bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Combustion Improver on Combustion Behavior of Cigarette Paper by Simultaneous TG/DSC Detection
Authors: Li Huirong , Liu Yi , Li Dan , Cai Bin , Chen Yikun , Cheng Zhangang
Published: September 2010

Combustion behavior of cigarette paper containing different content of combustion improver was investigated in order to provide direct experiment data to elucidate lower components in cigarette smoke caused by combustion improver in cigarette paper. The content of the combustion improver was denoted as "organic" potassium index and determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and ionic spectroscopy. The combustion process obtained by simultaneous thermal analysis was divided into four stages: weight loss due to loss of absorbent water, decomposition of the cellulose, the oxidation of the cellulose char and decomposition of calcium carbonate. Combustion improver reduced the temperature of cellulose decomposition 3–12 K and contributed to oxidation of the cellulose char. Ignition point was gained and reduced 3–8 K by combustion improver. Above results were further verified by samples from two other cigarette paper factories. Mechanism of lower components in cigarette smoke by the combustion improver in cigarette paper was discussed.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Luminescence and Thermal Stability of a New Coordination Polymer Constructed by Europium(III) and 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetate
Authors: Yang Yingqun , Li Changhong , Li Wei , Yi Zhengji
Published: September 2010

A new coordination polymer {[Eu2(Cl2C6H3OCH2COO)6(H2O)4]·(DMF)4·(H2O)2}nwith 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid as the ligand has been synthesized. The crystal data for this complex are as follows: monoclinic, space groupP2(1)/n,a=0.86474(17) nm,b=3.2475(7) nm,c=1.3843(3) nm,β=92.81(3) °,V=3.8827(13) nm3,Dc=1.718 g/cm3,Z=2,µ(Mo Kα)=2.093 mm−1,F(000) =2008, final discrepancy factorsR1=0.0454,wR2=0.1165. The crystal structure shows that the title complex forms one‐dimensional chain structure by bridging 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid anions. Every centric europium(III) ion is coordinated with ten oxygen atoms from five 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid anions and two water molecules, giving a ten‐coordinated distorted bicapped square antiprism geometry. The luminescent property and thermal stability of the complex are also studied.
Synthesis and Reactions of Halo‐, Arylazo‐substituted 3‐(3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolones. Formation of (Naphthalen‐1‐yl)vinyl)substituted Heterocycle‐fused Troponoid Compounds
Authors: Gao Wentao , Sun Mingchun , Li Yang
Published: September 2010

The starting substrate 3‐(3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolone (3) was achieved by the aldol condensation reaction of 3‐acetyltropolone with 1‐naphthaldehyde. Compound 3 reacted with bromine to afford 7‐bromo‐3‐ (3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolone (4), 5,7‐dibromo‐3‐(3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolone (5) according to the molar ratio of the reactants. Iodination of 3 gave 7‐iodo‐3‐(3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolone (6). Azo‐coupling reactions of 3 gave the 5‐arylazo‐3‐(3‐(1‐naphthyl)acryloyl)tropolones (7–8). Compounds 3, 4, 6 reacted respectively with hydroxyamine to give the corresponding 3‐[2‐(1‐naphthyl)vinyl]‐8H‐cyclohepta[d]isoxazol‐8‐ones (9–11). The reactions of 3, 5 with phenylhydrazine and substituted phenylhydrazines gave 3‐[2‐(1‐naphthyl)vinyl]‐1‐phenylcyclohepta[c]pyrazol‐8(1H)‐ones (12–18).
Synthesis, Characterization and Anti‐inflammatory Activity of 5‐{[((5‐Substituted‐aryl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)thio]‐n‐alkyl}‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol
Authors: Shirote Pramodkumar Jaykumar , Bhatia Manish Sudesh
Published: September 2010

A series of potent and less toxic, 5‐{[((5‐substituted aryl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) thio]‐n‐alkyl}‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol was synthesized. Each compound was evaluated for anti‐inflammatory activity by carrageenan‐induced rat paw oedema method. Compounds PS1, PS4, PS9, and PS12 showed comparatively potent anti‐inflammatory activity as compared to control as well as other test compounds. These potent compounds were also tested for acute ulcerogenic activity. Results of both studies were found statistically significant.
One‐pot Synthesis of 2,4‐Diamino‐substituted Thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhang Yangming , Tang Jie , Yang Fan , Nan Fajun
Published: September 2010

An efficient one‐pot synthetic approach to 2,4‐diamino‐substituted thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidines from 2,4‐dichlorothieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine was described.
Solid Phase Extraction of Uranium by Naphthalene‐Methyltrioctylammonium Chloride and Arsenazo(III) Adsorbent and Subsequent Spectrophotometric Determination
Authors: Behpour M. , Ghoreishi S. M. , Nikkhah Qamsari Z. , Samiei M. , Soltani N.
Published: September 2010

A simple and effective method has been presented for the preconcentration of uranium by solid phase extraction. For this purpose arsenazo(III) supported on naphthalene‐methyltrioctylammonium chloride was used as an adsorbent and uranium solution at pH 3.5 with flow rate of 1 mL·min−1 was passed through the column. Therefore, uranium‐arsenazo(III) complex was formed onto column. Uranium was quantitatively eluted with 5 mL of a 0.1% ammonium tetraphenylborate and determined by spectrophotometric method at 652 nm. Several parameters such as pH, amount of reagents, sample volume, etc. were investigated. The effect of diverse ions on the preconcentration has also been studied and the optimized conditions developed have been utilized for the trace determination of uranium. A preconcentration factor of 100 was achieved. The relative standard deviation (N=8) was 0.5% for 3 ng· mL−1 of uranium. The three sigma detection limit (36) was 0.045 ng·mL−1
A 4‐Methylumbelliferone‐based Fluorescent Probe for Sodium New Houttuyfonate
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Liping , Zhao Minglei , Qi Haiping , Wu Yao
Published: September 2010

A new fluorogenic probe for sodium new houttuyfonate (SNH) was proposed. 4‐Methylumbelliferyl‐2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonate (4‐MUDNBS) was a nonfluorescent compound and was synthesized via the one‐step reaction of 4‐methylumbelliferone (4‐MU) with 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride. In basic media, SNH was decomposed to produce sodium sulfite, which then reacted with 4‐MUDNBS to yield highly fluorescent 4‐MU, hence leading to the fluorescence increase of the reaction solution. A linear correlation existed between the emission intensity and the concentration of SNH within the range from 0.5 to 15 μg·mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.15 μg· mL−1 (3δ). The effect of substituents on the benzenesulfonyl moiety of the probe is discussed, and the presence of electronegative groups is favorable for the proposed cleavage reaction.
Aspirin Use Is Associated With an Improved Long‐Term Survival in an Unselected Population Presenting With Unstable Angina
Authors: Razzouk Louai , Mathew Verghese , Lennon Ryan J. , Aneja Ashish , Mozes Joshua I. , Wiste Heather J. , Muntner Paul , Chesebro James H. , Farkouh Michael E.
Published: September 2010

Background

Few published data are available on the benefits of aspirin use in patients with unstable angina (UA).

Hypothesis

Aspirin use carries a mortality benefit in a population‐based cohort of patients presenting with UA.

Methods

All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota presenting to local emergency departments with acute chest pain from January 1985 through December 1992 having symptoms consistent with UA were identified through medical records. A total of 1628 patients were identified with UA and were stratified by aspirin use in‐hospital and at discharge. Cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke were assessed over a median of 7.5 years follow‐up and all‐cause mortality data over a median of 16.7 years. The mean age of patients with UA was 65 years, and 60% were men.

Results

After a median of 7.5 years follow‐up, all‐cause and cardiovascular‐mortality rates were lower among patients prescribed versus not prescribed aspirin on discharge. There were 949 postdischarge deaths over the median follow‐up of 16.7 years. After multivariable adjustment, aspirin use at discharge was associated with a lower long‐term mortality (hazard ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.93).

Conclusions

Aspirin use at hospital discharge following UA is associated with a reduction in long‐term mortality. This long‐term study extends prior trial results from select populations to a population‐based cohort. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This study was made possible by the Rochester Epidemiology Project (grant no. R01‐AR30582 from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Missed Opportunities in the Management of ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Arab Middle East: Patient and Physician Impediments
Authors: Al‐Mallah Mouaz H. , Alsheikh‐Ali Alawi A. , Almahmeed Wael , Sulaiman Kadhim , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Ridha Mustafa , Al‐Motarreb Ahmed , Alenezi Fahad , Zubaid Mohammad
Published: September 2010

Background

Lack of timely reperfusion therapy in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with worse outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify the frequency and predictors of delayed presentation and missed reperfusion in patients with STEMI in the Gulf Register of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE) registry.

Delayed Presentation and missed reperfusion is associated with increased in hospital mortality in STEMI patients.

Methods

Gulf RACE is a prospective, multinational study of all consecutive patients hospitalized with the final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in 65 centers in 6 Arab countries. In this analysis, we included 3197 patients with STEMI. The independent predictors of delayed presentation and missed reperfusion therapy were identified using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In total, 929 patients presented > 12 hours after symptom onset. The independent predictors of late presentation are older age, atypical symptoms, no family history of coronary artery disease, and being in Yemen. Of the 2268 STEMI patients presenting early, a total of 205 patients (9.3%) did not receive reperfusion therapy despite no contraindications (shortfall). The independent predictors of not receiving appropriate reperfusion therapy are older age, prior stroke, being in Yemen, and atypical symptoms. Lack of reperfusion therapy due to shortfall or delayed presentation was associated with increased in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Nearly one‐third of patients with STEMI in the Arab Middle East present to the hospital > 12 hours after symptom onset, and nearly 1 in 10 eligible patients do not receive any reperfusion therapy. Community and physician awareness programs are needed to increase the utilization of appropriate lifesaving therapies. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Evaluation Improves Selection of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Patients
Authors: Cappelli Francesco , Cristina Porciani Maria , Ricceri Ilaria , Perrotta Laura , Ricciardi Giuseppe , Pieragnoli Paolo , Paladini Giulia , Michelucci Antonio , Padeletti Luigi
Published: September 2010

Background

The beneficial effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on left ventricular (LV) remodeling have been extensively described. Few data are available about the effects of CRT on right ventricular (RV) function and remodeling.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that CRT could also induce reverse remodeling in the right ventricle and that RV baseline functional status expressed as tricuspidal annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) could affect CRT response.

Methods

Echocardiographic investigation was performed before and 6 months after CRT. In 192 patients, TAPSE, LV, and RV dimensions with functional parameters and LV dyssynchrony index were evaluated.

Results

At 6 months' follow‐up, 86 patients (45%) were responders to CRT according to at least 15% LV end‐systolic volume reduction. Among baseline echocardiographic parameters, responders had significantly lower TAPSE, larger LV volumes, and higher LV dyssynchrony index. In responders, LV volume reduction, ejection fraction increase, and mitral regurgitation improvement were associated with RV dimensions reduction, increased TAPSE, and improved LV dyssynchrony. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that TAPSE, at 17 mm optimal cutoff, yielded 64% sensitivity and 60% specificity in predicting CRT response; similarly, LV dyssynchrony index, at 41.25 ms optimal cutoff, predicted CRT response with 60% sensitivity and 62% specificity. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that the coexistence of high TAPSE and high dyssynchrony index values increased probability of CRT response.

Conclusions

Our results show that CRT induces RV and LV reverse remodeling and that CRT patient selection can be improved by simply measuring TAPSE value. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Alternative splicing of neuroligin and its protein distribution in the outer plexiform layer of the chicken retina
Authors: Wahlin Karl J. , Hackler Laszlo , Adler Ruben , Zack Donald J.
Published: September 2010

Although synaptogenesis within the retina is obviously essential for vision, mechanisms responsible for the initiation and maintenance of retinal synapses are poorly understood. In addition to its scientific interest, understanding retinal synapse formation is becoming clinically relevant with ongoing efforts to develop transplantation‐based approaches for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease. To extend our understanding, we have focused on the chick model system and have studied the neuroligin family of neuronal adhesion factors that has been shown to participate in synapse assembly in the brain. We identified chicken orthologs of neuroligins 1, ‐3, and ‐4, but could find no evidence of neuroligin 2. We investigated temporal and spatial patterns of mRNA and protein expression during development using standard polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), quantitative PCR (QPCR), laser‐capture microdissection (LCM), and confocal microscopy. At the mRNA level, neuroligins were detected at the earliest period tested, embryonic day (ED)5, which precedes the period of inner retina synaptogenesis. Significant alternative splicing was observed through development. While neuroligin gene products were generally detected in the inner retina, low levels of neuroligin 1 mRNA were also detected in the photoreceptor layer. Neuroligin 3 and ‐4 transcripts, on the other hand, were only detected in the inner retina. At retinal synapses neuroligin 1 protein was detected in the inner plexiform layer, but its highest levels were detected in the outer plexiform layer on the tips of horizontal cell dendrites. This work lays the groundwork for future studies on the functional roles of the neuroligins within the retina. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4938–4962, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delayed reinnervation by nonpeptidergic nociceptive afferents of the glabrous skin of the rat hindpaw in a neuropathic pain model
Authors: Peleshok Jennifer C. , Ribeiro‐da‐Silva Alfredo
Published: September 2010

Painful peripheral neuropathies have been associated with a reorganization of skin innervation. However, the detailed changes in skin innervation by the different afferent fiber types following a neuropathic nerve injury have never been characterized in an animal model of neuropathic pain. Our objective was to thoroughly characterize such changes in the thick skin of the foot in a well‐established rat model of neuropathic pain, namely, the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. We used the immunofluorescence detection of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), purinergic receptor P2X3, and NF200 as markers of peptidergic nociceptive fibers, nonpeptidergic nociceptive C fibers, and myelinated afferents, respectively. We observed that CCI‐operated animals developed significant mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia as well as thermal hyperalgesia. At 3 days following nerve injury, all CCI‐operated animals had a significant decrease in the density of fibers immunoreactive (IR) for CGRP, P2X3, and NF200 within the upper dermis. A recovery of CGRP‐IR fibers occurred within 4 weeks of nerve injury and sprouting above control levels was observed at 16 weeks. However, the myelinated (NF200‐IR) fibers never recovered to control levels within a period of 16 weeks following nerve injury. Interestingly, the P2X3‐IR fibers took considerably more time to recover than the CGRP‐IR fibers following the initial loss. A loss in P2X3‐IR fibers persisted to 16 weeks and recovered to levels above that of control at 1.5 years following nerve injury. Further studies are required to clarify the relevance of these innervation changes for neuropathic pain generation and maintenance. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:49‐63, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite genus solutions to the Ablowitz‐Ladik equations
Authors: Miller Peter D. , Ercolani Nicholas M. , Krichever Igor M. , Levermore C. David
Published: September 2010

Generic wave train solutions to the complex Ablowitz‐Ladik equations are developed using methods of algebraic geometry. The inverse spectral transform is used to realize these solutions as potentials in a spatially discrete linear operator. The manifold of wave trains is infinite‐dimensional, but is stratified by finite‐dimensional submanifolds indexed by nonnegative integers g. Each of these strata is a foliation whose leaves are parametrized by the moduli space of (possibly singular) hyperelliptic Riemann surfaces of genus g. The generic leaf is a g‐dimensional complex torus. Thus, each wave train is constructed from a finite number of complex numbers comprising a set of spectral data, indicating that the wave train has a finite number of degrees of freedom. Our construction uses a new Lax pair differing from that originally given by Ablowitz and Ladik. This new Lax pair allows a simplified construction that avoids some of the degeneracies encountered in previous analyses that make use of the original discretized AKNS Lax pair. Generic wave trains are built from Baker‐Akhiezer functions on nonsingular Riemann surfaces having distinct branch points, and the construction is extended to handle singular Riemann surfaces that are pinched off at a coinciding pair of branch points. The corresponding solutions in the pinched case may also be derived from wave trains belonging to nonsingular surfaces using Bäcklund transformations. The problem of reducing the complex Ablowitz‐Ladik equations to the focusing and defocusing versions of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation is solved by specifying which spectral data correspond to focusing or defocusing potentials. Within the class of finite genus complex potentials, spatially periodic potentials are isolated, resulting in a formula for the solution to the spatially periodic initial‐value problem. Formal modulation equations governing slow evolution of (g + 1)‐phase wave trains are developed, and a gauge invariance is used to simplify the equations in the focusing and defocusing cases. In both of these cases, the modulation equations can be either hyperbolic (suggesting modulational stability) or elliptic (suggesting modulational instability), depending upon the local initial data. As has been shown to be the case with modulation equations for other integrable systems, hyperbolic data will remain hyperbolic under the evolution, at least until infinite derivatives develop.
The Last of the Five: the Elusive “Tantalum(III) Bromide”, a Perovskite‐Related Salt, [{Ta6}Br12]Br3[TaBr6]0.86 (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 26/2010)
Authors: Habermehl Katja , Mudring Anja‐Verena , Meyer Gerd
Published: September 2010

The cover picture shows the crystal structure of “tantalum tribromide”, which is, in fact, a perovskite‐related salt, [{Ta6}Br12]Br3[TaBr6]0.86. Unlike the mythical King Tantalos who was not allowed to grasp the fruits above his head, Habermehl et al. (page 4075 ff.) were blessed to pick this magnificent fruit that had to ripen for 45 years. Copyright permission for the background picture (The Punishment of Tantalus) was obtained from Photo © maicar.com
Absolute Configuration and Docking Study of Canescensterone, a Potent Phytoecdysteroid, with Non‐Lepidopteran Ecdysteroid Receptor Selectivity
Authors: Sun Han , Dinan Laurence , Lafont René , Suksamrarn Apichart , Griesinger Christian , Reinscheid Uwe , Lapenna Silvia
Published: September 2010

The rare phytoecdysteroid canescensterone is a potent activator of both natural and engineered ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) gene‐expression systems. This steroid also shows a remarkable selectivity towards non‐lepidopteran compared with lepidopteran EcRs in gene‐switch assays, a property that makes it a novel candidate lead compound for use in insecticide discovery and gene‐switch design. Canescensterone possesses an unusual ecdysteroid structure, including a pyrrole‐2‐carboxylate group attached to C‐24, a moiety not yet found in any other natural ecdysteroid. We have investigated the ambiguous stereochemistry at C‐24 of this steroid by 1D and 2D solution NMR experiments, which resulted in the assignment of the 24R‐configuration and determination of the side‐chain conformation. The completestereochemical assignment allowed the generation of docking models of canescensterone in both a lepidopteran EcR and a non‐lepidopteran EcR, which helps to explain its selective biological activity.
Splitting algorithms in channels with markovian capture
Authors: Seri Matan , Sidi Moshe
Published: September 2010

In this paper we study the performance of tree‐like splitting collision resolution algorithms in channels with markovian capture. In particular, we assume that in each slot the channel can be in one of two states ‐b (for “bad”) and g (for “good”). When the channel is in state b, a capture can never occur. When the channel is in state g and n nodes (n ≥ 2) are transmitting, a capture occurs with probability πn. The sequence of channel states is assumed to be a homogeneous Markov chain. We derive the throughput of a splitting tree‐like multiple access algorithm for this channel. We also provide simulation results for the average delay.
Evaluation of UPC functions for peak cell rate enforcement
Authors: Hemmer Hilde
Published: September 2010

A number of Usage Parameter Control (UPC) functions are compared with respect to their ability to detect violation of the negotiated traffic contract. The traffic contract parameters in this study are the peak cell rate and the maximum cell delay variation (CDV). In order to take cell delay variation into account, tolerances must be introduced in the UPC functions. This simulation study investigates how this affects their ability to detect contract violation. None of the window mechanisms studied have been found capable of detecting all types of contract violation.
A TMN approach to traffic control in B‐ISDN
Authors: Bagnasco Enrico , Burgassi Marco , Castelli Paolo
Published: September 2010

This paper presents an approach to B‐ISDN traffic control functionality allocation in the framework of the TMN reference configuration developed within the RACE Programme by project R1053 TERRACE. The TMN concept has been introduced by standardization activities to support the management requirements of the Administrations, and its basic idea is to provide an architecture to achieve the interconnection between Operation Systems and Network Elements for the exchange of management information using standardised interfaces. Within TERRACE this concept has been revised in order to cater for the complex IBC network and service environment proposed by RACE and the TMN reference configuration has been defined as composed of a set of models, namely the structural framework and the functional, information, communication and usage models. The paper will primarily focus on the relationship between the TMN and the B‐ISDN traffic control functionality, with the objective to propose their allocation to the TMN functional blocks.
Prediction of site diversity performance in satellite communications systems affected by rain attenuation: Extension of the two layer rain model
Authors: Matricciani Emilio
Published: September 2010

Site diversity is a classical countermeasure to rain attenuation in satellite communications systems at frequencies above 10 GHz. The paper has extended the Two‐Layer Rain Model to predict site diversity performance. Simple physical and statistical hypotheses have been assumed from which the formulae to calculate the bivariate probability distribution of the diversity link have been derived (it is not a best fit model) by standard calculations. The model has been then tested against a large experimental data set of direct (beacon+radiometer) and indirect (radar) experiments, with frequencies up to 30 GHz and distances from 2 km to 48 km. Defining the error ϵ = gpre. – gmea, where g = G/A is the ratio between the diversity gain and the single link attenuation (at a given probability), we have obtained <ϵ> = 0.037 and √<ϵ2> = 0.129. The model is thus not biased. Similar results have been obtained when ϵ is conditioned to frequency or site separation. The predictions have been then compared to those obtained from Hodge's well‐known formula. The two methods give about the same statistical errors: this means that the simple physical and statistical hypotheses of the Two‐Layer Rain Model hold on average. As the present model needs only a meteorological quantity (i.e. the rain‐rate distribution) and gives a complete “picture” of the statistical process of attenuation, its applicability is more general than Hodge's formula.
An improved character description method based on generalized fourier descriptors
Authors: Niemel Leon‐Paul W. , Prasad Ramjee
Published: September 2010

An improved method is presented to describe handwritten characters in terms of Generalized Fourier Descriptors (GFDs). There are two important problems in describing handwritten characters, namely straight line fitting and circle matching problems. The appropriate methods for obtaining the solutions of these two problems are presented. These results were applied on handwritten characters in oeder to have a simple character description in which characters are approximated by straight line pieces and circle segments. Using these results, calculations were then performed on the characters to obtain their GFDs. These calculations can be useful in the fields of character recognition and signature validation. Moreover, since this description is based on simple curves, it will have rfficient coding when data tranamission is concerned.
Letter: Performance evaluation of analytical models for effective bandwidth allocation in ATM networks
Authors: Sykas E. D. , Vlakos K. M. , Tsoukatos K. P. , Protonotarios E. N.
Published: September 2010

Some promising methods for the analysis of ATM systems calculate the buffer overflow instead of ATM cell loss probability. This is done under the presumption that buffer overflow probability is an adequate estimate for the ATM cell loss probability. These two performance parameters may differ considerably in some cases. For instance, if the mean load offered to a link slightly exceeds the link capacity, then the buffer overflow probability equals to one. On the contrary the cell loss probability may be much less than one. The paper shows how to use these methods so as to compute cell loss and examines in detail their relative performance and suitability for the description of an ATM multiplexing environment.
Theoretical characterisation and practical implementation of optical fibre PPM self synchronisation sequences
Authors: Elmirghani Jaafar M. H. , Cryan Robert A. , Clayton Mike
Published: September 2010

A novel technique for estimating the optical fibre PPM frame phase and eliminating the pattern dependent jitter is proposed while practical implementations and a mathematical characterisation for the technique are reported. Use is made of naturally occurring sequences thus avoiding the sensitivity and bit rate penalties associated with the previous methods. Tracking additional sequences is demonstrated and shown to be beneficial resulting in a frame rate discrete component enhancement of 10.8 dB and timing variance reduction from 12 × 10−3 rad2 to 3.6 × 10−3 rod2. Utilising the systematic jitter rejection method proposed resulted in a measured timing variance reduction from 3.6 × 10−3 rad2 to 4.2 × 10−5 rod2. The limit is imposed by the PLL performance while good correlation is depicted with the theoretical model.
Subliminal channels; past and present
Authors: Simmons Gustavus J.
Published: September 2010

Subliminal channels were devised by Simmons in 1978 to demonstrate a fundamental flaw in a protocol the U.S. was considering using to allow the U.S.S.R. to verify U.S. compliance with the terms of the SALT II treaty. The examples given of such channels were more in the nature of existence proofs than feasible communication channels until 1984 when it was shown that most digital signature schemes could be caused to host subliminal communications hidden in the digital signatures. Almost all of these subliminal channels, however, had several shortcomings. In order for the subliminal receiver to be able to recover a subliminal message, it was apparently necessary for him to know the transmitter's (the signer's) secret key. This meant that the subliminal receiver had to be given the capability to utter undetectable forgeries of the transmitter's signature. Also, only a subset of the natural message set could be communicated subliminally and some of those that could be transmitted were computationally infeasible for the subliminal receiver to recover. A digital signature standard (DSS) has recently been adopted by the U.S. government (May, 1994) which like most other digital signature schemes also permits subliminal communications to be concealed in signatures. Remarkably though, the subliminal channels in the DSS avoid all of the shortcomings that limit the usefulness of these channels in other digital signature schemes. This paper briefly describes the setting for the discovery of subliminal channels and then in some detail, the nature and shortcomings of the subliminal channels in the El Gamal digital signature scheme ‐ to which the DSS is closely related. Finally, to make clear what a remarkable coincidence it is that the apparently inherent shortcomings present in subliminal channels realized in the El Gamal scheme can all be overcome in channels realized in the DSS, each of the channels is analyzed in detail in both schemes. The inescapable conclusion, though, is that the DSS provides the most hospitable setting for subliminal communications discovered to date.
Phase and frequency detectors for clock synchronization in high‐speed optical transmission systems
Authors: Sari Hikmet , Houeix Hervé , Karam Georges
Published: September 2010

This paper presents several phase and frequency detectors (PFD's) for clock recovery in high‐speed optical transmission systems. Their performance is evaluated by means of computer simulations and laboratory experiments using a 140 Mbit/s system prototype. The results demonstrate that the proposed detectors substantially increase the loop acquisition range with respect to conventional phase detectors without degrading its steady‐state jitter performance. The improvement of the acquisition performance is obtained at the expense of a very small increase of the loop hardware complexity. The presented detectors turn out to be very attractive for high‐speed optical systems, because with such a detector in the timing recovery loop, it is possible to use low‐precision oscillators and still meet stringent requirements on acquisition speed and steady‐state phase jitter.
Rediscoveries in Eriocaulaceae: seven narrowly distributed taxa from the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Echternacht Livia , Trovó Marcelo , Takeo Sano Paulo
Published: September 2010

We report the rediscovery of seven Eriocaulaceae taxa, which were known exclusively from the type collection or from historic collections. The taxa are Actinocephalus cipoensis, Actinocephalus coutoensis, Actinocephalus ithyphyllus, Paepalanthus argenteus var. elatus, Paepalanthus decussus, Paepalanthus stuetzelii, and Syngonanthus circinnatus, all narrowly distributed. They occur in the southern and central part of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We provide a brief taxonomic comment for each taxon, as well as details about the populations, habitat, and a revised IUCN conservation status. Finally, we discuss the earlier and present collecting efforts at the visited sites, as well as some conservational aspects (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The transfer of Gelidiella trinitatensis W.R.Taylor (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) to Parviphycus
Authors: Wynne Michael J.
Published: September 2010

Evidence is presented to support the transfer of the red algal species Gelidiella trinitatensis W. R. Taylor (Gelidiales) to the segregate genus Parviphycus Santel. The very small stature of this alga, the arrangement of tetrasporangia in distinct chevron rows, the organization as seen in transverse section, and the apical organization indicate its correct taxonomic placement is within the genus Parviphycus. This species, originally described from Trinidad in the southern Caribbean Sea, is now known to be widely occurring throughout the Caribbean. It has also been reported from Central and South America (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrochemical Promotion of CH4 Combustion over a Pd/CeO2–YSZ Catalyst
Authors: Jiménez‐Borja C. , Dorado F. , de L.‐Consuegra A. , G.‐Vargas J. M. , Valverde J. L.
Published: September 2010

The phenomenon of electrochemical promotion of catalysis (EPOC) has been demonstrated on palladium supported catalysts using ceria and yttria‐stabilised zirconia as solid electrolyte. SEM, XRD, linear voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy have been used to study this double electrolyte system. Electrochemical catalysts were also used to promote the methane combustion reaction leading to one of the highest faradaic efficiency reported for this reaction (Λ = 764). Thus, the catalytic activity of palladium was found to increase over 450% via electrochemical transference of oxygen promoting ions from the solid electrolyte to the catalyst film.
Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of Trivalent Rare‐earth Cation‐doped Neodymium Zirconate by Co‐doping Gadolinium and Ytterbium
Authors: Liu Z.‐G. , Ouyang J.‐H. , Sun K.‐N.
Published: September 2010

Pyrochlore oxides of A2Zr2O7, where A represents trivalent rare‐earth elements, have a high electrical conductivity, which makes them suitable for applications as high‐temperature solid electrolytes. The influence of Gd and Yb cations co‐doping at the Nd site on structure and electrical conductivity of a pyrochlore oxide Nd2Zr2O7 is investigated using X‐ray diffraction and impedance spectra measurements. Different zirconate ceramics of Nd2Zr2O7, Nd1.8Gd0.2Zr2O7, Nd1.8Gd0.1Yb0.1Zr2O7, Nd1.4Gd0.6Zr2O7 and Nd1.4Gd0.3Yb0.3Zr2O7 are prepared by pressureless‐sintering method at 1,973 K for 10 h in air. Nd2Zr2O7 doped with Gd and Yb cations at the Nd site exhibit a single phase of pyrochlore‐type structure. The measured values of the total conductivity obey the Arrhenius relation. Nd2Zr2O7 and its doped zirconate ceramics are oxide‐ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0 × 10–4 to 1.0 atm at all test temperature levels. The total conductivity increases with reducing average ionic radii of A‐site rare‐earth cations. The dual Yb+Gd intermix doping causes a distinctly enhanced total conductivity as compared to unmodified Nd2Zr2O7 and singly Gd‐doped zirconate ceramics. The highest total conductivity value obtained in this work is 1.02 × 10–2 S cm × 1 at 1,173 K for Nd1.4Gd0.3Yb0.3Zr2O7 ceramic.
Genetic instability in inherited and sporadic leukemias
Authors: Popp Henning D. , Bohlander Stefan K.
Published: September 2010

Genetic instability due to increased DNA damage and altered DNA repair is of central significance in the initiation and progression of inherited and sporadic human leukemias. Although very rare, some inherited DNA repair insufficiency syndromes (e.g., Fanconi anemia, Bloom's syndrome) have added substantially to our understanding of crucial mechanisms of leukemogenesis in recent years. Conversely, sporadic leukemias account for the main proportion of leukemias and here DNA damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role. Although the exact mechanisms of increased ROS production remain largely unknown and no single pathway has been detected thus far, some oncogenic proteins (e.g., the activated tyrosine kinases BCR‐ABL1 and FLT3‐ITD) seem to play a key role in driving genetic instability by increased ROS generation which influences the disease course (e.g., blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia or relapse in FLT3‐ITD positive acute myeloid leukemia). Of course other mechanisms, which promote genetic instability in leukemia also exist. A newly emerging mechanism is the genome‐wide alteration of epigenetic marks (e.g., hypomethylation of histone H3K79), which promotes chromosomal instability. Taken together genetic instability plays a critical role both in inherited and sporadic leukemias and emerges as a common theme in both inherited and sporadic leukemias. Beyond its theoretical impact, the analysis of genetic instability may lead the way to the development of innovative therapy strategies. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seismic investigations in the vicinity of the great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt
Authors: Dobecki Thomas L. , Schoch Robert M.
Published: September 2010

An integrated suite of seismic geophysical surveys including seismic refraction, refraction tomography, and high resolution reflection was utilized in the areas within the Sphinx Enclosure, the Sphinx Temple, and in the surrounding desert areas to the east and south of the Sphinx. The purposes of the investigations were to analyze the depth and distribution of weathering in the exposed limestone bedrock, search for voids/cavities around and under the Sphinx, and describe the bedrock configuration where buried by sands in the adjacent desert areas. The survey discovered that subsurface weathering below the floor of the Sphinx Enclosure is not uniform, suggesting varied periods of subaerial exposure for different portions of the excavation. A series of cavities on each side of the Sphinx, as well as between its paws, was defined. Further, the sand‐buried bedrock surface in the desert area shows evidence of several excavated, or possibly downfaulted, structures.
A socioemotional intervention in a Latin American orphanage
Authors: McCall Robert B. , Groark Christina J. , Fish Larry , Harkins Diane , Serrano Gabriela , Gordon Karen
Published: September 2010

A pilot intervention that emphasized training and technical assistance to promote warm, sensitive, and responsive one‐on‐one caregiver–child interactions primarily during feeding and bathing/changing was implemented using regular staff in a depressed orphanage for children birth to approximately 8 years of age in Latin America. Despite a variety of unanticipated irregularities in the implementation of the intervention, many beyond the researchers' control, ward environments improved; caregivers displayed more warm, sensitive, and responsive interactions with children; and children improved an average of 13.5 developmental quotient (DQ) points after 4+ months' exposure to the completed intervention. Furthermore, 82% of the children had DQs greater than 70 before the intervention, but only 27.8% did so afterward. Although the training for all caregivers was aimed at children birth to 3 years, the number of different caregivers was reduced, and technical assistance was provided only to caregivers serving children less than 3 years, younger and older children (3–8 years) improved approximately the same amount. However, children who were transitioned from a younger to an older ward during the intervention improved less than did children who remained in either a younger or an older ward, the first evidence suggesting that the common orphanage practice of periodically graduating children from one homogeneous age group to another may impede their development. The study is consistent with others that have shown that orphanages can be changed, and increases primarily in warm, sensitive, responsive caregiver–child interactions can produce improvements in children's development.
Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the binding of high‐risk mucosal HPV E6 oncoproteins to the PDZ1 domain of the tight junction protein MAGI‐1
Authors: Fournane Sadek , Charbonnier Sebastian , Chapelle Anne , Kieffer Bruno , Orfanoudakis Georges , Travé Gilles , Masson Murielle , Nominé Yves
Published: September 2010

The E6 oncoproteins from high‐risk mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) induce cervical cancer via two major activities, the binding and the degradation of the p53 protein and PDZ domain‐containing proteins. Human MAGI‐1 is a multi‐PDZ domain protein implicated into protein complex assembly at cell–cell contacts. High‐risk mucosal HPV E6 proteins interact with the PDZ1 domain of MAGI‐1 via a C‐terminal consensus binding motif. Here, we developed a medium throughput protocol to accurately measure by surface plasmon resonance affinity constants of protein domains binding to peptidic sequences produced as recombinant fusions to the glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST). This approach was applied to measure the binding of MAGI‐1 PDZ1 to the C‐termini of viral or cellular proteins. Both high‐risk mucosal HPV E6 C‐terminal peptides and cellular partners of MAGI‐1 PDZ1 bind to MAGI‐1 PDZ1 with comparable dissociation constants in the micromolar range. MAGI‐1 PDZ1 shows a preference for C‐termini with a valine at position 0 and a negative charge at position −3, confirming previous studies performed with HPV18 E6. A detailed combined analysis via site‐directed mutagenesis of the HPV16 C‐terminal peptide and PDZ1 indicated that interactions mediated by charged residues upstream the PDZ‐binding motif strongly contribute to binding selectivity of this interaction. In addition, our work highlighted the K499 residue of MAGI‐1 as a novel determinant of binding specificity. Finally, we showed that MAGI‐1 PDZ1 also binds to the C‐termini of LPP and Tax proteins, which were already known to bind to PDZ proteins but not to MAGI‐1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between the hepatitis C viral load and the serum interferon concentration during the first week of peginterferon‐alpha‐2b‐ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: François Catherine , Descamps Véronique , Brochot Etienne , Bernard Isabelle , Canva Valérie , Mathurin Philippe , Castelain Sandrine , Duverlie Gilles
Published: September 2010

In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, the current standard of care (combination therapy with pegylated alpha interferon (PEG‐IFNα) and ribavirin) is only effective in around 50% of cases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the HCV load and the PEG‐IFN concentration during the first week of treatment. Fifteen treatment‐naive patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4) underwent PEG‐IFNα‐2b/ribavirin combination therapy. Blood samples were collected before the first injection (T0) and then at different time points until the next injection a week later. The PEG‐IFN concentration and the HCV load were assayed. The serum interferon concentration peaked 2 days after the first injection (mean value for the study population; Tmax = 40.9 hr; Cmax = 490 pg/ml) and a trough in viral load was seen at day 3. The PEG‐IFNα‐2b concentration decreased from day 2 to day 7, enabling a viral rebound in all patients. The change in viral load between day 0 and day 3 differed significantly according to whether the patients were responders at week 12 (Δlog d0/d3 = 2.729 ± 1.419 log10 IU/ml) or not (Δlog d0/d3 = 1.102 ± 0.472 log10 IU/ml). Our results emphasize the potential clinical importance of achieving viral decay immediately after initiation of interferon–ribavirin combination therapy. J. Med. Virol. 82:1640–1646, 2010. 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A peptide mimotope of hepatitis C virus E2 protein is immunogenic in mice and block human anti‐HCV sera
Authors: El‐Attar L.M.R. , Partidos C.D. , Howard C.R.
Published: September 2010

Conformational B‐cell epitopes on the HCV E2 protein recognized by human antibodies were characterized by the use of a peptide mimotope named K1. K1 was identified by two HCV anti‐E2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) following selection and purification of phage clones containing a 15‐mer random peptide insert. Murine antisera to the mimotope K1 recognized the E2 protein. Five of eight human sera from patients who had cleared HCV recognized the K1 mimotope. Binding to E2 in four individuals with the capacity to block E2–CD81 interaction was inhibited by the mimotope K1. The results demonstrate that anti‐E2 antibodies in sera from patients who have cleared HCV infection are directed against a conformational B‐cell epitope on E2 that can be mimicked with linear synthetic peptides. These findings could have implications for vaccine design by employing linear mimotopes to direct B‐cell responses against those specific E2 epitopes that may correlate with immunity. J. Med. Virol. 82:1655–1665, 2010. 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review part 2: Human herpesvirus‐6 in central nervous system diseases
Authors: Yao Karen , Crawford John R. , Komaroff Anthony L. , Ablashi Dharam V. , Jacobson Steven
Published: September 2010

J. Med. Virol. 82:1669–1678, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IgG subclasses and DNA detection of HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 in healthy individuals
Authors: Biganzoli Patricia , Ferreyra Leonardo , Sicilia Paola , Carabajal Claudia , Frattari Susana , Littvik Ana , Nates Silvia , Pavan Jorge
Published: September 2010

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and 7 (HHV‐7) are common opportunistic agents in immunocompromised hosts, although infection with HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 can also be observed in immunocompetent hosts. Despite similar biology and epidemiology, this study evaluated differences in the IgG subclass distribution associated with HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 in seropositive, healthy persons. The identified subclasses were also compared with the detection of HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 DNA. For these assays, sera, plasma, and saliva samples were obtained from 40 healthy blood donors in Argentina who were seropositive for both HHV‐6 and HHV‐7. HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 DNA were detected in saliva and plasma samples using nested PCR, and specific IgG subclasses were determined using immunofluorescent assays of sera samples. HHV‐7 DNA was detected in 90% of all plasma samples and in 100% of saliva samples. In contrast, HHV‐6 DNA was not detected in any of the plasma samples, and it was detected in only 6 of 40 saliva samples. Determination of IgG subclass distributions showed that HHV‐6 was restricted to IgG1, whereas HHV‐7 IgG subclasses included two groups, one restricted only to IgG1 and the other to IgG1 and IgG3. These results demonstrate the differences between HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 DNA range detection in saliva and plasma samples, as well as the IgG subclass patterns for each virus type, in healthy persons in Argentina. J. Med. Virol. 82:1679–1683, 2010. 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.