bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
`I am not a woman writer'
Authors: Moi Toril
Published: November 2008

This essay first tries to answer two questions: Why did the question of the woman writer disappear from the feminist theoretical agenda around 1990? Why do we need to reconsider it now? I then begin to develop a new analysis of the question of the woman writer by turning to the statement `I am not a woman writer'. By treating it as a speech act and analysing it in the light of Simone de Beauvoir's understanding of sexism, I show that it is a response to a particular kind of provocation, namely an attempt to force the woman writer to conform to some norm for femininity. I also show that Beauvoir's theory illuminates Virginia Woolf's strategies in A Room of One's Own before, finally, asking why we still should want women to write.
Feminist heterosexual imaginaries of reproduction
Authors: Nordqvist Petra
Published: November 2008

Reproductive technologies, such as self-arranged donor conception, clinical donor insemination and in vitro fertilization, now have an established place in lesbian reproductive practices, providing a route to conception which separates reproduction from heterosexual intercourse. This article explores how lesbian reproduction figures within feminist studies of reproductive technologies. It critically engages with representations of reproduction and structures of sexuality in early and more recent feminist studies of reproductive technologies. Specifically, the article investigates constructions of reproduction, technology and sexuality in key ethnographic studies by Sarah Franklin, Charis Thompson and Rayna Rapp. The findings suggest that heterosexuality is foundational to, and yet invisible within, this feminist research into reproductive technologies. Endorsing Chrys Ingraham's concept of a `heterosexual imaginary', I argue that this research reproduces a heterosexual imaginary of procreation, continuously representing conception as heterosexual despite the separation of conception and heterosexual sex realizable through reproductive technology. It effectively renders lesbian reproduction inconceivable.
Gender in the making of commercial worlds
Authors: Cronin Anne M.
Published: November 2008

If capitalism is being increasingly understood as performative and processual, and if these understandings are being folded into capitalism's production of itself, what place does gender have in performing the commercial world? This article argues that the significance of gender as genre or type has been overlooked in the recent literature on the performance of the market or market relations. While the role of economic theories and management practices in making markets has been examined, and the place of women in organizations has been explored, little attention has been paid to how gender as a productive process marks the creation and maintenance of market relations. Using material from a recent ethnographic study of the advertising industry, I examine how advertising practitioners incorporate vitalist understandings of market relations and of knowledge-producing activities into their practices. Framed as `creativity' and `innovation', these discursive practices perform what practitioners understand as a reproductive function in commercial life.
Urbanization, Social Capital and Mental Health
Authors: Mckenzie Kwame
Published: November 2008

One of the consequences of globalization has been rapid urbanization. The urban environment has long been considered of aetiological significance for a wide range of mental illnesses from depression to psychosis but the dynamic process of rapid urbanization adds at least two other problems that are important for psychological well-being; migration, and the need to develop supportive community structures for disparate groups that may have little shared social history. In order to investigate the links between urbanization and mental illness we need concepts that help us to understand the association between community structure and health. Social capital is such a concept. This article outlines the research linking social capital to mental health. It discusses the association between the urban environment and mental illness and then considers the possible impact of globalization and urbanization on social capital and rates of mental illness.
Effects of magnesium on surface quality of AA6061 extrusions
Authors: Teixeira J. S. , Wood J. T.
Published: November 2008

The surface quality of extruded aluminium sections is often a key characteristic in determining customer acceptance. The present paper presents the results of a study which consisted of 108 production runs of an AA6061 alloy extrusion. The volume of each run is measured as the number of 99 cm billets processed before the extrudate surface roughness exceeded a threshold value. Melt chemistry, particularly Mg, Si, and Zn content are shown to be significant in determining production volume. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analyses reveal that the presence and nature of MgO are the key determinant of production volume.
Anisotropy of low temperature superplasticity of fine grained magnesium alloy AZ31 processed by multidirectional forging
Authors: Zhang Z.-R. , Xing J. , Yang X. , Miura H. , Sakai T.
Published: November 2008

Effect of texture anisotropy of Mg alloy AZ31, processed by multidirectional forging, on low temperature superplasticity was studied in tension at 423 and 473 K. Multidirectional forging was carried out up to large cumulative strain of 4·8 with changing loading direction from pass to pass under decreasing temperature conditions. When the basal plane in initial texture is inclined at ∼45° against tensile direction, rotation of basal plane towards tensile direction takes place accompanying with basal slip and grain coarsening or refinement, leading to the highest elongation to failure of 320%. This suggests that superplastic deformation can be controlled by grain boundary sliding accompanied with grain size changes taking place due to continuous dynamic recrystallisation.
Investigation on reactive sintering process of boron carbide ceramics by XRD
Authors: Wang C. B. , Zhang S. , Shen Q. , Zhang L. M.
Published: November 2008

Boron carbide ceramics were simultaneously synthesised and densified from B and C elemental powders by a spark plasma sintering method. The reactive sintering process was investigated, and two stages of large shrinkage corresponding to synthesis and densification of boron carbide were observed. At stage I (1300–1700°C), B reacted with C and the product in phase of free C and B rich boron carbide (B4+xC) was synthesised. With increasing the sintering temperature, C atoms diffused into the B4+xC lattice, resulting in the reduction in free C content and the decreasing in lattice parameters of B4+xC. At stage II from 1700 to 1900°C, the densification of the synthesised boron carbide occurred. The product was densified gradually and a high relative density (95%) was obtained by spark plasma sintering at 1900°C.
Formation of spherical nanocrystalline silicon carbide via carbothermal reduction of water glass and sugar
Authors: Pan S. L. , Zhang J. J. , Song G. Z.
Published: November 2008

A simple method was developed to synthesise spherical nanocrystalline silicon carbide via carbothermal reduction of water glass and sugar. The overall process is composed of three steps: the preparation of spray dried precursors, carbonisation of the precursors and carbothermal reduction. The precursors and products were characterised by XRD, infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, SEM and TEM. The results show that carbothermal reduction of the precursors could be completed at 1500°C for 2 h. The as prepared product is spherical nanocrystalline β-SiC powders with the diameter about 13·6 nm and the BET specific areas of 17 m2 g–1. In addition, the powder is of high purity, because sodium oxide in the precursor could be eliminated by the escape of sodium at high temperature.
Grain refinement in as cast Al–Mg–Mn alloy during high temperature equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Ning J. L. , Jiang D. M. , Fan J. Z. , Zuo T. , Zhang Q. , Xu J.
Published: November 2008

An as cast Al–Mg–Mn alloy with coarse equiaxed grain structure was processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 350°C up to eight passes. Systematic studies were made on the microstructural evolution during ECAP by optical microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction and TEM. Equal channel angular pressing led to a considerable grain refinement, resulting in an average cell size of about 1 μm and a fraction of high angle boundaries of 75% after eight pressing passes. Deformation bands were not developed during the ECAP process, and a reasonably equiaxed substructure was obtained even after one pass. The main mechanism of grain refinement was attributed to the continuous dynamic recrystallisation based on the motion of deformation induced dislocations. Discontinuous recrystallisation at grain boundaries and triple junctions also contributed to the refinement, which played an important role especially at high strain of eight passes.
Surface oxidation of carbon fibre on tribological properties of PEEK composites
Authors: Li J. , Sheng X. H.
Published: November 2008

In this work, ozone modification method and air oxidation were used for the surface treatment of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fibre. The surface characteristics of carbon fibres were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The interfacial properties of carbon fibre reinforced PEEK (CF/PEEK) composites were investigated by means of the single fibre pull-out tests. As a result, it was found that IFSS values of the composites with ozone treated carbon fibre are increased by 60% compared with that without treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that ozone treatment increases the amount of carboxyl groups on carbon fibre surface, thus the interfacial adhesion between carbon fibre and PEEK matrix is effectively promoted. The effect of surface treatment of carbon fibres on the tribological properties of CF/PEEK composites was comparatively investigated. Experimental results revealed that surface treatment can effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between carbon fibre and PEEK matrix. Thus the wear resistance was significantly improved.
Martensitic transformation and microstructure of polycrystalline Ni–Mn–Ga and C-doped Ni–Mn–Ga Heusler alloys
Authors: Chen X. Q. , Lu X. , Qin Z. X.
Published: November 2008

The martensitic transformations of Ni–21·7Mn–23·8Ga (at.-%) (NiMnGa) and Ni–19·4Mn–22·7Ga–1·6C (at.-%) (NiMnGaC) alloys were investigated by the measurement of resistivity. Two kinds of martensitic transformations occur in NiMnGa alloy. The first martensitic transformation is thermoelastic, which exhibits a steep increasing in resistivity. The second transformation exhibits a larger thermal hysteresis compared with the first transformation. NiMnGaC alloy only shows a single martensitic transformation and the C addition increases the first martensitic transformation temperatures. The first martensitic phase of NiMnGa alloy is of five layered structure while the martensitic phase of NiMnGaC alloy is of non-modulated structure. Combined with the observation of optical microscopy and TEM, NiMnGa alloy exhibits much wider martensite twins than NiMnGaC alloy does.
NOTCH is a key regulator of human T-cell acute leukemia initiating cell activity
Authors: Armstrong Florence , de la Grange Philippe Brunet , Gerby Bastien , Rouyez Marie-Christine , Calvo Julien , Fontenay Michaéla , Boissel Nicolas , Dombret Hervé , Baruchel André , Landman-Parker Judith , Roméo Paul-Henri , Ballerini Paola , Pflumio Françoise
Published: November 2008

Understanding the pathways that regulate the human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) initiating cells (T-LiC) activity has been hampered by the lack of biologic assays in which this human disease can be studied. Here we show that coculture of primary human T-ALL with a mouse stromal cell line expressing the NOTCH ligand delta-like-1 (DL1) reproducibly allowed maintenance of T-LiC and long-term growth of blast cells. Human T-ALL mutated or not on the NOTCH receptor required sustained activation of the NOTCH pathway via receptor/ligand interaction for growth and T-LiC activity. On the reverse, inhibition of the NOTCH pathway during primary cultures abolished in vitro cell growth and in vivo T-LiC activity. Altogether, these results demonstrate the major role of the NOTCH pathway activation in human T-ALL development and in the maintenance of leukemia-initiating cells.
Relevance of biallelic versus monoallelic TNFRSF13B mutations in distinguishing disease-causing from risk-increasing TNFRSF13B variants in antibody deficiency syndromes
Authors: Salzer Ulrich , Bacchelli Chiara , Buckridge Sylvie , Pan-Hammarström Qiang , Jennings Stephanie , Lougaris Vassilis , Bergbreiter Astrid , Hagena Tina , Birmelin Jennifer , Plebani Alessandro , Webster A. David B. , Peter Hans-Hartmut , Suez Daniel , Chapel Helen , McLean-Tooke Andrew , Spickett Gavin P. , Anover-Sombke Stephanie , Ochs Hans D. , Urschel Simon , Belohradsky Bernd H. , Ugrinovic Sanja , Kumararatne Dinakantha S. , Lawrence Tatiana C. , Holm Are M. , Franco Jose L. , Schulze Ilka , Schneider Pascal , Gertz E. Michael , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Hammarström Lennart , Thrasher Adrian J. , Gaspar H. Bobby , Grimbacher Bodo
Published: November 2008

TNFRSF13B encodes transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), a B cell– specific tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member. Both biallelic and monoallelic TNFRSF13B mutations were identified in patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders. The genetic complexity and variable clinical presentation of TACI deficiency prompted us to evaluate the genetic, immunologic, and clinical condition in 50 individuals with TNFRSF13B alterations, following screening of 564 unrelated patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. We identified 13 new sequence variants. The most frequent TNFRSF13B variants (C104R and A181E; n = 39; 6.9%) were also present in a heterozygous state in 2% of 675 controls. All patients with biallelic mutations had hypogammaglobulinemia and nearly all showed impaired binding to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). However, the majority (n = 41; 82%) of the pa-tients carried monoallelic changes in TNFRSF13B. Presence of a heterozygous mutation was associated with antibody deficiency (P <.001, relative risk 3.6). Heterozygosity for the most common mutation, C104R, was associated with disease (P < .001, relative risk 4.2). Furthermore, heterozygosity for C104R was associated with low numbers of IgD−CD27+ B cells (P = .019), benign lymphoproliferation (P < .001), and autoimmune complications (P = .001). These associations indicate that C104R heterozygosity increases the risk for common variable immunodeficiency disorders and influences clinical presentation.
Phosphoantigen-activated Vγ2Vδ2 T cells antagonize IL-2–induced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells in mycobacterial infection
Authors: Gong Guangming , Shao Lingyun , Wang Yunqi , Chen Crystal Y. , Huang Dan , Yao Shuyu , Zhan Ximei , Sicard Helene , Wang Richard , Chen Zheng W.
Published: November 2008

Although Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are well documented for their ability to suppress various immune cells, T-cell subsets capable of counteracting Tregs have not been demonstrated. Here, we assessed phosphoantigen-activated Vγ2Vδ2 T cells for the ability to interplay with Tregs in the context of mycobacterial infection. A short-term IL-2 treatment regimen induced marked expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells and subsequent suppression of mycobacterium-driven increases in numbers of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. Surprisingly, activation of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells by adding phosphoantigen Picostim to the IL-2 treatment regimen down-regulated IL-2–induced expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. Consistently, in vitro activation of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells by phosphoantigen plus IL-2 down-regulated IL-2–induced expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. Interestingly, anti–IFN-γ–neutralizing antibody, not anti–TGF-β or anti–IL-4, reduced the ability of activated Vγ2Vδ2 T cells to down-regulate Tregs, suggesting that autocrine IFN-γ and its network contributed to Vγ2Vδ2 T cells' antagonizing effects. Furthermore, activation of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells by Picostim plus IL-2 treatment appeared to reverse Treg-driven suppression of immune responses of phosphoantigen-specific IFNγ+ or perforin+ Vγ2Vδ2 T cells and PPD-specific IFNγ+αβ T cells. Thus, phos-phoantigen activation of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells antagonizes IL-2–induced expansion of Tregs and subsequent suppression of Ag-specific antimicrobial T-cell responses in mycobacterial infection.
Induction of multiple pleiotropic drug resistance genes in yeast engineered to produce an increased level of anti-malarial drug precursor, artemisinic acid
Authors: Ro Dae-Kyun , Ouellet Mario , Paradise Eric M , Burd Helcio , Eng Diana , Paddon Chris J , Newman Jack D , Keasling Jay D
Published: November 2008

Background

Due to the global occurrence of multi-drug-resistant malarial parasites (Plasmodium falciparum), the anti-malarial drug most effective against malaria is artemisinin, a natural product (sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide) extracted from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). However, artemisinin is in short supply and unaffordable to most malaria patients. Artemisinin can be semi-synthesized from its precursor artemisinic acid, which can be synthesized from simple sugars using microorganisms genetically engineered with genes from A. annua. In order to develop an industrially competent yeast strain, detailed analyses of microbial physiology and development of gene expression strategies are required.

Results

Three plant genes coding for amorphadiene synthase, amorphadiene oxidase (AMO or CYP71AV1), and cytochrome P450 reductase, which in concert divert carbon flux from farnesyl diphosphate to artemisinic acid, were expressed from a single plasmid. The artemisinic acid production in the engineered yeast reached 250 μg mL-1 in shake-flask cultures and 1 g L-1 in bio-reactors with the use of Leu2d selection marker and appropriate medium formulation. When plasmid stability was measured, the yeast strain synthesizing amorphadiene alone maintained the plasmid in 84% of the cells, whereas the yeast strain synthesizing artemisinic acid showed poor plasmid stability. Inactivation of AMO by a point-mutation restored the high plasmid stability, indicating that the low plasmid stability is not caused by production of the AMO protein but by artemisinic acid synthesis or accumulation. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR and quantitative real time-PCR consistently showed that pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) genes, belonging to the family of ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter, were massively induced in the yeast strain producing artemisinic acid, relative to the yeast strain producing the hydrocarbon amorphadiene alone. Global transcriptional analysis by yeast microarray further demonstrated that the induction of drug-resistant genes such as ABC transporters and major facilitator superfamily (MSF) genes is the primary cellular stress-response; in addition, oxidative and osmotic stress responses were observed in the engineered yeast.

Conclusion

The data presented here suggest that the engineered yeast producing artemisinic acid suffers oxidative and drug-associated stresses. The use of plant-derived transporters and optimizing AMO activity may improve the yield of artemisinic acid production in the engineered yeast.
Anti-oxidant inhibition of hyaluronan fragment-induced inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Eberlein Michael , Scheibner Kara A , Black Katharine E , Collins Samuel L , Chan-Li Yee , Powell Jonathan D , Horton Maureen R
Published: November 2008

Background

The balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous anti-oxidants is important in maintaining healthy tissues. Excessive ROS states occur in diseases such as ARDS and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Redox imbalance breaks down the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) into fragments that activate innate immune responses and perpetuate tissue injury. HA fragments, via a TLR and NF-κB pathway, induce inflammatory gene expression in macrophages and epithelial cells. NAC and DMSO are potent anti-oxidants which may help balance excess ROS states.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of H2O2, NAC and DMSO on HA fragment induced inflammatory gene expression in alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells.

Results

NAC and DMSO inhibit HA fragment-induced expression of TNF-α and KC protein in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. NAC and DMSO also show a dose dependent inhibition of IP-10 protein expression, but not IL-8 protein, in alveolar epithelial cells. In addition, H2O2synergizes with HA fragments to induce inflammatory genes, which are inhibited by NAC. Mechanistically, NAC and DMSO inhibit HA induced gene expression by inhibiting NF-κB activation, but NAC had no influence on HA-fragment-AP-1 mediated gene expression.

Conclusion

ROS play a central role in a pathophysiologic "vicious cycle" of inflammation: tissue injury generates ROS, which fragment the extracellular matrix HA, which in turn synergize with ROS to activate the innate immune system and further promote ROS, HA fragment generation, inflammation, tissue injury and ultimately fibrosis. The anti-oxidants NAC and DMSO, by inhibiting the HA induced inflammatory gene expression, may help re-balance excessive ROS induced inflammation.
Crucial roles of Robo proteins in midline crossing of cerebellofugal axons and lack of their up-regulation after midline crossing
Authors: Tamada Atsushi , Kumada Tatsuro , Zhu Yan , Matsumoto Tomoko , Hatanaka Yumiko , Muguruma Keiko , Chen Zhe , Tanabe Yasuto , Torigoe Makio , Yamauchi Kenta , Oyama Hiroshi , Nishida Kazuhiko , Murakami Fujio
Published: November 2008

Background

Robo1, Robo2 and Rig-1 (Robo3), members of the Robo protein family, are candidate receptors for the chemorepellents Slit and are known to play a crucial role in commissural axon guidance in the spinal cord. However, their roles at other axial levels remain unknown. Here we examine expression of Robo proteins by cerebellofugal (CF) commissural axons in the rostral hindbrain and investigate their roles in CF axon pathfinding by analysing Robo knockout mice.

Results

We analysed the expression of Robo proteins by CF axons originating from deep cerebellar neurons in rodent embryos, focusing on developmental stages of their midline crossing and post-crossing navigation. At the stage of CF axon midline crossing, mRNAs of Robo1 and Robo2 are expressed in the nuclear transitory zone of the cerebellum, where the primordium of the deep cerebellar nuclei are located, supporting the notion that CF axons express Robo1 and Robo2. Indeed, immunohistochemical analysis of CF axons labelled by electroporation to deep cerebellar nuclei neurons indicates that Robo1 protein, and possibly also Robo2 protein, is expressed by CF axons crossing the midline. However, weak or no expression of these proteins is found on the longitudinal portion of CF axons. In Robo1/2 double knockout mice, many CF axons reach the midline but fail to exit it. We find that CF axons express Rig-1 (Robo3) before they reach the midline but not after the longitudinal turn. Consistent with this in vivo observation, axons elicited from a cerebellar explant in co-culture with a floor plate explant express Rig-1. In Rig-1 deficient mouse embryos, CF axons appear to project ipsilaterally without reaching the midline.

Conclusion

These results indicate that Robo1, Robo2 or both are required for midline exit of CF axons. In contrast, Rig-1 is required for their approach to the midline. However, post-crossing up-regulation of these proteins, which plays an important role in spinal commissural axon guidance, does not appear to be required for the longitudinal navigation of CF axons after midline crossing. Our results illustrate that although common mechanisms operate for midline crossing at different axial levels, significant variation exists in post-crossing navigation.
The ventro-medial prefrontal cortex: a major link between the autonomic nervous system, regulation of emotion, and stress reactivity?
Authors: Hänsel Alexander , von Känel Roland
Published: November 2008

Recent progress in neuroscience revealed diverse regions of the CNS which moderate autonomic and affective responses. The ventro-medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a key role in these regulations. There is evidence that vmPFC activity is associated with cardiovascular changes during a motor task that are mediated by parasympathetic activity. Moreover, vmPFC activity makes important contributions to regulations of affective and stressful situations.

This review selectively summarizes literature in which vmPFC activation was studied in healthy subjects as well as in patients with affective disorders. The reviewed literature suggests that vmPFC activity plays a pivotal role in biopsychosocial processes of disease. Activity in the vmPFC might link affective disorders, stressful environmental conditions, and immune function.
Convergence of the two-point correlation function toward the Green’s function in the context of a seismic-prospecting data set
Authors: Gouédard Pierre , Roux Philippe , Campillo Michel , Verdel Arie
Published: November 2008

When considering direct waves in the correlation process, the Green’s function is reconstructed when using an even distribution of seismic sources or when the source distribution is restricted to the direction close to the alignment of the sensors. On the other hand, when considering records of coda waves, the convergence is achieved for any source distribution, as expected theoretically. We extract the expected amplitude decay along a seismic profile from the correlation functions when an even distribution of sources is considered or when the time window includes scattered waves.
CBP/p300-Interacting Transactivator, with Glu/Asp-Rich C-Terminal Domain, 2, and Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1 in Human Adrenal Development and Disease
Authors: Ferraz-de-Souza Bruno , Martin Franziska , Mallet Delphine , Hudson-Davies Rebecca E. , Cogram Patricia , Lin Lin , Gerrelli Dianne , Beuschlein Felix , Morel Yves , Huebner Angela , Achermann John C.
Published: November 2008

Context: Disorders of adrenal development result in significant morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular basis of human adrenal development, and many forms of disease, is still poorly understood.

Objectives: We evaluated the role of two new candidate genes, CBP/p300-interacting transactivator, with Glu/Asp-rich C-terminal domain, 2 (CITED2), and pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1), in human adrenal development and disease.

Design: CITED2 and PBX1 expression in early human fetal adrenal development was assessed using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The regulation of CITED2 and PBX1 by steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenital, critical region on the X chromosome, gene-1 (DAX1) was evaluated in NCI-H295R human adrenocortical tumor cells by studying promoter regulation. Finally, mutational analysis of CITED2 and PBX1 was performed in patients with primary adrenal disorders.

Results: CITED2 and PBX1 are expressed in the human fetal adrenal gland during early development. Both genes are activated by SF-1 in a dose-dependent manner in NCI-H295R cells, and, surprisingly, PBX1 is synergistically activated by SF-1 and DAX1. Mutational analysis failed to reveal significant coding sequence changes in individuals with primary adrenal disorders.

Conclusions: CITED2 and PBX1 are likely to be important mediators of adrenal development and function in humans, but mutations in these genes are not common causes of adrenal failure in patients in whom a molecular diagnosis remains unknown. The positive interaction between DAX1 and SF-1 in regulating PBX1 may be an important mechanism in this process.
Lifestyle and Pharmacological Approaches to Weight Loss: Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Bray George A.
Published: November 2008

Context

Obesity results from a prolonged small positive energy balance, and its treatment needs to reverse this imbalance.

Evidence Acquisition

Citations retrieved from PubMed and The Handbook of Obesity 2008 were selected to illustrate the points.

Evidence Synthesis

Many different diets have been tried to treat obesity, and weight loss occurs with all of them. There is currently no evidence that clearly supports a superiority of one macronutrient composition for diets used for weight loss. The principal effect seems to be the degree of adherence to the prescribed calorie reduction. Lifestyle strategies to modify eating behavior can be used in individual counseling sessions or in groups, both of which are important in helping patients modify their patterns of eating. Physical activity is particularly important in helping patients maintain a weight loss once achieved and is less valuable for weight loss itself. Food intake is controlled through many different mechanisms, but only a few drugs have been developed that tap these mechanisms. Orlistat, which blocks intestinal lipase, is one; sibutramine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is a second. Surgical approaches provide the most dramatic weight loss and have been demonstrated to reduce long-term mortality and reduce the incidence of diabetes.

Conclusions

Weight loss can be achieved by many methods, but the surgical procedures appear to be the most durable.
The monitoring of the turning tool wear process using an artificial neural network. Part 1: The experimental set-up and experimental results
Authors: Balan G C , Epureanu A
Published: November 2008

The study of machine tool dynamics is performed here as ‘monitoring’, which involves the checking and improving of machine functioning. A computer processes signals collected from certain sensors. These data then lead to the monitoring decision, which is to associate the current state of operation with one of the classes from a set of known classes. For monitoring in turning, the classes (tool conditions) are shown.

The paper by Du, Elbestawi, and Wu (1995) represents the main source of inspiration for this paper, the present contribution being the improvement of the classes and of the monitoring indices. It is shown that the strains produced by Fy can be neglected and only the main cutting force is measured by means of the tensometer system. To validate the recordings, couples of recordings having working parameters quite similar in value were selected; nonetheless, these couples belonged to different classes. It is observable that for the recordings whose cutting working conditions are similar, the average value of force Fz increases as the cutting depth and wear increase.

The experimental set-up and experimental results are presented.
The monitoring of the turning tool wear process using an artificial neural network. Part 2: The data processing and the use of artificial neural network on monitoring of the tool wear
Authors: Balan G C , Epureanu A
Published: November 2008

An artificial neural network (ANN) is used to analyse data obtained on tool wear. The ANN is compared with the fuzzy c-means method.
Visual simulation of the grinding process
Authors: Sakakura M , Tsukamoto S , Fujiwara T , Inasaki I
Published: November 2008

Grinding is one of the machining methods for finishing that is performed by using a large number of abrasive grains with irregular shapes and random distribution. While this feature enables accurate and high-quality machining, it complicates analysis of the grinding process. To solve this problem, a great number of computer simulations have been carried out using the Monte Carlo method. Most of them, however, statically calculate geometric interaction between a grain and a workpiece, and have not provided enough achievements for practical applications. In this study, taking this background into account, a simulation program has been developed based on the elastic support model of a grain in which the elasticity of grain support changes according to its location. The program focuses on the generation process of a workpiece surface, and simulates the interaction between grains and a workpiece, which includes the elastic and plastic deformation as well as the removal of workpiece material. Examples of the simulation shown in this study verify the fact that the simulation program facilitates analysis of the microscopic grinding phenomena, and can be used as a practical tool for predicting the grinding results and for optimizing grinding parameters.
Life cycle and unit-cost analysis for modular reconfigurable flexible light assembly systems
Authors: Heilala J , Montonen J , Väätäinen O
Published: November 2008

The article presents a decision support methodology for the selection of a modular reconfigurable assembly system using three-dimensional visualization, component-based simulation, efficiency, and economic analysis methodology. During the design and selection of an assembly system, measurement schemes should be established for determining and understanding design effectiveness. Measurements can be classed into two categories: cost and performance. Understanding assembly production costs is the first step towards increasing profits. The authors have developed an analysis method that integrates factory simulation, overall equipment efficiency (OEE), and economic analysis methods. Cost calculation includes life cycle cost (LCC), cost of ownership (COO), commonly used investment evaluation methods, discounted cash flow techniques, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). The idea is to use these integrated analysis methods in the selection and development of a light assembly system. The development is based on selected industrial standards and the authors’ own experience in assembly system design and simulation. The developed TCO (total cost of ownership) methodology is useful in system supplier and end-user communication; ideally, it is used in the assembly system sales process, it helps in trade-off analysis of the system concepts, and it improves system specification.
Control chart pattern clustering using a new self-organizing spiking neural network
Authors: Pham D T , Packianather M S , Charles E Y A
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on the architecture and learning algorithm associated with using a new self-organizing delay adaptation spiking neural network model for clustering control chart patterns. This temporal coding spiking neural network model employs a Hebbian-based rule to shift the connection delays instead of the previous approaches of delay selection. Here the tuned delays compensate the differences in the input firing times of temporal patterns and enables them to coincide. The coincidence detection capability of the spiking neuron has been utilized for pattern clustering. The structure of the network is similar to that of a Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) except that the output layer neurons are coincidence detecting spiking neurons. An input pattern is represented by the neuron that is the first to fire among all the competing spiking neurons. Clusters within the input data are identified with the location of the winning neurons and their firing times.

The proposed self-organized delay adaptation spiking neural network (SODA_SNN) has been utilized to cluster control chart patterns. The trained network obtained an average clustering accuracy of 96.1 per cent on previously unseen test data. This was achieved with a network of 8 × 8 spiking neurons trained for 20 epochs containing 1000 training examples. The improvement in clustering accuracy achieved by the proposed SODA_SNN on the unseen test data was twice as much as that on the training data when compared to the SOM.
Robot-handling fabrics with curved edges based on visual servoing and polygonal approximation
Authors: Zacharia P , Mariolis I G , Aspragathos N , Dermatas E S
Published: November 2008

The main scope of this work is the development of a robot controller for the manipulation of fabrics lying on a work table towards the sewing process. A fuzzy visual servoing manipulator controller is developed to guide the fabric along the sewing line. The paper focuses on handling fabrics with curved edges by locally approximating the curve section with straight-line segments. An innovative algorithm based on the dominant point detection method and the genetic-based method is incorporated in the robot visual servoing system to achieve sewing of the curved edges. Simulation and experimental tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The results demonstrate that this approach is efficient and effective for the polygonal approximation, and the proposed robotic system is proved to be robust and efficient, achieving acceptable seam accuracy in the minimum time.
Detailed chemical kinetic simulations of homogeneous charge compression ignition engine transients
Authors: Angelos J P , Puignou M , Andreae M M , Cheng W K , Green W H , Singer M A
Published: November 2008

A fast, full-cycle homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) simulator that uses detailed fuel chemistry for the primary reference fuel PRF90 (1036 species and 4238 reactions) is presented and used to study transient engine performance. The numerical predictions are compared with measured data from a single-cylinder HCCI engine that uses residual gas trapping. In particular, the response of the engine to changes in fuelling rate, speed, and phasing of the exhaust valve event is studied. The experimental results are obtained using a Mazda port fuel injected 2.3 l four-cylinder engine that is modified to run in a single-cylinder mode and to allow HCCI operation. The simulator combines a standard cycle simulation software package for the gas exchange processes with a two-zone model of the trapped charge; the combustion in the cylinder is modelled using a detailed chemical kinetics mechanism. To minimize the demand for computational resources, a specialized numerical solver is used that exploits sparsity of the system and allows the simulator to run in 7–8 min per cycle on a desktop computer. The numerical and experimental results are compared. The model predictions for the transient time constants and the changes in gross indicated mean effective pressure (GIMEP) during/after a step change in equivalence ratio, φ, and speed are consistent with experimental data and are accurate enough to be useful for HCCI engine design. The model predictions for the changes in CA50 (the crank angle at which 50 per cent of the cumulative heat release occurs) during transients are less reliable. Ways by which the fidelity of the HCCI transient model predictions could be improved are outlined.
Effects of exhaust gas recirculation on diesel particulate matter morphology and NOx emissions
Authors: Lee K O , Zhu J , Song J
Published: November 2008

Diesel particulate morphology and nitrogen oxides (NO x) emissions were investigated in detail to reveal the effects of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The different rates of EGR were precisely controlled by using a customized engine control unit in a 1.7 l turbocharged common-rail direct-injection diesel engine. The tests, which combined two different EGR modes (i.e. constant boost pressure (CBP) and constant oxygen-to-fuel ratio (COFR)), were designed to decouple the effects of EGR thermal and dilution processes. Particulate samples were collected directly from the raw engine exhaust by using a novel thermophoretic soot-sampling system. The samples were examined and imaged with a high-resolution transmission electron microscope and quantitatively analysed by using a customized image-processing/data-acquisition system. Results showed that the particulate dimensions, number density of primary particles, and soot yield all changed significantly under various EGR rates. The NO x emissions also varied significantly as the EGR rate changed, showing a typical trade-off with respect to the data measured for particulate emissions. At low EGR rates, the thermal effect was the dominant phenomenon that affected the changes of the measured morphological characters, while at higher EGR rates the dilution effect became more important. However, the fractal geometry of diesel particulates did not change significantly between the two EGR modes, suggesting that the influence of EGR dilution was less than that of the thermal process. EGR operation providing a COFR at the same EGR rate yielded a significant benefit in particulate emissions and engine power output, while still maintaining the reduction of NO x emissions at a satisfactory level.
Simultaneous in-cylinder and exhaust cycle resolved non-dispersive infrared and flame ionization detector experimental sampling results during cranking and startup in a port fuel injection co-operation fuel research engine
Authors: Cowart J S , Hamilton L J
Published: November 2008

Optimization of in-cylinder air—fuel mixture preparation in port fuel injected engines during all phases of operation is critical for maximizing engine performance while minimizing harmful emissions. In this study, a co-operative fuels research (CFR) gasoline engine is used to evaluate torque and measure in-cylinder and exhaust CO, CO2, and unburned hydrocarbons under various fuelling and spark conditions during cranking and startup phases. Fast flame ionization detectors and non-dispersive infrared fast CO and CO2 detectors are used as the principal diagnostics. Measured component trends are shown with detailed explanations. CFR engine exhaust unburned hydrocarbon levels are shown to be 3 to 7 times higher for startup than for steady state operation depending on spark timing and fuelling. Torque is found to be relatively insensitive to fuelling within 5 per cent of stoichiometric. Additionally, in-cylinder and exhaust CO levels are strong functions of startup enrichment. Exhaust CO, much easier to measure than in-cylinder CO, could be used to meter fuel more tightly during startup in order to reduce undesirable emissions. Exhaust CO levels can be at or below stabilized engine steady state levels depending on fuelling levels. Exhaust CO2 measurements are found to be not reliable indicators of in-cylinder conditions.
Influence of the fuel compositions on the homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion
Authors: Sato S , Yamashita D , Iida N
Published: November 2008

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines are drawing attention as the next-generation internal combustion engine, but have not been put to practical use because of several issues. One of the issues is that increasing the fuel charge causes rapid combustion in the combustion chamber, which results in knocking that limits its operation region. In this study, the focus was put on a method to increase the operation region of HCCI engines by mixing two fuels with different reactivities. First, dimethyl ether (DME), n-butane, or hydrogen was mixed with methane to investigate how the changes in mixing ratios affected the oxidation reaction of the pre-mixture based on numerical calculations with elementary reactions. From the calculation results, applicable types of double componential fuels for HCCI engines were considered. Based on the results of the consideration, DME or n-butane was mixed with methane to conduct combustion experiments and to clarify mixing conditions of the double componential fuels that realize high output and high thermal efficiency simultaneously.
Cobalt-catalyzed Cross-coupling Reactions of Aryl Bromides with Alkyl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Hamaguchi Hiroyuki , Uemura Minoru , Yasui Hiroto , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: November 2008

Aryl bromides react with primary alkyl Grignard reagents in the presence of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine and catalytic amounts of cobalt(II) chloride and an N-heterocyclic carbene to yield the corresponding cross-coupling products in high yields.
Highly Efficient Enantioresolution of 2,2-Dimethyl-3-hexanol with Cholamide Crystals on the Basis of Intercalation and Bilayer Inversion
Authors: Aburaya Kazuaki , Murai Taketoshi , Hisaki Ichiro , Tohnai Norimitsu , Miyata Mikiji
Published: November 2008

Enantioresolution of racemic 2,2-dimethyl-3-hexanol in solid state was achieved with four kinds of crystalline matrices of cholamide, yielding its S enantiomer in high purity and yields. This intercalation method accompanied bilayer inversion on their lipophilic sides.
Computer-assisted osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle with non-constrained total knee replacement in severe valgus knees
Authors: Hadjicostas P. T. , Soucacos P. N. , Thielemann F. W.
Published: November 2008

We describe the mid-term results of a prospective study of total knee replacement in severe valgus knees using an osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle and computer navigation. There were 15 knees with a mean valgus deformity of 21° (17° to 27°) and a mean follow-up of 28 months (24 to 60). A cemented, non-constrained fixed bearing, posterior-cruciate-retaining knee prosthesis of the same design was used in all cases (Columbus-B. Braun; Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany).

All the knees were corrected to a mean of 0.5° of valgus (0° to 2°). Flexion of the knee had been limited to a mean of 85° (75° to 110°) pre-operatively and improved to a mean of 105° (90° to 130°) after operation. The mean Knee Society score improved from 37 (30 to 44) to 90 points (86 to 94).

Osteotomy of the lateral femoral condyle combined with computer-assisted surgery gave an excellent mid-term outcome in patients undergoing total knee replacement in the presence of severe valgus deformity.
Diabetes and smoking as prognostic factors after cervical laminoplasty
Authors: Kim H.-J. , Moon S.-H. , Kim H.-S. , Moon E.-S. , Chun H.-J. , Jung M. , Lee H.-M.
Published: November 2008

We reviewed 87 patients who had undergone expansive cervical laminoplasty between 1999 and 2005. These were divided into two groups: those who had diabetes mellitus and those who did not. There were 31 patients in the diabetes group and 56 in the control group. Although a significant improvement in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was seen in both groups, the post-operative recovery rate in the control group was better than that of the diabetic group. The patients’ age and symptom duration adversely affected the rate of recovery in the diabetic group only. Smoking did not affect the outcome in either group. A logistic regression analysis found diabetes and signal changes in the spinal cord on MRI to be significant risk factors for a poor outcome (odds ratio 2.86, 3.02, respectively). Furthermore, the interaction of diabetes with smoking and/or age increased this risk.

We conclude that diabetes mellitus, or the interaction of this with old age, can adversely affect outcome after cervical laminoplasty. However, smoking alone cannot be regarded as a risk factor.