bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application Potential of Nanocrystalline Ribbons Still Pending
Authors: Butvin Pavol , Butvinová Beata , Švec Peter , Sitek Jozef
Published: June 2011

Application Potential of Nanocrystalline Ribbons Still Pending

Nanocrystalline soft-magnetic ribbons promised a wide-spread practical use when introduced at the beginning of nineties. After 20 years of extensive research there are still unclear material problems which are thought to be the principal reason why these materials show but marginal use. Poorly controllable magnetic anisotropy due to spontaneous intrinsic macroscopic stress that comes from an inevitable heterogeneity of the ribbon materials is pointed to in this work. Certain stress-based mechanisms are shown to induce the unintended anisotropy in the already familiar Finemets as well as in the newer Hitperms. Hysteresis loops, domain structure and power loss is used to reveal the anisotropy consequences and particular connected but still unanswered questions are pinpointed.
Experience with Imaging by Using of Microfocus X-Ray Source
Authors: Zápražný Zdenko , Korytár Dušan , Dubecký František , Áč Vladimír , Stachura Zbigniew , Lekki Janusz , Bielicky Jakub , Mudroň Ján
Published: June 2011

Experience with Imaging by Using of Microfocus X-Ray Source

In this paper we present the current work and experience with using microfocus x-ray generator and commercial CCD camera for x-ray imaging purpose. There is a need in laboratories for the development of imaging methods approaching synchrotron radiation sources, where the brilliance of radiation is on very high-level. Generally, there is no continuous access to synchrotron facilities. Several synchrotron radiation laboratories allocate the access via a proposal system. Thus the time for synchrotron radiation experiments seldom exceeds more than 1-2 weeks per year, which restricts its application to a few selected experiments. Even in future, the routine characterization of samples will be performed mainly at the experimenters home laboratories [10]. In this contribution we show that with the present set-up it is possible to achieve the spatial resolution down to μm and with the appropriate geometry a phase contrast images are observable.
A New Soft Starting Method for Wound-Rotor Induction Motor
Authors: Sharifian Mohammad , Feyzi Mohammad , Sabahi Mehran , Farrokhifar Meysam
Published: June 2011

A New Soft Starting Method for Wound-Rotor Induction Motor

Starting of a three-phase Induction motor using a starter rheostat in rotor circuit has some disadvantages. A new method for starting of a three-phase motor by using a parallel combination of resistors, self-inductors and capacitors in rotor circuit is proposed in this paper. The proposed method ensures the soft and higher starting torque as well as limited starting current as compared to shorted rotor method. The characteristic curves for both methods (shorted rotor and rotor with added elements) are provided. The mathematical model based on the steady-state equivalent circuit of the induction motor is expanded in frequency domain and the required computer program is prepared using an optimization method. The values for added elements to rotor circuit are calculated in such a way that minimum starting time considering current and torque limitations are achieved.
IM Based Speed Servodrive with Luenberger Observer
Authors: Gacho Juraj , Žalman Milan
Published: June 2011

IM Based Speed Servodrive with Luenberger Observer

The article concerns observing states of the Induction Motor (IM) using a Luenberger observer in the speed servo drive. The movement of the motor and observer roots is analyzed for a variable speed. Following the analysis, a new method for gain evaluation of the IM magnetic flux observer is presented. This structure is extended by including an adaptive speed observer. The functionality of the presented method is proved in simulations using MATLAB Simulink.
Timber beams subjected to long - term loading
Authors: Sógel K.
Published: June 2011

Timber beams subjected to long - term loading

Wood is a significant structural material, which is often used for timber bearing structures. Elements of timber structures must especially satisfy safety requirements, which are expressed by the ultimate limit states in the established standards. The structure must also satisfy the serviceability limit states. Local and global deformations make it impossible for the structure to serve the purpose it was designed for. It is important to take the deflections and their possible increase into account in the design to provide a structure which can be used during the whole period of service. Based on earlier examinations, it is known that a timber element over the course of long-term loading shows creep behavior. The structure of wood is able to adapt to the conditions of the surrounding environment. The properties of wood are especially affected by the relative humidity of the air and then by the type, intensity and duration of the loading. The most important factors affecting the serviceability of timber structures are volume changes caused by humidity and additional deflections caused by the effects of long-term loading. These phenomena emphasize the importance of serviceability limit states for timber structures. The paper deals with a long-term experimental investigation of timber girders that are currently often used. The aim was to obtain the deflection curves and mark the time dependence and the final deflections. The paper will also define the approximations for simulating the time-dependent deflections and obtain the creep coefficients for calculating the final deflections of the girders investigated.
Possibility of utilization directing structures in river revitalization
Authors: Šlezingr M. , Synková J. , Foltýnová L. , Uhmannová H.
Published: June 2011

Possibility of utilization directing structures in river revitalization

Directing and concentrating structures are mainly used on water courses with unstable channels and major sediment transport or in areas with major bank erosion. The main purpose of these structures is to redirect water flow from the stressed and very often eroded bank to the centre of the channel or other parts of the channel, where the water flow may be used, e.g., for dispersion of unsuitable deposits before its eventual stabilization by natural succession. Another important goal is to achieve a desired change in a stream channel by using the transporting power of the water flow and targeted deposition of any sediment. The area of a deflecting structure, a so-called hydraulic shadow, also appears where sediment is deposited (deflector). The objective is to achieve the deposition of sediments at desired places in the stream. It is possible to design a whole range of suitable or less suitable types of flow deflectors. In our article, we will particularly focus on problems of revitalizing a water course; i.e., the design of structures from biological or biotechnical elements for channel stabilization.
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC) - A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Md Mazibur , Islam Sheikh Muhammad Shaheedul , Islam Md Sirajul , Siraj Nawshin , Khanum Sultana , Saklayen Golam , Uddin Jalal
Published: June 2011

A one year and three months male child having Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC) presented at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute with repeated cough, tachypnoea, fever, failure to thrive & diaphoresis particularly during feeding with a mild degree of cyanosis without any evidence of heart failure. He underwent successful rerouting of pulmonary veins to left atrium (LA). The procedure consisted of side to side wide anastomosis between confluence of pulmonary veins (CPV) and left atrium with the division and ligation of vertical vein at its opening to left innominate vein and closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). The patient is doing well without any symptoms at followup. Key words: TAPVC; CPV; Vertical vein Ibrahim Card Med J 2011; 1(1):56-58
Fabrication of Multiferroic Co-Substituted BiFeO3 Epitaxial Films on SrTiO3 (100) Substrates by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Begum Husne Ara , Naganuma Hiroshi , Oogane Mikihiko , Ando Yasuo
Published: June 2011

The 10 at.% Co-substituted BiFeO3 films (of thickness 50 nm) were successfully prepared by radio frequency (r.f.) magnetron sputtering on SrTiO3 (100) substrates with epitaxial relationships of [001](001)Co-BiFeO3//[001](001)SrTiO3. In this study, a single phase Co-substituted BiFeO3 epitaxial film was fabricated by r.f. magnetron sputtering. Sputtering conditions such as Ar, O2 gas pressure, annealing temperature, annealing atmosphere, and sputtering power were systematically changed. It was observed that a low Ar gas pressure and low sputtering power is necessary to suppress the formation of the secondary phases of BiOx. The Co-substituted BiFeO3 films were crystalized with post-annealing at 600 °C in air. The process window for single phase films is narrower than that for pure BiFeO3 epitaxial films. By substituting Fe with Co in BiFeO3, the magnetization at room temperature increased to 20 emu/cm3. This result suggests that Co-substituted BiFeO3 films can be used in spin-filter devices.
Correlation of Nitrogen Sorption and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy for the Analysis of Amino Group Distributions on Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Gartmann Nando , Brühwiler Dominik
Published: June 2011

Aminopropylalkoxysilanes are frequently used for the functionalization of mesoporous silica. The analysis of amino group distributions on arrays of silica nanochannels by a combination of nitrogen sorption and confocal laser scanning microscopy provides valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying the interaction of these silanes with mesoporous silica surfaces. Tendencies towards external surface functionalization, non-uniform distribution in the pores, and hydrolysis of the silica framework are shown to depend to a large extent on the mobility of the aminopropylalkoxysilane molecules, which can be adjusted by the number and type of alkoxy groups.
Georeferenced LiDAR 3D Vine Plantation Map Generation
Authors: Llorens Jordi , Gil Emilio , Llop Jordi , Queraltó Meritxell
Published: June 2011

The use of electronic devices for canopy characterization has recently been widely discussed. Among such devices, LiDAR sensors appear to be the most accurate and precise. Information obtained with LiDAR sensors during reading while driving a tractor along a crop row can be managed and transformed into canopy density maps by evaluating the frequency of LiDAR returns. This paper describes a proposed methodology to obtain a georeferenced canopy map by combining the information obtained with LiDAR with that generated using a GPS receiver installed on top of a tractor. Data regarding the velocity of LiDAR measurements and UTM coordinates of each measured point on the canopy were obtained by applying the proposed transformation process. The process allows overlap of the canopy density map generated with the image of the intended measured area using Google Earth®, providing accurate information about the canopy distribution and/or location of damage along the rows. This methodology was applied and tested on different vine varieties and crop stages in two important vine production areas in Spain. The results indicate that the georeferenced information obtained with LiDAR sensors appears to be an interesting tool with the potential to improve crop management processes.
Expression Analysis of Stress-Related Genes in Kernels of Different Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines with Different Resistance to Aflatoxin Contamination
Authors: Jiang Tingbo , Zhou Boru , Luo Meng , Abbas Hamed K. , Kemerait Robert , Lee Robert Dewey , Scully Brian T. , Guo Baozhu
Published: June 2011

This research examined the expression patterns of 94 stress-related genes in seven maize inbred lines with differential expressions of resistance to aflatoxin contamination. The objective was to develop a set of genes/probes associated with resistance to A. flavus and/or aflatoxin contamination. Ninety four genes were selected from previous gene expression studies with abiotic stress to test the differential expression in maize lines, A638, B73, Lo964, Lo1016, Mo17, Mp313E, and Tex6, using real-time RT-PCR. Based on the relative-expression levels, the seven maize inbred lines clustered into two different groups. One group included B73, Lo1016 and Mo17, which had higher levels of aflatoxin contamination and lower levels of overall gene expression. The second group which included Tex6, Mp313E, Lo964 and A638 had lower levels of aflatoxin contamination and higher overall levels of gene expressions. A total of six “cross-talking” genes were identified between the two groups, which are highly expressed in the resistant Group 2 but down-regulated in susceptible Group 1. When further subjected to drought stress, Tex6 expressed more genes up-regulated and B73 has fewer genes up-regulated. The transcript patterns and interactions measured in these experiments indicate that the resistant mechanism is an interconnected process involving many gene products and transcriptional regulators, as well as various host interactions with environmental factors, particularly, drought and high temperature.
Uptake of Novel Medical Therapies in the General Population
Authors: Booth C.M. , Rapoport B.
Published: June 2011

The randomized controlled trial (rct) remains the “gold standard” for establishing the efficacy of new medical therapies [...]
SERVICE QUALITY, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY: THE MODERATING ROLE OF GENDER / APTARNAVIMO KOKYBĖ, VARTOTOJŲ PASITENKINIMAS IR LOJALUMAS VARTOTOJŲ LYTIES ATŽVILGIU
Authors: Karatepe Osman M.
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study is to investigate customer satisfaction as a mediator of the effects of service environment, interaction quality, empathy, and reliability on loyalty. The present study also aims to examine gender as a moderator in the relationship between the aforementioned service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. Data were gathered from the customers of retail banks in Northern Cyprus. The results based on hierarchical multiple regression analysis reveal that customer satisfaction mediates the impacts of service environment, interaction quality, empathy, and reliability on loyalty. The results also indicate that gender moderates the effects of empathy and reliability on customer satisfaction. Implications of the results are discussed, and avenues for future research are offered.

Santrauka

Šio straipsnio tikslas – išanalizuoti klientų pasitenkinimą kaip mediatorių, kuriam įtakos turi aptarnavimo aplinka, sąveikos kokybė, empatija ir lojalumas. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama lyčių įtaka sąryšiui tarp paslaugų kokybės ir vartotojų pasitenkinimo. Tyrimo rezultatai buvo gauti apklausus Šiaurės Kipro banko klientus. Autorius pritaikė daugiakriterinę regresijos analizę. Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad yra sąryšis tarp minėtų elementų, t. y. tiek tarp aptarnavimo aplinkos, sąveikos kokybės, empatijos, lojalumo ir klientų pasitenkinimo bei tų veiksnių atitinkamo pasiskirstymo ir jų priklausomybės nuo lyties.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE ADOPTION AMONG SMES IN MALAYSIA / VEIKSNIŲ, TURINČIŲ ĮTAKOS ELEKTORINEI PREKYBAI, STUDIJA: MALAIZIJOS PAVYZDYS
Authors: Alam Syed Shah , Ali Md. Yunus , Jani Mohd. Fauzi Mohd.
Published: June 2011

This study empirically examines determinants of E-commerce adoption by Malaysian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Research model for this study was drawn on the literature on information and communication technology, Information system, and electronic data interchange. This study tested seven hypotheses on factors that influence e-commerce adoption with empirical data from a sample of 200 SMEs in Malaysia. The findings show that relative advantage, compatibility, organizational readiness, manager's characteristics, and security have significant impact on e-commerce adoption. The study provides a clear understanding of manager's perception about e-commerce adoption in their businesses. This study is important in a global context, as SMEs in Malaysia are going for exporting their product in the global marketplace.

Santrauka

Šiame straipsnyje pristatomas empirinis tyrimas, kuriame analizuojamas e.-komercijos principų taikymas Malaizijos smulkiojo ir vidutinio verslo įmonėse. Tyrimo modelis pristatytas šiame straipsnyje, buvo sudarytas remiantis mokslinės literatūros analize. Autoriai iškėlė 7 hipotezes, kurias vėliau bandė pagrįsti. Iškeltoms hipotezėms patvirtinti (arba paneigti) buvo atliekamas tyrimas. Tyrime dalyvavo 200 smulkiojo ir vidutinio verslo įmonių, taikančių savo veikloje e.-komercijos principus. Pristatyto tyrimo metu buvo nustatyta ir tai, kad sėkmingam e-komercijos principų taikymui didelę reikšmę turi ne tik technologiniai sprendimai, bet ir žmogiškasis veiksnys. Autoriai pažymi, kad šis tyrimas yra labai svarbus Malaizijoje įsikūrusioms smulkiojo ir vidutinio verslo įmonėms, nes jame buvo vertinamos tarptautinio verslo perspektyvos globalizacijos kontekste.
Colonisation, développement, aide humanitaire. Pour une anthropologie de l'aide internationale
Authors: Atlani-Duault Laëtitia , Dozon Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2011

Résumé Cet article retrace la longue histoire de la recherche concernant l’aide humanitaire, inscrite dans la filiation des études anthropologiques sur la situation coloniale, le développement, la santé et, plus largement, sur le politique. Il montre comment cette histoire doit aujourd’hui intégrer les évolutions récentes tant du côté de l’aide humanitaire et des politiques du développement, que des recherches en anthropologie portant sur ces thèmes. Il relève enfin des glissements thématiques et conceptuels entre ces divers champs au sens éminemment politique, que seule peut saisir une anthropologie de l’aide internationale, à la fois ancrée dans l’histoire de la discipline et prenant à bras-le-corps les reconfigurations actuelles de l’aide.
Une petite entreprise de réassemblage du monde
Authors: Le Meur Pierre-Yves
Published: June 2011

Résumé Les plans fonciers ruraux ( pfr ) sont des interventions foncières qui visent à la fois la connaissance et la reconnaissance des droits fonciers « tels qu’ils sont perçus et reconnus par les populations elles-mêmes ». Ils se déploient dans le cadre d’un dispositif d’enquête et d’intervention complexe qui mobilise de manière plus ou moins explicite ou sous-jacente des concepts et des théories sociales. Les différents niveaux de présence de l’anthropologie et de l’anthropologue dans la conception, l’appréhension et la mise en œuvre du plan foncier rural au Bénin sont analysés sur la base d’une ethnographie elle-même plurielle, combinant des phases de recherche fondamentale et appliquée. L’analyse de l’intervention comme opération complexe de traduction sera précédée par une discussion des régimes d’énonciation et des concepts médiateurs qui organisent le pfr .
Soigner le sida en Afrique. Recherche biomédicale et engagement humanitaire
Authors: Eboko Fred
Published: June 2011

Résumé Cet article explore la rencontre rare et riche d’enseignements scientifiques et politiques entre une équipe de recherche et une organisation humanitaire, au regard des sciences sociales. Une unité de l’Institut de recherche pour le développement ( ird France) et la section helvétique de Médecins sans frontières ( msf Suisse) ont contracté un mariage de raison à Yaoundé au Cameroun en 2001. Ces deux institutions ont mis en commun savoirs scientifiques et engagement humanitaire au service d’une des plus importantes causes sanitaires de notre époque : soigner les malades du sida en Afrique.
La régulation de l'énergie : bilan et réformes
Authors: Riffault-Silk Jacqueline
Published: June 2011

Le secteur de l’énergie suscite des enjeux propres et met aux prises différents objectifs et logiques que le législateur tente de concilier. La spécificité de ce « bien essentiel » et le souci du législateur d’assurer la continuité de sa fourniture ont conduit les instances européennes à adopter le 20 octobre 2010 un règlement dotant l’Union européenne de mesures visant à garantir l’approvisionnement en gaz des populations en cas de crise, en renforçant le rôle de la Commission européenne dans la coordination des mesures prises par les États et en prévoyant notamment l’obligation d’assurer la continuité de la fourniture pour les clients dits « protégés », catégorie comprenant systématiquement les ménages. Ces changements législatifs traduisent la volonté des instances européennes d’inscrire le secteur de l’énergie dans le modèle économique européen d’un marché intérieur et de le soumettre au libre jeu de la concurrence, conformément à l’Acte unique européen signé en 1986 et aux priorités définies lors du sommet de Lisbonne réuni en 2000. Par ailleurs, le secteur de l’énergie suscite des enjeux environnementaux liés notamment à la recherche d’énergies « propres » et/ou « renouvelables » pour une meilleure protection de l’environnement. Par conséquent, ce secteur pourrait être schématisé sous la forme d’un triangle à trois « sommets » : Lisbonne, pour la libéralisation de ce secteur économique ; Kyoto, pour la protection de l’environnement... et Moscou, pour la sécurité des approvisionnements. Cette étude présente les principes de régulation du secteur de l’énergie, les applications contentieuses qui en ont résulté ainsi que les débats et les réformes autour de ce « bien essentiel » avec notamment la loi « Nome » et la coopération entre les autorités de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) et des marchés financiers (AMF).
Community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates inhabiting a highly stratified Mediterranean estuary
Authors: Nebra Alfonso , Caiola Nuno , Ibáñez Carles
Published: June 2011

The community composition and spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates were studied along the Ebro estuary, a highly stratified estuary located in the NE Iberian Peninsula. During the last decade the oligotrophication process occurring in the lower Ebro River and its estuary has allowed a complex benthic macroinvertebrate community to become established; these results contrast with the poor community found there in the early nineties. A total of 214 taxa were identified, and polychaetes dominated the community both in abundance and species richness. The results showed spatial differences in the structure and composition of macroinvertebrates, which suggests that there are two distinct communities along the estuary. Each community was found in a specific stretch (upper and lower estuary) in function of the presence of the salt wedge. The macrobenthos of the upper estuary was dominated by freshwater taxa, but some euryhaline species were also found. The lower estuary showed a marine community typical of shallow Mediterranean environments. The transition between these two communities fits an ecotone model. The highest abundances, richness and diversities were recorded at the lower estuarine stations, especially those closer to the river mouth, whereas the lowest values corresponded to the stations adjacent to the tip of the salt wedge.
Description of a new goatfish species, Upeneus randalli n. sp. (Mullidae), from the Persian Gulf, with remarks and identification keys for the genus Upeneus
Authors: Uiblein Franz , Heemstra Phillip C.
Published: June 2011

The number of species of the goatfish genus Upeneus from the western Indian Ocean has increased considerably due to recent taxonomic efforts. Here we describe a new species, Upeneus randalli n. sp., based on body and fin coloration and 50 morphometric and meristic characters of eight specimens from the Persian Gulf, and supported by comparative data from a taxonomic review of western Indian Ocean Upeneus species and additional material from collections. Upeneus randalli is distinguished from congeners by the combination of 8 dorsal-fin spines, 14 pectoral-fin rays, 23 to 25 gill rakers, 28 to 30 lateral-line scales, pectoral-fin width 22 to 26 times in SL, and red bars on both caudal-fin lobes. We provide two identification keys: one key is for distinguishing among four species groups and the morphologically unique U. filifer, accounting for all 28 species of the genus, and the other key is for the six closely related species of the “U. tragula group” from the western Indian Ocean, including U. randalli n. sp. Since the colour patterns fade away soon after collection and can be completely lost during preservation, morphometric and meristic characters are important for correctly identifying U. randalli n. sp. and the closely related U. margarethae. The latter species shows considerable variation in body form in different areas of the western Indian Ocean. We discuss the significance of detailed comparative studies of caudal-fin colour patterns and body-form characters for obtaining a deeper understanding of inter- and intraspecific diversity among Upeneus.
Topographic enhancement of long waves generated by an idealized moving pressure system
Authors: Orfila Alejandro , Balle Salvador , Simarro Gonzalo
Published: June 2011

We studied the influence of the topography on the oceanic response to a traveling atmospheric disturbance and the relevance of its propagation direction on the generation of seiche oscillations. A primitive equation ocean model was used to analyze the response of two harbors located in insular systems to a pressure disturbance. The spectral component at the frequency of fundamental harbor resonance was determined from these data for different propagation directions of the incoming atmospheric disturbance. A conceptual model of interferences of resonantly generated ocean waves was introduced in order to explain energy maxima obtained by the numerical model close to the most affected areas.
Antibodies Induced by Lipoarabinomannan in Bovines: Characterization and Effects on the Interaction betweenMycobacterium aviumSubsp.paratuberculosisand MacrophagesIn Vitro
Authors: Jolly Ana , Colavecchia Silvia Beatriz , Fernández Bárbara , Fernández Eloy , Mundo Silvia Leonor
Published: June 2011

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a major glycolipidic antigen on the mycobacterial envelope. The aim of this study was to characterize the humoral immune response induced by immunization with a LAM extract in bovines and to evaluate the role of the generated antibodies in thein vitroinfection of macrophages withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP). Sera from fourteen calves immunized with LAM extract or PBS emulsified in Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant and from five paratuberculosis-infected bovines were studied. LAM-immunized calves developed specific antibodies with IgG1 as the predominant isotype. Serum immunoglobulins were isolated and their effect was examined in MAP ingestion and viability assays using a bovine macrophage cell line. Our results show that the antibodies generated by LAM immunization significantly increase MAP ingestion and reduce its intracellular viability, suggesting an active role in this model.
Community-Based Participatory Research Approaches for Hypertension Control and Prevention in Churches
Authors: Dodani Sunita
Published: June 2011

Hypertension (HTN) is a highly prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV), cerebrovascular, and renal diseases and disproportionately affects African Americans (AAs). It has been shown that promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyles, ones that involve best practices of diet and exercise and abundant expert support, can, in a healthcare setting, reduce the incidence of hypertension in those who are at high risk. In this paper, we will examine whether similar programs are effective in the AA church-community-based participatory research settings, outside of the healthcare arena. If successful, these church-based approaches may be applied successfully to reduce the incidence and consequences of hypertension in large communities with potentially huge impact on public health.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor Mutations in Cancer and Resistance to Thyroid Hormone: Perspective and Prognosis
Authors: Rosen Meghan D. , Privalsky Martin L.
Published: June 2011

Thyroid hormone, operating through its receptors, plays crucial roles in the control of normal human physiology and development; deviations from the norm can give rise to disease. Clinical endocrinologists often must confront and correct the consequences of inappropriately high or low thyroid hormone synthesis. Although more rare, disruptions in thyroid hormone endocrinology due to aberrations in the receptor also have severe medical consequences. This review will focus on the afflictions that are caused by, or are closely associated with, mutated thyroid hormone receptors. These include Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome, erythroleukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, renal clear cell carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. We will describe current views on the molecular bases of these diseases, and what distinguishes the neoplastic from the non-neoplastic. We will also touch on studies that implicate alterations in receptor expression, and thyroid hormone levels, in certain oncogenic processes.
Confocal Raman microscopy as a tool to describe different mineral and organic phases at high spatial resolution within marine biogenic carbonates: case study on Nerita undata (Gastropoda, Neritopsina)
Authors: Nehrke G. , Nouet J.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Marine biogenic carbonates formed by invertebrates (e.g. corals and mollusk shells) represent complex composites of one or more mineral phases and organic molecules. This complexity ranges from the macroscopic structures observed with the naked eye down to sub micrometric structures only revealed by micro analytical techniques. Understanding to what extent and how organisms can control the formation of these structures requires that the mineral and organic phases can be identified and their spatial distribution related. Here we demonstrate the capability of confocal Raman microscopy applied to cross sections of a shell of Nerita undata to describe the distribution of calcite and aragonite including their crystallographic orientation with high lateral resolution (∼300 nm). Moreover, spatial distribution of functional groups of organic compounds can be simultaneously acquired, allowing to specifically relate them to the observed microstructures. The data presented in this case study highlights the possible new contributions of this method to the description of modalities of Nerita undata shell formation, and what could be expected of its application to other marine biogenic carbonates. Localization of areas of interest would also allow further investigations using more localized methods, such as TEM that would provide complementary information on the relation between organic molecules and crystallographic lattice.
Torque control of underactuated tendon-driven fingers
Authors: Abdallah M. E. , Wampler C. W.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Given an underactuated tendon-driven finger, the finger posture is underdetermined and can move freely ("flop") in a region of slack tendons. This work shows that such an underactuated finger can be operated in tendon force control (rather than position control) with effective performance. The force control eliminates the indeterminate slack while commanding a parameterized space of desired torques. The torque will either push the finger to the joint limits or wrap around an external object with variable torque – behavior that is sufficient for primarily gripping fingers. In addition, introducing asymmetric joint radii to the design allows the finger to command an expanded range of joint torques and to scan an expanded set of external surfaces. This study is motivated by the design and control of the secondary fingers of the NASA-GM R2 humanoid hand. This paper was presented at the IFToMM/ASME International Workshop on Underactuated Grasping (UG2010), 19 August 2010, Montréal, Canada.
Trocar Site Hernia after Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pamela Delmonaco , Roberto Cirocchi , Francesco La Mura , Umberto Morelli , Carla Migliaccio , Vincenzo Napolitano , Stefano Trastulli , Eriberto Farinella , Daniele Giuliani , Angelo Desol , Diego Milani , Micol Sole Di Patrizi , Alessandro Spizzirri , Maurizio Bravetti , Vito Sciannameo , Nicola Avenia , Francesco Sciannameo
Published: June 2011

Background. Trocar Site Hernia (TSH) is defined as an incisional hernia which occurs after minimally invasive surgery on the trocar incision site.In 2004 Tonouchi classified trocar site hernias into 3 types: Early onset type; Late onset type; Special type.Case Report. We report the case of a 76-year old woman that underwent an emergency explorative laparotomy on the 10th p.o. day after a laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Surgery showed a small bowel herniation through the 12 mm trocar incision site; the intestinal loop appeared necrotic and had to be resected, and the hernia orifice was repaired. We carried out a review of literature about this topic.Discussion. The clinical onset of a trocar site hernia is usually early, occurring within the 30th post operative day and it is caused by the omentum or small bowel entrapment into the trocar orifice. The clinical presentation is insidious, with progression to an acute abdomen, and an emergency surgical approach is often required.Conclusions. TSH is a severe complication of operative laparoscopy especially with large-bore trocar ports. The incidence of TSH resulting from our review ranges from 0.007% to 22% with an average of 1.85%. Prevention of TSH appears to be more effective when trocar insertion through the abdominal wall is tangential, the closure of both the fascia and the peritoneum is performed if the incision is greater than 7 mm, the suture of extra umbilical port site is performed under laparoscopic vision.
Genetically Engineered Chimeric Silk–Silver Binding Proteins
Authors: Currie Heather A. , Deschaume Olivier , Naik Rajesh R. , Perry Carole C. , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2011

Composite or hybrid materials are commonly found in Nature, formed through the concentration and subsequent nucleation of ions upon organic templates that are most often protein based. Examples include the deposition of calcium containing salts in bone, teeth and the inner ear and iron oxide structures in magnetotactic bacteria. Biological organisms use a limited number of metal ions, the principal ones being calcium and iron, with lesser amounts of strontium, and barium. The ability to utilize other ions to generate composites offers the possibility of new material properties. New materials incorporating silver would be useful in the context of antimicrobial functions. Therefore, in the present study, a new route to such functionalized biomaterials is reported. Genetically engineered fusion proteins are created by the incorporation of nucleotides corresponding to short silver binding peptides identified by a combinatorial biopanning process into the consensus sequence of silk from the spider, Nephila clavipes. The resulting chimeric silk–silver binding proteins nucleated Ag ions from a solution of silver nitrate while the silk protein provided a stable template material which could be processed into films, fibers, and three‐dimensional scaffolds. The silk films inhibited microbial growth of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microrganisms on agar plates and in liquid culture, thus highlighting the potential of these chimeric material systems as antimicrobial biomedical coatings.
A Highly Efficient Electrochemical Biosensing Platform by Employing Conductive Nanocomposite Entrapping Magnetic Nanoparticles and Oxidase in Mesoporous Carbon Foam
Authors: Kim Moon Il , Ye Youngjin , Won Byoung Yeon , Shin Sujeong , Lee Jinwoo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: May 2011

A conductive multi‐catalyst system consisting of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and oxidative enzymes co‐entrapped in the pores of mesoporous carbon is developed as an efficient and robust electrochemical biosensing platform. The construction of the nanocomposite begins with the incorporation of MNPs by impregnating Fe(NO3)3 on a wall of mesoporous carbon followed by heat treatment under an Ar/H2 atmosphere, which results in the formation of magnetic mesoporous carbon (MMC). Glucose oxidase (GOx) is subsequently immobilized in the remaining pore spaces of the MMC by using glutaraldehyde crosslinking to prevent enzyme leaching from the matrix. H2O2 generated by the catalytic action of GOx in proportion to the amount of target glucose is subsequently reduced into H2O by the peroxidase mimetic activity of MNPs generating cathodic current, which can be detected through the conductive carbon matrix. To develop a robust and easy‐to‐use electrocatalytic biosensing platform, a carbon paste electrode is prepared by mechanically mixing the nanocomposite or MMCs and mineral oil. Using this strategy, H2O2 and several phenolic compounds are amperometrically determined employing MMCs as peroxidase mimetics, and target glucose was successfully detected over a wide range of 0.5 × 10−3 to 10 × 10−3 M, which covers the actual range of glucose concentration in human blood, with excellent storage stability of over two months at room temperature. Sensitivities of the biosensor (19 to 36 nA mM−1) are about 7–14 times higher than that of the biosensor using immobilized GOx in mesoporous carbon without MNPs under optimized condition. The biosensor is of considerable interest because of its potential for expansion to any oxidases, which will be beneficial for use in practical applications by replacing unstable organic peroxidase with immobilized MNPs in a conductive carbon matrix.
Colloidal Synthesis of Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Son Jae Sung , Yu Jung Ho , Kwon Soon Gu , Lee Jihwa , Joo Jin , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: May 2011

2D semiconductor quantum wells have been recognized as potential candidates for various quantum devices. In quantum wells, electrons and holes are spatially confined within a finite thickness and freely move in 2D space. Much effort has focused on shape control of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), and synthesis of 2D colloidal NCs has been achieved very recently. Here, recent advances in colloidal synthesis of uniform and ultrathin 2D CdSe NCs are highlighted. Structural and optical property characterization of these quantum‐sized 2D CdSe NCs is discussed. Additionally, 2D CdSe NCs doped with Mn2+ ions for dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) are presented. These 2D CdSe‐based NCs can be used as model systems for studying quantum‐well structures.
Rett syndrome: A study of the face
Authors: Allanson Judith E. , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Moog Ute , Smeets Eric E.
Published: May 2011

Rett syndrome is a unique disorder of neurodevelopment that is characterized by an evolving behavioral and developmental phenotype, which emerges after an apparently normal early infantile period. It almost exclusively affects females. The face of Rett syndrome is said to resemble that of Angelman syndrome, although there seems little objective support for this impression and it is not a concept with universal support. This observational and anthropometric study was carried out to define the key facial characteristics of females with Rett syndrome and to evaluate whether any changes of significance occur with age. Thirty‐seven affected Caucasian females, from 2 to 20 years of age, were evaluated. Thirty‐five of them had a documented mutation in MECP2 while the remaining two fulfilled the clinical criteria for Rett syndrome and had been diagnosed by an experienced clinician. Few unusual facial features were noted. Almost all facial measurements were within the normal range although head circumference tended to fall below the normal range with increasing age. The pattern of measurements was constant over time, with the exception of increased facial width in the under 3‐year‐old girls. The face of Rett syndrome does not demonstrate marked prognathism, wide mouth, spaced teeth or striking microcephaly, all features of Angelman syndrome. Thus, while Rett and Angelman syndromes have similar clinical, neurological, and behavioral phenotypes, they do not appear to share similar facial features. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The 3q29 microdeletion syndrome: Report of three new unrelated patients and in silico “RNA binding” analysis of the 3q29 region
Authors: Dasouki Majed J. , Lushington Gerald H. , Hovanes Karine , Casey James , Gorre Mereceds
Published: May 2011

The human 3q29 microdeletion syndrome is associated with mild facial dysmorphism, developmental delay and variable congenital malformations. We report three new unrelated patients with this syndrome. We also performed in silico RNA binding analysis in silico on the 3q29 critical region genes. Several genes within this genomic region including DLG1 and RNF168 are predicted to bind RNA. While recessive mutations in RNF168 cause RIDDLE syndrome, an immune deficiency and radiosensitivity disorder, the potential impact of heterozygous deletion of RNF168 on patients with the 3q29 deletion syndrome is still unknown. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 10.46 Mb 12p11.1–12.1 interstitial deletion coincident with a 0.19 Mb NRXN1 deletion detected by array CGH in a girl with scoliosis and autism
Authors: Soysal Yasemin , Vermeesch Joris , Davani Nooshin Ardeshir , Hekimler Kuyaş , İmirzalıoğlu Necat
Published: May 2011

We present a 12‐year‐old girl with de novo karyotype 46,XX,del(12)(p11.1p12.1). Array CGH revealed in addition to a 10.466 Mb interstitial deletion on 12p11.1→12p12.1 a 0.191 Mb deletion on 2p16.3. The girl presented with mild facial dysmorphism consisting of microcephaly, hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, strabismus, broad nasal base, bulbous nose, short philtrum, micro/retrognathia, irregular tooth arrangement, phalangeal deformity in distal phalanges of hands, 5th finger camptodactyly, brachydactyly in feet, history of joint hypermobility, and scoliosis. She was considered to have mild to moderate mental retardation and ascertained for an autism spectrum disorder(ASD). Short arm of chromosome 12 interstitial deletions are rarely reported whereas point mutations and deletions of NRXN1, which is located on chromosome 2p16.3, are associated with ASDs. In this article we present and discuss the phenotypic consequences of a patient who was affected by deletions of two different chromosomal regions. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bestimmung der Struktur, Zusammensetzung und Dynamiken molekularer Oberflächen unter Reaktionsbedingungen bei hohen Drücken und an der Fest‐flüssig‐Phasengrenzfläche
Authors: Somorjai Gabor A. , Beaumont Simon K. , Alayoglu Selim
Published: May 2011

In den letzten zwanzig Jahren wurden Experimente und Methoden zur Erforschung von Oberflächenphänomenen entwickelt, die Informationen auf molekularer Ebene bei Reaktionsbedingungen unter hohen Drücken (d. h. ungefähr 1 bar) an Fest‐flüssig‐Grenzflächen liefern. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beschreibt die Ergebnisse dieser Studien, die durch oberflächenempfindliche Laser‐Spektroskopie, Rastertunnelmikroskopie und Röntgenspektroskopie erhalten wurden. Die Verwendung von Modelloberflächen, Einkristallen sowie monodispersen Nanopartikeln mit variabler Größe (1–10 nm) und Form erleichtert die Interpretation der experimentellen Daten. Die verwendeten Methoden ermöglichen die Untersuchung der Molekularstruktur von Zwischenprodukten, des Oxidationszustandes von Metallen und der Beweglichkeit adsorbierter Moleküle. Auch werden neue Techniken diskutiert, die bedeutende Beiträge zur Untersuchung von Oberflächen unter Reaktionsbedingungen erwarten lassen.
Observation of Global Stratospheric Ozone Change
Authors: Stolarski Richard S.
Published: May 2011

Measurements of the total column amount of ozone from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) on the Nimbus 7 satellite have now been made for 13 years. They show that the 1991 Antarctic ozone hole again had a pronounced minimum in early October; making four of the last five years with deep ozone holes. Global scale measurements by TOMS show no trend in total ozone near the equator, but a significant trend at northern middle and high latitudes. This trend has a pronounced seasonal variation with maximum in winter. The observed trend is significantly larger than the predictions of gas‐phase photochemical models.
Long‐Term Study of Tropospheric and Stratospheric Ozone Changes over Berlin
Authors: Furrer R.
Published: May 2011

Long‐term measurements of ozone concentration in the vicinity of the city of Berlin have been performed by the “Deutscher Wetterdienst” in Tempelhof, Potsdam and Lindenberg with ground based Dobson spectrophotometers and balloon borne systems for the past 24 years. — The analysis shows an increase of ozone concentration in the middle stratosphere (below 31 km height) as well as in the tropopshere. On the contrary, ongoing ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere became evident. — This large scale vertical redistribution of ozone in the troposphere and the lower stratosphere is in agreement with model calculations and trend predictions based on changes of the chemical composition and the ozone photochemistry due to anthropogenically induced tracer gas concentrations.
Column Amounts and Some Information on the Vertical Distribution of Trace Gases in the Late North Polar Winter 1990
Authors: Adrian G. P. , Blumenstock T. , Fischer H. , Frank E. , Gulde T. , Oelhaf H. , Thomas P. , Trieschmann O.
Published: May 2011

During two field campaigns in the late north polar winter 1990, two Fourier transform infrared spectrometers were employed from the ground to investigate the chemical composition of the upper troposphere and stratosphere by determining zenith column amounts of the trace gases N2O, CH4, HCl, HF, HNO3, O3, and NO2. The spectrometers employed were the MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding), which was operating in Esrange, North Sweden (68°N, 21°E) from January 27 to March 31, 1990, and a modified BOMEM‐DA2, which was operating in Ny Aalesund, Spitsbergen (79°N, 12°E) from March 13 to April 24, 1990 with an unapodized spectral resolution of 0.015 cm−1 and 0.010 cm−1, respectively. From the interferograms, recorded by co‐adding during an integration time of less than 15 min, spectra were calculated by correction of the phase error and a standard Fourier transformation. Synthetic spectra were simulated using the SCAIS level‐by‐level and line‐by‐line algorithm and fitted to the measured ones by scaling the first guess mixing ratio profiles of the investigated gases. Model atmospheres for each day of measurement were built up from radiosonde data and ozone soundings and were used for the simulations. Finally, the gas amounts along the vertical path were integrated from the scaled profiles. Some information on the vertical distribution of the trace gases could be obtained from fitting the shapes of the spectral lines for N2O and HCl. Both the derived integrated zenith column amounts and the low resolved vertical distributions are interpreted in terms of dynamical as well as chemical processes. During the late winter 1990, periods of strongly perturbed stratospheric chemistry have been identified. Our results indicate evident similarities to ground based Antarctic measurements reported by other groups, but distinct differences regarding the behaviour of HNO3. Further understanding of the stratospheric situation is provided by an investigation of the time history of the air masses sampled with the help of the backward trajectory analysis.
Gaseous Sulfuric Acid and Sulfur Dioxide Measurements in the Arctic Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere: Implications for Hydroxyl Radical Abundances
Authors: Möhler O. , Arnold F.
Published: May 2011

Measurements of gaseous sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide were made in the winter arctic troposphere and lower stratosphere, using aircraft‐borne mass spectrometers. The measurements, covering altitudes between 3.5 and 11.4 km, took place on 14 and 18 February, 1987 in Northern Scandinavia. Our mean measured H2SO4‐concentrations are around 1.0–3.0 · 105 cm−3 and the measured SO2‐volume mixing ratios are around 50–400 pptV in the troposphere and decrease steeply above the tropopause to about 10 pptV. The combined H2SO4‐ and SO2‐measurements offer an interesting opportunity to infer hydroxyl radical concentrations. Inferred OH‐concentrations are around 0.1–1.0 · 105 cm−3, roughly consistent with model predictions.