bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new high‐frequency voltage injection method for sensorless drive of permanent‐magnet synchronous motors with pole saliency
Authors: Shinnaka Shinji
Published: June 2008

This paper proposes a new sensorless vector control method for salient‐pole permanent‐magnet synchronous motors. In regard to rotor phase estimation, the sensorless vector control method is characterized by a new high‐frequency voltage injection method distinguished from the conventional ones by a unique ellipse shape of the spatial rotation, and by a new PLL method whose input is a high‐frequency current autocorrelated signal. The new vector control method established by two innovative technologies can have the following high‐performance and attractive features: (1) it can allow 250% rated torque at standstill; (2) it can operate from zero to the rated speed under the rated motoring or regenerating load; (3) it accepts instant injection of the rated load even for zero‐speed control; (4) it accommodates a load with huge moment of inertia; (5) phase estimation is very robust against inverter dead time; (6) the computational load for estimating rotor phase is very small, would be the smallest among the methods with comparable performance. This paper presents the new vector control method by focusing on two innovative technologies from its principles to design rules. Usefulness of the new vector control method is verified through extensive experiments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 164(4): 62–77, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20632
Novel quick backup function for dispersed power source employing AC/DC converter
Authors: Ohshima Masaaki , Inagaki Katsuhisa , Shinohara Hirofumi
Published: June 2008

In this paper, the authors present the system configuration and control scheme of a dispersed power source equipped with quick backup function, which acts as a dispersed power source when no fault exists in a commercial power network and functions as a backup power supply in case of a fault of the network. If a fault, such as a voltage interruption on the network, occurs, the dispersed power source disconnects critical loads from the network in an instant and continues supplying power to the critical loads. We also discuss the method of disconnecting a power network sufficiently quickly when some fault occurs on the network, adopting non‐gate‐turn‐off devices such as thyristors for the AC interconnecting switches. Since it takes only 2 ms to disconnect the loads from a faulted network, there are no negative effects on the loads. Simulations and experimental tests confirm the practicability of the proposed method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(1): 74–81, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ eej.20700
TREM2 is upregulated in amyloid plaque‐associated microglia in aged APP23 transgenic mice
Authors: Frank Stefanie , Burbach Guido J. , Bonin Michael , Walter Michael , Streit Wolfgang , Bechmann Ingo , Deller Thomas
Published: June 2008

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extracellular deposits of amyloid‐β protein which attract dense clusters of microglial cells. Here, we analyzed amyloid plaque‐associated areas in aged APP23 transgenic mice, an animal model of AD, by combining laser microdissection with microarray analysis and quantitative RT‐PCR (qPCR). By comparing gene expression profiles, we found that 538 genes (1.3% of a total of 41,234 analyzed genes) were differentially expressed in plaque‐associated versus plaque‐free tissue of aged APP23 transgenic mice. One of these genes is the microglia‐associated triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM2) which enhances phagocytosis, but abrogates cytokine production as well as TLR and Fc receptor‐mediated induction of TNF secretion. Western Blot analysis demonstrated an upregulation of TREM2 protein in APP23 transgenic compared with nontransgenic mice. Confocal imaging studies, furthermore, confirmed colocalization of TREM2 protein with microglia. Thus, when TREM2 is induced on microglia in plaque‐loaded brain areas the respective signaling may prevent inflammation‐induced bystander damage of neurons. At the same time, TREM2 signaling may also account for the failure to sufficiently eliminate extracellular amyloid with the help of a systemic immune response. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory ensheathing cells exhibit unique migratory, phagocytic, and myelinating properties in the X‐irradiated spinal cord not shared by Schwann cells
Authors: Lankford Karen L. , Sasaki Masanori , Radtke Christine , Kocsis Jeffery D.
Published: June 2008

Although several studies have shown that Schwann cells (SCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) interact differently with central nervous system (CNS) cells in vitro, all classes of adult myelin‐forming cells show poor survival and migration after transplantation into normal CNS. X‐irradiation of the spinal cord, however, selectively facilitates migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), but not SCs, revealing differences in in vivo migratory capabilities that are not apparent in intact tissue. To compare the in vivo migratory properties of OECs and SCs and evaluate the potential of migrating cells to participate in subsequent repair, we first transplanted freshly isolated GFP‐expressing adult rat olfactory bulb‐derived OECs and SCs into normal and X‐irradiated spinal cords. Both OECs and SCs showed limited survival and migration in normal spinal cord at 3 weeks. However, OECs, unlike SCs, migrated extensively in both grey and white matter of the X‐irradiated spinal cord, and exhibited a phagocytic phenotype with OX‐42 staining on their processes. If a X‐irradiated and OEC transplanted spinal cord was then subjected to a focal demyelinating lesion 3 weeks after transplantation, OECs moved into the delayed demyelinated lesion and remyelinated host axons with a peripheral‐like pattern of myelin. These results revealed a clear difference between the migratory properties of OECs and SCs in the X‐irradiated spinal cord and demonstrated that engrafted OECs can participate in repair of subsequent lesions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of high‐risk human papillomavirus genotypes persistence and risk of residual or recurrent cervical disease after surgical treatment
Authors: Venturoli Simona , Ambretti Simone , Cricca Monica , Leo Elisa , Costa Silvano , Musiani Monica , Zerbini Marialuisa
Published: June 2008

The evidence on genotype‐specific risk in women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) with normal cytology and the importance of the distinction of high‐risk (HR)‐HPV genotypes in the management of low‐grade lesions suggest that the distinction of HR‐HPV genotypes has the potential to improve the follow‐up of patients treated for high‐grade cervical lesions. The aims of this study were to define the persistence of the different HR‐HPV in the follow‐up of surgical treated women, to detect the changes of genotypes from the pre‐ to the post‐operative status, and to evaluate whether genotype‐specific persistence can predict the development of residual or recurrent disease during the follow‐up. HR‐HPV detection and genotyping was carried out by the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test® on cervical cytological samples from 72 women treated by surgery. The 6‐month post‐operative HPV status was correlated with the pre‐operative HPV genotype and with the residual or recurrent disease within 24 months. It was observed that the residual or recurrent disease in women with persistence of HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 was higher (82.4%) than in women with persistence of at least one HR‐HPV type of group 2 (HPV 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) (66.7%) and at least one type of group 3 (HPV 39, 51, 56, 59, 68, 26, 53, 66, 73, and 82) (14.3%). These data defined HR‐HPV groups for the risk of progression of disease and suggested that the identification of persistent infection with different HR‐HPV genotypes has the potential to improve the management of these patients. J. Med. Virol. 80:1434–1440, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple surface antigen mutations in five blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zaaijer H.L. , Torres P. , Ontañón A. , Ponte L. González , Koppelman M.H.G.M. , Lelie P.N. , Hemert F.J.van , Boot H.J.
Published: June 2008

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by the presence of HBV DNA while the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) remains undetectable. The HBV genomes in five asymptomatic blood donors with occult HBV infection and low viremia (<10 to 1,000 HBV DNA copies/mL, genotype D) were studied. An unusually large number of amino acid mutations was present in the immunodominant a‐determinant of HBsAg (respectively 3, 6, 7, 10, and 10 mutations). Comparison of the HBV genomes in two donors to a consensus HBV genotype D sequence showed a most prominent hotspot of genetic variation in HBV nucleotides 480–570, encoding the HBsAg a‐determinant. The phylogenetic comparison of separate donor HBV genes to the HBV genes of 11 reference strains (genotypes A–H) showed the donor HBV surface genes to form an outgroup, while the HBV polymerase, core and X genes closely cluster with the HBV genotype D reference strain. Maybe the HBV strains in this study represent a natural end‐stage of seemingly cleared HBV infection, in which HBV maintains a low level of possibly non‐infectious replication, after sacrificing its immunologically offending surface antigen, thus avoiding final clearance by the immune system. J. Med. Virol. 80:1344–1349, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B, C seroprevalence and delta viruses in HIV‐1 Senegalese patients at HAART initiation (retrospective study)
Authors: Diop‐Ndiaye H. , Touré‐Kane C. , Etard J.F. , Lô G. , Diaw PA , Ngom‐Gueye N.F. , Gueye P.M. , Ba‐Fall K. , Ndiaye I. , Sow P.S. , Delaporte E. , Mboup S.
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to determine hepatitis co‐infection in a cohort of HIV infected patients at their inclusion in the Senegalese Initiative of ART Access. B, C, and D Hepatitis viruses serological markers were checked retrospectively on 363 stored plasma. For HBV, the Abbott laboratories equipment IMx was used to detect HBs Ag and anti Core Ab on negative HBs Ag samples. For HDV, anti Delta Ab was performed using the Abbott Murex Kit on all HBs Ag positive samples. For HCV, anti HCV Ab was detected by IMx as double screening test and confirmed by INNO‐LIATM HCV Core of Innogenetics laboratories. The statistical analysis was done with STATA V8. The study population was composed of 164 men and 199 women aged between 16 and 66 years. The immune and virological markers averages at their enrolment were 154 cell/mm3 for TLCD4+ (n = 355 patients) and 4.9 log for viral load (n = 277 patients). HBs Ag was found in 61 patients or 16.8% and the prevalence of anti‐HBc Ab was 83.2% (252/295). 2 patients or 3% on HBs Ag positive sample presents HBV/HDV co‐infection Ab anti HCV was detects in 6 patients or 1.6% after confirmation and 2 patients had triple infection with HBV. These results showed that the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the population of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal is similar to that found in the general population. Our data indicated that hepatitis pathology in the PLwHIV was essentially due to HBV. Further studies are needed to diagnose occult hepatitis in order to set up therapeutic strategies taking into account co‐infections by hepatitis viruses in the ART programmes. J. Med. Virol. 80:1332–1336, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A set of reference sequences for the hepatitis C genotypes 4d, 4f, and 4k covering the full open reading frame
Authors: Kuntzen Thomas , Berical Andrew , Ndjomou Jean , Bennett Phil , Schneidewind Arne , Lennon Niall , Birren Bruce W. , Kuiken Carla , Henn Matthew R. , Simmonds Peter , Allen Todd M.
Published: June 2008

Infection with genotype 4 of the Hepatitis C virus is common in Africa and the Mediterranean area, but has also been found at increasing frequencies in injection drug users in Europe and North America. Full length viral sequences to characterize viral diversity and structure have recently become available mostly for subtype 4a, and studies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where high proportions of subtype 4a infected patients exist, have begun to establish optimized treatment regimens. However knowledge about other subtype variants of genotype 4 present in less developed African states is lacking. In this study the full coding region from so far poorly characterized variants of HCV genotype 4 was amplified and sequenced using a long range PCR technique. Sequences were analyzed with respect to phylogenetic relationship, possible recombination and prominent sequence characteristics compared to other known HCV strains. We present for the first time two full‐length sequences from the HCV genotype 4k, in addition to five strains from HCV genotypes 4d and 4f. Reference sequences for accurate HCV genotyping are required for optimized treatment, and a better knowledge of the global viral sequence diversity is needed to guide vaccines or new drugs effective in the world wide epidemic. J. Med. Virol. 80:1370–1378, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of hepatitis E virus infection in Swine from Hunan province, China
Authors: Li Xiuji , Zhao Chenyan , Harrison Tim J. , Song Aijing , Fan Jinping , Zhang Jingang , Wang Youchun
Published: June 2008

Nine hundred and four serum samples were collected from pigs from 16 pig farms in China's Hunan province and tested for anti‐hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody and the HEV capsid antigen using EIAs. Of the 904 samples, 617 (68.3%) and 57 (6.3%) were positive for anti‐HEV antibody and antigen, respectively. The prevalence of HEV antibodies and detection of antigen varied significantly among pigs from different farms (P < 0.01). The positivity rate for anti‐HEV antibody and occurrence of high titer antibody were significantly higher in pigs above, than in those below, 3 months of age, whilst the detection of antigen did not differ significantly between the two groups. Based on these data, 481 serum samples that were positive for HEV antigen or with an S/CO ≤10 for anti‐HEV were tested for HEV RNA using real‐time RT‐PCR; 28 of 481 (5.8%) were positive. The positivity rate of HEV RNA was much higher for the HEV antigen positive sera (40.1%) than the anti‐HEV antibody positive (1.4%) or negative (1.1%), antigen negative samples. Sixteen of the 28 samples were positive for HEV RNA using nested RT‐PCR and their products were cloned and sequenced. These 16 isolates belonged to HEV genotype 4, including 12 that did not belong to any subtype of HEV genotype 4 reported previously. Thus, the infection rate of HEV in pigs is high and the HEV antigen has a close relationship with HEV RNA. The HEV genotype infecting the pigs was genotype 4 and a novel subtype may exist in Hunan province. J. Med. Virol. 80:1391–1396, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of irrigation and vegetation activity on early Indian summer monsoon variability
Authors: Lee Eungul , Chase Thomas N. , Rajagopalan Balaji , Barry Roger G. , Biggs Trent W. , Lawrence Peter J.
Published: June 2008

We examined the effects of land cover change over the Indian subcontinent during pre‐monsoon season (March, April, and May—MAM) on early Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall using observed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and July precipitation for the period of 1982–2003. MAM NDVI anomalies have increased in the Indian subcontinent and the increases are significantly correlated with increases in the irrigated area, not preceding rainfall. July rainfall significantly decreased in central and southern India, and the decrease is statistically related to the increase in the preceding MAM NDVI anomalies. Decreased July surface temperature in the Indian subcontinent (an expected result of increased evapotranspiration due to irrigation and increased vegetation) leads to a reduced land–sea thermal contrast, which is one of the factors driving the monsoon, and therefore weakens the monsoon circulation. A weak early ISM appears to be at least partially a result of irrigation and the resultant increased vegetation and crop activity prior to the monsoon. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Unilateral versus bilateral stage I neuromodulator lead placement for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction
Authors: Pham Khanh , Guralnick Michael L. , O'Connor R. Corey
Published: June 2008

Aims

To determine if bilateral S3 lead placement during the stage I trial period improves the “success” rate for advancing to stage II (permanent) sacral neuromodulator placement.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 124 (20 male and 104 female) patients undergoing stage I sacral neuromodulation (InterStim®, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) implantation for the treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction was performed. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on unilateral versus bilateral stage I lead placement in the S3 foramina. Both groups were then evaluated and compared with regards to overall “success”, defined as progression from stage I to stage II placement.

Results

Fifty‐five (44%) patients underwent unilateral stage I lead placement and 69 (56%) received bilateral S3 leads. Successful stage I trials were reported in 32/55 (58%) and 53/69 (76%) of unilateral and bilateral cohorts, respectively (P = 0.03). Five wound infections were reported—2 (3.6%) following unilateral and 3 (4.3%) after bilateral stage I lead placement. No other complications were encountered.

Conclusions

Bilateral stage I neuromodulation trial provides a significantly higher rate of improvement in refractory voiding symptoms to allow for the progress to stage II implantation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:779–781, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a device to standardize leak point pressure experiments in rats
Authors: Shoffstall Andrew J. , Zaszczurynski Paul J. , Butler Robert S. , Damaser Margot S.
Published: June 2008

Aims

The objective of this study was to test a custom device aimed at increasing repeatability of abdominal leak point pressure (LPP) measurements in rodents.

Methods

The device consisted of a soft‐tipped force applicator with a force sensor which was moved in the vertical direction by a linear actuator, laser crosshairs for accurate positioning, and a hand‐held wired remote control system. One expert and two novice experimenters acquired LPP measurements using manual and device methods by applying a gradually increasing force with the finger or the device, respectively, until a leak was visually observed at the urethral meatus. The device was tested at fast, medium, and slow speeds. A leak sensor was also tested to determine presence of a leak and reaction time of the user. The change in bladder pressure due to the externally applied force (LPP) was the primary outcome.

Results

There were no significant differences in mean LPP value when compared across experiments (expert, novice), method (manual, device), or speeds. The pooled variance of LPP was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to the manual method when using the device at medium speed; however the slower speed showed no further improvement over the medium speed. The wet sensor detected leaks 385 ± 187 msec earlier than users' reaction.

Conclusions

Use of the device can decrease variability of the experiment but does not alter mean values. Reaction time, inherent in both the manual and device methods, has the potential for a significant impact on LPP outcomes. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:553–558, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability and repeatability of perineal sound recording in a population of healthy male volunteers
Authors: Idzenga Tim
Published: June 2008

Objectives

In a population of 16 healthy male volunteers we studied the variability and repeatability of perineal sound recording as a non‐invasive method for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction.

Materials and Methods

The volunteers had a flat age‐distribution (22–62 years), a median IPSS‐score of 1 (range: 0–18) and voided at least 10 times. From each perineal sound recording the frequency spectrum was calculated and characterized by its weighted average frequency, standard deviation and skewness. We assessed the variability of these parameters using the Kruskal–Wallis test, differences between volunteers using Dunn's test and the repeatability by the normalized standard deviation of the differences between pairs of recordings in each volunteer.

Results

For each parameter the variability within volunteers was significantly smaller than the variability between volunteers (Kruskal–Wallis, P < 0.05). For each parameter more than one volunteer was significantly different from three or more volunteers (Dunn's test, P < 0.05). The repeatability of each parameter was comparable to that of the maximum flow rate.

Conclusion

Perineal sound recording gives repeatable results, which are significantly different between volunteers. In combination with the earlier published results from model‐experiments the present results increase the probability that perineal sound recording can be used as a very simple and cheap method to non‐invasively diagnose BOO. Clinical testing of this method is therefore strongly indicated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:802–806, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac myofilaments: from proteome to pathophysiology
Authors: Jin Wenhai , Brown Anna T. , Murphy Anne M.
Published: June 2008

This review addresses the functional consequences of altered post‐translational modifications of cardiac myofilament proteins in cardiac diseases such as heart failure and ischemia. The modifications of thick and thin filament proteins as well as titin are addressed. Understanding the functional consequences of altered protein modifications is an essential step in the development of targeted therapies for common cardiac diseases.
An application of the 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl method to proteomic profiling of human colorectal carcinoma: A novel approach for biomarker discovery
Authors: Watanabe Makoto , Takemasa Ichiro , Kawaguchi Naomasa , Miyake Masakazu , Nishimura Noriko , Matsubara Toshiya , Matsuo Ei‐ichi , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Nagai Katsuya , Matsuura Nariaki , Monden Morito , Nishimura Osamu
Published: June 2008

In the development of novel biomarkers, the proteomic approach is advantageous because using it the cancer‐associated proteins can be directly identified. We previously developed a 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl (NBS) method to improve quantitative proteome analysis. Here, we applied this method to proteomic profiling of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) to identify novel proteins with altered expression in CRC. Each pair of tumor and normal tissue specimens from 12 CRC patients was analyzed, and approximately 5000 NBS‐labeled paired peaks were quantified. Peaks with altered signal intensities (>1.5‐fold) and occurring frequently in the samples (>70%) were selected, and 128 proteins were identified by MS/MS analyses as differentially expressed proteins in CRC tissues. Many proteins were newly revealed to be CRC related; 30 were reported in earlier studies of CRC. Six proteins that were up‐regulated in CRC (ZYX, RAN, RCN1, AHCY, LGALS1, and VIM) were further characterized and validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. All six were found to be CRC‐localized, either in cancer cells or in stroma cells near the cancer cells. These results indicate that the proteins identified in this study are novel candidates for CRC markers, and that the NBS method is useful in proteome mining to discover novel biomarkers.
A novel role for proteomics in the discovery of cell‐surface markers on stem cells: Scratching the surface
Authors: Gundry Rebekah L. , Boheler Kenneth R. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Wollscheid Bernd
Published: June 2008

The concept of cell‐based therapy has been advocated as a novel approach for treating diseases or conditions where regeneration of cells, tissue and/or potentially organs is required. A promising source for cell‐replacement therapies is provided by stem cells, but the success of this approach will ultimately rely on the ability to isolate primary stem or progenitor cells. Cell‐surface protein markers will play a critical role in this step. Current methodologies for the identification of cell‐surface protein markers rely primarily on antibody availability and flow cytometry, but many cell‐surface proteins remain undetectable. Proteomic technologies now offer the possibility to specifically identify and investigate the cell‐surface subproteome in a quantitative and discovery‐driven manner. Once a cell surface protein marker panel has been identified by MS and the antibodies become available, the panel should permit the identification, tracking, and/or isolation of stem or progenitor cells that may be appropriate for therapeutics. This review provides a context for the use of proteomics in discovering new cell‐surface markers for stem cells.
Mitochondria: A mirror into cellular dysfunction in heart disease
Authors: White Melanie Y. , Edwards Alistair V. G. , Cordwell Stuart J. , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: June 2008

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the single most significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emerging global impact of CV disease means that the goals of early diagnosis and a wider range of treatment options are now increasingly pertinent. As such, there is a greater need to understand the molecular mechanisms involved and potential targets for intervention. Mitochondrial function is important for physiological maintenance of the cell, and when this function is altered, the cell can begin to suffer. Given the broad range and significant impacts of the cellular processes regulated by the mitochondria, it becomes important to understand the roles of the proteins associated with this organelle. Proteomic investigations of the mitochondria are hampered by the intrinsic properties of the organelle, including hydrophobic mitochondrial membranes; high proportion of basic proteins (pIgreater than 8.0); and the relative dynamic range issues of the mitochondria. For these reasons, many proteomic studies investigate the mitochondria as a discrete subproteome. Once this has been achieved, the alterations that result in functional changes with CV disease can be observed. Those alterations that lead to changes in mitochondrial function, signaling and morphology, which have significant implications for the cardiomyocyte in the development of CV disease, are discussed.
Radial growth response ofHedera helixto hydrological changes and climatic variability in the Rhine floodplain
Authors: Heuzé Patricia , Dupouey Jean‐Luc , Schnitzler Annik
Published: June 2008

This paper presents a dendrochronological study of Common Ivy in alluvial environment. Our objective was to analyse the response of ivy plants to hydrological and climatic variations. The study was carried out in three forests: Rhinau, which is regularly flooded; Erstein, where floods were eliminated with the canalization of the Rhine River in 1967 and Heiteren, an upland forest. Multivariate models performed for each forest showed that the response of ivy to temperature, precipitation and water table level depended on the hydrological history of the site. In the flooded forest of Rhinau, ground water depth in June and July, that is at the time when floods usually occur, was one of the main factors stimulating growth while in Erstein, rises of the ground water levels stimulated growth only when they occurred in winter, that is when the water table is normally the lowest in the year. In the driest forest of Heiteren, growth was stimulated by hot summer temperatures coupled with rainfall from May to July. In the two riparian forests ivy displayed a positive response to increasing temperatures in February and March. The ability to take advantage of early temperature increases may be a particularly important aspect of ivy ecology in deciduous forests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between Coercivity and Microstructural Changes During DR Treatment in the HDDR‐processed NdFeCoB Alloy
Authors: Nishiuchi Takeshi , Hirosawa Satoshi , Nakamura Masaki , Kakimoto Masatoshi , Kawabayashi Takeshi , Araki Hideki , Shirai Yasuharu
Published: June 2008

Relationship between coercivity and microstructural changes during desorption‐recombination (DR) treatment in the hydrogenation‐decomposition‐desorption‐recombination (HDDR) processed NdFeCoB alloy has been studied by a combination of different experimental methods. In the early DR stage, coercivity was very small and after a certain period of the DR treatment, the coercivity abruptly increased. The corresponding changes in positron lifetime spectrum, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, and thermal desorption spectrum (TDS) were measured. The changes suggest that an Nd‐rich phase formed among recombined Nd2(Fe,Co)14B grains in the DR treatment plays an important role for the onset of coercivity in the Nd‐Fe‐Co‐B HDDR‐processed alloy. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Planar Hall Effect and Magnetic Anisotropy in a Mn δ‐doped GaAs/p‐AlGaAs Heterostructure
Authors: Nazmul Ahsan M. , Lin Hung‐Ta , Ohya Shinobu , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: June 2008

We have studied the planar Hall effect (PHE) in a Mn δ‐doped GaAs‐based heterostructure consisting of Mn δ‐doped GaAs and p‐type AlGaAs. Distinct and large PHE, and a specific in‐plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy were observed below the ferromagnetic transition temperature (TC). This uniaxial in‐plane magnetic anisotropy is found dominant over the biaxial cubic anisotropy, and is clearly identified by the angular dependence of PHE. This observation is quantitatively discussed in terms of two models of magnetization reversal; the coherent rotation model and the domain‐wall motion model. The model calculation fit to the experimental results make it possible to determine the uniaxial and cubic anisotropy fields and examine the behavior of magnetization reversal. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Method of Generalization of State Space Construction for Multirobots with Different Sensor Configurations
Authors: Shibuya Takeshi , Hamagami Tomoki
Published: June 2008

The goal of this study is to develop heterogeneous mobile robots, which realize cooperative actions to accomplish each task in an environment. An important part of achieving the goal is that the agent controlling the robots can realize suitable state space automatically. In particular, domestic robots equipped with low‐cost, discrete simple range sensors have difficulties in the efficient learning of environment because the deviation of sensor configuration in each robot causes serious problems in which the learning policies cannot be shared among them. To overcome this problem, a new method of constructing effective state space with low dependence on sensor configurations is conducted. The method consists of two parts: (i) abstracting surrounding environment by rectangles, and (ii) generalization of state space by classifying with self organization map (SOM). Simulation experiments show that the state space that has been constructed by an agent with 10 sensors can be reused for the agent with another sensor configuration. © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Counseling in Southern Iran: Consanguinity and Reason for Referral
Authors: Fathzadeh Mohsen , Babaie Bigi Mohammad Ali , Bazrgar Masood , Yavarian Majid , Tabatabaee Hamid Reza , Akrami Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2008

Population based genetic counseling that promotes public health goals is an appropriate health care service. The genetic counseling center in Shiraz, southern Iran serves most of the clients in the region. During a 4‐year period, 2,686 couples presented for genetic counseling. Data files revealed that 85% had consanguineous relationships (1.5% double first cousin, 74% first cousin, 8% second cousin, 1.5% beyond second cousin). Most prevalent reasons for referral were premarital counseling (80%), with 89% consanguinity, followed by preconception (12%), postnatal (7%), and prenatal counseling (1%). The most common abnormalities in probands or relatives were intellectual and developmental disabilities, hearing loss/impairment, and neuromuscular dystrophies. Family history of medical problem(s) and/or consanguinity was the main indication for referral in nearly every family. Premarital consanguinity poses unique challenges and opportunities. There is considerable opportunity for genetic counseling and education for couples in this population. The tradition of consanguinity, which is likely to persist in Iran, requires multidisciplinary agreement regarding the appropriate process of genetic counseling. Effective genetic counseling in Iran hinges on inclusion of data from genetic counseling services in national genomic and epidemiologic research programs.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Inhibition of Tumor Angiogenesis by Tumstatin: Insights into Signaling Mechanisms and Implications in Cancer Regression
Authors: Sudhakar Akulapalli , Boosani Chandra S.
Published: June 2008

Growing tumors develop additional new blood vessels to meet the demand for adequate nutrients and oxygen, a process called angiogenesis. Cancer is a highly complex disease promoted by excess angiogenesis; interfering with this process poses for an attractive approach for controlling tumor growth. This hypothesis led to the identification of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors generated from type IV collagen, a major component of vascular basement membrane (VBM). Type IV collagen and the angiogenesis inhibitors derived from it are involved in complex roles, than just the molecular construction of basement membranes. Protease degradation of collagens in VBM occurs in various physiological and pathological conditions and produces several peptides. Some of these peptides are occupied in the regulation of functions conflicting from those of their original integral molecules. Tumstatin (α3(IV)NC1), a proteolytic C-terminal non-collagenous (NC1) domain from type IV collagen α3 chain has been highlighted recently because of its potential role in anti-angiogenesis, however its biological actions are not limited to these processes. α3(IV)NC1 inhibits proliferation by promoting endothelial cell apoptosis and suppresses diverse tumor angiogenesis, thus making it a potential candidate for future cancer therapy. The present review surveys the physiological functions of type IV collagen and discovery of α3(IV)NC1 as an antiangiogenic protein with a comprehensive overview of the knowledge gained by us towards understanding its signaling mechanisms.
Gravity currents from a line source in an ambient flow
Authors: SLIM ANJA C. , HUPPERT HERBERT E.
Published: June 2008

We present a mainly theoretical study of high-Reynolds-number planar gravity currents in a uniformly flowing deep ambient. The gravity currents are generated by a constant line source of fluid, and may also be supplied with a source of horizontal momentum and a source of particles. We model the motion using a shallow-water approximation and represent the effects of the ambient flow by imposing a Froude-number condition in a moving frame. We present analytic and numerical expressions for the threshold ambient flow speed above which no upstream propagation can occur at long times. For homogeneous gravity currents in an ambient flow below threshold, we find similarity solutions in which the up- and downstream fronts spread at a constant rate and the current propagates indefinitely in both directions. For gravity currents consisting of both interstitial fluid of a different density to the ambient and a sedimenting particle load, we find long-time asymptotic solutions for ambient flow strengths below threshold. These consist of a steady particle-rich near-source region, in which settling and advection of particles balance, and an effectively particle-free frontal region. The homogeneous behaviour of the fronts ensures that they also spread at a constant rate and therefore can propagate upstream indefinitely. For gravity currents driven solely by a sedimenting particle load, we find numerically that a single regime exists for ambient flow strengths below threshold. In these solutions, settling balances advection near the source leading to a steady region, which joins on to a complex frontal boundary layer. The upstream front progressively decelerates. Our solutions for homogeneous and particle-driven gravity currents compare well with published experimental results.
Near-field flow structure of a confined wall jet on flat and concave rough walls
Authors: ALBAYRAK I. , HOPFINGER E. J. , LEMMIN U.
Published: June 2008

Experimental results are presented of the mean flow and turbulence characteristics in the near field of a plane wall jet issuing from a nozzle onto flat and concave walls consisting of fixed sand beds. This is a flow configuration of interest for sediment erosion, also referred to as scouring. The measurements were made with an acoustic profiler that gives access to the three components of the instantaneous velocities. For the flat-wall flow, it is shown that the outer-layer spatial growth rate and the maxima of the Reynolds stresses approach the values accepted for the far field of a wall jet at a downstream distancex/b0≈ 8. These maxima are only about half the values of a plane free jet. This reduction in Reynolds stresses is also observed in the shear-layer region,x/b0< 6, where the Reynolds shear stress is about half the value of a free shear layer. At distancesx/b0> 11, the maximum Reynolds shear stress approaches the value of a plane free jet. This change in Reynolds stresses is related to the mean vertical velocity that is negative forx/b0< 8 and positive further downstream. The evolution of the inner region of the wall jet is found to be in good agreement with a previous model that explicitly includes the roughness length.

On the concave wall, the mean flow and the Reynolds stresses are drastically changed by the adverse pressure gradient and especially by the development of Görtler vortices. On the downslope side of the scour hole, the flow is nearly separating with the wall shear stress tending to zero, whereas on the upslope side, the wall-friction coefficient is increased by a factor of about two by Görtler vortices. These vortices extend well into the outer layer and, just above the wall, cause a substantial increase in Reynolds shear stress.
Thermal levitation
Authors: MANDUJANO F. , RECHTMAN R.
Published: June 2008

A particle with a density slightly larger than that of the fluid in which it is immersed will sediment. However, if the particle's temperature is higher than that of the fluid, the terminal velocity of sedimentation will be smaller and can even change sign. When the terminal velocity is zero we say there is thermal levitation. Thermal levitation can also occur when the density and temperature of the particle are smaller than those of the fluid. Using a two-component thermal lattice Boltzmann equation method, we study this phenomenon and show it can be stable or unstable.
The Revolution in Tidal Science
Authors: Hughes Paul
Published: June 2008

Exact tidal study extends back to a fourteenth century record containing sexagesimal times. Earlier commentators have taken these times to be high water. This study shows they are for the later moment of when the flood ends; and, that eighteenth and nineteenth century elevation measurements formed a completely different way of considering the tide, leading directly to reliable predictions. The result shows the Thames tide to have been more consistent than previously stated; and consequently the actual change more accelerated. Therefore tidal current predictions are shown to have a longer history than have water surface elevation levels.
The Running Fix Technique – Response To G. Huxtable's Comments
Authors: Zevering K. H.
Published: June 2008

A fix is determined by the intersection of at least two position circles. There is no argument when sights are simultaneous. Two transfer techniques are demonstrated in the ANM when sights are not simultaneous, the running fix technique (RFT) and the GHA-Dec updating technique (GD-UT). With RFT/LSQ*1 the transferred position line is thus supposed to represent a transferred position circle as the mathematical locus of all points on the original position circle transferred for a given run. This condition is met with GD-UT but as we will see it is not with RFT/LSQ*.
Cooperative body–brain coevolutionary synthesis of mechatronic systems
Authors: Wang Jiachuan , Fan Zhun , Terpenny Janis P. , Goodman Erik D.
Published: June 2008

To support the concurrent design processes of mechatronic subsystems, unified mechatronics modeling and cooperative body–brain coevolutionary synthesis are developed. In this paper, both body-passive physical systems and brain-active control systems can be represented using the bond graph paradigm. Bond graphs are combined with genetic programming to evolve low-level building blocks into systems with high-level functionalities including both topological configurations and parameter settings. Design spaces of coadapted mechatronic subsystems are automatically explored in parallel for overall design optimality. A quarter-car suspension system case study is provided. Compared with conventional design methods, semiactive suspension designs with more creativity and flexibility are achieved through this approach.
HYBRID NARRATIVES: THE MAKING OF CHARACTER AND NARRATIVE AUTHORITY IN RUDYARD KIPLING'S “HIS CHANCE IN LIFE”
Authors: Fernandez Jean
Published: June 2008

When Rudyard Kipling offeredhis wry observations on officialdom in Imperial India to his cousin, Margaret Bourne-Jones, in 1885, he might have been toying with the kernel of one of his more perplexing stories on race and hybridity, written for his 1888 anthology,Plain Tales from the Hills. When Kipling actually came to address this theme fictionally, in his short story entitled “His Chance in Life,” he made one crucial change: he substituted a dark-skinned telegraphist of mixed race for an Englishman, thereby engaging with the illogics of character that hybridity posed for narratives on race and Empire. In Kipling's story, his hybrid hero, stationed in the mofussil town of Tibasu, experiences a sudden surge of Britishness in the mixed blood flowing in his veins at the moment when crisis strikes, and leads a group of terrified policemen in quelling a communal riot between Hindus and Muslims. He is found guilty of exercising unconstitutional authority by a Hindu sub-judge, but the verdict is set aside by the British Assistant Collector. As a reward, he is promoted to an up-country Central Telegraph Office, where he proceeds to marry his ugly sweetheart, also of mixed race parentage, and live happily with a large brood of children in quarters on the office premises, a loyal government servant, “at home” with officialdom and Empire.
GOOD TASTE AND SWEET ORDERING: DINING WITH MRS BEETON
Authors: Beetham Margaret
Published: June 2008

In his bookDistinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu argues that in order to understand the workings of culture “in the restricted, normative sense” we must not only relate our discussion to the broad anthropological meanings of the concept, we must also relate it to “taste” in the physical sense. We must, he argues, bring “the elaborated taste for the most refined objects . . . back into relation with the elementary taste for the flavours of food” (Bourdieu 99). Bourdieu is writing of twentieth-century France and not nineteenth-century Britain. It may seem anachronistic to juxtapose a quotation from his work with one from an 1861 volume of domestic advice. However, his argument that social distinctions can be understood through a discussion of the material and cultural values attached to food resonates with Beeton's argument that “the rank which a people occupy . . . may be measured by their way of taking their meals.”
“AN INFERNAL FIRE IN MY VEINS”: GENTLEMANLY DRINKING INTHE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL
Authors: Hyman Gwen
Published: June 2008

Drinking was a seriouspreoccupation for mid-century English Victorians, and Anne Brontë'sThe Tenant of Wildfell Hallis a novel sodden with drink. This startlingly explicit novel is a troubled and troubling anatomy of upper-crust drunkenness, obsessed with issues of control and productivity, of appetites and class, as they play out across the body of its prime sot, the wealthy playboy Arthur Huntingdon. In telling her drinking tale, Brontë is doing more than simply crafting a prurient morality story, meant to scare drinkers straight. Arthur's fall into the bottle is emblematic of the increasingly untenable role of the landed gentleman in Victorian culture, and the dire consequences of his appetites suggest the possibility of a radical social revisioning across that gentleman's prone, overstuffed body.
INTEMPERATE NARRATIVES: TORY TIPPLERS, LIBERAL ABSTAINERS, AND VICTORIAN BRITISH SOCIALIST FICTION
Authors: Mutch Deborah
Published: June 2008

Attitudes toward the consumptionof alcohol by the British working class had begun to shift during the last twenty years of the nineteenth century, as the environment and working conditions were gradually recognised as being a major contributory factor in drunkenness. Friedrich Engels had raised the environmental issue in 1845 inThe Conditions of the Working Class in England, arguing that cramped, uncomfortable living conditions and harsh working practices drove the worker to drink. Engels states of the worker, “His enfeebled frame, weakened by bad air and bad food, loudly demands some external stimulus; his social need can be gratified only in the public house, he has absolutely no other place where he can meet his friends. How can he be expected to resist the temptation?” (133). But the power of the temperance movement's focus on individual responsibility and self-help during the mid-nineteenth century meant Engels's focus was not widely accepted until the resurgence of socialism at the end of the century. By then resentment was rising within both the working class generally and the socialist movement against the imposition of abstinence, especially when the consumption of other classes remained steady. As Brian Harrison states, “it was now suspected that [the workers] were being hypocritically inculcated by self-interested capitalists,” (402) and British socialists were keen to promote this perspective.
A COMMON COMPLAINT: DINING AT THE REFORM CLUB
Authors: Day Helen
Published: June 2008

When Isabella Beeton wrotein her Preface toMrs Beeton's Book of Household Management(1861) that, in order to compete with the attractions of clubs, well-ordered taverns and dining-houses that serve men so well, the mistress must be conversant with cookery and all other arts of making and keeping a comfortable home, she was making use of a narrative that would have been familiar to many of her readers. Both male and female writers of etiquette and cookery books aimed at the bourgeoisie attempted to persuade their readers of the necessity of household management by drawing on this narrative.