bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Augmented Space Recursion Method for the Study of Electronic States of Binary Alloys
Authors: Salam M Abdus , Ahmed Kabir , Barua BP , Aziz MSI 
Published: February 2010

We have studied here the electronic structure of pure random disordered alloys formed by Ni with Cu and Au at different ratios by using the linearized tight-binding muffin-tin Orbital (TB-LMTO) method. We also used the recursion technique together with augmented space formalism for increasing the efficiency and the accuracy to calculate the component projected density of states. From the density of state, we can understand the Fermi energy, magnetic moment and binding energy at different alloy compositions. The band structure can be calculated from here also. These studies are helpful for experimentalists and metallurgists in designing materials and alloys with specific properties. Key words: Electronic structure, Alloys, TB-LMTO, Density of states, Augmented space recursion DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i3. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(3), 255-264, 2009
Seeking the Truth and Taking Care for Common Goods–Plato on Expertise and Recognizing Experts
Authors: Hardy Jörg 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIn this paper I discuss Plato's conception of expertise as a part of the Platonic theory of a good, successful life (eudaimonia). In various Platonic dialogues, Socrates argues that the good life requires a certain kind of knowledge that guides all our good, beneficial actions: the “knowledge of the good and bad”, which is to be acquired by “questioning ourselves and examining our and others’ beliefs”. This knowledge encompasses the particular knowledge of how to recognize experts in a given technical domain. The central element in Socrates’ account of an expert is what I call the truth-and-caring criterion: an expert has to make seeking the truth and avoiding (avoidable) error her supreme epistemic goal and she has to make caring for common goods the supreme goal of practising her expertise.
Medieval Social Epistemology:Scientiafor Mere Mortals
Authors: Pasnau Robert 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTMedieval epistemology begins as ideal theory: when is one ideally situated with regard to one's grasp of the way things are? Taking as their starting point Aristotle'sPosterior Analytics, scholastic authors conceive of the goal of cognitive inquiry as the achievement ofscientia, a systematic body of beliefs, grasped as certain, and grounded in demonstrative reasons that show the reason why things are so. Obviously, however, there is not much we know in this way. The very strictness of this ideal in fact gives rise to a body of literature on how Aristotle's framework might be relaxed in various ways, for certain specific purposes. In asking such questions, scholastic authors are in effect pursuing the project of social epistemology, by trying to adapt their ideal theory to the circumstances of everyday life.
Kant and the Enlightenment's Contribution to Social Epistemology
Authors: Gelfert Axel 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThe present paper argues for the relevance of Immanuel Kant and the German Enlightenment to contemporary social epistemology. Rather than distancing themselves from the alleged ‘individualism’ of Enlightenment philosophers, social epistemologists would be well-advised to look at the substantive discussion of social-epistemological questions in the works of Kant and other Enlightenment figures. After a brief rebuttal of the received view of the Enlightenment as an intrinsically individualist enterprise, this paper charts the historical trajectory of philosophical discussions of testimony as a source of knowledge, via such philosophers as C. Thomasius, C. A. Crusius, J. M. Chladenius, G. F. Meier, and finally Kant. Building on recent work on Kant's epistemology of testimony, the paper considers Kant's broader contributions to social epistemology. This includes an analysis of Kant's comments on the social basis of contingent epistemic standards, e.g. in the sciences, as well as on problems arising from the management of what Kant calls the growing ‘volume of knowledge’. Special attention is paid to the relation between Kant's views and contemporary problems arising both in the context of education and from our increased reliance on scientific experts.
Thrombin-cleaved Osteopontin Is Increased in Urine of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SHIO KIORI , KOBAYASHI HIROKO , ASANO TOMOYUKI , SAITO RIE , IWADATE HARUYO , WATANABE HIROSHI , SAKUMA HIROFUMI , SEGAWA TETSUYA , MAEDA MASAHIRO , OHIRA HIROMASA 
Published: February 2010

Objective.To measure concentrations of the thrombin-cleaved isoform of osteopontin (OPN) in urine and plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to assess whether levels of thrombin-cleaved OPN are associated with measures of RA.Methods.Subjects comprised 70 patients with RA, 20 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and 46 healthy controls. RA disease activity was evaluated by tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient’s global assessment of disease activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and rheumatoid factor (RF), as well as 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28). OPN levels in plasma and urine were measured by ELISA.Results.Median levels of thrombin-cleaved OPN in urine (U-half) were significantly higher in RA patients (143.5 pmol/mmol Cr) than in healthy controls (67.9 pmol/mmol Cr) or OA patients (69.8 pmol/mmol Cr). Thrombin-cleaved OPN was not detected in plasma. U-half levels correlated significantly with levels of CRP (r = 0.26, p = 0.03), ESR (r = 0.26, p = 0.03), and RF (r = 0.28, p = 0.03). Median U-half levels were significantly higher in patients with stage III (249.9 pmol/mmol Cr) and IV (251.6 pmol/mmol Cr) disease than in patients with stage I (98.6 pmol/mmol Cr) disease.Conclusion.Our results suggest that urine levels of the thrombin-cleaved isoform of OPN may reflect the severity of active inflammatory arthritis in patients with RA.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Osteoblasts in Zygapophyseal Joints of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Reveal Repair Mechanisms Similar to Osteoarthritis
Authors: APPEL HEINER , MAIER RENÉ , LODDENKEMPER CHRISTOPH , KAYSER RALPH , MEIER OLIVER , HEMPFING AXEL , SIEPER JOACHIM 
Published: February 2010

Objective.New bone formation of the spine is a typical feature of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is unknown whether new bone formation is part of a physiological repair process or a unique pathological entity of the disease.Methods.We analyzed zygapophyseal joints from patients with AS and osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing spinal surgery for rigid hyperkyphosis (AS) or radiculopathy caused by severe OA. In 17 patients with AS, 11 with OA, and 5 controls we performed immunohistochemical analysis of osteoprotegerin (OPG), nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteocalcin (OC) expression in osteoblasts and determined the trabecular thickness in AS and OA patients and controls. Osteoclasts were detected by tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP) staining.Results.Trabecular thickness was significantly lower in patients with AS compared to OA (p = 0.01). The absolute number of CD56+ osteoblasts (p < 0.001) and OC+ (p = 0.002), OPG+ (p = 0.003), and RANKL+ osteoblasts (p = 0.03) in AS patients was also significantly lower than in OA patients. The percentages of OC+, OPG+, and RANKL+ osteoblasts did not differ between AS and OA (p > 0.05 in all cases). In controls, the percentages of OPG+ (p = 0.013) and OC+ (p = 0.034) but not RANKL+ (p > 0.05) osteoblasts were significantly lower compared to AS patients. The frequency of TRAP+ osteoclasts in AS patients was significantly lower compared to OA (p < 0.001), but higher compared to controls.Conclusion.Immunohistochemical analysis of zygapophyseal joints suggested that osteoblast activity is similar in AS and OA, indicating that new bone formation is possibly a physiological function of repair in both diseases.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Hardiman Orla 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by loss of motor neurons. Cognitive impairment occurs in a significant proportion of those affected. Numerous theories of pathogenesis have been advanced. The most cogent hypothesis is that genetic susceptibilities to neurodegeneration interact with environmental exposures, leading to neuronal injury, glial activation and neuronal death. Modern tools of molecular and cell biology and constructive international collaborations have provided insights into the factors that increase disease susceptibility. The important observation that genes associated with
ribonucleic acid
(RNA) processing are implicated in disease pathogenesis will undoubtedly influence the direction of research in the coming years. These factors, combined with improvements in clinical trial design, and an improved understanding of the limitations of translating positive findings from animal models to human subjects, are likely to lead to new and successful therapeutic options for patients in the near future.

Key concepts:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor system degeneration.

The incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is relatively uniform in populations of European ancestry. Disease frequency is lower in populations of mixed ancestry.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with cognitive decline in up to 50% of cases, and with dementia in up to 20%. There is an acknowledged clinical, imaging, neuropathologic and neurogenetic overlap between ALS and frontotemporal dementia.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex genetic condition, in which genetic susceptibility interacts with environmental exposures to produce a neurodegenerative cascade.

The progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is due in part to the activation of glia, which contributes to the process of neurodegeneration.

Recent genetic studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have implicated genes involving RNA regulation, including transcription, RNA splicing, RNA transport and translation.
PhotosystemII
Authors: Govindjee  , Kern Jan F , Messinger Johannes , Whitmarsh John 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPhotosystem II (PSII) is a specialized protein complex that uses light energy to drive the transfer of electrons from water to plastoquinone, resulting in the production of oxygen and the release of reduced plastoquinone into the photosynthetic membrane. The key components of the PSII complex include a peripheral antenna system that employs chlorophyll and other pigment molecules to absorb light, a reaction centre at the core of the complex that is the site of the initial electron transfer reactions, an Mn4OxCa cluster that catalyses water oxidation and a binding pocket for the reduction of plastoquinone. PSII is the sole source of oxygen production in all oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, which include plants, algae and cyanobacteria. In these organisms, PSII operates in series with other protein complexes, including the PSI reaction centre, to produce the reduced form of nicotenamide–adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used in the Calvin–Benson cycle to produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide.Key conceptsPhotosystem II (PSII) is a membrane‐embedded protein–pigment complex, containing more than 20 subunits and approximately 100 cofactors.Antenna and reaction centre regions in PSII are in separate protein complexes.Light is absorbed by chlorophyll, carotenoid and phycobilin pigments in the antenna regions and the excitation energy is rapidly transferred to the reaction centre domain.PSII can switch among different modes to either utilize up to 90% of the incident light for charge separation (under low light conditions) or convert a large portion of the excess light into heat and light (fluorescence) (under high light conditions).The initial light‐induced charge separation results in the formation of a chlorophyll cation and a pheophytin anion which are approximately 10 Å apart; this charge separation is rapidly stabilized by transfer of the charges to other more distant cofactors.The oxidation of water occurs at an Mn4OxCa cluster embedded in the protein environment of subunits D1 and CP43.To oxidize two molecules of water four oxidizing equivalents must be accumulated in the Mn4OxCa cluster by four consecutive light‐induced charge separation(s).There are several conflicting proposals on the mechanism of water oxidation at the Mn4OxCa cluster in PSII.The electrons and protons extracted from water by PSII are finally used to drive the reduction of NADP+and the production of ATP, respectively.
Neural Development:
b
HLH
Genes
Authors: Philpott Anna 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Transcription factors of the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) class are involved in the determination of precursor cells towards neural (proneural) and other cell fates. The proneural members of this class constitute a particular subset of bHLH proteins that are arranged in a cascade that affects different stages of neuronal commitment and differentiation, and act in a combinatorial code along with other transcription factors to specify neuronal identity. Proneural proteins themselves are a target of regulation by ID and HES proteins among others, and are involved in setting up a negative feedback pathway of lateral inhibition involving
NOTCH
and
DELTA
signalling. In addition, the activities of bHLHs are also subject to control by posttranslational modification and degradation. Finally, recent analyses have begun to identify the direct downstream targets of bHLH genes in the nervous system, and this is shedding light on the mechanisms ensuring specificity of the individual bHLH proteins.

Key concepts:

bHLH proneural transcription factors have multiple direct downstream transcriptional targets including other transcription factors, signal transducers and cytoskeletal modifiers.

bHLH proneural transcription factors act in a combinatorial code to confer neuronal subtype identity.

bHLH transcription factors are regulated posttranslationally by mechanisms including phosphorylation and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis.

bHLH proneural transcription factors have multiple downstream targets that orchestrate neural differentiation.

Negative regulators of bHLH proneural proteins such as HES and ID proteins act by dimerizing with and sequestering E protein partners.

Lateral inhibition mediated by the
NOTCH
–
DELTA
pathway limits the number of neurons that differentiate from the pool of neuronal precursors.
Photorespiration
Authors: Bauwe Hermann 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Photorespiration is the light‐dependent release of carbon dioxide initiated by
ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
(
Rubisco
) in oxygen‐producing photosynthetic organisms. It occurs because oxygen can substitute for carbon dioxide in the first reaction of the photosynthetic carbon dioxide‐fixation process, causing the idle synthesis of phosphoglycolate. Phosphoglycolate is scavenged in the photorespiratory C
2
cycle, which is an essential auxiliary metabolic pathway that allows photosynthesis in oxygen‐containing environments. Three out of four misdirected carbon atoms are recovered and the fourth is released as photorespiratory carbon dioxide. Absolute rates vary in different organisms and they also depend on environmental conditions, mainly oxygen, carbon dioxide and temperature. They are highest in C
3
plants and much reduced in other organisms, such as C
4
plants, algae and cyanobacteria. In the presence of oxygen, phosphoglycolate production is unavoidable and cannot be eliminated.

Key concepts:

Nearly all photosynthetic activity on earth is oxygen‐producing photosynthesis. Dictated by the biochemistry of carbon dioxide fixation, this unavoidably comes with the production of phosphoglycolate.

When assessed by mass flow, excelled only by photosynthesis, phosphoglycolate production constitutes the second‐most important process in the land‐based biosphere.

The scavenging of phosphoglycolate was a condition for the evolution of cyanobacteria, algae and plants.

Oxygenic photosynthesis is only possible on the condition of adequate photorespiratory metabolism and life on earth would look very different without it.

Oxygenic photosynthesis is coupled to photorespiratory carbon dioxide losses and this reduces competitiveness of C
3
plants in warm environments. Gene technology‐assisted breeding hopes to reduce these losses in crops.
Deep Subseafloor Microbial Communities
Authors: Inagaki Fumio 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Marine subsurface sediments cover approximately 70% of the Earth surface and harbour a remarkable population of microbial life that comprises one‐tenth of all living biota on Earth. Metabolic activity of the subseafloor microbes is generally extremely low due to low flux of nutrient and energy substrates in the habitats. However, the long‐term microbial activities play important ecological roles in biogeochemical cycles over geologic time scales. Most subseafloor bacteria and archaea are phylogenetically distinct from known isolates. Hence, the growth characteristics and metabolic activities of each species remain largely unknown.

Key concepts:

Significant microbial biomass is present in the deep subseafloor biosphere.

Metabolic activity of subseafloor microbes is extraordinary low.

Subseafloor microbes play important biogeochemical roles on geologic time scale.

Subseafloor microbial communities are mainly composed of uncultivated, hence uncharacterized components.

Ecologically significant microbial functions are expected from functional gene surveys and metagenomic analyses.

New analytical developments provide new insights into the nature of subseafloor life and the biosphere.
Nucleophile Phosphinidenkomplexe: Synthese und Anwendungen
Authors: Aktaş Halil , Slootweg J. Chris , Lammertsma Koop 
Published: February 2010

AbstractDieser Kurzaufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die Synthese, Eigenschaften und Reaktivitäten nucleophiler Phosphinidenkomplexe, [LnMPR]. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt auf Methoden zur Feinabstimmung der elektronischen Eigenschaften dieser neuen Klasse von Phosphorreagentien mithilfe verschiedener Hilfsliganden und koordinativ ungesättigter Übergangsmetallfragmente. Zudem richten wir unser Augenmerk auf die charakteristischen Unterschiede in der Anwendbarkeit der stabilen 18‐Elektronen‐Phosphinidene und der kurzlebigen 16‐Elektronen‐Phosphinidene.
Nucleophilic Phosphinidene Complexes: Access and Applicability
Authors: Aktaş Halil , Slootweg J. Chris , Lammertsma Koop 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSyntheses, properties, and reactivities of nucleophilic phosphinidene complexes [LnMPR] are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the electronic tuning of this emerging class of phosphorus reagents, using different ancillary ligands and coordinatively unsaturated transition‐metal moieties. The difference in applicability of the established stable 18‐electron and transient 16‐electron phosphinidenes is addressed.
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Determination of Trace Amounts of Cadmium and Zinc in Water Samples after Preconcentration onto Modified Amberlite XAD‐4 Resin
Authors: Mohammadi Sayed Zia , Afzali Daryoush , Taher Mohammad Ali , Darijani Hedayat 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn the present article, a procedure for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium and zinc is proposed. It is based on the adsorption of cadmium and zinc ions onto a column of Amberlite XAD‐4 resin loaded with aluminon reagent. Cadmium and zinc ions are quantitatively retained on the column in the pH range from 6.5–7.5, at a flow rate of 2 mL min–1. The cadmium and zinc ions are eluted with 5.0 mL of 5 mol L–1 HNO3 solution. Cadmium and zinc are measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the present case, 0.1 μg of cadmium and 0.5 μg of zinc can be concentrated in the column from 1000 mL of aqueous sample, where their concentrations are as low as 0.1 and 0.5 ng mL–1, respectively. The relative standard deviations, for seven replicated determinations of 1.0 μg mL–1 of cadmium and zinc, are 1.2 and 1.1%, respectively. The detection limits for cadmium and zinc in the original solution are 0.02 and 0.11 ng mL–1, respectively. The interference of a large number of anions and cations has been studied and the optimized conditions are utilized for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium and zinc in different environmental and standard samples.
Nanostructured Carbon and Carbon Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Su Dang Sheng , Schlögl Robert 
Published: February 2010

AbstractElectrochemical energy storage is one of the important technologies for a sustainable future of our society, in times of energy crisis. Lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors with their high energy or power densities, portability, and promising cycling life are the cores of future technologies. This Review describes some materials science aspects on nanocarbon‐based materials for these applications. Nanostructuring (decreasing dimensions) and nanoarchitecturing (combining or assembling several nanometer‐scale building blocks) are landmarks in the development of high‐performance electrodes for with long cycle lifes and high safety. Numerous works reviewed herein have shown higher performances for such electrodes, but mostly give diverse values that show no converging tendency towards future development. The lack of knowledge about interface processes and defect dynamics of electrodes, as well as the missing cooperation between material scientists, electrochemists, and battery engineers, are reasons for the currently widespread trial‐and‐error strategy of experiments. A concerted action between all of these disciplines is a prerequisite for the future development of electrochemical energy storage devices.
Building cost effective lower layer VPNs: The ILEC/CLEC dilemma
Authors: Meddeb Aref 
Published: February 2010

AbstractLayer 2 and layer 1 Virtual Private Network (VPN) services; ranging from simple leased lines to extending private LANs across public networks, are commonplace today. With the continuously growing economic difficulties, capital meltdown, and telecommunication business turmoil, delivering those VPN services at the lowest cost or with the maximum revenue margin, while committing to Service Level Agreements (SLA), has become essential. We show that whether we tackle the optimal VPN design problem from an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) standpoint or from a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) standpoint, we obtain contradictory rules. We show that by building Edge Disjoint VPN trees and spreading the traffic all over the network, the ILEC can achieve maximum throughput and enhanced network performance; while by concentrating all the VPN traffic over a single tree, the CLEC can minimize the cost of leased bandwidth. We then propose two simple algorithms that can help carriers and service providers leverage their networks and increase their revenue margins while meeting SLA requirements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.