bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-application Smart Cards
Authors: Hendry Mike
Published: December 2009

Multi-application smart cards have yet to realise their enormous potential, partly because few people understand the technology, market, and behavioural issues involved. Here, Mike Hendry sets out to fill this knowledge gap with a comprehensive and accessible guide. Following a review of the state-of-the-art in smart card technology, the book describes the business requirements of each smart-card-using sector, and the systems required to support multiple applications. Implementation aspects, including security, are treated in detail and numerous international case studies cover identity, telecoms, banking and transportation applications. Lessons are drawn from these studies to help deliver more successful projects in the future. Invaluable for users and integrators specifying, evaluating and integrating multi-application systems, the book will also be useful to terminal, card and system designers; network, IT and security managers; and software specialists.
High Performance ASIC Design
Authors: Hossain Razak
Published: December 2009

Presenting a methodology for using domino logic in an ASIC design flow developed over several years in an industrial context, this text covers practical issues related to the use of domino logic in an automated framework, and brings together all the knowledge needed to apply these design techniques in practice. Beginning with a discussion of how to achieve high speed in ASIC designs, subsequent chapters detail the design and characterization of standard cell compatible domino logic libraries and an advanced domino logic synthesis flow. The results achieved by using automated domino logic design techniques, including silicon measurements, are used to validate the presented solution. With design examples including the implementation of the execution unit of a microprocessor and a Viterbi decoder, this text is ideal for graduate students and researchers in electrical and computer engineering and also for circuit designers in industry.
Charles Darwin's 'The Life of Erasmus Darwin'
Authors: Darwin Charles
Published: December 2009

Charles Darwin's book about his grandfather, The Life of Erasmus Darwin, is curiously fascinating. Before publication in 1879, it was shortened by 16%, with several of the cuts directed at its most provocative parts. The cutter, with Charles's permission, was his daughter Henrietta - an example of the strong hidden hand of meek-seeming Victorian women. Originally published in 2003, this first unabridged edition, edited by Desmond King-Hele, includes all that Charles originally intended, the cuts being restored and printed in italics. Erasmus Darwin was one of the leading intellectuals of the eighteenth century. He was a respected physician, a well-known poet, a keen mechanical inventor, and a founding member of the influential Lunar Society. He also possessed an amazing insight into the many branches of physical and biological science. Most notably, he adopted what we now call biological evolution as his theory of life, 65 years prior to Charles Darwin's Origin of Species.
A-Z of Musculoskeletal and Trauma Radiology
Authors: Murray James R. D. , Holmes Erskine J. , Misra Rakesh R.
Published: December 2009

A-Z of Musculoskeletal and Trauma Radiology is an invaluable reference to the key aspects of imaging for all conditions of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It provides the clinician with practical guidance on the key presenting characteristics, clinical features, diagnosis and management. The description of each condition is provided in a standard template of Characteristics, Clinical Features, Radiology and Management, enabling the reader to find the relevant information quickly. All diagnostic modalities are included and a separate section is dedicated to musculoskeletal trauma. Written by a multidisciplinary team of radiologists and an orthopaedic surgeon, A-Z of Musculoskeletal and Trauma Radiology is an invaluable resource for radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and all clinicians managing musculoskeletal conditions.
Stellar Rotation
Authors: Tassoul Jean-Louis
Published: December 2009

Like the Earth and planets, stars rotate. Understanding how stars rotate is central to modelling their structure, formation and evolution, and how they interact with their environment and companion stars. This authoritative volume, first published in 2000, provides a lucid introduction to stellar rotation and the definitive reference to the subject. It combines theory and observation in a comprehensive survey of how the rotation of stars affects the structure and evolution of the Sun, single stars and close binaries. This book will be of primary interest to graduate students and researchers studying solar and stellar rotation and close binary systems. It will also appeal to those with a more general interest in solar and stellar physics, star formation, binary stars and the hydrodynamics of rotating fluids - including geophysicists, planetary scientists and plasma physicists.
Human Rights and American Bioethics: Resistance Is Futile
Authors: ANNAS GEORGE J.
Published: December 2009

The Borg are always confident that humans will be assimilated into their collective hive and therefore that, as they say, “resistance is futile.” In Star Trek, of course, the humans always successfully resist. Elizabeth Fenton and John Arras, like the Borg, resist the idea that humans are uniquely special as well as the utility of the human rights framework for global bioethics. I believe their resistance to human rights is futile, and I explain why in this essay. Let me begin with their subtitle, because we do seem to agree that popular culture is a powerful aid to understanding human actions and motivations.
Relationships between early postnatal growth and metabolic function of 16-month-old female offspring born to ewes exposed to different environments during pregnancy
Authors: van der Linden D. S. , Kenyon P. R. , Blair H. T. , Lopez-Villalobos N. , Jenkinson C. M. C. , Peterson S. W. , Mackenzie D. D. S.
Published: December 2009

It was hypothesized that exposure of the fetus to adverse conditions in utero due to either maternal constraint or nutrition may result in developmental adaptations altering metabolism and postnatal growth of the offspring. Heavy (H) and light (L) Romney dams (G0) were allocated to ad libitum (A) or maintenance (M) nutritional regimens, from day 21–day 140 of pregnancy. Female twin-born offspring (G1) born to the dams in the four treatment groups will be referred to as HA-ewes, LA-ewes, HM-ewes and LM-ewes. At 16 months of age, offspring were catheterized and given intravenous insulin tolerance test (ITT), glucose tolerance test (GTT) and epinephrine tolerance test challenges to assess their glucose and fat metabolism in relation to their birth weight and postnatal growth. In HA-ewes, the regression coefficients of growth rates prior to puberty on insulin and glucose curves in response to GTT (InsAUCGTT) and ITT (GluAUCITT), respectively, were different from 0 (P < 0.05) and were different from the regression coefficients of HM-ewes. This may indicate that HA-ewes may have showed puberty-related insulin resistance at 16 months of age with increasing growth rates prior to puberty compared to HM- or LM-ewes. In HM-ewes, the regression coefficients of growth rates after puberty on InsAUCGTT and GluAUCITT were different from 0 (P < 0.05) and were different from those of HA-ewes. These results may indicate that offspring born to heavy dams fed maintenance during pregnancy and with greater postnatal growth rates after puberty could develop glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in later life.
Constrained potential field modeling of the crustal architecture of the Musgrave Province in central Australia: Evidence for lithospheric strengthening due to crust‐mantle boundary uplift
Authors: Aitken Alan R. A. , Betts Peter G. , Weinberg Roberto F. , Gray Daniel
Published: December 2009

We image the crustal architecture of the Musgrave Province with petrophysically constrained forward models of new potential field data. These models image divergent shallow‐dipping crustal scale thrusts that, at depth, link with an axial zone defined by steeper, lithospheric scale transpressional shear zones. They also show that to permit a near‐surface density distribution that is consistent with petrophysical and geological observations, approximately 15–20 km of crust‐mantle boundary uplift is necessary beneath the axial zone. The long‐term preservation of this crust‐mantle boundary offset implies a change from relatively weak lithosphere to relatively strong lithosphere during the intraplate Petermann Orogeny. To explain this, we propose a model in which uplift of the axial zone of the orogen leads to local lithospheric strengthening as a result of the uplift of mantle rocks into the lower crust, coupled with long‐term lithospheric cooling due to the erosion of a radioactive upper crust. Brace‐Goetze lithospheric strength models suggest that these processes may have increased the integrated strength of the lithosphere by a factor of 1.4–2.8. Because of this strengthening, this system is self‐limiting, and activity will cease when lithospheric strength is sufficient to resist external forces and support isostatic imbalances. A simple force‐balance model demonstrates that the force required to uplift the axial zone is tectonically reasonable and that the system can subsequently withstand significant tensional forces. This example shows that crust‐mantle boundary uplift coupled with reduced crustal heat production can profoundly affect the long‐term strength of the continental lithosphere and may be a critical process in the tectonic stabilization of intraplate regions.
Integrated acoustic and magnetic separation in microfluidic channels
Authors: Adams Jonathan D. , Thévoz Patrick , Bruus Henrik , Soh H. Tom
Published: December 2009

With a growing number of cell-based biotechnological applications, there is a need for particle separation systems capable of multiparameter separations at high purity and throughput, beyond what is presently offered by traditional methods including fluorescence activated cell sorting and column-based magnetic separation. Toward this aim, we report on the integration of microfluidic acoustic and magnetic separation in a monolithic device for multiparameter particle separation. Using our device, we demonstrate high-purity separation of a multicomponent particle mixture at a throughput of up to 108 particles/hr.
Demonstration of Raman gain at 800 nm in single-mode fiber and its potential application to biological sensing and imaging
Authors: Goda Keisuke , Mahjoubfar Ata , Jalali Bahram
Published: December 2009

Optical amplification prior to photon-to-electron conversion improves detection sensitivity in spectroscopic and imaging applications. Here we report the first experimental demonstration of Raman amplification in a single-mode fiber at wavelengths near 800 nm. This approach can potentially enable fast real-time optical sensing and imaging in the wavelength band that benefits from both low water absorption and the availability of high-power Ti:Sapphire lasers.
Enhancement of electroluminescence from TiO2/p+-Si heterostructure-based devices through engineering of oxygen vacancies in TiO2
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Xiangyang , Chen Peiliang , Li Dongsheng , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren , Coleman P. G.
Published: December 2009

We report that electroluminescence (EL) from TiO2/p+-Si heterostructure-based devices can be significantly enhanced through a prior treatment of TiO2 films in argon (Ar) plasma. It is found that the Ar-plasma treatment introduces excess oxygen vacancies within a certain depth of TiO2 films. The increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies leads to the enhancement of EL from TiO2/p+-Si heterostructure-based devices because oxygen vacancies are the light-emitting centers. This work demonstrates the use of defect engineering to improve the performance of oxide-based optoelectronic devices.
Nanoscale characterization and local piezoelectric properties of lead-free KNN-LT-LS thin films
Authors: Abazari M , Choi T , Cheong S-W , Safari A
Published: December 2009

We report the observation of domain structure and piezoelectric properties of pure and Mn-doped (K0.44,Na0.52,Li0.04)(Nb0.84,Ta0.1,Sb0.06)O3 (KNN-LT-LS) thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. It is revealed that, using piezoresponse force microscopy, ferroelectric domain structure in such 500 nm thin films comprised of primarily 180° domains. This was in accordance with the tetragonal structure of the films, confirmed by relative permittivity measurements and x-ray diffraction patterns. Effective piezoelectric coefficient (d
33) of the films were calculated using piezoelectric displacement curves and shown to be ∼53 pm V−1 for pure KNN-LT-LS thin films. This value is among the highest values reported for an epitaxial lead-free thin film and shows a great potential for KNN-LT-LS to serve as an alternative to PZT thin films in future applications.
Influence of Nitrogen Rate on Cercospora Leaf Spot and Growth of Crapemyrtle
Authors: Hagan A. K. , Akridge J. R. , Bowen K. L.
Published: December 2009

The impact of N rate on development of Cercospora leaf spot on field grown ‘Carolina Beauty’ crapemyrtle and the impact of this disease, as well as N rate, on plant growth was assessed in Alabama. From 2002 to 2005, ammonium nitrate was applied at an N rate of 2, 4.1, 8.3, 16.5, 33.0, and 66.0 g/m2. Heritage 50W fungicide was applied to one tree in each plot, while the second tree was not treated. Powdery mildew was very sporadic and was not related to N rate. An N rate-related reduction in Cercospora leaf spot intensity and defoliation was noted on the non-fungicide and fungicide treated trees in 2005 but not in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, reductions in disease intensity and defoliation were obtained at the three highest N rates of 16.5, 33, and 66 g/m2 compared to the two lowest N rates of 2 and 4.1 g/m2. Regardless of N rate, Heritage 50W suppressed Cercospora leaf spot. Despite considerable leaf spotting and premature defoliation, Cercospora leaf spot did not impact crapemyrtle growth. Increasing N rates was less effective than Heritage 50W fungicide in controlling Cercospora leaf spot and also failed to enhance tree growth.

Accepted for publication 10 September 2009. Published 14 December 2009.
Robust dynamics of Amazon dieback to climate change with perturbed ecosystem model parameters
Authors: POULTER BENJAMIN , HATTERMANN FRED , HAWKINS ED , ZAEHLE SÖNKE , SITCH STEPHEN , RESTREPO‐COUPE NATALIA , HEYDER URSULA , CRAMER WOLFGANG
Published: December 2009

Climate change science is increasingly concerned with methods for managing and integrating sources of uncertainty from emission storylines, climate model projections, and ecosystem model parameterizations. In tropical ecosystems, regional climate projections and modeled ecosystem responses vary greatly, leading to a significant source of uncertainty in global biogeochemical accounting and possible future climate feedbacks. Here, we combine an ensemble of IPCC‐AR4 climate change projections for the Amazon Basin (eight general circulation models) with alternative ecosystem parameter sets for the dynamic global vegetation model, LPJmL. We evaluate LPJmL simulations of carbon stocks and fluxes against flux tower and aboveground biomass datasets for individual sites and the entire basin. Variability in LPJmL model sensitivity to future climate change is primarily related to light and water limitations through biochemical and water‐balance‐related parameters. Temperature‐dependent parameters related to plant respiration and photosynthesis appear to be less important than vegetation dynamics (and their parameters) for determining the magnitude of ecosystem response to climate change. Variance partitioning approaches reveal that relationships between uncertainty from ecosystem dynamics and climate projections are dependent on geographic location and the targeted ecosystem process. Parameter uncertainty from the LPJmL model does not affect the trajectory of ecosystem response for a given climate change scenario and the primary source of uncertainty for Amazon ‘dieback’ results from the uncertainty among climate projections. Our approach for describing uncertainty is applicable for informing and prioritizing policy options related to mitigation and adaptation where long‐term investments are required.
Land Commodification: New Land Development and Politics in China since the Late 1990s
Authors: XU JIANG , YEH ANTHONY , WU FULONG
Published: December 2009

This article examines the development of the land market in China since the late 1990s. It analyses new practices in which urban space is commodified through ad hoc market development, and argues that the structure of the land market is indeed becoming more complicated and that land sales are pervasive and rampant. Under such circumstances, the state has rearticulated its function in land governance in order to apply a more consolidated regulatory power. The politics behind the development of the land market and the rearticulation of the state are explored with reference to the changing role of the state in land commodification. It is argued that, if we understand the market as an emerging institution, the development of the market has been supported by the state. Regulatory land control is becoming a new way for the state to be involved in space commodification.

Cet article porte sur l'évolution du marché foncier en Chine depuis la fin des années 1990. Il analyse de nouvelles pratiques par lesquelles l'espace urbain est marchandiséà travers le développement de marchés spécifiques; de plus, il montre que la structure du marché foncier devient vraiment plus compliquée et que les ventes de terrains se généralisent à grande échelle. Face à cette situation, l'État a réorganisé sa fonction en matière de gouvernance foncière afin d'exercer un pouvoir régulateur plus intégré. La politique à la base de l'essor du marché foncier et la réorganisation étatique sont examinées au regard du nouveau rôle de l'État dans la marchandisation des terrains. Si on considère le marché comme une institution émergente, son développement a donc reçu le soutien de l'État. Ce dernier trouve dans le contrôle régulateur du foncier une nouvelle façon d'être partie prenante dans la marchandisation de l'espace.
Analysis of risk factors for persistent gestational trophoblastic disease
Authors: KHOO Soo‐Keat , BAARTZ David , SIDHU Mukhtiar , YIP Wai‐Lum , TRIPCONY Lee
Published: December 2009

Setting:  Persistent disease is a serious consequence of molar pregnancies. Its early detection is critical to effective chemotherapy. Therefore, determination of risk becomes an important clinical decision.

Objectives:  To determine the relative risk of persistent disease in a cohort of patients with partial and complete molar pregnancies by analysis of five factors derived from a database using multivariate analysis.

Results:  Of 686 patients, 78 developed persistent disease which required treatment (rate of 11.3%). Risk was markedly increased when serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) failed to reach negative by 12 weeks after evacuation [hazard ratio (HR) = 120.78, P < 0.001]. Risk was markedly decreased when the interval from last pregnancy exceeded 12 months (HR = 0.24, P = 0.005). Other factors such as patient’s age, stage of gestation and serum HCG level at presentation were not found to be strongly associated with risk of persistent disease.

Conclusion:  These findings support the application of the following two factors in risk prediction for molar pregnancies: > 12 weeks to become HCG negative and interval from last pregnancy < 12 months. They will contribute to a greater awareness of persistent disease and assist in early detection and effective chemotherapy.
Allele‐specific PCR can improve the efficiency of experimental resolution of heterozygotes in resequencing studies
Authors: CHEN HAOFENG , MORRELL PETER L. , TOLENO DONNA M. , LUNDY KAREN E. , CLEGG MICHAEL T.
Published: December 2009

Resolution of the two haplotypes present in an individual that is heterozygous at a locus has been a difficult problem for nucleotide sequence‐based population genetic studies. Here, we demonstrate a method in which allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) and computational phasing are combined for relatively high‐throughput, efficient resolution of phase in resequencing studies. Using data from multiple loci that were fully experimentally phased, we demonstrate that the popular computational tool PHASE can accurately phase heterozygous individuals with common SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and/or common haplotypes. However, we also demonstrate that experimental phasing with AS‐PCR can efficiently supplement computational phasing, providing a rapid means to phase individuals with rare SNPs or haplotypes and with heterozygous insertion/deletion polymorphisms. By following simple stepwise procedures, AS‐PCR can result in much more efficient and accurate experimental phasing of haplotypes than is possible with traditional methods such as cloning.
A Novel Internal Model-Based Tracking Control for a Class of Linear Time-Varying Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Sun Zongxuan
Published: December 2009

This paper provides a novel method of constructing an internal model-based design of reference tracking and/or disturbance rejection for a class of linear time-varying plants with a known linear time invariant (LTI) exosystem. It is shown how the realization of an appropriate time-varying internal model can be constructed by means of a novel feedback mechanism. The design of the internal model consists of two ingredients: (1) a time-varying system immersion of the exosystem, and (2) an automatic generation of the desired control input to render the error-zeroing subspace invariant, based on the complete knowledge of the plant model. The important features of the proposed method lie in that the tracking problem setup and the proposed feedback mechanism allow us to avoid explicitly calculating the desired input, which keeps the regulated error identically at zero. Moreover the time-varying immersion is guaranteed to hold for the class of plant models under consideration. These features significantly broaden the range of applications of the proposed method, and simplify the control implementation process.
Anti-inflammatory drugs selectively target sporangium development in Mucor
Authors: Leeuw Ntsoaki J. , Swart Chantel W. , Ncango Desmond M. , Kriel Wilmarie M. , Pohl Carolina H. , van Wyk Pieter W.J. , Kock Johan L.F.
Published: December 2009

It is known that acetylsalicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and anti-mitochondrial drug, targets structure development and functions of yeasts depending on elevated levels of mitochondrial activity. Using antibody probes, we previously reported that sporangia of Mucor circinelloides also contain increased mitochondrial activity, yielding high levels of 3-hydroxyoxylipins. This was, however, not found in Mortierella alpina (subgenus Mortierella ). In this study we report that acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) also targets sporangium development of Mucor circinelloides selectively, while hyphae with lower levels of mitochondrial activity are more resistant. Similar results were obtained when the anti-inflammatory compounds benzoic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and salicylic acid were tested. The anti-inflammatory drugs exerted similar effects on this dimorphic fungus as found under oxygen-limited conditions. Interestingly, sporangium development of Mortierella alpina was found not to be selectively targeted by these drugs. Mortierella alpina, which could not exhibit dimorphic growth under oxygen-limited conditions, was also more sensitive to the anti-inflammatory drugs when compared with Mucor circinelloides. These results prompt further research to assess the applicability of these antimitochondrial antifungals to protect plants and animals against Mucor infections.
GROUND RING OF α-SYMMETRIES AND SEQUENCE OF RNS STRING THEORIES
Authors: POLYAKOV DIMITRI
Published: December 2009

We construct a sequence of nilpotent BRST charges in RNS superstring theory, based on new gauge symmetries on the worldsheet, found in this paper. These new local gauge symmetries originate from the global nonlinear space–time α-symmetries, shown to form a noncommutative ground ring in this work. The important subalgebra of these symmetries is U (3) × X6, where X6 is solvable Lie algebra consisting of six elements with commutators reminiscent of the Virasoro type. We argue that the new BRST charges found in this work describe the kinetic terms in string field theories around curved backgrounds of the AdS × CP n-type, determined by the geometries of hidden extra dimensions induced by the global α-generators. The identification of these backgrounds is however left for the work in progress.
Cell-cycle regulator E2F1 and microRNA-223 comprise an autoregulatory negative feedback loop in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Pulikkan John A. , Dengler Viola , Peramangalam Philomina S. , Peer Zada Abdul A. , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Bohlander Stefan K. , Tenen Daniel G. , Behre Gerhard
Published: December 2009

Transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) is essential for granulopoiesis and its function is deregulated in leukemia. Inhibition of E2F1, the master regulator of cell-cycle progression, by C/EBPα is pivotal for granulopoiesis. Recent studies show microRNA-223 (miR-223), a transcriptional target of C/EBPα, as a critical player during granulopoiesis. In this report, we demonstrate that during granulopoiesis microRNA-223 targets E2F1. E2F1 protein was up-regulated in miR-223 null mice. We show that miR-223 blocks cell-cycle progression in myeloid cells. miR-223 is down-regulated in different subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We further show that E2F1 binds to the miR-223 promoter in AML blast cells and inhibits miR-223 transcription, suggesting that E2F1 is a transcriptional repressor of the miR-223 gene in AML. Our study supports a molecular network involving miR-223, C/EBPα, and E2F1 as major components of the granulocyte differentiation program, which is deregulated in AML.
Array-based DNA methylation profiling of primary lymphomas of the central nervous system
Authors: Richter Julia , Ammerpohl Ole , Martín-Subero José I , Montesinos-Rongen Manuel , Bibikova Marina , Wickham-Garcia Eliza , Wiestler Otmar D , Deckert Martina , Siebert Reiner
Published: December 2009

Background

Although primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (PCNSL) and extracerebral diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cannot be distinguished histologically, it is still a matter of debate whether PCNSL differ from systemic DLBCL with respect to their molecular features and pathogenesis. Analysis of the DNA methylation pattern might provide further data distinguishing these entities at a molecular level.

Methods

Using an array-based technology we have assessed the DNA methylation status of 1,505 individual CpG loci in five PCNSL and compared the results to DNA methylation profiles of 49 DLBCL and ten hematopoietic controls.

Results

We identified 194 genes differentially methylated between PCNSL and normal controls. Interestingly, Polycomb target genes and genes with promoters showing a high CpG content were significantly enriched in the group of genes hypermethylated in PCNSL. However, PCNSL and systemic DLBCL did not differ in their methylation pattern.

Conclusions

Based on the data presented here, PCNSL and DLBCL do not differ in their DNA methylation pattern. Thus, DNA methylation analysis does not support a separation of PCNSL and DLBCL into individual entities. However, PCNSL and DLBCL differ in their DNA methylation pattern from non- malignant controls.
Identification of a novel betaherpesvirus in Mus musculus
Authors: Teterina Alla , Richter Dania , Matuschka Franz-Rainer , Ehlers Bernhard , Voigt Sebastian
Published: December 2009

Rodent betaherpesviruses vary considerably in genomic content, and these variations can result in a distinct pathogenicity. Therefore, the identification of unknown betaherpesviruses in house mice (Mus musculus), the most important rodent host species in basic research, is of importance. During a search for novel herpesviruses in house mice using herpesvirus consensus PCR and attempts to isolate viruses in tissue culture, we identified a previously unknown betaherpesvirus. The primary PCR search in mouse organs revealed the presence of known strains of murine cytomegalovirus (Murid herpesvirus 1) and of Mus musculus rhadinovirus 1 only. However, the novel virus was detected after incubation of organ pieces in fibroblast tissue culture and subsequent PCR analysis of the supernatants. Long-distance PCR amplification including the DNA polymerase and glycoprotein B genes revealed a 3.4 kb sequence that was similar to sequences of rodent cytomegaloviruses. Pairwise sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses showed that this newly identified murine virus is most similar to the English isolate of rat cytomegalovirus, thereby raising the possibility that two distinct CMV lineages have evolved in both Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus.
Upregulation of Casein Kinase 1∊ in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Spinal Cord after Mouse Spinal Nerve Injury Contributes to Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sakurai Eri , Kurihara Takashi , Kouchi Kasumi , Saegusa Hironao , Zong Shuqin , Tanabe Tsutomu
Published: December 2009

Background

Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain generated by damage to, or pathological changes in the somatosensory nervous system. Characteristic features of neuropathic pain are allodynia, hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain. Such abnormalities associated with neuropathic pain state remain to be a significant clinical problem. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain are complex and still poorly understood. Casein kinase 1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase and has been implicated in a wide range of signaling activities such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, circadian rhythms and membrane transport. In mammals, the CK1 family consists of seven members (α, β, γ1, γ2, γ3, δ, and ∊) with a highly conserved kinase domain and divergent amino- and carboxy-termini.

Results

Preliminary cDNA microarray analysis revealed that the expression of the casein kinase 1 epsilon ( CK1) mRNA in the spinal cord of the neuropathic pain-resistant N- type Ca2+ channel deficient ( Cav2.2−/−) mice was decreased by the spinal nerve injury. The same injury exerted no effects on the expression of CK1 mRNA in the wild-type mice. Western blot analysis of the spinal cord identified the downregulation of CK1∊ protein in the injured Cav2.2−/− mice, which is consistent with the data of microarray analysis. However, the expression of CK1∊ protein was found to be up-regulated in the spinal cord of injured wild-type mice. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the spinal nerve injury changed the expression profiles of CK1∊ protein in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the spinal cord neurons. Both the percentage of CK1∊-positive neurons and the expression level of CK1∊ protein were increased in DRG and the spinal cord of the neuropathic mice. These changes were reversed in the spinal cord of the injured Cav2.2−/− mice. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of a CK1 inhibitor IC261 produced marked anti-allodynic and antihyperalgesic effects on the neuropathic mice. In addition, primary afferent fiber-evoked spinal excitatory responses in the neuropathic mice were reduced by IC261.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CK1∊ plays important physiological roles in neuropathic pain signaling. Therefore CK1∊ is a useful target for analgesic drug development.
A Neo-Sex Chromosome That Drives Postzygotic Sex Determination in the Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor)
Authors: Benatti Thiago R , Valicente Fernando H , Aggarwal Rajat , Zhao Chaoyang , Walling Jason G , Chen Ming-Shun , Cambron Sue E , Schemerhorn Brandon J , Stuart Jeffrey J
Published: December 2009

Two nonoverlapping autosomal inversions defined unusual neo-sex chromosomes in the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor). Like other neo-sex chromosomes, these were normally heterozygous, present only in one sex, and suppressed recombination around a sex-determining master switch. Their unusual properties originated from the anomalous Hessian fly sex determination system in which postzygotic chromosome elimination is used to establish the sex-determining karyotypes. This system permitted the evolution of a master switch (Chromosome maintenance, Cm) that acts maternally. All of the offspring of females that carry Cm-associated neo-sex chromosomes attain a female-determining somatic karyotype and develop as females. Thus, the chromosomes act as maternal effect neo-W's, or W-prime (W′) chromosomes, where ZW′ females mate with ZZ males to engender female-producing (ZW′) and male-producing (ZZ) females in equal numbers. Genetic mapping and physical mapping identified the inversions. Their distribution was determined in nine populations. Experimental matings established the association of the inversions with Cm and measured their recombination suppression. The inversions are the functional equivalent of the sciarid X-prime chromosomes. We speculate that W′ chromosomes exist in a variety of species that produce unisexual broods.
A novel technique for ultra‐low contrast administration during angiography or intervention
Authors: Nayak Keshav R. , Mehta Hirsch S. , Price Matthew J. , Russo Robert J. , Stinis Curtiss T. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Mehran Roxana , Leon Martin B. , Kandzari David E. , Teirstein Paul S.
Published: December 2009

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) after coronary angiography or intervention is associated with substantial morbidity. The data supporting various prophylactic measures and adjunctive therapies to prevent this complication are conflicting. However, contrast volume is clearly related to CIN after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and the risk of CIN has been shown to be directly related to contrast dose. Therefore, minimizing contrast exposure is a primary method to reduce the risk of CIN, especially in at‐risk patients. We report a novel technique designed to deliver ultra‐low (<15 cm3) volume contrast to patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing coronary angiography and PCI. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nodular, lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Biasoli Irene , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Meignin Véronique , Delmer Alain , Reman Oumedaly , Morschhauser Franck , Coiffier Bertrand , Bosly André , Diviné Marine , Brice Pauline
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Nodular, lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) represents a rare entity.

METHODS:

A clinical registry was launched from 1973 to 2003 in France. To determine the histologic transformation (HT) rate to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and long‐term outcomes, 164 patients were selected after histologic review.

RESULTS:

The median follow‐up was 9.5 years. The high biopsy rate (85%) at each recurrence enabled the analysis of HT. The median patient age was 30 years (range, 6‐69 years), 80% of patients were men, 83% had Ann Arbor stage I/II disease, 65% had supradiaphragmatic‐disease; 27% received radiotherapy, 9% received chemotherapy, 29% received combined‐modality therapy, and 35% were followed with a watch‐and‐wait strategy. All 106 treated patients achieved complete remission and 66 patients developed disease recurrence at a median of 3.3 years (range, 0.4‐18.3 years after diagnosis). The majority of recurrences were NLPHL, but 19 patients progressed to DLBCL at a median of 4.7 years (range, 0.4‐18 years after diagnosis). The 10‐year cumulative HT rate was 12% and was found to be associated significantly with a poor prognosis. The 10‐year overall survival rate was 91%. Fourteen patients died (7 died of progressive disease, 3 died of secondary cancers, and 4 died from other causes). HT was diagnosed at a median of 4.7 years (range, 0.4‐18 years after diagnosis). The 19 patients who had HT were treated with curative intent: Nine patients received high‐dose therapy with subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and 10 patients received different chemotherapy regimens. The overall survival rate after HT did not differ between patients who underwent ASCT and the others.

CONCLUSIONS:

This long‐term follow‐up study confirmed that NLPHL is a separate entity that has a favorable clinical presentation and outcome despite frequent recurrences. The current findings also emphasize the importance of biopsies at the time patients develop recurrent disease to evaluate HT. Cancer 2010. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
A Comparative Study on the Lithium‐Ion Storage Performances of Carbon Nanotubes and Tube‐in‐Tube Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Xu Yi‐Jun , Liu Xi , Cui Guanglei , Zhu Bo , Weinberg Gisela , Schlögl Robert , Maier Joachim , Su Dang Sheng
Published: December 2009

A comparative study of the electrochemical performances of carbon nanotubes and tube‐in‐tube carbon nanotubes reveals a dependence effect of lithium‐ion storage behavior on the detailed nanostructure of carbon nanotubes. In particular, the impurity that graphitic particles or graphene fragments inherently present in carbon nanotubes plays a crucial role in the lithium‐ion storage capacity of the carbon nanotubes. Compared to acid‐washed carbon nanotubes, the assembly of graphitic impurity fragments in the tube‐in‐tube structures hinders lithium‐ion diffusion, thus drastically decreasing the rate performance of lithium‐ion storage. Significantly, our results indicate that the lithium‐ion storage capacity of carbon nanotubes as anode electrodes can be improved or controlled by optimizing the microstructure composition of impurity graphitic nanoparticles or graphene fragments in the matrix of the carbon nanotubes.
Structural, Spectroscopic, and Proton‐Coupled Electron‐transfer Behavior of Pyrazolyl‐3,5‐bis(benzimidazole)‐Bridged Homo‐ and Heterochiral RuIIRuII, OsIIOsII, and OsIIRuII 2,2′‐Bipyridine Complexes
Authors: Baitalik Sujoy , Dutta Supriya , Biswas Papu , Flörke Ulrich , Bothe Eberhard , Nag Kamalaksha
Published: December 2009

The homo‐ and heterobimetallic complexes [(bpy)2MII(H2pzbzim)M′II(bpy)2](ClO4)3·nH2O (1, 3, 5) and their corresponding deprotonated complexes [(bpy)2MII(pzbzim)M′II(bpy)2](ClO4)·nH2O (2, 4, 6) [where MII, M′II = Ru (1, 2) = Os (3, 4); MII = Os and M′II = Ru (3, 5); bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine; H3pzbzim = pyrazole‐3,5‐bis(benzimidazole)] were synthesized, separated to their heterochiral (a, ΛΔ/ΔΛ) and homochiral (b, ΛΛ/ΔΔ) diastereoisomers, and characterized by elemental analyses, ESI‐MS, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The X‐ray structures of 1a, 3a, and 5a show the involvement of two pyridine rings of two bpy ligands in strong intramolecular nonbonded π–π interaction. The occurrence of a C–H···π interaction between an aromatic C–H and the π‐cloud of a pyridine ring leads to strong electronic shielding of this proton (1H NMR). In all cases, the two diastereoisomers show practically no differences in their absorption spectra, redox potentials, and pK values. The large shifts in the E1/2 values to less positive potentials and substantial redshifts in the MLCT bands that occur on deprotonation of 1, 3, and 5 are energetically correlated. From the profiles of E1/2(1), (2) vs. pH over the pH range 1–12, the equilibrium constants and standard redox potentials for all the complex species in the metal oxidation states II·II, II·III, and III·III and the bridged ligand in the protonation states H2pzbzim–, Hpzbzim2–, and pzbzim3– have been evaluated. Using these values the bond dissociation free energies for the benzimidazole N–H bonds have been estimated. Spectroelectrochemical studies have been carried out for 1a, 3a, and 5a in the range 400–1100 nm. With stepwise oxidation of the metal centers replacement of MLCT bands by LMCT bands occur gradually with the observation of sharp isosbestic points. In the case of 1a, a band observed at λmax = 910 nm for the RuIIRuIII species has been ascribed to intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transition.
“Dry” and “Wet” Green Synthesis of 2,2′‐Disubstituted Quinazolinones
Authors: Miklós Ferenc , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: December 2009

An extremely convenient, environmentally benign spirocyclization under either aqueous or solventless conditions, developed for the preparation of spiro[cyclohexane‐1,2′‐(1′H)‐quinazolin]‐4′(3′H)‐one (3), has been utilized to convert α‐ and β‐aminocarboxamides 5a, 5b, 6a–c and 9 and cycloalkanones 2–2b and alkanones 2c–e into 1,4‐diazaspiro[4.5]decan‐2‐one (10) and cis‐, diexo‐ or diendo‐2,2′‐disubstituted quinazolinones 5a, 5b, 7a–f and 8. diexo‐Methylene‐bridged carboxamides 6a and 6b were treated “on water” with N‐benzylpiperidinone (11) to afford spiropiperidine–quinazolinones 12a and 12b. All these reactions were performed at room temperature, without any catalyst or co‐solvent, and gave yields of up to 99 %.
New Accounting for Lessees
Authors: Ciesielski Jack T. , Weirich Thomas R.
Published: December 2009

Since 1976, lease accounting by lessees has been fairly consistent. But in March 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board issued a “joint discussion paper”—and if its provisions become a final standard, it means big changes in accounting for lessees.

Companies need to understand the proposed changes and plan ahead. This article will help. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring hepatitis C infection in a major Swedish nephrology unit and molecular resolution of a new case of nosocomial transmission
Authors: Almroth Gabriel , Ekermo Bengt , Åkerlind Britt , Månsson Ann‐Sofie , Widell Anders
Published: December 2009

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a frequent problem in hemodialysis units. The prevalence and incidence of HCV infection over a decade were studied in a nephrology unit affected by previous nosocomial HCV transmission. The HCV non‐structural 5B protein gene was sequenced to achieve phylogenetic analysis of a new (incident) case of infection. Proportions of patients who were and were not infected with HCV remained similar over the period, as did the inflow and outflow of patients infected previously. In 1997, 12/157 (8%) of patients at the unit (treatment: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplant recipients) were positive in HCV RNA, whereas in 2007 the overall number was 9/239 (4%). One patient acquired an HCV infection, and the NS5B sequence in that case clustered with genotype 2b sequences found in patients from an earlier outbreak. Comparing the HCV from the incident patient with several stored longitudinal samples and cloned PCR products from the most likely source patient revealed close phylogenetic relationship with an HCV quasispecies member from the possible source. The source patient and the incident newly infected patient were not scheduled on the same dialysis shift, although the records showed that simultaneous treatment occurred on two occasions during the months preceding transmission. In conclusion, over the 10‐year period, the proportion of HCV‐infected patients at the unit was unchanged. Only one new infection occurred, which originated from a fellow patient's quasispecies. This establishes phylogenetic analysis as a valuable tool for tracing patient sources of HCV transmission. J. Med. Virol. 82:249–256, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
XRD studies, vibrational spectra, and molecular structure of 1H‐imidazo [4,5‐b]pyridine based on DFT quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Dymińska L. , Ga̧gor A. , Ma̧czka M. , Wȩgliński Z. , Hanuza J.
Published: December 2009

The molecular structures and vibrational properties of 1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine in its monomeric and dimeric forms are analyzed and compared to the experimental results derived from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), and Raman studies. The theoretical data are discussed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations using Lee–Yang–Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) and 6‐31G(d,p) basis. This compound crystallizes in orthorhombic structure, space group Pna21(C2v9) and Z = 4. The planar conformation of the skeleton and presence of the NH···N hydrogen bond was found to be characteristic for the studied system. The temperature dependence of IR and Raman modes was studied in the range 4–294 K and 8–295 K, respectively. The normal modes, which are unique for the imidazopyridine derivatives are identified. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐Line Monitoring of Vinyl Chloride Suspension Polymerization with Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy, 1 – Analysis of Morphological Properties
Authors: de Faria João Miguel , Machado Fabricio , Lima Enrique Luis , Pinto José Carlos
Published: December 2009

It is demonstrated that during suspension polymerizations it is possible to monitor morphological characteristics of PVC resins such as bulk density, cold plasticizer absorption and average particle diameter in‐line and in real time using NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectra are obtained at different experimental conditions, showing that the spectra are sensitive to changes in the PVC properties. Standard mathematical procedures (partial least squares regression) are used to build empirical models and correlate the morphological properties with the obtained NIR spectra, allowing for monitoring of the PVC morphology in‐line and in real time.

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A variationally consistent mesh adaptation method for triangular elements in explicit Lagrangian dynamics
Authors: Lahiri Sudeep K. , Bonet Javier , Peraire Jaume
Published: December 2009

In this paper a variational formulation for mesh adaptation procedures, involving local mesh changes for triangular meshes, is presented. Such local adaptive changes are very well suited for explicit methods as they do not involve significant computational expense. They also greatly simplify the projection of field variables from the old to the new meshes. Crucially, the variational nature of the formulation used to derive the equilibrium equations at steps where adaptation takes place ensures that conservation of linear and angular momentum is obtained (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2000; 49:1295–1325). Several examples in 2‐D showing the application of the proposed adaptive algorithms are used to demonstrate the validity of the methodology proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and accuracy analysis of a discrete model reference adaptive controller without and with time delay
Authors: Bursi Oreste S. , Stoten David P. , Tondini Nicola , Vulcan Leonardo
Published: December 2009

Adaptive control techniques can be applied to dynamical systems whose parameters are unknown. We propose a technique based on control and numerical analysis approaches to the study of the stability and accuracy of adaptive control algorithms affected by time delay. In particular, we consider the adaptive minimal control synthesis (MCS) algorithm applied to linear time‐invariant plants, due to which, the whole controlled system generated from state and control equations discretized by the zero‐order‐hold (ZOH) sampling is nonlinear. Hence, we propose two linearization procedures for it: the first is via what we term as physical insight and the second is via Taylor series expansion. The physical insight scheme results in useful methods for a priori selection of the controller parameters and of the discrete‐time step. As there is an inherent sampling delay in the process, a fixed one‐step delay in the discrete‐time MCS controller is introduced. This results in a reduction of both the absolute stability regions and the controller performance. Owing to the shortcomings of ZOH sampling in coping with high‐frequency disturbances, a linearly implicit L‐stable integrator is also used within a two degree‐of‐freedom controlled system. The effectiveness of the methodology is confirmed both by simulations and by experimental tests. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.