bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of CoPt crystallinity and grain texturing on properties of exchange-coupled Fe/CoPt systems
Authors: Oguchi H. , Zambano A. , Yu M. , Hattrick-Simpers J. , Banerjee D. , Liu Y. , Wang Z. L. , Liu J. P. , Lofland S. E. , Josell D. , Takeuchi I.
Published: January 2009

The effect of the crystallinity and the grain texturing of CoPt hard layers on exchange coupled Fe/CoPt soft/hard magnetic systems was studied using gradient thickness multilayer thin films. We have studied the hard layer structures by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction, and characterized the exchange coupling interaction through magnetization loops obtained by the magneto-optical Kerr effect measurement. We found that exchange coupling strongly depends on the crystalline characteristics of the CoPt hard layer. There is correlation between the mixture of different grain orientations of the CoPt hard layer and coupling efficiency. In particular, interlayer coupling is enhanced when there is only one orientation, namely, the L10 CoPt structure with its c-axis inclined at 45° with respect to the substrate plane. An increased degree of mixture of the latter with the in-plane-c-axis L10 CoPt structure is detrimental to obtaining one-phase-like magnetization loops. The present work points to the importance of controlling the crystalline properties of the hard layer in order to enhance the maximum energy product (BH)max in hard/soft nanocomposite magnets.
On a large class of three-dimensional Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Tudoran Răzvan M. , Tudoran Ramona A.
Published: January 2009

In this paper we introduce a large class of three-dimensional Hamiltonian systems, analyze the stability of their equilibrium states, and study the existence of their periodic solutions.
Direct observation of spinlike reaction fronts in planar energetic multilayer foils
Authors: McDonald Joel P. , Hodges V. Carter , Jones Eric D. , Adams David P.
Published: January 2009

Propagating reactions in initially planar cobalt/aluminum exothermic multilayer foils have been investigated using high-speed digital photography. Real-time observations of reactions indicate that unsteady (spinlike) reaction propagation leads to the formation of highly periodic surface morphologies with length scales ranging from 1 μm to 1 mm. The characteristics of propagating spinlike reactions and corresponding reacted foil morphologies depend on the bilayer thickness of multilayer foils.
Force-clamp spectroscopy of reversible bond breakage
Authors: Diezemann Gregor , Janshoff Andreas
Published: January 2009

We consider reversible breaking of adhesion bonds or folding of proteins under the influence of a constant external force. We discuss the statistical properties of the unbinding/rebinding events and analyze their mean number and their variance in the framework of simple kinetic models. In the calculations, we explicitly exploit the analogy to single molecule fluorescence and particularly between unbinding/rebinding and photon emission events. Whereas for two-state behavior Poisson or sub-Poisson statistics of the events is found, we show that for more general kinetic schemes also super-Poisson statistics can occur. Temporal fluctuations of the transition rates, a hallmark for the presence of dynamic disorder, should become experimentally accessible via the determination of the second moment of the event-number distribution.
Directional growth of polypyrrole and polythiophene wires
Authors: Thapa Prem S. , Yu Deok Jin , Wicksted James P. , Hadwiger Jeffrey A. , Barisci Joseph N. , Baughman Ray H. , Flanders Bret N.
Published: January 2009

This work establishes an innovative electrochemical approach to the template-free growth of conducting polypyrrole and polythiophene wires along predictable interelectrode paths up to 30 μm in length. These wires have knobby structures with diameters as small as 98 nm. The conductivity of the polypyrrole wires is 0.5±0.3 S cm−1; that of the polythiophene wires is 7.6±0.8 S cm−1. Controlling the growth path enables fabrication of electrode-wire-target assemblies where the target is a biological cell in the interelectrode gap. Such assemblies are of potential use in cell stimulation studies.
Ultraviolet light assisted periodic poling of near-stoichiometric, magnesium-doped lithium niobate crystals
Authors: Steigerwald H. , Luedtke F. , Buse K.
Published: January 2009

Ferroelectric domain reversal by application of electric-fields to near-stoichiometric lithium niobate crystals containing 1.3 mol % magnesium is investigated. The +z-face of the crystal is coated with a patterned photoresist layer that yields both a structured ultraviolet light absorber and a structured electric insulator. Periodic ferroelectric domain inversion in a z-cut crystal is then achieved by combination of illumination with light of the wavelength of 334 nm that reduces the coercive field strength inside the crystal by up to 50% and application of an external electrical field. Domain patterns with a period length of 10 μm are fabricated in a 500 μm thick crystal.
Effects of the positioning force of electrostatic levitators on viscosity measurements
Authors: Ishikawa Takehiko , Paradis Paul-François , Koike Noriyuki , Watanabe Yuki
Published: January 2009

Electrostatic levitators use strong electric fields to levitate and accurately position a sample against gravity. In this study, the effects of the electric field are investigated with regard to viscosity measurements conducted with the oscillating drop method. The effects of the external field on viscosity measurements are experimentally confirmed by changing the sample size. Moreover, a numerical simulation based on a simple mass-spring-damper system can reproduce the experimental observations. Based on the above results, measurement procedures are improved. These help to minimize the effect of the positioning force and to increase the accuracy of the viscosity measurements.
The importance of Fabry–Pérot resonance and the role of shielding in subwavelength imaging performance of multiwire endoscopes
Authors: Rahman Atiqur , Belov Pavel A. , Silveirinha Mário G. , Simovski Constantin R. , Hao Yang , Parini Clive
Published: January 2009

Multiwire endoscopes may enable the manipulation of the electromagnetic field in the subwavelength scale. Recently, two different configurations of such devices have been proposed. Here, we compare the imaging performance of the imaging device introduced by Belov et al. [Phys. Rev. B 73, 033108 (2006)] and by Silveirinha et al. [Phys. Rev. B 75, 035108 (2007)] with the shielded multiwire endoscope described by Shvets et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 053903 (2007)]. It is demonstrated that the performance of the latter may be strongly affected by the presence of a metallic shield around the endoscope and by poor matching between the endoscope and free space. Our results show that the metallic shield is completely unnecessary and emphasize the importance of tuning the length of the wires according to the Fabry–Pérot resonance condition, as proposed by Belov et al. [Phys. Rev. B 73, 033108 (2006)].
High-resolution photoacoustic imaging with focused laser and ultrasonic beams
Authors: Kong Fanting , Chen Y. C. , Lloyd Harriet O. , Silverman Ronald H. , Kim Hyung Ham , Cannata Jonathan M. , Shung K. Kirk
Published: January 2009

We report a photoacoustic imager that utilizes a focused laser beam in combination with a 20 MHz ultrasound focusing transducer to obtain micron-resolution tissue images over a long working distance. The imager is based on a ring transducer that combines ultrasonic and laser beams collinearly and confocally in a monolithic element. The combination of focused laser beam and short pulse irradiation led to significant improvement in lateral and axial resolutions compared to the pulse-echo ultrasonic imaging technique or photoacoustic imaging with an unfocused laser. Potential applications include clinical examination of the eye and characterization of thin and superficial tissues.
Strain-induced magnetoelectric coupling in BaTiO3/Fe3O4 core/shell nanoparticles
Authors: Koo Y. S. , Song K. M. , Hur N. , Jung J. H. , Jang T.-H. , Lee H. J. , Koo T. Y. , Jeong Y. H. , Cho J. H. , Jo Y. H.
Published: January 2009

We report a strain-induced magnetoelectric coupling in BaTiO3/Fe3O4 ferroelectric core/ferrimagnetic shell nanoparticles. The temperature-dependent magnetoresistance and magnetization clearly show several jumps near the structural phase transition temperatures of BaTiO3. Below the Verwey transition temperature of Fe3O4, i.e., at 20 K, the dielectric constant of BaTiO3/Fe3O4 decreases continuously upon application of an external magnetic field, and the observed magnetodielectric curve does not follow the square of the magnetization. We discuss the effect of strain on the electric field-dependent magnetic anisotropy near the core/shell interface.
The microcontainer shape in electropolymerization on bubbles
Authors: Kim J. T. , Seol S. K. , Je J. H. , Hwu Y. , Margaritondo G.
Published: January 2009

We investigated the microcontainer shape in electropolymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) on bubbles using real-time microradiography. We revealed the existence of a “deformation force” at the three-phase boundary among gas (bubble), liquid (electrolyte), and solid (PPy). As the deformation force increases, the microcontainer shape gradually changes from spherical to elliptical and then to cylindrical. The force is proportional to the polymerization rate that is enhanced by the applied voltage and monomer concentration.
λ
∼
3.1

μ
m
room temperature InGaAs/AlAsSb/InP quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Zhang S. Y. , Revin D. G. , Cockburn J. W. , Kennedy K. , Krysa A. B. , Hopkinson M.
Published: January 2009

Strain compensated In0.67Ga0.33As/AlAs0.8Sb0.2/InP quantum cascade lasers emitting at wavelengths near 3.1 μm at room temperature have been demonstrated. The lasers operate in pulsed mode with threshold current density of 3.6 kA/cm2 at 80 K and 19.2 kA/cm2 at 295 K. The peak optical power for an as-cleaved 3 mm long and 10 μm wide ridge device exceeds 1 W per facet at 80 K and is around 8 mW at 295 K. The observed laser performance suggests that room temperature operation for these lasers remains possible beyond the predicted threshold for Γ-L intervalley scattering of electrons in the upper laser levels.
Secondary electron emission from MgO protective layer by Auger neutralization of ions
Authors: Uhm Han S. , Choi Eun H. , Cho Guang S.
Published: January 2009

A theoretical model of the secondary electron emission yield (γ) from a MgO layer is developed based on the Auger neutralization of ions, resulting in an analytical expression of γ in terms of the ionization energy Ei for the density of states in the valence band, being an exponentially decaying function of the energy deviation from the band characteristic energy of 7.88 eV. The analytical expression recovers the previously known empirical formulation of γ∼(Ei−2φ) for the work function φ. Results of the theoretical model agree well with the measured data in terms of the data trend.
Mechanical heterogeneity and mechanism of plasticity in metallic glasses
Authors: Wang J. G. , Zhao D. Q. , Pan M. X. , Shek C. H. , Wang W. H.
Published: January 2009

The mechanical heterogeneity is quantified based on the spatial nanohardness distributions in three bulk metallic glasses with different plasticities. It is found that the metallic glass with high mechanical heterogeneity is more plastic. We propose that the appropriate mechanical heterogeneity makes the metallic glasses meliorate their plasticity by increasing inelastic strained area and promoting energy dissipation.
The role of Ni buffer layer on high yield low temperature hermetic wafer bonding using In/Sn/Cu metallization
Authors: Yu Da-Quan , Lee Chengkuo , Yan Li Ling , Choi Won Kyoung , Yu Aibin , Lau John H.
Published: January 2009

Low temperature hermetic wafer bonding using In/Sn interlayer and Au/Ni/Cu metallization as the high-melting-point (HMP) components was reported, wherein the thin Ni layer was introduced as a buffer layer to prevent solder consumption after their deposition. 8 in. wafer to wafer bonding was achieved at 180 °C for 20 min under 5.5 Mpa. Voids free seal joints composed of high temperature intermetallic compounds were obtained with good hermeticity. Present results show that the buffer layer is the key to ensure high yield hermetic wafer bonding when the low-melting-point solder was deposited directly on the HMP component.
Electrical properties of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin film on SrTiO3 buffered GaAs by laser molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Huang W. , Wu Z. P. , Hao J. H.
Published: January 2009

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films were epitaxially grown on (001) GaAs substrate using SrTiO3 as a buffer layer by laser molecular beam epitaxy. The perovskite SrTiO3 buffer layer present a body centered cubic structure by formation of an interfacial layer with the [100]SrTiO3∥[110]GaAs in-plane relationship. Thereupon, a highly c-oriented BaTiO3 thin film was grown on SrTiO3/GaAs in a layer by layer mode. Enhanced electrical properties of the heteroepitaxial structure were demonstrated. The BaTiO3(150 nm)/SrTiO3/GaAs system demonstrates hysteresis loops with a remnant polarization of 2.5 μC/cm2 at 600 kV/cm and a small leakage current density of 2.9×10−7 A/cm2 at 200 kV/cm.
ERAD inhibitors integrate ER stress with an epigenetic mechanism to activate BH3-only protein NOXA in cancer cells
Authors: Wang Qiuyan , Mora-Jensen Helena , Weniger Marc A. , Perez-Galan Patricia , Wolford Chris , Hai Tsonwin , Ron David , Chen Weiping , Trenkle William , Wiestner Adrian , Ye Yihong
Published: January 2009

The ubiquitin-proteasome system has recently emerged as a major target for drug development in cancer therapy. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has clinical activity in multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Here we report that Eeyarestatin I (EerI), a chemical inhibitor that blocks endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation, has antitumor and biologic activities similar to bortezomib and can synergize with bortezomib. Like bortezomib, EerI-induced cytotoxicity requires the up-regulation of the Bcl-2 homology3 (BH3)-only pro-apoptotic protein NOXA. We further demonstrate that both EerI and bortezomib activate NOXA via an unanticipated mechanism that requires cooperation between two processes. First, these agents elicit an integrated stress response program at the ER to activate the CREB/ATF transcription factors ATF3 and ATF4. We show that ATF3 and ATF4 form a complex capable of binding to the NOXA promoter, which is required for NOXA activation. Second, EerI and bortezomib also block ubiquitination of histone H2A to relieve its inhibition on NOXA transcription. Our results identify a class of anticancer agents that integrate ER stress response with an epigenetic mechanism to induce cell death.
Source modeling sleep slow waves
Authors: Murphy Michael , Riedner Brady A. , Huber Reto , Massimini Marcello , Ferrarelli Fabio , Tononi Giulio
Published: January 2009

Slow waves are the most prominent electroencephalographic (EEG) feature of sleep. These waves arise from the synchronization of slow oscillations in the membrane potentials of millions of neurons. Scalp-level studies have indicated that slow waves are not instantaneous events, but rather they travel across the brain. Previous studies of EEG slow waves were limited by the poor spatial resolution of EEGs and by the difficulty of relating scalp potentials to the activity of the underlying cortex. Here we use high-density EEG (hd-EEG) source modeling to show that individual spontaneous slow waves have distinct cortical origins, propagate uniquely across the cortex, and involve unique subsets of cortical structures. However, when the waves are examined en masse, we find that there are diffuse hot spots of slow wave origins centered on the lateral sulci. Furthermore, slow wave propagation along the anterior−posterior axis of the brain is largely mediated by a cingulate highway. As a group, slow waves are associated with large currents in the medial frontal gyrus, the middle frontal gyrus, the inferior frontal gyrus, the anterior cingulate, the precuneus, and the posterior cingulate. These areas overlap with the major connectional backbone of the cortex and with many parts of the default network.
Export of RNA silencing from
C. elegans
tissues does not require the RNA channel SID-1
Authors: Jose Antony M. , Smith Jessica J. , Hunter Craig P.
Published: January 2009

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers RNA interference (RNAi) to silence genes of matching sequence. In some animals this experimentally induced silencing is transported between cells, and studies in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
have shown that the dsRNA channel SID-1 is required for the import of such transported silencing signals. Gene silencing can also be triggered by endogenously expressed RNAi triggers, but it is unknown whether such silencing is transported between cells. Here, we show that, in
C. elegans
, SID-1 is required for efficient silencing of multicopy transgenes, indicating that mobile silencing signals contribute to transgene silencing. Further, most tissues can transport silencing initiated by the tissue-specific transgenic expression of RNAi triggers to other tissues, consistent with expressed RNAi triggers generating mobile silencing signals. Whereas the import of silencing signals requires SID-1, we found that mobile silencing signals generated by transgene-expressed RNAi triggers are exported to other tissues through a SID-1-independent mechanism. Furthermore, when RNAi triggers are expressed in ingested
Escherichia coli
, silencing signals can be transported to internal tissues from the gut lumen across gut cells that lack SID-1. Thus,
C. elegans
can transport endogenous and exogenous RNA silencing signals between many different tissues via at least 2 SID-1 independent export pathways.
Antibody to Langerin/CD207 localizes large numbers of CD8α
+
dendritic cells to the marginal zone of mouse spleen
Authors: Idoyaga Juliana , Suda Nao , Suda Koji , Park Chae Gyu , Steinman Ralph M.
Published: January 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) are strategically positioned to take up antigens and initiate adaptive immunity. One DC subset expresses CD8αα in mice and is specialized to capture dying cells and process antigens for MHC class I “cross-presentation.” Because CD8
+
DCs also express DEC205/CD205, which is localized to splenic T cell regions, it is thought that CD8
+
DCs also are restricted to T zones. Here, we used a new antibody to Langerin/CD207, which colabels isolated CD8
+
CD205
+
DCs, to immunolabel spleen sections. The mAb labeled discrete cells with high levels of CD11c and CD8. Surprisingly most CD207
+
profiles were in marginal zones surrounding splenic white pulp nodules, and only smaller numbers were in T cell areas, where CD205 colabeling was noted. Despite a marginal zone location, CD207
+
DCs lacked identifying molecules for 3 different types of macrophages, localized in proximity and, in contrast to macrophages, marginal zone DCs were poor scavengers of soluble and particulate substrates. After stimulation with microbial agonists, Langerin expression disappeared from the marginal zone at 6–12 h, but was greatly expanded in the T cell areas, and by 24–48 h, Langerin expression disappeared. Therefore, anti-Langerin antibodies localize a majority of CD8
+
DCs to non-T cell regions of mouse spleen, where they are distinct from adjacent macrophages.
Minimizing contrast medium doses to diagnose pulmonary embolism with 80-kVp multidetector computed tomography in azotemic patients
Authors: Holmquist F. , Hansson K. , Pasquariello F. , Björk J. , Nyman U.
Published: January 2009

Background: In diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in azotemic patients, scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently inconclusive or not available in many hospitals. Computed tomography is readily available, but relatively high doses (30–50 g I) of potentially nephrotoxic iodine contrast media (CM) are used.

Purpose: To report on the diagnostic quality and possible contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after substantially reduced CM doses to diagnose PE in azotemic patients using 80-peak kilovoltage (kVp) 16-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) combined with CM doses tailored to body weight, fixed injection duration adapted to scan time, automatic bolus tracking, and saline chaser.

Material and Methods: Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <50 ml/min were scheduled to undergo 80-kVp MDCT using 200 mg I/kg, and those with eGFR ≥50 ml/min, 120-kVp MDCT with 320 mg I/kg. Both protocols used an 80-kg maximum dose weight and a fixed 15-s injection time. Pulmonary artery density and contrast-to-noise ratio were measured assuming 70 Hounsfield units (HU) for a fresh clot. CIN was defined as a plasma creatinine rise >44.2 µmol/l from baseline.

Results: 89/148 patients (63/68 females) underwent 80-/120-kVp protocols, respectively, with 95% of the examinations being subjectively excellent or adequate. Mean values in the 80-/120-kVp cohorts regarding age were 82/65 years, body weight 66/78 kg, effective mAs 277/117, CM dose 13/23 g I, pulmonary artery density 359/345 HU, image noise (1 standard deviation) 24/21 HU, contrast-to-noise ratio 13/13, and dose-length product 173/258 mGy·cm. Only 1/65 and 2/119 patients in the 80- and 120-kVp cohorts, respectively, with negative CT and no anticoagulation suffered non-fatal thromboembolism during 3-month follow-up. No patient developed CIN.

Conclusion: 80-kVp 16-row MDCT with optimization of injection parameters may be performed with preserved diagnostic quality, using markedly reduced CM doses compared with common routine practice, which should be to the benefit of patients at risk of CIN.
Aspects of disintegration: the reality of the new Iraqi military, its forces and institutions and prospects for reform
Authors: al-Ḥamdānī Rad
Published: January 2009

This paper provides a detailed, insider assessment of the new Iraqi security and military forces as organized under current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It analyzes the recruitment, training and fielding of Iraqi police and regular armed forces with special attention to the volatile sectarian and ethnic allegiances – exacerbated through direct recruitment from partisan militias including the Kurdish Peshmerga, the Badr Corps and Ṣadrist groups – that obviate against a stable and reliable hierarchical chain of command. It contains a complete analysis of all current Iraqi Army divisions, their composition, leadership and deployment as well as recommendations for how all branches of the Iraqi armed forces may be restored to levels and readiness characteristic of effective national defense and security forces.
The last Jew in Beirut
Authors: Aburish Said
Published: January 2009

The true story of a woman by the name of Qamar who was the ‘last Jew in Beirut’ and the protection given to her and her relatives by the Kurdish family of Jamīl and Amīnah Milhou in the historic Jewish quarter of Wādī Abū Jamīl centred around the Sinnou Building, during the first desperate years of the Lebanese Civil War (1975–77). Eventually attracting international press coverage and the attention of PLO Chairman Yāssir ‘Arafāt due to an article in the Lebanese daily al-Nahār which mistakenly identified the males of the Milhou family as PLO fighters, the story of Qamar and her protectors came to symbolize noble humanity in an inhumane war. The account is based on an interview with Fays: al Milhou.
Repercussions of the economic reform policies on the urban poor in Egypt
Authors: Al-Qosbi Ali El-Din Abd El-Badee
Published: January 2009

As a result of empirical data gathered through sociological surveys, the author argues persuasively that Egyptian economic reform policies – largely based on structural readjustment and rehabilitation programmes devised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank – have adversely affected the most seriously impoverished sectors of Egyptian urban society. The paper examines the correlation between theoretical suppositions of predicted adverse effect on this sector and actual repercussions as evidenced in such indicators as healthcare, sanitation, employment and access to education. While poverty has been a consistent problem and while these policies – which were undertaken in the context of increasing integration into the international market – cannot be blamed for its original occurrence, there is persuasive evidence that they have caused measurable harm, compounded existing inequities and increased the marginalization of Egypt’s urban poor who appear to have been among the most adversely affected in the population as a result of the various initiatives.
Lebanon’s Ayatollah: an interview with al-sayyid Muhammad Ḥusayn Faḍlallāh
Authors: Kassem Hashim
Published: January 2009

In this compilation of two interviews (one previously unpublished), Hāshim Qāsim speaks with Lebanon’s ayatollah Muḥammad Ḥusayn Faḍlallāh – an internationally recognized Muslim scholar, independent thinker, sometimes ‘iconoclast’ faqīh, mufassir and marja' al-taqlīd whose influence has transcended borders and spanned decades and generations. Faḍlallāh’s prolific writing has included not only works on Islamic jurisprudence, politics, thought and tradition, but also a complete exegesis of the Qur'ān as well as diwans of Islamic poetry. Peer, associate, friend and student of some of the greatest minds and most influential figures of the Shī'ite world including Khomeini, Abū-l-Qāsim al-Khoei, Muaḥammad Bāqir al-Ṣadr, and Mūsā al-Ṣadr, Faḍlallāh has mentored and influenced countless Muslims and important personages, including senior members of Ḥizb Allāh, for over half a century. In this interview Faḍlallāh discusses major issues and touches upon many important recurrent themes of his overall discourse from issues faced by Muslims – including the hijab, Zionism and Islamic fundamentalism, to globalization, to world justice.
Spacio-cide: colonial politics, invisibility and rezoning in Palestinian territory
Authors: Hanafi Sari
Published: January 2009

In the last two decades, the Arab–Israeli conflict has been considered a ‘low intensity’ conflict, based on a typology which simply takes into account the number of casualties. This typology is misleading, since despite relatively low numbers of casualties, on other counts the conflict may be seen to be in the process of intensification. In particular, a key area that has been gaining relevance is related to space and land: dispossession, occupation and destruction of Palestinian living space and what the author calls spacio-cide. In this paper, it is argued that the Israeli colonial project is ‘spacio-cidal’ (as opposed to genocidal), in that it targets land for the purpose of rendering inevitable the ‘voluntary’ transfer of the Palestinian population, primarily by targeting the space upon which the Palestinian people live. This systematic destruction of the Palestinian living space becomes possible by exercising the state of exception and deploying bio-politics to categorize Palestinians into different groups, with the aim of rendering them powerless. The paper will demonstrate that spacio-cide policy is the potentiality of a structure of juridical-political delocalization and dislocation aimed at transferring the Palestinian population whether internally or outside of fluid state borders. This policy involves a combination of three strategies.
Reducing the Rates of Indeterminate Results of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test During Routine Preemployment Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Healthcare Personnel
Authors: Miranda Cyndee , Yen-Lieberman Belinda , Terpeluk Paul , Tomford J. Walton , Gordon Steven
Published: January 2009

We implemented the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) In-Tube test to identify latent tuberculosis infection among potential employees prior to employment. The rates of indeterminate QFT-G In-Tube test results were higher than expected and prompted an investigation that led to successful interventions (eg, manual vortexing before incubation and the use of a modified in-tube method). The tracking of indeterminate results is suggested as an important quality control measure.
𝐹-stability in finite groups
Authors: Meierfrankenfeld U. , Stellmacher B.
Published: January 2009

Let

G
G

be a finite group,

S
∈
S
y

l
p

(
G
)

S \in Syl_p(G)

, and

S

\mathcal S

be the set subgroups containing

S
S

. For

M
∈

S

M \in \mathcal S

and

V
=

Ω
1

Z
(

O
p

(
M
)
)

V = \Omega _1Z(O_p(M))

, the paper discusses the action of

M
M

on

V
V

. Apart from other results, it is shown that for groups of parabolic characteristic

p
p

either

S
S

is contained in a unique maximal

p
p

-local subgroup, or there exists a maximal

p
p

-local subgroup in

M
∈

S

M \in \mathcal S

such that

V
V

is a nearly quadratic 2F-module for

M
M

.
Residual 𝑝 properties of mapping class groups and surface groups
Authors: Paris Luis
Published: January 2009

Let

M

(
Σ
,

P

)

\mathcal {M}(\Sigma , \mathcal {P})

be the mapping class group of a punctured oriented surface

(
Σ
,

P

)

(\Sigma ,\mathcal {P})

(where

P

\mathcal {P}

may be empty), and let

T

p

(
Σ
,

P

)

\mathcal {T}_p(\Sigma ,\mathcal {P})

be the kernel of the action of

M

(
Σ
,

P

)

\mathcal {M} (\Sigma , \mathcal {P})

on

H
1

(
Σ
∖

P

,

F

p

)

H_1(\Sigma \setminus \mathcal {P}, \mathbb {F}_p)

. We prove that

T

p

(
Σ
,

P

)

\mathcal {T}_p( \Sigma ,\mathcal {P})

is residually

p
p

. In particular, this shows that

M

(
Σ
,

P

)

\mathcal {M} (\Sigma ,\mathcal {P})

is virtually residually

p
p

. For a group

G
G

we denote by

I

p

(
G
)

\mathcal {I}_p(G)

the kernel of the natural action of

Out
⁡
(
G
)

\operatorname {Out}(G)

on

H
1

(
G
,

F

p

)

H_1(G,\mathbb {F}_p)

. In order to achieve our theorem, we prove that, under certain conditions (

G
G

is conjugacy

p
p

-separable and has Property A), the group

I

p

(
G
)

\mathcal {I}_p(G)

is residually

p
p

. The fact that free groups and surface groups have Property A is due to Grossman. The fact that free groups are conjugacy

p
p

-separable is due to Lyndon and Schupp. The fact that surface groups are conjugacy

p
p

-separable is, from a technical point of view, the main result of the paper.
Factors of type II₁ without non-trivial finite index subfactors
Authors: Vaes Stefaan
Published: January 2009

We call a subfactor

N
⊂
M

N \subset M

trivial if it is isomorphic with the obvious inclusion of

N
N

in

M
n

⁡
(

C

)
⊗
N

\operatorname {M}_n(\mathbb {C}) \otimes N

. We prove the existence of type II

1

_1

factors

M
M

without non-trivial finite index subfactors. Equivalently, every

M
M

-

M
M

-bimodule with finite coupling constant, both as a left and as a right

M
M

-module, is a multiple of

L
2

(
M
)

L^2(M)

. Our results rely on the recent work of Ioana, Peterson and Popa, who proved the existence of type II

1

_1

factors without outer automorphisms.
Isomorphism problems of noncommutative deformations of type 𝐷 Kleinian singularities
Authors: Levy Paul
Published: January 2009

We construct all possible noncommutative deformations of a Kleinian singularity

C

2

/

Γ

{\mathbb C}^2/\Gamma

of type

D
n

D_n

in terms of generators and relations, and solve the isomorphism problem for the associative algebras thus constructed. We prove that (in our parametrization) all isomorphisms arise from the action of the normalizer

N

SL
⁡
(
2
)

(
Γ
)

N_{\operatorname {SL}(2)}(\Gamma )

on

C

/

Γ

{\mathbb C}/\Gamma

. We deduce that the moduli space of isomorphism classes of noncommutative deformations in type

D
n

D_n

is isomorphic to a vector space of dimension

n
n

.
Singular-hyperbolic attractors are chaotic
Authors: Araujo V. , Pacifico M. , Pujals E. , Viana M.
Published: January 2009

We prove that a singular-hyperbolic attractor of a

3
3

-dimensional flow is chaotic, in two different strong senses. First, the flow is expansive: if two points remain close at all times, possibly with time reparametrization, then their orbits coincide. Second, there exists a physical (or Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen) measure supported on the attractor whose ergodic basin covers a full Lebesgue (volume) measure subset of the topological basin of attraction. Moreover this measure has absolutely continuous conditional measures along the center-unstable direction, is a

u
u

-Gibbs state and is an equilibrium state for the logarithm of the Jacobian of the time one map of the flow along the strong-unstable direction.

This extends to the class of singular-hyperbolic attractors the main elements of the ergodic theory of uniformly hyperbolic (or Axiom A) attractors for flows.

In particular these results can be applied (i) to the flow defined by the Lorenz equations, (ii) to the geometric Lorenz flows, (iii) to the attractors appearing in the unfolding of certain resonant double homoclinic loops, (iv) in the unfolding of certain singular cycles and (v) in some geometrical models which are singular-hyperbolic but of a different topological type from the geometric Lorenz models. In all these cases the results show that these attractors are expansive and have physical measures which are

u
u

-Gibbs states.
Resolution of the wavefront set using continuous shearlets
Authors: Kutyniok Gitta , Labate Demetrio
Published: January 2009

It is known that the Continuous Wavelet Transform of a distributionffdecays rapidly near the points whereffis smooth, while it decays slowly near the irregular points. This property allows the identification of the singular support offf. However, the Continuous Wavelet Transform is unable to describe the geometry of the set of singularities offfand, in particular, identify the wavefront set of a distribution. In this paper, we employ the same framework of affine systems which is at the core of the construction of the wavelet transform to introduce the Continuous Shearlet Transform. This is defined bySHψf(a,s,t)=⟨fψast⟩\mathcal {SH}_\psi f(a,s,t) = \langle {f}{\psi _{ast}}\rangle, where the analyzing elementsψast\psi _{ast}are dilated and translated copies of a single generating functionψ\psi. The dilation matrices form a two-parameter matrix group consisting of products of parabolic scaling and shear matrices. We show that the elements{ψast}\{\psi _{ast}\}form a system of smooth functions at continuous scalesa>0a>0, locationst∈R2t \in \mathbb {R}^2, and oriented along lines of slopes∈Rs \in \mathbb {R}in the frequency domain. We then prove that the Continuous Shearlet Transform does exactly resolve the wavefront set of a distributionff.
A generalization of MacMahon’s formula
Authors: Vuletić Mirjana
Published: January 2009

We generalize the generating formula for plane partitions known as MacMahon’s formula as well as its analog for strict plane partitions. We give a 2-parameter generalization of these formulas related to Macdonald’s symmetric functions. The formula is especially simple in the Hall-Littlewood case. We also give a bijective proof of the analog of MacMahon’s formula for strict plane partitions.
Fractional semi-linear parabolic equations with unbounded data
Authors: Alibaud Nathaël , Imbert Cyril
Published: January 2009

This paper is devoted to the study of semi-linear parabolic equations whose principal term is fractional, i.e. is integral and eventually singular. A typical example is the fractional Laplace operator. This work sheds light on the fact that, if the initial datum is not bounded, assumptions on the non-linearity are closely related to its behaviour at infinity. The sublinear and superlinear cases are first treated by classical techniques. We next present a third original case: if the associated first order Hamilton-Jacobi equation is such that perturbations propagate at finite speed, then the semi-linear parabolic equation somehow keeps memory of this property. By using such a result, locally bounded initial data that are merely integrable at infinity can be handled. Next, regularity of the solution is proved. Eventually, strong convergence of gradients as the fractional term disappears is proved for strictly convex non-linearity.
The near coherence of filters principle does not imply the filter dichotomy principle
Authors: Mildenberger Heike , Shelah Saharon
Published: January 2009

We show that there is a forcing extension in which any two ultrafilters on

ω
\omega

are nearly coherent and there is a non-meagre filter that is not nearly ultra. This answers Blass’ longstanding question (1989) of whether the principle of near coherence of filters is strictly weaker than the filter dichotomy principle.
Diophantine approximation with arithmetic functions, I
Authors: Alkan Emre , Ford Kevin , Zaharescu Alexandru
Published: January 2009

We prove a strong simultaneous Diophantine approximation theorem for values of additive and multiplicative functions provided that the functions have certain regularity on the primes.
SIMPRO: simple protein homology detection method by using indirect signals
Authors: Jung Inkyung , Kim Dongsup
Published: January 2009

Motivation: Detecting homologous proteins is one of the fundamental problems in computational biology. Many tools to solve this problem have been developed, but development of a simple, effective and generally applicable method is still desirable.

Results: We propose a simple but effective information retrieval approach, named SIMPRO, to identify homology relationship between proteins. The key idea of our approach is that by accumulating and comparing indirect signals from conventional homology search methods, the search sensitivity can be increased. We tested the idea on the problem of detecting homology relationship between Pfam families, as well as detecting structural homologs based on SCOP, and found that our method achieved significant improvement. Our results indicate that simple manipulation of conventional homology search outputs by SIMPRO algorithm can remarkably improve homology search accuracy.

Contact:  kds@kaist.ac.kr
The clinical utility of brain natriuretic peptide in paediatric left ventricular failure
Authors: Mangat Jasveer , Carter Catherine , Riley Gillian , Foo Ying , Burch Michael
Published: January 2009

Aims

To assess the role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in both the acute and chronic settings in children with left ventricular (LV) failure.

Methods and results

We undertook a retrospective review of all BNP levels taken over a 2‐year period in our institution. Minimum follow‐up was 90 days. Ninety‐two BNP samples from 48 patients were reviewed. Twenty patients (42%) reached the combined endpoint of death, transplantation, or listing for transplantation. Median age was 3 years and 3 months. Mean BNP levels in NYHA or Ross classes I–IV were 29, 239, 744, and 1593 pg/mL, respectively, with significant differences between mean logBNP in classes I–III (P < 0.001). LogBNP levels correlated with fractional shortening (P < 0.001), LVEDd z‐score (P < 0.001), and tissue Doppler velocities (P < 0.02). From serial data there was a strong correlation between change in BNP and change in clinical status (F 9.5, P < 0.001). Receiver‐operator curve (ROC) demonstrated that BNP > 290 pg/mL predicts poor outcome with sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.87, and likelihood ratio of 6.4 in paediatric patients with chronic LV dysfunction. A separate ROC from acute presentations did not demonstrate superiority of BNP over other assessments.

Conclusion

BNP levels in paediatric heart failure (HF) patients show a strong correlation to both impaired heart function on echocardiogram and clinical status. Serial BNP levels follow the clinical course. In chronic HF, a BNP level of >290 pg/mL is predictive of an adverse outcome.
Effect of allopurinol on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats after myocardial infarction
Authors: Xiao Jun , She Qiang , Wang Yang , Luo Kailiang , Yin Yuehui , Hu Rong , Huang Kaishun
Published: January 2009

Aims

This study was designed to explore the effect of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor allopurinol on cardiomyocyte apoptosis after myocardial infarction (MI) in a rat model.

Methods and results

MI was induced in rats by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery. Survivors were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group, MI group, and allopurinol group (50 mg kg−1 day−1). After 28 days, infarction size was measured. In non‐infarcted zones (NIZ), apoptosis index (AI) was measured by TUNEL [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated digoxigenin‐conjugated dUTP nick‐end labelling]; expression of Fas was detected by immunohistochemistry, and expression of XO and Caspase‐3 by western blot. In addition, XO and O2−, OH‐scavenging activity of myocardial tissue in the NIZ were measured by colorimetry. Results suggest that AI and expression of Fas and Caspase‐3 in the NIZ were significantly depressed in the allopurinol group, compared with MI group; moreover, activity of XO was significantly decreased while O2− and OH‐scavenging activity were significantly increased in the allopurinol group. Ventricular remodelling was attenuated but there were no significant differences in infarct size or XO expression levels between the allopurinol and MI groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that allopurinol may inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the NIZ in rats. The potential mechanism could be related to its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species and to depress the expression of Fas and Caspase‐3.
Bone mineral status and bone loss over time in men with chronic systolic heart failure and their clinical and hormonal determinants
Authors: Jankowska Ewa A. , Jakubaszko Justyna , Cwynar Aldona , Majda Jacek , Ponikowska Beata , Kustrzycka‐Kratochwil Dorota , Reczuch Krzysztof , Borodulin‐Nadzieja Ludmila , Banasiak Waldemar , Poole‐Wilson Philip A. , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: January 2009

Aims

Bone status has not been comprehensively studied in chronic heart failure (CHF). In CHF men, we evaluated bone status, bone loss over time, and their clinical and hormonal determinants.

Methods and results

Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of arms, legs, trunk, and total body were examined using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in 187 men with CHF [age: 60±11 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 32±7%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (I/II/III/IV): 20/76/76/15] and in 21 age‐matched male controls without CHF. Men with CHF had reduced BMD and BMC compared with controls (P < 0.05). Reduced BMD and BMC were independently determined by CHF severity (high NYHA class and impaired LVEF), reduced lean tissue mass, low serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, total testosterone (TT), and estimated free testosterone (eFT) (all P < 0.05). Bone status was reassessed in 60 patients who survived >2 years from the initial evaluation. Significant bone loss over time (a reduction in BMC total ≥1%/year) occurred in 35% of CHF men. Advanced NYHA class (P < 0.05) and reduced serum TT and eFT (P < 0.0001) at baseline predicted augmented bone loss.

Conclusion

In CHF men, reduced BMD and BMC constitute an element of generalized body wasting, determined mainly by advanced heart failure and androgen deficiencies. Significant bone loss over time frequently occurs in CHF men and is related to testosterone depletion and disease severity.
Improvement in the management of chronic heart failure since the publication of the updated guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: de Groote Pascal , Isnard Richard , Clerson Pierre , Jondeau Guillaume , Galinier Michel , Assyag Patrick , Demil Nacima , Ducardonnet Alain , Thebaut Jean‐François , Komajda Michel
Published: January 2009

Aims

Recent studies have shown that prescription rates and doses of recommended drugs for chronic heart failure (CHF) are not optimal in daily practice. The aim of the Impact‐Reco programme was to analyse prescription rates of CHF drugs in stable outpatients with CHF related to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in two similar surveys in France.

Methods and results

The two surveys, which included 1917 and 1974 patients, were performed between September 2004 to March 2005 and September 2005 to May 2006, respectively. Prescription rates of angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACE‐I) remained stable (71 vs. 68%, respectively), whereas the proportion of patients receiving angiotensin receptor blockers (21 vs. 30%, P < 0.0001) and beta‐blockers (65 vs. 70% P < 0.0001) increased significantly. Doses of ACE‐I and beta‐blockers increased significantly between the two surveys. However, the improvement was of lesser magnitude in some subgroups of patients, such as elderly patients or patients with renal failure.

Conclusion

The Impact‐Reco programme found an improvement in prescription rates and in the dosage of neurohumoral antagonists in French outpatients with stable CHF. However, there is still room for improvement, especially regarding the doses of medications and the treatment of some subgroups of patients such as the elderly and patients with renal failure.
Effects of global longitudinal strain and total scar burden on response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Caso Pio , Scarafile Raffaella , Riegler Lucia , Salerno Gemma , Castaldo Francesca , Gravino Rita , Cocchia Rosangela , Del Viscovo Luca , Limongelli Giuseppe , Di Salvo Giovanni , Ascione Luigi , Iengo Raffaele , Cuomo Sergio , Santangelo Lucio , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: January 2009

Aims

To evaluate whether quantification of the extent of scarred left ventricular (LV) tissue by speckle‐tracking strain echo (2DSE) can predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods and results

Forty‐five patients (58.3 ± 8.3 years; 24 males) with ischaemic DCM scheduled for CRT, and 25 controls were studied. A week before implantation all the patients underwent standard Doppler echo, 2DSE, and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR). Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was repeated 6 months after CRT. The patients were considered as responders to CRT if LV end‐systolic volume decreased by 15%. In DCM patients, LV ejection fraction was 29.2 ± 5.1%. By evaluating the 765 segments with MR, subendocardial infarct was identified in 17.0% and transmural infarct in 18.3%. With 2DSE, the average global longitudinal strain (GLS) was −23.1 ± 3.6% in controls and −15.1 ± 5.1% in DCM (P = 0.001). GLS showed a close correlation with total scar burden using MR (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). At follow‐up, patients were subdivided into responders (n = 30; 66.7%) and non‐responders (n = 15; 33.3%) to CRT. GLS was significantly different in non‐responders than in responders (GLS: −10.4 ± 5.1 in non‐responders vs. −18.4 ± 14% in responders, P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, GLS (P < 0.0001) and radial intraventricular dyssynchrony (P < 0.001) were powerful independent determinants of response to CRT.

Conclusion

GLS is strongly associated with total scar burden assessed by MR, and is an excellent independent predictor of response to CRT.