3 could further enhance transplanted MSCs overexpressing TrkC to differentiate into neuron-like cells, resulting in increased axonal regeneration and functional improvement in the injured spinal cord. Our results showed that EA increased NT-3 levels; furthermore, it promoted neuron-phenotype differentiation, synaptogenesis, and myelin formation of transplanted TrkC-MSCs. In addition, TrkC-MSC transplantation combined with EA (the TrkC-MSCs + EA group) treatment promoted the growth of the descending BDA-labeled corticospinal tracts (CSTs) and 5-HT-positive axonal regeneration across the lesion site into the caudal cord. In addition, the conduction of cortical motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and hindlimb locomotor function increased as compared to controls (treated with the LacZ-MSCs, TrkC-MSCs, and LacZ-MSCs + EA groups). In the TrkC-MSCs + EA group, the injured spinal cord also showed upregulated expression of the proneurogenic factors laminin and GAP-43 and downregulated GFAP and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), major inhibitors of axonal growth. Together, our data suggest that TrkC-MSC transplantation combined with EA treatment spinal cord injury not only increased MSC survival and differentiation into neuron-like cells but also promoted CST regeneration across injured sites to the caudal cord and functional improvement, perhaps due to increase of NT-3 levels, upregulation of laminin and GAP-43, and downregulation of GFAP and CSPG proteins.
Validation of the Parents' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) Rating Scale
Authors: Bagatto Marlene P. , Scollie Susan D.
Published: January 2013

Background:The Parents' Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) is a caregiver report questionnaire that is suitable for use with children who wear hearing aids. It is available in both a Diary format and a Rating Scale format. Following a critical review of
subjective outcome evaluation tools for infants, toddlers, and preschool children (Bagatto, Moodie, Seewald et al, 2011), the Rating Scale version of the PEACH was included in a recently developed guideline for monitoring real-world auditory performance of children who have hearing loss (Bagatto,
Moodie, Malandrino et al, 2011). Normative data exist only for the PEACH Diary, not the Rating Scale.Purpose:This article evaluates whether published normative data for the PEACH Diary (Ching and Hill, 2007) are replicated on a different sample of children using the PEACH Rating Scale.Research
Design:Fifty-nine children with normal hearing aged 2 mo to 83 mo and their primary caregivers participated in the study. Caregivers completed the PEACH Rating Scale for each child with normal hearing.Results:Results indicated close agreement to existing normative data collected
with the PEACH Diary, with no differences in scores between males and females and good internal consistency. Age-related trends published for the Diary version were replicated using the Rating Scale version, as significantly lower scores were observed for children 20 mo of age and younger
compared to those older than 20 mo of age.Conclusions:The currently published norms for the PEACH Diary are valid for use with the PEACH Rating Scale with caregivers of normal hearing children. This validation work adds to the evidence base of the PEACH Rating Scale and supports its
use in clinical practice.
APPLICABILITY OF SPLINE COLLOCATION TO CORDIAL VOLTERRA EQUATIONS
Authors: Diogo Teresa , Vainikko Gennadi
Published: January 2013

We study the applicability of the standard spline collocation method, on a uniform grid, to linear Volterra integral equations of the second kind with the so-called cordial operators; these operators are noncompact and the applicability of the collocation method becomes crucial in the convergence analysis. In particular, piecewise constant, piecewise linear and piecewise quadratic collocation methods are applicable under wide, quite acceptable conditions. For higher order spline collocation, it is more complicated to carry out an analytical study of the applicability of the method; however, a numerical check is rather simple and this is illustrated by some numerical examples.
WEIGHTED LIPSCHITZ CONTINUITY, SCHWARZ–PICK'S LEMMA AND LANDAU–BLOCH'S THEOREM FOR HYPERBOLIC-HARMONIC MAPPINGS IN ℂN
Authors: Chen Shaolin , Ponnusamy Saminathan , Wang Xiantao
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we discuss some properties on hyperbolic-harmonic functions in the unit ball of ℂ n . First, we investigate the relationship between the weighted Lipschitz functions and the hyperbolic-harmonic Bloch spaces. Then we establish the Schwarz–Pick type theorem for hyperbolic-harmonic functions and apply it to prove the existence of Landau-Bloch constant for functions in α-Bloch spaces.
A CENTRAL PART INTERPOLATION SCHEME FOR LOG-SINGULAR INTEGRAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Orav-Puurand Kerli
Published: January 2013

A fully discrete high order method is constructed and justified for a class of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind with kernels that may have boundary and logarithmic diagonal singularities. The method is based on the improving the boundary behaviour of the kernel with the help of a change of variables, and on “central part” interpolation by polynomials on the uniform grid.
Time Patterns of Adherence and Long-Term Virological Response to Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Regimens in the Stratall Anrs 12110/Esther Trial in Cameroon
Authors: Meresse Mégane , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Laurent Christian , Kouanfack Charles , Protopopescu Camelia , Blanche Jérôme , Cohen Julien , Laborde-Balen Gabrièle , Aghokeng Avelin F , Spire Bruno , Moatti Jean-Paul , Delaporte Eric , Boyer Sylvie ,   the Stratall ANRS 12110/ESTHER Study Group
Published: January 2013

Background

Although treatment adherence is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, it is still unknown which longitudinal patterns of adherence are the most detrimental to long-term virological response to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) regimens. This analysis aimed to study the influence of different time patterns of adherence on virological failure after 24 months of treatment in Cameroon.

Methods

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence data were collected using face-to-face questionnaires administered at months 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24. Virological failure was defined as viral load >40 copies/ml at month 18 and/or 24. Two combined indicators of early adherence (months 1, 3 and 6) and adherence during the maintenance phase (months 12, 18 and 24) were designed to classify patients as always adherent during the early or maintenance phase, non-adherent at least once and having interrupted ART for >2 days at least once at any visit during either of these two phases.

Results

Virological failure occurred in 107 (42%) of the 254 patients included in the analysis. In the early and maintenance phases, 84% and 76%, respectively, were always adherent, 5% and 5% were non-adherent and 11% and 20% experienced ≥1 treatment interruption. Early non-adherence was independently associated with virological failure (adjusted OR 7.2 [95% CI 1.5, 34.6]), while only treatment interruptions had a significant impact on virological failure during the maintenance phase (adjusted OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.1, 4.4]).

Conclusions

ART NNRTI-regimens used in sub-Saharan Africa seem to ‘forgive’ deviations from good adherence during the maintenance phase. Optimizing adherence in the early months of treatment remains crucial, especially in a setting of poor health care infrastructure and resources.
Comportamiento a la corrosión de intermetálicos Fe3Al con adición de litio, cerio y níquel en 2,5 % de SO2+N2 a 900 °C
Authors: Luna-Ramírez A. , Porcayo-Calderón J. , Martínez-Villafane A. , González-Rodríguez J. G. , Chacón-Nava J. G.
Published: January 2013

Se estudió el comportamiento a la corrosión a alta temperatura de intermetálicos tipo Fe3Al con adición de 1at. % de cerio, litio y níquel. Las diferentes aleaciones fueron expuestas bajo un ambiente compuesto de 2,5 % SO2+N2 a 900 °C durante 48 h. Para todos los intermetálicos ensayados, la cinética de corrosión presentó un comportamiento parabólico. La aleación que mostró la menor velocidad de corrosión fue el intermetálico Fe3AlNi, siendo el intermetálico Fe3AlCeLi el de mayor velocidad de corrosión. Los análisis mediante espectroscopía de dispersión de rayos X, EDS, sobre la costra formada identificaron únicamente aluminio, oxígeno y trazas de hierro y cerio, lo que sugiere la formación de alúmina como el componente principal. Los intermetálicos mostraron agrietamiento y desprendimiento de la costra de óxido. La composición química de los intermetálicos tuvo un papel importante en la definición de la morfología del óxido formado y el grado de daño.
Efecto de la modificación superficial de alambres delgados de acero inoxidable AISI 302 mediante plasma electrolítico sobre sus propiedades mecánicas
Authors: Gallegos A. , Camurri C. , Carrasco C. , Soldera F.
Published: January 2013

En este trabajo se realizaron ensayos de aplicación de plasma electrolítico (PE) sobre alambres delgados de acero inoxidable AISI 302 en una solución inerte. Las probetas se sometieron a ensayos de tracción, con el fin de medir cambios en su resistencia mecánica; adicionalmente fueron evaluadas en sus cambios morfológicos y microestructurales. Se encontró que después de 10 s de aplicación de PE, la superficie de las probetas estaba uniformemente cubierta por nódulos y cráteres propios del ciclo de fusión y enfriamiento del PE; se evidenció un significativo afinamiento del grano superficial, llegando a ordenamientos cristalinos de tamaño menor a 200 nm y también se observó que la capa superficial afectada presentó un incremento de la resistencia a la tracción de al menos un 57 % respecto al acero base.