bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting NF‐κB pathway with an IKK2 inhibitor induces inhibition of multiple myeloma cell growth
Authors: Jourdan Michel , Moreaux Jérôme , Vos John De , Hose Dirk , Mahtouk Karène , Abouladze Matthieu , Robert Nicolas , Baudard Marion , Rème Thierry , Romanelli Angela , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Rossi Jean‐François , Dreano Michel , Klein Bernard
Published: June 2007

The pathophysiologic basis for multiple myeloma (MM) has been attributed to the dysregulation of various paracrine or autocrine growth factor loops and to perturbations in several signal transduction pathways including IκB kinase/nuclear factor‐κB (IKK/NF‐κB). The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a pharmaceutical IKK2 inhibitor, the anilinopyrimidine derivative AS602868, on the in vitro growth of 14 human MM cell lines (HMCL) and primary cells from 13 patients. AS602868 induced a clear dose‐dependent inhibition of MM cell growth on both HMCL and primary MM cells, which was the result of a simultaneous induction of apoptosis and inhibition of the cell cycle progression. Combination of AS602868 with suboptimal doses of melphalan or Velcade showed an additive effect in growth inhibition of HMCL. AS602868 also induced apoptosis of primary myeloma cells. Importantly, AS602868 did not alter the survival of other bone marrow mononuclear cells (CD138−) co‐cultured with primary MM (CD138+) cells, except for CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells. The results demonstrate the important role of NF‐κB in maintaining the survival of MM cells and suggest that a pharmacological inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway by the IKK2 inhibitor AS602868 can efficiently kill HMCL and primary myeloma cells and therefore might represent an innovative approach for treating MM patients.
In or out? Methodological considerations for including and excluding findings from a meta‐analysis of predictors of antiretroviral adherence in HIV‐positive women
Authors: Voils Corrine I. , Barroso Julie , Hasselblad Victor , Sandelowski Margarete
Published: June 2007

Title. In or out? Methodological considerations for including and excluding findings from a meta–analysis of predictors of antiretroviral adherence in HIV–positive women

Aim.  This paper is a discussion detailing the decisions concerning whether to include or exclude findings from a meta‐analysis of report of quantitative studies of antiretroviral adherence in HIV‐positive women.

Background.  Publication constraints and the absence of reflexivity as a criterion for validity in, and reporting of, quantitative research preclude detailing the many judgements made in the course of a meta‐analysis. Yet, such an accounting would assist researchers better to address the unique challenges to meta‐analysis presented by the bodies of research they have targeted for review, and to show the subjectivity, albeit disciplined, that characterizes the meta‐analytic process.

Data sources.  Data were 29 published and unpublished studies on antiretroviral adherence in HIV‐positive women of any race/ethnicity, class, or nationality living in the United States of America. The studies were retrieved between June 2005 and January 2006 using 40 databases.

Review methods.  Findings were included if they met the statistical assumptions of meta‐analysis, including: (1) normal distribution of observations; (2) homogeneity of variances; and (3) independence of observations.

Results.  Relevant studies and findings were excluded because of issues related to differences in study design, different operationalizations of dependent and independent variables, multiple cuts from common longitudinal data sets, and presentation of unadjusted and adjusted findings. These reasons led to the exclusion of 73% of unadjusted relationships and 87% of adjusted relationships from our data set, leaving few findings to synthesize.

Conclusion.  Decisions made during research synthesis studies may result in more information losses than gains, thereby obliging researchers to find ways to preserve findings that are potentially valuable for practice.
Towards a conceptual evaluation of transience in relation to palliative care
Authors: Larkin Philip J. , De Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Schotsmans Paul
Published: June 2007

Aim. This paper is a report of a concept evaluation of transience and its relevance to palliative care.

Background. A qualitative study into palliative care patients’ experiences of transition revealed a gap between current definitions of transition and their expression of the palliative care experience. Transience appears to offer a better definition but remains conceptually weak, with limited definition in a healthcare context.

Methods. A qualitative conceptual evaluation of transience was undertaken using two case examples, interview data and the literature. Multiple sources were used to identify the literature (1966–2006), including a search on Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Medline, and Ovid and Arts and Humanities Index using the keywords ‘transience’ and ‘palliative care’. Thirty‐one papers related to transience were retrieved. Analysis and synthesis formulated a theoretical definition of transience relative to palliative care.

Findings. Transience is a nascent concept. Preconditions and outcomes of transience appear contextually dependent, which may inhibit its conceptual development. Transience depicts a fragile emotional state related to sudden change and uncertainty at end‐of‐life, exhibited as a feeling of stasis. Defining attributes would seem to include fragility, suddenness, powerlessness, impermanence, time, space, uncertainty, separation and homelessness.

Conclusions. Transience is potentially more meaningful for palliative care in understanding the impact of end‐of‐life experiences for patients than current conceptualizations of transition as a process towards resolution. As a nascent concept, it remains strongly encapsulated within a framework of transition and further conceptual development is needed to enhance its maturity and refinement.
Theoretical perspectives of perceived control in older adults: a selective review of the literature
Authors: Jacelon Cynthia S.
Published: June 2007

Aim.  This paper is a report of a theoretically based review of literature exploring the concept of perceived control in relation to older adults.

Background.  Perceived control is a cognitive attribute that is a precursor to function, a mediator between social support and psychological wellbeing, and instrumental for effective disease self‐management. It has been defined from several theoretical perspectives with either a global or a specific focus.

Methods.  A review of literature was conducted. Articles were abstracted into a table in order to compare the purpose, theoretical framework, definition of perceived control, scope of application of perceived control, research questions, subjects, methods, instruments and findings across studies. The articles were sorted by theoretical framework for analyses among and between theoretical frameworks.

Results.  Twenty papers published between 1995 and 2005, listed in CINAHL or Medline, with the words ‘perceived control’ in the title, and which included older adults as at least half of the sample and used one of five predominant theoretical frameworks were included in a review of the literature. In this review, perceived control is defined within the theories of social learning, self‐efficacy, planned behaviour, the lifespan theory of control, and from a person–environment framework. There is little consensus among researchers as to the definition of perceived control.

Conclusion.  Lack of consensus on the theoretical underpinnings and variability in definition of perceived control exist. The mechanisms through which perceived control develops and is exercised are also in dispute. Nevertheless, there is general agreement that high perceived control is important for wellbeing in older adults.
Using adaptive management to determine requirements of re‐introduced populations: the case of the New Zealand hihi
Authors: ARMSTRONG DOUG P. , CASTRO ISABEL , GRIFFITHS RICHARD
Published: June 2007

Adaptive management involves the development of predictive models, strategic manipulation of management actions to gain information, and subsequent updating of the models and management. The paradigm has several characteristics that make it an effective approach for determining requirements of re‐introduced populations.

Adaptive management was applied to the re‐introduction of hihi Notiomystis cincta, a New Zealand forest bird that had been reduced to a single island population. Following three previous failed re‐introductions, we initiated an 8‐year series of management manipulations when hihi were re‐introduced to Mokoia Island in 1994.

We developed a population model for projecting outcomes under potential management scenarios, and updated it on an annual basis. The population model combined submodels for survival and reproduction that were selected from sets of candidate models using an information‐theoretic approach. All projections incorporated demographic stochasticity, and later projections incorporated uncertainty associated with model selection and parameter estimation.

The programme showed that some actions (e.g. the provision of sugar water during breeding season and mite control) substantially increased the population's growth rate, but that persistence was uncertain under any management scenario. The population growth rate was shown to be constrained by a low adult survival rate that was unaffected by supplementary feeding, and was associated with a feature of the island (high density of Aspergillus fumigatus spores) that could not be remedied by management. Hihi were therefore removed from Mokoia. However, the management actions shown to be effective on Mokoia have now been used to produce sustained growth in three other re‐introduced hihi populations.

Synthesis and applications. The results illustrate how adaptive management can facilitate successful species recovery. Without manipulation of management treatments, the Mokoia hihi re‐introduction would have just been another failure that provided no useful information. Instead, our manipulations allowed us to identify effective management actions that were successfully applied to other re‐introduced populations, and allowed us to identify a limiting factor that had not been previously considered. We have illustrated how other characteristics of the adaptive management approach (flexible treatments, ongoing monitoring, early model development, quantitative projections and incorporation of uncertainty) were essential to the programme.
Class and the Politics of Participatory Rural Transformation in West Bengal: An Alternative to World Bank Orthodoxy
Authors: BHATTACHARYYA SUDIPTA
Published: June 2007

Based on a primary field survey and secondary sources of information, this study analyzes the West Bengal experience of participatory rural transformation in relation to the changing class structure in a differentiated rural economy, the rise in class‐consciousness among the rural poor and the participation of different classes in the political process of decision‐making.

Utsa Patnaik's (1987

) labour exploitation criterion is used in order to rank rural households in class terms, alongside the standard acreage groupings. This study strongly refutes the neo‐liberal (World Bank) idea of social capital and civil society as sources of ‘people's participation’. It is argued that ‘people's participation’ is a meaningless concept, since the ‘people’ as a category includes different classes with conflicting interests. Though subordinate classes in West Bengal have achieved a higher level of class consciousness than in the past, and have resisted extra economic coercion, and while their political participation has risen, their involvement at the grass roots level of administrative decision‐making is very weak. Panchayat Raj has so far failed to initiate a second phase of institutional reform in West Bengal, encompassing education, gender justice and above all the co‐operative movement. This partial failure is the outcome of short‐term electoral benefit being given priority over and so undermining class struggle.
Structural and functional consequences of single amino acid substitutions in the pyrimidine base binding pocket of Escherichia coli CMP kinase
Authors: Ofiteru Augustin , Bucurenci Nadia , Alexov Emil , Bertrand Thomas , Briozzo Pierre , Munier‐Lehmann Hélène , Gilles Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2007

Bacterial CMP kinases are specific for CMP and dCMP, whereas the related eukaryotic NMP kinase phosphorylates CMP and UMP with similar efficiency. To explain these differences in structural terms, we investigated the contribution of four key amino acids interacting with the pyrimidine ring of CMP (Ser36, Asp132, Arg110 and Arg188) to the stability, catalysis and substrate specificity of Escherichia coli CMP kinase. In contrast to eukaryotic UMP/CMP kinases, which interact with the nucleobase via one or two water molecules, bacterial CMP kinase has a narrower NMP‐binding pocket and a hydrogen‐bonding network involving the pyrimidine moiety specific for the cytosine nucleobase. The side chains of Arg110 and Ser36 cannot establish hydrogen bonds with UMP, and their substitution by hydrophobic amino acids simultaneously affects the Km of CMP/dCMP and the kcat value. Substitution of Ser for Asp132 results in a moderate decrease in stability without significant changes in Km value for CMP and dCMP. Replacement of Arg188 with Met does not affect enzyme stability but dramatically decreases the kcat/Km ratio compared with wild‐type enzyme. This effect might be explained by opening of the enzyme/nucleotide complex, so that the sugar no longer interacts with Asp185. The reaction rate for different modified CMP kinases with ATP as a variable substrate indicated that none of changes induced by these amino acid substitutions was ‘propagated’ to the ATP subsite. This ‘modular’ behavior of E. coli CMP kinase is unique in comparison with other NMP kinases.
Wideband Planar Antenna for New Generation Mobile Applications
Authors: Bybi P. C. , Jitha B. , Mohanan P. , Aanandan C. K.
Published: June 2007

A wideband, compact planar monopole antenna having a 2 : 1 VSWR bandwidth of 98% (1.68 GHz–4.9 GHz) is presented. The omnidirectional radiation pattern with moderate gain and linear polarization in the entire band makes the antenna an excellent candidate for new generation mobile applications. Details of the antenna design and a comparison of simulated and measured results are presented and discussed.
Boundedness and Large-Time Behavior Results for a Diffusive Epidemic Model
Authors: Melkemi Lamine , Mokrane Ahmed Zerrouk , Youkana Amar
Published: June 2007

We consider a reaction-diffusion system modeling the spread of an epidemic disease within a population divided into the susceptible and infective classes. We first consider the question of the uniform boundedness of the solutions for which we give a positive answer. Then we deal with the asymptotic behavior of the solutions where in particular we are interested in reasonable conditions leading to the extinction of the infection disease as the time goes to infinity.
Global Existence and Asymptotic Behavior of Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Degenerate Wave Equations
Authors: Ye Yaojun
Published: June 2007

This paper studies the existence of global solutions to the initial‐boundary value problem for some nonlinear degenerate wave equations by means of compactness method and the potential well idea. Meanwhile, we investigate the decay estimate of the energy of the global solutions to this problem by using a difference inequality.
Fixed Points of Weakly Contractive Maps and Boundedness of Orbits
Authors: Mai Jie-Hua , Liu Xin-He
Published: June 2007

We discuss weakly contractive maps on complete metric spaces. Following three methods of generalizing the Banach contraction principle, we obtain some fixed point theorems under some relatively weaker and more general contractive conditions.
Oscillatory Behavior in Linear Difference Equations under Unmodeled Dynamics and Parametrical Errors
Authors: De la Sen M.
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates the presence of oscillating solutions in time-varying difference equations even in the case when there exist parametrical errors (i.e., errors in the sequences defining their coefficients) and/or unmodeled dynamics, namely, the current order is unknown and greater than the nominal known order. The formulation is related to the concepts of conjugacy, disconjugacy, positivity, and generalized zeros and general conditions of oscillation are obtained both over particular intervals and for the whole solution. Some results concerned with the presence of stable oscillations are also presented.
Nonlinear Equations with a Retarded Argument in Discrete-Continuous Systems
Authors: Pielorz Amalia
Published: June 2007

The paper deals with dynamic problems of discrete-continuous systems with local nonlinearities, the analysis of which is reduced to solving nonlinear differential equations with a retarded argument. This concerns the discrete-continuous systems subject to torsional, longitudinal, or shear deformations, where the equations of motion for elastic elements are classical wave equations. It is assumed that the characteristics of local nonlinearities are of a soft-type and in the paper they are described by four nonlinear functions. After a short general description of the approach used, the detailed considerations and numerical results are presented for a multimass discrete-continuous system with a local nonlinearity having the characteristics of a soft-type subject to shear deformations.
Multiobjective Output Feedback Control of a Class of Stochastic Hybrid Systems with State-Dependent Noise
Authors: Aberkane S. , Ponsart J. C. , Sauter D.
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with dynamic output feedback control of continuous-time active fault tolerant control systems with Markovian parameters (AFTCSMP) and state-dependent noise. The main contribution is to formulate conditions for multiperformance design, related to this class of stochastic hybrid systems, that take into account the problematic resulting from the fact that the controller only depends on the fault detection and isolation (FDI) process. The specifications and objectives under consideration include stochastic stability,ℋ2andℋ∞(or more generally,stochastic integral quadratic constraints) performances. Results are formulated as matrix inequalities. The theoretical results are illustrated using a classical example from literature.
On the Equilibria of the Extended Nematic Polymers under Elongational Flow
Authors: Zhou Hong , Wilson Lynda , Wang Hongyun
Published: June 2007

We classify the equilibrium solutions of the Smoluchowski equation for dipolar (extended) rigid nematic polymers under imposed elongational flow. The Smoluchowski equation couples the Maier-Saupe short-range interaction, dipole-dipole interaction, and an external elongational flow. We show that all stable equilibria of rigid, dipolar rod dispersions under imposed uniaxial elongational flow field are axisymmetric. This finding of axisymmetry significantly simplifies any procedure of obtaining experimentally observable equilibria.
Determinant and Inverse of Meet and Join Matrices
Authors: Altinisik Ercan , Tuglu Naim , Haukkanen Pentti
Published: June 2007

We define meet and join matrices on two subsetsXandYof a lattice(P,≼)with respect to a complex-valued functionfonPby(X,Y)f=(f(xi∧yi))and[X,Y]f=(f(xi∨yi)), respectively. We present expressions for the determinant and the inverse of(X,Y)fand[X,Y]f, and as special cases we obtain several new and known formulas for the determinant and the inverse of the usual meet and join matrices(S)fand[S]f.
Experimental Investigation of Angular Stackgram Filtering for Noise Reduction of SPECT Projection Data: Study with Linear and Nonlinear Filters
Authors: Happonen Antti P. , Koskinen Matti O.
Published: June 2007

We discuss data filtering prior to image reconstruction. For this kind of filtering, the radial direction of the sinogram is routinely employed. Recently, we have introduced an alternative approach to sinogram data processing, exploiting the angular information in a novel way. This new stackgram representation can be regarded as an intermediate form of the sinogram and image domains. In this experimental study, we compare the radial sinogram and angular stackgram filtering methods using physical SPECT phantoms. Our study is carried out by employing simple linear and nonlinear filters with ten different Gaussian kernels, in order to provide a comparable investigation. According to our results, angular stackgram filtering with the nonlinear filters provides the best resolution‐noise tradeoff of the compared methods. Besides, stackgram filtering with these filters seems to preserve the resolution in an exceptional way. Visually, noise in the reconstructed images after stackgram filtering appears more “powdery” in comparison with radial sinogram filtering.
Theoretical Investigation of Halogen-Oxygen Bonding and Its Implications in Halogen Chemistry and Reactivity
Authors: Kosmas Agnie Mylona
Published: June 2007

Trends in the properties of normal valent and multivalent halogen-oxygen bonding are examined for the isomers of the halogen polyoxide families of the types (YXO2) and (YXO3), Y=Cl, Br, I, H,CH3, X=Cl, Br, I. A qualitative model is formulated on the relationship between the X-O bond distance variations, the ionic character of the bonding, and the degree of halogen valence. The relative stability and enthalpy of formation of each species are also suggested to correlate with the ionic nature of the X-O bonding and the electrostatic character of the Y, YO fragments. In the model presented, halogen hypervalence is interpreted to be the result of partialp→dpromotion of lone-pair valence electrons followed by the formation of two, four, or six additional pd hybrid bonds around the halogen atom.
On Bumps and Reduction of Switching Transients in Multicontroller Systems
Authors: Yamé Joseph J. , Kinnaert Michel
Published: June 2007

This paper is concerned with the realization and implementation of multicontroller systems, consisting of several linear controllers, subject to the bump phenomenon which occurs when switching between one controller acting in closed loop and another controller in the set of “offline” controllers waiting to take over the control loop. Based on a deep characterization of the bump phenomenon, the paper gives a novel and simple parameterization of such set of linear controllers, possibly having different state dimensions, to cope with bumps and their undesirable transients in switched-mode systems. The proposed technique is based on a non minimal state-space representation allowing a common memory and a unique dynamics shared by all controllers in that set. It also makes each initially open-loop unstable controller run in a stable way regardless of whether that controller is connected to the controlled process.
A Cross-Layer Optimization Approach for Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks: Coalition-Aided Data Aggregation, Cooperative Communication, and Energy Balancing
Authors: Gao Qinghai , Zhang Junshan , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) , Larish Bryan
Published: June 2007

We take a cross-layer optimization approach to study energy efficient data transport in coalition-based wireless sensor networks, where neighboring nodes are organized into groups to form coalitions and sensor nodes within one coalition carry out cooperative communications. In particular, we investigate two network models: (1) many-to-one sensor networks where data from one coalition are transmitted to the sink directly, and (2) multihop sensor networks where data are transported by intermediate nodes to reach the sink. For the many-to-one network model, we propose three schemes for data transmission from a coalition to the sink. In scheme 1, one node in the coalition is selected randomly to transmit the data; in scheme 2, the node with the best channel condition in the coalition transmits the data; and in scheme 3, all the nodes in the coalition transmit in a cooperative manner. Next, we investigate energy balancing with cooperative data transport in multihop sensor networks. Built on the above coalition-aided data transmission schemes, the optimal coalition planning is then carried out in multihop networks, in the sense that unequal coalition sizes are applied to minimize the difference of energy consumption among sensor nodes. Numerical analysis reveals that energy efficiency can be improved significantly by the coalition-aided transmission schemes, and that energy balancing across the sensor nodes can be achieved with the proposed coalition structures.
Meromorphic Functions Sharing a Small Function
Authors: Wang Songmin , Gao Zongsheng
Published: June 2007

We will study meromorphic functions that share a small function, and prove the following result: letf(z)andg(z)be two transcendental meromorphic functions in the complex plane and letn≥11be a positive integer. Assume thata(z)(≢0)is a common small function with respect tof(z)andg(z). Iffnf′andgng′sharea(z)CM, then eitherfn(z)f′(z)gn(z)g′(z)≡a2(z), orf(z)≡tg(z)for a constant satisfyingtn+1=1. As applications, we give several examples.
Dynamic Stationary Response of Reinforced Plates by the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Sanches Luiz Carlos Facundo , Mesquita Euclides , Pavanello Renato , Palermo Jr. Leandro
Published: June 2007

A direct version of the boundary element method (BEM) is developed to model the stationary dynamic response of reinforced plate structures, such as reinforced panels in buildings, automobiles, and airplanes. The dynamic stationary fundamental solutions of thin plates and plane stress state are used to transform the governing partial differential equations into boundary integral equations (BIEs). Two sets of uncoupled BIEs are formulated, respectively, for the in-plane state (membrane) and for the out-of-plane state (bending). These uncoupled systems are joined to form a macro-element, in which membrane and bending effects are present. The association of these macro-elements is able to simulate thin-walled structures, including reinforced plate structures. In the present formulation, the BIE is discretized by continuous and/or discontinuous linear elements. Four displacement integral equations are written for every boundary node. Modal data, that is, natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes of reinforced plates, are obtained from information contained in the frequency response functions (FRFs). A specific example is presented to illustrate the versatility of the proposed methodology. Different configurations of the reinforcements are used to simulate simply supported and clamped boundary conditions for the plate structures. The procedure is validated by comparison with results determined by the finite element method (FEM).
A Finite Circular Arch Element Based on Trigonometric Shape Functions
Authors: Saffari H. , Tabatabaei R.
Published: June 2007

The curved-beam finite element formulation by trigonometric function for curvature is presented. Instead of displacement function, trigonometric function is introduced for curvature to avoid the shear and membrane locking phenomena. Element formulation is carried out in polar coordinates. The element with three nodal parameters is chosen on curvature. Then, curvature field in the element is interpolated as the conventional trigonometric functions. Shape functions are obtained as usual by matrix operations. To consider the boundary conditions, a transformation matrix between nodal curvature and nodal displacement vectors is introduced. The equilibrium equation is written by minimizing the total potential energy in terms of the displacement components. In such equilibrium equation, the locking phenomenon is eliminated. The interesting point in this method is that for most problems, it is sufficient to use only one element to obtain the solution. Four examples are presented in order to verify the element formulation and to show the accuracy and efficiency of the method. The results are compared with those of other concepts.
MOCA: A Low-Power, Low-Cost Motion Capture System Based on Integrated Accelerometers
Authors: Farella Elisabetta , Benini Luca , Riccò Bruno , Acquaviva Andrea
Published: June 2007

Human-computer interaction (HCI) and virtual reality applications pose the challenge of enabling real-time interfaces for natural interaction. Gesture recognition based on body-mounted accelerometers has been proposed as a viable solution to translate patterns of movements that are associated with user commands, thus substituting point-and-click methods or other cumbersome input devices. On the other hand, cost and power constraints make the implementation of a natural and efficient interface suitable for consumer applications a critical task. Even though several gesture recognition solutions exist, their use in HCI context has been poorly characterized. For this reason, in this paper, we consider a low-cost/low-power wearable motion tracking system based on integrated accelerometers called motion capture with accelerometers (MOCA) that we evaluated for navigation in virtual spaces. Recognition is based on a geometric algorithm that enables efficient and robust detection of rotational movements. Our objective is to demonstrate that such a low-cost and a low-power implementation is suitable for HCI applications. To this purpose, we characterized the system from both a quantitative point of view and a qualitative point of view. First, we performed static and dynamic assessment of movement recognition accuracy. Second, we evaluated the effectiveness of user experience using a 3D game application as a test bed.
Pulmonary and Cardiorenal Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), -2 (COX-2), and Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and -2 (mPGES-2) Expression in a Hypertension Model
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Ostroski Robert
Published: June 2007

Hypertensive mice that express the human renin and angiotensinogen genes are used as a model for human hypertension because they develop hypertension secondary to increased renin-angiotensin system activity. Our study investigated the cellular localization and distribution of COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1, and mPGES-2 in organ tissues from a mouse model of human hypertension. Male (n=15) and female (n=15) double transgenic mice (h-Ang 204/1 h-Ren 9) were used in the study. Lung, kidney, and heart tissues were obtained from mice at necropsy and fixed in 10%neutral buffered formalin followed by embedding in paraffin wax. Cut sections were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies to COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1, and mPGES-2 and analyzed by light microscopy. Renal expression of COX-1 was the highest in the distal convoluted tubules, cortical collecting ducts, and medullary collecting ducts; while proximal convoluted tubules lacked COX-1 expression. Bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, and cardiac vascular endothelial cells also had strong COX-1 expression, with other renal, pulmonary, or cardiac microanatomic locations having mild-to-moderate expression. mPGES-2 expression was strong in the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, mild to moderate in various renal microanatomic locations, and absent in cardiac tissues. COX-2 expression was strong in the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, alveolar macrophages, and bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells. Marked mPGES-1 was present only in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells; while mild-to-moderate expression was present in other pulmonary, renal, or cardiac microanatomic locations. Expression of these molecules was similar between males and females. Our work suggests that in hypertensive mice, there are (a) significant microanatomic variations in the pulmonary, renal, and cardiac distribution and cellular localization of COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1, and mPGES-2, and (b) no differences in expression between genders.
On Miniaturizing On-Chip Microstrip Inductors Using Embedded Radiating Dipoles
Authors: Liao Chungpin , Chang Hsien-Ming , Hsu Jeng-Shin
Published: June 2007

As RF mixed-signal and patch-antenna-equipped SOC devices are becoming
the dominant products worldwide, concerns over the large real-estate
consumption by the spiral inductors (including those for microstrip antennas
and impedance-matching inductances), as well as their generally
Q-low (quality factor) performance, are now being discussed more than ever. Liao et al. have recently addressed
the Q-low issue via using location-selective proton beam bombardment,
whereby
Q-improvements of 100%–300% were evidenced. That success, nevertheless, is at times tarnished by some undesirable features, that is, the explosive rises of inductances near certain frequencies, which practically cut short the Q-enhancement and were identified to be due to resonant interactions between the inductor-propagating EM wave and the proton-caused defect dipoles. In this paper, however, the authors attempt to turn this resonance-caused undesirability to favor by proposing a new way to greatly shrink down the needed inductor size through dipoles engineering.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Response of Zn-Dotted Hematite
Authors: Kumari Saroj , Singh Aadesh P. , Tripathi Chanakya , Chauhan Diwakar , Dass Sahab , Shrivastav Rohit , Gupta Vinay , Sreenivas K. , Satsangi Vibha R.
Published: June 2007

Photoelectrochemical response of thin films ofα-Fe2O3, Zn dopedα-Fe2O3, and Zn dots deposited on dopedα-Fe2O3prepared by spray pyrolysis has been studied. Samples of Zn dots were prepared using thermal evaporation method by evaporating Zn through a mesh having pore diameter of 0.7 mm. The presence of Zn-dotted islands on dopedα-Fe2O3surface exhibited significantly large photocurrent density as compared to other samples. An optimum thickness of Zn dots∼230 Å is found to give enhanced photoresponse. The observed results are analyzed with the help of estimated values of resistivity, band gap, flatband potential, and donor density.
Osteomalacia as a Late Metabolic Complication of Ifosfamide Chemotherapy in Young Adults: Illustrative Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Church D. N. , Hassan A. B. , Harper S. J. , Wakeley C. J. , Price C. G. A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose. Ifosfamide is a drug commonly used in the management of sarcomas and other solid tumours. One potential toxicity of its use is renal tubular damage, which can lead to skeletal abnormalities; rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. We aimed to characterise this rare complication in adults.Patients. Three illustrative patient cases treated in our institution are presented. All were treated for sarcoma, and received varying doses of ifosfamide during their therapy.Methods. We performed a review of the literature on the renal tubular and skeletal complications of ifosfamide in adults. Papers were identified by searches of PubMed using the terms “osteomalacia,” “nephrotoxicity,” “Fanconi syndrome,” “ifosfamide,” and “chemotherapy” for articles published between 1970 and 2006. Additional papers were identified from review of references of relevant articles.Results. There are only four case reports of skeletal toxicity secondary to ifosfamide in adults; the majority of data refer to children. Risk factors for development of renal tubular dysfunction and osteodystrophy include platinum chemotherapy, increasing cumulative ifosfamide dose, and reduced nephron mass. The natural history of ifosfamide-induced renal damage is variable, dysfunction may not become apparent until some months after treatment, and may improve or worsen with time.Discussion. Ifosfamide-induced osteomalacia is seldom described in adults. Clinicians should be vigilant for its development, as timely intervention may minimise complications.
Regulatory Cells and Immunosuppressive Cytokines: Parasite-Derived Factors Induce Immune Polarization
Authors: Ouaissi Ali
Published: June 2007

Parasitic infections are prevalent in both tropical and subtropical areas. Most of the affected and/or exposed populations are living in developing countries where control measures are lacking or inadequately applied. Although significant progress has been made in our understanding of the immune response to parasites, no definitive step has yet been successfully done in terms of operational vaccines against parasitic diseases. Evidence accumulated during the past few years suggests that the pathology observed during parasitic infections is in part due to deregulation of normal components of the immune system, mainly cytokines, antibodies, and immune effector cell populations. A large number of studies that illustrate how parasites can modify the host immune system for their own benefit have been reported in both metazoan and protozoan parasites. The first line of defense against foreign organisms is barrier tissue such as skin, humoral factors, for instance the complement system and pentraxin, which upon activation of the complement cascade facilitate pathogen recognition by cells of innate immunity such as macrophages and DC. However, all the major groups of parasites studied have been shown to contain and/or to release factors, which interfere with both arms of the host immune system. Even some astonishing observations relate to the production by some parasites of orthologues of mammalian cytokines. Furthermore, chronic parasitic infections have led to the immunosuppressive environment that correlates with increased levels of myeloid and T suppressor cells that may limit the success of immunotherapeutic strategies based on vaccination. This minireview briefly analyzes some of the current data related to the regulatory cells and molecules derived from parasites that affect cellular function and contribute to the polarization of the immune response of the host. Special attention is given to some of the data from our laboratory illustrating the role of immunomodulatory factors released by protozoan parasites, in the induction and perpetuation of chronic disease.
Olympiodorus and Proclus on the Climax of the Alcibiades
Authors: Tarrant Harold
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the late Neoplatonic evidence for the text at the crucial point of the Alcibiades I, 133c, finding that Olympiodorus' important evidence is not in the lexis, which strangely has nothing to say. Perhaps it was dangerous in Christian Alexandria to record one's views here too precisely. Rather, they are found primarily in the prologue and secondarily in the relevant theoria. Olympiodorus believes that he is quoting from the work or paraphrasing closely, but offers nothing that can be paralleled in either the manuscripts or the Eusebian (or Stobaean) versions. Since both the manuscript text and the Eusebian text fail to satisfy, the evidence deserves consideration. Even if he were not in possession of a text that was wholly correct, Olympiodorus does at least offer an overall interpretation of the passage which neatly unites the daemonic and erotic aspects of Socrates' activities, and offers a real reason for Alcibiades to return Socrates' love. He is encouraged to reflect upon the nature of the divine being (not just a daemo but a theos in this work) controlling Socrates, so that he may behold the likeness of his own, woefully obscured, inner self, and so acquire the self-knowledge necessary for true political success.The anonymous Prolegomena (unsurprisingly) are compatible with Olympiodorus, while Proclus' prologue again largely agrees with Olympiodorus' interpretation. For Proclus, Alcibiades must become an observer of Socrates knowledge and indeed of Socrates' whole life. 'For to desire to know the reason for Socrates' actions is to become the lover of the knowledge which is pre-established within him.' So the path towards a total understanding of his own inner intellective self lies via the contemplation of that being that is rooted within Socrates.I also examine earlier Platonist evidence for the text and find little that is not in harmony with late Neoplatonism.
Iamblichus' Defence of Theurgy: Some Reflections
Authors: Dillon John
Published: June 2007

An issue which plainly exercised the thoughts of many intellectuals in the late antique world was that of man's relation to the gods, and specifically the problems of the mode of interaction between the human and divine planes of existence. Once one accepted, as anyone with any philosophical training did, that God, or the gods, were not subject to passions, and that, as not only Stoics but also Platonists, at least after the time of Plotinus, believed, the world-order was (either entirely or very largely) determined as a product of God's providence, it became a serious problem as to how precisely one could influence the gods, or the course of events, by one's prayers or sacrifices. And yet efforts to do this, on both the popular and the official level, continued unabated. What was the proper attitude for a Platonist philosopher to take up? This is very much the subject of the well-known controversy between Plotinus' pupil Porphyry and his own pupil Iamblichus which manifests itself in the exchange of public letters known as The Letter to Anebo and The Reply of the Master Abammon to the Letter of Porphyry to Anebo (popularly known, since Marsilio Ficino conferred this title upon it, as De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum). The present article involves a close and sympathetic study of Iamblichus' position in defence of theurgy, reflecting on the validity of the distinction between religion and magic.
Dans quel lieu le néoplatonicien Simplicius a-t-il fondé son école de mathématiques, et où a pu avoir lieu son entretien avec un manichéen?
Authors: Hadot Ilsetraut
Published: June 2007

The historian Agathias (Hist. II 30.3-31.4) relates that under the Emperor Justinian seven philosophers (Damascius, Simplicius, Eulamius, Priscianus, Hermeias, Diogenes, and Isidorus) sought refuge in Persia because of their own country's anti-pagan laws but that they ultimately returned in 532 to the Roman Empire. There have been many hypotheses about the fate of these philosophers after their return. Most recently M. Tardieu has argued that these philosophers went to Harran, a town that was located on the Persian frontier and that remained mostly pagan until the tenth century. This hypothesis, which M. Tardieu had backed with a number of arguments, has found many echoes, both positive and negative, in subsequent secondary literature. Yet the complexity of the issue has never really been faced by Tardieu's critics. For example, the fact that, according to Arab sources, Simplicius could found a famous school of mathematics has been completely neglected, as has the fact that details of the dogmas of Manicheanism, which he obtained through his encounter with a member of that sect, enable one to envision a Mesopotamian locale for this encounter. The present study aims at taking stock of the elements of this controversy, beginning with a detailed article by D. Watts and a review by C. Luna. Watts mostly bases his criticisms of M. Tardieu and me on Luna's summary. In the conclusion (pages 58-59), I summarize the main points that seem to me to confirm M. Tardieu's hypothesis.
Characterisation of lead pipes used in the water industry: Extrusion processing, alloy microstructure and their role in service failures
Authors: Starling N. , Belmonte H. M. S. , Shepherd M. A. , Mulheron M. J. , Smith P. A.
Published: June 2007

The issue of leakage within the water distribution system is one of importance not only at an economic level for the industry, but also as a result of an environmental agenda addressing issues of water sustainability. The present work is concerned with leakage from lead based assets, in particular distribution pipes. Very little is known about the failure mechanisms within lead based assets. The present paper presents the findings from a study in which lead samples from intact and failed pipes, sourced from the Thames Water area, have been examined. The failure mechanisms have been identified at the macroscopic level and the pipe microstructure has been characterised – aspects of the microstructure control particular properties of the pipe (e.g. strength, creep and fatigue behaviour) and so may contribute to the potential failure modes. The present study is the first stage in a programme of work designed to develop a better understanding of the failure modes in lead assets, leading to the formulation of a more effective condition assessment model.
Microstructure of WC in WC–Co cemented carbides consolidated by electric discharge
Authors: Wu X. Y. , Zhang W. , Li D. X. , Guo J. D.
Published: June 2007

The microstructure of WC in WC–Co cemented carbides fabricated by electric discharge compaction was investigated. A high density of defect, such as stacking faults, was found in WC grains, and lattice distortion also occurred. It indicated that the high strain rate and instantaneous stress induced the formation of defect during densification.
Effect of Ti, W, Mn, Mo and Si on microstructure and mechanical properties of high carbon Fe–10·5 wt-%Al alloy
Authors: Baligidad R. G. , Prasad V. V. Satya , Rao A. Sambasiva
Published: June 2007

Effect of quaternary alloying elements Ti, W, Mn, Mo and Si on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe–10·5Al–0·7C (wt-%) alloy has been investigated. Six different alloys were prepared by a combination of air induction melting with flux cover and electroslag remelting (ESR). The composition of the quaternary alloying element was ∼2 wt-% and was substituted for iron. The ESR ingots were hot forged and hot rolled at 1375 K. The hot rolled alloys were characterised with respect to microstructure and mechanical properties. Alloys containing W, Mn and Si exhibited two phase microstructure of Fe3AlC0·5 precipitates in α Fe–Al matrix. Whereas alloys containing Mo and Ti exhibited three phase microstructures, the additional phase being the respective carbides. Both α Fe–Al matrix and Fe3AlC0·5 precipitates have considerable amount of solubility for W, Mn and Mo whereas Si has very high solubility in α Fe–Al matrix as compared with Fe3AlC0·5 precipitates and titanium has very low solubility in both α Fe–Al matrix and Fe3AlC0·5 precipitates. Greater improvement in room temperature tensile properties was observed by the addition of Mn as compared with the addition of W. Significant improvement in tensile and creep properties was observed by the addition of Mo. Though the addition of silicon has resulted in poor room temperature ductility, there has been remarkable improvement in high temperature strength and creep properties.
Mechanical stabilisation of eutectoid steel
Authors: Maalekian M. , Kozeschnik E. , Chatterjee S. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: June 2007

Martensitic transformation involves the translation of a glissile interface, whose motion can be retarded by defects introduced into the parent austenite. Quantitative measurements of this process of mechanical stabilisation in a eutectoid steel have been compared successfully against a recent theory for the phenomenon.
Use of titanium and zirconium in centrifugally cast heat resistant steel
Authors: Caballero F. G. , Imizcoz P. , Lopez V. , Alvarez L. F. , de Andrés C. García
Published: June 2007

Low carbon 25Cr–35Ni steel (HP type steel) modified with titanium and zirconium has been produced by centrifugal casting. The different phases present in the as cast and aged conditions were described by light optical and scanning electron microscopy with secondary electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results suggest that the use of titanium as a microalloying element reduces secondary precipitation during aging. Moreover, secondary precipitates in the microalloyed steel are much finer and more evenly distributed. On the other hand, zirconium oxides was found to be potential nucleation sites for primary titanium rich carbides contributing to an optimum distribution of these carbides in the tubes. These differences together with the higher stability of the titanium containing primary carbides are responsible for the improvement on ductility and creep resistance found in the present work.