Comments on “Performances of a Fully Integrated All-Optical Pulse Reshaper Based on Cascaded Coupled Nonlinear Microring Resonators” [Sep 07 2417-2426]

In the above paper we did not accurately evaluate the Q-factors given in Table I. We give in the present table the corrected values. Captions of figures 11, 12, 13 and 15 must be changed using these new values: in the caption of Fig. 11 Q_in ^t 4.81, Q_out = 11.61 and Q_out ^t = 3.18; in the caption of Fig. 12 Q_out = 9.71 and Q_out ^t = 1.85; in the caption of Fig. 13 Q_out = 6.01 and Q_out ^t 4.64; in the caption of Fig. 15 Q_out = 5.86 and Q_out ^t = 2.11. In the text, the best Q-factor increase in the lossly case of 4.72 dB obtained at 10 Gbit/s.     

Considering complex training images with search tree partitioning

Using a complex training image (TI) for the single normal equation simulation (SNESIM) algorithm results in poor simulated realizations since that image contains trends and location specific patterns. By pooling all the TI patterns in a single search tree and not recording the relative locations of those patterns, some critical features of these complex TIs are lost.The search tree partitioning approach subdivides a large TI into imbricated, homogeneous, smaller images, called partition classes. Each of these partition classes has a corresponding search tree that can be utilized by the SNESIM algorithm. These partition classes are obtained by processing the TIs with spatial filters that are pattern sensitive. The resulting filter scores are then clustered into partition classes. All patterns within a partition class are recorded by a search tree; there is one tree per partition class. At each pixel along the simulation path, the partition class is retrieved first and used to select the appropriate search tree. That search tree contains the patterns relevant to that partition class.In practice, the partitioning approach adds flexibility in choosing a TI. TIs that were easier to obtain but traditionally too complex for simulation can now be considered as input to SNESIM. In many cases, it also significantly increases the simulation speed by searching a vector of smaller trees instead of a single large one. A plugin for the SGeMS software is provided.     

A role for whey-derived lactoferrin and immunoglobulins in the attenuation of obesity-related inflammation and disease

Obesity is a strong predictive factor in the development of chronic disease and has now superseded undernutrition as a major public health issue. Chronic inflammation is one mechanism thought to link excess body weight with disease. Increasingly, the gut and its extensive population of commensal microflora are recognized as playing an important role in the development of obesity-related chronic inflammation. Obesity and a high fat diet are associated with altered commensal microbial communities and increased intestinal permeability which contributes to systemic inflammation as a result of the translocation of lipopolysaccharide into the circulation and metabolic endotoxemia. Various milk proteins are showing promise in the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation via reductions in visceral fat, neutralization of bacteria at the mucosa and reduced intestinal permeability. In this review, we focus on evidence supporting the potential antiobesogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of bovine whey-derived lactoferrin and immunoglobulins.     

Application of layout and topology optimization using pattern gradation for the conceptual design of buildings

This paper explores the use of manufacturing-type constraints, in particular pattern gradation and repetition, in the context of building layout optimization. By placing constraints on the design domain in terms of number and variable size of repeating patterns along any direction, the conceptual design for buildings is facilitated. To substantiate the potential future applications of this work, examples within the context of high-rise building design are presented. Successful development of such ideas can contribute to practical engineering solutions, especially during the building design process. Examples are given to illustrate the ideas developed both in two-dimensional and three-dimensional building configurations.     

Challenges to engaging Black male victims of community violence in healthcare research: Lessons learned from two studies.

A dearth of literature exists on barriers to conducting research with Black male victims of community violence, despite the need for evidence-based postinjury interventions. This study used qualitative data from a cross-sectional interview study (n = 16) and a pilot intervention study (n = 11) conducted in Boston, MA to identify challenges and facilitators to conducting research with Black male victims of community violence, particularly with regard to recruitment and maintenance of a study sample. Qualitative methods, including Grounded Theory and ethnography, were used to analyze the data. Challenges included a fear of police involvement, an impression of “snitching” when disclosing personal information, mistrust of research motives, suspicion of the informed consent process, the emotional impact of the trauma itself, and logistical issues. Facilitators to research included monetary incentives and motivation to help oneself and others. Participant recommendations on recruitment methods relating to approach and timing are provided. Findings from this study may assist in the planning of research studies for Black male victims of community violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Gifted at risk: Poetic portraits.

Reviews the book, Gifted at risk: Poetic portraits by Jean Sunde Peterson (2009). In this book, Peterson utilizes subjective personal introspection, or autoethnography, to render poems and essays about her years in gifted education and in counseling gifted students. As complementary constructions, each one of Peterson’s reflections about a particular case includes a poem and an essay. As arts-based research in education, each entry is from Peterson’s own impressions and memories about a specific gifted student, whom she taught or counseled. For anyone who works with adolescents and emerging adults who are gifted, Peterson’s book will be an informative resource. It does not stand alone as a textbook to introduce topics about giftedness, as it lacks explicit definitions, citations, and references. However, together with one or two more thorough treatments of giftedness research, it will do well. Counselors will come back to its pages numerous times as they work with gifted students. It will be a resource for them to reflect about the struggles and triumphs of gifted life—with highs and lows being realistically recounted. Its coverage—from moving toward good decisions, to suicide attempts and suffering abuse, to an eye toward “developmental task accomplishment”, is broad. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relational self revealed: Integrative conceptualization and implications for interpersonal life.

The authors offer a new, integrative conceptualization of the relational self based on a synthesis of recent approaches to the self and significant others. This conceptualization provides a sharper and fuller definition of the relational self than does any existing approach alone and a common framework to interpret findings from separate literatures. The authors then present 5 propositions and evidence to support the thesis that relational selves exert a pervasive influence on interpersonal life. Specifically, relational selves (a) shape a wide range of psychological processes and outcomes, (b) exert their influence automatically, (c) serve basic orientation and meaning functions, (d) provide continuity and context-specific variability in personality, and (e) carry implications for psychological well-being. Discussion focuses on remaining issues and implications for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Abstractions of data types

The use of abstraction in the context of abstract data types, is investigated. Properties to be checked are formulas in a first order logic under Kleene's 3-valued interpretation. Abstractions are defined as pairs consisting of a congruence and a predicate interpretation. Three types of abstractions are considered,∀∀, ∀∃ and ∃^0,1∀, and for each of them corresponding property preservation results are established. An abstraction refinement property is also obtained. It shows how one can pass from an existing abstraction to a (less) finer one. Finally, equationally specified abstractions in the context of equationally specified abstract data types are discussed and exemplified.On leave from the Department of Computer Science, “Al. I. Cuza” University, Iaşi 740083, RomaniaThe research reported in this paper was partially supported by the program ECO-NET 08112WJ/2004-2005 and by the National University Research Council of Romania, grants CNCSIS 632(28)/2004 and CNCSIS 632(50)/2005.     

Measurements of benzene concentration by difference-frequency laser absorption spectroscopy

Measurements of benzene concentration based on high-resolution laser absorption spectroscopy by use of the R(6) transition in the nu(4) fundamental vibrational band near 14.8 mum (676.6 cm(-1)) are reported. These measurements were performed with a tunable continuous-wave, mid-infrared spectroscopic light source that employs difference-frequency mixing of two Ti:sapphire lasers in a GaSe nonlinear optical crystal. A minimum benzene concentration detection of ~11.5 parts in 10(6) was realized at a reduced pressure of 40 mbars.     

Substrate specificity of NO synthases: detailed comparison of L-arginine, homo-L-arginine, their N omega-hydroxy derivatives, and N omega-hydroxynor-L-arginine

A detailed comparison of the oxidation of five compounds closely related to L-arginine (Arg) by purified recombinant neuronal and macrophage NO synthases (NOS I and NOS II) was performed. Homo-L-arginine (homo-Arg) is oxidized by both NOSs in the presence of NADPH with major formation of NO and homo-L-citrulline, with a molar ratio of close to 1, and minor formation of N omega-hydroxyhomo-L-arginine (homo-NOHA). Oxidation of homo-NOHA by the two NOSs also leads to NO and homocitrulline in a 1:1 molar ratio. On the contrary, N omega-hydroxynor-L-arginine (nor-NOHA) is a very poor substrate of NOS I and II, which fails to produce significant amounts of nitrite. The catalytic efficiency of both NOSs markedly decreases in the order Arg > NOHA > homo-Arg > homo-NOHA, as shown by the 20- and 10-fold decrease of kcat/Km observed for NOS I and NOS II, respectively, when comparing Arg to homo-NOHA. The greater loss of catalytic efficiency for homo-Arg, when compared to that for Arg, appears to occur at the first step (N-hydroxylation) of the reaction. In that regard, it is noteworthy that the Vm values for NOHA and homo-NOHA oxidation are very similar (about 1 and 2 micromol of NO min-1 mg of protein-1 for NOS I and II, respectively). In fact, lengthening of the Arg chain by one CH2 leads not only to markedly decreased kcat/Km but also to clear disturbances in NOS functioning. This is shown by a greater accumulation of the N omega-hydroxyguanidine intermediate (homo-NOHA:homocitrulline ratio between 0.2 and 0.4) and an increased consumption of NADPH for NO formation (between 2.0 and 2.6 mol of NADPH consumed for the formation of 1 mol of NO in the case of homo-Arg, instead of 1.5 mol in the case of Arg). Most of the above results could be interpreted by comparing the possible positionings of the various substrates relative to the two NOS active oxygen species which are believed to be responsible for the two steps of the reaction.