bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermo‐Optic Properties and Electronic Polarizability in Alkali Tellurite Glasses
Authors: Honma Tsuyoshi , Ito Noriko , Komatsu Takayuki , Dimitrov Vesselin
Published: May 2010

The refractive indices (n) and densities (ρ) of xLi2O–(100−x)TeO2 glasses with x=15–30 and xNa2O–(100−x)TeO2 glasses with x=10–20 are measured in the temperature range of 30°–150°C in order to clarify thermo‐optic coefficients (dn/dT) and the temperature dependence of the electronic polarizability of oxide ions (

) and optical basicity (Λ). It is found that the values of n, , and Λ increase almost linearly with increasing temperature. The values of dn/dT are around 7 × 10−5 K−1 and tend to decrease with increasing alkali content (Li2O, Na2O). In contrast, the values of d/dT and dΛ/dT are almost constant, irrespective of the alkali content. It is suggested that electronic polarizability has an important contribution on thermo‐optic coefficients, but the contribution of volume thermal expansion on thermo‐optic coefficients cannot be ignored. In the analyses of electronic polarizabilities of alkali tellurite glasses, the concept of group optical basicity for TeO3 and TeO4 structural units is also applied. It is explained that large thermo‐optic coefficients in Li2O–TeO2 and Na2O–TeO2 glasses are composed of oxides having small average single bond strengths and large optical basicities.
Unique Preparation of Hexaboride Nanocubes: A First Example of Boride Formation by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Kanakala Raghunath , Rojas‐George Gabriel , Graeve Olivia A.
Published: May 2010

Nanocubes of LaB6 and Sm0.8B6 have been synthesized using low‐temperature combustion synthesis, a technique that had only been used previously for the preparation of oxides. The hexaboride nanocubes were prepared using lanthanum nitrate or samarium nitrate, carbohydrazide, and boron powders. The furnace temperature for synthesis was kept at 320°C, lower than the typical temperature values used in combustion processes for the preparation of oxides. After synthesis, the nanocubes were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combustion process was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, which shows that the formation of the carbohydrazide and nitrate melts as well as the formation of a complex between metal ions and carbohydrazide are crucial steps for the reaction. The technique results in high‐purity powders with a unique cubic morphology, in which the corners of the cubes can be used as point sources for efficient electron emission.
Wettability Assessment of Submicrometer Alumina Powder Using a Modified Washburn Method
Authors: Neirinck Bram , Van Deursen Johannes , Van der Biest Omer , Vleugels Jef
Published: May 2010

The possibility to accurately measure the liquid–solid contact angle on submicrometer powders by means of a modified capillary rise setup using cold isostatically pressed powder compacts is reported. The geometric factor needed for the determination of the contact angle from liquid penetration data was calculated from the pore properties of the powder compacts. During the capillary rise experiments, the pellets retained their structural integrity and concomitant porosity ensuring the reproducibility of the contact angle values obtained.
The effect of diet on total antioxidant status, ceruloplasmin, transferrin and ferritin serum levels in phenylketonuric children
Authors: Schulpis Kleopatra H , Papastamataki Maria , Stamou Helen , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Margeli Alexandra
Published: May 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the effect of diet on total antioxidative status (TAS), transferrin, ferritin and ceruloplasmin serum levels in phenylketonuric (PKU) children.

Patients and methods:  Seventeen poorly controlled PKU children underwent clinical and laboratory examinations before, ‘off diet’, and 60 days after adhering to their special diet ‘on diet’, whereas controls (N = 24) were examined once. Blood chemistry was performed with the appropriate methodologies.

Results:  Phenylalanine levels differed significantly among the examined groups. Lipids and lipoproteins were higher in ‘off diet’ than in ‘on diet’ group, except of high density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein AI that remained unaffected. Total antioxidative status (386 ± 30 vs 204 ± 23 μmol/L, p < 0.001), ferritin (48.2 ± 2.3 vs 33.0 ± 2.8 μg/L, p < 0.001) and ceruloplasmin (40.02 ± 2.5 vs 25.5 ± 2.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in ‘on diet’ patients’ group compared to ‘off diet’ one. The low lipoprotein and the high TAS and ferritin levels in patients with PKU ‘on diet’ may be related to the vegetarian diet and the rich in iron formula supplementation.

Conclusions:  The low ferritin levels found in ‘off diet’ patients with PKU may be attributed to a decreased liver production of ceruloplasmin, which evaluation may be a useful tool for the follow‐up of patients with PKU.
Cytoglobin conformations and disulfide bond formation
Authors: Lechauve Christophe , Chauvierre Cédric , Dewilde Sylvia , Moens Luc , Green Brian N. , Marden Michael C. , Célier Chantal , Kiger Laurent
Published: May 2010

The oligomeric state and kinetics of ligand binding were measured for wild‐type cytoglobin. Cytoglobin has the classical globin fold, with an extension at each extremity of about 20 residues. The extended length of cytoglobin leads to an ambiguous interpretation of its oligomeric state. Although the hydrodynamic diameter corresponds to that of a dimer, it displays a mass of a single subunit, indicating a monomeric form. Thus, rather than displaying a compact globular form, cytoglobin behaves hydrodynamically like a tightly packed globin with a greater flexibility of the N‐ and C‐terminal regions. Cytoglobin displays biphasic kinetics after the photolysis of CO, as a result of competition with an internal protein ligand, the E7 distal histidine. An internal disulfide bond may form which modifies the rate of dissociation of the distal histidine and apparently leads to different cytoglobin conformations, which may affect the observed oxygen affinity by an order of magnitude.
Bile acids increase hepatitis B virus gene expression and inhibit interferon‐α activity
Authors: Kim Hye Young , Cho Hyun Kook , Choi Yung Hyun , Lee Kyu Sub , Cheong JaeHun
Published: May 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a 3.2 kb DNA virus that preferentially replicates in the liver. A number of transcription factors, including nuclear receptors, regulate the activities of HBV promoters and enhancers. However, the association between these metabolic events and HBV replication remains to be clearly elucidated. In the present study, we assessed the effects of bile acid metabolism on HBV gene expression. Conditions associated with elevated bile acid levels within the liver include choleostatic liver diseases and an increased dietary cholesterol uptake. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that bile acids promote the transcription and expression of the gene for HBV in hepatic cell lines; in addition, farnesoid X receptor α and the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/c‐Jun signal transduction pathway mediate the regulatory effect of bile acids. Furthermore, an orphan nuclear receptor, small heterodimer partner protein, is also involved in the bile acid‐mediated regulation of HBV gene expression. The bile acid‐mediated promotion of HBV gene expression counteracts the antiviral effect of interferon‐α.
Identification and characterization of important residues in the catalytic mechanism of CMP‐Neu5Ac synthetase from Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Horsfall Louise E. , Nelson Adam , Berry Alan
Published: May 2010

Sialylated oligosaccharides, present on mammalian outer‐cell surfaces, play vital roles in cellular interactions and some bacteria are able to mimic these structures to evade their host’s immune system. It would be of great benefit to the study of infectious and autoimmune diseases and cancers, to understand the pathway of sialylation in detail to enable the design and production of inhibitors and mimetics. Sialylation occurs in two stages, the first to activate sialic acid and the second to transfer it to the target molecule. The activation step is catalysed by the enzyme CMP‐Neu5Ac synthetase (CNS). Here we used crystal structures of CNS and similar enzymes to predict residues of importance in the CNS from Neisseria meningitidis. Nine residues were mutated to alanine, and the steady‐state enzyme kinetic parameters were measured using a continuous assay to detect one of the products of the reaction, pyrophosphate. Mutations that caused the greatest loss in activity included K142A, D211A, D209A and a series of mutations at residue Q104, highlighted from sequence‐alignment studies of related enzymes, demonstrating significant roles for these residues in the catalytic mechanism of CNS. The mutations of D211A and D209A provide strong evidence for a previously proposed metal‐binding site in the enzyme, and the results of our mutations at residue Q104 lead us to include this residue in the metal‐binding site of an intermediate complex. This suggests that, like the sugar‐activating lipopolysaccharide‐synthesizing CMP‐2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐manno‐octonic acid synthetase enzyme KdsB, CNS recruits two Mg2+ ions during the catalytic cycle.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch regulates sorting nexin 9 through an unconventional substrate recognition domain
Authors: Baumann Claudia , Lindholm Cecilia K. , Rimoldi Donata , Lévy Frédéric
Published: May 2010

The level of intracellular proteins is mainly regulated through modifications by ubiquitin ligases that target them for degradation. Members of the NEDD4 family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, such as Itch (atrophin‐1 interacting protein 4), possess up to four WW domains for specific association with PY motif‐containing substrates. We have identified sorting nexin 9 (SNX9), a protein involved in endocytic processes, as a new substrate of Itch. Itch ubiquitylates SNX9 and regulates intracellular SNX9 levels. Using truncated proteins, we found that the interaction with SNX9 is mediated by the proline‐rich domain (PRD) of Itch, a domain distinct from the conventional WW recognition domain, and the SH3 domain of SNX9. Interaction with the PRD of Itch is essential for SNX9 ubiquitylation and degradation. Furthermore, this effect is specific for Itch, as NEDD4, a related PRD‐containing E3 ligase, does not bind SNX9. SNX18, a second member of the SNX family containing an SH3 domain, was also found to bind to Itch. Our results indicate that the pool of substrates of NEDD4 family E3 ubiquitin ligases extends beyond proteins containing PY motifs.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7889719: SNX18 (uniprotkb:Q96RF0) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7889571, MINT‐7889619: ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) physically interacts (MI:0915) with SNX9 (uniprotkb:Q9Y5X1) by pull down (MI:0096)

 MINT‐7889653: Melan‐A (uniprotkb:Q16655) physically interacts (MI:0914) with NEDD4 (uniprotkb:P46934) and ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) by pull down (MI:0096)

 MINT‐7889591, MINT‐7889673, MINT‐7890033: SNX9 (uniprotkb:Q9Y5X1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7889689: SNX9 (uniprotkb:Q9Y5X1) physically interacts (MI:0914) with ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) and Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7889928: Ub (uniprotkb:P62988) physically interacts (MI:0915) with SNX9 (uniprotkb:Q9Y5X1) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

 MINT‐7889610: SNX9 (uniprotkb:Q9Y5X1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Effects of Graphitization Degree in Three‐Dimensional Needled C/SiC Composites on Tribological Properties
Authors: Cai Yanzhi , Fan Shangwu , Yin Xiaowei , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei , Jiang Juan , Dong Benxing
Published: May 2010

Three‐dimensional needled carbon/carbon (C/C) preforms were achieved after one cycle of polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). Phenolic resin or the mixture of phenolic resin and 30 wt% graphite was used as the carbon precursor. Carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites were prepared by liquid silicon infiltrating into the C/C preforms with or without high‐temperature treatment (HTT). The graphitization degree of C/C preforms was improved by HTT or graphite addition, the improvement being more outstanding by the latter, which influenced phase compositions as well as distribution and facilitated the formation of friction films for the resulting C/SiC composites. The friction studies show that higher the graphitization degree, lower the wear rate and higher the coefficient of friction as well as more stable the friction curve, with a lower sensitivity of friction and wear to the velocity–pressure conditions being due to the differences in the topography and stability of friction films.
Comparative Cardiac Gene Delivery of Adeno‐Associated Virus Serotypes 1–9 reveals that AAV6 Mediates the Most Efficient Transduction in Mouse Heart
Authors: Zincarelli Carmela , Soltys Stephen , Rengo Giuseppe , Koch Walter J. , Rabinowitz Joseph E.
Published: May 2010

Cardiac gene transfer is an attractive tool for developing novel heart disease treatments. Adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors are widely used to mediate transgene expression in animal models and are being evaluated for human gene therapy. However, it is not clear which serotype displays the best cardiac tropism. Therefore, we curried out this study to directly compare AAV serotypes 1–9 heart transduction efficiency after indirect intracoronary injection. AAV‐cytomegalovirus immediate early enhancer promoter (CMV)‐luciferase serotypes 1–9 were injected in the left ventricular cavity of adult mice, after cross‐clamping the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. An imaging system was used to visualize luciferase expression at 3, 7, 21, 70, and 140 days postinjection. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function on day 140. At the end of the study, luciferase enzyme activity and genome copies of the different AAV serotypes were assessed in several tissues and potential AAV immunogenicity was evaluated on heart sections by staining for macrophage and lymphocyte antigens. Among AAV serotypes 1–9, AAV6 showed the best capability of achieving high transduction levels in the myocardium in a tissue‐specific manner, whereas the other serotypes had less cardiac transduction and more extracardiac expression, especially in the liver. Importantly, none of the serotypes tested with this marker gene affected cardiac function nor was associated with inflammation.
The Liquidus Temperature; Its Critical Role in Glass Manufacturing
Authors: Wallenberger Frederick T. , Smrček Antonín
Published: May 2010

The liquidus temperature plays an important role in the manufacture of fiberglass and glass melts and in the design of new energy‐saving commercial compositions, which must be formulated to be crystallization resistant, possess a lower operating temperature and require less energy than incumbent commercial compositions. In the manufacture of glass melts and glasses, the temperature at the furnace exit must be above the liquidus temperature to avoid crystallization and many operations beyond the furnace exit are carried out below the liquidus temperature. This paper establishes the relationship between liquidus temperature and operating temperatures in various process steps and analyzes the parameters, which are required for the manufacture of new and more energy‐saving variants.
Further Meyer–Neldel Rule for Thermally Activated High Field Conduction in Thin Films of Glassy Se100−xSbx Alloys
Authors: Mehta Neeraj , Kushwaha Virendra S. , Kumar Ashok
Published: May 2010

In the present work, we report the applicability of the further Meyer–Neldel rule in thin films of glassy Se100−xSbx alloys for thermally activated high field conduction using two different methods. In first case, the temperature dependence of dc conductivity is studied at different electric fields without changing the composition of the glassy system, whereas, in the second case, the composition itself varies at a particular electric field. A strong correlation between prefactor σ00 and Meyer–Neldel energy in both cases is also observed. The observation of the correlation between prefactor σ00 and Meyer–Neldel energy can be described by multiple excitations stimulated by phonon energy as described by Yelon and Movaghar.
Parametric Study of Glass Fiber Drawing Process
Authors: Liu Songke , Banta Larry E.
Published: May 2010

Drawing of glass fibers is an important industrial process used for the manufacture of a variety of materials ranging from optical communications cables to fiber filter media. A variety of machines exist for performing the drawing function, but all share similar problems with control of the fiber diameter and breakage of the fibers during the extrusion process. In many cases, control systems are not configured to monitor the most critical process variables, but instead use only furnace crown temperature. Upsets in disturbance variables such as ambient temperature are compensated manually by operators, usually only after significant problem with fiber breakage occur. This work seeks to provide a better understanding of the effects of important process variables on the key quality and production parameters such as fiber diameter and production rates.
Mathematical Modeling of Flow and Heat Transfer Phenomena in Glass Melting, Delivery, and Forming Processes
Authors: Choudhary Manoj K. , Venuturumilli Raj , Hyre Matthew R.
Published: May 2010

This article reviews the scientific and engineering principles and practices involved in the mathematical modeling of flow and heat transfer phenomena in industrial‐scale glass melting, delivery, and forming processes. The approach taken is to highlight the characteristic features of flow and heat transfer in each of the three processes, summarize the relevant transport and constitutive equations and boundary conditions, and illustrate practical applications of mathematical models. The article also describes modeling approaches used for auxiliary processes and phenomena associated with melting, delivery, and forming operations. Thus, modeling of batch melting, electric heating of glass melt, convection due to bubbling, combustion, turbulence, and viscoelasticity are discussed. Unlike melting and delivery processes, which share many similarities across the various glass industry segments, forming tends to be segment specific. So, the article focuses on one forming process (container) and, through it, emphasizes the key technical attributes of forming models. A selection of results is provided to bring out modeling capabilities and limitations. The article also provides a historical perspective on the development of advanced mathematical models and their industrial applications. Finally, key areas needing research and development are identified to further enhance the practical utility of mathematical models for the glassmaking processes.
Designing an “Architecture of Information”— The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Authors: Appelbaum Ralph
Published: May 2010

For the permanent exhibition at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum the design approach was minimal and transparent, and the designers were in dialogue only with the story — not with the history of design or the conventions governing most museum presentations. We reached for a sense of immersion by trying to erase the seams between exhibits and architecture. Display strategies included the removal of conventional barriers of certain glass‐encased vitrines: some objects can be touched, and reactions sought are as visceral as they are intellectual. We tried above all to see that people leave the museum not profoundly dejected but with some other feeling evoking the resilience of life and hope. The design intended to make the environment so united with its subject that memory of the museum experience and the sharing of memory through discussion will carry on in the lives of the visitors.
Museum Fever in France
Authors: Grasset Constance Dedieu
Published: May 2010

In the 1980s, a wave of construction and renovation swept through the French museum world. It was driven by the need to renovate badly deteriorating museums and a growing awareness of the importance and potential of museums for tourism, economic dynamism, and local prestige. Until the early 1990s, a new museum opened every month, covering an impressive scale of subjects from art and archaeology to salt and combs. The French museum has witnessed many relatively sudden changes, some of them bringing French practice closer to American methods. But change is selective, and the French museum remains typically French. Recent developments are here evaluated in the dual context of the history of French museums and the ways in which they differ from the American style.
Developing Family‐Friendly Exhibits
Authors: Borun Minda , Dritsas Jennifer
Published: May 2010

How can museums encourage active family learning? Four Philadelphia area science institutions—The Franklin Institute Science Museum, the New Jersey State Aquarium, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Philadelphia Zoo—have investigated the answer to this question as part of the PISEC (Philadelphia‐Camden Informal Science Education Collaborative) Family Learning Project. PISEC is conducting research and exhibit development aimed at increasing understanding of family learning in science museums and identifying the characteristics of successful family learning exhibits. The PISEC project has three phases, two of which have been completed: (1) a research study to establish behavioral indicators for family learning; (2) the development and evaluation of four exhibit enhancements aimed at achieving family learning goals; (3) a research study of the impact of the four enhanced exhibits.

This article will describe the results of formative evaluation conducted during Phase 2 of the project. “Family learning components,” or exhibit enhancements, designed to help adults and children learn together, were developed, field‐tested, revised, and installed at each of the four museums. PISEC has identified seven characteristics of successful family learning exhibits: multi‐sided, multi‐user, accessible, multi‐outcome, multi‐modal, readable, and relevant. The four PISEC family learning components, embodying these characteristics, appear to have increased active family learning.
Origin and physical and chemical characteristics of glacial overburden in Essex and Kent counties, southwestern Ontario
Authors: Morris T. F. , Kelly R. I.
Published: May 2010

The overburden of Essex and Kent counties, southwestern Ontario, has been described as consisting of a clayey silt to silty clay till overlying a gravelly unit resting on bedrock. Recent Quaternary geology mapping has identified additional materials and redefined the origin of others by determining the stratigraphic position and physical and geochemical properties of materials encountered in a sonic drilling program and field mapping. Catfish Creek Till was deposited on the bedrock surface during the Nissouri Stadial as ice advanced south over the area. As ice retreated during the Erie Interstade, fine-grained glaciolacustrine material was deposited in glacial Lake Leverett and overlay Catfish Creek Till. Tavistock Till was deposited over glacial Lake Leverett material as the Huron lobe readvanced south during the Port Bruce Stadial. As the Huron lobe retreated north, coarse-grained glaciolacustrine materials were deposited in the Leamington area. Ice from the Erie lobe deposited the Port Stanley Till along the north shore of Lake Erie in Kent County and deflected meltwater southward from the Huron lobe in the Blenheim area. A series of recessional moraines were deposited by the Huron lobe as it retreated north. The area is capped by a fine-grained glaciolacustrine deposit.
Development of sedimentary basins in the Archean Abitibi belt, Canada: an overview
Authors: Mueller W. , Donaldson J. A.
Published: May 2010

Sedimentation in the Archean Abitibi greenstone belt occurred during four depositional episodes: (i) sedimentary cycle 1, 2730–2720 Ma; (ii) sedimentary cycle 2, 2715–2705 Ma; (iii) sedimentary cycle 3, 2700–2687 Ma; and (iv) sedimentary cycle 4, 2685–2675 Ma. Records of the first two sedimentary cycles are preserved in basins within the northern volcanic zone, whereas basins formed during the latter two sedimentary cycles are located within the southern volcanic zone of the Abitibi belt. Sedimentary cycles 1 and 3 represent deep-water facies, as indicated by turbidites, resedimented conglomerates, pelagic sediments, and ubiquitous iron-formations; subaerial deposits have not been identified. In contrast, sedimentary cycles 2 and 4 show a prevalence of fluvial to shallow-water marine and (or) lacustrine deposits. Tectono-magmatic influence on sedimentation during cycles 2 and 4 is documented by (i) the presence of numerous unconformities underlain by plutonic and volcanic rocks; (ii) locally voluminous shoshonitic and calc-alkaline volcanic rocks; (iii) abundance of plutonic detritus; (iv) rapid vertical and lateral facies changes; and (v) repetition of successions of large-scale (50–250 m thick) alluvial and shallow-water deposits. Sedimentary cycle 1 represents incipient arc basins dominated by volcaniclastic debris, whereas cycle 2 reflects unroofing of arc volcanoes down to the plutonic roots. The sedimentary basins of cycle 3 have been tentatively interpreted as basins connecting arc terranes, within which small extensional cycle 4 basins of the successor or pull-apart type developed. The sedimentary facies associations, the tectono-magmatic influence on sedimentation, the chronological basin evolution, and overall southward younging of the basins invite comparison with modern island arcs formed by plate-tectonic processes.
Controls on shale durability: the response of two Ordovician shales in the slake durability test
Authors: Russell D. J.
Published: May 2010

The slake durability test has been proposed as a means of predicting the engineering performance of shales. Testing of sections in the two major shale units of Ontario show that the test is capable of making distinctions between apparently similar shale samples. Queenston Shale has generally lower durability than the Georgian Bay Formation samples. Inspection of the shale fabric shows that this is due partly to inefficient cementing by calcite in Queenston Shale, but is primarily because the microcracks in Queenston Shale are more curved than those in Georgian Bay Formation. Variation in shale durability within the shales is controlled by mineralogy. In Queenston Shale, it is controlled almost entirely by calcite cementation. In Georgian Bay, where hard bands (shaly limestone) are present, these dominate the test, giving a high durability. However, pure shale durability is controlled by clay content.Comments on the performance of the test are made that aim to make the testing process and interpretation of the results more reliable. The method appears suitable for shale index testing and should be used as widely as possible in order to establish reliable correlations.
An Open-Source Code for the Calculation of the Effects of Mutual Coupling in Arrays of Wires and for the ASM-MBF Method
Authors: Craeye Christophe , Andrés García Belen , García Muñoz Enrique , Sarkis Rémi
Published: May 2010

A general description of mutual coupling in finite and infinite antenna arrays is provided and an open-source code is described for the analysis of mutual coupling in linear arrays of parallel dipoles. The ASM-MBF method is illustrated with the help of that code and it is shown that the method also can handle situations where eigenmodes are supported by the array: single machine precision is achieved with four Macro Basis Functions only.
An Efficient VLSI Linear Array for DCT/IDCT Using Subband Decomposition Algorithm
Authors: Sung Tze-Yun , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Hsin Hsi-Chin
Published: May 2010

Discrete Cosine transform (DCT) and inverse DCT (IDCT) have been widely used in many image processing systems and real‐time computation of nonlinear time series. In this paper, a novel lineararray of DCT and IDCT is derived from the data flow of subband decompositions representing the factorized coefficient matrices in the matrix formulation of the recursive algorithm. For increasing the throughput as well as decreasing the hardware cost, the input and output data are reordered. The proposed 8‐point DCT/IDCT processor with four multipliers, simple adders, and less registers and ROM storing the immediate results and coefficients, respectively, has been implemented on FPGA (field programmable gate array) and SoC (system on chip). The linear‐array DCT/IDCT processor with the computation complexity O(5N/8) and hardware complexity O(5N/8) is fully pipelined and scalable for variable‐length DCT/IDCT computations.
Delivery of Exogenous Antigens to Induce Cytotoxic CD8+ T Lymphocyte Responses
Authors: Kim Julia , Gambhir Vandana , Alatery Attiya , Basta Sameh
Published: May 2010

Vaccines intended to induce a cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell response are highly sought after. However, some of these vaccines can be problematic if they replicate in the host. An alternative strategy is to exploit cross-presentation of exogenous antigens to express peptides on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. During cross-presentation, the delivered exogenous antigen can be taken up and processed through diverse mechanisms. Here, we will discuss the recent advances regarding the complex nature of the cross-priming process and the models that reflect its relevance in vivo. Moreover, we summarize current data that explore potential adjuvants and vaccine vectors that deliver antigens to activate CD8+ T cells relying on cross-presentation.
Navigation Aids Performance Evaluation for Precision Approaches
Authors: Tromboni Pier Domenico , Palmerini Giovanni B.
Published: May 2010

The paper deals with the evaluation of the expected performance of aircraft approaches and landings operated with different navigation systems, both traditional and satellite-based. Flight dynamics characteristics and control authority of the approaching aircraft are considered in order to obtain an overall manoeuvre evaluation. The technique from the presented analysis applies to different operative conditions, taking into account aircraft requirements, navigation systems features, and environmental constraints. The aim is to offer a tool to be used in the very preliminary design phase for system performance analysis in different scenarios, such as airport ground systems adoption and air traffic control requirements compliance; later, the same tool can be tuned to complement and direct the required real flight trials to validate an already fielded solution. A numerical code referring to the presented analytical model has been implemented and some applications concerning the system's performance evaluation and planning are proposed to illustrate the algorithm capabilities. The tool and the proposed analysis technique indeed are successful in providing a quantitative assessment of the differences among several possible approaches.
Technical Refinements in Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery of Inguinal Hernia in Infants and Children
Authors: Chang Yu-Tang
Published: May 2010

The techniques of minimal access surgery for pediatric inguinal hernia are numerous and they continue to evolve, with a trend toward increasing use of extracorporeal knotting and decreasing use of working ports and endoscopic instruments. Single-port endoscopic-assisted percutaneous extraperitoneal closure seems to be the ultimate attainment, and numerous techniques have mushroomed in the past decade. This article comprehensively reviews and compares the various single-port techniques. These techniques mainly vary in their approaches to the hernia defect with different devices, which are designed to pass a suture to enclose the orifice of the defect. However, most of these emerging techniques fail to entirely enclose the hernia defect and have the potential to lead to higher incidence of hernia recurrence. Accompanying preperitoneal hydrodissection and keeping identical subcutaneous path for introducing and withdrawing the suture, the suture could tautly enclose the hernia defect without upper subcutaneous tissues and a lower peritoneal gap, and a trend towards achieving a near-zero recurrence rate.
Resource Allocation in a Cognitive Radio System withImperfect Channel State Estimation
Authors: Qin Tao , Leung Cyril , Miao Chunyan , Shen Zhiqi
Published: May 2010

Cognitive radio (CR) is a promising concept for improving the utilization of scarce radio spectrum resources. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is regarded as a technology which is well matched for CR systems. It is shown that channel estimation errors can result in a severe performance degradation in a multiuser OFDM CR system. A simple back‐off scheme is proposed, and simulation results are provided which show that the proposed scheme is very effective in mitigating the negative impact of channel estimation errors.
Release of Inflammatory Mediators by Human Adipose Tissue Is Enhanced in Obesity and Primarily by the Nonfat Cells: A Review
Authors: Fain John N.
Published: May 2010

This paper considers the role of putative adipokines that might be involved in the enhanced inflammatory response of human adipose tissue seen in obesity. Inflammatory adipokines [IL-6, IL-10, ACE, TGFβ1, TNFα, IL-1β, PAI-1, and IL-8] plus one anti-inflammatory [IL-10] adipokine were identified whose circulating levels as well as in vitro release by fat are enhanced in obesity and are primarily released by the nonfat cells of human adipose tissue. In contrast, the circulating levels of leptin and FABP-4 are also enhanced in obesity and they are primarily released by fat cells of human adipose tissue. The relative expression of adipokines and other proteins in human omental as compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue as well as their expression in the nonfat as compared to the fat cells of human omental adipose tissue is also reviewed. The conclusion is that the release of many inflammatory adipokines by adipose tissue is enhanced in obese humans.
Nonlinear Free Vibration for Viscoelastic Moderately Thick Laminated Composite Plates with Damage Evolution
Authors: Zheng Y. F. , Deng L. Q.
Published: May 2010

The nonlinear free vibration for viscoelastic cross‐ply moderately thick laminated composite plates under considering transverse shear deformation and damage effect is investigated. Based on the Timoshenko‐Mindlin theory, strain‐equivalence hypothesis, and Boltzmann superposition principle, the nonlinear free vibration governing equations for viscoelastic moderately thick laminated plates with damage are established and solved by the Galerkin method, Simpson integration, Newton‐Cotes, Newmark, and iterative methods. In the numerical results, the effects of transverse shear, material viscoelasticity, span‐thickness ratio, aspect ratio, and damage effect on the nonlinear free vibrating frequency of the viscoelastic cross‐ply moderately thick laminated plates are discussed.
Fixed Point Properties Related to Multivalued Mappings
Authors: Komiya Hidetoshi
Published: May 2010

We discuss fixed point properties of convex subsets of locally convex linear topological spaces. We derive equivalence among fixed point properties concerning several types of multivalued mappings.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sohagia Amit B. , Gunturu Srinivas Guptha , Tong Tommy R. , Hertan Hilary I.
Published: May 2010

We describe a case of an adolescent male with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), presenting with cutaneous and gastrointestinal manifestations. Endoscopy revealed diffuse ulcerations in the stomach, duodenum, and right colon. Biopsies revealed a leukocytoclastic vasculitis in the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Steroid therapy led to complete resolution of the symptoms. HSP is the most common childhood vasculitis, and is characterized by the classic tetrad of nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis or arthralgias, gastrointestinal and renal involvement. It is a systemic disease where antigen-antibody (IgA) complexes activate the alternate complement pathway, resulting in inflammation and small vessel vasculitis. Mild disease resolves spontaneously, and symptomatic treatment alone is sufficient. Systemic steroids are recommended for moderate to severe HSP. The prognosis depends upon the extent of renal involvement, which requires close followup. Early recognition of multiorgan involvement, especially outside of the typical age group, as in our adolescent patient, and appropriate intervention can mitigate the disease and limit organ damage.
Spectral Modification by Diffraction and Scattering
Authors: Tavassoly M. Taghi , Dashtdar Masoomeh , Amiri Mohammad
Published: May 2010

Different effects induce spectral changes, for example, correlation of source
fluctuations, propagation of light, random changes in optical properties of
a medium, diffraction and scattering from objects, and rough interfaces. We review the spectral changes that occur as a result of light
diffraction from phase steps, and particularly we discuss the spectral changes
in the neighborhood of phase singularities. We also review the redshift and
blueshift in the spectra of the lights coherently and diffusely scattered from
rough interfaces. In addition, we study the effects of roughness and incident
angle on the spectral profiles of scattered lights in reflection and transmission
modes.
Nonlinear Time‐Varying Spectral Analysis: HHT and MODWPT
Authors: Shan Pei-Wei , Li Ming
Published: May 2010

Time‐frequency distribution has received a growing utilization for analysis and interpretation of nonlinear and nonstationary processes in a variety of fields. Among them, two methods, such as, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) with Hilbert transform (HT) which is termed as the Hilbert‐Huang Transform (HHT) and the Hilbert spectrum based on maximal overlap discrete wavelet package transform (MODWPT), are fairly noteworthy. Comparisons of HHT and MODWPT in analyzing several typical nonlinear systems and examinations of the effectiveness using these two methods are illustrated. This study demonstrates that HHT can provide comparatively more accurate identifications of nonlinear systems than MODWPT.
Reduced-Order Modeling of Parametrically Excited Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
Authors: Redkar Sangram
Published: May 2010

Reduced-order modeling is a systematic way of constructing models with smaller number of states that can capture the “essential dynamics” of the large-scale systems, accurately. In this paper, reduced-order modeling and control techniques for parametrically excited MEMS are presented. The techniques proposed here use the Lyapunov-Floquet (L-F) transformation that makes the linear part of transformed equations time invariant. In this work, three model reduction techniques for MEMS are suggested. First method is simply an application of the well-known Guyan-like reduction method to nonlinear systems. The second technique is based on singular perturbation, where the transformed system dynamics is partitioned as fast and slow dynamics and the system of differential equations is converted into a differential algebraic (DAE) system. In the third technique, the concept of invariant manifold for time-periodic systems is used. The “time periodic invariant manifold” based technique yields “reducibility conditions”. This is an important result because it helps us to understand the various types of resonances present in the system. These resonances indicate a tight coupling between the system states, and in order to retain the dynamic characteristics, one has to preserve all these “resonant” states in the reduced-order model. Thus, if the “reducibility conditions” are satisfied, only then a nonlinear order reduction based on invariant manifold approach is possible. It is found that the invariant manifold approach yields the most accurate results followed by the nonlinear projection and linear technique. These methodologies are general, free from small parameter assumptions, and can be applied to a variety of MEM systems like resonators, sensors and filters. The reduced-order models can be used for parametric study, sensitivity analysis and/or controller design. The controller design is based on the reduced-order system. Thus, first the reduced-order model of the large-scale system is constructed that captures the essential dynamics. If a controller is designed to stabilize this reduced-order system, then it guarantees that the large-scale system is controlled. The theoretical framework to design linear and nonlinear controllers is also presented.
Proteomic Profiling of the Dystrophin-Deficient MDX Heart Reveals Drastically Altered Levels of Key Metabolic and Contractile Proteins
Authors: Lewis Caroline , Jockusch Harald , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: May 2010

Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy is primarily classified as a neuromuscular disease, cardiac complications play an important role in the course of this X-linked inherited disorder. The pathobiochemical steps causing a progressive decline in the dystrophic heart are not well understood. We therefore carried out a fluorescence difference in-gel electrophoretic analysis of 9-month-old dystrophin-deficient versus age-matched normal heart, using the established MDX mouse model of muscular dystrophy-related cardiomyopathy. Out of 2,509 detectable protein spots, 79 2D-spots showed a drastic differential expression pattern, with the concentration of 3 proteins being increased, including nucleoside diphosphate kinase and lamin-A/C, and of 26 protein species being decreased, including ATP synthase, fatty acid binding-protein, isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, porin, peroxiredoxin, adenylate kinase, tropomyosin, actin, and myosin light chains. Hence, the lack of cardiac dystrophin appears to trigger a generally perturbed protein expression pattern in the MDX heart, affecting especially energy metabolism and contractile proteins.
CFD Investigation on 3-Dimensional Interference of a Five-Hole Probe in an Automotive Wheel Arch
Authors: Malviya V. , Mishra R. , Palmer E.
Published: May 2010

Detailed flow measurements are essential for analysing flow structures found in confined spaces, particularly in various automotive applications. These measurements will be extremely helpful in solving flow dependent complexities. Although considerable progress has been made in computational techniques for investigating such flows, experimental flow measurements are still very difficult to carry out therein. Flows mapped using an array of robust instruments like multi-hole pressure probes can provide significant insight into the flow field of such complex flows. Pressure probes can withstand the harsh environments found in such applications; however being intrusive devices significant interference in flow field can limit their applicability. This paper presents an investigation of three-dimensional interference caused by multi-hole pressure probes in an automotive wheel arch. It involves simulation of flow around a pressure probe inserted at various locations within the wheel/wheel arch gap. Pressure and velocity fields along longitudinal and lateral planes have been mapped and the extent of interference caused by the probe along three orthogonal axes has been presented. A three-dimensional ellipsoid of interference has been defined to assist in recommending optimal placement of probes and minimise the error due to interprobe interaction, thus enhancing the measurement accuracy of transient flow phenomena.
Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide Synergizes with Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Antitumor Activity
Authors: Veltman Joris D. , Lambers Margaretha E. H. , van Nimwegen Menno , de Jong Sanne , Hendriks Rudi W. , Hoogsteden Henk C. , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , Hegmans Joost P. J. J.
Published: May 2010

Clinical immunotherapy trials like dendritic cell-based vaccinations are hampered by the tumor's offensive repertoire that suppresses the incoming effector cells. Regulatory T cells are instrumental in suppressing the function of cytotoxic T cells. We studied the effect of low-dose cyclophosphamide on the suppressive function of regulatory T cells and investigated if the success rate of dendritic cell immunotherapy could be improved. For this, mesothelioma tumor-bearing mice were treated with dendritic cell-based immunotherapy alone or in combination with low-dose of cyclophosphamide. Proportions of regulatory T cells and the cytotoxic T cell functions at different stages of disease were analyzed. We found that low-dose cyclophosphamide induced beneficial immunomodulatory effects by preventing the induction of Tregs, and as a consequence, cytotoxic T cell function was no longer affected. Addition of cyclophosphamide improved immunotherapy leading to an increased median and overall survival. Future studies are needed to address the usefulness of this combination treatment for mesothelioma patients.
Pancreatic Metastasis from Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jacob Julian , Chargari Cyrus , Bauduceau Olivier , Fayolle Maryse , Ceccaldi Bernard , Prat Frédéric , Le Moulec Sylvestre , Vedrine Lionel
Published: May 2010

The pancreas is an unusual location for metastases from other primary cancers. Rarely, pancreatic metastases from kidney or colorectal cancers have been reported. However, a variety of other cancers may also spread to the pancreas. We report an exceptional case of pancreatic metastasis from prostate cancer. Differences in management between primary and secondary pancreatic tumors make recognition of metastases to the pancreas an objective of first importance. Knowledge of unusual locations for metastatic spread will reduce diagnostic delay and lead to a timely delivery of an appropriate treatment.
Uptake and Cytotoxicity of Ce(IV) Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles in Human Hepatocyte Cell Line L02
Authors: Mao Jian , Wang Long , Qian Zhiyong , Tu Mingjing
Published: May 2010

Ce(IV) doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (CDTs) were prepared and the underlying mechanism by which CDT nanoparticle enters into cell and its cytotoxicity were investigated in a human hepatocellular line L02 cell. The results showed that CDTs can enter into cytoplasm of L02 cell via endocytosis and nonendocytic ways. Large aggregation of CDTs went into cell by endocytosis and finally formed an endocytic vesicle with membrane boundary. Tiny aggregation of CDTs entered into cell cytoplasm via channels similar to that for lung‐blood substance exchange in the alveolar‐airway barrier. In addition, tiny aggregation of CDTs was observed in nucleus, and maybe CDTs could pass through the nucleus envelope via the channels provided by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Results from MTT assay, fluorescence microscope, and TEM observations showed that the cell viability, cell morphology, cell growth, and cell division periods could not be obviously impaired when cells were exposed to CDTs of different concentration from 30 to 150 μg mL−1 without UV irradiation. However, large vacuoles containing CDTs were found in cytoplasm, some structure changes were observed in mitochondria, and smooth envelope around the nucleus was shrank and deformed.