bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of the Effects of Upstream Flow Condition Upon
Orifice Flow Meter Performance
Authors: Morrison G. L. , Panak D. L. , DeOtte R. E.
Published: June 2008

Recent experimental work has shown that when the mean velocity profile upstream of an orifice plate has a deficit on the centerline and higher velocities at the outer edges of the pipe, the pressure drop across the orifice is greater than if the flow upstream is “fully developed.” It is proposed that this increase in ΔP is directly correlated with the radial distribution of momentum upstream of the orifice plate. In an effort to investigate how the upstream flow condition affects the pressure distribution along the pipe wall and to determine if the hypothesis is correct, Creare.X Inc.’s FLUENT numerical analysis program was used to simulate the effects. Two β ratios (0.50 and 0.75) have been considered with various mean velocity inlet profiles. Inlet profiles include the 1/6th, 1/7th, 1/8th, 1/9th and 1/10th power law, uniform flow, and two linear distributions. The results indicate that there is a correlation between the second and third-order moments of momentum and the value of the discharge coefficient. This empirical correlation, after being fully verified by experimental data, can be used to estimate the change in the coefficient of discharge given the inlet velocity profile.
Measurement of Cleavage Strength in Ice Crystals by a Laser Spallation Technique
Authors: Gupta V. , Tian X.
Published: June 2008

A laser spallation technique developed recently for measuring the tensile strength of interfaces between thin films and substrates was used to measure the cleavage strength across different crystallographic planes of a freshwater ice crystal. In this experiment, a laser-produced pressure pulse in the crystal, upon reflection into a tension from the free surface, spalls the crystallographic planes oriented normal to the pulse propagation direction. Average tensile strength values in the range (1.099±0.085) GPa and (1.15±0.088) GPa were measured across the basal planes at −40°C and −10°C, respectively. In addition, tensile strength values of (1.13±0.087) GPa were measured at −30°C. Similarly, the average tensile strength across the {1010} prismatic planes was measured in the range (1.29±0.098) GPa at −10°C, and (1.03±0.076) GPa at −40°C. Since, in the spallation experiment, the planes are separated at a very high strain rate, all dislocation-related inelastic processes are suppressed. This allowed the measured cleavage strength to be related to the intrinsic toughness, or surface energy, of the ice samples. For crack growth along the basal planes, the intrinsic toughness values of (0.206±0.032) J/m2 at −10°C and (0.214±0.032) J/m2 at −40°C were obtained using a theoretical tensile strength-toughness relationship. The corresponding values of (0.498±0.077) J/m2 at −10°C and (0.30±0.04) J/m2 at −40°C were obtained for growth along the {1010} prismatic planes.
Stress Concentrations in DT/X Square-to-Square and Square-to-Round Tubular Joints
Authors: Soh A. K. , Soh C. K.
Published: June 2008

A parametric stress analysis of DT/X square-to-square and square-to-round tubular joints subjected to axial loads, in-plane, and out-of-plane bending moments has been performed using the finite element technique in order to provide a sound basis for using such sections in the design of complex structures. The results of this analysis are presented as a set of equations expressing the stress concentration factor as a function of the relevant geometric parameters for various loading conditions. A comparison is made between the results obtained for square-to-square and square-to-round tubular joints and those obtained for round-to-round tubular joints by other researchers. In general, the stress concentration factors for square-to-square tubular joints are the highest, followed by those of the corresponding round-to-round joints, with those of the corresponding square-to-round joints the lowest when the joints are subject to axial loads. In the case of in-plane bending moment, the stress concentration factors for square-to-square joints are generally still the highest, but followed by those of the corresponding square-to-round joints, with those of the corresponding round-to-round joints the lowest. However, the stress concentration factors for the three types of joint are comparable when they are subject to out-of-plane bending moments.
Effect of Turbulence on Orifice Meter Performance
Authors: Karnik U. , Jungowski W. M. , Botros K. K.
Published: June 2008

Mean and turbulent velocity profiles downstream of a 19-tube bundle are presented. Experiments have been carried out in 101.6-mm-dia piping configuration at prevalent atmospheric conditions with air as the fluid. The two cases considered are: one with the tube bundle placed in good flow conditions and the other with the tube bundle used as a sliding vane downstream of a single 90-deg elbow. In both cases, for various positions of the tube bundle with respect to an orifice plate, the discharge coefficient for the orifice plate has been compared to a baseline value. The results indicate that it is possible to correlate the deviations in the discharge coefficient to the mean and turbulent velocity field upstream of the orifice.
Comparative Risk Assessment of Alternative TLP Systems: Structure and
Foundation Aspects
Authors: Bea R. G. , Cornell C. A. , Vinnem J. E. , Geyer J. F. , Shoup G. J. , Stahl B.
Published: June 2008

Offshore operators can choose from a wide variety of alternative production systems including those based on fixed platforms, tension leg platforms (TLPs), compliant towers, floating production systems, and remote subsea systems. These systems involve varying degrees of technical innovation and technological risk. Life cycle costs, including initial costs and operating costs over the life of the project, need to be carefully considered to define systems that will minimize cost and maximize return on investment. The life cycle includes all stages of the project, including design, construction, operation, and decommissioning. To address decision-making issues in the selection of alternative systems, eighteen sponsoring organizations under the leadership of Amoco helped define the Methodologies for Comparison of Alternative Production Systems (MCAPS) project. Conducted during a two-year period (1988-1990), this project developed and illustrated an engineering procedure to assist the process of making rational comparisons among design alternatives for offshore production systems. The example developed to illustrate application of MCAPS was a TLP concept designed for Gulf of Mexico conditions. Four TLP alternatives were analyzed and compared; these involved three production riser alternatives and two tendon system alternatives. This paper addresses the structural and foundation aspects of the two tendon system alternatives. A companion paper (Stahl et al., 1991) addresses the production riser alternative, the alternative system economic evaluations, and the comparison processes. The structure aspects addressed in this paper include both first-phase coarse qualitative and quantitative evaluations, and second-phase detailed quantitative evaluations. The detailed quantitative evaluation is illustrated with structural damage in extreme conditions, including potential overloading of the hull, tendons, and the foundation piles. The paper concludes that MCAPS is not a simple process. It is an intensive interdisciplinary process requiring good teamwork and extensive familiarity with the system being analyzed. The judgmental elements of the process are considerable. The potential benefits of the process include: an improved understanding, qualitatively and quantitatively of risk mechanisms; identification and mitigation of hazards; improved cost-effectiveness of designs; and improved safety. The specific risk numbers generated are less important than the design improvement insights that are developed; these numbers can only serve as a guide to focus attention on those aspects of the project which generate the most risk and to indicate where cost-effective risk reduction measures can be implemented.
Low-Frequency Forces on Tubular Spaceframe Towers: Analysis of Cognac
Data
Authors: Conte J. P. , Marshall P. W.
Published: June 2008

The Cognac field data indicate that the low-frequency force response components are not negligible and are significantly correlated to the wave envelope process. Although this is a well-known phenomenon in floating structures, it had previously not been validated from data recorded on fixed platforms. Simulation studies based on a vertical rigid cylinder subjected to Hurricane Frederic sea states show significant differences in applied low-frequency drag forces obtained using the Wheeler and Delta stretching schemes used to approximate near-surface fluid kinematics. Previous studies focusing on the peak hydrodynamic forces, as used for the design of fixed platforms, have shown a significant difference between predictions based on Wheeler and Delta stretching. The present study reveals that the Cognac field data could be used to discriminate between the Wheeler and Delta stretching schemes in terms of the low-frequency forces, which are potentially important in the design of compliant towers. However, such a discriminatory study would require detailed structural and hydrodynamic modeling of the Cognac tower.
The Effect of Bending on the Normalized Stress at Roots of Threaded
Connectors
Authors: Burguete R. L. , Patterson E. A.
Published: June 2008

Three-dimensional photoelasticity was used to analyze the effect of bending on the normalized stress at the roots of threaded connectors. Loading was effected by steel cages and a combination of eccentric weights (to provide the bending load) and concentric weights (to provide the axial load). The ratio of the bending stress to the axial stress was determined and various levels of this stress ratio, Rσ, were tested. The connections were analyzed by taking thin slices in the plane of bending and perpendicular to it. The position of the maximum fringe order at the roots was determined using Mesnager’s theorem and the maximum fringe order found by Tardy compensation. The fringe orders were normalized using the nominal axial stress and the total nominal stress (bending plus axial stress), which were calculated from the loads applied. The results, when normalized using the nominal axial stress and compared to those in connections without bending, exhibit a lower and broader peak of normalized stress values plotted against the helix length. The normalized stress values are also periodic in relation to the bending plane due to the variation in stress around the longitudinal axis of the bolt. It was found that bending in connectors will affect the normalized stress and that it is possible to determine this effect in a similar way to the method used for axially loaded connections.
Microscopic Pattern of Ice Crystal Growth in the Presence of Thermal
Hysteresis Proteins
Authors: Coger R. , Rubinsky B. , Fletcher G.
Published: June 2008

This study examines the effect of thermal hysteresis proteins (THPs) from the winter flounder (Psuedopleuronectes americanus) on the ice-water interface morphology during freezing of aqueous solutions. Experiments were performed using a directional solidification stage, and the development of the two-phase interface was observed through a microscope and recorded by a video system. Unusual ice crystal morphologies were observed, including faceted ice crystal growth along the [1100] crystal plane; spicular or needlelike growth in the [1010] direction; and growth parallel to the c-axis, [0001], consisting of incorporated liquid inclusions bounded by hexagonal prism faces. The observed crystallographic structures can be explained as an effect of the interaction between the THPs and the primary prism faces of ice crystals. This results in an increase in the Gibbs free energy of these planes, followed by ice growth into the supercooled liquid adjacent to these faces.
A Neural Network Fit to Icebreaker Resistance Data
Authors: Hinchey M.
Published: June 2008

This paper shows that a single mapping neural network can fit icebreaker resistance data from both model and prototype tests. So, mapping networks represent an alternative to standard scaling law data reduction.
Entropy Generation in the Viscous Parts of Turbulent Boundary Layers
Authors: McEligot Donald M. , Walsh Edmond J. , Laurien Eckart , Spalart Philippe R.
Published: June 2008

The local (pointwise) entropy generation rate per unit volume S‴ is a key to improving many energy processes and applications. Consequently, in the present study, the objectives are to examine the effects of Reynolds number and favorable streamwise pressure gradients on entropy generation rates across turbulent boundary layers on flat plates and—secondarily—to assess a popular approximate technique for their evaluation. About two-thirds or more of the entropy generation occurs in the viscous part, known as the viscous layer. Fundamental new results for entropy generation in turbulent boundary layers are provided by extending available direct numerical simulations. It was found that, with negligible pressure gradients, results presented in wall coordinates are predicted to be near “universal” in the viscous layer. This apparent universality disappears when a significant pressure gradient is applied; increasing the pressure gradient decreases the entropy generation rate. Within the viscous layer, the approximate evaluation of S‴ differs significantly from the “proper” value but its integral, the entropy generation rate per unit surface area Sap″, agrees within 5% at its edge.
On the Flutter and Drag Forces on Flexible Rectangular Canopies in Normal Flow
Authors: Filippone Antonio
Published: June 2008

The paper presents results of experimental investigations on flexible rectangular canopies fixed at two edges (tapes). Data are presented for the aerodynamic drag as a function of the planform area, the slenderness, and the Reynolds number. The slenderness varies from 3.3 to 30. The Reynolds number is limited to 2×106. The wind speed is in the range 6–19m∕s. The results show that the drag decreases with the increasing aspect ratio. The dominant parameter is the slenderness; a second dominant factor is the planform area. The drag is only weakly dependent on the Reynolds number. The analysis of the drag data indicates that a proper scaling parameter is the crosswise length scale. When normalization is done, the data tend to collapse into a single curve. A further study addressed the drag characteristics of the canopies with perforated planforms. Perforation of up to 6% of the planform area has been considered. Corrections for air permeability of the fabric are introduced. The drag is reduced roughly linearly with perforated area. A detailed study into the flutter characteristics of the canopies in the turbulent wind is presented. The investigation has highlighted different modes of oscillations, including deformations through folding and twisting, vertical flapping, rotations, and cross-type oscillations.
Beyond Deforestation: Restoring Forests and Ecosystem Services on Degraded Lands
Authors: Chazdon Robin L.
Published: June 2008

Despite continued forest conversion and degradation, forest cover is increasing in countries across the globe. New forests are regenerating on former agricultural land, and forest plantations are being established for commercial and restoration purposes. Plantations and restored forests can improve ecosystem services and enhance biodiversity conservation, but will not match the composition and structure of the original forest cover. Approaches to restoring forest ecosystems depend strongly on levels of forest and soil degradation, residual vegetation, and desired restoration outcomes. Opportunities abound to combine ambitious forest restoration and regeneration goals with sustainable rural livelihoods and community participation. New forests will require adaptive management as dynamic, resilient systems that can withstand stresses of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and other anthropogenic effects.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL HOPF BIFURCATION IN A TWO-NEURON NETWORK WITH MULTIPLE DELAYS
Authors: XU XU
Published: June 2008

The paper presents a detailed analysis on the dynamics of a two-neuron network with time-delayed connections between the neurons and time-delayed feedback from each neuron to itself. On the basis of characteristic roots method and Hopf bifurcation theorems for functional differential equations, we investigate the existence of local Hopf bifurcation. In addition, the direction of Hopf bifurcation and stability of the periodic solutions bifurcating from the trivial equilibrium are determined based on the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Moreover, employing the global Hopf bifurcation theory due to [Wu, 1998], we study the global existence of periodic solutions. It is shown that the local Hopf bifurcation indicates the global Hopf bifurcation after the second group critical value of the delay.
AEROELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF LIFTING SURFACES WITH FREE-PLAY, AND AERODYNAMIC STIFFNESS AND DAMPING NONLINEARITIES
Authors: ABBAS LAITH K. , CHEN Q. , MARZOCCA P. , O'DONNELL K. , VALENTINE D.
Published: June 2008

Aeroelastic instabilities are dangerous phenomena, where aerodynamic load interacting with the inertia and elastic structural loads can induce catastrophic failures. In this paper the effects of aerodynamic nonlinearities as well as coupled plunging/pitching structural concentrated cubic type and freeplay nonlinearities in the dynamic of a two-dimensional double-wedge airfoil immersed in supersonic/hypersonic flow has been examined. The unsteady nonlinear aerodynamic force and moment on the airfoil are evaluated using the Piston Theory Aerodynamics modified to take into account the effect of the airfoil thickness. The resulting aeroelastic equations are numerically integrated to obtain time responses and to investigate the dynamic instability of the lifting surface under various initial displacement conditions. Results of the complex nonlinear aeroelastic system are presented in the form of bifurcation diagrams constructed from the response amplitude for various types of the system nonlinearity. It is shown that there exist regions, in which the system exhibit Limit Cycle Oscillations (LCOs), strongly dependent on the initial conditions of the aeroelastic system. Concentrated structural nonlinearities, that are freeplays and cubic type nonlinearities, can have significant effects on the flutter behavior and can cause large amplitude oscillations at lower airspeeds than for a linear system. It is also shown that larger amplitude LCOs occur when a pitching freeplay is considered, as compared with the case when a plunging freeplay is taken into account.
CLASSICAL MECHANICS OF DIPOLAR ASYMMETRIC TOP MOLECULES IN COLLINEAR STATIC ELECTRIC AND NONRESONANT LINEARLY POLARIZED LASER FIELDS: ENERGY-MOMENTUM DIAGRAMS, BIFURCATIONS AND ACCESSIBLE CONFIGURATION SPACE
Authors: ARANGO CARLOS A. , EZRA GREGORY S.
Published: June 2008

We study classical energy-momentum (E-m) diagrams for rotational motion of dipolar asymmetric top molecules in strong external fields. Static electric fields, nonresonant linearly polarized laser fields, and collinear combinations of the two are investigated. We treat specifically the molecules iodobenzene (a nearly prolate asymmetric top), pyridazine (nearly oblate asymmetric top), and iodopentafluorobenzene (intermediate case). The location of relative equilibria in the E-m plane and associated bifurcations are determined by straightforward calculation, with analytical results given where possible. In cases where analytical solutions cannot be obtained, we resort to numerical solutions, while keeping a geometrical picture of the nature of the solutions to the fore. The classification we obtain of the topology of classically allowed rotor configuration space regions in the E-m diagram is of potential use in characterization of energy eigenstates of the corresponding quantum mechanical problem.
3-D CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS WITH CYCLIC CONNECTIONS CANNOT EXHIBIT CHAOS
Authors: YANG XIAO-SONG
Published: June 2008

In this letter we prove that every three-dimensional cellular neural network with cyclic connection does not support chaos.
THE FOUR-ELEMENT CHUA'S CIRCUIT
Authors: BARBOZA RUY , CHUA LEON O.
Published: June 2008

A new circuit configuration, linearly conjugate to the standard Chua's circuit, is presented. Its distinctive feature is that the equations now admit an additional parameter, which controls the dissipation in the network connected to the Chua diode. In the limiting case we obtain the simplest chaotic circuit, consisting of a piecewise-linear resistor and three lossless elements.
DWORK–CARLITZ EXPONENTIAL AND OVERCONVERGENCE FOR ADDITIVE FUNCTIONS IN POSITIVE CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: KOCHUBEI ANATOLY N.
Published: June 2008

We study overconvergence phenomena for 𝔽-linear functions on a function field over a finite field 𝔽. In particular, an analog of the Dwork exponential is introduced.
ESTIMATES FOR THE SOLUTIONS OF CERTAIN DIOPHANTINE EQUATIONS BY RUNGE'S METHOD
Authors: SANKARANARAYANAN A. , SARADHA N.
Published: June 2008

We consider the two Diophantine equations ym = F(x) and G(y) = F(x) under the assumption that gcd (m, deg F) > 1 and gcd ( deg G, deg F) > 1, respectively. We prove that the bounds for the denominator of the coefficients of the power series arising from the above two situations can be improved considerably and thus we establish improved upper bounds for the size of the solutions (namely for |x| and |y|). We also give explicit upper bounds for the integer solutions of equations of the form [Formula: see text] under the assumption that [Formula: see text]
Mirror Neurons and Mirror Systems in Monkeys and Humans
Authors: Fabbri-Destro Maddalena , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: June 2008

Mirror neurons are a distinct class of neurons that transform specific sensory information into a motor format. Mirror neurons have been originally discovered in the premotor and parietal cortex of the monkey. Subsequent neurophysiological (TMS, EEG, MEG) and brain imaging studies have shown that a mirror mechanism is also present in humans. According to its anatomical locations, mirror mechanism plays a role in action and intention understanding, imitation, speech, and emotion feeling.
Signaling in Muscle Atrophy and Hypertrophy
Authors: Sandri Marco
Published: June 2008

Muscle performance is influenced by turnover of contractile proteins. Production of new myofibrils and degradation of existing proteins is a delicate balance, which, depending on the condition, can promote muscle growth or loss. Protein synthesis and protein degradation are coordinately regulated by pathways that are influenced by mechanical stress, physical activity, availability of nutrients, and growth factors. Understanding the signaling that regulates muscle mass may provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in metabolic and neuromuscular diseases.
Forensic Zoology: Animal Taxonomy and Rhetorical Persuasion in Psalm l
Authors: Whitekettle Richard
Published: June 2008

Ps. l 9-11 and 12 refute the Israelite belief that God needed their sacrificial animals by explaining that God already possessed animals. In Ps. l 9-11, the bulls and goats the Israelites sacrifice to God (verse 9) are juxtaposed with four types of animals that God possesses (verses 10-11). The juxtaposition of a sacrificial animal with God's extensive zoological wealth made it clear that God did not need a sacrificial animal. In the broader context of Ps. l 9-12, these four types of animals are the middle elements in a three-part progression of animals: bulls/goats (verse 9) → four types of animals (verses 10-11) → all animals/everything (verse 12). This progression generated a robust grasp and active affirmation of the exhaustive extent of God's zoological wealth, a heightened sense of the inadequacy of a sacrificial animal, and a sense of divine agitation which chastened the Israelites for their misunderstanding of the nature and character of God.
Desire for Higher Education in First-Generation Hispanic College Students Enrolled in an Academic Support Program: A Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Olive Tamara
Published: June 2008

Numerous empirical studies have been conducted to examine first-generation college students, those individuals whose parents have not attended college. Their personality characteristics, cognitive development, academic preparation, and first-year performance have all been topics of research; yet there appears to be little in the literature exploring the motivation of these individuals to seek higher education. There are even fewer studies targeting academic motivation in Hispanic students. The purpose of this study is to conduct a phenomenological examination of the desire to attend college among first generation Hispanic students participating in an academic support program. One-hour taped interviews were conducted with three volunteer participants enrolled in the Student Support Services program at Sul Ross State University. Meaning units and constituents were extracted, and general structures were developed using the Descriptive Phenomenological Method (Giorgi, 1985). The phenomenological analysis resulted in two structures that address the effectiveness of academic outreach programming and identify the roles of self-efficacy, successful experiences in high school, a desire for improved socioeconomic status, a need to contribute to the well-being of others, a break with tradition, and the influence of respected role models in facilitating a desire for higher education in first-generation Hispanic college students.
To Win the “War on Terror,” We Must First Win the “War of Ideas”: Here's How
Authors: Amr Hady , Singer P. W.
Published: June 2008

This article addresses the critical role that public diplomacy plays in improving the deteriorating image of the United States in the Muslim world. The authors argue that both public diplomacy and policies, including those on civil liberties, are vital to U.S. success in the war on terrorism and that the next U.S. president must designate this effort as a matter of highest national security importance. Many in the Muslim world believe that the war on terrorism is essentially a war on Islam; this view impedes the success of an effective foreign policy strategy. Previous efforts of public diplomacy have lacked funding, energy, focus, and an integrated strategy. The authors define six principles to improve America's security through winning the war of ideas, including addressing civil liberties concerns, and engaging diverse constituencies in the Muslim world. Finally, the authors describe ten public diplomacy initiatives to improve U.S.–Muslim world relations.
The Linkage Between Israel's Military Policies and the Military's Social Composition The Case of the al-Aqsa Intifada
Authors: Levy Yagil
Published: June 2008

With the outbreak of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000 and in contrast to past wars, the Israeli state impressively regained its relative autonomous capacity in managing a prolonged military operation without significant internal opposition. Arguably, the state's autonomy increased in light of the alteration of the social composition of the army, from relying on the Ashkenazi middle class to drawing on peripheral and religious social groups. Specifically, this change was reflected in the composition of casualties that reshaped the bereavement ethos from protest to an acceptance of the sacrifice. Concurrently, the field forces exhibited much greater enthusiasm than they had for aggressive missions through which the religious and peripheral groups hoped to prove themselves worthy of status both inside and outside the army.
Parents' Personal and Cultural Beliefs Regarding Young Children
Authors: Cheah Charissa S. L. , Chirkov Valery
Published: June 2008

Parental beliefs about desired socialization goals and the reasons why these goals were important were examined among Aboriginal and European Canadian mothers. These beliefs were examined on personal (desired by mothers for their own children) and cultural (perceived to be desired by mothers from each cultural group) levels; 50 Aboriginal and 51 European Canadian mothers of preschoolers were interviewed regarding their parenting beliefs. Commonalities in the tasks that mothers regard as relevant to a young child's social development were found across both groups. However, several goals, behaviors, and qualities were endorsed differently by mothers from the two cultures, according to cultural values and ideologies that were significant for each culture. Moreover, mothers did not automatically accept all culturally sanctioned values but held these values as significant for their own children in different degrees. The study highlights the significance of contemporary sociocultural issues in the cultural study of child socialization.
The Blur Sensation: Shadows of the Future
Authors: O'Doherty Damian P.
Published: June 2008

The paper raises the question of embodiment and disembodiment as modes of theorizing organization and essays that struggle to negotiate what we call `entrance' to Blur, an `anti-architectural' installation designed as a working media pavilion by the New York based architects Diller and Scofidio. In Blur the human body is displaced from its customary mode of being-in-the-world and is given chance to discover `media' in organization as transport and possible metamorphosis in thinking and being organization. It is difficult to escape `Blur'. As the paper proceeds the reader begins to experience the sense that Blur is everywhere in organization—media and outcome of organization and both a symptom and possible site for the treatment of its underlying theoretical and methodological aporias. Blur invites a kind of de-subjectivization that intensifies sensation and affect splitting the subject across different modalities of consciousness and perception that provides essential experience for thinking organization critically. In the absence of this incorporeal `en-trance' the paper argues we will remain victim of the tautologies and infinite regress that afflict current thinking in aesthetics and organization and which restrict its practice to an inherently conservative form of organization analysis.
Impaired CD163-mediated hemoglobin-scavenging and severe toxic symptoms in patients treated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin
Authors: Maniecki Maciej Bogdan , Hasle Henrik , Friis-Hansen Lennart , Lausen Birgitte , Nielsen Ove Juul , Bendix Knud , Moestrup Søren Kragh , Møller Holger Jon
Published: June 2008

We describe a novel syndrome of severe toxic symptoms during intravascular hemolysis due to impaired hemoglobin scavenging in 2 children with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing CD33-directed therapy with the immunotoxin gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO). A simultaneous high plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and low bilirubin after septicemia-induced intravascular hemolysis indicated abrogated clearance of haptoglobin-hemoglobin complexes. This was further supported by low levels of plasma soluble CD163 and a concordant low number of CD163-expressing monocytes. We show that CD163 positive monocytes and macrophages from liver, spleen, and bone marrow coexpress CD33, thus suggesting that the GO-induced cellular cytotoxicity of CD33 positive cells eradicates a significant part of the CD163 positive monocytes and macrophages. The risk of severe toxic symptoms from plasma hemoglobin should be considered after CD33-targeted chemotherapy when the disease is complicated by a pathologic intravascular hemolysis. Furthermore, the cases provide further circumstantial evidence of a key role of (CD163-expressing) monocytes/macrophages in plasma hemoglobin clearance in vivo.
Transcriptome analysis of Loxosceles laeta (Araneae, Sicariidae) spider venomous gland using expressed sequence tags
Authors: Fernandes-Pedrosa Matheus de F , Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio de LM , Gonçalves-de-Andrade Rute M , Kobashi Leonardo S , Almeida Diego D , Ho Paulo L , Tambourgi Denise V
Published: June 2008

Background

The bite of spiders belonging to the genus Loxosceles can induce a variety of clinical symptoms, including dermonecrosis, thrombosis, vascular leakage, haemolysis, and persistent inflammation. In order to examine the transcripts expressed in venom gland of Loxosceles laeta spider and to unveil the potential of its products on cellular structure and functional aspects, we generated 3,008 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a cDNA library.

Results

All ESTs were clustered into 1,357 clusters, of which 16.4% of the total ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences, being the Sphingomyelinases D the most abundant transcript; 14.5% include "possible toxins", whose transcripts correspond to metalloproteinases, serinoproteinases, hyaluronidases, lipases, C-lectins, cystein peptidases and inhibitors. Thirty three percent of the ESTs are similar to cellular transcripts, being the major part represented by molecules involved in gene and protein expression, reflecting the specialization of this tissue for protein synthesis. In addition, a considerable number of sequences, 25%, has no significant similarity to any known sequence.

Conclusion

This study provides a first global view of the gene expression scenario of the venom gland of L. laeta described so far, indicating the molecular bases of its venom composition.
The first generation of a BAC-based physical map of Brassica rapa
Authors: Mun Jeong-Hwan , Kwon Soo-Jin , Yang Tae-Jin , Kim Hye-Sun , Choi Beom-Soon , Baek Seunghoon , Kim Jung Sun , Jin Mina , Kim Jin A , Lim Myung-Ho , Lee Soo In , Kim Ho-Il , Kim Hyungtae , Lim Yong Pyo , Park Beom-Seok
Published: June 2008

Background

The genus Brassica includes the most extensively cultivated vegetable crops worldwide. Investigation of the Brassica genome presents excellent challenges to study plant genome evolution and divergence of gene function associated with polyploidy and genome hybridization. A physical map of the B. rapa genome is a fundamental tool for analysis of Brassica "A" genome structure. Integration of a physical map with an existing genetic map by linking genetic markers and BAC clones in the sequencing pipeline provides a crucial resource for the ongoing genome sequencing effort and assembly of whole genome sequences.

Results

A genome-wide physical map of the B. rapa genome was constructed by the capillary electrophoresis-based fingerprinting of 67,468 Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clones using the five restriction enzyme SNaPshot technique. The clones were assembled into contigs by means of FPC v8.5.3. After contig validation and manual editing, the resulting contig assembly consists of 1,428 contigs and is estimated to span 717 Mb in physical length. This map provides 242 anchored contigs on 10 linkage groups to be served as seed points from which to continue bidirectional chromosome extension for genome sequencing.

Conclusion

The map reported here is the first physical map for Brassica "A" genome based on the High Information Content Fingerprinting (HICF) technique. This physical map will serve as a fundamental genomic resource for accelerating genome sequencing, assembly of BAC sequences, and comparative genomics between Brassica genomes. The current build of the B. rapa physical map is available at the B. rapa Genome Project website for the user community.
The effects of enhanced methionine synthesis on amino acid and anthocyanin content of potato tubers
Authors: Dancs Gábor , Kondrák Mihály , Bánfalvi Zsófia
Published: June 2008

Background

Potato is a staple food in the diet of the world's population and also being used as animal feed. Compared to other crops, however, potato tubers are relatively poor in the essential amino acid, methionine. Our aim was to increase the methionine content of tubers by co-expressing a gene involved in methionine synthesis with a gene encoding a methionine-rich storage protein in potato plants.

Results

In higher plants, cystathionine γ-synthase (CgS) is the first enzyme specific to methionine biosynthesis. We attempted to increase the methionine content of tubers by expressing the deleted form of the Arabidopsis CgS (CgS

Δ90), which is not regulated by methionine, in potato plants. To increase the incorporation of free methionine into a storage protein the CgS

Δ90 was co-transformed with the methionine-rich 15-kD β-zein. Results demonstrated a 2- to 6-fold increase in the free methionine content and in the methionine content of the zein-containing protein fraction of the transgenic tubers. In addition, in line with higher methionine content, the amounts of soluble isoleucine and serine were also increased. However, all of the lines with high level of CgSΔ90 expression were phenotypically abnormal showing severe growth retardation, changes in leaf architecture and 40- to 60% reduction in tuber yield. Furthermore, the colour of the transgenic tubers was altered due to the reduced amounts of anthocyanin pigments. The mRNA levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), the enzyme catalysing the first step of anthocyanin synthesis, were decreased.

Conclusion

Ectopic expression of CgSΔ90 increases the methionine content of tubers, however, results in phenotypic aberrations in potato. Co-expression of the 15-kD β-zein with CgSΔ90 results in elevation of protein-bound methionine content of tubers, but can not overcome the phenotypical changes caused by CgSΔ90 and can not significantly improve the nutritional value of tubers. The level of PAL mRNA and consequently the amount of anthocyanin pigments are reduced in the CgSΔ90 transgenic tubers suggesting that methionine synthesis and production of anthocyanins is linked.
Effects of cytochrome P450 (CYP) inducers and inhibitors on ondansetron pharmacokinetics in rats: involvement of hepatic CYP2D subfamily and 3A1/2 in ondansetron metabolism
Authors: Yang Si H , Lee Myung G
Published: June 2008

The types of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes responsible for the in-vivo metabolism of ondansetron in rats have not been reported. In this study, ondansetron at a dose of 8 mg kg−1 was administered intravenously to rats pretreated with various inducers of CYP isozymes, such as 3-methylcholanthrene, orphenadrine citrate, isoniazid and dexamethasone phosphate (the main inducers of CYP1A1/2, 2B1/2, 2E1 and 3A1/2 in rats, respectively), and inhibitors, such as SKF-525A (a non-specific inhibitor of CYP isozymes), sulfaphenazole, quinine hydrochloride and troleandomycin (the main inhibitors of CYP2C6, 2D subfamily and 3A1/2 in rats, respectively). In rats pretreated with quinine hydrochloride and troleandomycin, the time-averaged non-renal clearance of ondansetron was significantly slower (48.9 and 13.2% decrease, respectively) than that in control rats. In rats pretreated with dexamethasone phosphate, the time-averaged non-renal clearance was significantly faster (18.2% increase) than that in control rats. The results suggest that ondansetron is primarily metabolized via the CYP2D subfamily and 3A1/2 in rats.
Spectrophotometric Studies of the Thermodynamics of Molecular Interaction between Some Free Base meso-Tetraarylporphyrins and SbF3
Authors: Dehghani Hossein , Bordbar Maryam , Rezakhani Sheida , Mansournia Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2008

Spectrophotometric study was applied to the interaction of SbF3 with para-, meta-, and ortho-substituted meso-tetraarylporphyrins (H2t(Xp)p; X: H, OCH3, CH3, and Cl) in CHCl3. The 1:1 formation constants of the resulting complexes were calculated at several temperatures by the computer fitting of absorbances of solutions versus mole ratio data with appropriate equations. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0) have been determined and the influence of electron donation and steric effect of the substituted aryl groups in the free base porphyrins on the stability of the complexes is discussed.
Mono- and Trinuclear CuII Complexes with Tripodal Ligands
Authors: Sunatsuki Yukinari , Kobayashi Tamami , Harada Kenji , Yamaguchi Tomoka , Nonoyama Matsuo , Kojima Masaaki
Published: June 2008

Mononuclear [Cu(HL)] (1) and trinuclear [Cu3(L)2] (3) complexes were synthesized, where H3L (1,1,1-tris[(salicylideneamino)methyl]ethane) is a tripodal ligand obtained by condensation of 1,1,1-tris(aminomethyl)ethane and salicylaldehyde in a 1:3 mole ratio. Another mononuclear complex [Cu(HL′)] (2), where one of the three arms was disconnected probably due to thermal hydrolysis, was also obtained. The crystal structures, electronic spectra, and electrochemical and magnetic properties of the complexes were studied. In 1, one of the arms of H3L is not coordinated to the metal atom, and the ligand serves as a tetradentate N2O2 ligand, the complex assuming a slightly distorted square-planar structure. In the trinuclear complex, an imine nitrogen atom and a phenolate oxygen atom of one arm of each terminal unit coordinate to the central CuII ion to form a linear trinuclear complex. The coordination geometry about each Cu is square planar. All of the complexes involve π–π stacking interactions between the molecules in the crystal structures, which are responsible for weak magnetic interactions. An electrochemical study of 3 in DMSO showed that the central CuII is more easily reduced to CuI than the terminal Cu ions. The mononuclear complexes, 1 and 2, show a quasi-reversible CuII/I couple almost at the same position as that of the terminal Cu ions of 3.
Modifications of Hydrophobic Value and Hydrophobic Moment Value of Cationic Model Peptides for Conversion of Peptide–Membrane Interactions
Authors: Taira Junichi , Furukawa Sachi , Hatakeyama Tomomitsu , Aoyagi Haruhiko , Kodama Hiroaki
Published: June 2008

The hydrophobic value  and hydrophobic moment value <μ> of helical peptides correlate with membrane–peptide interactions such as ion channel forming or membrane perturbation. In this paper, two cationic amphiphilic peptides, ALSAALKAALSWASLAAKLAASLA-amide (Ap) and KK-ALSAALKAALSWASLAAKLAASLA-KK-amide (KAp), consisting of 24 and 28 amino acid residues, respectively, were synthesized to acquire antimicrobial activities and to reduce the high hemolytic activity of cationic helical peptide, LARLLARLLARLLRALLRALLRAL-amide (46), reported previously. Both peptides were designed to possess higher hydrophobic values and lower hydrophobic moment values than those of 46. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements of the peptides showed that the peptides had lower α-helical content than that of 46 in aqueous solutions as well as the membrane mimetic environments. 46 did not show any antibacterial activity whereas KAp and Ap had antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. In contrast, the hemolytic activities of Ap and KAp decreased to less than that of 46. Electrophysiological experiments were carried out to compare ion channel formation. Both peptides showed ion conductance patterns distinguishable from the patterns of 46 and pore forming with flexible structures was suggested. In addition, the flanking cationic residues of KAp tended to increase the channel opening durations.
Study on Facile Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Solid-State Fluorescence of Dicyclohexane-Annelated Anthracene
Authors: Kitamura Chitoshi , Matsumoto Chika , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro , Yoneda Akio , Asada Kohei , Kobayashi Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi
Published: June 2008

Dicyclohexane-annelated anthracene was synthesized by a new efficient method, which employed the Diels–Alder reaction between in situ-generated 2,3-dehydronaphthalene and dicyclohexane-fused furan. The molecule adopted antiparallel face-to-face slipped π-stacking in its crystal structure, which induced an excimer-like emission in the solid state.
Holographic PDLC Containing Fluorine Segments
Authors: Kim Eun Hee , Woo Ju Yeon , Cho Young Hee , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: June 2008

Transmission gratings of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLCs) have been designed and fabricated based on partial fluorination of the polymer matrix using three types of fluorinated monomers carrying different numbers of fluorine atoms and structures, viz. 2-(perfluoroalkyl)ethyl methacrylate (PFEMA), 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA), and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate (TFEA). Addition of fluorinated monomer gave long saturation time, increased off state diffraction efficiency, small anchoring strength and driving voltage. Anchoring strength and driving voltage of methacrylate monomers (PFEMA and TFEMA) were lower than that of TFEA, implying that the fluorine segments of these monomers are preferentially exposed to the interfaces. HPDLC film having low driving voltage and response time of below 10 ms has been fabricated with 20 wt % PFEMA at 40 wt % LC.
Self‐monitoring, status, and justice‐related information flow
Authors: Fang Ruolian , Shaw Jason D.
Published: June 2008

We develop and test a multi‐level interactive model of the relationships among self‐monitoring, co‐workers' formal and informal status, and justice‐related information flow in a scenario‐based field study of 4,011 unique relationships collected from 84 respondents. We predict that individuals high in self‐monitoring, because they attend more carefully to social cues and have higher levels of expressive control, will be more likely than low self‐monitors to intend to seek, accept, and provide justice‐related information as a function of their co‐workers' formal status, the size of their co‐workers' networks, and the advantageousness of their co‐workers' position in the networks (betweenness centrality). This cross‐level interaction hypothesis receives strong support in terms of co‐workers' network size, limited support in terms of co‐workers' betweenness centrality, and no support in terms of co‐workers' formal status. We address the implications of these findings for the literature on self‐monitoring, social construction of organizational justice, and social networks, as well as the strengths and limitations of our approach.
Eigenvalue pinching for Riemannian vector bundles
Authors: Petersen Peter , Sprouse Chadwick
Published: June 2008

We investigate some very general pinching results for eigensections with small eigenvalue of a Riemannian vector bundle. In particular, this gives pinching results for the eigenvalues of 1-forms on a compact Riemannian manifold, along with other applications.
Variability in Institutional Approaches to Ethics Review of Community-Based Research Conducted in Collaboration with Unaffiliated Organizations
Authors: Silverstein Michael , Banks Mary , Fish Susan , Bauchner Howard
Published: June 2008

Academic institutions' requirements for ethics committee (IRB) review of research conducted by investigators from unaffiliated organizations engaged in collaborative, community-based research (CBR) may be highly variable. The present study examined the extent of this variability through a national survey of 196 IRB directors from US academic institutions. Fifty-three percent of respondents reported a formal policy or standardized approach to reviewing this type of CBR, with high volume IRBs more likely than low volume IRBs to do so (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.02, 4.35). The most common policy (40%) was to require that unaffiliated community organizations obtain a Federalwide Assurance on which they delegate responsibility for IRB review to their own (i.e., the academic institutions) IRB. Among IRBs without formal policies, 56% reported that human subject risk was their foremost consideration when reviewing CBR. Universities (71%) were more likely than medical schools (33%) to report subject risk as their foremost consideration (aOR 4.68, 95% CI 1.43, 15.28).