bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Trauma and Violence in a Jail Inmate Sample
Authors: Neller Daniel J. , Denney Robert L. , Pietz Christina A. , Thomlinson R. Paul
Published: August 2006

Research suggests there is a link between trauma and violence, although the nature of the relationship is rather equivocal. This study explored this relationship by examining self-reported trauma as a predictor of self-reported violence in 93 jail inmates. Ninety-six percent of the sample reported experiencing a traumatic event, and 67% reported having been violent during the year preceding incarceration. Inmates reporting trauma were more than twice as likely to report having been violent than nonviolent. Stepwise multiple regression analyses suggested traumatic events, as a combined model, significantly contributed to violence perpetration. In addition, witnessing serious violence predicted perpetration of violence. Implications and limitations of the present study are discussed.
FEM Investigation of the Temperature Field of Energy Director During Ultrasonic Welding of PEEK Composites
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Yan Jiuchun , Li Ruiqi , Yang Shiqin
Published: August 2006

In this study, a finite element model of ultrasonic welding of continuous carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) laminates is established based on the viscoelastic dissipation theory. The impacts of the size and apex angle of the energy director on the heating process during ultrasonic welding are discussed. Simulation results show that the apex angle of the energy director has a more significant effect on the temperature rising rate than size of the energy director. The apex angle also greatly affects the temperature field profile of the energy director. The highest temperature region of energy directors with 30 and 60° apex angle presents a butterfly shape and deviates a distance from the lower laminate. The ‘wings’ of the highest temperature region of the 90° energy director nearly merge together and make contact with the lower laminate. The highest temperature region of 120° energy director becomes a closed ellipse area but is wrapped in the energy director tip. As the cross-sectional area of the energy director is smaller than 0.25 mm2, the heated region on the energy director and lower laminate decreases with the cross-sectional area. As the cross-sectional area exceeds 0.25 mm2, the heated area on the energy director and lower laminate remains constant. Therefore, an energy director with a 90° apex angle and about 0.25 mm2cross-sectional area may be the most suitable for ultrasonic welding of CF/PEEK laminates.
Parasites, principles and the problem of attachment to place
Authors: Raffel Stanley H.
Published: August 2006

This article is concerned with exploring the idea of places as providing persons with nourishment. This version of person–place relations is displayed in a paper by McHugh and, in provocative fashion, in Michel Serres’s analysis of the human condition as a parasitic one. Unlike McHugh, Serres combines his analysis of parasites with a concern that principled actors may be insufficiently attached to places. His views are revealed in his interpretations of works by Molière and Plato. By reinterpreting these works, I try to suggest that Serres’s well-founded scepticism as to the level of commitment of principled actors to the places that, as he rightly points out, are nourishing them, may not apply to the sub-set of principled actors who deserve to be called particular.
Serial killing and the postmodern self
Authors: King Anthony
Published: August 2006

The self has been a consistently central theme in philosophy and the social sciences and, in the last decades of the 20th century, the fragmentation of the modern self has engendered extensive academic commentary. In order to contribute to current discussions about self, it is perhaps most effective to map the transformation of a single representation of the self in contemporary culture. As a cultural ‘flashpoint’, the serial killer could provide an apposite analytical focus. Drawing critically on Mark Seltzer's work on serial killers this article interprets serial killing as a form of commodified transgression. In contrast to the modern self, established through state-institutionalized routines, serial killers establish their identities through ecstatic intercourse. These acts of bodily and ethical transgression are facilitated by the use of commodities. In this way, the serial killer represents a self which is consistent with the colonization of interpersonal relations by multinational capital. The serial killer signifies the appearance of a postmodern self.
E-learning and learning styles: students' reactions to web-based Language and Style at Blackpool and The Fylde College
Authors: Poole Judith
Published: August 2006

The issue of learning styles and how they affect students' attitudes to pursuing online courses is a key issue for the development of web-based teaching. The focus of this article is how learning styles seem to have affected students' attitudes to undertaking the web-based Language and Style course at Blackpool and The Fylde College in 2004–5. The course was delivered in a blended format, incorporating both web-based and traditional teaching. The students' learning styles were assessed both at the onset and the end of the course. In this article I discuss students' reactions to the course and how these might be linked to the learning styles they exhibited at the time of the assessments. As a result of the investigation reported here, I suggest that an initial assessment of learning styles can be useful in predicting the kinds of web-based activities likely to prove valuable to the individual student. Potentially, this has consequences for the development of web-based and other learning materials in other subject areas.
Factors Affecting Acceptability to Young Cancer Patients of a Psychoeducational Video Game About Cancer
Authors: Kato Pamela M. , Beale Ivan L.
Published: August 2006

This study explored whether an action video game about cancer would be acceptable to adolescent and young adult cancer patients as a tool for learning about cancer and self-care during treatment. Interviews about a proposed video game were conducted with 43 young cancer patients, who also completed questionnaires measuring personality and adaptive style. Data were analyzed to assess the overall acceptability of the proposed video game and to reveal any factors associated with measures of acceptability. Most participants expressed willingness to play the game and a moderate degree of interest in it. Cancer content in the game was not a deterrent for most participants. Game acceptability was not affected by personality variables or adaptive style. It is concluded that an action video game using cancer themes could be useful to nurses as a tool to improve understanding and self care of adolescent and young adult cancer patients.
On Being Dependent on Home Mechanical Ventilation: Depictions of Patients' Experiences Over Time
Authors: Lindahl Berit , Sandman Per-Olof , Rasmussen Birgit H.
Published: August 2006

In this study, the authors describe the meanings of experiences of being dependent on a ventilator (HMV) and living at home as narrated by 13 people who had been using a ventilator via a mask or tracheostomy for half a year. The analyses revealed various movements across time toward the goal of using the ventilator successfully, and some narratives depicted suffering caused by care. The analyses also yielded different representations of embodiment. These findings were abstracted into two contrasting meanings of the experience of using HMV over time: a closing in or an opening up of the lived body, oneself, to other people and to the world. The authors illustrate this interpretation with two images. Ignorance and negative attitudes on the part of professionals working and/or managing care in the patients' homes are interpreted as causing suffering and intensifying a closed-in mode of being.
Perceived Benefits and Difficulties Experienced in a Mutual Support Group for Family Carers of People With Schizophrenia
Authors: Chien Wai-Tong , Norman Ian , Thompson David R.
Published: August 2006

In this qualitative study, the authors explore from the participants' perspective the benefits and difficulties experienced by participants in a mutual support group for Chinese family carers of patients with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Thirty family carers and 10 patients who had participated in a 12-session mutual support group were interviewed, and the 12 group sessions were audiotaped for content analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data: (a) positive personal changes attributed to group participation, which included enhanced self-identity and acceptance of the caregiving role, increased knowledge of the illness, and adoption of new coping skills; (b) positive characteristics of the mutual support group, including the explicit group ideology and consensus, perceived social climate of the group, and informational support and empowerment; and (c) major inhibitors of group development, specifically low or irregular group attendance, negative pressure from dominant members, and overexpression of intense and negative feelings. These findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic components and limitations of mutual support groups for family carers.
“Notice How You Feel”: An Alternative to Detached Concern Among Hospice Volunteers
Authors: Fox John
Published: August 2006

Medical schools teach physicians to practice “detached concern,” a simultaneous emotional distance from and sensitivity toward their patients. Medical students learn detachment to protect themselves from emotion-laden experiences, including death and dying, by employing mechanisms of defense and adjustment, such as suppression and repression of emotions. In this study, the author inquires whether hospice volunteers are trained for and practice detached concern and finds that hospice volunteers are trained for concern. They are concerned for the well-being of patients and their families. The author argues that concern is a social product that can be trained; hospice volunteers are not trained to suppress and repress their emotions, and the hospice as an institution produces and transmits cultural norms, values, and practices surrounding death and dying, thus maintaining a pool of concerned volunteers.
Integrated Design of a Controller and a Structure for Head-positioning in Hard Disk Drives
Authors: Atsumi Takenori , Shimizu Toshihiko , Arisaka Toshihiro , Masuda Hiromitsu
Published: August 2006

In head-positioning systems of hard disk drives, the negative effects of a primary resonant mode are serious problems for positioning accuracy. In order to improve positioning accuracy, the primary resonant frequency should be increased because the effects of the primary resonant mode limit the servo bandwidth. An integrated design of a controller and structure for the head positioning system was developed to solve this problem. We showed that the servo bandwidth is limited not only by the peak frequency of the primary resonance but are also its residue. The proposed method decreases the negative impact of the primary resonant mode through a newly designed modal shape, and increases the servo bandwidth without the addition of any sensors or actuators. The effectiveness of this method was verified by designing an actual servo control system and experimentally measuring its bandwidth, demonstrating that the method increases the servo bandwidth without increasing the production cost.
Dynamics and Control of Spinning Tethers for Rendezvous in Elliptic Orbits
Authors: Williams P.
Published: August 2006

The dynamics and control of spinning tethers in elliptical orbits for payload rendezvous is studied. The required rendezvous conditions for the tether tip are derived for the case where the tether system center of mass and payload are in coplanar elliptic orbits. It is proposed that rendezvous control can be achieved by tracking the unique tip trajectory generated by propagating the rendezvous conditions backwards in time. The range of suitable combinations of tether system orbit eccentricity, tether length, and payload orbit eccentricity are studied numerically. It is shown that certain combinations of parameters lead to non-spinning capture requirements and slack tethers. Control of the tether motion through tether reeling is examined using a nonlinear model predictive control strategy. Numerical results illustrating the effectiveness of the controller are presented.
Cable Vibration Reduction with a Hung-on TMD System. Part I: Theoretical Study
Authors: Cai C. S. , Wu W. J. , Shi X. M.
Published: August 2006

A linear theory for the free and forced vibration problems of a slightly sagging planar inclined cable with a Tuned mass damper (TMD) installed is proposed using an analytical approach in this paper. Parameters of the cable such as cable geometry-elasticity parameter, cable internal damping, and cable inclination, parameters of the damper such as damper position and damper damping ratio, and parameters of the cable-damper proportion such as the mass ratio and the stiffness ratio, are taken into consideration in the derived equations. Special cases are discussed and some simpler models can be obtained. Complex solutions of the derived equations and their physical meaning are discussed. This paper serves as a theoretical base for the companion paper on the applications of TMDs to stay cables through a parametric approach.
Can We Succeed in Teaching Business Students to Write Effectively?
Authors: Pittenger Khushwant K. S. , Miller Mary C. , Allison Jesse
Published: August 2006

This article presents the results of a study where business students’ writing skills were assessed using an external objective measure in a business communication course. The student performance was disappointing before instructor intervention. After the intervention, student performance improved noticeably. The implications of the study are discussed for those who teach writing skills.
Economic Effects of Apportionment Formula Changes
Authors: Edmiston Kelly D. , del Granado F. Javier Arze
Published: August 2006

Empirical studies of the economic effects of changes in state corporate income tax apportionment policies generally have used highly aggregated state-level data. This study uses individual firm-level data, from 1992 to 2002 State of Georgia corporate income tax returns, to evaluate economic development and revenue aspects of increasing the sales factor weight (and uniformly lowering weights on payroll and property) in state corporate income tax apportionment formulae. The authors find elasticities indicative of a substantial impact on local sales (-6.5 percent), payroll (2.0 percent), and property (2.1 percent) following a move to double-weighted sales. For the average firm, increases in Georgia payroll and property were $37,110 and $190,829, respectively, while the decrease in Georgia sales was $634,367. Using 1994 figures (the year prior to double-weighting), this amounts to statewide payroll and property increases of $0.6 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, and a gross receipts decrease of approximately $10.4 billion.
An Interoperability Approach to System Software, Tools, and Libraries for Clusters
Authors: Lusk E. , Desai N. , Bradshaw R. , Lusk A. , Butler R.
Published: August 2006

Systems software for clusters typically derives from a multiplicity of sources: the kernel itself, software associated with a particular distribution, site-specific purchased or open-source software, and assorted home-grown tools and procedures that attempt to glue everything together to meet the needs of the users and administrators of a particular cluster. Whether a cluster is a general-purpose resource serving multiple users or dedicated to a single application, getting everything to work together is a challenge. The challenge is partially met by special software distributions for clusters such as OSCAR or ROCKS. In this article, we discuss another approach (although it is not inconsistent with existing distributions), in which a small number of concepts are deployed to facilitate the customized integration of various software tools for cluster management, operation, and user jobs. The concepts include (1) a component approach to basic system software such as schedulers, queue managers, process managers, and monitors; (2) a software development kit for constructing networks of system software components, either from scratch or by wrapping “foreign” software, and (3) the use of explicit parallelism in building system tools for high performance. We illustrate this approach with a description of a mid-sized general-purpose cluster operated entirely by software built this way.
WEBCOM-G: A Candidate Middleware for Grid-Ireland
Authors: Morrison J. P. , Coghlan B. , Shearer A. , Foley S. , Power D. , Perrott R.
Published: August 2006

WebCom-G is a fledgling Grid Operating System, designed to provide independent service access through interoperability with existing middlewares. It offers an expressive programming model that automatically handles task synchronisation – load balancing, fault tolerance, and task allocation are handled at the WebCom-G system level – without burdening the application writer. These characteristics, together with the ability of its computing model to mix evaluation strategies to match the characteristics of the geographically dispersed facilities and the overall problem-solving environment, make WebCom-G a promising grid middleware candidate.
Sandwich Plates: Stresses, Deflection, Buckling and Wrinkling Loads - A Case Study
Authors: Meyer-Piening H.-R.
Published: August 2006

This article deals with the linear static and buckling analysis of an asymmetric square sandwich plate with orthotropic stiffness properties in the face layers. Two analytical formulations related to thin and thick face layers, respectively, have been taken from (Zenkert, D. (1995). An Introduction to Sandwich Construction, Chameleon Press Ltd, London, UK (ISBN 0 947817 77 8)), slightly modified to account for unequal faces, orthotropic properties in the face layers, and individual Poisson’s ratios, and applied to square sandwich plates of 1 m lateral dimension and a variety of different face layer thickness. All cases assume simply supported edges. The obtained deflections and buckling loads are compared with the results of a 3D analysis (Meyer-Piening, H.-R. (2004). Application of the Elasticity Solution to Linear Sandwich Beam, Plate and Shell Analyses, J. of Sandwich Structures & Materials, 6(4): 295-312) and of finite element calculations. The objectives of this study are to gain insight into the limits of validity of the published formulas in view of unequal thick face layers and orthotropic properties. The obtained results are meant to serve as a benchmark for further studies.
Deformation of Foam Cores in Uniaxial Compression-Tension Cycle
Authors: Koissin Vitaly , Shipsha Andrey
Published: August 2006

This article deals with experimental and analytical analysis of the mechanical behavior of crushed foam cores. Three rigid cellular core materials are tested in a uniaxial compression-tension cycle. An analytical model is proposed describing the stress-strain curve in tension and secondary compression. A special emphasis is laid on the relaxation behavior of a crushed foam core in tension.
Does experience matter? The effect of founding team experience on the survival and sales of newly founded ventures
Authors: Delmar Frédéric , Shane Scott
Published: August 2006

While earlier researchers have argued that the founding team’s industry and start-up experience should positively affect new venture performance, robust empirical support for these arguments has been lacking. Moreover, theory suggests that the relationship between founding team experience and new venture performance may be more complex than previous empirical research suggests. We test specific hypotheses about the effect of founding team industry and start-up experience on the survival and sales of 223 new ventures initiated by a representative sample of Swedish new ventures, using a methodology that overcomes the limitations to previous research. Our results show that founding team experience enhances both new venture survival and sales, but that the effects are non-lin ear, and vary with venture age.
Toward Enriched Conceptions of Work Learning: Participation, Expansion, and Translation Among Individuals With/In Activity
Authors: Fenwick Tara
Published: August 2006

This article argues that understandings of work learning within human resource development (HRD) theory can be fruitfully enriched by more fully incorporating practice-based perspectives. Three contemporary theories that analyze learning as a relation of individuals with and/or in activity are discussed: the participational perspective of situated cognition, the notion of expansion from cultural-historical activity theory, and the constructs of translation and mobilization presented by actor-network theory. These are not new to HRD, but this brings them together with published empirical workplace research, employing their constructs to highlight selected dynamics that may be useful tools for HRD theory development. One element in particular is read across the three theories: the dialectic of “flying” and “grounding,” or lines of discontinuity and continuity characterising work-learning. The argument is theory driven, drawing from HRD literature of work-learning and practice-based theories of social activity and knowledge production.
Group Feedback for Continuous Learning
Authors: London Manuel , Sessa Valerie I.
Published: August 2006

This article explores relationships between feedback, group learning, and performance. It considers how feedback to individuals and the group as a whole supports continuous group learning. Feedback source, purpose, clarity, and valence may affect perceptions, processing, and outcomes of feedback. How feedback is processed and used may be influenced by group and individual conditions, such as demands and goals, accountability for performance, learning orientation, and whether the group is engaging in adaptive, generative, and/or transformative learning. Implications for human resource development practice focus on interventions to improve the use of feedback. Directions for research include examining the content and process of feedback at the individual and group levels of analysis and exploring the effects of feedback source, feedback specificity, leader behavior, and member interactions on group learning.
Reconceptualizing Developmental Relationships
Authors: Rock Andrew D. , Garavan Thomas N.
Published: August 2006

This article reviews the emerging literature on developmental relationships and proposes a typology of relationships. Developmental relationships are defined as either formal or informal relationships where an individual takes an active interest in and initiates actions to advance the development of another. The authors focus on five dimensions of developmental relationships: type, network effect, object of learning, time span of outcomes, and developer style. The authors propose four developmental relationship types: organizational navigator, sponsor of development, grandparent, and friend. The authors also identify implications of their typology for both research and practice.
ErbB receptor regulation by dexamethasone in mouse type II epithelial cells
Authors: Dammann C. E. L. , Nassimi N. , Liu W. , Nielsen H. C.
Published: August 2006

Glucocorticoids stimulate foetal surfactant synthesis. Therefore, they are used in impending pre-term birth. One mechanism of action on surfactant synthesis is through the induction of neuregulin (NRG) secretion by foetal lung fibroblasts. The direct effects on signalling pathways, and specifically on erbB receptors in foetal type II cell surfactant synthesis, are less well understood.

The present authors studied the effect of known promoters of foetal surfactant synthesis (namely dexamethasone and mature (i.e.NRG-containing) fibroblast-conditioned medium (FCM)) on erbB receptor activation, protein content and dimerisation patterns in foetal mouse lung type II cells.

Dexamethasone inhibited surfactant synthesis in immature type II cells at day (d)16 of gestation, while the mature FCM had stimulatory effects. Both treatments directly stimulated surfactant synthesis in more mature (d17) cells. At this gestational day, dexamethasone had only a small effect on phosphorylation, but it stimulated the protein levels of all four erbB receptors. Dexamethasone effects were distinct from those of mature FCM, which stimulated both protein content and phosphorylation of all erbB receptors and of the signalling intermediate phospholipase Cγ. Dexamethasone modulated erbB receptor dimerisation patterns, such that erbB2 became the main dimerisation partner for erbB4.

In conclusion, dexamethasone signalling involves erbB receptors in foetal type II cells, in a manner similar to, but distinct from, neuregulin-containing fibroblast-conditioned medium signalling.
Cytodiagnosis of multiple myeloma presenting as orbital involvement : A case report
Authors: Sharma Alok , Kaushal Manju , Chaturvedi Nishith K , Yadav Rajbala
Published: August 2006

Background:

Plasma cell neoplasms represent autonomous proliferations of plasma cells and can manifest as diffuse myeloma with systemic involvement (plasma cell myeloma or multiple myeloma), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), or as variants of plasma cell myeloma such as indolent myeloma, smoldering myeloma, osteosclerotic myeloma, plasma cell leukaemia and non-secretory myeloma. Localized neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells presents as solitary plasmacytoma of bone or extramedullary plasmacytoma. Involvement of orbit can occur as a solitary plasmacytoma, or as part of systemic involvement in multiple myeloma, the clinical outcome being significantly worse in the latter setting.

Case presentation:

A 37 year old male presented with low grade fever showing evening rise, headache, diplopia and swelling in the right periorbital and temporal region. Imaging studies revealed destructive lesion of sphenoid, frontal bone and zygomatic arch with soft tissue component extending to infratemporal fossa and orbit. A fine needle aspirate from the temporal region swelling showed features of a plasmacytoma, and subsequent workup confirmed the presence of systemic disease. A final diagnosis of multiple myeloma with orbital involvement at presentation was made.

Conclusion:

Present case describes the extremely rare presentation of multiple myeloma with orbital involvement and highlights the utility of cytology in such lesions. Fine needle aspiration diagnosis of plasmacytoma at extramedullary sites offers an opportunity for non-invasive verification of systemic involvement, and thus plays a major role in early diagnosis and management of these patients.
Identification of 491 proteins in the tear fluid proteome reveals a large number of proteases and protease inhibitors
Authors: de Souza Gustavo A , de Godoy Lyris MF , Mann Matthias
Published: August 2006

Background

The tear film is a thin layer of fluid that covers the ocular surface and is involved in lubrication and protection of the eye. Little is known about the protein composition of tear fluid but its deregulation is associated with disease states, such as diabetic dry eyes. This makes this body fluid an interesting candidate for in-depth proteomic analysis.

Results

In this study, we employ state-of-the-art mass spectrometric identification, using both a hybrid linear ion trap-Fourier transform (LTQ-FT) and a linear ion trap-Orbitrap (LTQ-Orbitrap) mass spectrometer, and high confidence identification by two consecutive stages of peptide fragmentation (MS/MS/MS or MS3), to characterize the protein content of the tear fluid. Low microliter amounts of tear fluid samples were either pre-fractionated with one-dimensional SDS-PAGE and digested in situ with trypsin, or digested in solution. Five times more proteins were detected after gel electrophoresis compared to in solution digestion (320 versus 63 proteins). Ontology classification revealed that 64 of the identified proteins are proteases or protease inhibitors. Of these, only 24 have previously been described as components of the tear fluid. We also identified 18 anti-oxidant enzymes, which protect the eye from harmful consequences of its exposure to oxygen. Only two proteins with this activity have been previously described in the literature.

Conclusion

Interplay between proteases and protease inhibitors, and between oxidative reactions, is an important feature of the ocular environment. Identification of a large set of proteins participating in these reactions may allow discovery of molecular markers of disease conditions of the eye.
Germ Cell Tumors in the Intersex Gonad: Old Paths, New Directions, Moving Frontiers
Authors: Cools Martine , Drop Stenvert L. S. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Oosterhuis J. Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: August 2006

The risk for the development of germ cell tumors is an important factor to deal with in the management of patients with disorders of sex development (DSD). However, this risk is often hard to predict. Recently, major progress has been made in identifying gene-products related to germ cell tumor development (testis-specific protein-Y encoded and octamer binding transcription factor 3/4) and in recognizing early changes of germ cells (maturation delay, preneoplastic lesions, and in situ neoplasia). The newly recognized “undifferentiated gonadal tissue” has been identified as a gonadal differentiation pattern bearing a high risk for the development of gonadoblastoma. It is expected that the combination of these findings will allow for estimation of the risk for tumor development in the individual patient (high risk/intermediate risk/low risk). This article reviews the recent literature regarding the prevalence of germ cell tumors in patients with DSD. Some major limitations regarding this topic, including a confusing terminology referring to the different forms of intersex disorders and unclear criteria for the diagnosis of malignant germ cells at an early age (maturation delay vs. early steps in malignant transformation) are discussed. Thereafter, an overview of the recent advances that have been made in our knowledge of germ cell tumor development and the correct diagnosis of early neoplastic lesions in this patient population is provided. A new classification system for patients with DSD is proposed as a tool to refine our insight in the prevalence of germ cell tumors in specific diagnostic groups.
RET as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target in Sporadic and Hereditary Endocrine Tumors
Authors: de Groot Jan Willem B. , Links Thera P. , Plukker John T. M. , Lips Cornelis J. M. , Hofstra Robert M. W.
Published: August 2006

The RET gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed in neural crest-derived cell lineages. The RET receptor plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival through embryogenesis. Activating mutations in RET lead to the development of several inherited and noninherited diseases. Germline point mutations are found in the cancer syndromes multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2, including MEN 2A and 2B, and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. These syndromes are autosomal dominantly inherited. The identification of mutations associated with these syndromes has led to genetic testing to identify patients at risk for MEN 2 and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma and subsequent implementation of prophylactic thyroidectomy in mutation carriers. In addition, more than 10 somatic rearrangements of RET have been identified from papillary thyroid carcinomas. These mutations, as those found in MEN 2, induce oncogenic activation of the RET tyrosine kinase domain via different mechanisms, making RET an excellent candidate for the design of molecular targeted therapy. Recently, various kinds of therapeutic approaches, such as tyrosine kinase inhibition, gene therapy with dominant negative RET mutants, monoclonal antibodies against oncogene products, and nuclease-resistant aptamers that recognize and inhibit RET have been developed. The use of these strategies in preclinical models has provided evidence that RET is indeed a potential target for selective cancer therapy. However, a clinically useful therapeutic option for treating patients with RET-associated cancer is still not available.
A New Method for Fitting Car Doors Allowing for the Thermal Effects of Welding
Authors: Zhu Wenfeng , Wang Hao , Lai Xinmin , Lin Zhongqin , Chen Yan
Published: August 2006

Gap evenness and flushness between car doors and body-in-white (BIW) openings are appropriate quality criteria. They affect not only the car's functional value such as in door-closing effectiveness, rattle, wind noise, and water leakage, but also the vehicle's aesthetic value to customers. They have a direct and crucial influence on the dimensional integrity and quality of the car door. With the aim of improving these complex processes, a new fitting quality evaluation model is built, in which the directed Hausdorff distance (DHD) from graphics recognition and matching is adopted to measure the degree to which the door and body opening profiles match by high fitting resolution and quick fitting computation. Also, the door-welding multiple physical fields coupled finite element method (FEM) model and simulation are presented allowing for the thermal effects of welding. Furthermore, a new systematical car-door-fitting method is proposed, integrating and compensating variation from the thermal effects of welding. Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to search global optimization of fitting variables quickly and effectively. Finally, a software prototype is developed under a MATLAB environment. A case study of certain door-fitting designs shows that the proposed method can effectively improve fitting quality and accuracy.
Detection of Reduced Tooth Stiffness in Synchronous Belts by Means of Pulley Vibration Monitoring
Authors: Basso R
Published: August 2006

This paper discusses a new approach to detecting the detachment of one belt tooth in mechanical transmission systems with synchronous belts, which involves monitoring vibrations in the bodies linked to the pulley. A preliminary numerical analysis was carried out in order to estimate and compare the forces acting on the pulley in a healthy synchronous belt and in a belt lacking one tooth. Simulation results show that the lack of a tooth causes moderate but not negligible variations in the tangential force on the pulley. These variations involve different vibration behaviours that can be studied by analysing vibration signals in the frequency domain. Tests applied using a suitable experimental apparatus confirmed the numerical results. In the power spectrum, the lack of a tooth caused variations in peak amplitudes at multiples of the belt running frequency. In this study, where low frequencies were investigated, the displacement sensor performed better than the accelerometer for vibration measurements.
Automotive Adsorption Air Conditioner Powered by Exhaust Heat. Part 1: Conceptual and Embodiment Design
Authors: Lambert M A , Jones B J
Published: August 2006

The significant power used by the mechanical compressor of an automobile (12-17 per cent during commuting for subcompact to mid-size cars) can be eliminated by powering the air conditioner with otherwise wasted exhaust heat. In the present work the conceptual and embodiment design of an exhaust-powered adsorption (desiccant-vapour) air conditioner are traced. The design is preceded by detailed discussion of automotive cooling requirements and the typical driving scenario on which the design is based. Adsorption cooling is then compared with other thermally powered cooling technologies [Stirling, absorption (liquid-vapour), and thermoelectric (i.e. Peltier)], demonstrating that adsorption is the best alternative in terms of size and mass. Next are described inventions to boost specific cooling power (SCP) in kW cooling per kg of air conditioner beyond the state of the art described in the literature while maintaining an adequately high coefficient of performance for cooling (COPc). The adsorbent is heated and cooled by light oil which in turn is heated and cooled by exhaust and fresh air. Such indirect heating and cooling achieves the required COPc, permits optimum placement of components in the vehicle, and allows the use of phase-change material (e.g. wax) to store exhaust heat, shortening the time needed to recharge the refrigerant reservoir which provides immediate cooling after start-up of a cold engine.
Probabilistic Design for Structural Performance Considering Linear and Nonlinear Factors
Authors: Lee Dong-Chan , Han Chang-Soo
Published: August 2006

In the design of mechanical systems, structural problems result from uncertainties. Uncertainties exist in dimension, applied loads, boundary conditions, and material properties from manufacturing. Therefore, it is very important to qualify uncertainty and to define approximate deviations in manufacturing, which can be probabilistic or statistical. In this paper, a mixed integrated approach to mechanical systems with probabilistic structural characteristics is proposed. A deterministic optimization design that considers structural performance searches critical points and then a reliability-based design is performed in the interactive design steps. This interactive design can be applied to the optimization problem considering both linear and non-linear structural performances simultaneously.
Stiffness Synthesis of a Five-Rod Suspension for Given Load-Displacement Characteristics
Authors: Knapczyk J , Maniowski M
Published: August 2006

The paper describes a novel algorithm for solving the synthesis problem of a multi-link wheel-guiding mechanism with a known topology and dimension. The synthesis objectives contain the elastokinematical specifications, described by a set of spatial displacements that the wheel carrier should undergo from a design position under specified loads corresponding to typical car manoeuvres. Radial spring rates of cylindrical elastomeric bushings, embodied in the suspension rods, are considered as design variables. Relations between the design variables and the objectives are established using the first-order kinematics and screw calculus, under assumptions about small displacements and linear force-deflection characteristics of the flexible elements. The problem is solved by using a constrained linear least-squares algorithm. Depending whether the input data is provided by a designer or acquired during suitable experiments, the algorithm can be used for synthesis or estimation of the stiffness parameters. Numerical examples are solved for two five-rod suspensions, with the same topology but different configuration and dimension, installed at rear-driven axles of actual cars. Static spring rates of the five rod-bushings are determined, for which both suspensions satisfy the formulated ride/handling criteria in the best way. Fundamental characteristics and limitations of the suspensions are described.
A Materials and Structure Perspective on the Feasibility of Automotive Frontal Protection Systems Meeting the Proposed Pedestrian Safety Test Criteria
Authors: Brooks R
Published: August 2006

This article describes an investigation into the material and structural requirements of an automotive frontal protection system (FPS), i.e. ‘bull bar’, for an off-road sports utility vehicle, to meet the proposed pedestrian safety test criteria. An analytical impact model has been developed to investigate the feasibility of an FPS meeting the 2006 requirements of upper legform to leading edge and possible child headform to FPS tests. The results show that a 520 mm high and 760 mm wide FPS should be designed to have an effective cantilever flexural rigidity (EIeff) in the range 800-1200 Nm2 or less, depending on the local contact stiffness. These levels of flexural rigidity are only likely to be achievable with a deformable hollow or foam-filled plastic-type construction. Metallic and structural composite structures are too stiff or, if thin-walled, are likely to fail prematurely. The operation of the FPS relies both on cantilever bending and local crush of the structure at the impact point to absorb the required energy. Limiting EIeff values for higher or shorter FPSs are obtained by scaling the above figures in the ratio of the height cubed. Whereas for the child headform test, the FPS can absorb the energy within the currently proposed 80 mm FPS to vehicle gap, and still pass the test requirements, this is not the case for the upper legform test. In the latter, some of the energy will need to be absorbed by the vehicle leading edge on the FPS contact. The article concludes that the analytical model is a useful tool for preliminary design to meet pedestrian safety legislation requirements.
Multiphoton Ionization and Fragmentation Process of Benzene at 193 nm Involving Ionization of Neutral Fragments
Authors: Mori Yoshihiro , Kitagawa Taiji
Published: August 2006

Laser flux dependences of multiphoton ionization (MPI) of benzene and benzene-d6 were measured both in gaseous phase and in molecular beam with ArF (193 nm) and KrF (248 nm) excimer lasers. Several different behaviors were observed at 193 nm in comparison with the MPI at 248 nm : An unexpected enhancement of the MPI efficiency at high laser power involving three-photon ionization process, an unusually small ratio of (C4D4+• + C4D3+ + C4D2+•)/C3D3+ (1—2) compared with the ratio expected from the breakdown diagram (3—5) and a very large isotope effect on the relative intensity of C4H4+•/C4D4+• (0.65). To interpret these phenomena, we propose a new MPI and fragmentation scheme at 193 nm involving two-photon ionization of benzene via the intermediate triplet state(s), possibly T1 and/or T2, and one-photon ionization of C3H3 (C3D3) radical formed via two-photon dissociation of benzene. The observed laser flux dependences of MPI efficiency and intensities of several major ions were analyzed with the rate equation model derived from the proposed scheme. As a result, more than 80% of the observed C3D3+ ions were found to be produced from the C3D3 radical. The analyses also suggest the existence of at least two isomeric species for the C3D3 (C3H3) radical and the C4D4+• (C4H4+•) ions, respectively.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Ruthenium after Solid-Phase Extraction with 3-Hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone 4-Oxime into Microcrystalline p-Dichlorobenzene
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2006

A Highly sensitive extraction method has been developed for the spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium after extraction of its 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone 4-oxime (HMNQO) complex into microcrystalline p-dichlorobenzene. The optimum pH range for the extraction is 5.0—7.0. The solid p-dichlorobenzene containing the ruthenium-HMNQO complex is separated by filtration and dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide. The absorbance is measured at 450 nm against a reagent blank. Beer’s law is obeyed upto 10.1 ppm of ruthenium. The molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity are 2.7 × 104 dm3 mol−1 cm−1 and 0.0037 μg cm−2, respectively which is compared with the molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity without using solid phase extraction method (1.4 × 104 and 0.0072). The interference of various ions has been studied in detail.
Studies of the Hydrous Niobium(V) Oxide Ion Exchanger. VI. Rate of the Isotopic Exchange of Strontium Ions between the Exchanger in the Sr2+ Form and Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yamazaki Hiromichi , Inoue Yasushi , Sahara Satoshi
Published: August 2006

The rate of the isotopic exchange of Sr2+ between hydrous niobium(V) oxide in the Sr2+ form and aqueous solution of strontium salts was determined radiochemically. The exchange rate was controlled by the diffusion of Sr2+ in the exchanger particles. The diffusion coefficients of Sr2+ and their activation energy changed with the pH in a solution equilibrated with exchangers. Under the conditions of constant pH, the diffusion coefficients were constant up to a certain concentration of Sr2+ (0.1 mol dm−3, pH 7.5), wherefrom they began to increase. The results were considered in terms of the interaction between the ions and the ion-exchange sites by comparing them with the Na+ isotopic exchange rate on this material.
Fluorescence Spectroscopic Study of α-Chymotrypsin as Relevant to Catalytic Activity in Aqueous–Organic Media
Authors: Tomiuchi Yoshimasa , Kijima Tatsurou , Kise Hideo
Published: August 2006

The effects of the composition of aqueous–organic mixed solvents on steady state fluorescence emission of α-chymotrypsin were investigated. In all the solvent systems, maximum wavelength of fluorescence emission shifted initially to higher wavelength and then to lower wavelength by increasing water content in organic solvents. The results were interpreted in terms of the changes in microenvironment of tryptophan residues in the enzyme due to conformational modification of the enzyme. The maximum emission wavelength of chymotrypsin is well correlated to its catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester. Activity of chymotrypsin decreased or it was totally inhibited at solvent compositions which give long emission wavelength of the enzyme. The results suggest that the fluorescence spectroscopy may be useful for detection of conformational changes and alteration of catalytic activity of the enzyme.
Syntheses of Naphthoquinone Compounds Using Chromium Carbonyl Carbene Complexes
Authors: Yamashita Masakazu , Ohishi Takahiro
Published: August 2006

The chromium carbonyl carbene complexes bearing an acetoxyl group and a phenyl substituent were found to react smoothly with acetylene compounds to produce naphthoquinone derivatives in good yields after oxidation. This cycloaddition reaction proceeded regioselectively and several naphthoquinones were prepared selectively from the complex and unsymmetrical acetylenes.
An Efficient Method for the Stereoselective Synthesis of β-d- and α-d-Ribofuranosides from 2,3,5-Tri-O-benzyl-d-ribofuranose by the Use of [Catecholato(2−)-O,O′]oxotitanium and Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride
Authors: Suda Shinji , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: August 2006

β-d-Ribofuranosides are stereoselectively synthesized in high yields directly from 2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-d-ribofuranose and trimethylsilylated nucleophiles by the use of [catecholato(2−)-O,O′ ]oxotitanium and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride, while α-d-ribofuranosides are prepared predominantly in high yields in the coexistence of lithium perchlorate.
Baker’s Yeast Reduction of α-(Acylamino)acetophenones and Lipase Catalyzed Resolution of 2-Acylamino-1-arylethanols
Authors: Izumi Taeko , Fukaya Katsumi
Published: August 2006

Enzymatic reduction of α-acylaminoacetophenones with fermenting baker’s yeast afforded optically active (R)-2-acylamino-1-arylethanols. Furthermore, lipase-catalyzed resolution of the 2-acylamino-1-arylethanols using vinyl acetate as an acyl donor resulted in the formation of (S)-1-acetoxy-2-acylamino-1-arylethanols and (R)-2-acylamino-1-arylethanols.
Electrophilic Substitution of 3,4-Dihydrocyclopenta[cd]pyrene and the 3-Ketone
Authors: Minabe Masahiro , Nishimura Ryuuji , Kimura Takao , Tsubota Motohiro
Published: August 2006

Brominaton of 3,4-dihydrocyclopenta[cd]pyrene (1) with bromine yielded predominantly the corresponding 8-bromide; on the other hand, a similar reaction of cyclopenta[cd]pyren-3(4H)-one (2) afforded the 4-bromide. The Friedel–Crafts acetylations of 1 and 2 with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride occurred at sites 8, 6, and 1. The isomeric distribution in the acetylation of 1 was similar to that of 2. The relative reactivity of 2 with 1-acetylpyrene in acetylation was 0.75. The partial rate factor of site 1 of 1 was less than that of the corresponding position of 1-acetylpyrene, in spite of the fact that sites 6 and 8 of 1 were more reactive than the corresponding positions of 1-acetylpyrene. Nitration of 2 using acetyl nitrate in acetic anhydride took place at positions similar to the case of the acetylation of 2; however, the nitration of 1 gave the 5-nitro derivative in addition to the 8, 6, and 1-isomers.