bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical approach of noise‐figure dependence on temperature for microwave FET
Authors: Gobert Y. , Salmer G.
Published: July 2007

This article presents a simplified theoretical approach of noise behavior about microwave FETs. An analytical formulation regarding the noise‐figure dependence on temperature is proposed and validated by experimental results. This expression takes into account the evolutions with temperature of the small‐signal equivalent circuit. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A modified strip grating with dual periodicity for RCS reduction
Authors: Stephen D. Saji , Mathew Thomaskutty , Mohanan P. , Nair K. G.
Published: July 2007

Elimination of specular reflection over a wide range of aspect angles for TE polarization by a strip grating surface of two‐dimensional periodicity is reported. This overcomes the main disadvantage of conventional strip grating, which eliminates specular reflection for a single angle of incidence only. The structure reported here may find wide application in reduction of the radar cross section of targets. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Phase sensitivity of an optical fiber ring resonator with a collinear 3 × 3 coupler
Authors: Ja Y. H.
Published: July 2007

Under study is the phase sensitivity of a Type 1 optical fiber ring resonator with a collinear (planar) 3 × 3 fiber coupler, where the three fibers inside the coupler lie in the same plane. It is found that this fiber ring resonator has one of the highest phase sensitivities among many passive fiber ring and loop resonators with one to two 2 × 2 or 3 × 3 fiber couplers. A comparison between the phase sensitivities of this ring resonator and a ring resonator with a 2 × 2 coupler is also made. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New series‐fed traveling‐wave array
Authors: Alaeddine A. , Rammal M. , Reineix A. , Jecko B.
Published: July 2007

A method of designing a series‐fed microstrip traveling‐wave array to produce a shaped pattern is described. A theoretical analysis of the traveling‐wave element is given and experimental results are presented. High efficiency and good directivity have been observed on the array. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plane‐wave propagation in an anisotropic chiral medium with isotropic permittivity and permeability
Authors: Viitanen Ari J. , Lindell Ismo V.
Published: July 2007

Plane‐wave propagation in an anisotropic chiral medium with isotropic permittivity and permeability and symmetric chirality dyadic is considered. The eigenvalue equation is formed and the wave numbers and the corresponding eigenpolarizations are given. The results make possible the construction of a polarization transformer in which one can also choose the handedness. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electromotive force technique applied to the design of planar dielectric antennas with low side lobes
Authors: Kalinichev Victor I. , Kuranov Yury V.
Published: July 2007

The diffraction problem of a dominant surface mode scattering by a finite number of metal strips placed on a surface of a planar dielectric waveguide is considered. The electromotive force technique is utilized, and results concerning the analysis and design of beam antennas with low side‐lobe level at millimeter wavelength are presented. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Numerical simulation for vertical cavity surface emitting lasers with external optical feedback
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: July 2007

The stability of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers with distant external optical feedback is analyzed numerically by using the rate equation model. Results for the different cavity designs are compared. The effects of the nonlinear gain coefficient on RIN and spectral linewidth is investigated. The results can be considered as a guideline to the laser design. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Forces on solitons in finite, nonlinear, planar waveguides
Authors: Ramos J. I. , Villatoro F. R.
Published: July 2007

The forces acting on and the energies of solitons governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in finite planar waveguides with periodic and with homogeneous Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions are determined by means of a quantum analogy. It is shown that these densities have S‐shaped profiles and increase as the hardness of the boundary conditions increases. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of a variational method for inverting the potential profile
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Han Yiping , Liang Changhong
Published: July 2007

The potential profile of the one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation may be inverted from the reflection coefficient. For example, the famous Gel'fand‐Levitan equation shows their relation. But, in the general case, GL equation may hardly be solved exactly. Based on the Hulthén‐Kohn variational method for calculating the reflection coefficient, a closed‐form approximation formulation is used in this Letter for inverting the potential profile. Inversion examples show that this formulation works better than the famous modified Born approximation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Absorption enhancement of scattering of electromagnetic waves by dielectric cylinder clusters
Authors: Au W. C. , Kong J. A. , Tsang L.
Published: July 2007

Numerical results of the absorption cross sections of dielectric cylinder clusters are presented. They show that the absorption of such clusters can be several times larger than the incoherent sum of the absorption of its components. The absorption enhancement of the cluster is due to coherent mutual interaction between its components and can play an important role in remote sensing, particularly in passive remote sensing. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scattering by 2d strips using an asymptotic hybrid formulation combining the method‐of‐moments and physical‐optics techniques
Authors: Sullivan Anders , Carin Lawrence
Published: July 2007

Frequency‐domain plane‐wave scattering from perfectly conducting two‐dimensional strips is analyzed by a hybrid formulation combining the method of moments (MOM) and physical optics (PO). Asymptotic techniques are employed to evaluate many of the impedance matrix integrals. Comparisons are made with other MOM algorithms. A significant reduction in CPU time is achieved. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Flattening and reversing of resonant curves in an s‐shaped two‐coupler optical fiber‐ring resonator
Authors: Ja Y. H.
Published: July 2007

Two special characteristics of an S‐shaped two‐coupler optical fiber‐ring resonator are studied. The first is that the resonant curve of the transmitted (or the reflected) output intensity can change from a channel‐passing type to a channel‐blocking type under certain conditions. The second is the flattening of the blocking band of the transmitted output intensity at full resonance when the intensity coupling coefficient of any one of the two 2 × 2 fiber couplers is relatively large. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Harmonic bandpass detection of tdm signals
Authors: McGinn V. P. , Reis R. R.
Published: July 2007

A time division multiplex (TDM) communication system for baseband analog signals is described. The constant amplitude pulse width modulation scheme utilizes small pulse width deviations for short‐haul opticalfiber applications. An enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratio (S / N) for low‐frequency information (< 1000 Hz) may be secured by detecting a high‐order Fourier signal component of the sampling frequency. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Soliton formation in a nonlinear lossy lc ladder network with quadratic polynomial expression for the c‐v characteristic of the network capacitors
Authors: Ghafouri‐Shiraz H. , Shum P.
Published: July 2007

We propose a quadratic polynomial expression for the C‐V characteristic of the nonlinear capacitor of the LC ladder network and investigate the soliton propagation in such networks using a modified Korteweg‐de Vries (MKdV) equation. The MKdV equation has been solved by a novel technique which is based on the Fourier‐series analysis. Our theoretical results are in good agreement with experiment. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Performance of an active antenna‐fed paraboloid reflector
Authors: Sancheti S. , Fusco V. F.
Published: July 2007

The performance of a paraboloid reflector with an active patch antenna feed has been analyzed. The effects of frequency pulling at the active antenna feed, induced by the parabolic reflector antenna, are measured and predicted. Measured far‐field pattern results for the combined reflector active antenna configuration are also presented. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultrafast optoelectronic characterization of microwave semiconductor diodes
Authors: Adomavičius R. , Krotkus A. , Zakarevičius R.
Published: July 2007

Microwave semiconductor diodes are characterized on a picosecond time scale by means of an optoelectronic technique, in which the diode is biased with a variable‐duration high‐voltage pulse, while its output current is integrated with a box‐car integrator. Measured data on three different devices illustrate the technique. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Resonant frequencies of an eccentric annular microstrip antenna
Authors: Kishk Ahmed A. , Zhang W. , Gordon R. K.
Published: July 2007

The resonant frequencies of an eccentric annular microstrip antenna are computed for different modes using the cavity model. The effect of the eccentricity on the resonant frequencies is investigated. The computed resonant frequencies are verified experimentally. The measured resonant frequencies are considered to be located at the minimum locations of the return loss. The magnetic field distribution is also computed and plotted for some patches. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Computation of electromagnetic scattering by nonlinear bounded dielectric objects: A FDTD approach
Authors: Caorsi Salvatore , Massa Andrea , Pastorino Matteo
Published: July 2007

A numerical approach to the computation of the field scattering by nonlinear bounded dielectric objects is proposed, which is based on the finite‐difference time‐domain method. A simple numerical scheme is developed to compute the field scattering by isotropic dielectrics whose permittivities exhibit a specific dependence on the electric field. A preliminary example concerning a Kerr‐like nonlinearity is discussed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A fast, accurate, and efficient method for pole extraction in microstrip problems
Authors: Ooi B. L. , Leong M. S. , Kooi P. S.
Published: July 2007

In this article, a fast and novel method is proposed to determine accurately and efficiently the singularity due to the surface wave as found in the electric field integral equation. The method involves a simple reorganization of the classical expressions for both the transverse electric (DTE) and the transverse magnetic surface wave modes (DTM) into some piecewise linear forms suitable for the Newton‐Raphson algorithm. Extensive numerical comparison is made with some of the classical methods used for pole extraction. The numerical results, as presented, confirm efficiency and fast quadratic convergence.
A new approximate formula for site shielding by a knife‐edge obstacle, based on measurements from 8 to 94 GHz
Authors: Vyncke Christian , Vorst André Vander
Published: July 2007

This article proposes a new approximate formula for determining the effectiveness of site shielding by a knife‐edge obstacle, by adding a correction term to the ITU‐R formula. The new formula is accurate to within 0.1 dB for diffraction angles less than 12° if the distance from obstacle to antenna is larger than 100 wavelengths, and to better than, respectively, 0.5 and 1 dB for diffraction angles less than 35° and 45°, as compared with, respectively, 3 and 5 dB obtained by the ITU‐R formula. It is based on UTD, after an experimental validation from 8 to 94 GHz. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fully monolithic image‐reject mixers for 38‐GHz wireless telecommunication links
Authors: Archer John W. , Mahon Simon J. , Sevimli Oya
Published: July 2007

A prototype down‐converting mixer MMIC based on planar Schottky diodes and a production version based on HEMT diodes are reported. Measurements with a 1–2‐GHz i.f. indicate conversion losses of 8–11 and 10–14 dB, respectively, and image rejections > 20 dB. A HEMT‐based mixer‐amplifier MMIC with conversion gain of 3–8 dB and image rejection > 18 dB is also reported. Simulations agree well with these measurements. Image rejection is produced by an on‐chip i.f. coupler. This is the first report, to the authors' knowledge, of fully monolithic, image‐reject downconverters of this type. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An improved analysis for optically preamplified pulse‐position modulation receivers in optical‐fiber systems
Authors: Cryan R. A. , Phillips A. J. , Senior J. M.
Published: July 2007

Using a recently developed moment‐generating function (MGF) we apply a Chernoff bound to the bit‐error probability of an optically preamplified pulse‐position modulation (PPM) receiver. Sensitivity results for PPM coding levels are presented for operation at the STM‐4 bit rate. It is shown that this receiver configuration can outperform an equivalent on‐off‐keyed nonreturn‐to‐zero (OOK NRZ) system by 7.1 dB. We further demonstrate the impressive potential of such an optically preamplified PPM receiver by giving results that improve on the fundamental sensitivity limit of an optically preamplified OOK NRZ receiver and approach the sensitivity of coherent detection. A Gaussian approximation is also developed and we compare it with results obtained from the Chernoff bound. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Does impaired glucose metabolism cause polyneuropathy? Review of previous studies and design of a prospective controlled population‐based study
Authors: Dyck Peter J. , Dyck P. James B. , Klein Christopher J. , Weigand Stephen D.
Published: July 2007

In spite of extensive studies it is unclear whether impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), i.e., impaired glucose metabolism (IGM), causes diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) or chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP); the results and conclusions vary considerably in different studies. Some studies suggest that IGM is a common and important cause of CIAP, whereas others do not. On reviewing these data, we judge that a considerable degree of this disparity may relate to differences in selection of patients, choice of controls, assessment of chronic glycemic exposure and of diabetic complications, and statistical power. Here we review previous studies, list the reasons that the issue needs further study, and outline a study now in progress to address the question more definitively. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Urological follow‐up of adult spina bifida patients
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Granitsiotis Paraskeve
Published: July 2007

Aims

The vast majority of the current urological literature understandably has concentrated on the management of children with spina bifida, because in the past the majority did not survive into adulthood. With improvements in the understanding and multidisciplinary care of spina bifida patients it has become a disease of adults. Our aim was to evaluate the current literature to attempt to formulate evidence based guidelines for the management of this difficult group of patients.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on adult urological management of spina bifida, all relevant articles which concentrated on adults and long‐term management were studied in full.

Results

Renal function may begin/continue to deteriorate into adulthood, becoming the leading cause of adult death. This is thought to occur because of changes in the adult bladder, with increases in storage pressure. Medical and surgical management should aim to preserve renal function as well as the maintenance of continence in the face of the growing and changing urinary tract. Follow‐up should be regular and in the context of a specialist multidisciplinary clinic. Despite being unvalidated in the follow‐up of adult spina bifida patient's annual serum creatinine, ultrasound and urodynamics are currently the best tools available.

Conclusions

There is no reason why the majority of spina bifida sufferers cannot use their own kidneys for the rest of their lives. This however relies on urological treatment being instigated soon after birth and continuing into adulthood. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:978–980, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gainsharing boosts quality and productivity at a Bfgoodrich plant
Authors: Masternak Robert L.
Published: July 2007

This case study of the implementation of a gainsharing plan at a California manufacturing operation shows the advantage of a nontraditional team‐based compensation system over a traditional individual‐based program. It also stresses the point that to be successful in improving quality and exceeding production goals, a gainsharing program must offer more than a new bonus schedule. It must also incorporate training, employee involvement, and clear communications and provide for an assessment process to modify the plan as necessary.
The ABCs of QFD: formalizing the quest for cost‐effective customer delight
Authors: Raynor Michael E.
Published: July 2007

In their quest for quality improvement, managers may sometimes feel as though they are adrift in a sea of acronyms. This article focuses on QFD— quality function deployment—carefully explaining the effective quality‐enhancing technique and demystifying its application.
Oregon department of transportation steers improvement with performance measurement
Authors: Wipper Laura R.
Published: July 2007

In July 1989, a pilot project was developed to implement performance measurement at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). This program quantifies measures of efficiency and effectiveness for management teams and work teams, the department as a whole, and equates this data on a common scale. Rather than monitoring individual activities, the program focuses on results. Key factors in the accomplishment of results are tracked, and the outcomes are communicated on a regular basis. Efficiency measures gauge the cost and volume of production, while effectiveness measures track quality and customer satisfaction. This new focus has seen increasing success as the twenty‐seven ODOT Highway Division work crews participating in the pilot steadily improved productivity, culminating in savings of over $3.5 million. The success of the pilot has not only led to full implementation of the program at ODOT, but also caught the eye of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services, which mandated the program for all state agencies.
Productivity during the workout process—toward the turnaround
Authors: Wanat Robert
Published: July 2007

Companies struggling to survive or to regain their competitive footing may find themselves in serious turnaround situations in which they will be forced to make tough decisions affecting their workers, their products and services, and their very futures. As this article shows, at times like these, productivity must remain among management's foremost concerns.
The critical role of auditing in continuous improvement
Authors: Dew John R.
Published: July 2007

There is a legitimate role for quality audits in today's workplace. The success of the audit depends on management's guidance of the audit, selection and training of auditors, and willingness to involve people in achieving the opportunities for improvement identified by the audit. To be effective, the audit process must be properly managed. A successful audit process is part of an overall plan for continuous improvement and can become a vehicle for recognizing excellence in an organization.
Project partnering in the construction industry: The wave of the future?
Authors: Larson Erik W. , Gray Clifford
Published: July 2007

The last two decades have seen a general decline in the vitality of the American construction industry, which has been plagued by declining profit margins, increases informal litigation, concerns over the quality of work, increases in administrative overhead, and an erosion of competitive advantage in the international marketplace. A response to these market pressures, project partnering recognizes that the traditional adversarial relationship between owner and contractor often degenerates into a loss‐lose relationship for everyone except the lawyers. Project partnering is directed at claims prevention and dispute avoidance rather than dispute resolution. This article describes the results of a survey designed to determine bow widespread the practice of project partnering is, and its prospects for the future.
When doing one better is not enough: The coming end of strategic incrementalism
Authors: Werther William B.
Published: July 2007

Though incremental improvements are necessary for strategic survival, incremental ism is increasingly becoming an insufficient source of competitive advantage. Protected markets that are a necessary condition for the development of strategic advantage through incremental improvements in productivity, quality, time, or service will increasingly disappear. The remaining competitors, especially in mature industries, will encounter global competitors that already have in place successful incremental approaches. As this article explains, these approaches, while essential, will no longer be a source of competitive advantage. The ability to manage a wide variety of relationships, especially with those outside the organization, is likely to become a key, if not core, competency as firms move toward the next millennium.
A powerful new tool kit for the 21st century
Authors: Bhote Keki R.
Published: July 2007

What is the real secret to long‐lasting quality improvement? Is there a single formula for success? In this article, the author argues that a comprehensive arsenal of mighty quality tools promising substantial payoffs In product and service enhancements are readily available to any organization‐that is, any organization that has the foresight and the discipline to employ them.
Guiding self‐directed teams to realize their potential
Authors: Buchen Irving H.
Published: July 2007

Although they are well aware of the significant improvements that can be achieved through the work of self‐directed teams, organizations in both the public and private sectors often neglect the need to adequately prepare those teams for their tasks. In this article, the author details the best practices of team training to create a blueprint that organizations can readily follow for achieving greater productivity through teaming.
Focused performance measures drive important at Broan
Authors: Santowski Jerome G. , Podzunas Albert E.
Published: July 2007

After revamping its business strategy to focus more strongly on satisfying customers—and investing heavily in cellular manufacturing and information technology—The Broan Group continued to encounter barriers to improving productivity. The opportunity for an improvement breakthrough occurred when the organization proved to employees that its traditional performance measurements were out of alignment with the company's new emphasis on improving customer satisfaction. As this article expains, by measuring the performance factors that mattered most to customers, Broan was able to improve productivity at a significantly faster rate than it had previously been able to achieve.
Work ethics
Authors: Roth William
Published: July 2007

A majority of today's organization improvement efforts are not producing the desired results. The author believes the problem to be one of perspective. We have lost sight of the real purpose of “work.” The author traces the historical evolution of the concept of work. He shows how work's original purpose was to enhance individual and societal development. He shows how this purpose was gradually perverted as we have focused increasingly on generating only one key input to development: wealth. Finally, the author shows how the quality improvement movement could be the vehicle necessary to get back on the development track.
Aligned values + good job fit = optimum performance
Authors: Anderson Douglas N.
Published: July 2007

What can management do to increase productivity and sales, lower costs, and improve customer relations? One answer: Create the appropriate environment for performance improvement. This article outlines a process for performance improvement that emphasizes aligning organizational values and ensuring a proper job fit between individuals and the positions they seek.
Using SPC to improve stockroom operations
Authors: Campbell David O.
Published: July 2007

Typically applied in a manufacturing setting, statistical process control (SPC) can also improve administrative operations. In this article, the author details how one company's stockroom was able to realize dramatic performance improvement—benefiting both internal and external customers—through the wise application of SPC techniques.
Analysis of human liver proteome using replicate shotgun strategy
Authors: Chen Ming , Ying Wantao , Song Yanping , Liu Xin , Yang Bing , Wu Songfeng , Jiang Ying , Cai Yun , He Fuchu , Qian Xiaohong
Published: July 2007

In this study, a liquid‐based shotgun strategy was used to comprehensively identify the expression of human liver proteome. Proteins were extracted from human liver tissue and digested in‐solution. The tryptic digest mixture was desalted and separated by off‐line strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography with a 60‐min elution. The MS/MS spectra were acquired in data‐dependent mode after an RP chromatographic separation combined with linear IT MS analysis. To obtain the most comprehensive human liver proteome, each SCX fraction was run six times in RPLC MS/MS manner. Finally, more than 6 000 000 MS/MS spectra were collected. Using a relatively strict filter criteria, 24 311 proteins (48.42% of the predicted human proteome from human International Protein Index (IPI) protein database 3.07) corresponding to 13 150 nonredundant proteins were successfully identified, in which 7001 proteins (53.24%) were identified by two or more peptides, which could be considered as a high‐confident dataset. Among the 6149 proteins (46.76%) identified by single peptide, 3812 proteins (61.99%) were detected more than twice in six repeated runs. Comparative analysis between different runs shows that the overlap of identified proteins between any two runs ranged from 25 to 44%. Of the nonredundant proteins identified, 8919 proteins (67.83%) were detected more than twice and 4231 proteins (32.17%) were detected only once in six RPLC MS/MS runs. The Gene Ontology annotation shows that the identified proteins come from various subcellular components. In addition, a large number of low abundant proteins were identified. The dynamic range of the approach reached at least nine orders of magnitude by estimating the concentration of proteins.
Interpretation support for multistage MS: A mathematical method for theoretical generation of glycan fragments and calculation of their masses
Authors: Meitei Ningombam Sanjib , Banerjee Snigdha
Published: July 2007

Glycan fragmentation forms an integral part of the current research in glycomics. Creation of a database of glycan fragments and their masses for known glycan structures is an important step in the interpretation of mass spectra for the identification of unknown glycan structures. This paper introduces the concept of positional nomenclature, gives a systematic representation of glycan structure of any size, and hence develops a method for theoretically generating all possible first and second generation fragments resulting from glycosidic and cross ring cleavages. Matrix equations are developed for the calculation of theoretical masses. Algorithm is presented for iterative generation of all fragments and calculation of their masses. This method is applicable to glycan analytical techniques using MS, MS/MS, and multistage MS (MSn) with different ionization methods, derivatives, or ions used. The method is adaptable to computer program and has been verified for theoretical masses reported in literature. Rules for the theoretical validation of the fragments are presented.
Physical examinations before GP referral to EMH services
Authors: Smith Alan
Published: July 2007

Basic physical examinations and blood tests can be usefully done in primary care before referral to elderly mental health (EMH) services. In this audit, Dr Smith investigated whether such tests were being done routinely before and after a reminder letter was sent to all GP surgeries in the local area. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Worthing‐Davies Sally
Published: July 2007

More institutionalised mental health care –who is behind it?

Despite a lack of formal evidence for benefit, the number of people with psychiatric illness cared for in institutional settings has risen significantly. The cost of this type of care is not insignificant and Professor Priebe discusses whether this trend is a good or bad thing.

EMDR –effective in primary care counselling

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) has proved to be a very effective treatment for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sally Worthing‐Davies explains this method of therapy and the advantages of its use in primary care. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Measurement of Slug Length and Slug Velocity in Pneumatic Conveying Using Capacitive Sensing
Authors: Fuchs Anton , Zangl Hubert
Published: July 2007

This paper describes a capacitive flow sensor and the development of a suitable algorithm for the determination of the slug length and the slug velocity in pneumatic dense phase conveying. The flow meter makes use of novel electrode topology. The algorithm is based on a two‐step approach using Fourier transformation. It allows for robust operation and features sub‐sample resolution for the flow parameters obtained. A process model for dense phase conveying is used to validate the proposed algorithm. Practical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the applicability of both the capacitive flow sensor and the algorithm in pneumatic dense phase conveying.
High‐resolution proteome/peptidome analysis of peptides and low‐molecular‐weight proteins in urine
Authors: Mischak Harald , Julian Bruce A. , Novak Jan
Published: July 2007

All organisms contain thousands of proteins and peptides in their body fluids. A deeper insight into the functional relevance of these polypeptides under different physiological and pathophysiological conditions and the discovery of specific peptide biomarkers would greatly enhance diagnosis and therapy of specific diseases. The low‐molecular‐weight proteome, also termed peptidome, provides a rich source of information. Due to its unique features, the technical challenges differ somewhat from those in “common” proteomics. In this paper, we focus on the low‐molecular‐weight urinary proteome. We review the methodological aspects of sample collection, preparation, analysis, and subsequent data evaluation. In the second part of this review, we summarize the recent progress in the definition and identification of clinically relevant polypeptide markers.
Functional and structural characterization of the catalytic domain of the starch synthase III from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Busi Maria V. , Palopoli Nicolas , Valdez Hugo A. , Fornasari Maria S. , Wayllace Nahuel Z. , Gomez‐Casati Diego F. , Parisi Gustavo , Ugalde Rodolfo A.
Published: July 2007

Glycogen and starch are the major energy storage compounds in most living organisms. The metabolic pathways leading to their synthesis involve the action of several enzymes, among which glycogen synthase (GS) or starch synthase (SS) catalyze the elongation of the α‐1,4‐glucan backbone. At least five SS isoforms were described in Arabidopsis thaliana; it has been reported that the isoform III (SSIII) has a regulatory function on the synthesis of transient plant starch. The catalytic C‐terminal domain of A. thaliana SSIII (SSIII‐CD) was cloned and expressed. SSIII‐CD fully complements the production of glycogen by an Agrobacterium tumefaciens glycogen synthase null mutant, suggesting that this truncated isoform restores in vivo the novo synthesis of bacterial glycogen. In vitro studies revealed that recombinant SSIII‐CD uses with more efficiency rabbit muscle glycogen than amylopectin as primer and display a high apparent affinity for ADP‐Glc. Fold class assignment methods followed by homology modeling predict a high global similarity to A. tumefaciens GS showing a fully conservation of the ADP‐binding residues. On the other hand, this comparison revealed important divergences of the polysaccharide binding domain between AtGS and SSIII‐CD. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrating statistical pair potentials into protein complex prediction
Authors: Mintseris Julian , Pierce Brian , Wiehe Kevin , Anderson Robert , Chen Rong , Weng Zhiping
Published: July 2007

The biophysical study of protein–protein interactions and docking has important implications in our understanding of most complex cellular signaling processes. Most computational approaches to protein docking involve a tradeoff between the level of detail incorporated into the model and computational power required to properly handle that level of detail. In this work, we seek to optimize that balance by showing that we can reduce the complexity of model representation and thus make the computation tractable with minimal loss of predictive performance. We also introduce a pair‐wise statistical potential suitable for docking that builds on previous work and show that this potential can be incorporated into our fast fourier transform‐based docking algorithm ZDOCK. We use the Protein Docking Benchmark to illustrate the improved performance of this potential compared with less detailed other scoring functions. Furthermore, we show that the new potential performs well on antibody‐antigen complexes, with most predictions clustering around the Complementarity Determining Regions of antibodies without any manual intervention. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exciton Attenuation of Hypersound in a Strong Magnetic Field
Authors: Ruvinskii M. A. , Glauberman A. E.
Published: July 2007

An investigation is made of the attenuation of hypersound by Wannier‐Mott excitons in a strong magnetic field when the distance between the Landau zones exceeds the characteristic Coulomb energy and the hypersonic wave propagates perpendicularly to the magnetic field direction in semiconductors with piezoelectric and deformational electron‐phonon interactions. It is also compared with the attenuation of hypersound by the free electrons and holes in the strong magnetic field.
Stacking Fault Energies of α‐CuAl Alloys
Authors: Pande C. S.
Published: July 2007

Stacking fault energy of Cu‐2at% Al has been estimated to be 83 erg/cm2 (± 30%) by faulted dipole method and by extended nodes measurements. Using this value, and those obtained by Howie and Swann, the stacking fault energy of copper is estimated to be 94 erg/cm2. It is shown that the variation of stacking fault energy of Cu‐Al alloys with concentration is given approximately as γCuAl = γCu exp {K [C/(1+C)]2}, where C = X/X0, X being the alloying concentration in at% and X0 the solubility limit in at% at high temperature, and K is a constant ≈ ‐ 10.2.
The Relation between Cottrell‐Stokes Ratios and Stacking Fault Energies in Pure F.C.C. Metals
Authors: McKcousland S.
Published: July 2007

It is shown that the temperature dependence of the flow stress, expressed as a Cottrell‐Stokes ratio, correlates with stacking fault energy for aluminium, nickel, copper, silver, lead, and gold. Since the variation of dislocation configuration with stacking fault energy is not great enough to explain the observed correlation, the variations in width of dissociated dislocations and of energy needed for constriction are considered to be responsible.
Nachweis von durch Druck‐ oder Mahlbehandlung verursachten bleibenden Fehlordnungen in Eisenoxiden mittels Mößbauereffekt
Authors: Krauth A. , Tomandl G.
Published: July 2007

Durch hohen Druck und Langzeitmahlung können in Festkörpergitter bleibende Fehlordnungen eingebracht werden, die sich röntgenorgraphisch als Spannungen nachweisen lassen. Im Falle des Fe3O4 erzeugen diese Fehlordnungen (z.B. eindimensionale Versetzungslinien) bleibende Veränderungen der nächsten Umgebung der Fe2+‐Ionen, die sich in einer Linienverbreiterung des zugehörigen Mößbauer‐Liniensextetts bemerkbar machen. Analoge, aber wesentlich geringere Effekte konnten an α‐ und γ‐Fe2O3 festgestellt werden.
Two‐Dimensional Comparison of Electron Micrographs with Computer Calculations
Authors: Spring M. S. , Steeds J. W.
Published: July 2007

Two methods of displaying two‐dimensional intensity data are developed and used to compare many‐beam dynamical theory calculations with electron micrographs. The effect of different published values of the real lattice potential is investigated and for Cu‐10 at% Al the following values of the imaginary lattice potential V′g were obtained, expressed in terms of U′g = 2 me V′g/h2: U′111/U111 = 0.0275 ± 0.0025, U′0/U111 = 0.0358 ± 0.0026, U′0 = 0.007 ± 0.0005 Å−2. The many‐beam effects at high microscope accelerating voltages are considered.
Excitons and Photoconductivity in Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Wieting T. J. , Yoffe A. D.
Published: July 2007

The photoelectrical properties of several transition‐metal dichalcogenides, principally MoS2, MoSe2, and MoTe2 have been measured and compared with the optical absorption spectra. Both hexagonal and rhombohedral polytypes of MoS2 were investigated. The regular structure near the absorption edge in photoconductivity has been interpreted by means of an exciton‐phonon ionization model, which accounts for the displacement and temperature dependence of the peak positions in MoS2.
Quenched‐in Photoluminescent Color Centers in NaI
Authors: Fontana M. P. , van Sciver W. J.
Published: July 2007

Crystals of NaI, KI, and KCl have been quenched from temperatures as high as 450 °C by rapid immersion in liquid nitrogen. In the case of NaI, very strong absorption bands at 255 nm (Q1) and 226 nm (Q2) may be produced by quenching the crystal from about 360 °C. The excitation spectrum for a characteristic luminescence at 375 nm, is identical, within the limits of experimental accuracy, with bands produced by stoichiometric excess iodine. Similar results were obtained for quenched KI, although the luminescent quantum efficiency was smaller. Negative results were obtained for quenched KCl. Analysis of the observed properties leads to the conclusion that the defect responsible for the 375 nm luminescence is, or is related to, the single cation vacancy.
Plastic Deformation of Lead in the Normal and Superconducting States
Authors: Pustovalov V. V. , Startsev V. I. , Fomenko V. S.
Published: July 2007

The results are given of a systematic investigation of the differences between the macroscopic characteristics of plasticity of lead single and polycrystals of 99.9992 and 99.9995% purity in the superconducting state and in the normal state at the same temperature. In the superconducting state the critical resolved shear stress of single crystals, the yield point of polycrystals, and the flow stress for different stages of deformation are lower than in the normal state. Near the fracture and at the tensile strength no difference between the flow stress in the normal and superconducting state was observed. A temperature dependence of macroscopic property changes was not found in the temperature range of 1.8 to 4.2 °K. The results obtained reveal an essential contribution from the drag due to conduction electrons to the resistance to dislocation motion. The essential interaction with conduction electrons implies that in pure metals the dislocations move with rather large velocities (102 to 105 cm/s) at low temperatures.
ESR Spectra of MoO3 Single Crystals Doped with Vanadium and Niobium
Authors: Ioffe V. A. , Patrina I. B. , Zelenetskaya E. V.
Published: July 2007

In MoO3:V single crystals ESR spectra of V4+ ions and electron hole centres interacting with V51 (I = 7/2) are observed. The relative intensities of the V4+ ions and hole signals change with the atmosphere of crystal growth. In MoO3:Nb single crystals electron hole centres interacting with Nb93 (I = 9/2) nuclei are present; the electrons are partly localized in the molybdenum sublattice. Nb4+ ions are absent. Symmetry of the electron hole spectra shows that the V51 nuclei are in substitutional positions and the Nb93 nuclei are in interstitial ones.
Model‐Potential Theory of Ultrasonic Attenuation in Metals
Authors: Mertsching J. , Rösler M.
Published: July 2007

The matrix element of the electron—phonon interaction, the deformation potential and the longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation of metals in the high‐frequency range are calculated in terms of model potentials. In order to obtain the correct anisotropy of these quantities, the ion model potentials are properly screened with a solid‐state dielectric function rather than with the Hartree dielectric function for free electrons. In zero order in the model‐potential form factors, the free‐electron results are obtained without essential effectivemass corrections, whereas in second order our result differs from Pippard's quasiclassical theory of ultrasonic attenuation. In potassium the deviations from the free‐electron theory are found to be small.
Mössbauer Effect in (Mn1−x−yFexZny)4[BeSiO4]3S Solid Solutions
Authors: Romanov V. P. , Valter A. A. , Zverev N. D. , Eremenko G. K.
Published: July 2007

FeII ion spectra of a nuclear gamma resonance on Fe57 nuclei have been investigated in (Mn1−x−yFexZny)4[BeSiO4]3S solid solutions. The characteristic feature of the spectra is that at 85 °K the electric quadrupole splitting is observed, but at 294 °K the spectra are single, considerably broadened lines. This broadening is assumed to be caused by a unresolved electrical fine structure. According to this assumption, ΔEQ values calculated from the spectra appear to be unusually low and characteristic rather of Fe3+ ions than of Fe2+. The isomer shift values obtained are not characteristic for Fe2+ ions as well. The experimental data on ΔEQ and the isomer shift are explained by the ligand unequivalences and the mechanism of d2p‐hybridization of FeII ion electronic shells.
Infrared Absorption in Crystals with Line Defect
Authors: Celý J.
Published: July 2007

A theoretical study is made of the one‐phonon infrared absorption in harmonic crystals lattices with a line defect. The absorption spectrum has been found in an analytic form for a simple model‐one atomic row of charged isotopes in the direction [001] of the simple cubic lattice consisting of uncharged atoms interacting with nearest neighbours, only.
Amplification of Magnetization Waves in Ferromagnetic Conductors
Authors: Kornyushin Yu. V.
Published: July 2007

A general linear theory of spin wave amplification similar to the theory of amplification of acoustic waves in crystals is presented which takes into account the space charge arising in the course of spin wave propagation in the crystal. The treatment is given for the case of an arbitrary orientation of the wave propagation vector and an external electric field with respect to the vector of crystal magnetic moment. It is found that in an approximation linear in the deviation from the unperturbed spin value the spin—spin interaction does not contribute to spin wave amplification. It is the spin—orbit interaction that contributes to the amplification in a linear approximation. The spin wave amplification factor proves to be proportional to the value of the direct current through the sample and attains appreciable values (about 25 cm−1) at rather weak currents (about 3.5 A/cm2) and wave vectors about 103 cm−1. With increasing wave vector the amplification factor diminishes inversely proportional to the first power of the wave vector in the case of time amplification, and inversely proportional to the second power of the wave vector in the case of space amplification.
Electron Microscopic Study of the Structure Defects and Their Interactions in Niobiumditelluride
Authors: van Landuyt J. , Remaut G. , Amelinckx S.
Published: July 2007

The structure of niobiumditelluride is analysed in terms of its deviations from the cadmiumiodide structure. From this structure model several types of defects are predicted: three types of domain boundaries, two types of antiphase boundaries, and dislocations having a particular fine structure. Direct evidence for the existence of these defects is provided by a series of observations with the electron microscope. The domain configurations as well as the dislocation fine structure are analysed in detail and an excellent agreement is found between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results. Also the interaction between the dislocation multiribbons and the domain boundaries is studied. The behaviour of the dislocations fully supports the structural model.
Dispersion Relations and Selection Rules for Magnons in Antiferromagnetic NiF2
Authors: Joshua S. J.
Published: July 2007

The dispersion relations for magnons in NiF2 are calculated using the recently available values of the exchange constants [1] and the selection rules for two magnon electric and magnetic dipole absorption are deduced. The dispersion curves are found to exhibit the symmetry predicted by Joshua and Cracknell [2].
Line Shape of Mössbauer Hyperfine Spectra
Authors: Schwegler H.
Published: July 2007

A general theory of the line shape of Mössbauer hyperfine spectra is developed within the framework of a new operator space formulation. In the present paper, this theory is applied to hyperfine spectra in the paramagnetic region. The phenomenological Wickman equations are derived from a microscopic quantum mechanical starting point. Explicit expressions for the relaxation terms are obtained, which make possible their discussion and evaluation and a comparison of Mössbauer results with the results of other measurements, especially those of the longitudinal susceptibility χ‖. It is suggested that the discrepancies so far reported between Mössbauer and paramagnetic relaxation experiments are caused by the use of concentrated samples in the latter case.
Electron Spin Resonance on AlCl3:Fe3+
Authors: Bang G. , Sperlich G. , Becker W.‐J.
Published: July 2007

The ESR spectrum of Fe3+ ions, substituting Al3+ ions on lattice sites in AlCl3 single crystals, can be described by the following spin Hamiltonian:

with gx = 2.0112; gy = 2.0118; gz = 1.9947; D = −0.189 cm−1; E = 1.61 ×10−3 cm−3; a = −0.22 × 10−3 cm−1, a + (2/3) F = − 1.6 × 10−3 cm−1; c ≈ 0 cm−1.
Nucleation in Solid Solution Stimulated by Non‐Equilibrium Electrons. II. Electronic Model
Authors: Stoyanov S. , Kashchiev D. , Geoegiev M.
Published: July 2007

A model of the processes of electron trapping and recombination in a supersaturated solid solution of metal atoms in a non‐metallic crystal is considered. The electrons are assumed to occur as a result of exposure to light or other irradiation. Expressions for the steady state nucleation rate as well as for the total number of nuclei formed within a certain time are obtained. An equation is also derived relating the amount of absorbed radiative energy, leading to the formation of a given number of nuclei, to the time of exposure. The results obtained can be applied to nucleation phenomena in solids induced by external irradiation, e.g. the photographic process.
Relations between Critical Indices for Uniaxial Ferromagnets with External Field
Authors: Sznajd J.
Published: July 2007

Using the generalized Kadanoff and Schofield transformations, eleven relations are derived between the fourteen critical indices describing the thermodynamic behaviour of uniaxial ferromagnets in a homogeneous external magnetic field with arbitrary direction.