bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth phenotypes and biosafety profiles in poliovirus‐receptor transgenic mice of recombinant oncolytic polio/human rhinoviruses
Authors: Cello Jeronimo , Toyoda Hidemi , DeJesus Nidia , Dobrikova Elena Y. , Gromeier Matthias , Wimmer Eckard
Published: December 2007

The use of oncolytic recombinant polioviruses has an important therapeutic potential in the treatment of human gliomas. This study was carried out to assess parameters of the utility of the oncolytic poliovirus/human rhinovirus type 2 chimeras (PV/HRV2). The prototype PV/HRV2 chimera was constructed containing the complete genome of wild‐type PV type 1 (Mahoney) [PV1(M)] in which the cognate IRES was replaced with that of HRV2 [called PV1(RIPO)]. A derivative of PV1(RIPO) is PV1(RIPOS) in which the capsid coding region (P1) was replaced with the capsid‐coding region of the PV type 1 (Sabin) [PV1(S)] vaccine strain. In addition, a third PV/HRV2 chimera was constructed containing the complete genome of PV1(S) in which the cognate IRES was replaced with that of HRV2 [termed PVS(RIPO)]. To analyze the growth phenotypes of PV/HRV2 recombinants [PV1(RIPO), PV1(RIPOS), PVS(RIPO)], one‐step growth experiments were performed in four human cell lines at three different temperatures. To address the safety profile, PVS(RIPO) was injected into the brain of CD155 tg mice at the dose 107 PFU. Then, clinical signs, persistence of the virus in the CNS and genetic stability of PVS(RIPO) replicating in the CNS were evaluated. The data obtained in the present study suggest (i) a correlation between temperature‐sensitive (ts) phenotype in both neuronal and non‐neuronal cell lines and neuroattenuation in experimental animals, (ii) that PVS (RIPO) is genetically stable on replication in the CNS of poliovirus‐susceptible mice. These findings highlight the safety of intracerebral inoculation of PVS(RIPO) for the treatment of human glioma. J. Med. Virol. 80:352–359, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a chemokine receptor CCR5‐negative T cell line and its use in determining human immunodeficiency virus type 1 phenotype
Authors: Binninger‐Schinzel Dorothea , Müller Daniela , Wolf Timo , Krause Birgit , Meye Britta , Winskowsky Gudrun , Raupp Sylvia , Norley Stephen , Brodt Reinhard , Werner Albrecht
Published: December 2007

A human CD4‐positive T cell line from a donor homozygous negative for the chemokine receptor CCR5 was established, characterized, and used for determining the coreceptor usage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) isolates. Clones of this IL‐2 dependent human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐I) immortalized cell line, named IsnoR5 clones 1 and 2, are susceptible to infection by HIV‐1 isolates that use CXCR4 as a coreceptor but resistant to infection by CCR5 tropic HIV‐1 viruses. HIV‐1 isolates whose replication is inhibited in IsnoR5 cells in the presence of the bicyclam AMD 3100, a CXCR4 specific inhibitor, utilize a coreceptor distinct from CCR5 and CXCR4. Using a panel of primary HIV‐1 isolates we have shown that a single T cell line is sufficient to discriminate between use of CCR5, CXCR4 or an alternative coreceptor. As IsnoR5 clone 1 cells revealed the existence of even minor populations of CXCR4‐using virus variants, they could be useful for the early identification of changes in coreceptor usage in HIV infected individuals facilitating the timely introduction of appropriate clinical treatments. J. Med. Virol. 80:192–200, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 replication capacity and genotype changes in patients undergoing treatment interruption or lamivudine monotherapy
Authors: Gianotti Nicola , Tiberi Simon , Menzo Stefano , Danise Anna , Boeri Enzo , Galli Laura , Clementi Massimo , Lazzarin Adriano , Castagna Antonella
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the virological and immunological changes occurring in failing HIV‐1 infected patients undergoing treatment interruption or lamivudine monotherapy (the E‐184V Study). Associations were sought between the de‐selection of individual reverse transcriptase and protease resistance mutations and replication capacity recovery, HIV‐RNA changes, and immunological changes. The replication capacity recovery was defined as the ratio between the replication capacity at weeks 24 or 48, and that measured at baseline. The replication capacity recovery, which was evaluable in 21 patients at week 24 and in 18 at week 48, was significantly higher in the treatment interruption than in the lamivudine group at week 24 (P = 0.002). Forty‐eight week replication capacity recovery was greater when the 184V (P = 0.023), the 41L (P = 0.02), or the 215Y mutation (P = 0.037) were deselected at week 12. A greater reduction in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio at week 48 (P = 0.038) was observed as the 184V mutation was deselected and the de‐selection of the 184V mutation at week 12 was the only independent predictor of the change of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio at week 48 from baseline at multivariable analysis (F‐value = 6.72, P = 0.021). In conclusion, among patients undergoing treatment interruption or lamivudine monotherapy, the recovery of HIV‐1 replication capacity was associated with the de‐selection of reverse transcriptase mutations. The de‐selection of the 184V mutation predicts independently a reduction in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. J. Med. Virol. 80:201–208, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Pashinin Pavel P.
Published: December 2007

Dear readers,

In your hands is the first issue of the volume 5 of the journal Laser Physics
Letters. So, LPL enters its fifth year of publication. During this time, LPL has
become one of the leading journals in the field of laser physics and related topics.
The permanently rising impact factor confirms the high level reached by LPL.

This success is, first of all, due to the high level of articles from researchers of
about 51 countries, who have contributed to the journal. We are grateful to all
authors and readers for their support.

The Editorial Board, on their side, tries to do all in order to guarantee that LPL
would further move to the leading position. The process of peer refereeing takes
around three days on average. Efficient work of the Editorial Staff allows the
online publication of an accepted article two weeks after acceptance. Since that
time, the article becomes accessible on the website and can be cited, getting
a DOI classification. Such a fast processing is certainly of great importance,
especially in the case of priority reasons.

Laser Physics Letters has a section of brief review invited articles, which are written by the top scientists in the field.
These articles provide a concise survey of the most hot topics and could be useful for advanced researchers as well as for
students.

It is worth mentioning that LPL is one of the organizers of the annual International Laser Physics Workshops. This 2007
year Workshop was held in Leon, Mexico. And the next 2008 year Workshop will be held in Trondheim, Norway. We
invite all authors and readers of LPL to participate in the Workshop in Trondheim.

Sincerely Yours,

Pavel P. Pashinin
Sending signals: Nonverbal communication can speak volumes
Authors: Gentry William A. , Kuhnert Karl W.
Published: December 2007

Of the many business challenges leaders face, communicating effectively with their employees is one of the most important, and effective communication is the foundation for a number of other leadership competencies. Leaders need to understand that they are never notcommunicating. As a result, their awareness and use of nonverbal communication may be a key factor in improving their leadership abilities.
Feedback inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and uptake
Authors: Stanley John C.
Published: December 2007

Cells can obtain the cholesterol they need for membrane function either by synthesizing it or by taking it up from the circulation. Both processes are regulated by feedback inhibition. The capacity for synthesis can be changed by changing the amount of the enzyme HMG‐CoA reductase while the capacity for uptake can be changed by changing the amount of the LDL receptor. Transcription factors called SREBPs regulate synthesis of both proteins. SREBPs are synthesized as inactive precursors which are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (er) when membrane cholesterol levels are high. However, when membrane cholesterol levels begin to fall SREBPs are released from the er, activated in the Golgi apparatus and stimulate the synthesis of both proteins in the nucleus. The Nobel Prize winners Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein have established the molecular mechanism for this example of feedback inhibition. This has led to the discovery of cellular proteins such as SCAP which can monitor membrane cholesterol content.
Alpha stable fats
Authors: Persson Marcus
Published: December 2007

Fats that are stable in the alpha crystal form instead of beta prime or beta (as normal) show some interesting physico‐chemical properties. They start to crystallize at a considerably higher temperature than normal fats, near the melting point, and they give a more elastic structure. They also crystallize faster as compared to non‐trans beta prime stable fats. These properties make them ideal for certain applications.
Photo‐Induced Cross‐Linking of Divinyl Ethers by Using Diphenyliodonium Salts With Highly Nucleophilic Counter Anions in the Presence of Zinc Halides
Authors: Kahveci Muhammet U. , Tasdelen M. Atilla , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2007

This study describes the use of diphenyliodonium salts with highly nucleophilic counter anions to photoinitiate the cationic cross‐linking of divinyl ethers. Both direct and indirect initiating modes are used. In the direct acting system, only a diphenyliodonium salt with a highly nucleophilic counter anion and a zinc halide are employed as initiator and activator, respectively. In the indirect systems, in addition to direct system components, photosensitive additives such as anthrecene, perylene, 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone, benzophenone, and thioxanthone, which absorb the energy of the incident light and activate the iodonium salt, are used to initiate polymerization. All systems employed in this study initiated quite vigorous polymerizations.

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An LTCC X‐band receiver front‐end using embedded multilayer substrate integrated waveguide filter
Authors: Chen Jixin , Hong Wei , Chen Xiaoping , Yan Pinpin , Lai Qinghua , Wu Ke
Published: December 2007

A low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) X‐band receiver front‐end is designed using a novel embedded multilayer substrate integrated waveguide filter. The filter is a quasi‐elliptic type, fabricated into multilayers on LTCC process, making it compact as well as of low cost and high selectivity. Simulated and experimental results of the filter and X‐band receiver front‐end are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 285–287, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23057
Simple microwave method for detecting water holdup
Authors: Sheikh Sharif I. , Alqurashi Khaled Y. , Ragheb Hassan A. , Babelli I.
Published: December 2007

A microwave sensor is designed to measure the resonance behavior of the hydrocarbon mixture to determine the water holdup of a near horizontal oil carrying pipeline. This technique is particularly useful for detecting very small water holdup (<5%) as demonstrated by simulated and experimental results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 354–355, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23059
C‐band half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) filter
Authors: Zhang Xiaochuan , Xu Jun , Yu Zhiyuan , Dong YuLiang
Published: December 2007

In this letter, a novel inductive post half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) bandpass filter is presented. The filter keeps the advantages of an SIW filter but with a reduction of nearly one‐half in size. A very good agreement is observed between the simulation and the measurements. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 275–277, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23064
Bandwidth enhancement technique with vertically slotted sidewalls in capacitive coupled antenna
Authors: Li Mei , Che Wenquan , Lau Puiyi , Yung Edward K. N.
Published: December 2007

A novel capacitive coupled antenna has been introduced in this article; one circular ground with vertical‐slots sidewall is used to improve the bandwidth significantly. The antenna operates at 3 GHz, the impedance bandwidth at 10‐dB return loss is about 48.2%, and the gain of the butterfly radiation pattern is 3.8 dB. After introduction of the ground with vertical‐slots sidewall, the bandwidth of the antenna has been improved to 78.2%, about 62% bandwidth enhancement; the gain of this antenna is about 6.0 dB. Both numerical simulations and experimental data are presented, good agreement can be observed within. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 341–345, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23066
Compact printed monopole antenna for multiband WLAN applications
Authors: Song Yue , Jiao Yong‐Chang , Zhao Hui , Zhang Zheng , Weng Zi‐Bin , Zhang Fu‐Shun
Published: December 2007

In this paper, a novel compact printed monopole antenna with multiband operation for wireless local area networks (WLAN) is presented. A simple C‐shaped strip and a straight strip of this antenna provide two resonant paths to achieve 2.4‐, 5.2‐, and 5.8‐GHz multiband operation. Good similar omnidirectional radiation patterns in the azimuth plane of the proposed antenna with compact radiator size of 11.5 × 8.5 mm2 in the desired frequency bands have been achieved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 365–367, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23078
Extension of the unitary property for the generalized scattering matrix of microwave networks
Authors: García‐Baños Beatriz , Peñaranda‐Foix Felipe L. , Catalá‐Civera José M.
Published: December 2007

In this work, a new property for the generalized scattering matrix of microwave networks is derived and numerically verified. Apart from its theoretical significance, this property can be very useful for rapid verification of numerical methods such as Mode Matching among others. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 356–358, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23085
Comparison of GAINP/GAAS HBT RFDS with resistive loads and shunt‐shunt feedback active loads
Authors: Wei Hung‐Ju , Meng Chinchun , Chang YuWen , Huang Guo‐Wei
Published: December 2007

An integrated GaInP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) regenerative frequency divider (RFD) with active loads is demonstrated from 4 to 26 GHz. In this work, the RFDs with resistive loads and active loads are fabricated in the same chip for comparison. From the measured results, the active loading type obviously has wider operating frequency and lower input sensitivity. The fmax/fmin ratio of 6.5 is higher than that of general RFDs. The core power consumption is 36.7 mW at the supply voltage of 5 V. The chip size is 1.0 × 1.0 mm2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 433–435, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23096
Resonant cavity for the measurement of microwave magnetic permeability using the small perturbation theory
Authors: Gouveia D. X. , Costa L. C. , Valente M. A.
Published: December 2007

The design of a rectangular cavity resonator implies to solve the Maxwell equations inside that cavity, respecting the boundary conditions. The resonance frequencies appear as conditions in the solutions of those equations. When a small piece of a magnetic material is introduced in the cavity, the resonance frequency and the quality factor changes. These effects can be used in the measurement of the permeability of the material. The relations are derived from the perturbation theory of resonant cavities and are simple when we consider only the first‐order perturbation in the magnetic field caused by the sample. This is guaranteed when linearity exists between the measured perturbation and the volume of the inserted sample. In this work, a resonant cavity to measure the magnetic permeability of a material, at 2.16 GHz, was developed and characterized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 399–402, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23098
A comparative investigation of SRR‐ and CSRR‐based band‐reject filters: Simulations, experiments, and discussions
Authors: Öznazı V. , Ertürk V. B.
Published: December 2007

A comparative investigation of split‐ring resonator (SRR)‐ and complementary split‐ring resonator (CSRR)‐based band‐reject filters is performed. These compact band‐reject filters are obtained by loading simple 50‐Ω microstrip lines with SRRs and CSRRs that have exactly the same shape and dimensions. Unlike the previous studies, stopband characteristics of these filters, such as resonance frequency, band‐width, sharpness, and amount of attenuation in the rejection region based on the number of SRR or CSRR stages, are investigated in a detailed and comparative manner. Based on simulations that are accompanied by experimental results, it has been observed that some of the aforementioned stopband characteristics of SRR‐based band‐reject filters are significantly different than those of CSRR‐based band‐reject filters. This makes SRR‐ or CSRR‐based filters preferable depending on applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 519–523, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23119
Compact design of T‐type monopole antenna with asymmetrical ground plane for WLAN/WiMAX applications
Authors: Chen Wen‐Shan , Yu Yen‐Hao
Published: December 2007

The article proposed and studied a compact coplanar waveguide‐feed antenna for WiMAX applications. In this design, using notches on the ground plane and trapezoid‐feed line is to generate broadband operation of 10‐dB return loss from 1.95 to 6.55 GHz. Furthermore, embedded a narrow slit etching on the radiation patch accounts for triple‐band operation of 1.68–2.71 GHz, 3.26–4.06 GHz, and 5.03–6.24 GHz. It plays a role as a filter to eliminate the undesired band. The proposed antenna with a band‐reject characteristic is calibrated for WLAN/WiMAX applications which covers the band from 2.4 to 2.7, 3.3 to 3.8, and 5.15 to 5.85 GHz. And, this antenna has advantages of good radiation characteristics, compact size, and omni‐directional patterns. Details of the proposed antenna configuration and experimental results are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 515–519, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23120
Nonlinear effects in split ring resonators loaded with heterostructure barrier varactors
Authors: Carbonell Jorge , Boria Vicente E. , Lippens Didier
Published: December 2007

The advantages afforded by the symmetrical C(V) characteristics of Heterostructure Barrier Varactor (HBV) diodes for the fabrication of nonlinear metamaterials are investigated numerically. The studies are conducted by means of full‐wave numerical modelling along with circuit analysis. It is believed that the HBV technologies can replace the conventional Schottky diode not only in up and down frequency conversion left‐handed devices, but also by bringing new functionality in terms of space filtering for unbiased devices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 474–479, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23122
Optimization of polygonal Fresnel zone plates
Authors: Alda Javier , Boreman Glenn
Published: December 2007

The performance of Fresnel zone plates having polygonal boundaries between zones has been studied for polygons with a low number of sides. An optimized polygonal shape has been analytically defined by minimizing the mismatched area between the circular and the polygonal pseudo‐Fresnel zones. The square polygon has been analyzed in more depth than the others because of its simple symmetry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 536–541, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23125
Internal shorted planar monopole antenna embedded with a resonant spiral slot for penta‐band mobile phone application
Authors: Wu Chih‐Hsien , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: December 2007

An internal shorted planar monopole antenna embedded with a resonant spiral slot for GSM850/900/DCS/PCS/UMTS operation in the mobile phone is presented. The planar monopole is printed on an FR4 substrate of small size 10 × 45 mm2, and a spiral slot of length 108 mm is embedded therein. The planar monopole is then placed above and perpendicular to the top edge, with a small distance of 7 mm, of the system ground plane of the mobile phone to operate as an internal antenna. A coupled feed printed on the top no‐ground portion of the system circuit board is used to excite both the planar monopole and the spiral slot to generate two wide bands covering GSM850/900 and DCS/PCS/UMTS operation, respectively. The antenna is also suitable to integrate with the associated electronic components, such as the speaker, to achieve a compact integration of the antenna inside the mobile phone. Experimental and SPEAG SEMCAD‐X simulation results of the proposed antenna are presented. The user's hand effects on impedance and radiation characteristics of the antenna are also analyzed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 529–536, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23126
Antenna covering both digital television and 2.45‐GHz ISM bands
Authors: Chang The Nan , Yang Shu‐Wei
Published: December 2007

In this paper, a dual‐band antenna covering both DTV and 2.45‐GHz ISM bands is presented. An inset‐fed monopole antenna is responsible for radiation in the DTV band. The ISM band is taken account by a strip dipole etched on backside of the monopole antenna. The antenna may also be used for dual RFID bands. Detailed design inclusive of using the inset‐feed to broaden the bandwidth is discussed and experiment was done to verify the simulation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 425–428, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23132
Experimental analysis of GaN HEMT and Si LDMOS in analog predistortion power amplifiers for WCDMA applications
Authors: Lee Yong‐Sub , Lee Mun‐Woo , Jeong Yoon‐Ha
Published: December 2007

Comparative analysis of GaN HEMT and Si LDMOS in analog predistortion power amplifiers (PAs) for WCDMA applications is represented. For validation, GaN HEMT and Si LDMOS PAs are designed and implemented with an analog predistorter, and tested for one‐tone and 4‐carrier WCDMA signals at 2.14 GHz. The measured results show that the GaN HEMT PA shows better predistortability and more stable temperature and frequency characteristics compared with the Si LDMOS PA. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 393–396, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23134
Erratum: Calibration of accelerometers by using an extrinsic fiber optic probe
Authors: Binu S.
Published: December 2007

Originally published Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49 (2007), 2700‐2703. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 549, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23137
Complete 1H and 13C assignments of (21R) and (21S) diastereomers of argatroban
Authors: Colombo Diego , Ferraboschi Patrizia , Grisenti Paride , Legnani Laura
Published: December 2007

The complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments are reported for the antithrombotic (21R)‐ and (21S)‐argatroban by 1D and 2D NMR experiments (HSQC, HMBC, NOESY and 1H1H COSY). Some well‐resolved signals could be used for an accurate measurement of the diastereomeric composition of argatroban. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and solvent effects on the 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts of indoloquinoline alkaloids: experimental and DFT study
Authors: Toušek Jaromír , Van Miert Sabine , Pieters Luc , Van Baelen Gitte , Hostyn Steven , Maes Bert U. W. , Lemière Guy , Dommisse Roger , Marek Radek
Published: December 2007

Indoloquinoline alkaloids represent an important class of antimalarial, antibacterial and antiviral compounds. They have been shown to bind to DNA via intercalation preferentially at GC‐rich sequences containing nonalternating CC sites. The stability of complexes formed with biological macromolecules depends on noncovalent binding. In the present study, the ability of indoloquinolines to form intermolecular interactions with solvents was investigated by using NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP/6‐31G**) calculations. NMR data measured for indoloquinoline bases and the corresponding hydrochlorides are discussed in relation to the structure. DFT calculations of shielding constants in vacuo and in solution allowed the investigation of the influence of the environment on the NMR parameters. Calculations incorporating solvent effects indicated significant changes in the anisotropy of the electron distribution, reflected in the span of the chemical shielding tensor (Ω = σ11 − σ33). Solvent effects on the span of the 13C and 15N shielding tensor depended on the type of atom and the data indicated a significant influence of solute‐solvent interactions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miniaturized fiber‐optic transmission system for MRI signals
Authors: Memis Omer Gokalp , Eryaman Yigitcan , Aytur Orhan , Atalar Ergin
Published: December 2007

Conventional MRI instruments transmit received MRI signals through electrical cables. Although this design has proved to be effective over the years, we report a fiber‐optic system that addresses the needs of recent developments in MRI technology. One of these technologies is phased array coils with a high number of elements, where total size of interconnections is a primary problem, and other problem is internal MRI coils, where there is a need for improvements in safety. The Miniature Fiber‐Optic Transmission (FOT) System was developed to address these issues. The system consists of a receiver coil with active detuning, a low‐noise preamplifier, and a laser diode connected to a photodetector with fiber‐optic cabling. The overall noise figure of the system is lower than 1 dB. Total power consumption is 50 mW, and the device is switchable with another fiber‐optic line, which can also control active detuning. A prototype device was tested in a GE 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, and several images were acquired with a signal to noise ratio similar to coaxial cabling. We believe that this design will reduce the cabling problems of arrays and enable placement of internal coils into body cavities with no safety hazard to the patient, such as electrical shock or burns. Magn Reson Med 59:165–173, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel polymer composite with double positive‐temperature‐coefficient transitions: effect of filler–matrix interface on the resistivity–temperature behavior
Authors: Zhang Xiangwu , Pan Yi
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Sn–Pb alloy‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites exhibit double positive‐temperature‐coefficient (PTC) behavior, with the first transition at the melting point of HDPE and the second at that of Sn–Pb alloy. The objective of this study is to improve the reversibility and reproducibility of double‐PTC transitions of these composite materials by enhancing the filler–matrix interface.

RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface wettability and dynamic mechanical and rheological measurements confirm that surface‐treating Sn–Pb with titanate concentration ≤1 wt% enhances the interface adhesion between Sn–Pb alloy and HDPE matrix. Surface‐treating Sn–Pb with titanate concentration ≤1 wt% increases the PTC transition temperature, reduces the PTC intensity and improves the reversibility and reproducibility of the double‐PTC behavior of Sn–Pb/HDPE composites.

CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that adjusting the filler–matrix interface is an effective means to modify the double‐PTC behavior of Sn–Pb alloy‐filled HDPE composites. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of linear poly(ether sulfone)s with dendritic terminal groups
Authors: Osano Keiichi , Turner S. Richard
Published: December 2007

Hybrid linear‐dendritic ABA polymers, where A and B are dendritic and linear polymers, respectively, were synthesized in a single step via step‐growth polymerization of 4,4′‐difluorodiphenylsulfone and bisphenol A using arylether ketone dendrons of first and second generations (G1‐OH and G2‐OH) as monofunctional end‐cappers. These G1 and G2‐terminated poly(ether sulfone)s (G1‐PESs and G2‐PESs) were characterized by 1H NMR, SEC, DSC, TGA, melt rheology, and tensile tests. The comparison of the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of these polymers with those of t‐butylphenoxy‐terminated polysulfones reveal that the G1‐ and G2‐PESs have lower Tgs at all molecular weights investigated. However, a plot of Tg versus 1/Mn shows that the difference between the three series becomes negligible at infinite molecular weight and agrees to the chain end free volume theory. The melt viscosities of G1‐PES and G2‐PES with high molecular weights do not show a Newtonian region and, in the high frequency region, their viscosities are lower than that of the control while the stress–strain properties are comparable to those of the control, suggesting that it is possible to reduce the high shear melt viscosity of a PES without affecting the stress–strain properties by introducing bulky dendritic terminal groups. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 958–969, 2008
Assessing the risk of resistance in Pseudoperonospora cubensis to the fungicide flumorph in vitro
Authors: Zhu Shusheng , Liu Pengfei , Liu Xili , Li Jianqiang , Yuan Shankui , Si Naiguo
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: The oomycete fungicide flumorph is a recently introduced carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicide. In order to evaluate the risk of developing field resistance to flumorph, the authors compared it with dimethomorph and azoxystrobin with respect to the ease of obtaining resistant isolates to these fungicides, the level of resistance and their fitness in the laboratory.

RESULTS: Mutants with a high level of resistance to azoxystrobin were isolated readily by adaptation and UV irradiation, and their fitness was as good as that of the parent isolates. Attempts to generate mutants of Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Burk. & MA Curtis) Rostovsev resistant to flumorph and dimethomorph by sporangia adaptation on fungicide‐treated leaves were unsuccessful. However, moderately resistant mutants were isolated using UV mutagenesis, but their resistance level [maximum resistance factor (MRF) < 100] was much lower than that of the azoxystrobin‐resistant mutant (MRF = 733). With the exception of stability of resistance, all mutants showed low pathogenicity and sporulation compared with wild‐type isolates and azoxystrobin‐resistant mutants. There is cross‐resistance between flumorph and dimethomorph, suggesting that they have the same resistance mechanism.

CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that the resistance risk of flumorph may be similar to that of dimethomorph but lower than that of azoxystrobin and can be classified as moderate. Thus, it can be managed by appropriate product use strategies. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Chloroethene dechlorination in acidic groundwater: Implications for combining fenton's treatment with natural attenuation
Authors: Bradley Paul M. , Singletary Michael A. , Chapelle Francis H.
Published: December 2007

A sulfuric acid leak in 1988 at a chloroethene‐contaminated groundwater site at the Naval Air Station Pensacola has resulted in a long‐term record of the behavior of chloroethene contaminants at low pH and a unique opportunity to assess the potential impact of source area treatment technologies, which involve acidification of the groundwater environment (e.g., Fenton's‐based in situ chemical oxidation), on downgradient natural attenuation processes. The greater than 75 percent decrease in trichloroethene (TCE) concentrations and the shift in contaminant composition toward predominantly reduced daughter products (dichloroethene [DCE] and vinyl chloride [VC]) that were observed along a 30‐m groundwater flow path characterized by highly acidic conditions (pH = 3.5 ± 0.4) demonstrated that chloroethene reductive dechlorination can continue to be efficient under persistent acidic conditions. The detection of Dehalococcoides‐type bacteria within the sulfuric acid/chloroethene co‐contaminant plume was consistent with biotic chloroethene reductive dechlorination. Microcosm studies conducted with 14C‐TCE and 14C‐VC confirmed biotic reductive dechlorination in sediment collected from within the sulfuric acid/chloroethene co‐contaminant plume. Microcosms prepared with sediment from two other locations within the acid plume, however, demonstrated only a limited mineralization to 14CO2 and 14CO, which was attributed to abiotic degradation because no significant differences were observed between experimental and autoclaved control treatments. These results indicated that biotic and abiotic mechanisms contributed to chloroethene attenuation in the acid plume at NAS Pensacola and that remediation techniques involving acidification of the groundwater environment (e.g., Fenton's‐based source area treatment) do not necessarily preclude efficient chloroethene degradation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Assembled‐Monolayer Formation of Long Alkanedithiols in Molecular Junctions
Authors: Akkerman Hylke B. , Kronemeijer Auke J. , van Hal Paul A. , de Leeuw Dago M. , Blom Paul W. M. , de Boer Bert
Published: December 2007

The orientation of alkanedithiol molecules in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) is of vital importance for their transport properties in molecular junctions. It is demonstrated that a too‐low concentration of long alkanedithiols in ethanol leads to the formation of looped molecules, resulting in a 50‐fold increase of the current through the SAM. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that high‐concentration dithiol solutions result in a preferential standing‐up phase. To obtain an almost full standing‐up phase of 1,14‐tetradecanedithiol (C14) a 30 mM concentration in ethanol is required, whereas a 0.3 mM concentration leads to a highly looped monolayer. The conduction through the full standing‐up phase of C14 and C16 is in accordance with the exponential dependence on molecule length as obtained from shorter alkanedithiols.
Supporting the implementation of externally generated learning outcomes and learning‐centered curriculum development: An integrated framework
Authors: Hubball Harry , Gold Neil , Mighty Joy , Britnell Judy
Published: December 2007

This chapter provides an overview of externally generated program‐level learning outcomes and an integrated and stage‐specific framework for redeveloping learning‐centered curricula in higher education contexts.
Characterization of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis PbDfg5p, a cell‐wall protein implicated in filamentous growth
Authors: da Silva Castro Nadya , Barbosa Mônica Santiago , Maia Zilma Alves , Báo Sonia Nair , Felipe Maria Sueli Soares , Santana Jaime Martins , Soares Mendes‐Giannini Maria José , Pereira Maristela , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria
Published: December 2007

The dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of the most frequent systemic mycosis in Latin America. In humans, infection starts by inhalation of fungal propagules, which reach the pulmonary epithelium and differentiate into the yeast parasitic phase. Here we describe the characterization of a Dfg5p (defective for filamentous growth) homologue of P. brasiliensis, a predictable cell wall protein, first identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protein, the cDNA and genomic sequences were analysed. The cloned cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified rPbDfg5p was used to obtain polyclonal antibodies. Immunoelectron microscopy and biochemical studies demonstrated the presence of PbDfg5p in the fungal cell wall. Enzymatic treatments identified PbDfg5p as a β‐glucan linked protein that undergoes N‐glycosylation. The rPbDfg5p bound to extracellular matrix components, indicating that those interactions could be important for initial steps leading to P. brasiliensis attachment and colonization of host tissues. The P. brasiliensis dfg5 nucleotide and deduced protein, PbDfg5p, sequences reported in this paper had been submitted to the GenBank database under Accession Nos AY307855 (cDNA) and DQ534495 (genomic). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental solutions of equilibrium equations for gradient model describing the deformation of two‐component elastic composites
Authors: Kabysh Yu.
Published: December 2007

The paper presents the fundamental solutions established for the equilibrium equations written in terms of displacements in the gradient model describing the deformation of two‐component elastic composites with stochastic structure. In the paper 2D and 3D problems are constructed on the basis of the theory of generalized functions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT IN OBJECTIVE MORALITY: DISTINGUISHING OBJECTIVE FROM INTRINSIC VALUE
Authors: Smith Tara
Published: December 2007

This essay contends that the debate between subjectivism and objectivism in ethics is better understood as a dispute among three alternatives: subjectivism, objectivism, and intrinsicism. Ayn Rand has identified intrinsicism – the belief that certain things are good “in, by, and of” themselves – as the doctrine that is actually operative in many defenses of moral objectivity. What intrinsicism fails to appreciate, however, is the significant role of the subject, the person to whom and for whom anything can be valuable.

Objective value, in Rand's view, is relational. Its existence depends on contributions of both external reality and human consciousness. Values are not reducible to psychological states, as in subjectivism, but nor are they independent of them, as in intrinsicism. Objectivity in ethics is attained neither through revelation of the intrinsic property of goodness nor through the subject's creation of goodness, but through a rational procedure of evaluation that is governed by the method of objectivity.

This essay is in three parts, explaining Rand's view of exactly what intrinsicism is; elaborating on her view of the nature of moral objectivity; and highlighting certain features that make plain the differences between an intrinsicist and an objectivist account of value.
IMAGINATIVE RESISTANCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NECESSITY
Authors: Driver Julia
Published: December 2007

Some of our moral commitments strike us as necessary, and this feature of moral phenomenology is sometimes viewed as incompatible with sentimentalism, since sentimentalism holds that our commitments depend, in some way, on sentiment. His dependence, or contingency, is what seems incompatible with necessity. In response to this sentimentalists hold that the commitments are psychologically necessary. However, little has been done to explore this kind of necessity. In this essay I discuss psychological necessity, and how the phenomenon of imaginative resistance offers some evidence that we regard our moral commitments as necessary, but in a way compatible with viewing them as dependent on desires (in some way). A limited strategy for defending sentimentalism against a common criticism is also offered.
First order connections of the visual sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: FITZGIBBON THOMAS , SZMAJDA BRETT A. , MARTIN PAUL R.
Published: December 2007

The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) supplies an important inhibitory input to the dorsal thalamus. Previous studies in non-primate mammals have suggested that the visual sector of the TRN has a lateral division, which has connections with first-order (primary) sensory thalamic and cortical areas, and a medial division, which has connections with higher-order (association) thalamic and cortical areas. However, the question whether the primate TRN is segregated in the same manner is controversial. Here, we investigated the connections of the TRN in a New World primate, the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The topography of labeled cells and terminals was analyzed following iontophoretic injections of tracers into the primary visual cortex (V1) or the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd). The results show that rostroventral TRN, adjacent to the LGNd, is primarily connected with primary visual areas, while the most caudal parts of the TRN are associated with higher order visual thalamic areas. A small region of the TRN near the caudal pole of the LGNd (foveal representation) contains connections where first (lateral TRN) and higher order visual areas (medial TRN) overlap. Reciprocal connections between LGNd and TRN are topographically organized, so that a series of rostrocaudal injections within the LGNd labeled cells and terminals in the TRN in a pattern shaped like rostrocaudal overlapping “fish scales.” We propose that the dorsal areas of the TRN, adjacent to the top of the LGNd, represent the lower visual field (connected with medial LGNd), and the more ventral parts of the TRN contain a map representing the upper visual field (connected with lateral LGNd).
Detection of cardio-metabolic risk by BMI and waist circumference among a population of Guatemalan adults
Authors: Gregory Cria O , Corvalán Camila , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Martorell Reynaldo , Stein Aryeh D
Published: December 2007

Background

BMI and waist circumference (WC) are used to screen for cardio-metabolic risk; however it is unclear how well these indices perform in populations subject to childhood stunting.

Objectives

To evaluate BMI and WC as indicators of cardio-metabolic risk and to determine optimal cut-off points among 1325 Guatemalan adults (44 % stunted: ≤150 cm women; ≤162 cm men).

Methods

Cardio-metabolic risk factors were systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥130/≥85 mmHg, glucose ≥5·5 mmol/l, TAG ≥1·7 mmol/l, ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ≥5·0, and the presence of two or more and three or more of the preceding risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used.

Results

Areas under the ROC curve were in the range of 0·59–0·77 for BMI and 0·59–0·78 for WC among men and 0·66–0·72 and 0·64–0·72 among women, respectively. Optimal cut-off points for BMI were 24·7–26·1 kg/m2among men (24·5–26·1 kg/m2stunted; 24·8–26·3 kg/m2non-stunted) and 26·5–27·6 kg/m2among women (26·3–27·8 kg/m2stunted; 26·6–27·9 kg/m2non-stunted). Optimal cut-off points for WC were 87·3–91·1 cm among men (85·3–89·4 cm stunted; 88·5–93·3 cm non-stunted) and 91·3–95·3 cm among women (90·9–94·4 cm stunted; 91·8–95·6 cm non-stunted).

Conclusion

Optimal cut-off points for BMI were slightly higher among women than men with no meaningful differences by stature. Optimal cut-off points for WC were several centimetres lower for stunted compared with non-stunted men, and both were substantially lower than the current recommendations among Western populations. Cut-off points derived from Western populations may not be appropriate for developing countries with a high prevalence of stunting.
Die Bedeutung von Informationen zur sozialen Rolle für die Reduktion geschlechtsstereotypen Urteilens
Authors: Bosak Janine , Sczesny Sabine , Eagly Alice H.
Published: December 2007

Zusammenfassung: Die Forschung zur sozialen Rollentheorie hat durchweg gezeigt, dass die Vorgabe derselben Rolleninformation geschlechtsstereotype Persönlichkeitsbeurteilungen von Männern und Frauen reduziert. Die vorliegende Studie hinterfragt die rollentheoretische Erklärung dieser Befunde und untersucht, inwieweit die bisherigen Ergebnisse dadurch zustande kamen, dass Personen unterschiedliche Standards für Männer und Frauen bei ihren Beurteilungen anwendeten. Die Versuchspersonen verglichen Männer und Frauen in derselben Rolle, d. h. im Haushalt tätig, Vollzeit berufstätig oder nicht spezifiziert, hinsichtlich geschlechtsstereotyper Eigenschaften. Um einen Wechsel der Beurteilungsmaßstäbe zu verhindern, gaben die Versuchspersonen auf derselben Ratingskala an, ob das jeweilige Persönlichkeitsmerkmal bei einem/einer durchschnittlichen Mann/Frau mehr oder weniger ausgeprägt ist als bei einer durchschnittlichen Person des anderen Geschlechts. In Übereinstimmung mit der sozialen Rollentheorie wurden im Haushalt tätige Männer und Frauen sowie berufstätige Männer und Frauen ähnlicher bezüglich expressiver und instrumenteller Eigenschaften beurteilt als Männer und Frauen ohne Rolleninformation. Dieser Rolleneffekt war bei weiblichen Versuchspersonen stärker ausgeprägt als bei männlichen Versuchspersonen.
Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) over Arctic sea ice: Retrieval of freeboard
Authors: Kwok R. , Cunningham G. F. , Zwally H. J. , Yi D.
Published: December 2007

Total freeboard (snow and ice) of the Arctic Ocean sea ice cover is derived using Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) data from two 35‐day periods: one during the fall (October−November) of 2005 and the other during the winter (February−March) of 2006. Three approaches are used to identify near‐sea‐surface tiepoints. Thin ice or open water samples in new openings, typically within 1−2 cm of the sea surface, are used to assess the sea surface estimates. Results suggest that our retrieval procedures could provide consistent freeboard estimates along 25‐km segments with uncertainties of better than 7 cm. Basin‐scale composites of sea ice freeboard show a clear delineation of the seasonal ice zone in the fall. Overall, the mean freeboards of multiyear (MY) and first‐year (FY) ice are 35 cm and 14 cm in the fall, and 43 cm and 27 cm in the winter. The increases of ∼9 cm and ∼12 cm on MY and FY sea ice are associated with the 4 months of ice growth and snow accumulation between data acquisitions. Since changes in snow depth account for >90% of the seasonal increase in freeboard on MY ice, it dominates the seasonal signal. Our freeboard estimates are within 10 cm of those derived from available snow/ice thickness measurements from ice mass balance buoys. Examination of the two residual elevations fields, after the removal of the sea ice freeboard contribution, shows coherent spatial patterns with a standard deviation (S.D.) of ∼23 cm. Differencing them reduces the variance and gives a near random field with a mean of ∼2 cm and a standard deviation of ∼14 cm. While the residual fields seem to be dominated by the static component of unexplained sea surface height and mean dynamic topography (S.D. ∼23 cm), the difference field reveals the magnitude of the time‐varying components as well as noise in the ICESat elevations (S.D. ∼10 cm).