bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the Edwardsiella ictaluri Type III Secretion System by pH and Phosphate Concentration through EsrA, EsrB, and EsrC
Authors: Rogge Matthew L. , Thune Ronald L.
Published: May 2011

A recently described
Edwardsiella ictaluri
type III secretion system (T3SS) with functional similarity to the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 2 T3SS is required for replication in channel catfish head-kidney-derived macrophages (HKDM) and virulence in channel catfish. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting identified low pH and phosphate limitation as conducive to expression of the
E. ictaluri
T3SS, growth conditions that mimic the phagosomal environment. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that expression is under the control of the EsrAB two-component regulatory system. EsrB also induces upregulation of the AraC-type regulatory protein EsrC, which enhances expression of the EscB/EseG chaperone/effector operon in concert with EsrB and induces expression of the pEI1-encoded effector, EseH. EsrC also induces expression of a putative type VI secretion system translocon protein, EvpC, which is secreted under the same low-pH conditions as the T3SS translocon proteins. The pEI2-encoded effector, EseI, was upregulated under low-pH and low-phosphate conditions but not in an EsrB- or EsrC-dependent manner. Mutations of EsrA and EsrB both resulted in loss of the ability to replicate in HKDM and full attenuation in the channel catfish host. Mutation of EsrC did not affect intracellular replication but did result in attenuation in catfish. Although EsrB is the primary transcriptional regulator for
E. ictaluri
genes within the T3SS pathogenicity island, EsrC regulates expression of the plasmid-carried effector
eseH
and appears to mediate coordinated expression of the T6SS with the T3SS.
SclR, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor, Regulates Hyphal Morphology and Promotes Sclerotial Formation in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Jin Feng Jie , Takahashi Tadashi , Matsushima Ken-ichiro , Hara Seiichi , Shinohara Yasutomo , Maruyama Jun-ichi , Kitamoto Katsuhiko , Koyama Yasuji
Published: May 2011

Most known basic-region helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins belong to a superfamily of transcription factors often involved in the control of growth and differentiation. Therefore, inappropriate expression of genes encoding bHLH proteins is frequently associated with developmental dysfunction. In our previously reported study, a novel bHLH protein-encoding gene (AO090011000215) ofAspergillus oryzaewas identified. The gene-disrupted strain was found to produce dense conidia, but sparse sclerotia, relative to the parent strain. Here, to further analyze its function, we generated an overexpressing strain using theA. oryzaeamyBgene promoter. Genetic overexpression led to a large number of initial hyphal aggregations and then the formation of mature sclerotia; it was therefore designatedsclR(sclerotiumregulator). At the same time, thesclR-overexpressing strain also displayed both delayed and decreased conidiation. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the aerial hyphae of thesclR-overexpressing strain were extremely branched and intertwined with each other. In the generation of the SclR-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression strain, the SclR-EGFP protein fusion was conditionally detected in the nuclei. In addition, the loss ofsclRfunction led to rapid protein degradation and cell lysis in dextrin-polypeptone-yeast extract liquid medium. Taken together, these observations indicate that SclR plays an important role in hyphal morphology, asexual conidiospore formation, and the promotion of sclerotial production, even retaining normal cell function, at least in submerged liquid culture.
Live Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Reveals Role of Phagocyte Oxidase in Limiting Filamentous Growth
Authors: Brothers Kimberly M. , Newman Zachary R. , Wheeler Robert T.
Published: May 2011

Candida albicansis a human commensal and a clinically important fungal pathogen that grows in both yeast and hyphal forms during human infection. AlthoughCandidacan cause cutaneous and mucosal disease, systemic infections cause the greatest mortality in hospitals. Candidemia occurs primarily in immunocompromised patients, for whom the innate immune system plays a paramount role in immunity. We have developed a novel transparent vertebrate model of candidemia to probe the molecular nature ofCandida-innate immune system interactions in an intact host. Our zebrafish infection model results in a lethal disseminated disease that shares important traits with disseminated candidiasis in mammals, including dimorphic fungal growth, dependence on hyphal growth for virulence, and dependence on the phagocyte NADPH oxidase for immunity. Dual imaging of fluorescently marked immune cells and fungi revealed that phagocytosed yeast cells can remain viable and even divide within macrophages without germinating. Similarly, although we observed apparently killed yeast cells within neutrophils, most yeast cells within these innate immune cells were viable. Exploiting this model, we combined intravital imaging with gene knockdown to show for the first time that NADPH oxidase is required for regulation ofC. albicansfilamentationin vivo. The transparent and easily manipulated larval zebrafish model promises to provide a unique tool for dissecting the molecular basis of phagocyte NADPH oxidase-mediated limitation of filamentous growthin vivo.
The Lysis-Lysogeny Decision of Bacteriophage 933W: a 933W Repressor-Mediated Long-Distance Loop Has No Role in Regulating 933W P
RM
Activity
Authors: Bullwinkle Tammy J. , Koudelka Gerald B.
Published: May 2011

Our data show that unlike bacteriophage λ, repressor bound at O
L
of bacteriophage 933W has no role in regulation of 933W repressor occupancy of 933W O
R
3 or the transcriptional activity of 933W P
RM
. This finding suggests that a cooperative long-range loop between repressor tetramers bound at O
R
and O
L
does not form in bacteriophage 933W. Nonetheless, 933W forms lysogens, and 933W prophage display a threshold response to UV induction similar to related lambdoid phages. Hence, the long-range loop thought to be important for constructing a threshold response in lambdoid bacteriophages is dispensable. The lack of a loop requires bacteriophage 933W to use a novel strategy in regulating its lysis-lysogeny decisions. As part of this strategy, the difference between the repressor concentrations needed to bind O
R
2 and activate 933W P
RM
transcription or bind O
R
3 and repress transcription from P
RM
is <2-fold. Consequently, P
RM
is never fully activated, reaching only ∼25% of the maximum possible level of repressor-dependent activation before repressor-mediated repression occurs. The 933W repressor also apparently does not bind cooperatively to the individual sites in O
R
and O
L
. This scenario explains how, in the absence of DNA looping, bacteriophage 933W displays a threshold effect in response to DNA damage and suggests how 933W lysogens behave as “hair triggers” with spontaneous induction occurring to a greater extent in this phage than in other lambdoid phages.
Genome Sequence of the Abyssomicin- and Proximicin-Producing Marine Actinomycete Verrucosispora maris AB-18-032
Authors: Roh Hanseong , Uguru Gabriel C. , Ko Hyeok-Jin , Kim Sujin , Kim Byung-Yong , Goodfellow Michael , Bull Alan T. , Kim Kyoung Heon , Bibb Mervyn J. , Choi In-Geol , Stach James E. M.
Published: May 2011

Verrucosispora maris
AB-18-032 is a marine actinomycete that produces atrop-abyssomicin C and proximicin A, both of which have novel structures and modes of action. In order to understand the biosynthesis of these compounds, to identify further biosynthetic potential, and to facilitate rational improvement of secondary metabolite titers, we have sequenced the complete 6.7-Mb genome of
Verrucosispora maris
AB-18-032.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. chinensis Strain CT-43
Authors: He Jin , Wang Jieping , Yin Wen , Shao Xiaohu , Zheng Huajun , Li Mingshun , Zhao Youwen , Sun Ming , Wang Shengyue , Yu Ziniu
Published: May 2011

Bacillus thuringiensis
has been widely used as an agricultural biopesticide for a long time. As a producing strain,
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
chinensis
strain CT-43 is highly toxic to lepidopterous and dipterous insects. It can form various parasporal crystals consisting of Cry1Aa3, Cry1Ba1, Cry1Ia14, Cry2Aa9, and Cry2Ab1. During fermentation, it simultaneously generates vegetative insecticidal protein Vip3Aa10 and the insecticidal nucleotide analogue thuringiensin. Here, we report the finished, annotated genome sequence of
B. thuringiensis
strain CT-43.
Post-deployment injury among new combat veterans enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F , Gravely Amy A , Noorbaloochi Siamak , Simon Alisha Baines , Bangerter Ann K , Sayer Nina A
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine prevalence and potential risk factors for post-deployment injury among Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare. A national, stratified sample of Iraq/Afghanistan combat Veteran VA users was surveyed in 2008. Mental and physical health, including medically-treated injuries sustained since deployment, were self-reported. Injury risk was estimated using survey logistic regression. Stratified ORs and 95% CIs were adjusted for potential confounders and non-response bias and weighted to represent the target population. Nearly half the population reported post-deployment injuries. In multivariate models, veterans with probable post-traumatic stress disorder (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5), self-reported diagnosed depression (OR=3.6; 95% CI 1.8 to 7.0) and anger problems (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.4 to 4.2) had greater odds of post-deployment injury. Deployment-related injuries were also strongly associated with odds of post-deployment injury. Results suggest that mental health disorders increase the odds of post-deployment injury among combat veteran VA users. Longitudinal research examining these associations is warranted.
Ethical issues in the development of tele-ICUs
Authors: Nesher Lior , Jotkowitz Alan
Published: May 2011

The past two decades have seen a dramatic increase in the use of telemedicine while the information technology revolution has contributed significantly to its popularity. In addition, there has been a recent increase in the use of telemedicine in the intensive care unit (ICU), partially driven by a critical shortage of intensivists. However, the ethical questions raised by the implementation of tele-ICUs have not been adequately considered. In this essay, we will discuss the development of tele-ICUs from the perspective of autonomy, beneficence/non-malificence, justice and professionalism.
Good parents would not fulfil their obligation to genetically enhance their unborn children
Authors: Tonkens Ryan
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this paper is to unveil the incompleteness of John Harris' view that parents have a moral obligation to genetically enhance their unborn children. Specifically, here two main conclusions are proposed: (1) at present there exist insufficient empirical data for determining whether prenatal genetic enhancement (PGE) is a moral obligation on prospective parents. Although the purpose of PGE research would be to determine the extent to which PGE is safe and effective, the task of determining the veracity of Harris' premises is impossible to achieve without begging the question; we would be forced to assume the moral permissibility of PGE in order to generate the data that are required for determining its moral standing. So, given this empirical blindness, consequence-based normative frameworks like that of Harris cannot determine the moral standing of PGE, but merely push the question of the moral standing of PGE back a step, without offering any plausible and morally endorsable recourse for how to answer it; (2) even if PGE research were legal, which it is not, parents nevertheless have good reason not to consent to it for their children, especially as participants in the first wave(s) of such research.
Intracranial carotid artery stent placement causes delayed severe intracranial hemorrhage in a patient with moyamoya disease: Figure 1
Authors: Eicker Sven , Etminan Nima , Turowski Bernd , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Hänggi Daniel
Published: May 2011

Background

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease usually characterized by progressive bilateral distal internal carotid artery stenosis or occlusion and its consequences. Direct (ie, extracranial–intracranial bypass) or indirect cerebral revascularization procedures are the most established and effective treatment strategies for MMD. The case history is presented of a patient with MMD with delayed severe intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage following intracranial carotid artery stent placement.

Clinical presentation

An 18-year-old women presented with a history of seizures, recurrent episodes of transient right hemiparesis and aphasia. Cerebral catheter angiography and perfusion CT scan with azetozaolamide challenge confirmed impaired left hemispheric perfusion due to severe bilateral carotid artery stenosis combined with pathological collaterals, consistent with moyamoya disease. Endovascular stenting of the left supraclinoidal internal cerebral artery was performed uneventfully. Five hours after treatment the patient presented with sudden headache, nausea and speech disorders and a CT scan revealed intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Due to further rapid clinical deterioration, surgical removal of the hematoma and decompression were required. The patient’s poor neurological outcome did not improve during the 2-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

This case report illustrates a severe intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage following intracranial stenting of the internal carotid artery in a young patient with MMD. Potentially this complication could be attributed to high perfusion pressure breakthrough phenomenon, a known complication after cerebral high-flow bypass surgery. The role of intracranial stenting, despite established revascularization procedures in patients with MMD, therefore remains highly questionable.
Efficacy of halofuginone lactate in the prevention of cryptosporidiosis in dairy calves
Authors: Trotz‐Williams L. A. , Jarvie B. D. , Peregrine A. S. , Duffield T. F. , Leslie K. E.
Published: May 2011

To evaluate the efficacy of halofuginone lactate (Halocur; Intervet) when used prophylactically against cryptosporidiosis in dairy calves, 513 Holstein heifer calves were randomly distributed between two experimental groups. Those in the treatment group (n=259) received 0.1 mg halofuginone base per kg bodyweight daily in a 10 ml solution, for the first seven days following birth, while those in the control group (n=254) received an equal volume of a placebo solution. Faecal samples were collected weekly from all calves until three weeks of age to test for Cryptosporidium oocysts and to assess the diarrhoeal status. Growth parameters of the calves were also recorded at approximately four months of age. Calves that received halofuginone were significantly less likely to shed Cryptosporidium oocysts during the course of the study than placebo‐treated calves (odds ratio 0.6, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.4 to 0.9, P=0.009). Mean growth measurements of calves in the treated group were consistently higher than those of the control calves (hipometer‐derived P=0.052, wither height P=0.097) and mortality was lower in the treated group (P=0.07). However, these differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). No association was found between the prophylactic use of halofuginone and the incidence of calf diarrhoea.
Verocytotoxin‐producing and attaching and effacing activity of Escherichia coli isolated from diseased farm livestock
Authors: Hutchinson J. P. , Cheney T. E. A. , Smith R. P. , Lynch K. , Pritchard G. C.
Published: May 2011

Between May 2005 and June 2008, strategically selected isolates of Escherichia coli obtained from clinical submissions to Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) regional laboratories in England and Wales were serogrouped and examined by PCR for verocytotoxin (VT) production and attaching and effacing (eae) genes, both of which are zoonotic determinants. VT‐encoding genes were detected in 54 (5.3 per cent) of the 1022 isolates examined. Only one isolate (0.1 per cent) was identified as verocytotoxigenic E coli (VTEC) O157. Non‐O157 VTECs were present in 4.7 per cent of isolates from cattle, compared with 7.9 per cent in pigs, 2.3 per cent in sheep and 6.7 per cent in goats. The predominant serogroup identified in cattle was O26 and the predominant serogroup in pigs was O2. Attaching and effacing activity was attributed to 69 (6.8 per cent) of all isolates.
New atomic data for trans-iron elements and their application to abundance determinations in planetary nebulae1This review is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Sterling N.C. , Witthoeft M.C. , Esteves D.A. , Bilodeau R.C. , Kilcoyne A.L.D. , Red E.C. , Phaneuf R.A. , Alna’Washi G. , Aguilar A.
Published: May 2011

Investigations of neutron(n)-capture element nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution have largely been based on stellar spectroscopy. However, the recent detection of these elements in several planetary nebulae (PNe) indicates that nebular spectroscopy is a promising new tool for such studies. In PNe, n-capture element abundance determinations reveal details of s-process nucleosynthesis and convective mixing in evolved low-mass stars, as well as the chemical evolution of elements that cannot be detected in stellar spectra. Only one or two ions of a given trans-iron element can typically be detected in individual nebulae. Elemental abundance determinations thus require corrections for the abundances of unobserved ions. Such corrections rely on the availability of atomic data for processes that control the ionization equilibrium of nebulae (e.g., photoionization cross sections and rate coefficients for various recombination processes). Until recently, these data were unknown for virtually all n-capture element ions. For the first six ions of Se, Kr, and Xe — the three most widely detected n-capture elements in PNe — we are calculating photoionization cross sections and radiative and dielectronic recombination rate coefficients using the multi-configuration Breit–Pauli atomic structure code AUTOSTRUCTURE. Charge transfer rate coefficients are being determined with a multichannel Landau–Zener code. To calibrate these calculations, we have measured absolute photoionization cross sections of Se and Xe ions at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron radiation facility. These atomic data can be incorporated into photoionization codes, which we will use to derive ionization corrections (hence abundances) for Se, Kr, and Xe in ionized nebulae. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we will investigate the effects of atomic data uncertainties on the derived abundances, illuminating the systems and atomic processes that require further analysis. These results are critical for honing nebular spectroscopy into a more effective tool for investigating the production and chemical evolution of trans-iron elements in the Universe.
The chemical composition of the sun1This review is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Grevesse N. , Asplund M. , Sauval A.J. , Scott P.
Published: May 2011

We have very recently re-determined the abundances of nearly all the available chemical elements in the solar photosphere, from lithium to thorium (Asplund et al. Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 47, 481 (2009)). This new complete and homogeneous analysis results from a very careful selection of spectral lines of all the indicators of the abundances present in the solar photospheric spectrum, from a discussion of the atomic and molecular data, and from an analysis of these lines based on a new 3D model of the solar outer layers, taking non-LTE effects into account when possible. We present these new results, compare them with other recent solar data as well as with recent results for the solar neighborhood, and discuss some of their most important implications as well as some of the atomic data we still urgently need.
Lines of heavy elements and Fe ii in the UV of CS 31082-0011This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Barbuy B. , Siqueira Mello C. , Spite M. , Spite F. , Bonifacio P. , Hill V. , Primas F. , Plez B. , Cayrel R. , François P. , Sneden C. , Beers T.C. , Andersen J. , Nordström B. , Molaro P.
Published: May 2011

The abundance of heavy r-elements may provide a better understanding of the r-process, and the determination of several reference r-elements should allow a better determination of a star's age. The space UV region (λ < 3000 Å) presents a large number of lines of the heavy elements, and in the case of some elements, such as Bi, Pt, Au, detectable lines are not available elsewhere. The extreme “r-process star” CS 31082–001 ([Fe/H] = –2.9) was observed in the space UV to determine abundances of the heaviest stable elements, using STIS on board Hubble Space Telescope.
Atomic data for stellar astrophysics: from the UV to the IR1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Wahlgren Glenn M.
Published: May 2011

The study of stars and stellar evolution relies heavily on the analysis of stellar spectra. The need for atomic line data from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared (IR) regions is greater now than ever. In the past twenty years, the time since the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, great progress has been made in acquiring atomic data for UV transitions. The optical wavelength region, now expanded by progress in detector technology, continues to provide motivation for new atomic data. In addition, investments in new instrumentation for ground-based and space observatories has lead to the availability of high-quality spectra at IR wavelengths, where the need for atomic data is most critical. In this review, examples are provided of the progress made in generating atomic data for stellar studies, with a look to the future for addressing the accuracy and completeness of atomic data for anticipated needs.
The 3s23p3d 3Fo term in the Si-like spectrum of Fe (Fe XIII)1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Träbert Elmar , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Santana Juan A. , Del Zanna Giulio
Published: May 2011

The structure of Si-like ions is discussed for the example of iron (spectrum Fe XIII). The 3s23p3d 3Fo term with its three fine structure levels of very different lifetimes has eluded the early observations. Meanwhile, complementary experimental techniques have permitted to track these levels. Theory has also evolved from approximate techniques to accurate ab initio calculations, the results of which cast doubt on some earlier Fe XIII line identifications and guide the search for and the identification of the correct lines in solar corona spectra.
Atomic calculations for tests of fundamental physics1This review is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Safronova M.S.
Published: May 2011

An overview of applications of atomic calculations for atomic physics tests of fundamental physics is presented. The current status of atomic parity violation studies is discussed in detail. The progress on the development of a novel method for precision calculation of properties of atomic systems with a few valence electrons is reported. This method combines the all-order approach currently used for monovalent atoms with the configuration interaction approach that is applicable for many-electron systems. Development of this method is aimed at significant improvement in the theoretical accuracy of the parity nonconserving amplitude calculations in systems with more than one valence electron. Tests of fundamental symmetries and other applications not only require precise calculations of the atomic properties but also evaluation of the accuracy of the results. Possible approaches to evaluating the uncertainties of the theoretical values and an example of such an evaluation are considered.
Semi-empirical branching fractions of the 3s23p2–3s3p3 J = 2 transition array in P II1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Bancroft Brown J. , Brown M.S. , Cheng S. , Curtis L.J. , Ellis D.G. , Federman S.R. , Irving R.E.
Published: May 2011

A semi-empirical method is used to characterize the 3s23p2–3s3p3 J = 2 transition array in P II. In this method Slater, spin–orbit, and radial parameters are fitted to experimental energy levels to obtain a description of the array in terms of LS-coupling basis vectors. The intermediate coupling (IC) and configuration interaction (CI) amplitudes so obtained are then used to predict the branching fractions of transitions within the array. These two configurations are particularly interesting because the 3s23p2 has been shown to be virtually free of CI, but affected by IC, whereas the 3s3p3 is virtually free of IC, but affected by CI.
Relativistic R-matrix close-coupling method based on the effective many-body Hamiltonian: electron-impact excitation of the 3s2 1S0–3s3p1P1o electric dipole-allowed transition of the Ar6+ ion1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Santana Juan A. , Ishikawa Yasuyuki
Published: May 2011

Electron-impact excitation cross sections of the electric dipole-allowed 3s2 1S0–3s3p [Formula: see text] transition in Mg-like argon (Ar6+) are calculated using the configuration-interaction and effective many-body Hamiltonian R-matrix close-coupling methods. The near-threshold electron-impact excitation cross sections computed with the effective many-body Hamiltonian R-matrix close-coupling method are in good agreement with the benchmark experimental results.
Hyperfine quenching of the metastable 4s4p 3P0 and 3P2 states of Zn-like ions1This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.
Authors: Chen M.H. , Cheng K.T.
Published: May 2011

The hyperfine-induced 4s4p 3P0,2–4s2 1S0 transition rates for Zn-like ions with Z = 30–66 are calculated using a large scale relativistic configuration-interaction method. Comparisons are made between different approaches to hyperfine quenching studies, and discussions are given to the significance of various contributions. For the 3P0 state, the effect of the 1P1 state on hyperfine quenching is found to be quite substantial and cannot be ignored in spite of the large energy separation. For the 3P2 state, hyperfine quenching leads to different decay rates to the ground state for different hyperfine levels and the induced decays can dominated over the unperturbed M2 transition. The present results are compared with the other theoretical predictions, and reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.
Intrinsic permeability of materials ranging from sand to rock-fill using natural air convection tests
Authors: Côté Jean , Fillion Marie-Hélène , Konrad Jean-Marie
Published: May 2011

Air convection within coarse rock-fills enhances winter-time heat extraction from underlying soils. Modeling this phenomenon requires the knowledge of intrinsic permeability. This study focuses on the measurement of intrinsic permeability using natural air convection within a 1 m3 test cell. Upward heat flow conditions are applied to various specimens. Test results are analyzed using a theoretical solution of natural convection in a square enclosure. Four materials were studied, with effective particle sizes (d10) ranging from 90 to 150 mm and porosities ranging from 0.37 to 0.41. The results showed that intrinsic permeability increases with increasing d10. The experimental results were adequately predicted by the Kozeny–Carman and Chapuis equations. Only slight deviations were observed, which is considered acceptable given that these equations were developed for materials with much smaller values of d10. The experimental results of this study confirm the value of intrinsic permeability recently used in a study of natural convection within a rock-fill dam in northern Quebec, Canada.
Cyclic deformation of granular material subjected to moving-wheel loads
Authors: Ishikawa Tatsuya , Sekine Etsuo , Miura Seiichi
Published: May 2011

This paper describes a new testing method to examine the mechanical behavior of railroad ballast subjected to repeated train passages on ballasted track. Two types of cyclic loading tests, namely a single-point loading test and a moving-wheel loading test, were performed with small-scale models of ballasted track. Next, a “multi-ring shear apparatus” was developed as a type of torsional simple shear apparatus, and the applicability of a newly proposed multi-ring shear test to an element test of railroad ballast subjected to moving-wheel loads was examined by comparing the results of multi-ring shear tests with those of small-scale model tests. As a result, it was recognized that cumulative strain obtained from multi-ring shear tests is almost equivalent to the one derived from small-scale model tests. Moreover, it was revealed that the difference between loading methods has a considerable influence on the cyclic plastic deformation of railroad ballast because settlement in a moving-wheel loading test was much larger than the one in a single-point loading test. These results lead to the conclusion that a multi-ring shear test has an excellent applicability to the estimation of deformation behavior of granular materials subjected to moving-wheel loads.
Changing impermeability boundary conditions to obtain free surfaces in unconfined seepage problems
Authors: López-Querol S. , Navas P. , Peco J. , Arias-Trujillo J.
Published: May 2011

A coupled numerical model of flow through porous media, formulated in terms of the fluid displacements and changing the impermeability boundary conditions, is applied to calculate the free surface in unconfined, steady-seepage problems. In this new methodology, the domain of computation is kept constant, and the free surface is iteratively obtained by imposing impermeability conditions at the free boundaries, which are updated at the end of each iteration, aiming to simulate the physics of the problem. By doing so, a line of pore-water pressure equal to zero (free surface) is obtained in a few iterations, usually two or three. The results obtained with the proposed method have been successfully compared to analytical and numerical solutions in several examples to show the usefulness of the method in practical seepage problems.
Coupling hydraulic with mechanical models for unsaturated soils
Authors: Sheng Daichao , Zhou An-Nan
Published: May 2011

This paper presents an alternative method to couple the hydraulic component with the mechanical component in a constitutive model for unsaturated soils. Some pioneering work on hydromechanical coupling is reviewed. Generalized constitutive relations on coupled hydromechanical behaviour are introduced. These generalized constitutive relations are then incorporated into existing mechanical and hydraulic models for unsaturated soils. A new coupling mechanism is proposed based on the fact that soil-water characteristic equations are usually obtained for constant stress, not constant volume. The proposed coupling mechanism also satisfies the intrinsic relationship between the degree of saturation and the volumetric strain for undrained compression. Numerical examples are presented to show the performance of the proposed model in predicting soil behaviour along drying and loading paths. Finally, the model is validated against experimental data for different soils.
THE FIRST YEAR OF THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: HERTEN GREGOR
Published: May 2011

The first year of LHC data taking provided an integrated luminosity of about 35 pb-1 in proton–proton collisions at [Formula: see text]. The accelerator and the experiments have demonstrated an excellent performance. The experiments have obtained important physics results in many areas, ranging from tests of the Standard Model to searches for new particles. Among other results, the physics highlights have been the measurements of the W-, Z-boson and [Formula: see text] production cross-sections, improved limits on supersymmetric and other hypothetical particles and the observation of jet-quenching, elliptical flow and J/ψ suppression in lead–lead collisions at [Formula: see text].
DECISION MAKING OF ROBOT PARTNERS BASED ON FUZZY CONTROL AND BOLTZMANN SELECTION
Authors: KUBOTA NAOYUKI , YAGUCHI AIKO
Published: May 2011

This paper discusses the social learning of robot partners through interaction with a person. We use a robot music player; Miuro, and we focus on the music selection for providing the comfortable sound field for the person. First, we propose the control architecture of Miuro based on autonomous behavior mode, interactive behavior mode, and human control mode. Next, we propose a learning method of the relationship between human interaction and its corresponding reaction based on Boltzmann selection, adaptive reward function, and temperature control. The experimental results show that the proposed method can learn the relationship between human interaction and its corresponding behavior, even if the human intention is changed in the learning. Furthermore, the experimental results show that the proposed method can provide the person the preferable song as the comfortable sound field.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: May 2011

Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF INDIRECT GRADUAL ELONGATION OF PERIPHERAL NERVE: ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES AT DIFFERENT ELONGATION RATES
Authors: Kubota Shigeki , Nishiura Yasumasa , Hara Yuki , Saijilafu  , Abe Ichiro , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: May 2011

We investigated the neuropathy induced by leg lengthening histological evaluation using teased nerve fiber specimens and electrophysiological evaluation. Indirect elongation of the sciatic nerve associated with leg lengthening was performed at 1 and 3 mm/day over 30 mm in rats. Electrophysiological evaluation was performed immediately and 60 days after the end of elongation, teased nerve fiber specimens were prepared, and the mean axonal diameter was calculated. The electrophysiological results were more wrong, and the recovery was poorer, in the 3-mm than in the 1-mm group. In the 1-mm group, the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and the duration of the compound nerve action potential (C-NAP) recovered to a level close to the intact side, but the decrease in the amplitude of the C-NAP persisted. In the teased fiber study, while paranodal demyelination was observed in both groups immediately after elongation, demyelination was decreased in the 1-mm group indicationg recovery compared to the 3-mm group. Paranodal demyelination caused by indirect nerve elongation is considered to have induced electrophysiological disorders.

Electrophysiological and morphological damages appeared to be more severe according to elongation speed. The nerve disorder were remained even at 1 mm per day in 60 days.
REOPERATION FOR METALWORK COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING THE USE OF VOLAR LOCKING PLATES FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES: A UNITED KINGDOM EXPERIENCE
Authors: Sahu A. , Charalambous C. P. , Mills S. P. , Batra S. , Ravenscroft M. J.
Published: May 2011

Volar locking plates are increasingly used in the management of distal radius fractures. As with any new implant, understanding the rate and type of potential metalwork related complications is important. In this study, we reviewed 114 distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plating. Our aim was to determine the type and rate of metalwork complications requiring reoperation. In our series, 12 cases (10%) underwent further surgery for metalwork related complications mainly for screw protrusion into the radiocarpal joint following fracture collapse. Our results suggest that volar locking plates are associated with a high rate of metal work related complications requiring further surgery. Technical aspects to reduce such complications are discussed.
GIANT CELL TUMOURS OF TENDON SHEATH OF HAND: CAUSES AND STRATEGIES TO PREVENT RECURRENCE
Authors: Jalgaonkar Azal , Dhinsa Baljinder , Cottam Howard , Mani Ganapathyraman
Published: May 2011

Giant cell tumours of tendon sheath of hand present a surgical dilemma due to their high incidence of local recurrence. We present a case series of 46 patients with 47 histologically confirmed giant cell tumours of tendon sheath over a ten-year period from 1998 to 2008. The mean follow-up was 47 months (range 25–124 months). We identified tumours with bony erosions and piecemeal resections as predictors of recurrence. Our recurrence rate of 9% was at the lower end of spectrum of previously published reports (range 7%–44%). We recommend "en-masse" excision of these tumours. All the patients with suspicion of these tumours should have preoperative radiographs to identify erosions. A thorough curettage of the bone should be done in cases with osseous erosion to prevent recurrence. Patients with these risk factors should be followed up annually for five years and be warned about recurrence.
SPONTANEOUS PARTIAL POSTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE PALSY NOT CAUSED BY AN ADJACENT GANGLION
Authors: Tan Jacqueline Siau Woon , Yam Andrew Kean Tuck
Published: May 2011

We report a case of spontaneous partial posterior interosseous nerve palsy where the ganglion adjacent to the nerve was not the main cause of the compression. Instead, a thick fascial band deep to the distal edge of the supinator was found responsible. This case illustrates the importance of completing the nerve exploration to fit with the clinical picture.
ULNAR-SIDED WRIST PAIN DUE TO ISOLATED DISK TEAR OF TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX WITHIN THE DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT: TWO CASE REPORTS
Authors: Abe Yukio , Tominaga Yasuhiro
Published: May 2011

Wrist arthroscopy has been successfully used with many modifications and improvements. However, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy is still uncommon. We experienced 2 cases of ulnar-sided wrist pain due to isolated triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disk tear within the DRUJ. DRUJ arthroscopy in these cases showed horizontal tear and fibrillation of TFCC disk without TFCC tear at the radiocarpal joint. Foveal attachment was intact in both cases. These were treated with debridement, which relieved pain after surgery and achieved good functional recovery. Although DRUJ arthroscopy is technically difficult, it is mandatory for making a diagnosis and treating ulnar-sided wrist pain.
SEVERE ISOLATED TRAPEZOID FRACTURE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kam M. L. W. , Sreedharan S. , Teoh L. C. , Chew W. Y. C.
Published: May 2011

Isolated trapezoid fractures are rare. We present a case of severe isolated trapezoid fracture associated with bone loss and proximal migration of the second metacarpal, which was treated successfully by open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting and joint fusion.
OUTCOME OF RECONSTRUCTION FOR DUPLICATION OF THE THUMB IN ADULTS AGED OVER 40
Authors: Manohar A. , Beard A. J.
Published: May 2011

Congenital duplication of the thumb is usually reconstructed by 18 months of age. This paper reports satisfactory outcome following reconstruction of two Wassel Type IV duplicate thumbs in adults aged over 40. Both achieved a good outcome based on Tada's criteria and a subjective Visual analogue score 8.
BIPARTITE DISTAL PHALANX — WATCH OUT FOR THIS CONDITION!
Authors: Bhatti Asif , Thirkannad Sunil
Published: May 2011

We present a hitherto unreported condition of a bipartite distal phalanx in a child. The condition mimics a fracture and may even lead one to suspect a non-union. Potential pitfalls of such a mistaken diagnosis can include unnecessary splinting or even surgery. This could potentially cause injury to the growth plate with resultant growth arrest. Careful clinical and radiographic examination of both hands combined with an awareness of this condition can help avoid such problems.
FIXATION OF COMMINUTED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES WITH A MIXTURE OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND CALCIUM SULFATE CEMENT
Authors: Solari Mario G. , Spangler Emily , Lee Andrew , Wollstein Ronit
Published: May 2011

Distal radius fracture alignment and stabilization can be a surgical challenge in the face of severe comminution and bone loss. We describe a technique using a calcium phosphate/sulfate bone cement, as an adjunct to internal fixation. This bone cement is biocompatible, osteoconductive, and sets quickly with an isothermic reaction. The use of bone cement eliminates the need for primary autologous bone grafting and allows for easier reduction and retention of reduction at the time of surgery. Bone cement is employed for the following purposes in comminuted fractures: (1) to fill a void due to lost or crushed cancellous bone, (2) to hold larger unstable fragments while hardware is placed, and (3) to retain fragments too small to take hardware. Available bone cements, studies involving the use of bone cement for distal radius fractures, indications, and surgical technique will be reviewed.
ARTHROSCOPIC ASSISTED BONE GRAFTING FOR EARLY STAGES OF KIENBÖCK'S DISEASE
Authors: Pegoli L. , Ghezzi A. , Cavalli E. , Luchetti R. , Pajardi G.
Published: May 2011

Kienböck's disease is known for its difficulty in being diagnosed and treated at early stages; option treatments are few and most of them quite aggressive. The author describes his experience with arthroscopic assisted lunate bone grafting. Three patients with diagnosis of stage I avascular necrosis of the lunate (average age: 45 years), were treated. Before surgical procedure, the patients underwent to a conservative treatment. After harvesting the bone graft from the volar surface of the radius, arthroscopic bone grafting was performed.

At an average follow-up of 13.5 months (9–15), all the patients show a normal density of the lunate and no arthritic changes in radiographs. The MRI confirmed the lunate vascularity.

The number of patients is definitely small, due also to the rarity of the disease and the difficulty in diagnosis, but, despite the very high learning curve, could be the proper first choice of treatment.
EFFECTS OF Eu-DOPING SITE ON STRUCTURAL AND PHOTOLUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF CaTiO3 PARTICLES
Authors: HUANG GUANPING , DONG WEN , FANG LIANG , ZHENG FENGANG , SHEN MINGRONG
Published: May 2011

In this paper, Eu3+ -doped CaTiO3 (CTO) nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method. Three different charge compensation mechanisms were realized by substituting Eu ion at different sites. (i) Ca site substitution with Ca vacancy compensation (CTO-A); (ii) Ti site substitution with O vacancy compensation (CTO-B); (iii) simultaneous substitution at both Ca and Ti sites with self-compensation (CTO-AB). Strongly related to the site substitution, the photoluminescent (PL) intensities were increasing in the sequence of CTO-B > CTO-AB > CTO-A. The absorbance spectra analysis of pure CTO nanoparticles showed absorption in the UV light region, while the absorption of Eu -doped CTO samples exhibited the blue shift owing to the presence of Eu3+ . Moreover, the photocatalytic activities of samples for decomposing dyes were reverse to the sequence of PL intensities. The PL properties and photocatalytic activity of the Eu3+ -doped CTO nanoparticles were thus discussed in detail from the viewpoints of the microstructures and charge transfer-related processes.
NEW LEAD-FREE PEROVSKITE RELAXOR CERAMICS DERIVED FROM BaTiO3 AND CONTAINING SCANDIUM
Authors: SIMON ANNIE , RAVEZ JEAN
Published: May 2011

New lead-free compositions of AMO3 perovskite type were synthesized in the BaTi 1-x( Nb 1/2 Sc 1/2)x O 3(0 ≤ x ≤ 1) system, with regards to the comparable electronic configurations of the various 6-coordinated cations. Special solid state reaction was used. The effect of the replacement of titanium by scandium and niobium in the B-site on structural and dielectric properties was investigated. For this, we have used X-ray diffraction and dielectric characterizations. Dielectric measurements performed on ceramics with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 composition revealed that the small change in composition from BaTiO3 has a strong influence on the dielectric properties: fast decreasing of the ferroelectric transition temperature for low values of x and evolution from classical ferroelectric for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.075 to relaxor behavior for 0.075 < x ≤ 0.25.
SYNTHESIS AND PHASE ANALYSIS OF A NEW FERROELECTRIC (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–BaTiO3 TERNARY SOLID SOLUTION
Authors: WONG JENNY Y. Y. , YE ZUO-GUANG
Published: May 2011

In order to develop new lead-free pieozoelectric/ferroelectric materials, the y( K0.5Na0.5 ) NbO3 – (1 - y)[(1 - x) Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 – x BaTiO3 ] solid solution system is synthesized and the partial ternary phase diagram in the KNN-rich region with compositions of y = 0.98 to y = 0.96 is established. All the compositions studied show a gradual phase change from a tetragonal to an orthorhombic structure as the BT component increases. A mixture of tetragonal and orthorhombic phases is found in the composition range of x = 0.25 to 0.60 and y = 0.97, and x = 0.50 to 0.75 and y = 0.96, indicating a ternary morphotropic phase boundary region. The piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the 0.97(KNN)–0.03[0.60BKT–0.40BT] ceramics are characterized. The increase in remnant polarization as compared with pure KNN shows improved ferroelectricity by forming the ternary solid solution.
BURNS TEMPERATURE AND QUANTUM TEMPERATURE SCALE
Authors: WANG C. L. , ZHAO M. L.
Published: May 2011

In this article, two concepts of temperature, i.e., Burns temperature for relaxor ferroelectrics and quantum temperature scale for quantum paraelectrics, are reviewed briefly. Since both temperatures describe the deviation of the dielectric constant from Curie–Weiss law, their relationship is discussed. Finally the concept of quantum temperature scale is extended to demonstrate the evolution process of quantum paraelectric behavior to relaxor ferroelectric behavior.
INTERFACE ENGINEERING IN RESISTIVE SWITCHING MEMORIES
Authors: WANG SHENG-YU , TSENG TSEUNG-YUEN
Published: May 2011

Electric-induced resistive switching effects have attracted wide attention for future nonvolatile memory applications known as resistive random access memory (RRAM). RRAM is one of the promising candidates because of its excellent properties including simple device structure, high operation speed, low power consumption and high density integration. The RRAM devices primarily utilize different resistance values to store the digital data and can keep the resistance state without any power. Recent advances in the understanding of the resistive switching mechanism are described by a thermal or electrochemical redox reaction near the interface between the oxide and the active metal electrode. This paper reviews the ongoing research and development activities on the interface engineering of the RRAM devices. The possible switching mechanisms for the bistable resistive switching are described. The effects of formation, composition and thickness of the interface layer on the resistive switching characteristics and consequently the memory performance are also discussed.