bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretibial Full Thickness Skin Burn following Indirect Contact from Bone-Cement Use in a Giant Cell Tumour
Authors: Arumilli Buchi Rajendra Babu , Paul Ashok Samuel
Published: December 2007

Bone cement reaches significant temperatures and is known to cause thermal and chemical damage to various tissues. All the reports of such damage occurred following a direct contact of the tissue or structure with cement. We report the case of a patient with a giant cell tumour of the proximal tibia who underwent curettage and bone cement application through a posterior approach and subsequently developed full thickness pretibial skin damage despite showing no evidence of any direct contact of the involved skin with bone cement. This is the first report of its kind and though anecdotal is a serious complication that surgeons should be aware of.
On the Noncommutative Neutrix Product of Distributions
Authors: Özçaḡ Emin , Ege İnci , Gürçay Haşmet , Jolevska-Tuneska Biljana
Published: December 2007

Letfandgbe distributions and letgn=(g*δn)(x), whereδn(x)is a certain sequence converging to the Dirac-delta functionδ(x). The noncommutative neutrix productf∘goffandgis defined to be the neutrix limit of the sequence{fgn}, provided the limithexists in the sense thatN‐limn→∞〈f(x)gn(x),φ(x)〉=〈h(x),φ(x)〉, for all test functions in𝒟. In this paper, using the concept of the neutrix limit due to van der Corput (1960), the noncommutative neutrix productsx+rlnx+∘x−−r−1lnx−andx−−r−1lnx−∘x+rlnx+are proved to exist and are evaluated forr=1,2,…. It is consequently seen that these two products are in fact equal.
Long-Range Dependence in a Cox Process Directed by a Markov Renewal Process
Authors: Daley D. J. , Rolski T. , Vesilo R.
Published: December 2007

A Cox process NCox directed by a stationary random measure ξ has second
moment var NCox(0,t]=E(ξ(0,t])+var ξ(0,t], where by
stationarity E(ξ(0,t])=(const.)t=E(NCox(0,t]), so long-range dependence (LRD) properties of
NCox coincide with LRD properties of the random measure ξ.
When ξ(A)=∫AνJ(u)du is determined by a density that depends
on rate parameters νi(i∈𝕏) and the current state J(⋅)
of an 𝕏-valued stationary irreducible Markov renewal process (MRP) for
some countable state space 𝕏 (so J(t) is a stationary semi-Markov
process on 𝕏), the random measure is LRD if and only if each (and then
by irreducibility, every) generic return time Yjj(j∈X) of the
process for entries to state j has infinite second moment, for which a
necessary and sufficient condition when 𝕏 is finite is that at least
one generic holding time Xj in state j, with distribution function (DF)\
Hj, say, has infinite second moment (a simple example shows that this
condition is not necessary when 𝕏 is countably infinite).
Then, NCox has the same Hurst index as the MRP NMRP that counts the jumps
of J(⋅), while as t→∞, for finite 𝕏,
var NMRP(0,t]∼2λ2∫0t𝒢(u)du,
var NCox(0,t]∼2∫0t∑i∈𝕏(νi−ν¯)2ϖiℋi(t)du,
where
ν¯=∑iϖiνi=E[ξ(0,1]],
ϖj=Pr{J(t)=j},1/λ=∑jpˇjμj,
μj=E(Xj),
{pˇj}
is the stationary distribution for the embedded jump process
of the MRP, ℋj(t)=μi−1∫0∞min(u,t)[1−Hj(u)]du, and
𝒢(t)∼∫0tmin(u,t)[1−Gjj(u)]du/mjj∼∑iϖiℋi(t)
where Gjj is the
DF and mjj the mean of the generic return time Yjj of the MRP
between successive
entries to the state j. These two variances are of similar order
for t→∞ only when each ℋi(t)/𝒢(t) converges to some
[0,∞]-valued constant, say, γi, for t→∞.
A Cross-Layer Rate Control Mechanism for Link-Adaptive Satellite Integrated Services
Authors: Gardikis G. , Kourtis A.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a mechanism for dynamic rate control of satellite integrated services, based on a cross-layer approach, utilising link quality feedback from the satellite terminals. The mechanism, namely, satellite resource management system (SRMS) relies on the adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) capabilities of DVB-S2 in order to perform real-time adjustments on the physical, network and services layer and optimise the usage of satellite spectrum. The functionality of the SRMS is discussed along with its implementation in the frame of the IST IMOSAN Project. Simulation results are presented, involving modelled rain fading and prioritised heterogeneous services, which illustrate the efficiency of the proposed solution against current static transmission schemes.
Studies on the Polypropylene Composites Reinforced by Ramier Fiber andK2Ti6O13Whisker
Authors: Long Chun-Guang , He Li-Ping , Zhong Zhi-Hua , Chen Shu-Guang
Published: December 2007

Polypropylene composites reinforced by the ramier fiber andK2Ti6O13whisker were successfully prepared by means of the torque rheometer blending and transfer molding. Their mechanical properties were tested, and the fracture surface of the composite was analysed by SEM technique. Results showed that the mechanical properties were improved by the addition of 10% ofK2Ti6O13whisker besides the impact strength. The RF is benefit for improving the mechanical properties of PP after being surface-treated properly.
Computer-Aided Design of Elliptically Focused Bootlace Lens for Multiple Beams
Authors: Tomar G. S.
Published: December 2007

The design of elliptically focused microwave bootlace lens is investigated and improved design is proposed. The proposed design of the lens is capable of scanning wide area and is compact in size than the other available designs. The phase error is calculated and compared with conventional design of bootlace lens. The results are obtained using Matlab coding and are in accordance to the theoretical values. This design is intended to be used in next generation cellular mobile communication with tilt of required angle at base stations and also it can be used as multiple beam-forming networks for avoiding deafness problem in the ad hoc networks with greater efficiency and saving radiated power.
Hepatic Angiosarcoma Presenting as an Acute Intraabdominal Hemorrhage Treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Stambo Glenn William , Guiney Michael J.
Published: December 2007

Primary malignant neoplasms of the liver are some of the most uncommon malignancies in many parts of the world. They include hepatocellular carcinoma and stromal tumors such as hepatic angiosarcoma. It is a lethal tumor with life expectancy of less than six months. Once discovered, it is often too late for surgical intervention. Like other vascular tumors of the liver and spleen, intraperitoneal hemorrhage is a well-documented finding of angiosarcoma which can be lethal if not diagnosed and treated immediately. As in our case, intraperitoneal hemorrhage from primary tumor rupture was the only clinical presentation of this neoplasm. Approximately 15% of patients present with acute hemoperitoneum from either tumor rupture or peritoneal metastasis. Although several therapeutic options are available, we describe apalliative therapy for hepatic angiosarcoma utilizing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) techniques incorporating the newer embolization agent Embospheres to locally target and treat this aggressive tumor.
Astronomical Constraints on Some Long-Range Models of Modified Gravity
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: December 2007

We use the corrections to the Newton-Einstein secular precessions of the longitudes of the perihelia of the inner planets, phenomenologically estimated E.V. Pitjeva by fitting almost one century of data with the EPM2004 ephemerides, to constrain some long-range models of modified gravity recently put forth to address the dark energy and dark matter problems. They are the four-dimensional ones obtained with the addition of inverse powers and logarithm of some curvature invariants, and the DGP multidimensional braneworld model. After working out the analytical expressions of the secular perihelion precessions induced by the corrections to the Newtonian potential of such models, we compare them to the estimated extra-rates of perihelia by taking their ratio for different pairs of planets instead of using one perihelion at a time for each planet separately, as done so far in literature. The curvature invariants-based models are ruled out, even by rescaling by a factor 10 the errors in the estimated planetary orbital parameters. Less neat is the situation for the DGP model. Only the general relativistic Lense-Thirring effect, not included, as the other exotic models considered here, by Pitjeva in the EPM force models, passes such a test.
Ferroelectric Properties ofNa2Pb2R2W2Ti4V4O30(R = Dy, Pr) Ceramics
Authors: Das Piyush R. , Behera Banarji , Choudhary R. N. P. , Samantray B. K.
Published: December 2007

The polycrystalline samples ofNa2Pb2R2W2Ti4V4O30(R = Dy, Pr) were prepared by low-temperature, (i.e., at650∘C) solid-state reaction technique. The preparation conditions have been optimized using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the compounds showed the formation of a single-phase orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature. Studies of dielectric properties (ɛrand tanδ) of the compounds at frequencies 10, 100, and 1000 kHz in a wide temperature range (room temperature–500∘C) exhibit ferroelectric phase transitions at132∘Cfor NPDWTV and at122∘Cfor NPPWTV of diffuse type. Ferroelectric properties of the materials are confirmed by polarization study.
An Analytical Description of the Frictional Behaviour of a Titanium Alloy
Authors: Christakis Nicholas , Vairis Achilles
Published: December 2007

In recent years, significant effort has been put in the enhancement of our understanding of the physics and mechanics of moving objects under contact. Developed theoretical models can not fully account for the observed frictional behaviour of materials due to the lack of understanding of the interaction processes which occur at the microscopic level. In this paper, an analytical contact model will be described and its application to a titanium alloy will be presented. Conclusions will be drawn on the ability of this model to describe different friction regimes. The inclusion of additional factors which impact on frictional behaviour will be discussed, as well as the derivation of constitutive equations and their utilisation in continuum models.
Energy Balance, Myostatin, and GILZ: Factors Regulating Adipocyte Differentiation in Belly and Bone
Authors: Shi Xingming , Hamrick Mark , Isales Carlos M.
Published: December 2007

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor subfamily of transcription factors. PPARs are expressed in key target tissues such as liver, fat, and muscle and thus they play a major role in the regulation of energy balance. Because of PPAR-γ's role in energy balance, signals originating from the gut (e.g., GIP), fat (e.g., leptin), muscle (e.g., myostatin), or bone (e.g., GILZ) can in turn modulate PPAR expression and/or function. Of the two PPAR-γisoforms, PPAR-γ2 is the key regulator of adipogenesis and also plays a role in bone development. Activation of this receptor favors adipocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, while inhibition of PPAR-γ2 expression shifts the commitment towards the osteoblastogenic pathway. Clinically, activation of this receptor by antidiabetic agents of the thiazolidinedione class results in lower bone mass and increased fracture rates. We propose that inhibition of PPAR-γ2 expression in mesenchymal stem cells by use of some of the hormones/factors mentioned above may be a useful therapeutic strategy to favor bone formation.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Is an Inducible Antimicrobial Peptide Expressed inStaphylococcus aureusEndophthalmitis
Authors: Reviglio Victor E. , Sambuelli Ruben H. , Olmedo Alejandra , Falco Micaela , Echenique Jose , O'Brien Terrence P. , Kuo Irene C.
Published: December 2007

Purpose. To describe the presence of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a cationic peptide with antimicrobial and antiprotease activity, in the innate ocular immune reaction in a rat model ofStaphylococcus aureusendophthalmitis.Methods. Seventy-five female Lewis rats were divided into three groups: the endophthalmitis group received an intravitreal injection of 65 colony-forming units of viableS. aureus, the vehicle-injected group received balanced sterile saline solution (BSS), and the control group was not injected. Eyes were enucleated at 24 and 48 hours and processed for immunohistochemical staining and Western blot studies for SLPI.Results. InS. aureusendophthalmitis eyes, there was strong immunostaining for SLPI in the retina and vitreous with associated neutrophilic infiltrates. At 48 hours, corneas also stained for SLPI. Western blots confirmed increased SLPI expression in all infected eyes. By immunohistochemical assays, SLPI was absent in the BSS and control eyes. The causative pathogen was identified in all samples from the endophthalmitis group by traditional culture methods.Conclusions. To our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate the presence of SLPI in the inflamed cornea, vitreous, and retina tissues of rat eyes withS. aureusendophthalmitis, suggesting that SLPI has an active role in the innate immunity of the eye. Release of SLPI by inflammatory cells in the anterior and posterior segments may contribute to the host defense response against infectious endophthalmitis.
Effect of Postdeposition Annealing on the Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of DC Magnetron SputteredTa2O5Films
Authors: Chandra S. V. Jagadeesh , Reddy P. Sreedhara , Rao G. Mohan , Uthanna S.
Published: December 2007

Thin films of tantalum oxide were formed on quartz and silicon (111) substrates kept at room temperature (303 K) by reactive sputtering of tantalum target in the presence of mixture of oxygen and argon gases. The as-deposited films were annealed in air for an hour in the temperature range 673–873 K. The films were characterized by studying structural, dielectric, electrical, and optical properties. The as-deposited films were amorphous in nature. As the annealing temperature increased to 673 K, the films were transformed into polycrystalline. Electrical characteristics of as-deposited and annealedTa2O5thin films were compared. The thermal annealing reduced the leakage current density and increased the dielectric constant. The optical transmittance of the films increased with the increase of annealing temperature. The as-deposited films showed the optical band gap of 4.38 eV. It increased to 4.44 eV with the increase of annealing temperature to 873 K. The as-deposited films showed the low value (1.89) of refractive index and it increased to 2.15 when annealed at 873 K. The increase of refractive index with annealing temperature was due to the increase in the packing density and crystallinity of the films.
High VEGF with Rapid Growth and Early Metastasis in a Mouse Osteosarcoma Model
Authors: Yang Shang-You , Yu Haiying , krygier Jeffrey E. , Wooley Paul H. , Mott Michael P.
Published: December 2007

A murine model of osteosarcoma was developed to investigate the association between the expression of VEGF and the progression of osteosarcoma. Two human osteosarcoma cell lines with distinct VEGF expressions were introduced into proximal tibiae of immuno-deficient SCID mice, either by direct injection through the cortical bone or surgical exposing and drilling on the tibial metaphysis to seed tumor cells. Bone tumors were obvious on microCT within 4 weeks following osteosarcoma cell inoculation through surgical delivery. In contrast, direct injection without drilling often resulted in periosteal tumors. Although neoplasms were developed regardless of VEGF levels, orthotopic tumors derived from high VEGF-expressing cells were detected 2 weeks earlier on CT images than the ones from VEGF negative cells. At sacrifice, high VEGF tumors were distinctively larger in size and more frequently invaded the adjacent bone tissue. Multiple metastatic lesions were found in all the lung tissues at 8 weeks from high VEGF group, whereas only 1 of 7 VEGF negative tumors exhibited pulmonary metastasis. Overall, this model developed with the surgical tumor cell delivery results in histological and radiographic features more consistent with primary osteosarcoma. Interestingly, VEGF expression correlates with the early establishment, rapid tumor growth, and the development of pulmonary metastasis.
Study of Polymer Material Aging by Laser Mass Spectrometry, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Exposito Junien , Becker Claude , Ruch David , Aubriet Frédéric
Published: December 2007

Dyed natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), designed for outdoor applications, were exposed to an accelerated artificial aging in xenon light. The aging results in the deterioration of the exposed surface material properties. The ability of dyed polymers to withstand prolonged sunlight exposure without fading or undergoing any physical deterioration is largely determined not only by the photochemical characteristics of the absorbing dyestuff itself but also by the polymer structure and fillers. Results obtained by laser mass spectrometry, UV-visible spectroscopy, and environmental scanning electron microscopy indicate that dyed filled NR and SBR samples behave differently during the photo-oxidation. The fading of the dyed polymers was found to be promoted in the NR sample. This can be correlated with LDI-FTICRMS results, which show the absence of [M-H]− orange pigment pseudomolecular ion and also its fragment ions after aging. This is confirmed by both EDX and UV/Vis spectroscopy. EDX analysis indicates a concentration of chlorine atoms, which can be considered as a marker of orange pigment or its degradation products, only at the surface of SBR flooring after aging. Reactivity of radicals formed during flooring aging has been studied and seems to greatly affect the behavior of such organic pigments.
Auto Coloring with Enhanced Character Registration
Authors: Qiu Jie , Seah Hock Soon , Tian Feng , Chen Quan , Wu Zhongke , Melikhov Konstantin
Published: December 2007

An enhanced character registration method is proposed in
this paper to assist the auto coloring for 2D animation characters. After skeletons are extracted, the skeleton of the
character in a target frame is relocated based on a stable branch in a reference frame. Subsequently the characters among
a sequence are automatically matched and
registered. Occlusion are then detected and located in certain components segmented from the character.
Two different approaches are applied to color regions in components
without and with occlusion respectively. The approach has
been tested for coloring a practical animation sequence and
achieved high coloring accuracy, showing its applicability in
commercial animation production.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen or Oxygen Evolution from Water over S‐ or N‐Doped TiO2 under Visible Light
Authors: Nishijima Kazumoto , Kamai Takaaki , Murakami Naoya , Tsubota Toshiki , Ohno Teruhisa
Published: December 2007

S‐ or N‐doping of TiO2 powder having an anatase or rutile phase extended the
photocatalytic activity for water oxidation and reduction under UV light and visible light
irradiation. For the reduction of water, anatase‐doped TiO2 showed higher level of
activity than that of doped TiO2 having a rutile phase using ethanol as an electron donor.
Furthermore, the activity level of S‐doped TiO2 for hydrogen evolution was higher than
that of N‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light. Photocatalytic oxidation of water
on doped TiO2 having a rutile phase proceeded with fairly high efficiency when Fe3+ ions
were used as electron acceptors compared to that on doped TiO2 having an anatase phase.
In addition, water splitting under visible light irradiation was achieved by construction of
a Z‐scheme photocatalysis system employing the doped TiO2 having anatase and rutile
phases for H2 and O2 evolution and the redox couple as an electron relay.
Synthesis and Anchoring of Antineoplastic Ferrocene and Phthalocyanine Derivatives on Water-Soluble Polymeric Drug Carriers Derived from Lysine and Aspartic Acid
Authors: Maree M. David , Neuse Eberhard W. , Erasmus Elizabeth , Swarts Jannie C.
Published: December 2007

The general synthetic strategy towards water-soluble biodegradable drug carriers and the properties that they must have are discussed. The syntheses of water-soluble biodegradable copolymers of lysine and aspartic acid as potential drug-delivering devices, having amine-functionalised side chains are then described. Covalent anchoring of carboxylic acid derivatives of the antineoplastic ferrocene and photodynamically active phthalocyanine moieties to the amine-containing drug carrier copolymers under mild coupling conditions has been achieved utilising the coupling reagent O-benzotriazolyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate to promote formation of the biodegradable amide bond. Even though the parent antineoplastic ferrocene and phthalocyanine derivatives are themselves insoluble in water at pH<7, the new carrier-drug conjugates that were obtained are well water-soluble.
The PPARα‐PGC‐1α Axis Controls Cardiac Energy Metabolism in Healthy and Diseased Myocardium
Authors: Duncan Jennifer G. , Finck Brian N.
Published: December 2007

The mammalian myocardium is an omnivorous organ that relies on multiple substrates in order to fulfill its tremendous energy demands. Cardiac energy metabolism preference is regulated at several critical points, including at the level of gene transcription. Emerging evidence indicates that the nuclear receptor PPARα and its cardiac‐enriched coactivator protein, PGC‐1α, play important roles in the transcriptional control of myocardial energy metabolism. The PPARα‐PGC‐1α complex controls the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in cardiac fatty acid and glucose metabolism as well as mitochondrial biogenesis. Also, evidence has emerged that the activity of the PPARα‐PGC‐1α complex is perturbed in several pathophysiologic conditions and that altered activity of this pathway may play a role in cardiomyopathic remodeling. In this review, we detail the current understanding of the effects of the PPARα‐PGC‐1α axis in regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism and cardiac function in response to physiologic and pathophysiologic stimuli.
Recent Advances inMedicago truncatulaGenomics
Authors: Ané Jean-Michel , Zhu Hongyan , Frugoli Julia
Published: December 2007

Legume rotation has allowed a consistent increase in crop yield and consequently in human population since the antiquity. Legumes will also be instrumental in our ability to maintain the sustainability of our agriculture while facing the challenges of increasing food and biofuel demand.Medicago truncatulaandLotus japonicushave emerged during the last decade as two major model systems for legume biology. Initially developed to dissect plant-microbe symbiotic interactions and especially legume nodulation, these two models are now widely used in a variety of biological fields from plant physiology and development to population genetics and structural genomics. This review highlights the genetic and genomic tools available to theM. truncatulacommunity. Comparative genomic approaches to transfer biological information between model systems and legume crops are also discussed.
Reliability Monitoring of Fault Tolerant Control Systems with Demonstration on an Aircraft Model
Authors: Li Hongbin , Zhao Qing , Yang Zhenyu
Published: December 2007

This paper proposes a reliability monitoring scheme for active fault tolerant control
systems using a stochastic modeling method. The reliability index is defined based on
system dynamical responses and a safety region; the plant and controller are assumed to
have a multiple regime model structure, and a semi‐Markov model is built for reliability
evaluation based on the safety behavior of each regime model estimated by using Monte
Carlo simulation. Moreover, the history data of fault detection and isolation decisions is
used to update its transition characteristics and reliability model. This method provides an
up‐to‐date reliability index as demonstrated on an aircraft model.
Phthalocyanine-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Nucleoside Receptors
Authors: Longo Luigia , Vasapollo Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for tri-O-acetyladenosine (TOAA), PPM(TOAA), was prepared by the combined use of methacrylic acid (MAA) and Zn(II)tetra(4'-methacryloxyphenoxy) phthalocyanine as functional monomers. This MIP exhibited a higher binding ability for TOAA compared to the MIP prepared using only MAA, PM(TOAA), in batch rebinding tests. Scatchard analysis gave a higher association constant of PPM(TOAA) for TOAA (2.96×104 M−1) than that of
PM(TOAA) (1.48×104 M−1). The MIP prepared using only the zinc-phthalocyanine, PP(TOAA), did not show any binding capacity for TOAA. This means that the phthalocyanine in the MIP contributes to higher affinities, although it barely interacts with TOAA. Since selectivity for this kind of MIPs is more important than binding affinity, the binding of TOAA and a structurally related compound, tri-O-acetyluridine (TOAU), on the polymers was investigated. Both PPM(TOAA) and PM(TOAA) exhibited binding affinities for TOAA while they did not show any binding capacity for TOAU.
Identification of Proteins Related to Nickel Homeostasis in Helicobater pylori by Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography and Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Sun Xuesong , Ge Ruiguang , Chiu Jen-Fu , Sun Hongzhe , He Qing-Yu
Published: December 2007

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a widespread human pathogen causing peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Maintaining nickel homeostasis is crucial for the establishment of H. pylori infection in humans. We used immobilized-nickel affinity chromatography to isolate Ni-related proteins from H. pylori cell extracts. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were employed to separate and identify twenty two Ni-interacting proteins in H. pylori. These Ni-interacting proteins can be classified into several general functional categories, including cellular processes (HspA, HspB, TsaA, and NapA), enzymes (Urease, Fumarase, GuaB, Cad, PPase, and DmpI), membrane-associated proteins (OM jhp1427 and HpaA), iron storage protein (Pfr), and hypothetical proteins (HP0271, HP jhp0216, HP jhp0301, HP0721, HP0614, and HP jhp0118). The implication of these proteins in nickel homeostasis is discussed.
Fault‐Tolerant Control of a Distributed Database System
Authors: Wu N. Eva , Ruschmann Matthew C. , Linderman Mark H.
Published: December 2007

Optimal state information‐based control policy for a distributed database system subject to server failures is considered. Fault‐tolerance is made possible by the partitioned architecture of the system and data redundancy therein. Control actions include restoration of lost data sets in a single server using redundant data sets in the remaining servers, routing of queries to intact servers, or overhaul of the entire system for renewal. Control policies are determined by solving Markov decision problems with cost criteria that penalize system unavailability and slow query response. Steady‐state system availability and expected query response time of the controlled database are evaluated with the Markov model of the database. Robustness is addressed by introducing additional states into the database model to account for control action delays and decision errors. A robust control policy is solved for the Markov decision problem described by the augmented state model.
Regulatory Scenario for the Acceptance of Uncertainty Analysis Methodologies for the LB-LOCA and the Brazilian Approach
Authors: Galetti Maria Regina
Published: December 2007

The task of regulatory body staff reviewing and assessing a realistic large break loss-of-coolant accident evaluation model is discussed, facing the actual regulatory licensing environment related to the acceptance of the analysis of emergency core cooling system performance. Especially, focus is directed to the question of how to fulfill the requirement of quantifying the uncertainty in the calculated results when they are compared to the acceptance criteria for this system. As it is recognized that the regulation governing the loss-of-coolant accident analyses was originally developed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a description of its evolution is presented. When using a realistic evaluation model to analyze the loss-of-coolant accident, different approaches have been used in the licensing arena. The Brazilian regulatory body has concluded that, in the current environment, the independent regulatory calculation is recognized as a relevant support for the staff decision within the licensing framework of a realistic analysis.
BWR Stability Issues in Japan
Authors: Ikeda Hideaki , Fukahori Takanori , Kubo Yuichiro , Soneda Hideo , Mizokami Shinya
Published: December 2007

The present paper reviews activates relevant to the boiling water reactor (BWR) stability phenomenon, which has a coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic nature, from the viewpoint of model and code developments and their applications to the BWR stability solution methodology in Japan.
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: A Possible Target for Modulating Dyskinesias in Parkinson′s Disease by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Rektorova I. , Sedlackova S. , Telecka S. , Hlubocky A. , Rektor I.
Published: December 2007

We studied whether five sessions of 10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS treatment) applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or the primary motor cortex (MC) in advanced Parkinson′s disease (PD) patients would have any effect on L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias and cortical excitability. We aimed at a randomised, controlled study. Single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, and the Unified Parkinson′s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS parts III and IV) were performed prior to, immediately after, and one week after an appropriate rTMS treatment. Stimulation of the left DLPFC induced a significant motor cortex depression and a trend towards the improvement of L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias.
Transcriptional Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐γ: Therapeutic Implications for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Gizard Florence , Bruemmer Dennis
Published: December 2007

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a critical process for the development of atherosclerosis and complications of procedures used to treat atherosclerotic diseases, including postangioplasty restenosis, vein graft failure, and transplant vasculopathy. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and the molecular target for the thiazolidinediones (TZD), used clinically to treat insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition to their efficacy to improve insulin sensitivity, TZD exert a broad spectrum of pleiotropic beneficial effects on vascular gene expression programs. In SMCs, PPARγ is prominently upregulated during neointima formation and suppresses the proliferative response to injury of the arterial wall. Among the molecular target genes regulated by PPARγ in SMCs are genes encoding proteins involved in the regulation of cell‐cycle progression, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. This inhibition of SMC proliferation is likely to contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis observed in animal models and proof‐of‐concept clinical studies. This review will summarize the transcriptional target genes regulated by PPARγ in SMCs and outline the therapeutic implications of PPARγ activation for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and its complications.
Successful Multimodality Endoscopic Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by an Impacted Gallstone (Bouveret's Syndrome)
Authors: Rogart Jason N. , Perkal Melissa , Nagar Anil
Published: December 2007

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare condition of gastric outlet obstruction resulting from the migration of a gallstone through a choledochoduodenal fistula. Due to the large size of these stones and the difficult location in which they become impacted, endoscopic treatment is unsuccessful and most patients require surgery. We report the case of an elderly male who presented with nausea and hematemesis, and was found on CT scan and endoscopy to have an obstructing gallstone in his duodenal bulb. After several endoscopic sessions and the use of multiple instruments including a Holmium: YAG laser and electrohydraulic lithotripter, fragmentation and endoscopic removal of the stone were successful. We believe this to be the first case of Bouveret's syndrome successfully treated by endoscopy alone in the United States. We describe the difficulties encountered which necessitated varied and innovative therapeutic techniques.
Study of Magnesium Diboride Clusters Using Hybrid Density Functional Theory
Authors: Rodríguez D. , Soto D. , Ramírez E. , Cruz A. , Santana A. , López G. E.
Published: December 2007

Using hybrid density functional theory and a relatively large basis set, the lowest energy equilibrium structure, vibrational spectrum, and natural orbital analysis were obtained for magnesium diboride clusters [(MgB2)x for
x = 1, 2, and 3]. For comparison, boron clusters
[Bx for x = 2, 4,  and 6] were also considered. The
MgB2 and
(MgB2)2 showed equilibrium structures with the boron atoms in arrangements similar to what was obtained for pure boron atoms, whereas, for
(MgB2)3 a different arrangement of boron was obtained. From the population analysis, large electron density in the boron atoms forming the clusters was observed.
An SV‐GMR Needle Sensor‐Based Estimation of Volume Density of Magnetic Fluid inside Human Body
Authors: Gooneratne C. P. , Mukhopadhyay S. C. , Yamada S.
Published: December 2007

A spin‐valve giant magneto‐resistive (SV‐GMR) sensor of needle‐type configuration is reported to estimate the volume density of magnetic fluid inside human body. The magnetic fluid is usually injected into human body to kill cancerous cell using hyperthermia‐based treatment. To control the heat treatment, a good knowledge of temperature is very much essential. The SV‐GMR‐based needle‐type sensor is used to measure the magnetic flux density of the magnetic fluid inside the human body from which the temperature is estimated. The needle‐type sensor provides a semi‐invasive approach of temperature determination.
The Dyon Charge in Noncommutative Gauge Theories
Authors: Cieri L. , Schaposnik F. A.
Published: December 2007

We construct a dyon solution for the noncommutative version of the Yang‐Mills‐Higgs model with a ϑ‐term. Extending the Noether method to the case of a noncommutative gauge theory, we analyze the effect of CP violation induced both by the ϑ‐term and by noncommutativity proving that the
Witten effect formula for the dyon charge remains the same as in ordinary space.
Intellectual Imperialism: Definition, Traits, and Problems
Authors:   Syed Hussein Alatas
Published: December 2007

Imperialism is not confined to the political or economic aspects of the historical process. Rather, it is to be considered as a cluster. A phenomenon such as imperialism is a cluster of different aspects of human undertakings. What is usually discussed is economic and political imperialism. In this paper, however, we turn to intellectual imperialism, first describing what it is, and second enumerating the problems connected with it. Intellectual imperialism has, among other things, resulted in a displacement of attention from issues that should be of vital concern to Asian and African societies. The emancipation of the mind from the shackles of intellectual imperialism is the major condition for the development of a creative and autonomous social science tradition in developing societies.
Cultural Studies/Asian Studies: Alternatives, Intersections, and Contradictions in Asian Social Science
Authors: Clammer John
Published: December 2007

The social sciences in Asia face a peculiar theoretical challenge. Heirs to ancient civilizations and traditions of thought and cradles to all of the great world religions, they nevertheless perceive themselves as suffering from a "theoretical deficit". High theory is almost entirely Western and in fact largely European in provenance. This essay is directed to the possibility of constructing an Asian variety of cultural studies as a response to the hegemony of European social theory, and as an attempt to redress the balance of theory-power in the world intellectual economy.
Moving Beyond Critique: Practising the Social Sciences in the Context of Globalization, Postmodernity and Postcoloniality
Authors: Sinha Vineeta
Published: December 2007

This paper addresses attempts to construct and practise regional varieties of social sciences in a global setting. It raises for discussion various themes and problematical issues that are deemed to be central to the task of further pushing the boundaries of the discourse on "alternative" formulations of the social sciences. It is argued that critique is essential but, by itself, not sufficient to bring about fundamental changes in the social science domain. There is a need to ensure that these critiques are not merely superficially co-opted without decentring basic problematic assumptions inherent in mainstream social science traditions, and attend to the task of radically restructuring the institutional base of the social sciences, in order to practise them differently.
Sociology in Singapore: Global Discourse in Local Context
Authors:   Habibul Haque Khondker
Published: December 2007

This paper reviews the development trajectory of sociology as a discipline and its practice in Singapore. Viewing sociology as a global discourse, the paper argues that there have been, at least, three waves in the development of sociological practice in Singapore. These waves mark a shift in research interests that somehow parallel the changing official interest in the findings of sociological research. Such shifts in research interest and changes in curricula reflect important dynamics not only in the relationship between academic knowledge and official need for such knowledge but with time also an increasing appreciation of critical inquiry. This paper argues that there are limitations in viewing sociology simply as a "Western social science" in a "non-Western context". For the clarity of both conceptual and empirical understanding, it may be useful to rethink the relationship between sociological knowledge and power as a dynamic process with some universal features. This would entail going beyond the West versus non-West polarity and assessing the development of social science in terms of the global/local interface.
The Pantayo Perspective as a Discourse Towards Kabihasnan
Authors: Salazar Zeus A.
Published: December 2007

The pantayo perspective was developed from my analysis of the fundamental historical perspectives that arose in the process of Philippine nationhood. The essence of this perspective was already an important basis of my course in historiography from the early 1970s, in which the methodology, philosophy and techniques of writing history were studied. The core of the pantayo perspective lies in the internal interrelationships and the inter-relating of the characteristics, values, knowledges, aims, customs, behaviours and experiences of a cultural whole. It refers to a "mentality" that a foreigner who has not yet entered a society and culture possessed of a pantayo perspective will find difficult to understand. It is this pantayo perspective that forms the basis of the P/Filipinizatian of the sciences.
The History of Sociology in Cambodia: Why Sociology was Introduced in Pol Pot's Former Country
Authors: Tomasi Luigi
Published: December 2007

This essay attempts to describe, with objectivity and precision, the reason for the establishment of sociology in Cambodia, which has suffered a tragic and radical revolution. Sociology in Cambodia is a young science whose roots lie in the desire for rebirth, the will to understand the endemic social and political chaos of the country, and the need to provide an answer to the causes of genocide. The founding of the first Department of Sociology at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 1994 demonstrates the interest of the political and cultural authorities in this discipline, which is seen as an indispensable aid to the new course set by the nation.
Oral Traditions and Scientific Knowledge: Some Remarks on the Epistemological Validity of the Indigenous Perspective
Authors: Doebel Reinald
Published: December 2007

The main concern of this paper is to link personal experience and theoretical reflection. The author argues that the oral traditions of indigenous societies have always honoured this link in their attempts to formulate "knowledge" and transmit it to following generations. This transmission of "tradition" remained creative and flexible enough to incorporate changes while never violating people's need to also have fun. This fun was noted by outside observers from the expanding European empires from an early age. But only today is it realized that this fun may be an essential ingredient in the "indigenous epistemology": a major element of a more personalized method to gain and confirm knowledge about the world. The author suggests that concerned scientists might do well to learn about this method from indigenous societies whose very existence appears to be threatened by a global belief in growth and development based on the application of the results of a science which neglected the link between personal experience and theoretical reflection.
A Levy in Liège for Mazarin's Army: Practical and Strategic Difficulties in Raising and Supporting Troops in the Thirty Years War
Authors: Helfferich Tryntje
Published: December 2007

Historians generally accept that the practice of sustaining armies by exacting forced "contributions" from occupied lands became endemic during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). Historians have hotly debated, however, the question of how the contribution system affected the progress of the war. This article approaches the problem through a case study of a plan by Cardinal Mazarin to raise troops from the neutral bishopric of Liège in 1643-44. In addition to highlighting the surprising difficulty of recruitment by this stage of the war, this study also demonstrates that contemporaries modified their military strategies to fit their belief that the contribution system could sustain only a limited number of troops (though how many troops that might be was an open question). Yet the contribution system influenced not just the progress but also the length of the war, since rulers dependent on contributions could maintain their war effort at a certain level almost indefinitely, but could never support an army large enough to overwhelm their enemies.
Guiral Ot Et Le Mouvement. Autour De La Question De Motu Conservée Dans Le Manuscrit Madrid, Biblioteca Nacional, 4229
Authors: Bakker Paul J.J.M.
Published: December 2007

This article examines the authenticity of an anonymous question on local motion ( Utrum omne quod movetur ab alio moveatur ab eo distincto) extant in manuscript Madrid, Biblioteca Nacional, 4229. This quaestio discusses the motion of three types of mobile objects, namely celestial bodies, heavy and light bodies, and projectiles. A comparison of this anonymous text with three questions from the Sentences commentary of Giraldus Odonis (Sent. II, d. 14, qq. 4, 7 and 8) shows that this Franciscan theologian is very likely to be the author of the anonymous question found in the Madrid manuscript, even if the precise relation between Giraldus's questions, on the one hand, and the anonymous question De motu, on the other, remains uncertain. An edition of the anonymous question is given in an appendix.
Thirteenth and Fourteenth-Century Commentaries On the De LONGITUDlNe Et Brevitate Vitae
Authors: Dunne Michael
Published: December 2007

The article seeks to summarise recent research carried out by the author into thirteenth and fourteenth-century commentaries on the De longitudine et brevitate vitae. The texts of some representative commentaries are examined as a means of assessing the reception of Aristotle's natural philosophy in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. As this is an area which has received comparatively little attention from researchers up to now, it is hoped that in examining commentaries on this one text of the Parva naturalia what emerges might serve to give a clearer picture of the reception and understanding of Aristotle's natural philosophy. The article also contains some brief comments on the two medieval translations of the De longitudine, by James of Venice and William of Moerbeke. In an appendix, a transcription of the prologue to Walter Burley's commentary is also included.
Les Instruments De Travail Philosophiques Médiévaux. Témoins De La Reception D'Aristote
Authors: Hamesse Jacqueline
Published: December 2007

It is possible to study the reception of Aristotle's natural philosophy by means of the various tools that were used by intellectuals during the thirteenth century. This type of literature is often forgotten. Four samples are taken here to illustrate the interest of such works, and the information that we can extract from them. The examples are the sermons by Anton of Padua (ca. 1230); an encyclopedia composed by Arnold of Saxony during the second quarter of the thirteenth century, which includes extracts from recent translations mixed together with Neoplatonic passages; an Aristotelian florilegium, which illustrates thirteenth-century censorship of Aristotelian texts; and a translation of the Meteorologica into the vernacular, which documents the popularity of this treatise at the end of the thirteenth century and the creation of a technical vocabulary in old French texts. The third example is an anthology that originated in a Franciscan milieu and was compiled in its definitive form at the end of the 13th century. This latter presents a series of purged texts about natural science. Finally, it discuss the French translation of Aristotle's Meteorology by Mahieu le Vilain, master at the Arts Faculty of the University of Paris at the end of the 13th century. This is the first translation of an Aristotelian treatise into vernacular, allowing us to understand the popularization of this treatise and its importance for the technical vocabulary of this discipline.
The Reception of Aristotle's History of Animals in the Marginalia of Some Latin Manuscripts of Michael Scot's Arabic-Latin Translation
Authors: Van Oppenraay Aafke M.I.
Published: December 2007

A considerable number of the thirteenth and early fourteenth-century manuscripts of Michael Scot's Arabic-Latin translation of Aristotle's De animalibus (ca. 1215) display a system of guiding marginal glosses. These glosses are usually added by a later hand with respect to the hand that had written the text. The manuscripts were not only annotated for personal use, but also so as to allow for a better use in compiling commentaries, encyclopaedias and compendia. We can say that the marginalia form the main, if not only, key to our understanding today of the use that readers made of the text. Apart from offering a mere explanation of the contents, we can see that their interest in the text was chiefly related to biblical exegesis and to scientific and medical knowledge. The approach to the text was often allegorical and moralizing in character. Some remarks reflect the reader's own experience and associations in relation to the text.