bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of heat flux and heat transfer coefficient due to spray application for the die casting process
Authors: Sabau A S , Hatfield E C
Published: August 2007

Lubricant spray application experiments were conducted for the die casting process. The heat flux was measured in situ using a differential thermopile sensor for three application techniques. First, the lubricant was applied under a constant flowrate while the nozzle was held in the same position. Second, the lubricant was applied in a pulsed, static manner, in which the nozzle was held over the same surface while it was turned on and off several times. Third, the lubricant was applied in a sweeping manner, in which the nozzle was moved along the die surface while it was held open. The experiments were conducted at several die temperatures and at sweep speeds of 20, 23, and 68 cm/s. The heat flux data, which were obtained with a sensor that was located in the centre of the test plate, were presented and discussed. The sensor can be used to evaluate lubricants, monitor the consistency of die lubrication process, and obtain useful process data, such as surface temperature, heat flux, and heat transfer coefficients. The heat removed from the die surface during lubricant application is necessary for (a) designing the cooling channels in the die, i.e. their size and placement, and (b) performing accurate numerical simulations of the die casting process.
Analysis of fractal frictional contact in machining
Authors: Raman S , Basu A , Kilic D S
Published: August 2007

A model of the interfacial frictional conditions at the secondary shear zone in oblique cutting is under development. It has been suggested that the tool-chip interface consists of sticking and sliding microcontacts, each of which exhibit dynamic variations throughout the cut. The bond strength at the interface is difficult to determine because of the unpredictable characteristic of precipitation variability and the complex behaviour of the work material under severe cutting conditions. In this research the frictional interface is investigated on a microscopic scale to shed some light on these issues. Time-dependent cutting experiments illustrate the dynamic variations in sticking and sliding. It is also proved that the sticking and sliding areas exhibit fractal characteristics. Actual contact areas for sticking and sliding were calculated by using image analysis techniques. A relationship between the fractal dimension and the area of contact is noted. A mathematical model is proposed on the basis of the measured forces and calculated contact areas.
Business and logistics hub integration to facilitate global supply chain linkage
Authors: Trappey C V , Trappey A J C , Lin G Y P , Liu C S , Lee W T
Published: August 2007

With the development and integration of the global supply chain, manufacturing industries are rapidly adjusting their modes of operation within and between enterprises. Existing manufacturing processes are being improved to meet the requirements of lean and agile manufacturing, and suppliers are given additional responsibilities to provide parts and services dynamically. An enterprise must strategically re-engineer its operations model to face the rapid changes of the global market place. This paper identifies prevailing challenges and highlights a future vision of the global logistics management framework for the automotive industry. An integrated business and logistics hub (IBLH) model integrating information flows (via the business hub) and material flows (via the logistics hub) is presented. This research uses the case of a Taiwan automobile parts and assembly manufacturer to analyse the processes of the IBLH. The goals of the case are to shorten supply chain processes, reduce inventory costs, and ensure information transparency during material flow and product distribution. Finally, this research provides suggestions to depict the case company's current limitations and deficiencies, and presents a future plan for e-logistics services.
Selection of optimal part orientation in fused deposition modelling using swarm intelligence
Authors: Ghorpade A , Karunakaran K P , Tiwari M K
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a swarm intelligence approach for optimal orientation of a part produced by the fused deposition modelling method, with a view to reduce the volumetric errors that are primarily responsible for poor surface finish. A part is oriented in such a way to assist the designer in reducing build time, while at the same time enhancing part quality and orientational efficiency. The conventional approach in optimization of part orientation considers only minimization of the staircase effect in order to enhance the part quality. In the approach used by the present authors, a part is oriented by transforming it about x and y axes and an orientation is selected that not only provides minimum volumetric error and building time but also enhances orientational efficiency of the fused deposition modelling method. Using the swarm intelligence technique, the hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to obtain optimal part orientation. The results obtained by using the hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithm are further compared with the results obtained by using the genetic algorithm; the results reveal that the hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithm provides a better outcome than the genetic algorithm. An example is given to illustrate the approach.
Influence of the belt-finishing process on the surface texture obtained by hard turning
Authors: Khellouki A , Rech J , Zahouani H
Published: August 2007

The belt-finishing process is a recent manufacturing technique in industry, the mechanisms and characteristics of which have not yet been fully explained. This paper attempts to make a contribution to the understanding of the consequences of the process on the surface roughness of surfaces prepared by hard turning. Abrasive film wear and contact parameters between grains and surfaces are analysed. The effects and significant interactions of the most influential belt-finishing parameters on the surface roughness are then investigated. It was shown that the applied force and the hardness of the roller have a great influence on the surface roughness. Furthermore, the film feed rate influences considerably the wear of grains and, as a consequence, this parameter has an important impact on the material removal mode and on the surface roughness.
High removal rate grinding of transmission components using CBN wheels
Authors: Varghese B , Kumar K V
Published: August 2007

Higher productivity and improved part quality requirements are increasingly being demanded of material removal processes. While these demands impose significant challenges, in some cases they also present opportunities to consider grinding as a viable alternative to processes such as turning, milling, and broaching. This has been made possible through advances in various aspects of grinding technology including abrasives, wheel design, coolant, and its application as well as machine tool technology. The current paper discusses grinding of a nodular cast iron transmission yoke component on a dual spindle grinder as opposed to the current processes of milling and broaching. High contact length in this application presented significant problems to supply coolant to the grinding zone and had an adverse effect on wheel life. An electroplated cubic boron nitride wheel was designed with special arrangements to supply coolant to the grinding zone. This design facilitated grinding the yokes at a specific removal rate of 200mm3/mms and a cutting speed of 80 m/s while maintaining yoke parallelism of less than 5 μm. Grinding tests were conducted using water-soluble oil coolant. Both grinding power and part parallelism were monitored in a pilot run to evaluate the wheel life. The approach was demonstrated to provide lower total operating cost while providing superior part quality.
Computer-aided recycling process planning for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment
Authors: Bakar M S Abu , Rahimifard S
Published: August 2007

The significant environmental cost associated with management of products at the end-of-life has resulted in the emergence of ‘producer responsibility’ legislations to encourage increase in recovery and recycling practices. In the case of electrical and electronic equipment, one such legislation, namely the ‘Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive’, requires manufacturers to assume financial and legal liability for recovery and recycling of their products at the end-of-life. The current recycling applications of electrical and electronic waste are often developed on ad hoc basis and mainly attributable to the hidden economic value within used products. However, owing to stricter regulations on end-of-life product recycling, it is now essential to evaluate the recycling costs and environmental benefits of reclaimed products and materials as well as the selection of appropriate recycling strategy. The present paper describes the initial investigation in the realization of a computer-aided recycling process planner for electrical and electronic products. The assertion made is that such a systematic approach to producing bespoke eco-efficient recycling process plans for individual products will significantly improve the value recovery from recycling activities.
Optimization of process parameters of Nd:YAG laser microgrooving of Al2TiO5 ceramic material by response surface methodology and artificial neural network algorithm
Authors: Dhupal D , Doloi B , Bhattacharyya B
Published: August 2007

The high-intensity pulsed Nd:YAG laser has the capability to produce both deep grooves and microgrooves on a wide range of engineering materials such as ceramics, composites, and diamond. The micromachining of ceramics is highly demanded in industry because of its wide and potential uses in various fields such as automobile, electronic, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Engineering ceramic, i.e. aluminium titanate (Al2TiO5), has tremendous application in the automobile and aero-engine industries owing to its excellent thermal properties. The present paper deals with the artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) based mathematical modelling and also an optimization analysis of the machining characteristics of the pulsed Nd:YAG laser during the microgrooving operation on Al2TiO5. The experiments were planned and carried out based on design of experiments (DOE). Lamp current, pulse frequency, pulse width, assist air pressure, and cutting speed were considered as machining process parameters during the pulsed Nd:YAG laser microgrooving operation and these parameters were also utilized to develop the ANN predictive model. The response criteria selected for optimization were upper width, lower width, and depth of the trapezoidal microgroove. The optimal process parameter settings were obtained as an assist air pressure of 1.2944 kgf/cm2, lamp current of 19.3070A, pulse frequency of 1.755 kHz, pulse width of 5.7087 per cent of duty cycle, and cutting speed of 10mm/s for achieving the desired upper width, lower width, and depth of the laser microgroove. The output of the RSM optimal data was validated through experimentation and the ANN predictive model. A good agreement is observed between the results based on the ANN predictive model and the actual experimental observations.
Global engineering networks: The integrating framework and key patterns
Authors: Zhang Y , Gregory M , Shi Y J
Published: August 2007

The current paper proposes an integrating framework to present the essential elements of global engineering networks (GENs) from the perspectives of the context, capability, and configuration (3C). Using the 3C framework, three key patterns (efficient GEN, flexible GEN, and innovative GEN) of the leading practice have been identified. The research updates the concept of global engineering management for current business environments and aims to help researchers and practitioners to understand and manage dispersed engineering operations in dynamic environments. The framework is based on a literature review and refined by the empirical studies of a small number of companies in the aerospace, automotive, electrics, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. More in-depth studies across a wider range of industries would improve the validity and reliability.
Performance optimization of a Joule-Brayton engine based on the efficient power criterion
Authors: Yilmaz T
Published: August 2007

The proper optimization criteria to be chosen for the optimum design of heat engines may differ depending on their purposes and working conditions. If the heat engine design was done not to obtain maximum work or power, but to have maximum benefit from energy, then the design objective is to get maximum efficiency. In this study, a new performance analysis is applied to a reversible Joule-Brayton cycle based on a new criterion which is proposed for all kind of heat engines. The proposed criterion, called efficient power, is defined as the multiplication of power by efficiency. Therefore, this criterion considers not only the power output but also the cycle efficiency. Maximizing the efficient power function gives a compromise between power and efficiency. The results showed that the design parameters at maximum efficient power (mep) conditions lead to more efficient engines than that at the maximum power conditions and that the mep criterion may have a significant power advantage compared to the maximum power density criterion.
Reducing the CO emissions in a laminar burner using different numerical optimization methods
Authors: Janiga G , Thévenin D
Published: August 2007

In this work, the optimization of the flame properties associated to a laminar burner is carried out using different optimization methods (genetic algorithm, Simplex) when varying the fuel/air ratio in a primary and a secondary inlet. The objective is to reduce the CO emission at a prescribed distance from the injection plane. An in-house computer package, called OPAL, controls the optimization process in a fully automatic manner. The flow involving chemical reactions is solved using the in-house computational fluid dynamics code UGC+.
Conceptual optimization of axial-flow hydraulic turbines with non-free vortex design
Authors: Albuquerque R. B F. , Manzanares-Filho N , Oliveira W
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a low cost computational methodology for conceptual design optimization of axial-flow hydraulic turbines. The flow model away from the blade rows is considered axisymmetric, steady, and with cylindrical stream surfaces. The flow at the cross-sections behind the distributor and behind the runner is treated by means of the simplified radial equilibrium equation. The flow losses and deviations are assessed by using empirical correlations. Although simplified, the model allows the consideration of non-free vortex analysis at an early design stage. For reducing the set of design variables to be optimized, the runner blading stagger, camber, and chord-pitch ratio are parameterized in terms of their values at the hub, mean, and tip stations. The optimization problem consists in finding a basic geometry that maximizes the turbine efficiency, given the design flowrate, rotational speed and bounds for the design variables and also for the available head. Two optimization techniques have been applied: a standard sequential quadratic programming and a controlled random search algorithm. An application example is presented and discussed for the optimization of a real turbine model. The optimal solution is compared with the original turbine design, showing potential performance improvements.
Influence of the volute design parameters on the performance of a centrifugal compressor of an aircraft turbocharger
Authors: Hassan A. S.
Published: August 2007

Theoretical and experimental studies on the effect of the volute design parameters on the centrifugal compressor range of stable operation and pressure rise coefficient were investigated. In the theoretical study, the effect of the symmetric and tangent volute area ratios (AR) on the diffuser pressure recovery factor and flow stability was investigated. In the experimental study, different configurations of a symmetrical and tangent (overhung) volutes with different ARs from 0.4 to 0.8 were investigated. Comparisons between the two different types of volute design parameters on compressor stable flow range and pressure rise coefficient were made. Effect of the gab between the diffuser vanes and the volute casing on the compressor stability was investigated. This gap was changed from 0 to 0.4 of the impeller exit width in five tests. The pressure fluctuation leading to stall was observed at the vaneless region. Stall and surge were detected by analysing both the fluctuations of pressure signals and the power spectrum density. The effect of different volute configurations and clearance on stall initiation, and hence compressor stable operation, were discussed. The theoretical results show that the increase in the symmetric volute exit radius increases the pressure recovery factor in the diffuser. Experimental data show that the increase in the AR of symmetric and tangent volutes increases the compressor range of stable operation as well as pressure rise coefficient.
Early start-up of solid oxide fuel cell hybrid systems with ejector cathodic recirculation: Experimental results and model verification
Authors: Ferrari M. L. , Traverso A , Pascenti M , Massardo A. F.
Published: August 2007

A new test rig, founded in part by Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Limited, by the EU integrated project ‘FELICITAS’, and by the national project PRIN-2005, has been designed and built at the University of Genova to study different early start-up layouts and strategies for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid systems, using ejector-based cathodic recirculation.

The test rig, which is flexible enough to analyse different emulated turbomachine layout (single shaft, two shafts, regenerated cycles or not, and so forth), different ejector configurations, and different stack arrangements, is unique. It also allows the early start-up performance to be fully investigated with particular attention to the analysis of the hybrid system fluid dynamic behaviour when the stack is off and the control system operates at critical conditions.

The experiments have been carried out using a patented start-up combustor emulator (outlet temperature higher than 950°C), and monitoring the pressure and temperature quick rise to prevent mechanical and thermal stress to the fuel cell stack and to maintain turbomachine stability.

The experimental results have also been used to verify the time-dependent hybrid system models based on TPG-TRANSEO tool. The results show good agreement with experimental data. This is essential to increase confidence with predictive time-dependent simulation tools during the start-up phase, where experimental data are hardly available and fuel cell materials may operate under risky conditions.
Water-soluble Carbon Nanotube Chain-transfer Agents (CNT-CTAs)
Authors: Ellis Amanda V , Waterland Mark R , Quinton Jamie
Published: August 2007

Acyl chloride groups on carbon nanotubes are reacted with a magnesium chloride dithiopropanoate salt to create novel carbon nanotube chain-transfer agents (CNT-CTAs) for potential use in reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerizations.
Ring-closing Metathesis for the Synthesis of Phenylene-bridged Silamacrocycles
Authors: Phan Son Thanh , Setaka Wataru , Kira Mitsuo
Published: August 2007

Disilacycloalkadienes with bridged halophenylene rings have been successfully synthesized via ring-closing metathesis reactions. Molecular structures of these macrocycles were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopies and X-ray crystallography. The Sonogashira coupling reactions of the macrocycles with phenylacetylene did not proceed probably owing to severe steric hindrance during the reactions.
Reputations, Relationships, and Contract Enforcement
Authors: MacLeod W. Bentley
Published: August 2007

When the quality of a good is at the discretion of the seller, how can buyers assure that the seller provides the mutually efficient level of quality? Contracts that provide a bonus to the seller if the quality is acceptable or impose a penalty on the seller if quality is unacceptable can, in theory, provide efficient incentives. But how are such contracts enforced? While the courts can be used, doing so involves high real costs. Informal enforcement, involving a loss of reputation and future access to the market for any party that defaults on a contract, may often be a better alternative. This paper explores the use of both formal and informal enforcement mechanisms, provides a rationale for a variety of observed market mechanisms, and then generates a number of testable hypotheses.
Vertical Integration and Firm Boundaries: The Evidence
Authors: Lafontaine Francine , Slade Margaret
Published: August 2007

Since Ronald H. Coase's (1937) seminal paper, a rich set of theories has been developed that deal with firm boundaries in vertical or input–output structures. In the last twenty-five years, empirical evidence that can shed light on those theories also has been accumulating. We review the findings of empirical studies that have addressed two main interrelated questions: First, what types of transactions are best brought within the firm and, second, what are the consequences of vertical integration decisions for economic outcomes such as prices, quantities, investment, and profits. Throughout, we highlight areas of potential cross-fertilization and promising areas for future work.
A Review of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change
Authors: Nordhaus William D
Published: August 2007

How much and how fast should we react to the threat of global warming? The Stern Review argues that the damages from climate change are large, and that nations should undertake sharp and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. An examination of the Review's radical revision of the economics of climate change finds, however, that it depends decisively on the assumption of a near-zero time discount rate combined with a specific utility function. The Review's unambiguous conclusions about the need for extreme immediate action will not survive the substitution of assumptions that are consistent with today's marketplace real interest rates and savings rates.
A Review of Avner Greif's Institutions and the Path to the Modern Economy: Lessons from Medieval Trade
Authors: Clark Gregory
Published: August 2007

Avner Greif's Institutions and the Path to the Modern Economy: Lessons from Medieval Trade (Cambridge University Press, 2006) is a major work in the ongoing project of many economists and economic historians to show that institutions are the fundamental driver of all economic history and of all contemporary differences in economic performance. This review outlines the contribution of this book to the project and the general status of this long standing ambition.
Oral Aloe Vera-Induced Hepatitis
Authors: Bottenberg Michelle M , Wall Geoffrey C , Harvey Roger L , Habib Shahid
Published: August 2007

Objective:

To report a case of possible oral aloe vera-induced hepatitis.

Case Summary:

A 73-year-old female was admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis. Extensive laboratory testing did not reveal the cause of the patient's disease. She was asked multiple times whether she was taking any home medications, which she initially denied. It was only after an extensive medication history done by a clinical pharmacist that the patient admitted to using oral aloe vera capsules for constipation. Upon discontinuation of the oral aloe vera, liver markers of hepatotoxicity returned to normal levels.

Discussion:

Herbal medications pose an increasing problem in patient safety, as the different types of these products and the number of patients who use them continue to grow. In the US, these products are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as prescription medications; thus, safety information can be difficult to obtain. In particular, hepatic toxicity due to herbal agents is poorly described in the medical literature. Aloe vera, often used topically for minor burns, can also be used orally as a laxative or an “anti-aging” agent. According to the Naranjo probability scale, the hepatotoxicity in this case was possibly related to ingestion of oral aloe vera. Additionally, using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method for determining drug hepatotoxicity, the patient's symptoms were scored as probably caused by oral aloe vera. The more conservative designation was used in our report.

Conclusions:

With the widespread use of oral aloe vera and other herbal products, clinicians faced with a case of acute hepatitis that is not readily diagnosed should question patients about herbal use.
Serum Piperacillin/Tazobactam Pharmacokinetics in a Morbidly Obese Individual
Authors: Newman Diane , Scheetz Marc H , Adeyemi Oluwadamilola A , Montevecchi Mauro , Nicolau David P , Noskin Gary A , Postelnick Michael J
Published: August 2007

Objective:

To report pharmacokinetic alterations and optimal dosing of piperacillin/tazobactam in an obese patient.

Case Summary:

A 39-year-old morbidly obese (weight 167 kg, body mass index 50 kg/m2) man was treated with piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 g every 4 hours for recurrent cellulitis. The wound culture grew Groups A and B Streptococcus and rare Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Blood samples were obtained at steady-state from a peripheral venous catheter at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the start of the infusion. Population pharmacokinetics were generated from a previously published data set. The serum concentrations of piperacillin/tazobactam obtained in the patient were compared with the 95% confidence interval from the representative population. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as maximal serum concentration, minimal serum concentration, average steady-state concentration, half-life, elimination rate constant, volume of distribution (Vd), clearance, area under the curve at steady-state, and percent of time greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration (%t>MIC) were calculated and qualitatively compared between the sample and the population.

Discussion:

Substantial differences were noted in both the absolute values at the times of sample collection and the overall concentration-versus-time profile of both compounds. The morbidly obese individual compared with the population demonstrated a reduced average serum steady-state concentration: 39.8 mg/L versus 123.6 mg/L, an increased Vd: 54.3 L versus 12.7 L, and an increased half-life: 1.4 hours versus 0.6 hours, respectively. The %t>MIC of piperacillin for the patient, assuming MICs of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 mg/L, was 100%. 100%, 90.9%, 55.4%. 19.9%, 0%, and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Pathogens with elevated MICs may require altered dosing schemes with piperacillin/tazobactam. Future studies are warranted to assess increased dosages, more frequent dosing intervals, or continuous infusion dosing schemes for obese individuals with serious infections.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D corrected serum ACE activity and severity assessment of community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: van de Garde Ewoudt M.W. , Endeman Henrik , Deneer Vera H.M. , Biesma Douwe H. , Ruven Henk J.T. , van Velzen-Blad Heleen , Leufkens Hubert G.M. , van den Bosch Jules M.M.
Published: August 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1326–31.
Are changes in blood-ethanol concentration during storage analytically significant? Importance of method imprecision
Authors: Jones A. Wayne
Published: August 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1299–304.
Calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol remains a viable and important test for screening and targeting therapy
Authors: Abudu Ntei , Levinson Stanley S.
Published: August 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1319–25.
On Phase Extension and head movement
Authors: Surányi Balázs
Published: August 2007

1. Introduction

Marcel den Dikken's exploratory study on locality based on Chomsky's phase-based model of syntax diverges from Chomsky's (2000, 2001, 2004) phase theory in two crucial regards. First, the particular notion of phasehood he puts forward is defined by the semantic property of predicationality (rather than Chomsky's loosely interpreted propositionality). Second, the paper (re)introduces dynamicity to the theory of locality domains by proposing that inherent phases are extended through head movement (HM), i.e., phasehood can be inherited (compare Chomsky 1986, Bobaljik and Wurmbrand 2003).
TASK-3 Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channels Enable Sustained High-Frequency Firing in Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Authors: Brickley Stephen G. , Aller M. Isabel , Sandu Cristina , Veale Emma L. , Alder Felicity G. , Sambi Harvinder , Mathie Alistair , Wisden William
Published: August 2007

The ability of neurons, such as cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs), to fire action potentials (APs) at high frequencies during sustained depolarization is usually explained in relation to the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels. Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are considered to simply hyperpolarize the resting membrane potential (RMP) by increasing the potassium permeability of the membrane. However, we find that CGNs lacking the TASK-3 type K2Pchannel exhibit marked accommodation of action potential firing. The accommodation phenotype was not associated with any change in the functional properties of the underlying voltage-gated sodium channels, nor could it be explained by the more depolarized RMP that resulted from TASK-3 channel deletion. A functional rescue, involving the introduction of a nonlinear leak conductance with a dynamic current clamp, was able to restore wild-type firing properties to adult TASK-3 knock-out CGNs. Thus, in addition to the accepted role of TASK-3 channels in limiting neuronal excitability, by increasing the resting potassium conductance TASK-3 channels also increase excitability by supporting high-frequency firing once AP threshold is reached.
Loss of X-Linked Mental Retardation Gene Oligophrenin1 in Mice Impairs Spatial Memory and Leads to Ventricular Enlargement and Dendritic Spine Immaturity
Authors: Khelfaoui Malik , Denis Cécile , van Galen Elly , de Bock Frédéric , Schmitt Alain , Houbron Christophe , Morice Elise , Giros Bruno , Ramakers Ger , Fagni Laurent , Chelly Jamel , Nosten-Bertrand Marika , Billuart Pierre
Published: August 2007

Loss of oligophrenin1 (OPHN1) function in human causes X-linked mental retardation associated with cerebellar hypoplasia and, in some cases, with lateral ventricle enlargement.In vitrostudies showed that ophn1 regulates dendritic spine through the control of Rho GTPases, but itsin vivofunction remains unknown. We generated a mouse model of ophn1 deficiency and showed that it mimics the ventricles enlargement without affecting the cerebellum morphoanatomy. The ophn1 knock-out mice exhibit behavioral defects in spatial memory together with impairment in social behavior, lateralization, and hyperactivity. Long-term potentiation and mGluR-dependant long-term depression are normal in the CA1 hippocampal area of ophn1 mutant, whereas paired-pulse facilitation is reduced. This altered short-term plasticity that reflects changes in the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic processes is associated with normal synaptic density together with a reduction in mature dendritic spines. In culture, inactivation of ophn1 function increases the density and proportion of immature spines. Using a conditional model of loss of ophn1 function, we confirmed this immaturity defect and showed that ophn1 is required at all the stages of the development. These studies show that, depending of the context, ophn1 controls the maturation of dendritic spines either by maintaining the density of mature spines or by limiting the extension of new filopodia. Altogether, these observations indicate that cognitive impairment related to OPHN1 loss of function is associated with both presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations.
Rethinking Tuning:In VivoWhole-Cell Recordings of the Inferior Colliculus in Awake Bats
Authors: Xie Ruili , Gittelman Joshua X. , Pollak George D.
Published: August 2007

Tuning curves were recorded with patch electrodes from the inferior colliculus (IC) of awake bats to evaluate the tuning of the inputs to IC neurons, reflected in their synaptic tuning, compared with the tuning of their outputs, expressed in their discharge tuning. A number of unexpected features were revealed with whole-cell recordings. Among these was that most neurons responded to tones with inhibition and/or subthreshold excitation over a surprisingly broad frequency range. The synaptic tuning in many cells was at least 1.5–2.0 octaves wide and, on average, was more than twice as wide as the frequency range that evoked discharges even after inhibition was blocked. In most cells, tones evoked complex synaptic response configurations that varied with frequency, suggesting that these cells were not innervated by congruent excitatory and inhibitory projections. Synaptic tuning was not only wide but was also diverse, in which some cells were dominated by excitation (n= 20), others were dominated by excitation with sideband inhibition (n= 21), but most were dominated by inhibition with little evidence of excitation (n= 31). Another unexpected finding was that some cells responded with inhibition to the onset and offset of tones over a wide frequency range, in which the patterns of synaptic responses changed markedly with frequency. These cells never fired to tones at 50 dB sound pressure level but fired to frequency-modulated sweeps at that intensity and were directionally selective. Thus, the features revealed by whole-cell recordings show that the processing in many IC cells results from inputs spectrally broader and more complex than previously believed.
Differential Abilities of SNAP-25 Homologs to Support Neuronal Function
Authors: Delgado-Martínez Ignacio , Nehring Ralf B. , Sørensen Jakob B.
Published: August 2007

The SNAP receptor (SNARE) complex, consisting of synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), synaptobrevin-2, and syntaxin-1, is involved in synaptic vesicles exocytosis. In addition, SNAP-25 has been implicated in constitutive exocytosis processes required for neurite outgrowth. However, at least three isoforms of SNAP-25 have been reported from neurons: SNAP-23, which is also present in non-neuronal cells, and the two alternative splice variants SNAP-25a and SNAP-25b. Here, we studied the differential ability of these isoforms to support the functions previously broadly ascribed to “SNAP-25.” We studied the rescue ofsnap-25null neurons in culture with different SNAP-25 homologs. We find that deletion of SNAP-25 leads to strongly reduced neuron survival, and, in the few surviving cells, impaired arborization, reduced spontaneous release, and complete arrest of evoked release. Lentiviral expression of SNAP-25a, SNAP-25b, or SNAP-23 rescued neuronal survival, arborization, amplitude, and frequency of spontaneous events. Also evoked release was rescued by all isoforms, but synchronous release required SNAP-25a/b in both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. SNAP-23 supported asynchronous release only, reminiscent ofsynaptotagmin-1null neurons. SNAP-25b was superior to SNAP-25a in vesicle priming, resembling the shift to larger releasable vesicle pools that accompanies synaptic maturation. These data demonstrate a differential ability of SNAP-25b, SNAP-25a, and SNAP-23 to support neuronal function.
Risk of Warfarin‐Related Bleeding Events and Supratherapeutic International Normalized Ratios Associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Shalansky Stephen , Lynd Larry , Richardson Kathryn , Ingaszewski Andrew , Kerr Charles
Published: August 2007

Study Objective. To determine the risk of bleeding and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs) associated with use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients receiving warfarin.

Design. Prospective, longitudinal study.

Setting. An acute care, academic and research hospital in Canada.

Patients. A total of 171 adults who were prescribed warfarin anticoagulation therapy for an expected duration of at least 4 months after enrollment.

Intervention. Patients were asked to complete a 16‐week diary by recording bleeding events and exposure to factors previously reported to increase the risk of bleeding and supratherapeutic INRs, including CAM consumption.

Measurements and Main Results. Prescription, medical, and laboratory records were reviewed. Risk factors for bleeding events and supratherapeutic INR (at least 0.5 units above the target range) were evaluated longitudinally by using generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling. Of the 171 patients completing a diary, 87 (51%) reported at least one bleeding event and 36 (21%) had a supratherapeutic INR. Seventy‐three patients (43%) indicated they had used at least one CAM product previously reported to interact with warfarin. Warfarin use of less than 3 months' duration was the only statistically significant risk factor identified for supratherapeutic INR. The CAM therapies associated with an increased risk of self‐reported bleeding included cayenne, ginger, willow bark, St. John's wort, and coenzyme Q10. Use of more than one CAM while receiving warfarin was also a significant risk factor. Two CAMs were independently associated with an increased risk of self‐reported bleeding: coenzyme Q10 (odds ratio [OR] 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88–7.24) and ginger (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.42–4.24). Other risk factors significantly associated with increased bleeding included high target INR (2.5–3.5), diarrhea, acetaminophen use, increased alcohol consumption, and increased age.

Conclusions. The use of CAM by patients receiving warfarin is common, and consumption of coenzyme Q10 or ginger appears to increase the risk of bleeding in this population.
Update on Transfusion Medicine
Authors: Shander Aryeh , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: August 2007

Clinical pharmacists often participate on critical care teams that manage patients with bleeding emergencies. Although blood products are usually dispensed from the blood bank and not the pharmacy, pharmacists should be conversant in the language and trends of transfusion medicine, much like they are with other therapeutic agents. Toward that goal, this review provides a concise transfusion medicine tutorial, covering all commonly used blood products, including red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and plasma derivatives such as cryoprecipitate, prothrombin complex concentrates, and albumin. Usage patterns, the rationale for administering the various blood products, and studies that have attempted to determine appropriate criteria for ordering transfusions (transfusion triggers) are discussed. The benefits, risks, and several ongoing controversies that relate to the appropriateness and safety of blood product use are also summarized.
Encouraging Ethical Respect Through Multicultural Literature
Authors: Levin Fran
Published: August 2007

The author reviews numerous works of multicultural literature that encourage ethical respect and understanding of others.
“Help! What Is Wrong With These Literature Circles and How Can We Fix Them?”
Authors: Clarke Lane W. , Holwadel Jennifer
Published: August 2007

By using positive discussion strategies and creating safe and supportive communities around books, teachers can promote student relationships outside of the classroom as well

This articles details what happened when, after endless hours of teaching and explaining how literature circles work, the authors were dismayed at how their students still struggled to have positive social interactions during book discussions. Book discussions often deteriorated into tension filled discussions marred by class inequities, bullying, name‐calling, kicking, and threats. The authors closely examined the context of this classroom and came up with some solutions to improve literature circles for their students.

This article identifies some issues that worked against book groups (such as student and structural barriers) and suggests some possible changes (minilessons, watching videos, choosing good books, coaching students) to assist others who also need help figuring out what is wrong with their literature circle discussions and what to do to improve them.
Instruction of Metacognitive Strategies Enhances Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Achievement of Third‐Grade Students
Authors: Boulware‐Gooden Regina , Carreker Suzanne , Thornhill Ann , Joshi R. Malatesha
Published: August 2007

The use of metacognitive strategies helps students to “think about their thinking” before, during, and after they read.
Learning About Word Parts With Kidspiration
Authors: Gill Sharon Ruth
Published: August 2007

Knowing the meanings of common root words, prefixes, and suffixes may help students read and spell the longer words they begin to run into in the upper elementary grades. This article describes how students can use the Kidspiration computer program to quickly and easily create word webs that illustrate the meanings of common root words and affixes.
Comic Strips as a Text Structure for Learning to Read
Authors: McVicker Claudia J.
Published: August 2007

Teachers can use comics for reading instruction by capitalizing on their colorful graphic representation. Technology and reading are wed during the use of the Internet, and readers must rely on their visual literacy skills–a group of vision competencies people can hone for comprehension. This article reports on strategies for developing visual literacy skills by using comic strips. Comic strips provide a quick, concise way to teach and apply reading skills for practice or remediation. Suggestions for using a comic strip comprehension game on an educational website as well as strips from the daily paper are offered.
Continuous learning processes in creating the public realm
Authors: Ataöv A.
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a three-year long participatory action research (PAR) project conducted in collaboration with government officials, researchers, social workers and 400 street children in six Turkish metropolitan cities. By utilising the experiences of this project, it is argued that inclusive planning of public space requires a ‘process’ approach that can stimulate those involved to a more liberating state. The PAR methodologies can provide the means to conduct planning in a process of participation and change. Change emerges through successive phases of dialogue and joint action. This, in turn, creates a continuous learning process for those involved through conversation and experience. The project documented in this paper used the PAR methodology to induce change in dealing with street children in the context of their inclusiveness in public space. This paper addresses the social process of this PAR project, which facilitated learning for the involved participants. The paper gives an analysis of the process to illustrate how PAR created a continuous learning process.
Measurement and modeling of adaptation to noise in images
Authors: Fairchild Mark D. , Johnson Garrett M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— Webster has proposed “that adaptation increases the salience of novel stimuli by partially discounting the ambient background.” This is an excellent, concise, description of the purpose and function of chromatic adaptation in image‐reproduction applications. However, Webster was not limiting this proposal to just chromatic adaptation, but rather using it as a general description for all forms of perceptual adaptation. Demonstrations of adaptation to other properties of image displays such as motion, blur, and spatial frequency led the authors to ponder the question of whether observers might adapt to the noise structure in images to enhance the novel stimuli — the systematic image content. This phenomenon, noise adaptation in images, was easily demonstrated, but apparently has not been carefully studied in the past. Psychophysical measurements of noise adaptation in color image perception is described and mathematical prediction of the effect is explored. The results illustrate the hypothesized pattern‐dependent adaptation and its prediction through adaptation of a 2‐D contrast‐sensitivity function in an image‐appearance‐model‐based difference metric.
Competing display technologies for the best image performance
Authors: De Vaan Adrianus J. S. M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— Cathode‐ray tubes (CRTs) have been the dominant display technology for years, having the best image performance and low cost. During the last several years, flat‐panel‐display technologies, such as liquid‐crystal displays (LCDs), began to replace the CRT mainly because of its favorable form factor. Today, the image performance of LCDs are equal to that of a CRT, and attractive flat‐display products have become so affordable that they have replaced the CRT from its dominating market position and have obtained the largest market share. In the past, the CRT set the standards for digital imaging technologies, but today, modern image capturing, storage, transport, signal processing, and printing technologies have improved to such high levels that they demand better display technologies and standards. At present, the LCD is at the forefront of this display‐technology evolution. This paper will focus on the latest image‐quality improvements in LCD technology and briefly touch alternatives such as plasma‐display panels (PDP) and microdisplay projection. Special attention will be given to the latest developments in wide‐color‐gamut technologies and methods to reproduce accurate colors within a display device.
Multi‐primary design of spectrally accurate displays
Authors: Ben‐Chorin Moshe , Eliav Dan
Published: August 2007

Abstract— Spectral color reproduction overcomes some inherent problems of colorimetric reproduction. An implementation of a spectral display for surface color reproduction, capable of reproducing a desired spectrum for each pixel, based on multi‐primary projection technology, is presented. A light source with a spectrum identical to that of the illumination is filtered by a positive linear combination of several color filters, which reproduces the reflectance spectra. The spectra of the color filters are tailored to span the space of possible surface spectra. Various methods for choosing the color filters vis‐à‐vis the required performance are discussed in detail. Soft‐proofing application is examined as a test case for the concept.
Image‐color‐quality modeling under various surround conditions for a 2‐in. mobile transmissive LCD
Authors: Kim Youn‐Jin , Luo M. Ronnier , Rhodes Peter , Choe Won‐Hee , Lee Seong‐Deok , Lee Seung‐Sin , Kwak Young‐Shin , Park Dus‐Sik , Kim Chang‐Yeong
Published: August 2007

Abstract— This study aims to develop an image‐color‐quality (ICQ) model for a 2‐in. mobile transmissive liquid‐crystal display (LCD). A hypothetical framework for ICQ judgment was made to visually assess ICQ based the cognitive processes of the human visual system (HVS), and then an illumination adaptive ICQ model applicable for various surround conditions was developed. The memory color reproduction ratio (MCRR) of a locally adapted region of interest in a complex image reproduced on a mobile display was first computed. The colorfulness index and luminance contrast for all of the pixels in the image were then calculated by a global adaptation process. Finally, an ICQ model including all of the three attributes was developed under dark conditions using an assessed set of psychophysical data. The model gave more accurate performance than the mean accuracy for all of the observers. It was also visually tested under three different outdoor conditions, including overcast, bright, and very bright conditions, and the illuminance level range was from 7000 to 35,000 to 70,000 lx. The effect of outdoor illumination could be quantified as an exponential decay function and the ICQ model could be extended to cover a wide variety of outdoor illuminations conditions.