bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Mechanics of Pipes Conveying Fluids—Part I: Fundamental Studies
Authors: Ibrahim R. A.
Published: May 2010

This two-part review article presents an overview of mechanics of pipes conveying fluid and related problems such as the fluid-elastic instability under conditions of turbulence in nuclear power plants. In the first part, different types of modeling, dynamic analysis, and stability regimes of pipes conveying fluid restrained by elastic or inelastic barriers are described. The dynamic and stability behaviors of pinned-pinned, clamped-clamped, and cantilevered pipes conveying fluid together with curved and articulated pipes will be discussed. Other problems such as pipes made of viscoelastic materials and active control of severe pipe vibrations are considered. This part will be closed by conclusions highlighting resolved and nonresolved controversies reported in literature. The second part will address the problem of fluid-elastic instability in single- and two-phase flows and fretting wear in process equipment such as heat exchangers and steam generators. Connors critical velocity will be discussed as a measure of initiating fluid-elastic instability. Vibro-impact of heat exchanger tubes and the random excitation by the cross-flow can produce a progressive damage at the supports through fretting wear or fatigue. Antivibration bar supports used to limit pipe vibrations are described. An assessment of analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques of fretting wear problem of pipes in heat exchangers will be given. Other topics related to this part include remote impact analysis and parameter identification, pipe damage-induced by pressure elastic waves, the dynamic response and stability of long pipes, marine risers together with pipes aspirating fluid, and carbon nanotubes conveying fluid.
The Accepting of Pipe Bends With Ovality and Thinning Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Veerappan AR. , Shanmugam S. , Soundrapandian S.
Published: May 2010

Thinning and ovality are commonly observed irregularities in pipe bends, which induce higher stress than perfectly circular cross sections. In this work, the stresses introduced in pipe bends with different ovalities and thinning for a particular internal pressure are calculated using the finite element method. The constant allowable pressure ratio for different ovalities and thinning is presented at different bend radii. The allowable pressure ratio increases, attains a maximum, and then decreases as the values of ovality and thinning are increased. An empirical relationship to determine the allowable pressure in terms of bend ratio, pipe ratio, percent thinning, and percent ovality is presented. The pipe ratio has a strong effect on the allowable pressure.
Deciphering Genetic Disease in the Genomic Era: The Model of GnRH Deficiency
Authors: Sykiotis Gerasimos P. , Pitteloud Nelly , Seminara Stephanie B. , Kaiser Ursula B. , Crowley William F.
Published: May 2010

Recent technical and conceptual advances presage the elucidation of the genetic causes of human disease through unbiased, patient-oriented investigations.
On Board with the Cures Acceleration Network
Authors: Nabel Elizabeth G.
Published: May 2010

The new U.S. health care legislation contains an unprecedented
opportunity for translational research in the form of the Cures
Acceleration Network.
The Genome Speaks
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: May 2010

The personal genome of a young Stanford scientist reveals provocative findings of potentially substantial clinical significance.
Target Acquired: Magnetic Nanoparticles Lock-On and Deliver
Authors: Ng Kenneth W.
Published: May 2010

Magnetic fields can drive nanoparticles to implanted metal stents, allowing for targeted drug delivery to prevent restenosis in treated arteries.
Response of mycorrhizal western red cedar to organic phosphorus sources and benomyl
Authors: Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Berch Shannon M.
Published: May 2010

In some British Columbia forests, western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) grows well in soils with phosphorus (P) mainly in organic form and shows less response to P fertilization than other conifers. It was hypothesized that cedar or their associate arbuscular mycorrhizae could mineralize organic P. In a year-long greenhouse study, 2-year-old cedar trees in Turface were fed every 9 days with one of 11 P treatments (in Long Ashton solution): no P; high and low phytic acid (for all treatments, high is 50 mg P∙L−1, and low is 10 mg P∙L−1); high and low ATP; high and low glycerophosphate; high and low pyrophosphate; high and low orthophosphate. Ten mycorrhizal trees were used per treatment; of these, five trees per treatment were treated with the fungicide benomyl, which significantly reduced colonization in only two treatments. Growth was good with high rates of glycerophosphate, ATP, and pyrophosphate; low rates of these compounds resulted in P deficiencies. The trees grew poorly with phytic acid, which may have been adsorbed to the Turface, and which may have complexed Ca, Zn, and Cu from the nutrient solution, inducing deficiencies. The P source influenced the activities of rhizosphere acid and alkaline phosphatase, but had no significant effect on phosphodiesterase or pyrophosphatase activity. Use of the fungicide benomyl caused a significant increase in foliar N, either directly from the fungicide or indirectly from effects on N cycling. Key words: Thuja plicata, arbuscular mycorrhizae, phosphatase.
Phytogeny and evolution of Caliciaceae, Mycocaliciaceae, and Sphinctrinaceae (Ascomycota), with notes on the evolution of the prototunicate ascus
Authors: Wedin Mats , Tibell Leif
Published: May 2010

Small subunit ribosomal DNA has been sequenced from seven members of the ascomycete order Caliciales s.l. (Calicium adspersum, Cyphelium inquinans, Texosporium sancti-jacobi, and Thelomma mammosum (Caliciaceae), Chaenothecopsis savonica and Stenocybe pullatula (Mycocaliciaceae), and Sphinctrina turbinata (Sphinctrinaceae)), included in a matrix of 58 homologous ascomycete sequences and analysed with maximum parsimony analysis. The result shows the Caliciaceae to be a strongly supported monophyletic group within the Lecanorales s.l., although the jackknife support for a monophyletic Lecanorales is low. Mycocaliciaceae and Sphinctrinaceae form a well-supported monophyletic group, grouping with representatives of Eurotiales and Onygenales. This larger group is the sister group to Lecanorales, but the support for this sister-group relationship and the monophyly of the group consisting of Mycocaliciaceae–Sphinctrinaceae and Eurotiales–Onygenales is low. The evolution of the prototunicate ascus is discussed, and it is concluded that there is neither any evidence for a monophyletic Caliciales s.l., nor for the suggested group "Euascomycetideae" sensu Tehler, with the prototunicate Caliciales being the sister group to the rest of the true ascomycetes. Prototunicate asci are shown to have reappeared at least four times in the evolution of the ascomycetes. Key words: Ascomycetes, lichens, molecular evolution, phylogeny, ribosomal DNA, 18S rDNA.
Pollen as a transporter of mutations induced by ion beams in Nicotians tabacum
Authors: Nishimura Hiroyuki , Inoue Masayoshi , Tanaka Atsushi , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: May 2010

Biological effects of ion beams with different ranges and linear energy transfers (LETs) were investigated in Nicotiana tabacum L. Mature pollen was exposed to doses of 1400 Gy of 6 MeV4He2+ or 1000 Gy of 50 MeV 4He2+, 15 MeV 12C4+, or 460 MeV 40Ar13+ and used to pollinate non-irradiated flowers (I0 generation), resulting in I, seeds. I1 plants were self-pollinated, and mutations were analyzed in the I2 generation. Seed formation in the I0 generation was greatly reduced in all treatments except where 12C4+ irradiated pollen was used. Germination rate and survival rate in the I1 generation were also reduced in the seeds generated from crosses with pollen irradiated with 6 MeV 4He2+ and 12C4+ beams. Furthermore, chromosome and morphological aberrations in I1 plants were observed. However, in 50 MeV 4He2+ and 40Ar13+ regimes, no seeds germinated. In the I2 generation, chlorophyll mutants were very scarce. Morphological mutants were obtained at a frequency of 5.7 × 10−3 and 7.9 × 10−3 in the progeny of 6 MeV 4He2+ and 12C4+ regimes, respectively. It is concluded that the penetration depth is important for inducing mutation and also that pollen can be used for obtaining mutations induced by ion beams with very short penetration depths. Key words: ion beam, mutation, Nicotiana tabacum, pollen.
Ultrastructural markers and systematics in smut fungi and allied taxa
Authors: Bauer Robert , Oberwinkler Franz , Vánky Kálmán
Published: May 2010

To identify monophyletic groups within the smut fungi and related taxa, characteristics of hyphal septation and zones of host–parasite interaction were analyzed by serial-section electron microscopy of 139 species belonging to 50 smut and 10 allied genera. Our results support the hypothesis of the existence of two phylogenetically separate lines of smut fungi. The first line, the Microbotryales, is composed of Aurantiosporium, Fulvisporium, Liroa, Microbotryum, Sphacelotheca, and Ustilentyloma, which are distributed into the Ustilentylomataceae and Microbotryaceae. The second monophyletic line, the Ustilaginomycetes, is formed by the remaining smut fungi studied here together with the Exobasidiales, Graphiolales, and Cryptobasidiales (in the traditional sense). The ultrastructural analysis identifies three lineages within the Ustilaginomycetes. The Entorrhizomycetidae are represented by Entorrhiza. The Ustilaginomycetidae consist of the Urocystales and Ustilaginales. The Exobasidiomycetidae are composed of the Doassansiales, Entylomatales, Exobasidiales, Georgefischeriales, Graphiolales, Microstromatales, and Tilletiales. The Entorrhizomycetidae, Exobasidianae, Entorrhizales, Entylomatales, Doassansiales, Georgefischeriales, Microbotryales, Microstromatales, Tilletiales, Urocystales, Entorrhizaceae, Entylomataceae, Georgefischeriaceae, Mycosyringaceae, Rhamphosporaceae, and Ustilentylomataceae are proposed as new taxa. The descriptions of the Exobasidiomycetidae, Ustilaginomycetidae, Exobasidiales, Ustilaginales, Doassansiaceae, Tilletiaceae, and Ustilaginaceae are emended. Some species of Ustilago are transferred to Microbotryum. Key words: basidiomycetes, classification, Exobasidiales, Graphiolales, phylogeny, smut fungi, ultrastructure.
Spatial pattern in boreal shrub communities: effects of a peak in herbivore density
Authors: Dale M. R. T. , Zbigniewicz M. W.
Published: May 2010

As part of a large-scale experiment on the dynamics of boreal forest communities, we examined the effects of experimental manipulations on the spatial pattern of two shrub species, Salix glauca and Betula glandulosa, before and after the population peak of the herbivore Lepus americanus, the snowshoe hare. Despite high rates of twig browsing during the peak, at most sites the basic characteristics of the spatial pattern recovered quickly. Only where food addition and predator exclosure enhanced and prolonged the hare density peak was there a sharp decline in the intensity of spatial pattern of the preferred winter food plant Betula. The spatial pattern of these shrubs is resilient to normal changes in herbivory and may persist, therefore, for decades through several hare population cycles. Key words: Betula glandulosa, Lepus americanus, Salix glauca, spatial pattern.
Morphological plasticity in Trifolium repens L.: the effects of clone genotype, soil nutrient level, and the genotype of conspecific neighbours
Authors: Hutchings Michael J. , Turkington Roy , Klein Elena , Carey Peter
Published: May 2010

This study investigates the effects on clone morphology when different genotypes of Trifolium repens L. (white clover) are grown together in mixtures. Three genets of T. repens were selected from a field population and grown in a greenhouse partly in isolation and partly in mixture with another T. repens clone, either of the same or of a different genotype, and at two soil nutrient levels. Responses in growth and form were assessed by measuring the following variables: dry mass per quadrat, polygon area, ramet mass, number of nodes, proportion of nodes branching and internode length. Analysis revealed numerous significant main effects of soil nutrient level, as well as identity of own and of neighbour genotype on clone growth and form but did not detect any interactions; this may have been due to the low number of surviving replicates. In response to increasing soil nutrient levels there was (i) an increase in number or size of some of the characters measured and (ii), a change in form of the plant, which affected the placement of daughter ramets. In general, the response of most variables to increased soil nutrients was consistent with the hypothesis that clones consolidate occupation of favourable habitat patches and increase their probability of escape from unfavourable conditions. Clover clones also responded to neighbouring clones in a manner consistent with this hypothesis, increasing the likelihood of growing away from competitors, although the responses were not as pronounced as those induced by soil nutrients. The responses were strongest in fertilized conditions and in the clone with the most guerilla-like growth form. The precise response exhibited by any clone differed according to the genotype of the neighbour encountered. The changes provoked by conspecific neighbours were localized within the parts of the clones encountering the neighbours, rather than spread throughout the whole clone. Key words: plasticity, integration, Trifolium repens, clonal species.
Leaf litter decomposition along the Porsuk River, Eskisehir, Turkey
Authors: Akanil Nuket , Middleton Beth
Published: May 2010

The leaf litter decomposition of Typha latifolia L., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Acacia longifolia Willd., Populus alba L., and Salix alba L. along the Porsuk River, Eskisehir, Turkey was studied using the fibreglass bag technique. After 180 days, soft-leaved species such as Acacia longifolia decomposed more quickly (0.52% loss ∙ day−1) than the tougher leaved species such as Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis (0.31 and 0.37% loss ∙ day−1, respectively). Typha latifolia had the toughest while Acacia longifolia had the softest leaves among the five species as measured with a penetrometer (428.0 versus 128.2 g). Both leaf toughness and time were related to percent loss per day (F = 4.4, p < 0.01 and F = 37.0, p < 0.01, respectively). World trends in percent loss per day for Typha latifolia do not fit predictions based solely on latitude. Key words: leaf toughness, fiberglass technique, Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia.
ASIAN MONETARY COOPERATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE OPTIMUM CURRENCY AREA ANALYSIS
Authors: WILLETT THOMAS D. , PERMPOON ORAWAN , SRISORN LALANA
Published: May 2010

We argue that a number of recent studies have overstated the economic case for the creation of a common Asian currency by focusing on only a few of the relevant criteria. We also conclude that endogenous forces are unlikely to be sufficiently strong that adopting a common currency would quickly turn Asia into an optimum currency area (OCA) as some have suggested. We argue that more attention needs to be devoted to issues of monetary, fiscal, and exchange rate coordination under a fairly flexible exchange rate system and that OCA analysis is a valuable framework for analyzing such issues.
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN EAST ASIA AND EUROPE: LESSONS FROM A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: CAPANNELLI GIOVANNI , FILIPPINI CARLO
Published: May 2010

This paper compares the economic integration processes of the European Union and the East Asian nations and comments on the possible reciprocal lessons, if any, that can be drawn to smooth the future paths of the two groups. The most relevant lessons on the EU side rely on strong institutionalization, structural policies, and the monetary union. Lessons from East Asia can be found in regional production networks, trade patterns, and the recent developments in financial cooperation. Both entities are presently facing difficult challenges to progress and growth.
ENHANCING ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN SOUTH ASIA: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS FOR CLOSER MONETARY COOPERATION
Authors: JAYASURIYA SISIRA , MASKAY NEPHIL MATANGI
Published: May 2010

Though SAARC has the stated goal of an economic union and a common currency, after a quarter of a century, these remain distant goals as political tensions between India and Pakistan have hindered any real progress on a regional scale. Barriers to trade and factor mobility are high in the region as a whole, though considerable liberalisation has been achieved through various bilateral agreements involving India and some of its neighbours. The conventional economic conditions for a common currency are also currently absent as patterns of shocks are non-synchronised, trade links are weak and factor mobility much constrained. Deeper intraregional economic integration requires much more comprehensive trade and investment liberalisation among member nations. While the political conditions for a single currency are unlikely to emerge in the foreseeable future, steps towards closer monetary cooperation through a South Asian Monetary System — building on the existing SAARCFINANCE network — may provide an institutional framework for enhancing regional integration. However, such cooperation will have to be conceived as a component of a sustainable transitional strategy which commits to a serious programme of deeper trade liberalisation to facilitate greater integration with the rest of the world, and most importantly, with East Asia.
REFORM OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE: AN ASIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: KAWAI MASAHIRO
Published: May 2010

This is a substantially revised version of the paper presented to the Symposium on Asian Economic Integration organized by Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, 4–5 September 2008. The author is grateful to Teresa Carpenter for providing comments on an earlier version and to Pradumna B. Rana for encouraging him to update the paper with the discussion of recent international financial architecture reforms in response to the global financial crisis of 2007–2009. He also acknowledges competent editorial assistance by Barnard Helman. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in the paper are entirely those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of the Asian Development Bank, its Institute, its executive directors, or the countries they represent.
EFFECTS OF VIBRATIONAL AND PAIRING CORRELATIONS ON ISOSPIN MIXING IN THE HIGHER TAMM-DANCOFF APPROXIMATION
Authors: LE BLOAS JULIEN , BONNEAU LUDOVIC , QUENTIN PHILIPPE , BARTEL JOHANN , STROTTMAN DANIEL
Published: May 2010

In the framework of the Higher Tamm-Dancoff Approximation which allows for a consistent treatment of pairing and quadrupole vibrational correlations preserving the particle-number symmetry and the Pauli principle, we compare the isospin content of ground and excited Kπ = 0+ states including either type of the above mentioned correlations using an approximate projection-after-variation technique for isospin. The pairing correlations are described with a delta interaction using the same strength in the T = 0 and T = 1 channels, whereas the vibrational correlations are treated with an isoscalar quadrupole-quadrupole interaction. As a first study, we apply this approach in the N = Z, even-even 16 O nucleus. For the same amount of correlations measured by the diffusivity of Fermi surface or depletion of particle-hole vacuum in the ground-state solution, we find very similar isospin mixing in the ground state for both types of correlations, but different patterns for the distribution in the calculated solutions of the expectation value of the square of the isospin operator.
TERMINATING STATES IN Z = 71Lu NUCLEI WITH N ≈ 90
Authors: RAGNARSSON INGEMAR , CARLSSON B. GILLIS , RYDE HANS
Published: May 2010

The high-spin yrast states in 161 Lu are calculated in a Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky approach keeping track of configurations and their evolution with spin. The outcome from calculations neglecting pairing and including pairing are compared. It is predicted that several yrast region configurations terminate at a very favored energy around I = 50 and that one of the observed bands is two transitions short of termination.
FRAGMENT PRODUCTION IN PERIPHERAL HEAVY ION COLLISIONS AT FERMI ENERGIES IN TRANSPORT MODELS
Authors: MIKHAILOVA T. I. , ERDEMCHIMEG B. , ARTYUKH A. G. , COLONNA M. , DI TORO M. , KAMINSKI G. , SEREDA YU. M. , WOLTER H. H.
Published: May 2010

A study of fragment production in peripheral nuclear collisions at Fermi energies with a transport model (Boltzmann–Nordheim–Vlasov, BNV) is presented. It is compared to an experiment for the reaction 18 O on 181 Ta at E/A = 35 MeV measured at very forward angles. The data are decomposed empirically into a two-component structure, one centered at beam velocity ("direct component") and one at lower velocities ("dissipative component"). It is seen that BNV calculations describe the general features of the dissipative component of the reaction. The direct component of experimental data is interpreted with the Goldhaber model, and the width parameter is extracted. We also include the deexcitation of the excited, primary projectile–like residues due to statistical decay to be able to compare the results of calculations more in detail with experiment. This secondary evaporation is important for both isotope and velocity distributions, but a more consistent estimate of the excitation energy of the residues has to be persued.
0ν2β NUCLEAR MATRIX ELEMENTS AND NEUTRINO MAGNETIC MOMENTS
Authors: GÓŹDŹ MAREK , KAMIŃSKI WIESŁAW A.
Published: May 2010

We compare different methods of obtaining the neutrinoless double beta decay nuclear matrix elements (NME). On the example of 76 Ge we use the NME to calculate the Majorana neutrino transition magnetic moments, generated through particle–sparticle R-parity violating loop diagrams whithin the minimal supersymmetric standard model.
COLLINEAR CLUSTER TRIPARTITION IN FISSION OF ACTINIDE NUCLEI
Authors: PASHKEVICH V. , PYATKOV Y. , UNZHAKOVA A.
Published: May 2010

A new ternary decay channel connected with magic constituents from Cf and U has been observed in recent experiments. It was called Collinear Cluster Tripartition (CCT) because the decay products fly apart almost collinearly. It is a decay of the fissioning system into the three fragments of comparable masses from the strongly elongated configuration. A total yield of the CCT events was found at the order of 10-3 per binary fission. The first theoretical description of the high lying energy minima on the potential energy landscape are presented for U and Cf . They have been obtained by the Strutinsky shell correction calculations in the multidimensional deformation space.
SEMICLASSICAL SHELL STRUCTURE OF MOMENTS OF INERTIA IN DEFORMED FERMI SYSTEMS
Authors: MAGNER A. G. , GZHEBINSKY A. M. , SITDIKOV A. S. , KHAMZIN A. A. , BARTEL J.
Published: May 2010

The collective moment of inertia is derived analytically within the cranking model in the adiabatic mean-field approximation at finite temperature. Using the nonperturbative periodic-orbit theory the semiclassical shell-structure components of the collective moment of inertia are obtained for any potential well. Their relation to the free-energy shell corrections are found semiclassically as being given through the shell-structure components of the rigid-body moment of inertia of the statistically equilibrium rotation in terms of short periodic orbits. Shell effects in the moment of inertia disappear exponentially with increasing temperature. For the case of the harmonic-oscillator potential one observes a perfect agreement between semiclassical and quantum shell-structure components of the free energy and the moment of inertia for several critical bifurcation deformations and several temperatures.
NUCLEAR EQUATION OF STATE IN A FORM SUITABLE FOR QUANTUM MOLECULAR DYNAMICS
Authors: SOSIN ZBIGNIEW
Published: May 2010

The equation of state (EOS) in a form suitable for calculation in the model of quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) is presented. Using the proposed form of the EOS, different properties of nuclei such as ground state energy, nuclear radii and neutron skin could be calculated. The preliminary results of calculations are compared with the experimental data.
EFFECTIVE RANGE EXPANSION FOR THE INTERACTION DEFINED ON THE LATTICE
Authors: WLAZŁOWSKI GABRIEL , MAGIERSKI PIOTR
Published: May 2010

The relation between the interaction parameters for fermions on the spatial lattice and the two-body T matrix is discussed. The presented method allows determination of the interaction parameters through the relatively simple computational scheme which includes the effect of finite lattice spacing. In particular the relation between the interaction parameters and the effective range expansion parameters is derived in the limit of large lattices.
COMPARISON OF SELF-CONSISTENT SKYRME AND GOGNY CALCULATIONS FOR LIGHT Hg ISOTOPES
Authors: WARDA M. , STASZCZAK A. , PRÓCHNIAK L.
Published: May 2010

The ground-state properties of neutron-deficient Hg isotopes have been investigated by the constrained self-consistent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach with the Skyrme and Gogny effective forces. In the case of the Skyrme interaction we have also applied the Hartree-Fock+BCS model with the state-dependent δ-pairing interaction. Potential energy surfaces and pairing properties have been compared for the both types of forces.
THE NUCLEAR ENERGY DENSITY FUNCTIONALS WITH MODIFIED RADIAL DEPENDENCE OF THE ISOSCALAR EFFECTIVE MASS
Authors: ZALEWSKI M. , OLBRATOWSKI P. , SATUŁA W.
Published: May 2010

Calculations for infinite nuclear matter with realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions suggest that the isoscalar effective mass (IEM) of a nucleon at the saturation density equals m*/m ~ 0.8 ± 0.1, at variance with empirical data on the nuclear level density in finite nuclei which are consistent with m*/m ≈ 1. This contradicting results might be reconciled by enriching the radial dependence of IEM. In this work four new terms are introduced into the Skyrme-force inspired local energy-density functional: τ(∇ρ)2, [Formula: see text], τ2 and τ∆ρ. The aim is to investigate how they influence the radial dependence of IEM and, in turn, the single-particle spectra.
EFFECT OF ANTIMONY SUBSTITUTION FOR NIOBIUM ON THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE, PIEZOELECTRIC AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 CERAMICS
Authors: MGBEMERE H. E. , SCHNEIDER G. A. , STEGK T. A.
Published: May 2010

The effect of antimony ( Sb ) substitution for niobium ( Nb ) on potassium sodium niobate (KNN) ceramic was investigated with respect to the densification behaviour at different sintering temperatures, microstructure and electrical properties. A small amount of Sb 5+ was added while simultaneously lowering the amount of Nb 5+ and in this study of the ( K 0.5 Na 0.5)( Nb 1-x Sb x) O 3 system, x content was varied from 0 to 14 mol%. Our results show that Sb 5+ slightly increased the optimum sintering temperature for KNN but above 8 mol%, its resistivity and piezoelectric properties decreased. As the amount of Sb 5+ substituted is increased, the structure of the ceramic transformed from orthorhombic to pseudo-cubic which led to slight shrinkage in the unit cell volume. Microstructural examination revealed that above 10 mol%, a second phase ( K 2 NaSb 3 O 9) was formed which segregated mainly to the grain boundary while the quantitative EDX analysis showed that there was A-site vacancy due to loss of the alkali elements. The two phase transitions points, Curie temperature (T C ) and the tetragonal to orthorhombic (T T-O ) shifted to lower temperature with increasing Sb 5+ content and above 10 mol%, the T T-O shifted to below room temperature. The dielectric loss slightly increases with increasing Sb 5+ content up to 200°C. There was an improvement in the piezoelectric properties with ≤ 6 mol% Sb content while optimum properties were obtained with 4 mol% (K P = 0.46, Q m = 6.2, N P = 2296).
ALKALINE NIOBATE-BASED PIEZOCERAMICS: CRYSTAL STRUCTURE, SYNTHESIS, SINTERING AND MICROSTRUCTURE
Authors: KOSEC MARIJA , MALIČ BARBARA , BENČAN ANDREJA , ROJAC TADEJ , TELLIER JENNY
Published: May 2010

In this review, the crystal structure and the synthesis of the sodium potassium niobate ( K0.5Na0.5NbO3) as a promising candidate for lead-free piezoelectrics are addressed. The sintering and the microstructure as prerequisites for obtaining ceramics with reliable and sufficiently high piezoelectric properties for selected applications are discussed.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM LEAD-FREE PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS?
Authors: DAMJANOVIC DRAGAN , KLEIN NAAMA , LI JIN , POROKHONSKYY VIKTOR
Published: May 2010

The reasons for the lower piezoelectric properties in the most studied lead-free piezoelectrics, modified (K, Na)NbO 3 and ( Bi 0.5 Na 0.5) TiO 3, are discussed. Contributions from domain wall motion and properties at the morphotropic phase boundary are considered and are compared to those in PZT. Lead-free, non-piezoelectric solutions to electromechanical coupling are discussed.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF LEAD-FREE FERROELECTRICS
Authors: EICHEL RÜDIGER-A. , KUNGL HANS
Published: May 2010

Lead-free ferroelectric materials are currently subject to extensive research activities owing to environmental concerns and corresponding legislation which point to substitute lead-based ferroelectric materials. The paper provides an overview on recent research activities and trends in the field of lead-free ferroelectrics. The current work is grouped by contributions to atomistic-scale analysis of lead-free materials, structure and phase formation, micro structure and dopant effects on piezoelectric properties. The results and challenges to research in these fields are briefly sketched; so a framework is provided in which the contributions of the present topical issue to the major topics in lead-free ferroelectrics are related. The contributions in this issue are listed in Refs. 63–77. Finally, the current status of research and technology on lead-free materials is summarized.
EFFECT OF EPITAXIAL STRAIN ON THE STRUCTURAL AND FERROELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF Bi2FeCrO6 THIN FILMS
Authors: NECHACHE R. , HARNAGEA C. , RUEDIGER A. , ROSEI F. , PIGNOLET A.
Published: May 2010

Bi 2 FeCrO 6 thin films were epitaxially grown by pulsed laser deposition on (100)-oriented LaAlO 3, ( LaAlO 3)0.3( Sr 2 LaTaO 6)0.7 and SrTiO 3 single crystalline substrates with and without epitaxial CaRuO 3 buffered layer. The in-plane compressive strain induces monoclinic distortion of the Bi 2 FeCrO 6 lattice cell. The strain originates from lattice mismatch between CaRuO 3 and single crystal substrates. The similar crystal structure of the substrate and the layer lead to coherent epitaxial growth of the heterostructures and avoid strain relaxation in particular for BFCO films deposited on LaAlO 3 substrates. The ferroelectric character is demonstrated for all grown BFCO films. The residual in-plane strain weakly affects the effective piezoelectric coefficient of BFCO layers.
Cafeteria diet-induced insulin resistance is not associated with decreased insulin signaling or AMPK activity and is alleviated by physical training in rats
Authors: Brandt Nina , De Bock Katrien , Richter Erik A. , Hespel Peter
Published: May 2010

Excess energy intake via a palatable low-fat diet (cafeteria diet) is known to induce obesity and glucose intolerance in rats. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this adaptation are not known, and it is also not known whether exercise training can reverse it. Male Wistar rats were assigned to 12-wk intervention groups: chow-fed controls (CON), cafeteria diet (CAF), and cafeteria diet plus swimming exercise during the last 4 wk (CAFTR). CAF feeding led to increased body weight (16%, P < 0.01) and increased plasma glucose ( P < 0.05) and insulin levels ( P < 0.01) during an IVGTT, which was counteracted by training. In the perfused hindlimb, insulin-stimulated glucose transport in red gastrocnemius muscle was completely abolished in CAF and rescued by exercise training. Apart from a tendency toward an ∼20% reduction in both basal and insulin-stimulated Akt Ser473 phosphorylation ( P = 0.051) in the CAF group, there were no differences in insulin signaling (IR Tyr1150/1151, PI 3-kinase activity, Akt Thr308, TBC1D4 Thr642, GSK3-α/β Ser21/9) or changes in AMPKα1 or -α2, GLUT4, Munc18c, or syntaxin 4 protein expression or in phosphorylation of AMPK Thr172 among the groups. In conclusion, surplus energy intake of a palatable but low-fat cafeteria diet resulted in obesity and insulin resistance that was rescued by exercise training. Interestingly, insulin resistance was not accompanied by major defects in the insulin-signaling cascade or in altered AMPK expression or phosphorylation. Thus, compared with previous studies of high-fat feeding, where insulin signaling is significantly impaired, the mechanism by which CAF diet induces insulin resistance seems different.
Lipid mobilization in subcutaneous adipose tissue during exercise in lean and obese humans. Roles of insulin and natriuretic peptides
Authors: Koppo Katrien , Larrouy Dominique , Marques Marie A. , Berlan Michel , Bajzova Magda , Polak Jan , Van de Voorde Johan , Bülow Jens , Lafontan Max , Crampes François , Langin Dominique , Stich Vladimir , de Glisezinski Isabelle
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of various hormones involved in the regulation of lipid mobilization in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) during exercise and to assess the impact of obesity on this regulation. Eight lean and eight obese men performed a 60-min cycle exercise bout at 50% of their peak oxygen uptake on two occasions: during intravenous infusion of octreotide (a somatostatin analog) or physiological saline (control condition). Lipolysis in SCAT was evaluated using in situ microdialysis. One microdialysis probe was perfused with the adrenergic blockers phentolamine and propranolol while another probe was perfused with the phosphodiesterase and adenosine receptor inhibitor aminophylline. Compared with the control condition, infusion of octreotide reduced plasma insulin levels in lean (from ∼3.5 to 0.5 μU/ml) and in obese (from ∼9 to 2 μU/ml), blunted the exercise-induced rise in plasma GH and epinephrine levels in both groups, and enhanced the exercise-induced natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in lean but not in obese subjects. In both groups, octreotide infusion resulted in higher exercise-induced increases in dialysate glycerol concentrations in the phentolamine-containing probe while no difference in lipolytic response was found in the aminophylline-containing probe. The results suggest that insulin antilipolytic action plays a role in the regulation of lipolysis during exercise in lean as well as in obese subjects. The octreotide-induced enhancement of exercise lipolysis in lean subjects was associated with an increased exercise-induced plasma NP response. Adenosine may contribute to the inhibition of basal lipolysis in both subject groups.
Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells confer renal protection in a murine chronic renal failure model
Authors: Sangidorj Odongua , Yang Seung Hee , Jang Hye Ryoun , Lee Jung Pyo , Cha Ran-hui , Kim Sun Moon , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su
Published: May 2010

Endothelial cell damage and impaired angiogenesis substantially contribute to the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF). The effect of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) treatment on the progression of CRF is yet to be determined. We performed 5/6 nephrectomy to induce CRF in C57BL/6 mice. EPCs were isolated from bone marrow, grown in conditioned medium, and characterized with surface marker analysis. The serial changes in kidney function and histological features were scrutinized in CRF mice and EPC-treated CRF (EPC-CRF) mice. Adoptively transferred EPCs were present at the glomeruli and the tubulointerstitial area until week 8 after transfer. In CRF mice, renal function deteriorated steadily over time, whereas the EPC-CRF group showed less deterioration of renal function as well as reduced proteinuria along with a relatively preserved kidney structure. Renal expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules was already decreased in the EPC-CRF group at the early stage of disease, at which point the renal function and histology of CRF and EPC-CRF mice were not different. Angiogenic molecules including VEGF, KDR, and thrombospondin-1, which were decreased in the CRF group, were restored by EPC treatment. In conclusion, EPCs trafficked into the injured kidney protected the kidney from the inflammatory condition and consequently resulted in functional and structural renal preservation. Our study suggests EPCs as a potential candidate for a novel therapeutic approach in CRF.
Gain of Function in FHM-1 Cav2.1 Knock-In Mice Is Related to the Shape of the Action Potential
Authors: Inchauspe Carlota González , Urbano Francisco J. , Di Guilmi Mariano N. , Forsythe Ian D. , Ferrari Michel D. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M. , Uchitel Osvaldo D.
Published: May 2010

Familial hemiplegic migraine type-1 FHM-1 is caused by missense mutations in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the α1A pore-forming subunit of CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels. We used knock-in (KI) transgenic mice harboring the pathogenic FHM-1 mutation R192Q to study neurotransmission at the calyx of Held synapse and cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells (PCs). Using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in brain stem slices, we confirmed that KI CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels activated at more hyperpolarizing potentials. However, calyceal presynaptic calcium currents ( IpCa) evoked by presynaptic action potentials (APs) were similar in amplitude, kinetic parameters, and neurotransmitter release. CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels in cortical layer 2/3 PCs from KI mice also showed a negative shift in their activation voltage. PCs had APs with longer durations and smaller amplitudes than the calyx of Held. AP-evoked Ca2+ currents ( ICa) from PCs were larger in KI compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, when ICawas evoked in PCs by calyx of Held AP waveforms, we observed no amplitude differences between WT and KI mice. In the same way, Ca2+ currents evoked at the presynaptic terminals ( IpCa)of the calyx of Held by the AP waveforms of the PCs had larger amplitudes in R192Q KI mice that in WT. These results suggest that longer time courses of pyramidal APs were a key factor for the expression of a synaptic gain of function in the KI mice. In addition, our results indicate that consequences of FHM-1 mutations might vary according to the shape of APs in charge of triggering synaptic transmission (neurons in the calyx of Held vs. excitatory/inhibitory neurons in the cortex), adding to the complexity of the pathophysiology of migraine.
A Complete Postversion of the Three-Body Continuum Distorted Wave-Eikonal Initial State Approximation for Single Ionization of Multielectron Atoms
Authors: Monti J. M. , Fojón O. A. , Hanssen J. , Rivarola R. D.
Published: May 2010

Single electron ionization of helium targets produced by the impact of
fast proton beams is investigated. The postversion of the continuum distorted wave-eikonal
initial state into a three-body approximation is reformulated, including the
dynamic screening produced by the nonionized electron. This dynamic screening is
shown to play a main role in the determination of double differential cross-sections. A
good agreement is found with predictions obtained employing the prior version of the
model, so that post-prior discrepancies are almost eliminated.
Expression of Fatty Acid Synthase Depends on NAC1 and Is Associated with Recurrent Ovarian Serous Carcinomas
Authors: Ueda Stefanie M. , Yap Kai Lee , Davidson Ben , Tian Yuan , Murthy Vivek , Wang Tian-Li , Visvanathan Kala , Kuhajda Francis P. , Bristow Robert E. , Zhang Hui , Shih Ie-Ming
Published: May 2010

Our previous reports demonstrated that NAC1, a BTB/POZ domain-containing nuclear protein, upregulates in recurrent ovarian serous carcinoma and participates in developing drug resistance in cancer cells. The current study applies quantitative proteomics to identify the proteins controlled by NAC1 by comparing the proteomes of SKOV3 cells with and without expression of a dominant negative NAC1 construct, N130. From the proteins that are downregulated by N130 (upregulated by NAC1), we chose to further characterize fatty acid synthase (FASN). Similar to change in protein level, the FASN transcript level in SKOV3 cells was significantly reduced by N130 induction or by NAC1 knockdown. Immunohistochemistry showed that NAC1 and FASN immunointensities in ovarian serous carcinoma tissues had a highly significant correlation (P<.0001). Moreover, we found that recurrent serous carcinomas exhibited higher FASN immunointensities than their matched primary tumors (P<.001). Multivariate analysis showed that an FASN staining score of >1 in serous carcinomas was associated with a worse overall survival time (P<.01). Finally, C93, a new FASN inhibitor, induced massive apoptosis in carboplatin/paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, we show that NAC1 is essential for FASN expression in ovarian serous carcinomas and the expression of FASN significantly correlates with tumor recurrence and disease aggressiveness. The dependence of drug resistant tumor cells on FASN suggests a potential application of FASN-based therapeutics for recurrent ovarian cancer patients.
Truncated Total Least Squares Method with a Practical Truncation Parameter Choice Scheme for Bioluminescence Tomography Inverse Problem
Authors: He Xiaowei , Liang Jimin , Qu Xiaochao , Huang Heyu , Hou Yanbin , Tian Jie
Published: May 2010

In bioluminescence tomography (BLT), reconstruction of internal bioluminescent source distribution from the surface optical signals is an ill‐posed inverse problem. In real BLT experiment, apart from the measurement noise, the system errors caused by geometry mismatch, numerical discretization, and optical modeling approximations are also inevitable, which may lead to large errors in the reconstruction results. Most regularization techniques such as Tikhonov method only consider measurement noise, whereas the influences of system errors have not been investigated. In this paper, the truncated total least squares method (TTLS) is introduced into BLT reconstruction, in which both system errors and measurement noise are taken into account. Based on the modified generalized cross validation (MGCV) criterion and residual error minimization, a practical parameter‐choice scheme referred to as improved GCV (IGCV) is proposed for TTLS. Numerical simulations with different noise levels and physical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of TTLS combined with IGCV for solving the BLT inverse problem.
Use of Remote Monitoring to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Kulshreshtha Ambar , Kvedar Joseph C. , Goyal Abhinav , Halpern Elkan F. , Watson Alice J.
Published: May 2010

Remote monitoring (RM) of homebound heart failure (HF) patients has previously been shown to reduce hospital admissions. We conducted a pilot trial of ambulatory, non-homebound patients recently hospitalized for HF to determine whether RM could be successfully implemented in the ambulatory setting. Eligible patients from Massachusetts General Hospital () were randomized to a control group () or to a group that was offered RM (). The participants transmitted vital signs data to a nurse who coordinated care with the physician over the course of the 6-month study. Participants in the RM program had a lower all-cause per person readmission rate (, ) compared to the usual care group (, ; ) although the difference was not statistically significant. HF-related readmission rate was similarly reduced in participants. This pilot study demonstrates that RM can be successfully implemented in non-homebound HF patients and may reduce readmission rates.
Oncolytic Adenovirus Coding for Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Induces Antitumoral Immunity in Cancer Patients
Authors: Cerullo Vincenzo , Pesonen Sari , Diaconu Iulia , Escutenaire Sophie , Arstila Petteri T. , Ugolini Matteo , Nokisalmi Petri , Raki Mari , Laasonen Leena , Särkioja Merja , Rajecki Maria , Kangasniemi Lotta , Guse Kilian , Helminen Andreas , Ahtiainen Laura , Ristimäki Ari , Räisänen-Sokolowski Anne , Haavisto Elina , Oksanen Minna , Karli Eerika , Karioja-Kallio Aila , Holm Sirkka-Liisa , Kouri Mauri , Joensuu Timo , Kanerva Anna , Hemminki Akseli
Published: May 2010

Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) can mediate antitumor effects by recruiting natural killer cells and by induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic T-cells through antigen-presenting cells. Oncolytic tumor cell–killing can produce a potent costimulatory danger signal and release of tumor epitopes for antigen-presenting cell sampling. Therefore, an oncolytic adenovirus coding for GMCSF was engineered and shown to induce tumor-specific immunity in an immunocompetent syngeneic hamster model. Subsequently, 20 patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapies were treated with Ad5-D24-GMCSF. Of the 16 radiologically evaluable patients, 2 had complete responses, 1 had a minor response, and 5 had disease stabilization. Responses were frequently seen in injected and noninjected tumors. Treatment was well tolerated and resulted in the induction of both tumor-specific and virus-specific immunity as measured by ELISPOT and pentamer analysis. This is the first time that oncolytic virus–mediated antitumor immunity has been shown in humans. Ad5-D24-GMCSF is promising for further clinical testing. Cancer Res; 70(11); 4297–309. ©2010 AACR.
CD44posCD49fhiCD133/2hi Defines Xenograft-Initiating Cells in Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Meyer Matthew J. , Fleming Jodie M. , Lin Amy F. , Hussnain S. Amal , Ginsburg Erika , Vonderhaar Barbara K.
Published: May 2010

Defining the populations of tumor-initating cells that are present in tumors is a first step in developing therapeutics to target these cells. We show here that both CD44posCD24neg and CD44posCD24pos cell populations in estrogen receptor (ER) α–negative breast tumors are tumorigenic in murine xenograft models. We also describe a third population of xenograft-initiating cells (XIC) enriched in CD44posCD49fhiCD133/2hi cells that display heightened tumorigenicity, self-renewal in vivo, and the capacity to give rise to functional and molecular heterogeneity. Consistent with their capacity for self-renewal, these cells express elevated levels of Sox2, Bmi-1, and/or Nanog and their CpG islands are hypermethylated relative to nontumorigenic cells. These differences in methylome regulation may be responsible for the dramatic functional differences between the two populations. The identification of CD44posCD49fhiCD133/2hi XIC in ER-negative tumors may lead to expanded understanding of these tumors and ultimately the development of therapeutics designed to specifically target the cells. Cancer Res; 70(11); 4624–33. ©2010 AACR.