bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motional Coherency in Chain Dynamics of Glass‐Forming Polymers
Authors: Furuya Hidemine , Takemura Kazuhiro , Kanaya Toshiji
Published: March 2007

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of 1,4‐polybutadiene in bulk amorphous state were performed. To investigate motional coherency the relaxation rates for the collective and self motions, the collective and self relaxation rates, were evaluated for the short and long time regimes of the normalized intermediate scattering functions. The scattering vector dependence of the collective relaxation rates estimated for both fast and slow processes indicated a minimum at scattering vector q = 1.3 Å−1, corresponding to the position of a peak in the static structure factor. The self relaxation rates increased monotonously with q. A phenomenon known as de Gennes narrowing was reproduced well in the simulation and found to be originated from the inter‐molecular correlation. The details of motional coherency and the distribution functions of relaxation time were evaluated.
Association–Dissociation Equilibrium of an Amphiphilic Polyelectrolyte in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nojima Rika , Hashidzume Akihito , Sato Takahiro
Published: March 2007

The association–dissociation equilibrium in micellar solutions of an amphiphilic statistical copolymer was investigated by three different experimental techniques of sedimentation equilibrium, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence. To analyze these experimental data, a novel method was proposed to determine the aggregation number, association constant, intermolecular interaction, and micellar structure. The application of this method to data from the three experimental techniques provided us consistent results characterizing the association–dissociation equilibrium in the present amphiphilic copolymer solutions.
New Biodegradable and Thermoresponsive Polymers Based on Amphiphilic Poly(asparagine) Derivatives
Authors: Watanabe Eiji , Tomoshige Naoki , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

New biodegradable and thermoresponsive polymers based on amphiphilic poly(asparagine) derivatives have been developed. They showed a sol‐gel‐sol phase transition. In particular, not only a phase transition behavior but also a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was observed in the polymers with N,N‐dimethylaminopropyl groups as the hydrophilic side chains. The LCST and a sol‐gel‐sol phase transition temperature could be precisely controlled by changing the composition ratio and kind of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic groups of the side chains in the polymers. These polymers are expected to be applicable for controlled release of drugs, tissue engineering, and others.
Microwave‐Irradiated Copolymerization of Styrene and Butyl Acrylate
Authors: Jung Hyun Min , Yoo Youngjae , Kim Yong Seok , Lee Jae Heung
Published: March 2007

The emulsion copolymerization of butyl acrylate and styrene in microwave irradiated condition was investigated. The microwave irradiated condition afforded the enhanced conversion rate at high feeding contents of butyl acrylate monomer feeding and the relative increase of butyl acrylate composition in copolymer com pared with the conventional condition as an water bath heating. The reactivity ratio was calculated from Finemann‐Ross plot, and showed difference between two methods that increased reactivity ratio of butyl acrylate was obtained in microwave irradiated condition. The morphology of copolymer was observed by microscopy, then it was founded that the size of spherical polymer particles in microwave irradiated condition showed more regular than that in conventional heating condition.
Green Polymeric Blends and Composites from Renewable Resources
Authors: Yu Long , Petinakis Steven , Dean Katherine , Bilyk Alex , Wu Dongyang
Published: March 2007

Currently new blends and composites are extending the utilisation of polymers from renewable resources into new value‐added products. This paper briefly discusses the development in this area, and introduces our research, in particular the starch‐based nanocomposites, biodegradable polyester/starch blends and cellulose‐ reinforced PLA composites. It can be seen that hydrophilic character of natural polymers has contributed to the successful development of environmentally friendly composites, as most natural fibers and nanoclays are also hydrophilic in nature. On the other hand, hydrophobic property and moisture sensitivity of biodegradable polyesters are challenge to be reinforced by the natural materials.
Molecular Characterization of the Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) Depolymerase Gene from Penicillium funiculosum
Authors: Kasuya Ken‐ichi , Tezuka Yoko , Ishii Nariaki , Yamagata Yoko , Shiraki Mari , Saito Terumi , Hisano Tamao , Iwata Tadahisa , Doi Yoshiharu
Published: March 2007

A cDNA encoding Penicillium funiculosum P(3HB) depolymerase (PhaZPfu) was cloned from a cDNA library. This cDNA contained a 1,020‐bp open reading frame (ORF) that encoded 339 amino acids. Edman degradation of PhaZPfu indicated that 20 amino acids from the N terminus function as a signal peptide. Homology analysis revealed that PhaZPfu lacks linker and substrate‐binding domains, both of which are observed in bacterial P(3HB) depolymerases. This may account for a weak binding affinity of PhaZPfu to the P(3HB) surface.
Design of Ion Conductive Polymers Based on Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: March 2007

Some ionic liquids have been polymerized after introducing vinyl groups on the component ions. Thus obtained polymerized ionic liquids showed relatively low glass transition temperature and moderate ionic conductivity attributable to unique characteristics of the ionic liquids. The properties of the polymers such as glass transition temperature, decomposition temperature, ionic conductivity, etc, have been further improved through the design of corresponding monomers. It is important to consider a task‐sharing between component monomers, such as providing conductive path and carrier ion source for the design of conductive polymers for specific ions.
Chiral Separation of Racemic Amino Acids through DNA‐Polydiallyldimethylammonium Polyion Complex Membranes
Authors: Yoshikawa Masakazu , Maruhashi Motokazu , Iwamoto Yuki , Ogata Naoya
Published: March 2007

Novel polyion complex membrane was prepared from DNA‐Na and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC). The newly prepared DNA‐PDADMA polyion complex membrane showed a chiral separation ability, which was measured by using various racemic amino acids as model racemic mixtures. The membrane transported the L‐isomer of Trp or Phe in preference to the corresponding D‐isomer and permselectivities toward the L‐isomer were determined to be 1.26 for L‐Trp and 1.25 for L‐Phe, respectively. From adsorption experiments, it was revealed that the permselectivity was mainly governed by adsorption selectivity.
Modification of Performances of Various Membranes Using MWNTs as a Modifier
Authors: Choi Jae‐Hyun , Jegal Jonggeon , Kim Woo Nyon
Published: March 2007

The effect of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) incorporated for the modification of membrane performances was studied. Two different types of membranes were prepared by using MWNTs: one was polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and the other was polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) pervaporation membrane. The PSf UF membranes with different contents of MWNTs were prepared by the conventional phase inversion process, and used for water‐treatment. On the other hand, the PVA membranes with different amount of MWNTs were prepared by the casting and drying method, and used for the pervaporation separation of water out of ethanol solution containing 10% of water. The two different types of membranes were then characterized with several analytical methods to figure out how the MWNTs were distributed through the membranes and affect on the properties of them: For the PSf membranes, the MWNTs mainly located on the surface of the membranes made them more hydrophilic and improved the selective permeation performances of the membranes. In the case of the PVA membranes, the MWNTs were distributed rather homogeneously through out the membranes, and affected on the micro‐morphology of the membranes, causing them to have different pervaporation performances.
On the Influence of Polymer Surface Layer Thickness on the Adhesion of Composite Assembly. Differences between Initial State and Thermal Ageing
Authors: Bénard Quentin , Fois Magali , Grisel Michel , Picard Céline
Published: March 2007

Nowadays the interest of surface preparation in order to manufacture lighter bonded assemblies is well recognized. However only few study dealing with ageing of bonded composite assembly is described in the literature. The present paper mainly aims to compare the influence of the polymer surface thickness of carbon/epoxy composites on the adhesion behaviour at the initial state and after thermo‐oxydative ageing. Conclusions show that contrary to the initial state, the reduction of the polymer surface layer thickness does not improve ageing behaviour. Indeed, the increase of polymer thickness provides a good protection of the degradation coming from micro/macro voids from the adhesive layer.
Control of Wavelength Dispersion of Birefringence by Miscible Polymer Blends
Authors: Kuboyama Keiichi , Kuroda Takayuki , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: March 2007

Wavelength dispersion of birefringence in a miscible polymer blend of a polynorbornene and poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) was investigated. By adjusting the blend composition, the drawing ratio and the drawing temperature, the wavelength dispersion was controlled and the wide band quarter‐wave film was obtained. From the results, the necessary conditions to control the dispersion for the wide‐band quarter‐wave film and wide‐band birefringence‐free material are discussed.
Novel Approach to Anti‐Fouling and Fouling‐Release Marine Coatings Based on Dual‐Functional Siloxanes
Authors: Choi Seok‐bong , Jepperson John , Jarabek Laura , Thomas Johnson , Chisholm Bret , Boudjouk Philip
Published: March 2007

The preparation, characterization, and bio‐testing of biocide incorporated silicone coatings for marine applications have been conducted. Derivatives of the biocide, Triclosan (5‐chloro‐2‐(2, 4‐dichlorophenoxy) phenol), were used to covalently attach the biocide moiety to a silicone backbone. The formulation process allowed for control of the resulting coating's mechanical properties as well as antifouling/fouling‐release performance in ocean site testing. The test results showed significantly reduce macro‐fouling with sustained fouling‐release characteristics for the coatings produced.
In vitro studies of steroid hormones in neurofibromatosis 1 tumors and schwann cells
Authors: Fishbein Lauren , Zhang Xuelian , Fisher Lori B. , Li Hua , Campbell‐Thompson Martha , Yachnis Anthony , Rubenstein Allan , Muir David , Wallace Margaret R.
Published: March 2007

The most common NF1 feature is the benign neurofibroma, which consists predominantly of Schwann cells. Dermal neurofibromas usually arise during puberty and increase in number throughout adulthood. Plexiform neurofibromas, associated with larger nerves, are often congenital and can be life threatening. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) in NF1 are believed to arise from plexiforms in 5%–10% of patients. There are reports of increased potential for malignant transformation of plexiform tumors and increase in dermal neurofibromas, during pregnancy. These observations suggest that steroid hormones influence neurofibroma growth, and our work is the first to examine steroid hormone receptor expression and ligand‐mediated cell growth and survival in normal human Schwann cells and neurofibroma‐derived Schwann cell cultures. Immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR showed that estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor are differentially expressed in primary neurofibromas and in NF1 tumor‐derived Schwann cell cultures compared to normal Schwann cells. However, there is substantial heterogeneity, with no clear divisions based on tumor type or gender. The in vitro effects of steroid hormone receptor ligands on proliferation and apoptosis of early passage NF1 tumor‐derived Schwann cell cultures were compared to normal Schwann cell cultures. Some statistically significant changes in proliferation and apoptosis were found, also showing heterogeneity across groups and ligands. Overall, the changes are consistent with increased cell accumulation. Our data suggest that steroid hormones can directly influence neurofibroma initiation or progression by acting through their cognate receptor, but that these effects may only apply to a subset of tumors, in either gender. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatocellular carcinomas of the albumin SV40 T‐antigen transgenic rat display fetal‐like re‐expression of Igf2 and deregulation of H19
Authors: Czarny Matthew J. , Babcock Karlee , Baus Rebecca M. , Manoharan Herbert , Pitot Henry C.
Published: March 2007

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that one of the earliest events during hepatocarcinogenesis in the albumin SV40 T antigen (Alb SV40 T Ag) transgenic rat is the duplication of chromosome 1q3.7‐4.3, a region which contains the imprinted and coordinately regulated genes Igf2 and H19. We have also shown that this duplication is associated with the biallelic expression of the normally monoallelically‐expressed H19. These results, however, are seemingly at odds with studies in the mouse that have shown a conservation of fetal regulatory patterns of these two genes in hepatic neoplasms. We therefore aimed in this study to determine the allelic origin of Igf2 expression in hepatocellular carcinomas of the Alb SV40 T Ag transgenic rat. Sprague–Dawley Alb SV40 T Ag transgenic rats and Brown Norway rats were reciprocally mated and the expression of Igf2 in hepatocellular carcinomas of the resulting F1 transgene‐positive female rats was analyzed by Northern blotting and RT‐PCR. We determined that Igf2 was expressed exclusively from the paternal allele, which prompted the study (by the same methods) of the allelic origin of H19 in the same hepatocellular carcinomas in order to determine if the two genes remained coordinately regulated. Our results demonstrate fetal‐like re‐expression of Igf2 and deregulation of H19 in singular hepatocellular carcinomas of the rat. These results imply that another regulatory mechanism other than the generally accepted ICR/CTCF mechanism may play a role in the control of Igf2 and H19 expression. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A plant lignan, 3′‐O‐Methyl‐Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, suppresses papillomavirus E6 protein function, stabilizes p53 protein, and induces apoptosis in cervical tumor cells
Authors: Allen Kristi L. , Tschantz Deidra R. , Awad Keytam S. , Lynch William P. , DeLucia Angelo L.
Published: March 2007

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the most important factor in the induction of uterine cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Upon cell transformation, continual expression of the viral oncogenes is required to maintain the transformed phenotype. The viral E6 protein forms a ternary complex with the cellular E6‐AP protein and p53 protein which promotes the rapid degradation of p53. Recent studies have revealed that lignans from the creosote bush (3′‐O‐methyl‐nordihydroguaiaretic acid) can repress the viral promoter responsible for E6 gene expression. Work reported here shows that the lignan can subvert viral oncogene function resulting in stabilized p53 protein within treated HPV‐containing tumor cells. The stabilized p53 is transcriptionally active as demonstrated by a luciferase reporter vector and induction of genes for Bax and PUMA proteins. Apoptosis is detected by annexin V binding to treated cells as analyzed by flow cytometry. Programmed cell death is confirmed by the induction of active caspases and TUNEL assay. Initiator caspase‐9 is activated first, followed later by the effector caspase‐3 enzyme. The stabilization and induced apoptosis are not observed within treated HPV‐negative cervical tumor cells. Quantitative real time RT‐PCR analysis of endogenous E6 gene transcription from the integrated HPV 16 promoter shows at least a fivefold repression of expression as compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that the loss of E6 protein in treated cells could be, in part, responsible for the stabilization of p53 within the lignan treated cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of MUC1 with β‐catenin modulates the Wnt target Gene cyclinD1 in H. pylori‐induced gastric cancer
Authors: Udhayakumar Gopal , Jayanthi Venkatraman , Devaraj Niranjali , Devaraj Halagowder
Published: March 2007

β‐catenin can function as an oncogene when it is translocated to the nucleus, binds to T‐cell factor (TCF) or lymphoid enhance factor and transactivate its target gene. The mechanism responsible for the activation of Wnt signaling pathway in the Cytotoxin‐associated antigen A (CagA) Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐infected gastric carcinoma has not been elucidated. We hypothesize that whether interaction of MUC1 with β‐catenin modulates the Wnt signaling and its target gene cyclinD1 in CagA H. pylori‐infected gastric carcinoma. The result demonstrate that binding of MUC1 CT with Protein Kinase C δ (PKC δ), tyrosine phosphorylation of MUC1 CT, and CagA are strongly associated with the interaction of MUC1 with β‐catenin in CagA H. pylori‐infected gastric carcinoma. A statistically significant difference (χ2 = 24.49; P < 0.001) was found when the binding of MUC1 CT and β‐catenin was compared to subcellular localization of β‐catenin. We also observed significant statistical correlation (χ2 = 14.885; P < 0.001) between the cyclinD1 overexpression and the subcellular localization of β‐catenin. The overexpression of cyclinD1 was significantly higher (χ2 = 13.785; P < 0.002) in advanced gastric carcinoma with CagA H. pylori infection. In addition cyclinD1 overexpression was significantly higher (χ2 = 37.267; P < 0.001) with the interaction of MUC1 CT with β‐catenin in advanced gastric cancer. These findings indicate that MUC1 CT plays a role in the intracellular signaling through its interaction with β‐catenin and upregulate the Wnt target gene cyclinD1 in CagA H. pylori‐infected gastric carcinoma. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite elements for incompressible flow
Authors: Griffiths D. F. , Mitchell A. R.
Published: March 2007

We describe in this paper a finite element method for the solution of viscous incompressible flow problems which incorporates an approximate form of the incompressibility condition automatically into the finite element basis. Several examples of such finite elements are presented and applied to a simple test problem.
Sonar echo analysis
Authors: Wilcox C. H.
Published: March 2007

Pulse mode sonar operation is analyzed under the assumption that the scattering object Γ lies in the far fields of both the transmitter and the receiver. It is shown that, in this approximation, the sonar signal is a plane wave s(x · θ0 – t) near Γ, where θ0 is a unit vector directed from the transmitter toward Γ, and similarly the echo is a plane wave e(x · θ – t) near the receiver, where θ is a unit vector directed from Γ toward the receiver. Moreover, if Γ is stationary with respect to the sonar system then it is shown that

equation image

where š(ω) is the Fourier transform of S(τ) and T+(ωθ,ωθ0) is the scattering amplitude in the direction θ due to the scattering by Γ of a time‐harmonic plane wave with frequence ω and propagation direction θ0. A generalization of this relation is derived for moving scatterers.
On the limiting behaviour of solutions to boundary integral equations associated with time harmonic wave equations for small frequencies
Authors: Kress R.
Published: March 2007

The treatment of boundary value problems for Helmholtz equation and for the time harmonic Maxwell's equations by boundary integral equations leads to integral equations of the second kind which are uniquely solvable for small positive frequencies λ. However, the integral equations obtained in the limiting case λ = 0 which are related to boundary value problems of potential theory in general are not uniquely solvable since the corresponding boundary value problems are not. By first considering in a general setting of a Banach space X the limiting behaviour of solutions ϕλ to the equation ϕλ – K λ ϕ λ = fλ as λ → 0 where {Kλ: X → X, λ ∈ (0,α)}, α > 0, denotes a family of compact linear operators such that I ‐ Kλ (I identity) is bijective for λ∈(0,α) whilst I ‐ K0 is not and ‖ Kλ – K0‖ →, 0, ‖fλ – f0‖ → 0, λ → 0, and then applying the results to the boundary integral operators, the limiting behaviour of the integral equations is considered. Thus, the results obtained by Mac Camey for the Helmholtz equation are extended to the case of non‐connected boundaries and Werner's results on the integral equations for the Maxwell's equations are extended to the case of multiply connected boundaries.
The convergence of the horizontal line method for Maxwell's equations
Authors: Martensen E.
Published: March 2007

The interior initial‐boundary value problem for Maxwell's equations is considered for certain homogeneous boundary conditions and currents which satisfy corresponding compatibility conditions. Under the assumption that a solution exists, it is shown by means of suitable normed spaces that the sequence of discrete solutions obtained from the horizontal line method converges discretely to this solution. A priori estimations are given both for the discrete solutions and the solution of the given problem.
Zur Theorie der Integraltransformationen
Authors: Leis R.
Published: March 2007

Let A be a selfadjoint uniformly elliptic differential operator. Let the underlying domain be bounded. Eigenvalue problems can be solved then, and an arbitrary square integrable function may be developed in a Fourier series relative to the eigenfunctions. In general elliptic differential operators have a continuous spectrum, if the underlying domain is unbounded. In this case the spectral theorem provides a representation of a given function by an integral transformation. The spectral projector can be calculated, if the outgoing and incoming solutions are known (radiation condition). Thus integral transformations may be derived very easily. Four examples will be given: the Fourier sine transform, the Lebedev transform, the transformation belonging to the Dirichlet problem of the plate equation and, finally, the Fourier transformation.
Identification of sperm forward motility‐related proteins in human seminal plasma
Authors: Ding Zhide , Qu Fei , Guo Wei , Ying Xiaoqian , Wu Mingzhang , Zhang Yonglian
Published: March 2007

Seminal plasma, an amorphous material that exists in semen, contains proteins related to sperm forward motility. Employing affinity chromatography with ConA beads and protein ultrafiltration, we isolated and concentrated proteins from heated human seminal plasma. Results of computer‐assisted semen analyses (CASA) demonstrated that the forward motility index of bovine spermatozoa from the epididymal caput, incubated with proteins and theophylline, was significantly different from that of spermatozoa incubated with theophylline alone (P < 0.01). The electrophoreses revealed that the protein bands with high molecular weights in the gel of PAGE changed into low molecular weights in the gel of SDS–PAGE. Furthermore, proteins from a separated portion of the PAGE gel were still able to stimulate spermatozoa from the epididymal caput to gain forward motility. Two‐dimensional (2D)‐gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry indicated that spots focused on the portion seemed, according to their amino acid sequences, to be like human alpha‐1‐antitrypsin and zinc‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) precursors. Western blot analysis showed the presence of these two proteins in seminal plasma. These proteins, related to the forward motility of spermatozoa in human seminal plasma, may play important roles during maturation of spermatozoa, from the epididymis through fertilization in the female reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1124–1131, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cloning and expression analysis of pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins expressed in trophoblasts of the white‐tail deer placenta
Authors: Brandt Gretchen A. , Parks Tina E. , Killian Gary , Ealy Alan D. , Green Jonathan A.
Published: March 2007

The pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are placental proteins that have been cloned from swine, sheep, goats, and cattle, but never from animals within the Cervidae family. The goal of this work was to characterize PAGs in white‐tailed deer. Placenta and uterine tissues were collected from pregnant does at days 85 and 90 of pregnancy. RNA from cotyledons was used to amplify deer PAGs by RT‐PCR. Ten distinct cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. Some normally conserved amino acids comprising the catalytic site were found to be altered in deer PAGs 4, 5, and 8; another PAG, (PAG‐9) was a splice variant that lacked exon 7. In each case, these mutations would likely preclude proteolytic activity for these proteins. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the deer PAGs fell within the ancient PAG grouping. The remainder fell within the more modern (BNC‐specific) PAG group. Western blotting was performed with anti‐PAG antibodies and this analysis revealed that deer PAGs comprise a heterogeneous group based on different antigenicities and electrophoretic mobilities. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed some unique localization patterns of PAGs in the deer placentome compared to those in other ruminants. Most notably, deer PAGs 4 and 5, which according to the phylogeny, are “ancient PAGs,” were expected to be present in all trophoblasts; instead, they were localized to the BNC. Although many of the PAGs identified here are very similar to those in Bovidae, some are clearly distinct in their expression pattern and probably possess functional roles unique to cervid reproduction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1355–1362, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The organic cation transporters (OCT1, OCT2, EMT) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) show differential distribution and cyclic expression pattern in human endometrium and early pregnancy decidua
Authors: Bottalico Barbara , Noskova Vera , Pilka Radovan , Larsson Irene , Domanski Henryk , Casslén Bertil , Hansson Stefan R.
Published: March 2007

The non‐neuronal monoamine transporters (OCT1, OCT2, EMT, and PMAT) play a key role in the clearance of monoamines from extracellular compartments. In a previous report we described endometrial distribution and cyclic variation of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) mRNA and the neuronal norepinephrine transporter (NET) mRNA. In the present study we used in situ hybridization, real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry to reveal tissue distribution and cyclic variation of mRNA for the non‐neuronal monoamine transporters in the human endometrium and early pregnancy decidua. We found that non‐neuronal monoamine transporters are predominantly expressed in the stroma. The plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) mRNA expression peaked in the proliferative phase, whereas the extra‐neuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) mRNA expression peaked in the secretory phase. The organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) mRNA expression was exclusively detected in few scattered stromal cells and OCT1 mRNA was not detected at all. Our present results demonstrate that PMAT, EMT, and OCT2 transporters are expressed in the endometrial stroma and can potentially regulate reuptake of monoamines in general and histamine in particular. Taken together with our previous finding of VMAT2 mRNA in epithelial cells, we suggest a paracrine interaction between stromal and epithelial cells, which may modulate certain steps of the reproductive process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1303–1311, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunoneutralization of endometrial monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFβ) inhibits mouse embryo implantation in vivo
Authors: Wang Jian , Huang Zhe Ping , Nie Gui Ying , Salamonsen Lois A. , Shen Qing Xiang
Published: March 2007

Successful embryo implantation and pregnancy in mammals depends on the establishment of immune tolerance between the maternal immune system and fetal cells. Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFβ), a cytokine produced by suppressor T cells in various tissues, possesses an antigen‐nonspecific immune‐suppressive function, and may be involved in the regulation of the uterine immune response during embryo implantation. In this study, anti‐MNSFβ IgG administered directly into the uterine lumen, significantly inhibited mouse embryo implantation in a dose‐dependent manner in vivo, and this effect was reversed by co‐administration of recombinant MNSFβ. The effects of anti‐MNSFβ IgG on the gene pattern profiles in mouse uterine tissues were examined by cDNA microarray and several changes were confirmed by real‐time PCR. Anti‐MNSFβ IgG caused up‐regulation (≥2‐fold) of 71 known genes and 17 unknown genes, and decreased expression (≥2‐fold) of 74 known genes and 43 unknown genes, including several genes previously associated with embryo implantation or fetal development. Most of the known genes are involved in immune regulation, cell cycle/proliferation, cell differentiation/apoptosis, and lipid/glucose metabolism. These results demonstrate that MNSFβ plays critical roles during the early pregnancy via multiple pathways. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1419–1427, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mice deficient for RNA‐binding protein brunol1 show reduction of spermatogenesis but are fertile
Authors: Dev Arvind , Nayernia Karim , Meins Moritz , Adham Ibrahim , Lacone Franco , Engel Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

RNA‐binding proteins are involved in post‐transcriptional processes like mRNA stabilization, alternative splicing, and transport.Brunol1is a novel mouse gene related toelav/Brunofamily of genes encoding for RNA‐binding proteins. We report here the expression and functional analysis of murineBrunol1.Expression analysis ofBrunol1during embryogenesis by RT‐PCR showed thatBrunol1expression starts at 9.5 dpc and continues to the later stages of embryonic development. In adult mice, theBrunol1expression is restricted to brain and testis. We also analyzed theBrunol1expression in testes of different mutants with spermatogenesis defects: W/WV, Tfm/y, Leyl−/−, olt/olt, and qk/qk.Brunol1transcript was detectable in Leyl−/−, olt/olt, and qk/qk mutant but not in W/WVand Tfm/y mutants. We also showed by transfection of a fusion protein of green fluorescent protein and Brunol1 protein into NIH3T3 cells, that Brunol1 is localized in cytoplasm and nucleus. In order to elucidate the function of the Brunol1 protein in spermatogenesis, we disrupted theBrunol1locus in mouse by homologous recombination, which resulted in a complete loss of theBrunol1transcript. Male and femaleBrunol1+/−andBrunol1−/−mice from genetic backgrounds C57BL/6J × 129/Sv hybrid and 129X1/SvJ when inbred exhibited normal phenotype and are fertile, although the number and motility of sperms are significantly reduced. An intensive phenotypic analysis showed no gross abnormalities in testis morphology. Collectively our results demonstrate that Brunol1 might be nonessential protein for mouse embryonic development and spermatogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1456–1464, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Algorithms for direct‐access gaussian solution of structural stiffness matrix equation
Authors: Pao Y. C.
Published: March 2007

Based on direct‐access programming, algorithms have been developed for the generation, and solution by Gaussian elimination of the structural stiffness matrix equation resulted from application of the finite element method in engineering analyses. A large disk storage is used to store the rows of the stiffness matrix as directly accessible records. The developed algorithm BAND2R requires only 2Nb in‐core words in implementing the Gaussian elimination where Nb is the semi‐band width of the stiffness matrix. Algorithms BANDSQ and BDSQMX are presented which require N2b in‐core words but minimize the number of retrieving and restoring the direct‐access records during the Gaussian elimination. BANDSQ has the direct‐access feature in both the elimination and backward‐substitution steps whereas BDSQMX has the direct‐access feature only in the backward‐substitution step of the Gaussian elimination. Illustrative applications of the developed algorithms are given and the computer core and time requirements for BAND2R, BANDSQ and BDSQMX are compared to those for the conventional Gaussian elimination of using sequential, in‐core storages. Methods for reducing the semi‐band width Nb of the structural stiffness matrix are also discussed.
An accelerated automatic root search algorithm for iterative methods in vibration analysis
Authors: Dawson B. , Davies M.
Published: March 2007

The paper presents an accelerated version of an automatic root searching technique developed by the authors for application to residual function iterative methods in vibration analysis.

The power and generality of the accelerated method is demonstrated by application to (i) an 8 rotor torsional vibration system, and (ii) a 15 rotor torsional vibration system specially synthesized so as to have an uneven root distribution including clusters of close frequencies.
Iterative procedures for improving penalty function solutions of algebraic systems
Authors: Felippa Carlos A.
Published: March 2007

The standard implementation of the penalty function approach for the treatment of general constraint conditions in discrete systems of equations often leads to computational difficulties as the penalty weights are increased to meet constraint satisfaction tolerances. A family of iterative procedures that converges to the constrained solution for fixed weights is presented. For a discrete mechanical system, these procedures can be physically interpreted as an equilibrium iteration resulting from the appearance of corrective force patterns at the nodes of ‘constraint members’ of constant stiffness. Three forms of the iteration algorithm are studied in detail. Convergence conditions are established and the computational error propagation behaviour of the three forms is analysed. The conclusions are verified by numerical experiments on a model problem. Finally, practical guidelines concerning the implementation of the corrective process in large‐scale finite element codes are offered.
Application of the initial stress method to soil‐structure interaction
Authors: Rowe R. K. , Booker J. R. , Balaam N. P.
Published: March 2007

A general method is presented for the analysis of soil‐structure interaction problems using the initial stress finite element approach. The soil and structure will be treated as separate bodies related only by nodal forces at the soil‐structure interface. Provision is made for plastic failure of both soil and structure, shear failure at the interface, and breakaway of the structure from the soil.
Geometrically similar elements
Authors: Hall Charles A.
Published: March 2007

Finite element analyses sometimes involve elements that are simple rescalings of each other. A useful relation is derived between the stiffness matrices of elements which differ by the same scaling factor in all co‐ordinate axes and an application is illustrated.
A rayleigh‐ritz determination of upper and lower bounds for the deflection of orthotropic cantilever beams
Authors: Nair S.
Published: March 2007

A numerical scheme based on polynomial approximation is presented for the caluclation of upper and lower bounds for the flexibility coefficient of end‐loaded orthotropic cantilever beams in a state of plane stress, through use of the principles of minimum potential energy and of minimum complementary energy. The degree‐of‐freedom of the two‐dimensional polynomials employed along with the elastic constants and the depth‐to‐span ratio of the beam are external parameters of the problem.
Finite elasticity in spatial description: Linearization aspects with 3‐D membrane applications
Authors: De Neto E. A. Souza , Perić Djordje , Owen D. R. J.
Published: March 2007

The treatment of finite hyperelasticity set on the spatial configuration is described. The fully consistent linearization of the corresponding field equations is carried out in detail. It provides the basis of the exact Newton‐Raphson procedure for solution of the associated boundary value problem. A membrane formulation is presented in which the incompressibility constraint usually employed in the description of rubber‐like materials is satisfied trivially. The excellent performance of the proposed framework is demonstrated by means of 3‐D membrane finite element simulations.
Multiobjective design of actively controlled structures using a hybrid optimization method
Authors: Dhingra A. K. , Lee B. H.
Published: March 2007

A multiobjective approach to the combined structure and control optimization problem for flexible space structures is presented. The proposed formulation addresses robustness considerations for controller design, as well as a simultaneous determination of optimum actuator locations. The structural weight, controlled system energy, stability robustness index and damping augmentation provided by the active controller are considered as objective functions of the multiobjective problem which is solved using a cooperative game‐theoretic approach. The actuator locations and the cross‐sectional areas of structural members are treated as design variables. Since the actuator locations are spatially discrete, whereas the cross‐sectional areas are continuous, the optimization problem has mixed discrete‐continuous design variables. A solution approach to this problem based on a hybrid optimization scheme is presented. The hybrid optimizer is a synergetic blend of artificial genetic search and gradient‐based search techniques. The computational procedure is demonstrated through the design of an ACOSS‐FOUR space structure. The optimum solutions obtained using the hybrid optimizer are shown to outperform the optimum results obtained using gradient‐based search techniques.
Numerical implementation and analysis of a class of metal plasticity models coupled with ductile damage
Authors: Doghri Issam
Published: March 2007

This paper deals with a class of rate‐independent metal plasticity models which exhibit non‐linear isotropic hardening, non‐linear kinematic hardening (Chaboche‐Marquis model) and ductile damage (Lemaitre‐Chaboche model). The backward Euler scheme is used to integrate the rate constitutive relations. The non‐linear equations obtained are solved by the Newton method. The consistent tangent operator is obtained by exact linearization of the algorithm. Despite the complexity of the constitutive equations, closed‐form expressions are derived, without any approximations. Analytical, numerical and experimental results are presented and discussed.
Three‐dimensional finite element for analysing thin plate/shell structures
Authors: Dorfmann Alois , Nelson Richard B.
Published: March 2007

A three‐dimensional (3‐D) hexahedron finite element is presented for the analysis of thin plate/shell structures. The element employs an explicit algebraic definition of six uniform (continuum) strains, six rigid body modes and classical Lagrange‐Germain‐Kirchhoff thin plate bending modes. Nine additional stiffness factors are used to control higher‐order hourglass modes. The element may be used for plate/shell analyses where the flat plate assumptions are appropriate. Also it can easily be adapted to form transition elements to lower order 2‐D elements, or to higher‐order 3‐D continuum elements.

The stiffness matrix satisfies the geometric isotropy requirement, passes the patch test, and gives essentially identical response to either applied transverse corner forces or to twisting moments applied on the corner, a requirement of Kirchhoff's corner conditions for a classical thin plate. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of this finite element.
Partitioning, boundary integral equations, and exact Green's functions
Authors: Martin P. A. , Rizzo F. J.
Published: March 2007

Discretization of boundary integral equations leads to large full systems of algebraic equations, in practice. Partitioning is a method for solving such systems by breaking them down into smaller systems. It may be viewed merely as a technique from linear algebra. However, it is profitable to view it as arising directly from partitions of the boundary; these partitions could be natural (such as two separate boundaries) but they need not be. We investigate partitioning in the context of multiple scattering of acoustic waves by two sound‐hard obstacles (the ideas extend to other physical situations). Specifically, we make a connection between partitioning and the use of the exact Green's function for a single obstacle in isolation. This suggests computing the action of this Green's function once‐and‐for‐all, storing it (perhaps on a compact disc), and then using it to solve other problems in which the second obstacle is altered. One example of this approach is computing the stress distribution around a cavity of a standard‐but‐complicated shape inside a structure whose shape is varied. The theoretical foundation for these ideas is given, as well as a connection with the use of generalized Born series for multiple‐scattering problems. Important distinctions between the partitioning/Green's function idea in this paper and seemingly similar ideas such as substructuring, multi‐zoning, and domain decomposition are made.
High‐order compact scheme for the steady stream‐function vorticity equations
Authors: Spotz W. F. , Carey G. F.
Published: March 2007

A higher‐order compact scheme that is O(h4) on the nine‐point 2‐D stencil is formulated for the steady stream‐function vorticity form of the Navier‐Stokes equations. The resulting stencil expressions are presented and hence this new scheme can be easily incorporated into existing industrial software. We also show that special treatment of the wall boundary conditions is required. The method is tested on representative model problems and compares very favourably with other schemes in the literature.
High‐performance multilevel iterative aggregation solver for large finite‐element structural analysis problems
Authors: Bulgakov V. E. , Kuhn G.
Published: March 2007

The present study is aimed to overcome difficulties faced with industrial applications of multilevel iterative methods to arbitrary finite element (FE) structural analysis problems. The coarse grid concept, used in multigrid methods, is substituted with an aggregation coarse model based on the mechanical principle. On the base of this approach together with previously developed multilevel preconditioner, an efficient iterative equation solver FEAGS was developed for using in standard comprehensive finite element software systems. Numerical examples for analyses of three‐dimensional (3‐D) frame structures demonstrate the efficiency of the method. Comparison with incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient (ICCG) method and direct methods is presented.
Geometrically non‐linear thermoelastic analysis of functionally graded shells using finite element method
Authors: Hosseini Kordkheili S. A. , Naghdabadi R.
Published: March 2007

A finite element formulation governing the geometrically non‐linear thermoelastic behaviour of plates and shells made of functionally graded materials is derived in this paper using the updated Lagrangian approach. Derivation of the formulation is based on rewriting the Green–Lagrange strain as well as the 2nd Piola–Kirchhoff stress as two second‐order functions in terms of a through‐the‐thickness parameter. Material properties are assumed to vary through the thickness according to the commonly used power law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. Within a non‐linear finite element analysis framework, the main focus of the paper is the proposal of a formulation to account for non‐linear stress distribution in FG plates and shells, particularly, near the inner and outer surfaces for small and large values of the grading index parameter. The non‐linear heat transfer equation is also solved for thermal distribution through the thickness by the Rayleigh–Ritz method. Advantages of the proposed approach are assessed and comparisons with available solutions are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of a specialist nurse prescriber on diabetes in‐patient service delivery
Authors: Courtenay M , Carey N , James J , Hills M , Roland J
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) prescriber on insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agent medication errors, length of hospital stay, and patients' ability to self‐manage their diabetes whilst in hospital.

The setting was six wards in a single United Kingdom district general hospital trust. The standard in‐patient care of a convenience sample of diabetic patients treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents was evaluated before (n = 187) and after (n = 265) the intervention of a DSN prescriber. Prospective data were collected in order to measure insulin and oral hypoglycaemic medication errors, and length of stay (i.e. primary outcome measures). A secondary outcome, the extent to which patients felt able to manage their care, was measured using a self‐report questionnaire.

The results showed that the median number of insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agent medication errors was lower in the intervention group (four vs six, p<0.01). The median length of stay was less for patients in the intervention group (seven vs nine days, p<0.05). In all, 61% (59/96) of patients in the pre‐intervention group, compared with 71% (90/126) of patients in the intervention group (p = 0.118), reported that they were able to manage their diabetes during their hospital stay.

It was concluded that a DSN prescriber reduced prescribing errors. This reduction had some effect on length of stay. The cost saving was at least sufficient to self‐finance the cost of a DSN prescriber post. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Employment in working age men with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Singh R , Press M
Published: March 2007

Our aim was to quantify whether fewer than expected men with diabetes were in employment. We asked 200 unselected, consecutive male patients (aged 18–65), attending the diabetes clinic for routine appointments, standard questions relating to employment. Seventy‐three (36.5%) patients were not working of whom 41% were type 1, 48% type 2 on oral hypoglycaemics or diet, and 11% were insulin‐treated type 2 patients. The mean age (SD) of the working group (W) was 44.6 (11.7) and of the non‐working group (NW) was 51.6 (10.9) years (p<0.001). The duration of diabetes and glycaemic control were similar between the two groups (W = 10.6 [10.0] vs NW = 12.9 [10.8] years, HbA1c W = 7.7% [1.3] vs NW = 8.1 [1.2]). In the non‐working group, 32.9% were unemployed, 50.7% medically retired and 16.4% had taken early retirement. The unemployment rate corresponds to 12% compared to the general male unemployment rate in Greater London in May 2001 of 4.2%. The non‐working group had a higher incidence of other serious medical conditions (46.6% vs 27.6%, p = 0.02) and serious diabetic complications (16.4% vs 1.5%, p<0.001) compared to the working group. However, the majority had no complications that would explain inability to work and diabetes itself seems to be linked to unemployment. Fifty percent of non‐workers received Incapacity Benefit, 36.9% received Disability Living Allowance, 38.3% a pension and 10.9% unemployment benefit. Only 5.5% received no benefits at all.

We conclude that, in this small sample, a high percentage of the male working‐age population with diabetes are not working due either to medical reasons or to unemployment, even though most seem capable of work. Very few individuals received no form of State benefit. It is important, however, not to extrapolate our findings to all groups with diabetes, and a larger study in a more representative population would be welcome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.