bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Decentralized FMS and its Efficient AGVs Control
Authors: Yamamoto Hidehiko , Yamada Takayoshi
Published: June 2012

This paper describes Autonomous Decentralized FMS (AD-FMS) and its method to control automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) by using a memory. The aim is to increase the reasoning efficiency of a system the authors call reasoning to anticipate the future (RAF) which controls AGVs in AD-FMS. This RAF applies hypothetical reasoning to the number of next actions that can be considered for the AGV (competing hypotheses). However, if the number of agents included in the hypothetical reasoning process in the RAF is increased, the number of next actions that are considered as competing hypotheses also increases. As a result, the replacement of true and false hypotheses and number of repetitions of discrete production simulations produced by these replacements are increased, giving rise to the problem of decreased reasoning efficiency of the RAF. The present article reports a method to solve these problems. The reported method, the authors call ranking by oblivion and memory (ROM), is based on the idea that when a production situation occurs that is the same as one in the past, the same destination as in the past is more likely to be selected; that is, it has a high probability of being selected as the true hypothesis. By applying the ROM to AD-FMSs constructed on a computer, it was found that under all conditions the ROM reduced the number of hypothesis replacements to half that of a conventional system, demonstrating the validity of this system.
Development, Integration and Qualification of a Measurement System for Accurate and Fast Placements of Flipchips
Authors: de Kruif Bas J. , de Hoog Thomas , Hoogstrate André , van der Zon Ben
Published: June 2012

A positioning system has been developed that places dies quickly and with high accuracy on a rigid substrate. The increased accuracy makes it possible to stack dies, or use dies with an ultra fine pitch, while not sacrificing speed. A single camera system determines the position of the die on the bondhead, as well as the position of the substrate. As a result, the effect of thermal drift is minimized. In order to decrease the cycle time, the camera system is mounted on the bondhead, so that the die position can be measured while moving. This concept has been successfully integrated and tested on an existing component mounter machine. The resulting accuracy has been increased from 10 to 3 μm (3σ), while the placement cycle time can be reduced by 20 %.
Research on Unbalance Signal Extraction under the Constraints of Low Operation Speed and Limited Acquisition Time
Authors: Zhao Ding Ding , Cai Ping , Qi Wei
Published: June 2012

Aiming at extracting sinusoidal signals from strong background noise and disturbance under the constraint of limited cycles of samples, the spectral feature of the picked unbalance vibration signal of a hard bearing balancing machine was analyzed and an analogue filter was designed to eliminate the main disturbance components in the frequency domain, and a signal extension method based on the AR model was introduced and investigated. Simulation and field experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the presented extension method and an improvement in accuracy was achieved by extension of the AR model.
First-Principles Investigation on Ag, N Codoped in p-Type ZnO
Authors: He Cheng , Zhang Wen Xue , Duan Li , Li Qing Wei , Shi Zhong Qi
Published: June 2012

The geometric structure, band structure and density of state of pure and Ag-N, Ag-2N codoped wurtzite ZnO have been investigated by first-principles ultrasoft pseudopotential method in the generalized gradient approximation. These structures induce fully occupied defect states above the valence-band maximum of bulk ZnO. The calculation results show that the codoped structure Ag-N has better stability. Meanwhile, the carrier concentration is increased in the Ag-2N codoped configuration where the delocalized features are obvious. Our findings suggest that codoping of Ag-2N could efficiently enhance the N dopant solubility and is likely to yield better p-type conductivity.
Characteristics of Artificial Lightweight Aggregate by Using Magnetic Separated Desulfurized Fly Ash and Dredged Soil
Authors: Kim Yoo Taek , Jang Chang Sub , Lee Ki Gang , Lee Joon Seong
Published: June 2012

This research concerns the characteristics of ALA made of magnetically separated desulfurized fly ash (DFA) generated from the coal power plant having fluidized bed type boiler. Being believed that these alkali-rich components could be separated by magnetic separation, desulfurized fly ash was separated by using 10,000 Gauss magnets as magnetic desulfurized fly ash (MDFA) and non-magnetic desulfurized fly ash (DFA). The dependence of composition and sintering temperature on physical property of ALA was studied. It seems to be apparent that the glass phase which is one of the main problems in the ALA manufacturing process could not be controlled by the magnetic separation only, but the formation of pores could be considerably controlled by the magnetic separation. It is also clear that neither DFA nor MDFA can be used as raw materials for making ALA; however, magnetic separation of desulfurized fly ash from fluidized bed type boiler is effective to collect bloating components for self-bloating of ALA without addition of an extra bloating agent.
Study of Resistance Characteristics of Silicon Carbide Resistor Materials
Authors: Jin Hai Yun , Feng Da Wei , Huang Zhen , Niu Rui Dong , Liu Rong Zhen , He Bo , Shao Liang
Published: June 2012

Experimental program and preparation technology of highly densified reaction bonded silicon carbide resistance materials with different resistivity were investigated by using alumina or silicon nitride as aids for improving of the volume resistivity. The microstructure of the materials was observed by scanning electron microscope. According to the experimental results, the resistivity of the material could be controlled by the particle size and the content of the aids. Besides, alumina could reduce silicon penetration and increase resistivity greatly, and 10wt.% of alumina could satisfy the requirement of resistance. In addition, different particle size of matrix materials had a great impact on the resistivity. Compared with the coarse silicon carbide, the room temperature resistivity value by using the fine silicon carbide could increases for six times.
Hot Workability of a High Strength Low Alloy Steel for Construction Application
Authors: Jung Woo Young , Ha Tae Kwon
Published: June 2012

The hot deformation behavior of a high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel for construction application under hot working conditions in the temperature range of 900 to 1100 and strain rate range from 0.1 to 10 s-1 has been studied by performing a series of hot compression tests. The dynamic materials model has been employed for developing the processing maps, which show variation of the efficiency of power dissipation with temperature and strain rate. Also the Kumars model has been used for developing the instability map, which shows variation of the instability for plastic deformation with temperature and strain rate. The efficiency of power dissipation increased with decreasing strain rate and increasing temperature. High efficiency of power dissipation over 20 % was obtained at a finite strain level of 0.3 under the conditions of strain rate lower than 1 s-1 and temperature higher than 1050. Plastic instability was expected in the regime of temperatures lower than 1000°C and strain rate lower than 0.3 s-1.
Effect of Sintering Agents on the Sintering and Physical Properties of ATO (Antimony Doped Tin Oxide)
Authors: Ryu Ji Yeon , Kim Y. , Lee Yoon Joo , Lim Young Soo , Seo Won Seon , Kwon Woo Teck , Choi Heon Jin , Kim Soo Ryong
Published: June 2012

Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) is a typical p-type semiconductor and widely used due to its good properties such as electrical conductivity and transparency in visible range, while reflects infrared light. These features allow ATO to be used as transparent electrodes, heat mirrors and energy storage device, display panel. However, the use of tin oxide ceramics is limited by the low densification during sintering due to the dominance of non-densification mechanism such as surface diffusion or evaporation condensation. So, sintering agents such as Cobalt (II) oxide (CoO), zinc oxide (ZnO), manganese dioxide (MnO2) used to improve the densification of SnO2 by forming lattice solid solution or liquid phase. In this study, we studied the effect of the sintering agents. The antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel method. After sintering ATO with sintering agents such as MnO2 and CoO, sintered body characteristics were investigated by XRD, SEM, thermal conductivity, resistivity and interesting characteristic.
Effects of Impregnating and Heat Treatment on the Oxidation and Thermal Shock Properties of Pressureless Sintered SiC/Graphite Composites
Authors: Yang Wan Li , Shi Zhong Qi , Jin Zhi Hao , Qiao Guan Jun
Published: June 2012

SiC/0~20% graphite (volume fraction) composites were successfully fabricated by pressureless sintering at 1700 °C for 2 h in nitrogen atmosphere. The impregnating and heat treatment process for the samples with silica sol/phenolic impregnant was carried out at 1450 °C for 2 h in nitrogen atmosphere. The Vickers hardness, oxidation resistance and thermal shock property of the composites before and after treatment were tested, and the microstructure and phase composition were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results shown that the Vickers hardness of SiC/20% graphite was increased from 3.35 GPa to 4.90 GPa by heat treatment, and the oxidation resistance and thermal shock property of the heat treated samples were also improved significantly. The SEM and XRD results revealed that the formation of new SiC particles by the reaction of silica sol and phenolic was the main reason for the mechanical properties improvements.
Synthesis of Layered-Ternary Ti2AlC/Al2O3 Composites by an In Situ Reaction and Hot Pressing Sintering
Authors: Zhu Jian Feng , Pan Rui Juan
Published: June 2012

Mo modified Ti2A1C /Al2O3 composites were successfully fabricated from an elemental power mixture of Ti, Al, TiC and MoO3 by an in situ reaction/hot pressing method. The reaction path and effect of the molar ratio of the initial materials on the phase composition were investigated in detail. The as-prepared materials are mainly composed of (Ti1-xMox)2AlC solid solutions, Al2O3, and a small amounts of the Mo rich compounds. It is found that the in situ formed fine Al2O3 particles tend to disperse on the matrix grain boundaries. Compared with the monolithic Ti2A1C, (Ti,Mo)2AlC/10 wt% Al2O3 composite possesses a fine grain sized structure. The Vickers hardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and compressive strength of the as composite are 4.75 GPa, 458 MPa, 6.03 MPa·m1/2, 971 MPa, respectively.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acid Using Ti/Anodized TiO2 Metal Plate with Fe-Doping
Authors: Kim Jong Oh , Choi Seung Pil , Kim Geon Tae , Kim Yong Hak
Published: June 2012

We evaluated the treatment efficiency of humic acid using Ti and anodized TiO2metal plate with/without Fe-doping. Variation of humic acid concentration after 60 minutes of UV irradiation in the case of Ti only, Fe-Ti, TiO2only and Fe-TiO2was about 3.0%, 5.5%, 9.8% and 9.2%, respectively. . It is found that hypochromic effect was revealed in all cases with respect to doping time. Fe doping method is considered to be effective for humic acid degradation in spite of relatively low surface area of Ti and anodized TiO2metal plate.
Synthesis of Al2O3/TiAl In Situ Composites from Ti-Al-TiO2-Cr-V2O5
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Fen , Zhu Jian Feng
Published: June 2012

Al2O3/TiAl composites doped with Cr and V2O5were successfully prepared from Ti, Al, TiO2, Cr and V2O5by in situ hot-pressing. The synthesis process and the microstructures of as-fabricated samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the reaction process could be divided into three stages: firstly, Ti reacted with Al to form TiAl3, then TiO2and V2O5were reduced by Al to form Al2O3, and finally TiAl and Ti3Al occur from the competitive solid-state diffusion reactions. The as-synthesized composites mainly consist of V and Cr doped matrix phases of γ-TiAl and α2-Ti3Al and dispersive Al2O3phase. The in situ formed fine Al2O3particles mainly disperse on the boundaries of TiAl. Compression strength shows a peak value of 1096.22 MPa at 7.54 at.% Al2O3content.
Extraction of Polyethylene Residue Components in Soil
Authors: Chen Cheng , Luo Xue Gang , Xiong Xiao Li , Lin Xiao Yan
Published: June 2012

The extraction of polyethylene residue components in soil was presented in this work, where polyethylene (PE) powder (Mw=5598) was taken as a simulated polyethylene residue, and decalin was as an excellent solvent. The effects of times of reflux extraction, total extraction time and soil type on the extraction ratio were investigated, aimed at finding out the optimum extraction condition. Results show that the optimum extraction ratio achieves up to 90 % (w/w) at 100 after extraction for 20 mins thrice. Meanwhile, the times of reflux extraction has the most significant influence on extraction ratio, followed by the total extraction time. However, soil type has little influence. The FTIR spectra illustrates that the structure of PE is not destroyed during the extraction. However, the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution test show the average molecular weight of PE decreases after the extraction, which is possibly caused by the degradation of PE.
Factors Affecting Coagulation of Phosphorus from Municipal Sewage
Authors: Kim Jong Oh , Moon Jung Ho
Published: June 2012

A laboratory, jar-test type study was conducted to investigate the effect of operational parameters on coagulation efficiency when PACl and ferric chloride are used. Under the same dosages, TP removal by ferric chloride was more effective than that of PACl with municipal fresh sewage, while PACl was superior to ferric chloride in case filtered municipal fresh sewage was used as feed. Zeta potential is believed to be a feasible parameter for the determining of appropriate coagulant dosage. Optimal pH for TOC removal was about 6.0, which is slightly lower than that for turbidity and color removal. There are no significant difference in the removal of TOC, turbidity and color over the range of GT values 12,780~112,800.
Ab Initio Study of Electronic and Magneto-Optical Properties of InSb:Mn and InAs:Mn
Authors: Kulatov E.T. , Titov A. , Uspenskii Y.A.
Published: June 2012

Energy difference between the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic collinear orderings has been calculated for the uniform and dimer Mn-pair geometries in order to find the ground state distribution of the Mn atoms in InSb (As) hosts. We find the preference of the dimer ferromagnetic configuration of Mn dopants and an importance of optimizing the atomic site positions. The frequency-dependent optical and magneto-optical properties, namely the reflectivity, the electron energy loss spectra, on-and off-diagonal conductivity tensor and the polar Kerr effect, are calculated for comparison with available experimental data. Our calculated MO resonance in In1-xMnxSb (x=1.56%) are found to be in good agreement with corresponding experimental MO spectra. The origin of the large Kerr rotation is discussed.
Coil-Less Fluxgate Effect in Amorphous Co71Fe1Mo1Mn4Si14B9 Ribbon
Authors: Fidan A. , Atalay S. , Bayri N. , Atalay F.E. , Yagmur V.
Published: June 2012

In this study, the coil-less fluxgate effect in Co71Fe1Mo1Mn4Si14B9 amorphous ribbon was investigated. The coil-less fluxgate is a new type of fluxgate sensor without a coil. It is based on helical anisotropy and deep circumferential magnetic saturation in the ferromagnetic fluxgate core. Coil-less fluxgate measurements were performed in as-cast and annealed ribbons at 480 mA current with 3, 12.5 and 25 rad/m torsion. The second harmonic of the output voltage detected from the ends of the wire show a linear variation in the low magnetic field region. The sensitivity of the current annealed ribbons in the presence of 25 rad/m torsion is about 570 V/T, which is comparable with previously reported fluxgate sensitivity values. The presented sensor has no coil so it is much easier to reduce the size of the sensor and easy to fabricate it.
Magnetic Phase Transitions in La1-xRxMn2Si2 (R=Gd, Tb, Dy) Compounds
Authors: Gerasimov E.G. , Mushnikov N.V. , Gaviko V.S.
Published: June 2012

Magnetic properties of the La1xRxMn2Si2 (R is Gd, Tb, Dy; 0 x 1) compounds were investigated using magnetic measurements on quasi-single crystals. The x-T concentration magnetic phase diagrams are constructed. All obtained x-T magnetic phase diagrams are found to be similar. Six magnetic structures are realized in the compounds at different concentrations x. It was shown that all the compounds have strong magnetic anisotropy with the c-axis as the easy direction. For the compounds with x = 0.2, the irreversible magnetization processes are observed which can be attributed to the existence of a compensation point at which the R and Mn magnetic sublattices compensate each other. The nature of various spontaneous and field-induced phase transitions is also discussed.
Effect of Initial Composition on the Phase Composition of High-Strength Fe-Cr-Co-Based Magnetic Materials
Authors: Kleinerman N.M. , Serikov V.V. , Vershinin A.V. , Belozerov E.V. , Mushnikov N.V.
Published: June 2012

The work presents a Mossbauer study of changes in the structure and phase composition of Fe-Cr-Co-W-Ga alloys with mechanical and magnetic properties appropriate for a new application of them as materials for rotors of high-speed engines. The changes are traceable to variations of the initial composition. A comparison of the latter with the changes in the Mossbauer parameters and a combined analysis of the data with the mechanical and magnetic characteristics are performed.
Spectrum of the Coupled Waves in Magnetics Having the Ferromagnetic Spiral
Authors: Bychkov Igor V. , Buchelnikov Vasiliy D. , Kuzmin D.A. , Shadrin V.V.
Published: June 2012

The spectrum of coupling spin and electromagnetic waves for magnetic having spiral magnetic structure defined by non-uniform exchange and relativistic interactions have been received. The possibility of resonant interaction of spin and electromagnetic waves has been shown. The electromagnetic waves reflectance for the layer of magnetic having ferromagnetic spiral has been calculated for different angles of spiral.
Magnetic Field and Annealing Influence on the Martensitic Transition in Ni45.8Mn42.6In11.6 Shape Memory Alloy Ribbons
Authors: González Lorena , García J. , Nazmunnahar M. , Rosa W.O. , Escoda L. , Suñol Joan Josep , Prida V.M. , Koledov V.V. , Shavrov V.G. , Hernando B.
Published: June 2012

We report the effect of shorttime vacuum annealing, during 10 minutes at 923 K, 973 K, 1023 K and 1073 K, on magnetostructural properties of as-quenched ribbons of Ni45.5Mn43In11.5 Heusler alloy. The martensitic transformation is strongly sensitive to annealing treatments. The martensitic phase starting temperature is significantly shifted from 239 K towards higher temperatures around 370 K. It suffers a break down in two peaks when a field equal or higher than 500 Oe is applied to the as-quenched sample. This effect is not detected in the transformation of annealed ribbons but its signature can be observed at low temperature. Moreover, under high magnetic field up to 30 kOe temperatures associated with both martensitic and reverse transitions do not change for annealed samples, meanwhile the magnetization difference between austenite and martensite increases with the field. Nevertheless, it almost remains unchanged in the as-quenched ribbon.
Surface Plasmon Polaritons and Inverse Faraday Effect
Authors: Khokhlov N.E. , Belotelov V.I. , Kalish A.N. , Zvezdin A.K.
Published: June 2012

t is shown that the inverse Faraday effect appears in the case of surface plasmon polariton propagation near a metal-paramagnetic interface. The inverse Faraday effect in nanostructured periodically perforated metaldielectric films increases because of the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons. In this case, a stationary magnetic field is amplified by more than an order of magnitude compared to the case of a smooth paramagnetic film. The distribution of an electromagnetic field is sensitive to the wavelength and the angle of incidence of light, which allows one to efficiently control the local magnetization arising due to the inverse Faraday effect.
New Ternary Boride EuRh4B4 Synthesized under High Pressure and Temperature
Authors: Smekhova A. , Fomicheva L.N. , Tsvyashchenko A.V. , Sidorov V.A. , Rogalev Andrei
Published: June 2012

We report the results of a detailed study of EuRh4B4 compound synthesized by an un-common method under high pressure temperature conditions for the first time. Synthesized sample has been initially characterized by X-ray diffraction, macroscopic electrical resistivity and ac-susceptibility methods. The ferromagnetic and superconducting phases were found below 83K and 5.8K respectively. Element-and shell-selective XANES and XMCD techniques have been further applied to check the possible valence transition of Eu ions and their magnetic states. XANES spectra recorded at the Eu L2,3 absorption edges clearly indicate the presence of either magnetic Eu2+ or non-magnetic Eu3+ ions in the sample. The XMCD studies have also shown that local magnetic moments of Eu2+ ions exist in the superconducting EuRh4B4, at least above the transition.
Coercivity and Exchange Bias in Magnetic Sandwich Structure Prepared by Chemical Deposition
Authors: Chzhan A. V. , Patrin G.S. , Kiparisov S. Ya. , Seredkin V. A.
Published: June 2012

Exchange bias and coercivity of the hysteresis loop of a low-coercive layer in magnetic three-layered structure prepared by chemical deposition are studied. It is established that the coercive force in the films obtained nonmonotonically changed with the low-coercive layer thickness. The specificity of magnetization reversal of exchange-biased layers is analyzed.
The Influence of Quantum Size Effects on Magnetic Properties of Thin-Film Systems
Authors: Shalygina Elena E. , Rozhnovskaya Alisa , Shalygin Alexander
Published: June 2012

Results on the investigation of magnetic and magneto-optical properties of Fe/NML/Fe (NML: Mo, Ta) thin-film systems are presented. The examined samples were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering technique. The hysteresis loops and spectral dependencies of the transverse Kerr effect (TKE) were measured employing the magneto-optical magnetometer and the magneto-optical spectrometer, respectively. The saturation field of the examined trilayers was revealed to oscillate as a function of the NML layer thickness, and the period of these oscillations to depend on the Fe layer thickness. The TKE spectra of the studied systems were found to be identical but the TKE values depend on the thickness of both Fe and Mo, Ta layers.
Mossbauer Study of Changes in Magnetic Structure of La(Fe0.88Al0.12-xSix)13 Compounds
Authors: Serikov V.V. , Kleinerman N.M. , Vershinin A.V.
Published: June 2012

A first-order metamagnetic transition from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state in La (Fe0.88Al0.12-xSix) compounds was investigated using Mossbauer effect. The exchange-related clusters in the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic state are shown to exist. The influence of Si on magnetic structure is observed.
Mössbauer and Magnetic Study of Solid Phases Formed by Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing Bacteria
Authors: Chistyakova N.I. , Rusakov V.S. , Shapkin A.A. , Pigalev P.A. , Kazakov A.P. , Zhilina T.N. , Zavarzina D.G. , Lančok A. , Kohout J. , Grenèche J.M.
Published: June 2012

Mössbauer investigations of solid phases that were formed during the reduction of amorphous synthesized ferrihydrite (SF) by thermophilic anaerobic iron-reducing bacterium Thermincola ferriacetica (strain Z-0001) and alkaliphilic anaerobic iron-reducing bacterium Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus (strain Z-0531) were carried out at room, liquid nitrogen and helium temperatures in the presence or the absence of an external magnetic field (6 T). The magnetization M (T, H) was measured in the temperature interval 80-300 K and magnetic field up to 10 kOe. It was performed zero field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) measurements of M (T).
Fabrication of InGaAs/GaAs Light-Emitting Diodes with GaMnSb Ferromagnetic Injector Layer
Authors: Dorokhin M.V. , Danilov Y.A. , Kudrin Alexei V. , Malysheva E.I. , Prokof’eva M.M. , Zvonkov B.N.
Published: June 2012

The electroluminescence properties of ferromagnetic GaMnSb/GaAs diodes have been investigated. It has been found that diodes properties are significantly dependent on GaMnSb layer electrical properties. The intensity of electroluminescence of the diode with semiconductor GaMnSb contact is relatively low, that is due to a high potential barrier at the interface. In case of metallic GaMnSb/GaAs contact high hole injection efficiency provides relatively high electroluminescence intensity. Investigated light-emitting diodes can be prospective for investigation of spin injection effects.
Exchange Bias in Co/FeMn and Co/IrMn Structures Induced by Deposition in Presence of Magnetic Field
Authors: Dzhun I.O. , Chechenin N.G. , Dushenko S.A. , Konstantinova E.A.
Published: June 2012

By measuring the angular dependence of ferromagnetic resonance field at room and low temperatures, it is demonstrated that the magnitude of magnetic field applied during magnetron deposition of Ta/F/AF/Ta structures, where F=Co, NiFe and AF=FeMn and IrMn, influences the uniaxial and unidirectional anisotropy, magnetization and the exchange bias blocking temperature. The deposition field effects on the bilayer structure are compared with the effects on a similar structure, but without antiferromagnetic layer. The exchange bias blocking temperature of investigated structures is found to be significantly lower than the Néel temperature of a bulk antiferromagnet. The origin of the observed effects is shortly discussed.
Autocrine IFN-γ Promotes Naive CD8 T Cell Differentiation and Synergizes with IFN-α To Stimulate Strong Function
Authors: Curtsinger Julie M. , Agarwal Pujya , Lins Debra C. , Mescher Matthew F.
Published: June 2012

Autocrine IFN-γ signaling is important for CD4 differentiation to Th1 effector cells, but it has been unclear whether it contributes to CD8 T cell differentiation. We show in this paper that naive murine CD8 T cells rapidly and transiently produce low levels of IFN-γ upon stimulation with Ag and B7-1, with production peaking at ∼8 h and declining by 24 h. The autocrine IFN-γ signals for upregulation of expression of T-bet and granzyme B and induces weak cytolytic activity and effector IFN-γ production. IFN-α acts synergistically with IFN-γ to support development of strong effector functions, whereas IL-12 induces high T-bet expression and strong function in the absence of IFN-γ signaling. Thus, IFN-γ is not only an important CD8 T cell effector cytokine, it is an autocrine/paracrine factor whose contributions to differentiation vary depending on whether the response is supported by IL-12 or type I IFN.
TGF-β Mediates Proinflammatory Seminal Fluid Signaling in Human Cervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sharkey David J. , Macpherson Anne M. , Tremellen Kelton P. , Mottershead David G. , Gilchrist Robert B. , Robertson Sarah A.
Published: June 2012

The cervix is central to the female genital tract immune response to pathogens and foreign male Ags introduced at coitus. Seminal fluid profoundly influences cervical immune function, inducing proinflammatory cytokine synthesis and leukocyte recruitment. In this study, human Ect1 cervical epithelial cells and primary cervical cells were used to investigate agents in human seminal plasma that induce a proinflammatory response. TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 are abundant in seminal plasma, and Affymetrix microarray revealed that TGF-β3 elicits changes in Ect1 cell expression of several proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes, replicating principal aspects of the Ect1 response to seminal plasma. The differentially expressed genes included several induced in the physiological response of the cervix to seminal fluid in vivo. Notably, all three TGF-β isoforms showed comparable ability to induce Ect1 cell expression of mRNA and protein for GM-CSF and IL-6, and TGF-β induced a similar IL-6 and GM-CSF response in primary cervical epithelial cells. TGF-β neutralizing Abs, receptor antagonists, and signaling inhibitors ablated seminal plasma induction of GM-CSF and IL-6, but did not alter IL-8, CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL20 (MIP-3α), or IL-1α production. Several other cytokines present in seminal plasma did not elicit Ect1 cell responses. These data identify all three TGF-β isoforms as key agents in seminal plasma that signal induction of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in cervical cells. Our findings suggest that TGF-β in the male partner’s seminal fluid may influence cervical immune function after coitus in women, and potentially be a determinant of fertility, as well as defense from infection.
Platelets Present Antigen in the Context of MHC Class I
Authors: Chapman Lesley M. , Aggrey Angela A. , Field David J. , Srivastava Kalyan , Ture Sara , Yui Katsuyuki , Topham David J. , Baldwin William M. , Morrell Craig N.
Published: June 2012

Platelets are most recognized for their vital role as the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but platelets also have important immune functions. Platelets initiate and sustain vascular inflammation in many disease conditions, including arthritis, atherosclerosis, transplant rejection, and severe malaria. We now demonstrate that platelets express T cell costimulatory molecules, process and present Ag in MHC class I, and directly activate naive T cells in a platelet MHC class I-dependent manner. Using an experimental cerebral malaria mouse model, we also demonstrate that platelets present pathogen-derived Ag to promote T cell responses in vivo, and that platelets can be used in a cell-based vaccine model to induce protective immune responses. Our study demonstrates a novel Ag presentation role for platelets.
Differential Idiotype Utilization for the In Vivo Type 14 Capsular Polysaccharide-Specific Ig Responses to Intact Streptococcus pneumoniae versus a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Colino Jesus , Duke Leah , Arjunaraja Swadhinya , Chen Quanyi , Liu Leyu , Lucas Alexander H. , Snapper Clifford M.
Published: June 2012

Murine IgG responses specific for the capsular polysaccharide (pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotype 14; PPS14) of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14 (Pn14), induced in response to intact Pn14 or a PPS14–protein conjugate, are both dependent on CD4+ T cell help but appear to use marginal zone versus follicular B cells, respectively. In this study, we identify an idiotype (44.1-Id) that dominates the PPS14-specific IgG, but not IgM, responses to intact Pn14, isolated PPS14, and Group B Streptococcus (strain COH1-11) expressing capsular polysaccharide structurally identical to PPS14. The 44.1-Id, however, is not expressed in the repertoire of natural PPS14-specific Abs. In distinct contrast, PPS14-specific IgG responses to a soluble PPS14–protein conjugate exhibit minimal usage of the 44.1-Id, although significant 44.1-Id expression is elicited in response to conjugate attached to particles. The 44.1-Id elicited in response to intact Pn14 was expressed in similar proportions among all four IgG subclasses during both the primary and secondary responses. The 44.1-Id usage was linked to the Igha, but not Ighb, allotype and was associated with induction of relatively high total PPS14-specific IgG responses. In contrast to PPS14–protein conjugate, avidity maturation of the 44.1-Id–dominant PPS14-specific IgG responses was limited, even during the highly boosted T cell-dependent PPS14-specific secondary responses to COH1-11. These results indicate that different antigenic forms of the same capsular polysaccharide can recruit distinct B cell clones expressing characteristic idiotypes under genetic control and suggest that the 44.1-Id is derived from marginal zone B cells.
Cutting Edge: Mast Cells Critically Augment Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Activity
Authors: Saleem Sheinei J. , Martin Rebecca K. , Morales Johanna K. , Sturgill Jamie L. , Gibb David R. , Graham Laura , Bear Harry D. , Manjili Masoud H. , Ryan John J. , Conrad Daniel H.
Published: June 2012

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are primarily recognized for their immunosuppressive properties in malignant disease. However, their interaction with other innate immune cells and their regulation of immune responses, such as in parasitic infection, necessitate further characterization. We used our previously published mouse model of MDSC accumulation to examine the immunoregulatory role of MDSCs in B16 melanoma metastasis and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. In this study, we demonstrate that the activity of MDSCs is dependent on the immune stimuli and subset induced. Monocytic MDSCs predictably suppressed antitumor immune responses but granulocytic MDSCs surprisingly enhanced the clearance of N. brasiliensis infection. Intriguingly, both results were dependent on MDSC interaction with mast cells (MCs), as demonstrated by adoptive-transfer studies in MC-deficient (KitWsh/Wsh) mice. These findings were further supported by ex vivo cocultures of MCs and MDSCs, indicating a synergistic increase in cytokine production. Thus, MCs can enhance both immunosuppressive and immunosupportive functions of MDSCs.
Analysis of T Cell Responses to the Major Allergens from German Cockroach: Epitope Specificity and Relationship to IgE Production
Authors: Oseroff Carla , Sidney John , Tripple Victoria , Grey Howard , Wood Robert , Broide David H. , Greenbaum Jason , Kolla Ravi , Peters Bjoern , Pomés Anna , Sette Alessandro
Published: June 2012

Bla g allergens are major targets of IgE responses associated with cockroach allergies. However, little is known about corresponding T cell responses, despite their potential involvement in immunopathology and the clinical efficacy of specific immunotherapy. Bioinformatic predictions of the capacity of Bla g 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 peptides to bind HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ molecules, and PBMC responses from 30 allergic donors, identified 25 T cell epitopes. Five immunodominant epitopes accounted for more than half of the response. Bla g 5, the most dominant allergen, accounted for 65% of the response, and Bla g 6 accounted for 20%. Bla g 5 induced both IL-5 and IFN-γ responses, whereas Bla g 6 induced mostly IL-5, and, conversely, Bla g 2 induced only IFN-γ. Thus, responses to allergens within a source are independently regulated, suggesting a critical role for the allergen itself, and not extraneous stimulation from other allergens or copresented immunomodulators. In comparing Ab with T cell responses for several donor/allergen combinations, we detected IgE titers in the absence of detectable T cell responses, suggesting that unlinked T cell–B cell help might support development of IgE responses. Finally, specific immunotherapy resulted in IL-5 downmodulation, which was not associated with development of IFN-γ or IL-10 responses to any of the Bla g-derived peptides. In summary, the characteristics of T cell responses to Bla g allergens appear uncorrelated with IgE responses. Monitoring these responses may therefore yield important information relevant to understanding cockroach allergies and their treatment.
Exogenous Administration of 15d-PGJ2–Loaded Nanocapsules Inhibits Bone Resorption in a Mouse Periodontitis Model
Authors: Napimoga Marcelo H. , da Silva Carlos A. T. , Carregaro Vanessa , Farnesi-de-Assunção Thais S. , Duarte Poliana M. , de Melo Nathalie F. S. , Fraceto Leonardo F.
Published: June 2012

The 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PG J2 (15d-PGJ2) has demonstrated excellent anti-inflammatory results in different experimental models. It can be used with a polymeric nanostructure system for modified drug release, which can change the therapeutic properties of the active principle, leading to increased stability and slower/prolonged release. The aim of the current study was to test a nanotechnological formulation as a carrier for 15d-PGJ2, and to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of this formulation in a mouse periodontitis model. Poly (D,L-lactide-coglycolide) nanocapsules (NC) were used to encapsulate 15d-PGJ2. BALB/c mice were infected on days 0, 2, and 4 with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and divided into groups (n = 5) that were treated daily during 15 d with 1, 3, or 10 μg/kg 15d-PGJ2-NC. The animals were sacrificed, the submandibular lymph nodes were removed for FACS analysis, and the jaws were analyzed for bone resorption by morphometry. Immunoinflammatory markers in the gingival tissue were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR, Western blotting, or ELISA. Infected animals treated with the 15d-PGJ2-NC presented lower bone resorption than infected animals without treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, infected animals treated with 10 μg/kg 15d-PGJ2-NC had a reduction of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratio in the submandibular lymph node (p < 0.05). Moreover, CD55 was upregulated, whereas RANKL was downregulated in the gingival tissue of the 10 μg/kg treated group (p < 0.05). Several proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in the group treated with 10 μg/kg 15d-PGJ2-NC, and high amounts of 15d-PGJ2 were observed in the gingiva. In conclusion, the 15d-PGJ2-NC formulation presented immunomodulatory effects, decreasing bone resorption and inflammatory responses in a periodontitis mouse model.
CD2AP/SHIP1 Complex Positively Regulates Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Receptor Signaling by Inhibiting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cbl
Authors: Bao Musheng , Hanabuchi Shino , Facchinetti Valeria , Du Qiumei , Bover Laura , Plumas Joel , Chaperot Laurence , Cao Wei , Qin Jun , Sun Shao-Cong , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: June 2012

The human plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) receptor BDCA2 forms a complex with the adaptor FcεR1γ to activate an ITAM-signaling cascade. BDCA2 receptor signaling negatively regulates the TLR7/9-mediated type 1 IFN responses in pDCs, which may play a key role in controlling self-DNA/RNA–induced autoimmunity. We report in this article that CD2-associated adaptor protein (CD2AP), which is highly expressed in human pDCs, positively regulates BDCA2/FcεR1γ receptor signaling. By immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses, we found that CD2AP bound to SHIP1. Knockdown of CD2AP or SHIP1 reduced the BDCA2/FcεR1γ-mediated ITAM signaling and blocked its inhibition of TLR9-mediated type 1 IFN production. Knockdown of CD2AP or SHIP1 also enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of Syk and FcεR1γ that was mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl. This led us to discover that, upon BDCA2 cross-linking, the CD2AP/SHIP1 complex associated with Cbl and inhibited its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. In human primary pDCs, cross-linking of the BDCA2/FcεR1γ complex induced the recruitment of the CD2AP/SHIP1/Cbl complex to the plasma membrane of pDCs, where it colocalized with the BDCA2/FcεR1γ complex. Therefore, CD2AP positively regulates BDCA2/FcεR1γ signaling by forming a complex with SHIP1 to inhibit the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl.
A Clinical Study on Dental Air Force Home Dental Cleaning System on Adult Chronic Periodontitis Patients and its Assessment to C-Reactive Protein Levels
Authors: Vadvadgi Vinay , Anarthe Raju , Mani Shubhangi
Published: June 2012

Aim

The study was outlined to determine and assess the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in chronic periodontitis patients and to assess the CRP values after using Dental Air Force home dental cleaning system.

Materials and methods

A total of 100 adult chronic periodontitis subjects were recruited voluntarily for this study. Clinical assessment of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were made prior to phase-1 therapy and at 7th and 15th day posttherapy. Effects of treatment were assessed by paired tests and analysis of variance by treatment group with baseline covariates. Comparative assessments were done among all the patients that were divided into four groups.

Results

The results of this study showed that there was 35% decrease in CRP level in periodontitis patients that used Dental Air Force home dental cleaning system without undergoing phase 1 (complete scaling and root planing) therapy. There was 100% decrease in CRP in group D (phase 1 therapy followed by use of Dental Air Force home dental cleaning system) as compare to group C (phase 1 therapy followed by use of toothbrush) where there were 89.61% decrease in CRP level from baseline to 15th day of recordings.

Conclusion

There was strong correlation between periodontal diseases and CRP level and as there is progression and remission of periodontal disease; CRP values follow the same. Dental Air Force home dental cleaning system with the access to interdentally area helps in preventing the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm, thus able to maintain the CRP at lower levels as compare to traditional toothbrushing.

How to cite this article

Mani A, Vadvadgi V, Anarthe R, Saini R, Mani S. A Clinical Study on Dental Air Force Home Dental Cleaning System on Adult Chronic Periodontitis Patients and its Assessment to C-Reactive Protein Levels. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):14-18.
Case of Compound Composite Odontome: Diagnostic Criteria for Odontomas
Authors: Tejasvi Avinash , Babu Balaji , Avinash CK Anulekha , Venkateswarlu M , Geetha P , Kinikar Ketaki , Afroze Malik
Published: June 2012

Odontomas behave more like developmental abnormalities (hamartomas) than true neoplasms. Odontomas are developmental anomalies resulting from the growth of completely differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells that give rise to ameloblast and odontoblast. Odontomas are classified as complex odontoma and compound odontomas. The purpose of the article is to enumerate the diagnostic criteria for odontomas.

How to cite this article

Tejasvi A, Babu B, Avinash CKA, Venkateswarlu M, Geetha P, Kinikar K, Afroze M. Case of Compound Composite Odontome: Diagnostic Criteria for Odontomas. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):19-22.
Inverted and Impacted Maxillary Third Molar: Removal by Lateral Transposition Method
Authors: Chhabra Shruti , Chhabra Naveen , Dhillon Guneet
Published: June 2012

Background

Third molars are one of the most commonly impacted teeth in the oral cavity. But in very rare cases, the impacted molars can be inverted as well. In this case, the patient presented with an inverted and impacted left maxillary third molar. The aim of the operating surgeon was to execute the procedure in the least hazardous manner, to avoid any surgical complications.

Methods

The surgical extraction of the tooth by lateral transposition method was carried out rather than the classical method owing to the inverted position of the impacted tooth. The surgery was carried out under local anesthesia. An incision was made at the crest of the ridge with an anterior releasing incision. Bone overlying the impacted molar was removed following which the tooth was luxated and laterally transposed. The socket was thoroughly irrigated and closure was done by simple interrupted suture, using 3-0 mersilk.

Results

The impacted and inverted maxillary third molar was successfully removed by lateral transposition method without any complications.

Conclusion

The impacted and inverted maxillary third molars are not commonly encountered in dental practice. Subsequently, their removal can be a challenging job on the part of an oral surgeon. The surgeon should preoperatively weigh carefully the associated risk factors and explain them thoroughly to the patient.

How to cite this article

Chhabra S, Chhabra N, Dhillon G. Inverted and Impacted Maxillary Third Molar: Removal by Lateral Transposition Method. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):26-29.
Nonsurgical Endodontic Retreatment: A Case of Dental Quackery
Authors: Tewari Rajendra Kumar , Mishra Surendra Kumar , Kharade Pankaj
Published: June 2012

Dental quackery is a common practice in India. The poor people who cannot afford for specialty dental treatment prefer to go to unregistered cheap dental practitioners. A case of self-styled fixation of traumatic maxillary anterior teeth reported in Department of Conservative Dentistry, Dental College, AMU, Aligarh and was treated successfully.

How to cite this article

Tewari RK, Mishra SK, Sharma S, Kharade P. Nonsurgical Endodontic Retreatment: A Case of Dental Quackery. Int J Exper Dent Sci, 2012;1(1):34-36.
Intraosseous Schwannoma of the Mandible
Authors: Baykul Timuçin , Simsek Hasan Onur , Aksoy Muge Cina , Can Cagri
Published: June 2012

Schwannoma originates from Schwann cells of peripheral nerve sheaths and account for 1% of benign primary bone tumors. The site most commonly involved is the mandible. We present a 47-year-old woman with schwannoma at mandible. Neurosensory examination comprised paresthesia at left side of the mandible. Radiologic examination showed a well-defined unilocular osteolytic lesion which located in the left side of the mandible. The lesion was surgically curetted. The patient is under our follow-up. In this report, clinical and histological features and treatment of the schwannoma are discussed.

How to cite this article

Simsek HO, Aksoy MC, Can C, Baykul T. Intraosseous Schwannoma of the Mandible. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):48-50.
Intraoral Lipoma: A Rare Placement in Mental Foramen Area
Authors: Findik Yavuz , Baykul Timuçin , Kökdere Nesligül Niyaz
Published: June 2012

Lipomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors. They are usually surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule and composed of mature fat cells. Approximately 15 to 20% of cases occur in the head and neck region and only 1 to 4% occur in the oral cavity . The most common anatomic site in the oral cavity has frequently been reported as the buccal mucosa, followed by floor of the mouth, tongue and lower lip mucosa. They present as painless, well circumscribed, soft or firm, slow growing submucosal mass. Heredity, fatty tissue degeneration, hormonal imbalance, trauma, infection and chronic irritation have been proposed as etiological agents for lipomas; their etiology remains unknown.

How to cite this article

Findik Y, Baykul T, Kökdere NN. Intraoral Lipoma: A Rare Placement in Mental Foramen Area. Int J Exper Dent Sci 2012;1(1):51-53.
Portrayal of fuzzy recharge areas for water balance modelling – a case study in northern Oman
Authors: Gerner A. , Schütze N. , Schmitz G. H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The research project IWAS Oman aims at implementing integrated water resources management (IWRM) to a pilot area in Al Batinah, Oman. This requires – amongst others – a realistic assessment of groundwater recharge to the alluvial aquifer which obviously has to be based upon the extension of recharge areas. In this context, the subsequent investigation focuses on the role of vagueness as regards the portrayal of the areas that provide water for particular aquifers. For that purpose, concepts of fuzziness in spatial analysis are applied to describe possible extents of recharge areas. In general, any water assessment is based on clearly delineated boundaries. However, in many cases, aquifer recharge areas are not clearly defined due to the nature of the study area. Hence, surfaces indicating a gradual membership to the recharge area of a particular aquifer are used in this investigation. These surfaces, which are based on available qualitative information, visualise a potential range of spatial extension. With regard to water balance calculations, functional relationships in tabular form are derived as well. Based on a regionalisation approach providing spatially distributed recharge rates, the corresponding recharge volume is calculated. Hence, this methodology provides fuzzy input data for water balance calculations. Beyond the portrayal of one singular aquifer recharge area, this approach also supports the complementary consideration of adjacent areas.