bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pantechnik new superconducting ion source: PantechniK Indian Superconducting Ion Source
Authors: Gaubert G. , Bieth C. , Bougy W. , Brionne N. , Donzel X. , Leroy R. , Sineau A. , Vallerand C. , Villari A. C. C. , Thuillier T.
Published: February 2012

The new ECR ion source PantechniK Indian Superconducting Ion Source (PKISIS) was recently commissioned at Pantechnik. Three superconducting coils generate the axial magnetic field configuration, while the radial magnetic field is done with the multi-layer permanent magnets. Special care was devoted to the design of the hexapolar structure, allowing a maximum magnetic field of 1.32 T at the wall of the 82 mm diameter plasma chamber. The three superconducting coils using low temperature superconducting wires are cooled by a single double stage cryo-cooler (4.2 K). Cryogen-free technology is used, providing reliability and easy maintenance at low cost. The maximum installed RF power (18.0 GHz) is of 2 kW. Metallic beams can be produced with an oven (Tmax = 1400 °C) installed with an angle of 5° with respect to the source axis or a sputtering system, mounted on the axis of the source. The beam extraction system is constituted of three electrodes in accel-decel configuration. The new source of Pantechnik is conceived for reaching optimum performances at 18 GHz RF frequencies. PKISIS magnetic fields are 2.1 T axial Binj and 1.32 T radial field in the wall, variable Bmin with an independent coil and a large and opened extraction region. Moreover, PKISIS integrates modern design concepts, like RF direct injection (2 kW availability), dc-bias moving disk, out-of-axis oven and axial sputtering facility for metal beams. Finally, PKISIS is also conceived in order to operate in a high-voltage platform with minor power consumption.
Preliminary results of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility deuteron injector
Authors: Gobin R. , Adroit G. , Bogard D. , Bourdelle G. , Chauvin N. , Delferrière O. , Gauthier Y. , Girardot P. , Guiho P. , Harrault F. , Jannin J. L. , Loiseau D. , Mattei P. , Roger A. , Sauce Y. , Senée F. , Vacher T.
Published: February 2012

In the framework of the IFMIF-EVEDA project (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities), CEA/IRFU is in charge of the design, construction, and characterization of the 140 mA continuous deuteron injector, including the source and the low energy beam line. The electron cyclotron resonance ion source which operates at 2.45 GHz is associated with a 4-electrode extraction system in order to minimize beam divergence at the source exit. Krypton gas injection is foreseen in the 2-solenoid low energy beam line. Such Kr injection will allow reaching a high level of space charge compensation in order to improve the beam matching at the radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) entrance. The injector construction is now completed on the Saclay site and the first plasma and beam production has been produced in May 2011. This installation will be tested with proton and deuteron beams either in pulsed or continuous mode at Saclay before shipping to Japan. In this paper, after a brief description of the installation, the preliminary results obtained with hydrogen gas injection into the plasma chamber will be reported.
Features of semiplanotron surface plasma sources
Authors: Dudnikov Vadim
Published: February 2012

Features of the semiplanotron surface plasma sources (SPS) with cesiation used for high efficient negative ion beam production from first development to modern condition are considered. Design features of semiplanotrons SPS with cylindrical and spherical geometric focusing and the features of the negative ion production in the semiplanotrons are reviewed. Several versions of semiplanotrons with efficiency up to 0.1 A of H− per kW of discharge power are discussed. Modifications of the semiplanotrons for dc operation and for heavy negative ion production are reviewed.
High emission currents and low threshold fields in multi-wall carbon nanotube-polymer composites in the vertical configuration
Authors: Sameera I. , Bhatia Ravi , Prasad V. , Menon Reghu
Published: February 2012

In this work, we present field emission characteristics of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-polystyrene composites at various weight fractions along the cross-section of sample. Scanning electron microscope images in cross-sectional view reveal that MWCNTs are homogeneously distributed across the thickness and the density of protruding tubes can be scaled with weight fraction of the composite film. Field emission from composites has been observed to vary considerably with density of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix. High current density of 100 mA/cm2 was achieved at a field of 2.2 V/μm for 0.15 weight fraction. The field emission is observed to follow the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling mechanism, however, electrostatic screening is observed to play a role in limiting the current density at higher weight fractions.
SiGe superlattice nanocrystal infrared and Raman spectra: A density functional theory study
Authors: Abdulsattar Mudar A.
Published: February 2012

Infrared and Raman vibrational spectrum are calculated using ab initio density functional theory for SiGe superlattice nanocrystal of approximately 1.6 nm length. After obtaining the optimum positions of atoms via geometrical optimization using density functional theory, coupled perturbed Hartree-Fock equations are solved iteratively to obtain vibrational spectrum. Frequencies of vibrations are analyzed against intensities, reduced masses, and vibrational force constants. A scale factor of 0.81 is suggested to correct the frequencies of the present calculations that are obtained using STO-3 G basis functions. Results show that SiGe nanocrystals have complex and rich vibrational spectrum that can be generally divided into three regions. The highest reduced masses are in the first region where Si and Ge atoms are the main contributors to vibrations with a smaller number of vibrations attributed to hydrogen atoms. The highest intensity lines in SiGe superlattice nanocrystals are in the middle region where most of the modes of vibration can be excited. The third region is characterized by high force constants. The first region shows a redshift of the original Ge-Si bond vibration from the calculated bulk 418 cm−1 to the present nanocrystal 395 cm−1. Hydrogen vibrations interferences are found in the same redshift region that might induce uncertainties in the experimentally measured redshift. Si-H and Ge-H vibrations are observed mainly in the second and third region and less frequently in the first region. These vibrations include modes of vibration such as symmetric, asymmetric, wagging, scissor, rocking, and twisting modes.
Interface structure governed by plastic and structural dissimilarity in perovskite La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 nanodots on rock-salt MgO substrates
Authors: Abellán P. , Zabaleta J. , Santiso J. , Casanove M.-J. , Dix N. , Aguiar J. , Browning N. D. , Mestres N. , Puig T. , Obradors X. , Sandiumenge F.
Published: February 2012

Self-assembled La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 perovskite nanodots have been grown on highly mismatched rock-salt type MgO substrates by chemical solution deposition. The interfacial dislocation structure indicates that the relaxation mechanism is governed by the easy glide of MgO 1/2〈101〉{101} dislocations towards the interface, where they dissociate into misfit-relieving and tilting components. The latter induce a 4-domain tilt pattern superimposed to the main cube-on-cube epitaxial orientation. It is shown that the inheritance of the rotational component of the Burgers vector has detrimental consequences on the interfacial quality, evidencing the impact of structural and plastic dissimilarity on the design of self-assembled nanostructures.
Archaeal ribosomal stalk protein interacts with translation factors in a nucleotide-independent manner via its conserved C terminus
Authors: Nomura Naoko , Honda Takayoshi , Baba Kentaro , Naganuma Takao , Tanzawa Takehito , Arisaka Fumio , Noda Masanori , Uchiyama Susumu , Tanaka Isao , Yao Min , Uchiumi Toshio
Published: February 2012

Protein synthesis on the ribosome requires translational GTPase factors to bind to the ribosome in the GTP-bound form, take individual actions that are coupled with GTP hydrolysis, and dissociate, usually in the GDP-bound form. The multiple copies of the flexible ribosomal stalk protein play an important role in these processes. Using biochemical approaches and the stalk protein from a hyperthermophilic archaeon,
Pyrococcus horikoshii
, we here provide evidence that the conserved C terminus of the stalk protein aP1 binds directly to domain I of the elongation factor aEF-2, irrespective of whether aEF-2 is bound to GTP or GDP. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that four hydrophobic amino acids at the C terminus of aP1, Leu-100, 103, 106, and Phe-107, are crucial for the direct binding. P1 was also found to bind to the initiation factor aIF5B, as well as aEF-1α, but not aIF2γ, via its C terminus. Moreover, analytical ultracentrifugation and gel mobility shift analyses showed that a heptameric complex of aP1 and aP0, aP0(aP1)
2
(aP1)
2
(aP1)
2
, can bind multiple aEF-2 molecules simultaneously, which suggests that individual copies of the stalk protein are accessible to the factor. The functional significance of the C terminus of the stalk protein was also shown using the eukaryotic proteins P1/P2 and P0. It is likely that the conserved C terminus of the stalk proteins of archaea and eukaryotes can bind to translation factors both before and after GTP hydrolysis. This consistent binding ability of the stalk protein may contribute to maintaining high concentrations of translation factors around the ribosome, thus promoting translational efficiency.
Hummingbirds have a greatly enlarged hippocampal formation
Authors: Ward Brian J. , Day Lainy B. , Wilkening Steven R. , Wylie Douglas R. , Saucier Deborah M. , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: February 2012

Both field and laboratory studies demonstrate that hummingbirds (Apodiformes, Trochilidae) have exceptional spatial memory. The complexity of spatial–temporal information that hummingbirds must retain and use daily is probably subserved by the hippocampal formation (HF), and therefore, hummingbirds should have a greatly expanded HF. Here, we compare the relative size of the HF in several hummingbird species with that of other birds. Our analyses reveal that the HF in hummingbirds is significantly larger, relative to telencephalic volume, than any bird examined to date. When expressed as a percentage of telencephalic volume, the hummingbird HF is two to five times larger than that of caching and non-caching songbirds, seabirds and woodpeckers. This HF expansion in hummingbirds probably underlies their ability to remember the location, distribution and nectar content of flowers, but more detailed analyses are required to determine the extent to which this arises from an expansion of HF or a decrease in size of other brain regions.
Selective upregulation of lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle of foraging juvenile king penguins: an integrative study
Authors: Teulier Loic , Dégletagne Cyril , Rey Benjamin , Tornos Jérémy , Keime Céline , de Dinechin Marc , Raccurt Mireille , Rouanet Jean-Louis , Roussel Damien , Duchamp Claude
Published: February 2012

The passage from shore to marine life of juvenile penguins represents a major energetic challenge to fuel intense and prolonged demands for thermoregulation and locomotion. Some functional changes developed at this crucial step were investigated by comparing pre-fledging king penguins with sea-acclimatized (SA) juveniles (Aptenodytes patagonicus). Transcriptomic analysis of pectoralis muscle biopsies revealed that most genes encoding proteins involved in lipid transport or catabolism were upregulated, while genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were mostly downregulated in SA birds. Determination of muscle enzymatic activities showed no changes in enzymes involved in the glycolytic pathway, but increased 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, an enzyme of the β-oxidation pathway. The respiratory rates of isolated muscle mitochondria were much higher with a substrate arising from lipid metabolism (palmitoyl-l-carnitine) in SA juveniles than in terrestrial controls, while no difference emerged with a substrate arising from carbohydrate metabolism (pyruvate).In vivo, perfusion of a lipid emulsion induced a fourfold larger thermogenic effect in SA than in control juveniles. The present integrative study shows that fuel selection towards lipid oxidation characterizes penguin acclimatization to marine life. Such acclimatization may involve thyroid hormones through their nuclear beta receptor and nuclear coactivators.
(2RS,4SR)-7-Bromo-2-exo-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,4-epoxynaphtho[1,2-b]azepine: sheets built by the π-stacking of hydrogen-bonded chains
Authors: Yépes Andrés F. , Palma Alirio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: February 2012

The molecules of the title compound, C20H15BrClNO, are linked into chains by a C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bond, in which the acceptor is the brominated ring of the naphthalene unit, and these chains are linked by an aromatic π–π stacking interaction, again involving the naphthalene unit, into a sheet structure.
A novel three-dimensional CdIIcoordination polymer: poly[[aquabis(2,2′-bipyridine)(μ5-pyrazol-1-ide-3,5-dicarboxylato)(μ4-pyrazol-1-ide-3,5-dicarboxylato)(μ3-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylato)tetracadmium(II)] dihydrate]
Authors: Fan Chunhua , Yue Yanfeng , Lu Zhengliang
Published: February 2012

The title compound, {[Cd4(C5H2N2O4)(C5HN2O4)2(C10H8N2)2(H2O)]·2H2O}n, crystallized in the monoclinic space groupP21/nand displays a three-dimensional architecture. The asymmetric unit is composed of four crystallographically independent CdIIcentres, two triply deprotonated pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid molecules, one doubly deprotonated pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid molecule, two 2,2′-bipyridine ligands, one coordinated water molecule and two interstitial water molecules. Interestingly, the CdIIcenters exhibit two different coordination numbers. Two CdIIcentres adopt a distorted octahedral arrangement and a third a trigonal–prismatic geometry, though they are all hexacoordinated. However, the fourth CdIIcenter is heptacoordinated and displays a pentagonal–bipyramidal geometry. The three anionic ligands adopt μ3-, μ4- and μ5-bridging modes, first linking CdIIcenters into a one-dimensional wave-like band, then into a wave-like layer and finally into a three-dimensional coordination framework, which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
H‐Ras increases release of sphingosine resulting in down‐regulation of TSP‐1 in non‐transformed cells
Authors: Kalas Wojciech , Rybka Jacek , Swiderek Ewelina , Ziolo Ewa , Rybka Wojciech , Gamian Andrzej , Rak Janusz , Strzadala Leon
Published: February 2012

Tumour progression is continuously driven by a sequence of genetic events. The presence of mutant or activated Ras proteins represents an interesting paradigm for the investigation of oncogene‐dependent induction of tumour angiogenesis. These genes are widely distributed in human cancers. Previously we have shown that cells harbouring mutant H‐Ras release soluble unidentified factor(s) associated with lowered expression of an angiogenesis inhibitor – Thrombospondin‐1 – (TSP‐1) in adjacent normal tissue. In this study, we have addressed the question as to whether or not introduction of the H‐ras oncogene leads to increased production of sphingosine. To assess the amount of sphingosine in conditioned media, we developed a technique based on sphingolipid isolation and GC‐MSMS detection of specific silylated sphingosine derivatives. Cells harbouring mutant H‐Ras, release significant amounts of sphingosine in contrast to normal isogenic cells or premalignant cells. Increased concentration of sphingosine in conditioned media was correlated with their ability to down‐regulate the expression of TSP‐1. Moreover, medium collected in the presence of U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK), contained undetectable amounts of sphingosine and had no ability to down‐regulate TSP‐1 expression. Overall, our studies suggest a H‐Ras‐dependent mechanism of changing the equilibrium of angiogenic factors in favour of induction of angiogenesis, where a central role is played by sphingosine, a low molecular entity. This represents an example of how a mechanism of translating genetic changes within transformed cells could be amplified into a much larger effect involving the tumour parenchyma and stroma, and this could greatly in turn accelerate local tumour growth and metastasis.
Improved microbial and sensory quality of clams (Venerupis rhomboideus), oysters (Ostrea edulis) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) by refrigeration in a slurry ice packaging system
Authors: Rey Minia S. , Miranda José M. , Aubourg Santiago , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge
Published: February 2012

The aim of this work was to evaluate a slurry ice (SI) packaging system on three bivalve species: clams (Venerupis rhomboideus), oysters (Ostrea edulis) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Comparative analyses were performed on specimens caught in autumn and spring and compared to batches stored in conventional flake ice. Microbiological analysis of autumn specimens stored in SI showed significantly (P < 0.05) reduced numbers of mesophiles and psychrotrophs in all three species, as well as fewer Enterobacteriaceae in clams and oysters. Spring specimens also exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower microbial loads, with SI storage significantly (P < 0.05) improving the control of mesophiles, psychrotrophs and proteolytic bacteria in clams and oysters. Sensory analysis correlated well with microbial analyses, with a significantly (P < 0.05) better quality in terms of odour, taste, juiciness, appearance and shelf life. The SI packaging system evaluated in this work proved to be a valuable method for maintaining quality of these bivalve species.
Law, Morality, and the Existence of Human Rights*
Authors: ALEXY ROBERT
Published: February 2012

In the debate between positivism and non‐positivism the argument from relativism plays a pivotal role. The argument from relativism, as put forward, for instance, by Hans Kelsen, says, first, that a necessary connection between law and morality presupposes the existence of absolute, objective, or necessary moral elements, and, second, that no such absolute, objective, or necessary moral elements exist. My reply to this is that absolute, objective, or necessary moral elements do exist, for human rights exist, and human rights exist because they are justifiable.
OPTIMAL RULES FOR PATENT RACES*
Authors: Judd By Kenneth L. , Schmedders Karl , Yeltekin Şevin
Published: February 2012

There are two important rules to patent races: minimal accomplishment necessary to receive the patent and the allocation of the innovation benefits. We study the optimal combination of these rules. A planner, who cannot distinguish between competing firms in a multistage innovation race, chooses the patent rules by maximizing either consumer or social surplus. We show that efficiency cost of prizes is a key consideration. Races are undesirable only when efficiency costs are low, firms are similar, and social surplus is maximized. Otherwise, the optimal policy involves a race of nontrivial duration to spur innovation and filter out inferior innovators.
EFFICIENT POLICY IN A PREDATORY ECONOMY: TO HIM WHO HATH SHALL BE GIVEN?*
Authors: Anderson James E.
Published: February 2012

Trade subject to predation generates externalities within and between markets. Efficient tax, infrastructure, and enforcement policies internalize the net externality—more trade implies fewer predators but drawn to trade at rising cost. The balance is positive (negative) as enforcement is weak (strong). Dual economies pair weak Periphery and strong Core enforcement markets. Efficient taxation and infrastructure promote the Core at the expense of the Periphery. Efficient enforcement promotes both. Tolerance (intolerance) of smuggling is efficient when Core enforcement is weak (strong). Tolerance of informal market Mafias that provide enforcement and infrastructure is efficient when Core enforcement is strong.
NEUTRAL TECHNOLOGY SHOCKS AND THE DYNAMICS OF LABOR INPUT: RESULTS FROM AN AGNOSTIC IDENTIFICATION*
Authors: Mumtaz Haroon , Zanetti Francesco
Published: February 2012

This article studies the dynamic response of labor input to neutral technology shocks. It uses benchmark dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium models enriched with labor market search and matching frictions and investment‐specific technological progress that enables a new, agnostic, identification scheme based on sign restrictions on a structural vector autoregression (SVAR). The estimation supports an increase of labor input in response to neutral technology shocks. This finding is robust across different perturbations of the SVAR model.
Development of Peer‐Group‐Classification Criteria for the Comparison of Cost Efficiency among General Hospitals under the Korean NHI Program
Authors: Kang Hee‐Chung , Hong Jae‐Seok , Park Heon‐Jin
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To classify general hospitals into homogeneous systematic‐risk groups in order to compare cost efficiency and propose peer‐group‐classification criteria.

Data Sources

Health care institution registration data and inpatient‐episode‐based claims data submitted by the Korea National Health Insurance system to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from July 2007 to December 2009.

Study Design

Cluster analysis was performed to classify general hospitals into peer groups based on similarities in hospital characteristics, case mix complexity, and service‐distribution characteristics. Classification criteria reflecting clustering were developed. To test whether the new peer groups better adjusted for differences in systematic risks among peer groups, we compared the R2 statistics of the current and proposed peer groups according to total variations in medical costs per episode and case mix indices influencing the cost efficiency.

Data Collection

A total of 1,236,471 inpatient episodes were constructed for 222 general hospitals in 2008.

Principal Findings

New criteria were developed to classify general hospitals into three peer groups (large general hospitals, small and medium general hospitals treating severe cases, and small and medium general hospitals) according to size and case mix index.

Conclusions

This study provides information about using peer grouping to enhance fairness in the performance assessment of health care providers.
Genetic variation and significant association of polymorphism rs7700944 G>A of TIM‐4 gene with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in Chinese Han and Hui populations
Authors: Xu J. , Yang Y. , Liu X. , Wang Y.
Published: February 2012

The T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domains 1 (TIM‐1) and 3 (TIM‐3) have been shown to be associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in many ethnicities. In this study, we investigated the rs7700944 polymorphism of the intron region of TIM‐4 gene in Chinese Han and Hui populations, with and without RA in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Our results demonstrated genetic variations of the TIM‐4 gene, along with significantly different distributions of genotypes and alleles at rs7700944 site in these two populations, with or without RA (P < 0.01). In addition, a strong association between the polymorphism with RA susceptibility was found in the studies of Chinese Han and Hui ethnic groups (P < 0.01), although the risk genotype contributed to RA susceptibility was different between the Han and Hui groups (P < 0.01). The AG was the risk genotype for RA in Han population, while GG was the risk genotype at rs7700944 site of TIM‐4 gene in Hui ethnicity. In addition to the genotype, the risk alleles of this single nucleotide polymorphism for RA in these two populations were also different, individuals with A allele was more susceptible to RA in Chinese Han [odds ratio (OR) = 1.930; 95% CI 1.412, 2.636; P < 0.01], but the risk allele in Hui was G in this study (OR = 1.823; 95% CI 1.330, 2.498; P < 0.01). These findings strongly suggest that polymorphism of rs7700944 of TIM‐4 may be a potential genetic variant among distinguished populations, as well as an important genetic factor associated with the RA susceptibility in many ethnicities.
A study comparing the retail drug prices between Northern Malaysia and Australia
Authors: Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Khan Tahir Mehmood
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The current study aims to compare the retail prices of the 10 most prescribed drugs in Northern Malaysia and Australia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the retail prices of the 10 most used prescription medications in Penang, Malaysia, with the retail prices of the same drugs in Australia. Data collection was done using a standard form. Percentage difference was calculated using simple mathematical formulae in Microsoft Excel.

Key findings

Findings demonstrate that the mean retail drug prices in Penang, Malaysia, were 30.30–148.28% higher than the mean retail prices in Australia. In addition, variation between retail prices was also noticed between pharmacies in Penang, with a difference between highest and lowest of 80%.

Conclusion

Malaysia has average higher retail prescription drug prices compared to Australia due to the lack of pharmaceutical market regulation, which could impose limits on prices, profits and total spending on pharmaceuticals.
Analysis of Darcy Flow in Confined Porous Media Including Wall Effect
Authors: Dukhan Nihad
Published: February 2012

Effective cooling lies at the heart of reactor design and safe operation. Materials for cooling systems include solid porous media (e.g. metal foam). This is due to the large surface area per unit volume and the random internal structure of such porous medium. The former promotes heat exchange rates by providing large surface area, while the latter enhances it by providing vigorous mixing of the working fluid, which gives rise to what is called dispersion (an added mechanism of heat transfer). Hence, momentum transport in porous media is critical for heat transfer analysis, computation and design. Porous media are also used as storage of nuclear waste. In such applications, the porous medium is confined by solid boundaries. These impermeable boundaries give rise to shear stress and boundary layers, which strongly influence the velocity field and the pressure drop inside the porous medium. The velocity field directly influence the heat transfer rate, while the pressure drop determines the required pumping power. The Brinkman-extended Darcy equation describes the momentum transport due to fully developed Newtonian fluid flow in confined porous media. This equation is an extension of the famous Darcy equation, and it contains the viscous shear at the boundaries as well as the viscous shear on the internal surface of the porous medium. The equation is solved analytically inside and outside the boundary layer in a cylindrical porous-media system. As, expected, the volume-averaged velocity decays as the distance from the boundary increases. The mean and maximum velocities are obtained and their behavior is investigated in terms of the Darcy number and the ratio of the effective to the actual fluid viscosity. The friction factor is defined based on the mean velocity and is found to be inversely proportional to the Reynolds number, the Darcy number and the mean velocity. The analytical velocity can be directly substituted in the governing convection heat transfer equation to assess the heat transfer performance of confined cylindrical heat exchange systems.
Thorium MSR as a Small-Scale Energy Source: Opportunities for Japan
Authors: Kamei Takashi
Published: February 2012

Even after the huge impact of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, Japan has to establish its energy supply system satisfying requirements of both global warming and resistibility of natural disaster. Nuclear power has a potential to reduce carbon emission but large-scale and centralized nuclear power plant may lose large volume of electricity supply at once. Small-scale nuclear power plants will bring solution in Japan. Thorium molten-salt reactor (MSR) is selected to simulate implementation capacity of small reactors in Japan. In order to use thorium as nuclear fuel, fissionable isotope is indispensable since natural thorium does not include fissile material. Japan owns plutonium in spent nuclear fuel of uranium usage. Quantitative evaluation of implementing capacity of thorium MSR in Japan by using plutonium accumulated in Japan. Implementation capacity of thorium MSR will be about 38 GWe and 11.2 GWe in the maximum and minimum cases at 2050, respectively.
Diblock and Triblock Fluorinated Copolymers: An ARXPS Study
Authors: Glisenti Antonella , Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro , Martinelli Elisa , Galli Giancarlo
Published: February 2012

In this contribution we prepared (by TEMPO-mediated radical polymerization) two triblock copolymers (poly(S-b-SF8-b-SP3) and poly(S-b-SP3-b-SF8)) of the A-B-C and A-C-B types composed of hydrophobic styrene (A), hydrophobic/lipophobic fluorinated styrene (B), and hydrophilic PEG-modified styrene (C) polymer blocks with greatly varied degrees of polymerization. A diblock copolymer (poly(S-b-SF8)) was used for comparison. The resulting surface structure and organization of the polymer films were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at different angles (70°, 50°, and 20° being the angle between the analyzer axis and the specimen normal). Besides the wide scan spectra, detailed spectra for the C 1s, F 1s and O 1s regions and related data are presented and discussed. XPS analysis reveals the preferential surface segregation of the phase-separated fluorinated block regardless of the distinctly different macromolecular architectures of the triblock copolymers.
MicroRNA-21 Blocks Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development and Nicotine-Augmented Expansion
Authors: Maegdefessel Lars , Azuma Junya , Toh Ryuji , Deng Alicia , Merk Denis R. , Raiesdana Azad , Leeper Nicholas J. , Raaz Uwe , Schoelmerich Anke M. , McConnell Michael V. , Dalman Ronald L. , Spin Joshua M. , Tsao Philip S.
Published: February 2012

miR-21 modulates abdominal aortic aneurysm development by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis within the aortic wall.
CLUSTER SYNCHRONIZATION OF DISCRETE-TIME STOCHASTIC COMPLEX DYNAMICAL NETWORKS WITH PROBABILISTIC INTERVAL TIME-VARYING DELAYS
Authors: LI HONGJIE
Published: February 2012

The paper investigates the cluster synchronization in discrete-time complex networks with stochastic nonlinearities and probabilistic interval time-varying delays. Based on the stochastic analysis techniques and the properties of the Kronecker product, delay-dependent cluster synchronization stability criteria are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities. The solvability of derived conditions depends on not only the probability of the binary switch between nonlinear functions, but also the size of the delay and the probability of the delay taking values in some intervals. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed criterion.
Cerebrovascular Lesions in Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Neuropathological Study
Authors: De Reuck Jacques L. , Deramecourt V. , Cordonnier C. , Leys D. , Pasquier F. , Maurage C.A.
Published: February 2012

Background: Cerebrovascular lesions are frequently observed in Alzheimer brains. Not all of them are due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Some of them are related to the severity of the degenerative process itself, implying additional vascular factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s dementia. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of cerebrovascular pathology on brains with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Patients and Methods: Twenty-two brains with autopsy-proven FTLD were compared to 15 brains of age-matched patients without evident cognitive decline, who died from an illness not related to a brain disease. The prevalence and the severity of small ischaemic and haemorrhagic lesions were determined. Vascular risk factors and the use of antithrombotic agents were also recorded. Results: The patients with FTLD were heterogeneous concerning age of onset, disease duration, clinical presentation, genetic background and neuropathological typing. Cerebrovascular risk factors and lesions were overall rare in FTLD brains without differences in their prevalence and severity compared to the controls. Only white matter changes were more prevalent in the FTLD group (p = 0.04) and showed a trend to greater severity (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Cerebrovascular pathology is not contributing to the evolution of the disease process of patients with FTLD. The isolated prevalence of white matter changes should not be considered as a vascular indicator.
CD19
+
CD5
+
Cells as Indicators of Preeclampsia
Authors: Jensen Federico , Wallukat Gerd , Herse Florian , Budner Oliver , El-Mousleh Tarek , Costa Serban-Dan , Dechend Ralf , Zenclussen Ana Claudia
Published: February 2012

Preeclampsia is a devastating pregnancy-associated disorder affecting 5% to 8% of pregnant women worldwide. It emerges as an autoimmune-driven disease, and, among others, the autoantibodies against angiotensin type 1 receptor II have been proposed to account for preeclampsia symptoms. Despite much attention focused on describing autoantibodies associated with preeclampsia, there is no clue concerning the cell population producing them. CD19
+
CD5
+
B-1a B cells constitute the main source of natural and polyreactive antibodies, which can be directed against own structures. Here, we aimed to identify the B-cell subpopulation responsible for autoantibody production during preeclampsia and to study their regulation, as well as their possible use as markers for the disease. The frequency of CD19
+
CD5
+
cells in peripheral blood of preeclamptic patients is dramatically increased compared with normal pregnant women as analyzed by flow cytometry. This seems to be driven by the high human chorionic gonadotropin levels present in the serum and placenta supernatant of preeclamptic patients versus normal pregnant women. Not only ≈95% of CD19
+
CD5
+
cells express the human chorionic gonadotropin receptor, but these cells also expand on human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in a lymphocyte culture. Most importantly, isolated CD19
+
CD5
+
cells produce autoantibodies against angiotensin type 1 receptor II, and CD19
+
CD5
+
cells were further detected in the placenta of preeclamptic but not of normal pregnancies where barely B cells are present. Our results identify a B-cell population able to produce pregnancy-pathological autoantibodies as possible markers for preeclampsia, which opens vast diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Why Two Divine Missions? Development in Augustine, Aquinas, and Lonergan
Authors: Wilkins Jeremy D.
Published: February 2012

A theology of the missions of Word and Spirit should relate the missions to the identities of the persons sent and explain their aptitude to the human situation. Although on this topic the Augustinian tradition is often considered moribund, this article shows how a cumulative and remarkably fertile tradition of theological understanding developed in Augustine, Aquinas, and Lonergan. Augustine grounded the missions on the divine processions and explained how the historic proclamation of the Word is coordinated with the Spirit’s gift of charity as a remedy to the Fall. Aquinas refined Augustine’s approach to Trinitarian theology, transformed the theoretical understanding of nature and grace, and made charity as friendship central to his understanding of the economy of grace. Bernard Lonergan situated these achievements within an account of interpersonal relations in God and human history and explained how the trinitarian missions inaugurate an order of divine–human friendship and collaboration.
Bending and torsion of composite beams (torsional-warping shear deformation theory)
Authors: Kollár László P , Pluzsik Anikó
Published: February 2012

In the design of composite sections, beam theories are used which require the knowledge of the cross-sectional properties, that is, the bending-, the shear-, the torsional-, warping-, axial stiffnesses and the coupling terms. In the classical analysis, the properties are calculated by assuming kinematical relationships (e.g. cross sections remain plane after the deformation of the beam). These assumptions may lead to inaccurate or contradictory results. In this paper, a new theory is presented in which no kinematical assumption is applied, rather the properties are derived from the accurate (three dimensional) equations of beams using limit transition. The theory includes both the in-plane and the torsional-warping shear deformations. As a result of the analysis, the stiffness matrix of the beam is obtained which is needed for either analytical or numerical finite element (FE) solutions. Applications for open section and closed section beams are also presented.
Increased radial diffusivity in spinal cord lesions in neuromyelitis optica compared with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Klawiter Eric C , Xu Junqian , Naismith Robert T , Benzinger Tammie LS , Shimony Joshua S , Lancia Samantha , Snyder Abraham Z , Trinkaus Kathryn , Song Sheng-Kwei , Cross Anne H
Published: February 2012

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) both affect spinal cord with notable differences in pathology.

Objective:

Determine the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to differentiate the spinal cord lesions of NMO from MS within and outside T2 lesions.

Methods:

Subjects greater than or equal to 12 months from a clinical episode of transverse myelitis underwent a novel transaxial cervical spinal cord DTI sequence. Ten subjects with NMO, 10 with MS and 10 healthy controls were included.

Results:

Within T2 affected white matter regions, radial diffusivity was increased in both NMO and MS compared with healthy controls ( p<0.001, respectively), and to a greater extent in NMO than MS ( p<0.001). Axial diffusivity was decreased in T2 lesions in both NMO and MS compared with controls ( p<0.001, p=0.001), but did not differ between the two diseases. Radial diffusivity and fractional anisotropy within white matter regions upstream and downstream of T2 lesions were different from controls in each disease.

Conclusions:

Higher radial diffusivity within spinal cord white matter tracts derived from diffusion tensor imaging were appreciated in NMO compared with MS, consistent with the known greater tissue destruction seen in NMO. DTI also detected tissue alterations outside T2 lesions and may be a surrogate of anterograde and retrograde degeneration.
Corticospinal output during muscular fatigue differs in multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls
Authors: Scheidegger O , Kamm CP , Humpert SJ , Rösler KM
Published: February 2012

Background:

In multiple sclerosis (MS), fatigue is a common and often disabling symptom. It has multiple causes with central motor fatigue playing an important role.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyse the central motor conduction changes in relation to muscle contraction force during muscle fatigue and recovery in MS patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 23 MS patients with fatigue and 13 healthy subjects were assessed during 2 minutes of fatiguing exercise of the abductor digiti minimi muscle of the hand and the subsequent 7 minutes of recovery. Central motor conduction was quantified by transcranial magnetic stimulation using the triple stimulation protocol and calculating a central conduction index (CCI).

Results:

Force declined to 36% of the pre-exercise level (SD 16%; p < 0.01) in MS patients and to 44% (SD 9%, p < 0.01) in healthy subjects (group differences, not statistically significant). The decline of the CCI was significantly less marked in patients (–20%, SD 26%, p < 0.05) than in healthy subjects (–57%, SD 15%, p < 0.05; group differences, p < 0.05). The decline of force and CCI were not correlated in either group.

Conclusions:

During a fatiguing exercise, the decline in central motor conduction is significantly less pronounced in MS patients than healthy subjects, although the reduction of force is similar.
From Winnicott’s potential space to mutual creative space: A principle for intercultural psychotherapy
Authors: BenEzer Gadi
Published: February 2012

This paper suggests that elaborating Winnicott’s idea of “potential space” can provide a conceptual approach to psychotherapy across the cultural divide. The first part of the paper discusses the general problematic of intercultural psychotherapy. This is illustrated with an account of therapeutic work with Ethiopian Jews who have migrated to Israel. There is a significant gap between the Ethiopian cultural codes relevant to psychotherapy and those of the Israeli therapist, who is usually trained in the Western psychotherapeutic tradition. A meaningful and effective therapeutic process can take place if psychotherapist and client cocreate a “mutual creative space.”
Triphasic EEG Pattern in Bilateral Paramedian Thalamic Infarction
Authors: Kenangil Gulay , Orken Dilek Necioglu , Yalcin Destina , Gündogdu Lale , Forta Hulki
Published: February 2012

Two cases of bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction (BPTI) showing triphasic waves (TWs) on the electroencephalogram (EEG) at acute stage are presented in this study. BPTI is a rare syndrome with decreased level of consciousness, gaze abnormalities and cognitive deterioration. TWs are nonspecific EEG findings occurring in both metabolic and nonmetabolic conditions. The TWs in BPTI might be related to level of consciousness and does not always predict a poor prognosis in BPTI.
Brain Electrical Responses to High- and Low-Ranking Buildings
Authors: Oppenheim Ian , Mühlmann Heiner , Blechinger Gerhard , Mothersill Ian W. , Hilfiker Peter , Jokeit Hennric , Kurthen Martin , Krämer Günter , Grunwald Thomas
Published: February 2012

Since the ancient world, architecture generally distinguishes two categories of buildings with either high- or low-ranking design. High-ranking buildings are supposed to be more prominent and, therefore, more memorable. Here, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) to drawings of buildings with either high- or low-ranking architectural ornaments and found that ERP responses between 300 and 600 ms after stimulus presentation recorded over both frontal lobes were significantly more positive in amplitude to high-ranking buildings. Thus, ERPs differentiated reliably between both classes of architectural stimuli although subjects were not aware of the two categories. We take our data to suggest that neurophysiological correlates of building perception reflect aspects of an architectural rule system that adjust the appropriateness of style and content (“decorum”). Since this rule system is ubiquitous in Western architecture, it may define architectural prototypes that can elicit familiarity memory processes.
Caveolin-1 expression is elevated in claudin-low mammary tumor cells
Authors: Thompson Devan E , Siwicky Megan D , Moorehead Roger A
Published: February 2012

Background

Caveolin-1 is a scaffolding protein found in plasma membrane invaginations known as caveolae. Caveolin-1 can regulate a number of intracellular processes such as signal transduction, cholesterol metabolism and vesicular transport. With respect to breast cancer caveolin-1 has been observed in both tumor cells and stromal cells surrounding tumors however most of the recent research has focused on how the loss of caveolin-1 in the stromal cells surrounding the tumor alters the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

Caveolin-1 expression was evaluated in (1) mammary tumors induced by the transgenic overexpression of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR), (2) mammary tumors that became independent of IGF-IR signalling and acquired a claudin-low genotype, (3) two murine mammary epithelial tumor cell lines and (4) two murine mammary claudin-low tumor cell lines.

Results

We found that mammary tumors induced by IGF-IR overexpression expressed low levels of caveolin-1 while mammary tumors that became independent of IGF-IR signalling expressed considerably higher levels of caveolin-1. Interestingly, pockets of caveolin-1 positive cells could be observed in some of the IGF-IR-induced mammary tumors and these caveolin-1 positive cells were associated with tumor cells that expressed basal cytokeratins (cytokeratins 5 and 14). This caveolin-1 expression pattern was maintained in the murine mammary tumor cell lines in that the epithelial mammary tumor cell lines expressed little or no caveolin-1 while the claudin-low cell lines expressed caveolin-1.

Conclusions

Our model indicates that mammary tumor cells with epithelial characteristics lack caveolin-1 while mesenchymal tumor cells express caveolin-1 suggesting that caveolin-1 may serve as a marker of mammary tumor cells with mesenchymal characteristics such as claudin-low breast tumors.
James McLaughlin: "Gentle Radical"
Authors: Harris Adrienne
Published: February 2012

This consideration of the contributions of James McLaughlin focuses on his work on impasse and enactment, as well as on his ideas about shame as a constitutive force in development. McLaughlin is situated in his context and viewed as an innovative and radical thinker with powerful and novel ideas about both countertransference and the analyst's subjectivity and authenticity.
"I Think You're on to Something": Valuing James McLaughlin
Authors: Poland Warren S.
Published: February 2012

Central to the contributions James McLaughlin made to his students were his character qualities of ease with himself and associated deep respect for others.
The Transformative Odyssey of James T. McLaughlin
Authors: Wallerstein Robert S.
Published: February 2012

James McLaughlin was one of a handful of eminent American psychoanalysts, trained within the confines of the then-dominant ego psychology mold in the 1950s and 1960s, who led the growing acceptance of the more flexibly nuanced two-person psychology, associated with the "relational turn." This transformation is traced in McLaughlin's writings as they evolved from his early papers through his capstone summarizing book. McLaughlin is shown to have been an underappreciated psychoanalytic theorist and clinician.
Searching in the "Unsaid Seen": McLaughlin's Unfinished Reflections on the Place of the Body in Psychoanalytic Discourse
Authors: Cornell William F.
Published: February 2012

The meanings of bodily experience and nonverbal communication were subjects of intense interest and speculation to James McLaughlin throughout his writings. In spite of his decades-long challenges to psychoanalytic orthodoxy, he was never able to move fully beyond the theoretical biases toward the body promulgated by the classical and ego psychological cultures in which he was trained and practiced. This paper explores this unfinished aspect of McLaughlin's clinical work and his foreshadowing of the growing interest and understanding in contemporary psychoanalytic models of the centrality of nonverbal communication and sensate experience in psychic organization and interpersonal relations.