bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luminescence spectroscopy of nanocrystalline MgO
Authors: Feldbach Eduard , Kirm Marco , Kozlova Jelena , Maaroos Aarne , Mändar Hugo , Saar Rando , Sammelselg Väino 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMgO nano‐powder was synthesized using the combustion method and was studied by low temperature VUV spectroscopy under synchrotron radiation excitation. A considerable blue shift (by ∼0.6 eV, see the figure) of UV luminescence excited in intrinsic absorption was revealed in nanocrystalline MgO ceramics. This dense ceramics consists of large (10‐20 µm size) blocks and can be formed already at 1600 °C, i.e. far below the melting point of MgO. According to XRD studies, thermal treatment increased the size of nanocrystallites from 24 to 80 nm. In bulk MgO single crystals the UV luminescence (≥5 eV) is due to the recombination of electrons and holes near V‐centres, whereas nanocrystalline MgO ceramics with high surface to volume ratio facilitate the formation of the surface self‐trapped excitons, which decay radiatively. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of incubation effects during surface ablation using picosecond pulses at a wavelength of 800 nm
Authors: Holmberg Patrik , Pasiskevicius Valdas , Fokine Michael 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA comparison of laser ablation on the front‐surface (surface facing the laser) and back‐surface of 1.1 mm thick boro‐aluminosilicate glass plates has been performed using 1 ps pulses at a wavelength of 800 nm. The resulting structures of front‐ and back‐surface ablation are compared relative to an input design geometry of 40 µm deep and 40 µm wide surface channels. The influence of incubation effects on the final structure is discussed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Promising anchoring groups for ZnO‐based hybrid materials: A periodic density functional theory investigation
Authors: Le Bahers Tangui , Pauporté Thierry , Odobel Fabrice , Labat Frédéric , Ciofini Ilaria 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe, herein, explore the potential use of new anchoring groups for the development of hybrid organic–inorganic materials and more specifically for the chemisorption of dyes in dye‐sensitized solar cells. The structural and the electronic properties of four different compounds (the 1,2‐benzenediole‐, catechol‐, the pentane‐2,4‐dione (acetylacetone), and the corresponding thio derivatives) adsorbed on a {100} clean ZnO surface were investigated by the means of density functional theory in a periodic framework. Subsequent—harmonic—infrared (IR) spectral calculations of the adsorbed and isolated systems pointed out that the adsorption process may be followed by IR techniques. From our analysis, all anchoring groups seem to be suitable as anchoring groups in hybrid devices both from a structural and electronic point of view, although additional requirements may be important for specific applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Isomerization of dehydrofulvene radicals to the phenyl radical, and application to the growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Lories Xavier , Vandooren Jacques , Peeters Daniel 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this work, the isomerization mechanisms of dehydrofulvene radicals to the phenyl radical are described. This study shows, for 6‐dehydrofulvene, a low‐energy isomerization path going through a resonantly stabilized bicyclic system. In a second part, the different established mechanisms are applied to the closing of a second and third aromatic ring. This application highlights the possibility of forming new products, such as 2‐naphthyl radical, and the effect of aromatic cycles on the new mechanisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
A software maintenance methodology for small organizations: Agile_MANTEMA
Authors: Pino Francisco J. , Ruiz Francisco , García Félix , Piattini Mario 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYSoftware maintenance is an important, indeed vital, activity for software companies. For many organizations, including small firms, it is also a business opportunity. In the quest to help companies of this type, for whom strengthening their maintenance process is a chief concern, we present Agile_MANTEMA. This is a methodological proposal for software maintenance, one which focuses on small companies. The methodology defines an agile maintenance strategy, setting out in detail what is to be carried out, when, how and by whom; that is to say, it seeks to give a detailed guide for the implementation of the maintenance process in these kinds of companies. Agile_MANTEMA also establishes a set of elements, such as types of maintenance, service levels and capability levels, which aim to: (i) handle the complexity that is inherent to the maintenance process and (ii) allow a small company to define its own maintenance process, taking into account its particular characteristics and needs. In an effort to improve their maintenance process, two small firms conducted an improvement project in which Agile_MANTEMA was used. The experiences reported by these companies tell us that this methodology offers a strategy that can be useful, practical and suitable for small companies as they tackle software maintenance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hadoop framework: impact of data organization on performance
Authors: Tan Yu Shyang , Tan Jiaqi , Chng Eng Siong , Lee Bu‐Sung , Li Jiaming , Date Susumu , Chak Hui Ping , Xiao Xiong , Narishige Atsushi 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYHadoop, based on the popular MapReduce framework, is an open‐source distributed computing framework that has been gaining much popularity and usage. It aims to allow programmers to focus on building applications that deals with processing large amount of data, without having to handle other issues when performing parallel computations. However, tuning the performance of Hadoop applications is not an easy task due to the level of abstraction of the framework. In this paper, we present three case studies and some of the challenges and issues that are to be considered in performance tuning when running applications in Hadoop. The focus is mainly on the impact of input data on Hadoop's performance and how they can be tuned. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a dual‐input SC DC–DC converter realizing negative outputs
Authors: Eguchi Kei , Pongswatd Sawai , Tirasesth Kitti , Sasaki Hirofumi , Zhu Hongbing , Inoue Takahiro 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAimed at a back‐lighting application, a dual‐input switched‐capacitor (SC) DC–DC converter with battery charge process is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter can realize −1/N× (N = 2,3,…) step‐down conversion as well as (N + 1)/N× step‐up conversion. By converting clean energy such as solar energy, the proposed dual‐input converter not only drives light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) but also recharges the battery, although conventional single‐input converter only consumes battery energy. In the proposed converter, the −1/N× stepped‐down voltage is generated to drive the LED's cathode when the input voltage is insufficient to drive a 1× transfer mode. Furthermore, unlike conventional converters, the battery is charged by the (N + 1)/N× stepped‐up voltage when the LED back light is in standby mode. Hence, the proposed converter can realize long battery run time. The validity of circuit design is confirmed by theoretical analyses, simulations, and experiments. The derived theoretical formulas will be helpful to estimate circuit characteristics, because the theoretical results correspond well with the simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation results. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discrete‐time dynamic image segmentation based on oscillations by destabilizing a fixed point
Authors: Fujimoto Ken'ichi , Kobayashi Mio , Yoshinaga Tetsuya 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe have developed a discrete‐time dynamical system consisting of a global inhibitor and chaotic neurons that can generate oscillatory responses. We have also found that our system can work as a dynamic image‐segmentation system utilizing oscillatory responses of chaotic neurons. Dynamic image segmentation is to severally extract isolated image regions from a static image and is to exhibit segmented images in time series according to oscillatory responses of chaotic neurons. At certain parameter values, chaotic neurons can generate adequate oscillatory responses for dynamic image segmentation. However, they generate non‐oscillatory responses for certain initial values due to the coexistence of a stable fixed point corresponding to non‐oscillatory responses. Their appearances indicate that our system does not work as a dynamic image‐segmentation system. In this study, we designed a destabilizer for a stable fixed point to prevent its appearance. We also demonstrated that our system with a designed destabilizer worked well. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nanoparticles through the skin: managing conflicting results of inorganic and organic particles in cosmetics and pharmaceutics
Authors: Bolzinger Marie‐Alexandrine , Briançon Stéphanie , Chevalier Yves 
Published: May 2011

AbstractToxicity of nanoparticles is a current scientific issue because of the enhanced reactivity of nanomaterials and their possible easy penetration into the body arising from their small size. Because inorganic particles are present in sunscreen cosmetic products, attention has been focused on cutaneous penetration. But organic particles of various sizes are also used in pharmaceutical applications such as skin care and transdermal drug delivery. It appears that organic and inorganic particles penetrate the skin quite differently. The apparent discrepancy is addressed in this review focusing on skin penetration of inorganic sunscreen particles and organic particles for drug delivery. After a short description of the physicochemical properties of these particles, the skin penetration of both types is reviewed with emphasis on the mechanistic issues and the differences that could account for such conflicting results. It appears that investigations by cosmetic and pharmaceutical communities focused on the main issue, i.e., no toxicity in cosmetics and maximum activity of the drug in pharmaceutics. This leaves several fundamental issues as open questions and this does not allow a rigorous comparison between both types of material. While it is claimed that inorganic nanoparticles can only penetrate the outer layer of the skin, it appears that organic submicron particles and even microparticles reach the dermis in an in vitro cell. Besides particle size, the surface chemistry of the particles and the presence of other excipients in the formulations contribute to skin absorption. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 463–478 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.146This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Thoracoscopic Simultaneous Bilateral Bullectomy Through Apicoposterior Transmediastinal Access for Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Challenging Approach
Authors: Cho Deog Gon , Cho Kyu Do , Kang Chul Ung , Jo Min Seop , Kim Yong Han 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundVideo‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) through transmediastinal access (TMA) for contralateral thoracic cavity is an operative alternative for bilateral pulmonary lesions. Recently, we introduced a novel method of apicoposterior TMA to perform simultaneous VATS bilateral bullectomy (BB) for bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (BPTX). We retrospectively analyzed ten patients on whom this procedure was performed and evaluated the effectiveness of this approach.MethodsFrom April 2006 to May 2010, ten patients underwent simultaneous BB through this approach. Mean postoperative follow‐up was 33.2 months. All patients were young males (age range = 15–20 years) and eight patients had BPTX that developed simultaneously. Apical blebs or bullae were carefully identified using multidirectional high‐resonance computed tomography (HRCT). VATS right bullectomy was done first. The left thorax was reached by going through the apicoposterior mediastinum between the esophagus and vertebral bodies, and then left procedure was performed through this access.ResultsAll ten patients successfully underwent VATS BB through TMA without intraoperative complications. One patient developed prolonged air leakage for 6 days on the right side. During the follow‐up period, two patients developed left PTX recurrence; one was treated with a chest tube at 13 months, and another underwent a left VATS reoperation at 20 months postoperatively because of new bulla formation around the previous stapling line.ConclusionsA VATS apicoposterior transmediastinal approach is relatively safe and technically reliable for highly selective BPTX patients who have localized blebs or bullae on the left apical lung. Pleural reinforcement procedures may also be required for the prevention of postoperative recurrence.
Comments on Bartolino et al. (2011): limits of cumulative relative frequency distribution curves for hotspot identification
Authors: Cayuela Luis , Gálvez‐Bravo Lucía , Carrascal Luis María , de Albuquerque Fábio S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe recent paper by Bartolino et al. (Popul Ecol 53:351–359, 2011) presents a new method to objectively select hotspots using cumulative relative frequency distribution (CRFD) curves. This method is presented as being independent from the selection of any threshold and, therefore, less arbitrary than traditional approaches. We argue that this method, albeit mathematically sound, is based on likewise arbitrary decisions regarding threshold selection. Specifically, the use of the CRFD curve approach requires the occurrence of two criteria for the method to be applied correctly: the selection of a 45° tangent to the curve, and the need to consider the highest relative value of the study parameter corresponding to a 45° slope tangent to the curve. Using two case studies (dealing with species richness and abundance of a particular species), we demonstrate that these two criteria are really unrelated to the underlying causes that shape the spatial pattern of the phenomena under study, but rather related to sampling design and spatial scale; hence, one could likewise use different but valid criteria. Consequently, the CRFD curve approach is based on the selection of a pre‐defined threshold that has little, if any, ecological justification, and that heavily influences the final hotspot selection. Therefore, we conclude that the CRFD curve approach itself is not necessarily better and more objective than any of the global methods typically used for hotspot identification. Indeed, mathematical and/or statistical approaches should not be viewed as a panacea to solve conservation problems, but rather used in combination with biological, practical, economic and social considerations.
Combined OXPHOS complex I and IV defect, due to mutated complex I assembly factor C20ORF7
Authors: Saada Ann , Edvardson Shimon , Shaag Avraham , Chung Wendy K. , Segel Reeval , Miller Chaya , Jalas Chaim , Elpeleg Orly 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDefects of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system are frequent causes of neurological disorders in children. Linkage analysis and DNA sequencing identified a new founder p.G250V substitution in the C20ORF7 complex I chaperone in five Ashkenazi Jewish patients from two families with a combined OXPHOS complex I and IV defect presenting with Leigh's syndrome in infancy. Complementation with the wild type gene restored complex I, but only partially complex IV activity. Although the pathogenic mechanism remains elusive, a C20ORF7 defect should be considered not only in isolated complex I deficiency, but also in combination with decreased complex IV. Given the significant 1:290 carrier rate for the p.G250V mutation among Ashkenazi Jews, this mutation should be screened in all Ashkenazi patients with Leigh's syndrome prior to muscle biopsy.
Aberrant expression of costimulatory molecules in splenocytes of the mevalonate kinase‐deficient mouse model of human hyper‐IgD syndrome (HIDS)
Authors: Hager Elizabeth J. , Piganelli Jon D. , Tse Hubert M. , Gibson K. Michael 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to determine the activation status and proliferative capacities of splenic lymphocyte populations from a mevalonate kinase‐deficient mouse model of hyper‐IgD syndrome (HIDS). We previously reported that murine mevalonate kinase gene ablation was embryonic lethal for homozygous mutants while heterozygotes (Mvk+/−) demonstrated several phenotypic features of human HIDS including increased serum levels of IgD, IgA, and TNFα, temperature dysregulation, hematological abnormalities, and splenomegaly.Methods and resultsFlow cytometric analysis of cell surface activation markers on T and B lymphocytes, and macrophage populations, demonstrated aberrant expression of B7 glycoproteins in all splenic cell types studied. Differences in expression levels between Mvk+/− and Mvk+/+ littermate controls were observed in both the basal state (unstimulated) and after Concanavalin A (Con‐A) stimulation in vitro of whole splenocyte cultures. In Mvk+/− CD4 and CD8 T cells, alterations in expression of CD25, CD80, CD152, and CD28 were observed. Mvk+/− splenic macrophages expressed altered levels of CD80, CD86, CD40, and CD11c while Mvk+/− B lymphocytes had differential expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86. Mvk+/− splenocyte subpopulations also exhibited altered proliferative capacities in response to in vitro stimulation.ConclusionWe postulate that imbalances in the expression of cell surface proteins necessary for activation, proliferation, and regulation of the intensity and duration of an immune response may result in defective T cell activation, proliferation, and effector functions in our model and potentially in human HIDS.
15N/14N ratios of amino acids as a tool for studying terrestrial food webs: a case study of terrestrial insects (bees, wasps, and hornets)
Authors: Chikaraishi Yoshito , Ogawa Nanako O. , Doi Hideyuki , Ohkouchi Naohiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCompound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of amino acids is a new method that enables estimates of trophic position for consumers in food webs. We examined the nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) of amino acids of Japanese social insects (three bee, three wasp, and four hornet species) to evaluate the potential of CSIA of amino acids in studies of terrestrial food webs. For wasps, we also examined samples at different growth stages (ranging from egg to adult) to assess the effect of metamorphosis on CSIA estimates of trophic position. The δ15N values of bulk tissues for Japanese social insects are only weakly correlated with the biologically expected trophic positions. In contrast, the trophic positions estimated from the δ15N values of amino acids (yielding values of between 2.0 and 2.3 for bees, between 2.8 and 3.3 for wasps, and between 3.5 and 4.1 for hornets) are consistent with the biologically expected trophic positions for these insects (i.e., 2.0 for bees, 3.0 for wasps, and 3.0–4.0 for hornets). Although large variability is observed among the δ15N values of individual amino acids (e.g., ranging from 3.0 to 14.9‰ for phenylalanine), no significant change is observed in the trophic position during wasp metamorphosis. Thus, the CSIA of amino acids is a powerful tool for investigating not only aquatic food webs but also terrestrial food webs with predatory insects.
Vitrified‐warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation into ovariectomized mice restores sufficient ovarian function to support full‐term pregnancy
Authors: Matsumoto Hiromichi , Ezoe Kenji , Mitsui Akinori , Fukui Emiko , Ochi Masanori , Yoshizawa Midori 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPurposeOur previous study demonstrated that heterotopic autotransplantation of fresh ovarian tissue followed by transfer of blastocysts supported full‐term pregnancy in the mouse. In the present study, to address whether vitrified‐warmed ovarian tissue has the potential to support uterine preparation for implantation and subsequent pregnancy to full term, we examined vitrified‐warmed ovarian tissue autotransplantation (VOAT) in mice.MethodsVOAT into kidney capsules was performed for sexual cycle‐ceased mice after 7 days of ovariectomy. Uterine potential of decidualization was examined by oil infusion on day 4 of pseudopregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the potential in VOAT ovarian tissues. Blastocysts were transferred into uteri on day 4 of pseudopregnancy.ResultsIn VOAT mice, uterine decidualization on day 8 of pseudopregnancy was the same as that in intact mice. Blastocyst transfer into the pseudopregnant VOAT mice showed the same rates of pregnancy and live birth pups as intact mice, while less steroidogenesis in the corpus luteum was detected in VOAT mice.ConclusionsThe autotransplantation of vitrified‐warmed ovarian tissues after 7 days of ovariectomy restored their sexual cycle and then supported their pregnancy and production of offspring.
A comparison between histopathology and findings on magnetic resonance imaging of subcutaneous lipomatous soft-tissue tumors
Authors: Toirkens Johannes , De Schepper Arthur M. , Vanhoenacker Filip , Van Dyck Pieter , Gielen Jan , Creytens David , Wouters Kristien , Eiber Matthias , Wörtler Klaus , Parizel Paul M. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Objective
To retrospectively analyse the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of subcutaneous lipomatous soft-tissue tumours (SLSTT) in order to define a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

Methods
The MR findings of 46 SLSTT were registered for the following data: area, location within the subcutaneous compartment, dimensions, shape and delineation, signal intensity (SI) on different pulse sequences, signal homogeneity, degree and pattern of contrast enhancement. The MR findings, together with patients' age and gender, were compared with histopathological findings.

Results
Sixty-eight percent of the lipomas had a homogeneous T1-SI identical to the SI of subcutaneous fat. Heterogeneity in other lipomas was due to fat necrosis and small septa. Other lesions with homogeneous T1-SI identical to the SI of subcutaneous fat included lipoblastoma, lipomatosis and lipoma-like hibernoma. None of the liposarcomas were homogeneous and isointense to SI of subcutaneous fat on T1-weighted imaging (WI). Lipoma variants and liposarcomas showed overlapping MR characteristics.

Conclusions
SLSTT with homogeneous T1-SI identical to the SI of subcutaneous fat are benign. If a SLSTT has other MR characteristics, differentiation based on MRI cannot be made and biopsy is needed. We used this finding in defining a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for subcutaneous soft tissue tumours that are hyperintense on T1-WI.