bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic Observation of Ice Distribution in PEM Fuel Cell at Cold Start
Authors: Tabe Yutaka , Saito Masataka , Ichikawa Ryosuke , Chikahisa Takemi
Published: March 2011

In Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFCs), freezing of produced water induces the extreme deterioration of cell performance below zero. This phenomenon is a serious problem in cold regions and is needed to be solved to achieve the practical use of PEFCs. In this study, we investigated ice distribution at the cold start in a PEFC using an optical microscope and a CRYO-SEM to clarify the freezing mechanism. The observation results showed that the cold start at −10°C makes ice at the interface between the cathode catalyst layer (CL) and the micro porous layer of gas diffusion layer. Little ice was, however, observed in the cold start at −20°C, which indicated the ice formation inside the CL. The CRYO-SEM observation was conducted at −20°C to investigate the ice formation inside the CL, and this identified the effects of the current density and the cathode gas species on the ice distribution.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of Isolated Bubble Nucleate Boiling of Water
Authors: Yabuki Tomohide , Nakabeppu Osamu
Published: March 2011

The mechanism of isolated bubble pool nucleate boiling of water is studied by a novel approach method using the developed MEMS thermal sensor. The local temperature variation beneath isolated bubble was measured using the MEMS sensor at different six wall superheats. Evaporation and dry-out of the microlayer and the rewetting of the dry-out area were obviously observed in the measured temperature variation. Wall heat transfer was numerically calculated by transient heat conduction simulation with the measured temperature as a surface boundary condition. The results showed that the microlayer evaporation transfers high heat flux of a few MW/m2, and dominantly contributes to the heat transport from the heating wall during the bubble growth phase. The ratio of the heat transferred from the wall to the latent heat in the bubble at the departure decreased with increasing wall superheat. In other words, the contribution of the heat transfer from the superheated liquid layer surrounding the bubble becomes important with increasing wall superheat. Moreover, the microlayer thickness was calculated by integrating the local heat flux. The derived initial thickness of the microlayer was independent from the wall superheat and became thick as distance from the nucleation site increases.
Ion Transport in Mesoporous Silica Thin Films
Authors: Daiguji Hirofumi , Nakayama Daisuke , Takahashi Asuka , Kataoka Sho , Endo Akira
Published: March 2011

Mesoporous silica SBA-16 thin films were synthesized on a Si substrate via the dip-coating method. SEM analysis revealed that these films possess highly ordered 3D cubic structure. After these films were filled with either pure water or KCl aqueous solutions, the ionic current passing through the mesopores was measured by applying electric field to find out ion transport phenomena. If the ion transport phenomena in mesoporous silica are completely elucidated, this will enhance its use in applications where it is intended to be employed as a catalyst, filter, and adsorbent. The measured I-V curves were non-linear. This document discusses the relationship between the non-linear I-V curves and the ionic flow inside the 3D cubic pore structure. The effect of the dimensions and surface properties of mesopores on the I-V curves are also discussed.
The Effect of the Residence Time in the High Temperature Field on the Fullerene and PAH Formation Mechanism
Authors: Saika Tatsuya , Sakita Youhei , Shibahara Masahiko
Published: March 2011

Fullerenes were generated and observed in the combustion processes of hydrocarbon fuel under reduced pressure conditions however the fullerene formation mechanism from PAHs in fuel rich hydrocarbon flames under reduced pressure conditions has not been clarified yet. In the present study, the effects of the residence time in the high temperature reaction field were investigated experimentally and the effects of the residence time on the contents of fullerenes and PAHs were discussed. The experimental results showed that the contents of fullerenes as well as PAHs in the total soot collected from the flue gas decreased with the increase of the residence time in the range from 800 to 1500 degree Celsius. On the other hand, the contents of fullerenes in the total soot decreased with the increase of the residence time over 1500 degree Celsius because the total PAHs contents in the flue gas increased under the present experimental conditions. It is essential for the fullerene generation to realize the optimal residence time from 800 to 1500 degree Celsius as well as that over 1500 degree Celsius with an appropriate PAH partial pressure in the combustion process.
Design Parameters for High-Efficiency Hybrid PV/Thermal Solar Energy Systems
Authors: Dutreuil Jerry A. , Hadim Hamid A.
Published: March 2011

With recently increasing focus on solar energy, there has been increased interest in hybrid PV/thermal (PV/T) solar energy systems. In the PV/T system, a thermal energy recovery system is implemented to remove waste heat from the PV cells, thereby decreasing their operating temperature, leading to enhanced overall energy performance of the PV cells. The possibility of the utilization of waste heat recovered for hot water or space heating makes the PV/T system highly attractive for building integration. The main objective of this study is to conduct a state-of-the-art review and compare existing PV/T systems in terms of the factors limiting their electrical and thermal performance. Critical design parameters for maximum efficiency of PVT systems are identified and practical recommendations for improved design of PVT systems are provided.
Molecular Dynamics of Thermal Boundary Resistance Between a Carbon Nanotube and Surrounding Fluids
Authors: Cha Jin Hyeok , Chiashi Shohei , Shiomi Junichiro , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: March 2011

Using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we studied the thermal boundary resistance (TBR)—the inverse of thermal boundary conductance (TBC)—between a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and surrounding Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluids. With the aim of identifying a general model that explains the TBC for various surrounding materials, the TBC was calculated for three different surrounding LJ fluids, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon, in a supercritical phase. The results show that the TBC between an SWNT and a surrounding LJ fluid strongly depends on both the local density of the molecules in the first adsorption layer outside SWNT and the intermaterial potential parameters. We also note that the influence of mass on the TBC has a far more significant effect than other intermaterial potential parameters. Furthermore, through our parametric studies we obtained a phenomenological description of the TBC between an SWNT and a surrounding LJ fluid.
Natural Convection Heat Transfer of Concentric/Eccentric Annulus Subjected to Inner Tube of Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Hosseini R. , Alipour M. , Gholaminejad A.
Published: March 2011

This paper describes the experimental results of natural convection heat transfer from vertical, electrically heated cylinder in a concentric/eccentric annulus and develops correlations for the dependence of the average annulus Nusselt number upon the Rayleigh number. Wall surface temperature have been recorded for diameter ratio of d/D = 0.4, with the apparatus immersed in stagnant air with uniform temperature. Measurements have been carried out for eccentric ratios of E = 0, 0.19, 0.34, 0.62 and 0.89 in the range of heat flux of 45 to 430 W/m2. The surface temperature of the heater was found to increase upwards and reach a maximum at some position, beyond which it decreases again. It is observed, that this maximum temperature occurs near h/l = 0.8 for 0 ≤ E ≤ 0.62 at almost all power levels, but shifts downwards for E = 0.89. Moreover, empirical correlations between the average Nusselt number and the Rayleigh number are derived for concentric and eccentric annuli.
CFD Analysis on the Influence of Coolant Distribution Blocks on the Core Hot Spot Temperature in a Prismatic Very High Temperature Reactor
Authors: Kim Min-Hwan , Tak Nam-il , Noh Jae Man , Park Goon-Cherl
Published: March 2011

Two design options of core distribution block (CDB) for a cooled-vessel design in the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) were developed and the influence on the core hot spot was investigated by the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, CFX-11. Isothermal CFD analyses were performed to estimate the coolant flow variation at the inlet of the coolant channel. The results predicted about 5% of the maximum velocity deviation when applying the core pressure drop of NHDD PMR200. A unit-cell CFD model was used to access the effect of the velocity deviation on the core hot spot. The unit-cell analyses were carried out for the velocity deviation of 0%, 5%, and 10%. Not only a constant power but also a local maximum power profile was considered. According to the results, the maximum fuel temperature was increased by about 30°C for the velocity deviation of 10% but still below the normal operation limit of 1250°C.
Detailed Numerical Modeling of a Microchannel Reactor for Methane-Steam Reforming
Authors: Drost Kevin , Eilers Benn , Peterson Daniel , Apte Sourabh V. , Narayanan Vinod , Schmitt John
Published: March 2011

Numerical modeling of methane-steam reforming is performed in a microchannel with heat input through Palladium-deposited channel walls corresponding to the experimental setup of Eilers [1]. The low-Mach number, variable density Navier-Stokes equations together with multicomponent reactions are solved using a parallel numerical framework. Methane-steam reforming is modeled by three reduced-order reactions occurring on the reactor walls. The surface reactions in the presence of Palladium catalyst are modeled as Neumann boundary conditions to the governing equations. Use of microchannels with deposited layer of Palladium catalyst gives rise to a non-uniform distribution of active reaction sites. The surface reaction rates, based on Arrhenius type model and obtained from literature on packed-bed reactors, are modified by a correction factor to account for these effects. The reaction-rate correction factor is obtained by making use of the experimental data for specific flow conditions. The modified reaction rates are then used to predict hydrogen production in a microchannel configuration at different flow rates and results are validated to show good agreement. It is found that the endothermic reactions occurring on the catalyst surface dominate the exothermic water-gas-shift reaction. It is also observed that the methane-to-steam conversion occurs rapidly in the first half of the mircochannel. A simple one-dimensional model solving steady state species mass fraction, energy, and overall conservation of mass equations is developed and verified against the full DNS study to show good agreement.
DOI‐based reconstruction algorithms for a compact breast PET scanner
Authors: Champley Kyle M. , MacDonald Lawrence R. , Lewellen Thomas K. , Miyaoka Robert S. , Kinahan Paul E.
Published: March 2011

Purpose:

The authors discuss the design and evaluate the performance of combined event estimation and image reconstruction algorithms designed for a proposed high‐resolution rectangular breast PET scanner (PETX). The PETX scanner will be capable of measuring the depth of interaction by utilizing detector modules composed of depth‐of‐interaction microcrystal element (dMiCE) crystal pairs. This design allows a unique combination of event estimation and fast projection methods.

Methods:

The authors implemented a Monte Carlo simulator to model the PETX system using only true coincident events. The performance of the dMiCE crystal pairs was determined experimentally over a range of depths of interaction. This distribution was used to simulate the noisy dMiCE detector signals and to estimate the line of response for each decay. Three different statistical methods were implemented to determine photon event positioning. Images were reconstructed from these line of response estimators with the exact planogram frequency distance rebinning algorithm, which is an exact analytical reconstruction algorithm for planar systems. Reconstructed images were analyzed with contrast, noise, and spatial resolution metrics.

Results:

The authors' simulations demonstrate the ability for the PETX system to produce quantitatively accurate images from true coincident events with a contrast recovery coefficient of greater than 0.8 for 5 mm spheres at the axial center of the scanner and a spatial resolution (FWHM) of 3 mm throughout most of the imaging field of view.

Conclusions:

The authors' proposed positioning and reconstruction algorithms for the PETX system show the potential for creating high‐quality, high‐resolution, and quantitatively accurate images within a clinically feasible reconstruction time.
Techniques to improve the accuracy of noise power spectrum measurements in digital x‐ray imaging based on background trends removal
Authors: Zhou Zhongxing , Gao Feng , Zhao Huijuan , Zhang Lixin
Published: March 2011

Purpose:

Noise characterization through estimation of the noise power spectrum (NPS) is a central component of the evaluation of digital x‐ray systems. Extensive works have been conducted to achieve accurate and precise measurement of NPS. One approach to improve the accuracy of the NPS measurement is to reduce the statistical variance of the NPS results by involving more data samples. However, this method is based on the assumption that the noise in a radiographic image is arising from stochastic processes. In the practical data, the artifactuals always superimpose on the stochastic noise as low‐frequency background trends and prevent us from achieving accurate NPS. The purpose of this study was to investigate an appropriate background detrending technique to improve the accuracy of NPS estimation for digital x‐ray systems.

Methods:

In order to achieve the optimal background detrending technique for NPS estimate, four methods for artifactuals removal were quantitatively studied and compared: (1) Subtraction of a low‐pass‐filtered version of the image, (2) subtraction of a 2‐D first‐order fit to the image, (3) subtraction of a 2‐D second‐order polynomial fit to the image, and (4) subtracting two uniform exposure images. In addition, background trend removal was separately applied within original region of interest or its partitioned sub‐blocks for all four methods. The performance of background detrending techniques was compared according to the statistical variance of the NPS results and low‐frequency systematic rise suppression.

Results:

Among four methods, subtraction of a 2‐D second‐order polynomial fit to the image was most effective in low‐frequency systematic rise suppression and variances reduction for NPS estimate according to the authors' digital x‐ray system. Subtraction of a low‐pass‐filtered version of the image led to NPS variance increment above low‐frequency components because of the side lobe effects of frequency response of the boxcar filtering function. Subtracting two uniform exposure images obtained the worst result on the smoothness of NPS curve, although it was effective in low‐frequency systematic rise suppression. Subtraction of a 2‐D first‐order fit to the image was also identified effective for background detrending, but it was worse than subtraction of a 2‐D second‐order polynomial fit to the image according to the authors' digital x‐ray system.

Conclusions:

As a result of this study, the authors verified that it is necessary and feasible to get better NPS estimate by appropriate background trend removal. Subtraction of a 2‐D second‐order polynomial fit to the image was the most appropriate technique for background detrending without consideration of processing time.
Melphalan as a treatment forBRCA-related ovarian carcinoma: can you teach an old drug new tricks?: Figure 1
Authors: Osher Deidra J , Kushner Yaël B , Arseneau Jocelyne , Foulkes William D
Published: March 2011

Late-stage ovarian carcinoma is almost universally fatal.BRCAmutations are associated with an improved outcome and enhanced sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy, yet recurrence and platinum resistance remain a major problem and highly effective regimens following platinum failure do not yet exist. Here we report a remarkable case of cure following platinum-resistant stage III ovarian carcinoma in a woman with aBRCA2mutation. The patient was subsequently treated with oral melphalan therapy and has not recurred in over 25 years. Melphalan is a bifunctional alkylator that creates inter- and intra-strand DNA cross-links. In a pharmaceutical screen, melphalan was shown to be selectively toxic toBRCA2-deficient breast cancer cell lines and produced a longer relapse-free survival in mice than did cisplatin or olaparib. There is increasing evidence to considerBRCAmutation status when selecting chemotherapy regimens, and melphalan treatment forBRCA-related ovarian cancer merits further investigation. Focusing attention on long-term survivors may provide new mechanistic insights into the biology of chemo-responsiveness.
Carbon in Trees in Tasmanian State Forest
Authors: Moroni M. T. , Kelley T. H. , McLarin M. L.
Published: March 2011

The mass of carbon (C) in standing trees on 1.5 M ha of Tasmanian State forest was 163 Tg C, with 139 Tg in eucalypt forest. The highest C densities occurred in the tallest, highest crown cover, mature, wet eucalypt forest, representing 0.2% by area containing only 1.3 Tg C. Shorter mature forests with lower crown cover contained 21–68% of this C density. Rainforests and forests containing regrowth or silvicultural regeneration components also contained lower C densities. Landscape-level C saturation of Tasmanian State forest could only be achieved when all forest was simultaneously mature eucalypt forest. This would sequester an additional 93 Tg C into trees, but would require fire to convert existing mixed forest and rainforest to eucalypt forest, and subsequent estate wildfire prevention while eucalypt forests mature and the prevention of eucalypt forests progressing to less C-dense rainforest. Theoretical C saturation at the landscape level is therefore ecologically impossible.
Ferromagnetic-Dielectric Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe1.9O4−δ/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3Particulate Composites: Electric, Magnetic, Mechanical, and Electromagnetic Properties
Authors: Venkata Ramana M. , Ramamanohar Reddy N. , Murty B. S. , Murthy V. R. K. , Siva Kumar K. V.
Published: March 2011

Novel ferromagnetic-dielectric particulate composites of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe1.95O4−δ(NZF) and PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3(PZT) were prepared by conventional ceramic method. The presence of two phases in composites was confirmed by XRD technique. The variations of dielectric constant () with frequency in the range of 100 kHz–1 MHz at room temperature and also with temperature at three different frequencies (50 kHz, 100 kHz, and 500 kHz) were studied. Detailed studies on the dielectric properties were done confirming that the magnetoelectric interaction between the constituent phases may result in various anomalies in the dielectric behaviour of the composites. It is proposed that interfaces play an important role in the dielectric properties, causing space charge effects and Maxwell-Wagner relaxation, particularly at low frequencies and high temperatures. The piezoelectricd33constant was studied at room temperature, and thed33constant value decreased with ferrite content. Magnetic properties likeB-Hloops traces were studied to understand the saturation magnetic (Ms) and magnetic moment () of the present particulate composites. The magnetoelectric (ME) output was measured by varying dc bias magnetic field. A large ME output signal of 2780 mV/cm Oe was observed in the composite having 50% ferrite. The temperature variation of longitudinal modulus (L) and internal friction (Q−1) of these particulate composites at 104 kHz was studied in the temperature range 30°C–420°C by the composite oscillator technique. Longitudinal modulus showed a sharp minimum, and internal friction exhibits a sharp peak at ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition. These ferroelectric-dielectric particulate composites were prepared with a view to using them as ME sensors and transducers.
An Autonomous Omnidirectional Robot
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Zhao Jiaxin , Apple Josh , Frank Torrey , Saylor Matthew , Siegel Ted
Published: March 2011

RoboCup is an international research and education initiative, which aims to foster artificial intelligence and robotics research by using competitive soccer as a standard problem. This paper presents a detailed engineering design process and the outcome for an omni-directional mobile robot platform for the Robocup Middle Size League competition. A prototype that can move omnidirectionally with kicking capability was designed, built, and tested by a group of senior students. The design included a mechanical base, pneumatic kicking mechanism, a DSP microcontroller-based control system, various sensor interfacing units, and the analysis of omnidirectional motions. The testing results showed that the system was able to move omnidirectionally with a speed of ∼2 m/s and able to kick a size 5 FIFA soccer ball for a distance of at least 5 meters.
True-Randomness and Pseudo-Randomness in Ring Oscillator-Based True Random Number Generators
Authors: Bochard Nathalie , Bernard Florent , Fischer Viktor , Valtchanov Boyan
Published: March 2011

The paper deals with true random number generators employing oscillator rings, namely, with the one proposed by Sunar et al. in 2007 and enhanced by Wold and Tan in 2009. Our mathematical analysis shows that both architectures behave identically when composed of the same number of rings and ideal logic components. However, the reduction of the number of rings, as proposed by Wold and Tan, would inevitably cause the loss of entropy. Unfortunately, this entropy insufficiency is masked by the pseudo-randomness caused by XOR-ing clock signals having different frequencies. Our simulation model shows that the generator, using more than 18 ideal jitter-free rings having slightly different frequencies and producing only pseudo-randomness, will let the statistical tests pass. We conclude that a smaller number of rings reduce the security if the entropy reduction is not taken into account in post-processing. Moreover, the designer cannot avoid that some of rings will have the same frequency, which will cause another loss of entropy. In order to confirm this, we show how the attacker can reach a state where over 25% of the rings are locked and thus completely dependent. This effect can have disastrous consequences on the system security.
Antispasmodic and Antidiarrheal Activities of Valeriana hardwickii Wall. Rhizome Are Putatively Mediated through Calcium Channel Blockade
Authors: Bashir Samra , Memon Raafia , Gilani Anwar H.
Published: March 2011

Valeriana hardwickii is indigenous to Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, where it is traditionally being used as an antispasmodic and antidiarrheal, besides its culinary use as spice. The aim of this paper was to provide pharmacological validation to these medicinal uses. The crude aqueous‐methanolic extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome (Vh.Cr) was studied on isolated rabbit jejunum and castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice for spasmolytic and antidiarrheal properties, respectively. Vh.Cr caused concentration‐dependent (0.01–1 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum and inhibited K+‐induced contractions (0.01–0.3 mg/mL), similar to verapamil, suggestive of calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB effect was confirmed when pretreatment of the jejunum preparations with Vh.Cr produced a concentration‐dependent (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration‐response curves, as caused by verapamil. Vh.Cr exhibited dose‐dependent (100–300 mg/kg) protection against castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice. Loperamide, a standard antidiarrheal drug, similarly prevented the diarrhea. These data indicate the presence of CCB effect in the extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome, possibly mediating its antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities and provide a scientific base for its traditional use in hyperactive gut disorders.
Panax notoginseng Attenuates Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Tsai Kuen-Daw , Yang Shu-Mei , Lee Jen-Chih , Wong Ho-Yiu , Shih Chuen-Ming , Lin Ting-Hui , Tseng Min-Jen , Chen Wei
Published: March 2011

Panax notoginseng (PN) is a traditional Chinese herb experimentally proven to have anti‐inflammatory effects, and it is used clinically for the treatment of atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, and cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to determine the anti‐inflammatory effects of PN against bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. First, in an in vitro study, culture media containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate macrophage cells (RAW 264.7 cell line). TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels were then determined before and after treatment with PN extract. In an animal model (C57BL/6 mice), a single dose of PN (0.5 mg/kg) was administered orally on Day 2 or Day 7 postbleomycin treatment. The results showed that TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels increased in the culture media of LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells, and this effect was significantly inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner by PN extract. Histopathologic examination revealed that PN administered on Day 7 postbleomycin treatment significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrosis scores, and TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid when compared with PN given on Day 2 postbleomycin treatment. These results suggest that PN administered in the early fibrotic stage can attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in an animal model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Cinacalcet Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Rothe H. M. , Liangos O. , Biggar P. , Petermann A. , Ketteler M.
Published: March 2011

Although parathyroidectomy remains the only curative approach to most primary hyperparathyroidism cases, medical treatment with cinacalcet HCl has been proven to be a reasonable alternative for several patient subgroups. Cinacalcet almost always controls hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia sufficiently. PTH levels are lowered, and cognitive parameters improve. While an increase in bone mineral density DEXA scan scores was not demonstrated in cinacalcet trials, the same applies to more than half of patients after parathyroidectomy. Medical therapy should be first choice in patients with hyperplasia in all glands rather than an isolated adenoma (10–15%), patients with persisting HPT following unsuccessful surgery or inoperable cases due to comorbidities, and patients detected in lab screens for hypercalcemia before developing symptoms who should be treated early but are usually reluctant to undergo surgery. Nephrolithiasis was not found to occur more frequently in cinacalcet trial groups, but urine calcium excretion as one major risk factor of this complication of primary HPT may increase on cinacalcet. Patients carrying the rs1042636 polymorphism of the calcium-sensing receptor gene respond more sensitively to cinacalcet and have a higher risk of calcium stone formation. Cinacalcet is usually administered twice daily but three or four doses per day should be discussed to mimic the beneficial pulsatile PTH-pattern.
Nutritional Composition, Antioxidant Activities, and Antiulcer Potential of Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Mycelia Extract
Authors: Mhd Omar Nor Adila , Abdullah Noorlidah , Kuppusamy Umah Rani , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Published: March 2011

Water extract of Lentinus squarrosulus mycelia was analysed for nutritional content, antioxidant capacity, and antiulcer ability. The extract contains high protein (57.6 g/100 g) and low total fat (0.5 g/100 g) and is rich in magnesium (0.4 g/100 g), potassium (3.8 g/100 g), vitamins B1 (1.42 mg/100 g), and B3 (194.29 mg/100 g) with total phenolic content of 39.16 mg/100 g. The cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of the extract were A450 of 0.20 ± 0.03 at 0.5 mg/ml and IC50 of 14.29 mg/ml, respectively. Oral feeding of L. squarrosulus extract (250 mg/kg) offered significant gastric mucosal protection of Sprague‐Dawley rats compared to cimetidine (50 mg/kg). The ulcer healing rate of ulcerated rats after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment was 82%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. The IL‐1β level in the serum and the NF‐κB level in the tissues indicate that the healing potential was associated with attenuation of proinflammatory cytokines.
Corrosion Behaviour of Zn-10Al-1.5Cu Alloy
Authors: Panagopoulos C. N. , Tsopani A. G.
Published: March 2011

The corrosion behaviour of Zn-10Al-1.5Cu alloy in NaCl solution was examined. The used NaCl solution concentrations were 1M, 0.3M, and 0.003M for a constant temperature values of 7°C or 25°C or 45°C. The corrosion behaviour of this alloy was investigated under potentiodynamic corrosion conditions. The surface of the corroded alloy specimens was studied with the aid of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. It was observed that the increase of NaCl concentration in the corrosion solution for a constant value of temperature led to lower corrosion resistance of the alloy. For a constant value of solution concentration, the increase of solution temperature also led to the decrease of corrosion resistance of the same alloy.
A Flatness‐Based Controller for the Stabilization of the Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Aguilar-Ibáñez Carlos , Sira-Ramírez Hebertt , Suárez-Castañón Miguel S.
Published: March 2011

We propose a flatness based approach for controlling the
inverted pendulum cart system, under the assumption that the pendulum
state is always located on a vicinity of its unstable equilibrium point. This
is achieved by representing the original system, as a chain of integrators
with an additive nonlinear state dependent perturbation. After discarding
the small nonlinear perturbation, we may directly use design tools
provided by the the flatness approach. The effectiveness and robustness
of the obtained control law, which turned out to have a large domain of
attraction, were numerically assessed in the context of stabilization and,
also, for a reference oscillatory trajectory tracking task.
An Illustrative Case of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Bagheri Farshad , Cervellione Kelly L. , Delgado Belkis , Abrante Luis , Cervantes Jose , Patel Jitendra , Roth Alan
Published: March 2011

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a very rare form of skin lymphoma that is localized primarily to the subcutaneous adipose tissue without palpable involvement of the lymph nodes. Diagnosis of SPTCL is a challenge, especially during its early phases when symptoms mimic other, more common conditions, such as benign panniculitis, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and cellulitis. Clinical and systemic features are nonspecific and can include fever, chills, and weight loss. Further complicating diagnosis is the high number of false negatives provided by biopsy. Here we present a case of SPTCL that illustrates the full course of the disease, from presentation and multiple misdiagnoses to correct disease recognition and successful treatment. A review of the challenges of diagnosis is provided with recommendations for more accurate and timely recognition of SPTCL.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Kidney Development
Authors: Song Renfang , El-Dahr Samir S. , Yosypiv Ihor V.
Published: March 2011

The kidney plays a fundamental role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure and fluid/electrolyte homeostasis. As congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) constitute one of the most common human birth defects, improved understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to CAKUT is critical. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant signalingviareceptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is causally linked to CAKUT. Upon activation by their ligands, RTKs dimerize, undergo autophosphorylation on specific tyrosine residues, and interact with adaptor proteins to activate intracellular signal transduction pathways that regulate diverse cell behaviours such as cell proliferation, survival, and movement. Here, we review the current understanding of role of RTKs and their downstream signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of CAKUT.
Autoantibodies to Tailor-Made Panels of Tumor-Associated Antigens in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Piura Ettie , Piura Benjamin
Published: March 2011

Autoantibodies (AAbs) to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have been identified in the sera of cancer patients. In a previous review published in this journal, we have focused on recent knowledge related to circulating AAbs to individual TAAs in breast carcinoma. This review will focus on recent knowledge related to AAb assays to tailor-made panels of TAAs in breast carcinoma. So far, AAb assays to the following tailor-made panels of TAAs have been assessed in breast carcinoma: (1) p53, c-myc, HER2, NY-ESO-1, BRCA2, and MUC1, (2) IMP1, p62, Koc, p53, c-MYC, cyclin B1, and survivin, (3) PPIA, PRDX2, FKBP52, HSP-60, and MUC1, (4) MUC1, HER2, p53, and IGFBP2, (5) p53, HER2, IGFBP-2, and TOPO2α, (6) survivin and livin, (7) ASB-9, SERAC1, and RELT, and (8) p16, p53, and c-myc. Assessment of serum AAbs to a tailor-made panel of TAAs provides better sensitivity to diagnosis of breast carcinoma than measuring serum AAbs to a single TAA. Nevertheless, measurement of serum AAbs to a panel of TAAs for screening and early diagnosis of breast carcinoma is still investigational and should be carried out along with traditional diagnostic studies.
Jagged2 acts as a Delta-like Notch ligand during early hematopoietic cell fate decisions
Authors: Van de Walle Inge , De Smet Greet , Gärtner Martina , De Smedt Magda , Waegemans Els , Vandekerckhove Bart , Leclercq Georges , Plum Jean , Aster Jon C. , Bernstein Irwin D. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Kyewski Bruno , Taghon Tom
Published: March 2011

Notch signaling critically mediates various hematopoietic lineage decisions and is induced in mammals by Notch ligands that are classified into 2 families, Delta-like (Delta-like-1, -3 and -4) and Jagged (Jagged1 and Jagged2), based on structural homology with both Drosophila ligands Delta and Serrate, respectively. Because the functional differences between mammalian Notch ligands were still unclear, we have investigated their influence on early human hematopoiesis and show that Jagged2 affects hematopoietic lineage decisions very similarly as Delta-like-1 and -4, but very different from Jagged1. OP9 coculture experiments revealed that Jagged2, like Delta-like ligands, induces T-lineage differentiation and inhibits B-cell and myeloid development. However, dose-dependent Notch activation studies, gene expression analysis, and promoter activation assays indicated that Jagged2 is a weaker Notch1-activator compared with the Delta-like ligands, revealing a Notch1 specific signal strength hierarchy for mammalian Notch ligands. Strikingly, Lunatic-Fringe– mediated glycosylation of Notch1 potentiated Notch signaling through Delta-like ligands and also Jagged2, in contrast to Jagged1. Thus, our results reveal a unique role for Jagged1 in preventing the induction of T-lineage differentiation in hematopoietic stem cells and show an unexpected functional similarity between Jagged2 and the Delta-like ligands.
Dynamic Light Scattering Study of the Inhibiting Effect on Crystal Growth of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Kamiya Natsumi , Tsunomori Fumiaki , Kagi Hiroyuki , Notsu Kenji
Published: March 2011

This study reports the first application of dynamic light scattering to observations of crystal growth of calcium carbonate from a supersaturated solution. Crystal size distributions around the critical nucleus radius (≈2 nm at Ω = 18) were measured in La-free and 5 µM La-doped conditions. In the former, the intensity of scattered light increased smoothly and particle size increased with time. In the case of La-doped condition, the total scattering volume of particles was smaller, and grew very slowly compared with the La-free condition. These results show that the inhibiting effect of La3+ on calcium carbonate occurred from the initial stage of crystal growth.
Love and Technological Iconoclasm in Robert Greene's Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay
Authors: Dahlquist Mark
Published: March 2011

The climax of Robert Greene's 1589 Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay presents a moment of secularized iconoclasm: the destruction of the brazen head created by the play's sorcerer protagonist. English iconophobia, as expressed for example in the Homily Against Idolatry , had long insisted on the social harmfulness of material images. This essay argues that Friar Bacon 's longstanding interpretive difficulties, noted by William Empson and others, can be mitigated by observing that Greene's play echoes contemporaneous texts by regarding religious idolatry and the emergence of early modern science as similarly threatening to traditional forms of human connection.
The French Revolution and the Materiality of the Modern Archive
Authors: Kingston Ralph
Published: March 2011

Historians of vandalism and conservation during the French Revolution have treated the archive as an idea, an expression of modern political culture, and have largely ignored its material history. When revolutionaries "attacked" Old Regime depots, however, they were spurred on by necessity: locating valuable property titles, or paper for use as gunpowder funnels. Moreover, it was only when limited space in ministry buildings forced New Regime administrators to discard documents from their own holdings that archivists embraced historical conservation. Through ministerial deposits in the Archives nationales, the archive as a lieu de mémoire —legitimized by a respect des fonds —took shape in nineteenth-century France.
Prison Libraries in Poland: Partners in Rehabilitation, Culture, and Education
Authors: Zybert Elżbieta Barbara
Published: March 2011

This article describes the rehabilitation programs of the Polish Prison Service, which incorporate various types of cultural, educational, and library activities. The main focus is on the author's analysis of rehabilitation programs in existence between 1981 and the present. The changes in the laws that govern these activities are described, as well as how the organization of the Polish prison system and the current sentence structure determine how rehabilitation programs are provided in the correctional institutions. The goals and objectives of prison libraries are explored, as they relate to the rehabilitation process and activities. The library collections and access to library materials are discussed, as well as library premises and library staffing. The author's research data form the basis for the analysis of prison library development over the last thirty years. The article also discusses various innovative rehabilitation programs that have been implemented under the theme of "education through culture and art." These include, among others, cultural and educational programs to help substance abusers overcome their addition and readjust to society, assertiveness training, and participation in cultural activities. These programs are also designed to enhance the offenders' literacy skills and to encourage their creativity and potential talent in music and fine arts. Finally, the article describes prison theater activities, literary clubs, and activities that promote reading (e.g., book exhibits, author talks, and the reading of books over the prison broadcasting system).
Recent Trends in UK Prison Libraries
Authors: Bowe Carole
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this article is to explore and explain the significant developments and trends in prison libraries over the last thirty years. The article includes sections on legislation affecting prison libraries, staffing arrangements, roles and responsibilities of HMP (Her Majesty's Prison) Service, and UK Local Authorities. The work of the Prison Libraries Group (PrLG) of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is examined in detail, as are the management of prison libraries and the methods of inspections and audits. The article examines the challenges of trying to engage an often disaffected population with diverse needs. Training requirements and opportunities for prison staff are investigated, as this is a crucial element in prison library work. The article concludes that the prison library is at the heart of the prisoners' learning journey by assisting in functional and emotional literacy. Not only can the prison library help to bridge the digital divide and increase prisoners ICT skills, it also can instill a love of books and reading through exciting reader development projects. The author hopes that funding for prison libraries continues at its present level in order to maintain an excellent service to prisoners and to ensure that providers are able to deliver an affordable service within a reasonable timeframe. The article will be of interest to prison library staff, local authority staff with responsibility for library services to prison facilities, and library and information science students.
The Long Development of Prison Libraries in France
Authors: Cramard Odile
Published: March 2011

Libraries have existed in French prisons since the mid-nineteenth century, and for more than a century the French Penitentiary Administration has made an effort to structure and organize them as well as to monitor what books are made available to inmates. The role and impact of these libraries has evolved slowly over time, and over the years central control was gradually relaxed. In the early 1980s, cooperative efforts between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Justice opened the door for new political direction that facilitated the opening of correctional facilities to the eyes of the outside world and encouraged representatives of cultural organizations to become involved with the prison population behind the wall. Prison libraries subsequently underwent a profound transformation when public library professionals began to venture inside the prisons in order to reorganize the existing book storage areas (which had been inaccessible to inmates) into proper libraries, like those they managed in the outside world. An examination of the situation in the Rhone-Alps region of France serves as a useful starting point for an examination of the development of prison libraries over the past twenty years, as well as a discussion of the difficulties encountered and the prospects for the future.
Prison Libraries the Scandinavian Way: An Overview of the Development and Operation of Prison Library Services
Authors: Ljødal Hilde Kristin , Ra Erlend
Published: March 2011

Economic and organizational structures are important factors that affect how, and to what extent, prisoners receive satisfactory library services. In the Scandinavian countries, the services offered are largely dependent on existing national policy. In Norway, changes in the organization and financing of prison library services over the past thirty years have led to improved service. During these years, there have also been changes to public library services, largely as the result of new technology. Such changes pose challenges to government authorities at all levels, as well as to individual prison libraries, in regard to what services should encompass and how they are provided. The development in Norway in the area of prison libraries and the challenges these libraries face are presented and compared with the prison library situation in the neighboring countries of Sweden and Denmark. The main emphasis is placed on national policy and organization, with particular focus on the positive developments of recent years in Norway.
CVD of Alternated MCD and NCD Films on Cemented Carbide Inserts
Authors: Campos Raonei Alves , Contin Andre , Trava-Airoldi Vladimir Jesus , Barquete Danilo Maciel , Corat Evaldo José
Published: March 2011

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond coating of cemented carbide cutting tools has been an alternative to increase tool-life. Experiments have shown that residual stresses produced during films growth on cemented carbide inserts significantly increases with increasing film thickness of up to 20 μm and usually leads to film delamination. In this work alternated micro- and nanocrystalline CVD diamond films have been used to relax interface stresses and to increase diamond coatings performance. Cemented carbide inserts have been submitted to a boronizing thermal diffusion treatment prior to CVD diamond films growth. After reactive heat treatment samples were submitted to subsequently chemical etching in acid and alkaline solution. The diamond films deposition was performed using hot-filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) reactor with different gas concentrations for microcrystalline diamond (MCD) and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films growth. As a result, we present the improvement of diamond films adherence on cemented carbide inserts, evaluated by indentation and machining tests. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X ray for qualitative analysis of diamond films. X-ray diffraction was used for phases identification after boronizing process. Diamond film compressive residual stresses were analyzed by Raman scattering spectroscopy.
Formation and Structure of Epitaxial NiSi2 and CoSi2
Authors: Chen L. J. , Mayer J. W. , Tu K. N.
Published: March 2011

Transmission electron microscopy has been applied to study the formation and structure of epitaxial NiSi2 and CoSi2 thin films on silicon. Bright field and dark field imaging reveal the interface planes of faceted silicides through the strain contrast, analogous to the contrast of the precipitate-matrix interface of coherent or semicoherent precipitates. Superlattice dark field imaging depicts the distribution of twin-related and epitaxial silicides in these systems. { 111 } interfaces were found to be more prominent than {001} interfaces. Twin-related silicides were observed to cover more area on the substrate silicon than epitaxial silicides did.

In situ annealing of nickel and cobalt thin films on silicon provides a unique means of investigation of the transformation from polycrystalline to epitaxial silicides. The NiSi2 transformation was found to be very rapid at 820°C, whereas the CoSi2 transformation appeared to be very sluggish. Furnace annealing confirmed that only a small fraction of CoSi2 transforms to epitaxial CoSi2 after annealing at 850°C for 4h.

Diffraction contrast analysis has been applied to interfacial dislocations of epitaxial NiSi2/Si and CoSi2/Si systems. The dislocations were found to be of edge type with ⅙<112> and ½<110> Burgers' vectors. The average spacings are close to their respective theoretically predicted values.
Comparison of the Three Classes (Rare Earth, Refractory and Near-Noble) of Silicide Contacts
Authors: Thompson R. D. , Tu K. N.
Published: March 2011

It is well established that near-noble metals and refractory metals form two distinct classes of silicide contacts with silicon. Rare earth metals have been studied in the same manner and found to form a new class that is very distinct from the other two in terms of properties and characteristics. Some of these characteristics are the formation of a disilicide phase, as an apparently first and last phase, at a surprisingly low temperature (250–400°C). Marker motion study using implanted krypton and argon showed silicon to be the dominant diffusing species for ErSi2. The Schottky barrier height to n-Si is 0.40 ± 0.04 eV and to p-Si is 0.70 ± 0.04 eV for all six of the metals studied. The surface morphology after reaction indicates the formation of a tensile stress by the silicide reaction. Oxidation of the rare earth metals is a severe problem although a variety of passivation schemes have been shown to work.