External Fragments Research Articles

Artificial neural networks exploiting point cloud data for fragmented solid objects classification

This paper presents a novel approach for fragmented solid object classification exploiting neural networks based on point clouds. This work is the initial step of a project in collaboration with the Institution of ‘Ente Parco Archeologico del Colosseo’ in Rome, which aims to reconstruct ancient artifacts from their fragments. We built from scratch a synthetic dataset (DS) of fragments of different 3D objects including aging effects. We used this DS to train deep learning models for the task of classifying internal and external fragments. As model architectures, we adopted PointNet and dynamical graph convolutional neural network, which take as input a point cloud representing the spatial geometry of a fragment, and we optimized model performance by adding additional features sensitive to local geometry characteristics. We tested the approach by performing several experiments to check the robustness and generalization capabilities of the models. Finally, we test the models on a real case using a 3D scan of artifacts preserved in different museums, artificially fragmented, obtaining good performance.

Partial Extraction Therapy (Part 2): Complication Management in Full-Arch Dental Implant Therapy.

Partial extraction therapy (PET) is a group of surgical techniques that preserves the periodontium and peri-implant tissues during restorative and implant therapy by conserving a portion of the patient's own root structure to maintain blood supply derived from the periodontal ligament complex. PET includes the socket shield technique (SST), proximal shield technique (PrST), pontic shield (PtST), and root submergence technique (RST). Although their clinical success and benefits have been demonstrated, several studies report possible complications. The focus of this article is to highlight management strategies for the most common complications associated with PET including internal root fragment exposure, external root fragment exposures, and root fragment mobility.

Tracking internal and external ions for constrained peptides leads to enhanced sequence coverage and disulfide bond deciphering

Top-down characterization of disulfide-rich peptides and proteins presents many challenges due to the constrained and protected amino acid backbone. Typically, chemical reduction is required to reduce the disulfide bonds and/or enzymatic digestion (bottom-up analysis) is utilized to selectively cleave the amino acid sequence prior to mass spectrometry analysis owing to the challenges associated with intact, top-down analysis of these biomolecules. While extravagant top-down characterization techniques such as ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) or electron capture dissociation (ECD), have demonstrated the ability to break disulfide bonds in top-down workflows, implementation of these technologies and analysis of the resulting fragmentation spectra is not trivial and often inaccessible to many laboratories and users. In the study presented herein, traditional collision induced dissociation (CID) of disulfide-rich peptides is performed to confirm the disulfide bond connectivity and localize chemical modifications for these synthetic therapeutic peptides. While collisional activation does not fragment the peptide backbone linearly (typical N- and C-terminal fragment ions) within the disulfide-bonded regions, internal and external ions are consistently produced throughout the sequence via secondary fragmentation pathways. In this study, seven disulfide-rich peptides (Peptides A – G) with similar disulfide connectivity but varying amino acid composition were subjected to collisional activation for sequencing and disulfide bond confirmation. While only four linear b- and y-type fragment ions are produced for these peptides, fragmentation throughout the amino acid sequence is observed when searching for internal and external fragment ions. These ions are typically not considered during traditional top-down sequencing experiments due to the computational challenge of having an increased search space for fragment ion identification. Through the identification of reproducible internal and external fragment ions, site-specific modifications can also be localized, such as oxidation on the 18th residue in Peptide A. Ultimately, this observation and identification of internal and external ions simplifies the experimental process and wet-chemistry required to accurately depict the disulfide connectivity and the sequencing of these traditionally challenging biomolecules. Further consideration to these non-traditional fragment ions should be given during top-down intact peptide and protein analysis, especially when non-linear sequences are involved.

Stressed-strain state of structural elements of buildings by 3D-printing technology

Problem statement. The results of surveys on development in the near future indicate that Ukraine has great prospects for low-rise construction. But low-rise construction can be economically justified when the cost of the land is minimal, or construction period is reduced to the maximum. Such a solution is construction using 3D-printing. This article provides examples of 3D-printing technology application in various industries, namely in construction; features of 3D-printers and their capabilities; investigations of the stress-strain state of an external load-bearing wall fragment and a two-storey residential building, constructed with 3D-printing technology. Purpose. Development of a method for calculating building envelopes and low-rise residential buildings in general, constructed with 3D-printing technology. Methods. Research of the stress-strain state of building structures produced by means of3D-printing technology was carried out using “LIRA − CAD 2013” software package. Results. Based on the calculations of the external wall fragment and a two-storey residential building, produced by 3D-printing technology, places where maximum stresses and displacements occur were identified. it was also found out that they do not exceed boundary values. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the basic guidelines for the calculation, design and installation technology of structures of low-rise residential buildings using 3D-construction printing technology are proposed taking into account the absence of a regulatory framework for this type of work. Practical value. The studies conducted allow us to manufacture individual building structures and low-rise buildings using 3D-printing technology.

Abstract A26: Precise characterization and comparison of KRAS proteoforms by top-down mass spectrometry

Abstract The two KRAS isoforms, 4A and 4B, exhibit high sequence identity, differing mainly in their C-terminal “hypervariable regions”, which bear post-translational modifications (PTMs) governing their association with the plasma membrane and downstream signaling effectors. Moreover, the KRAS gene bears three “mutation hotspot” residues (Gly12, Gly13, and Gln61) represented in a high percentage of human cancers. The similarity between KRAS isoforms, in addition to HRAS and NRAS, renders linking KRAS mutations and PTMs significantly challenging by standard proteomic methods based on digestion of proteins into short peptides. However, intact modified protein forms, or proteoforms, of KRAS4A and KRAS4B can be identified and characterized by “top-down” (TD) proteomic methods, elucidating crosstalk between N-terminal mutations and C-terminal PTMs with precise molecular detail. Previously, we employed the TD approach as part of a novel workflow to precisely characterize KRAS4B proteoforms isolated from colorectal cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples by immunoprecipitation (IP) and subsequent analysis on a benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometer (1). Here, we modified our IP-TD protocol to include KRAS4A, then applied our workflow to the characterization, quantification, and direct comparison of KRAS4A and KRAS4B proteoforms within the context of multiple cancer cell lines. We hypothesized that we would be able to identify distinct proteoform populations for each KRAS isoform, which could then be compared both within and between different contexts. We have thus far identified nine novel proteoforms of KRAS4A, which not only exhibits differential PTM to KRAS4B, but varies widely in both abundance and PTM profile across all cell lines evaluated. We have also applied IP-TD to the analysis of endogenous KRAS4A and KRAS4B proteoforms using a more powerful 21 Tesla FT-ICR mass spectrometer at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. The high mass resolving power, mass measurement accuracy, and spectral acquisition rate achieved at high field combined with use of efficient dissociation methods and an external fragment ion accumulator to improve signal-to-noise ratios of MS/MS spectra produced unparalleled results with respect to degree of KRAS proteoform characterization. We were able to identify up to ten new KRAS proteoforms per context, several of which appear to be mutation- or context-specific. These latest advances have broadened our understanding of KRAS biology and provided new insights into the potential roles of KRAS4A and KRAS4B proteoforms in colorectal and other cancers. Reference 1. Ntai I, Fornelli L, DeHart CJ, Hutton JE, Doubleday PF, LeDuc RD, van Nispen AJ, Fellers RT, Whiteley G, Boja ES, Rodriguez H, Kelleher NL. Precise characterization of KRAS4b proteoforms in human colorectal cells and tumors reveals mutation/modification crosstalk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018 Apr 17;115(16):4140-5. Citation Format: Caroline J. DeHart, Lissa C. Anderson, Lauren M. Adams, Luca Fornelli, Christopher L. Hendrickson, Neil L. Kelleher. Precise characterization and comparison of KRAS proteoforms by top-down mass spectrometry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr A26.

Characterization of CD44 intracellular domain interaction with RUNX2 in PC3 human prostate cancer cells

BackgroundExpression of CD44 receptor is associated with the onset of several tumors. The intracellular domain of CD44 (CD44-ICD) has been implicated as a co-transcription factor for RUNX2 in the regulation of expression of MMP-9 in breast carcinoma cells. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated the role of CD44 in migration and invasion of PC3 prostate cells through activation of MMP-9. CD44 signaling regulates the phosphorylation and hence the localization of RUNX2 in the nucleus. The role of CD44-ICD has not been studied in prostate cancer cells. This study aimed to explore the role of CD44-ICD and RUNX2 in the regulation of expression of metastasis-related genes.MethodsPC3 and PC3 cells overexpressing RUNX2 protein were analyzed for RUNX2/CD44-ICD interaction by immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and Immunofluorescence analyses. Wound healing and tumorsphere formation analyses were also done in these cells. The real-time PCR analysis was used to detect the expression levels of different genes.ResultsExpression of CD44 and RUNX2 was observed only in PC3 cells (androgen receptor positive) and not in LNCaP or PCa2b cells (androgen receptor negative). Therefore, CD44-ICD fragment (~ 15-16 kDa) was observed in PC3 cells. Moreover, localization of CD44-ICD was more in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm of PC3 cells. Inhibition of cleavage of CD44 with a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT reduced the formation of CD44-ICD; however, accumulation of CD44–external truncation fragments (~ 20 and ~ 25 kDa) was detected. RUNX2 and CD44-ICD interact in the nucleus of PC3 cells, and this interaction was more in PC3 cells transfected with RUNX2 cDNA. Overexpression of RUNX2 augments the expression of metastasis-related genes (e.g., MMP-9 and osteopontin) which resulted in increased migration and tumorsphere formation.ConclusionsWe have shown here a strong functional relationship between CD44-ICD and RUNX2 in PC3 cells. RUNX2 forms a complex with CD44-ICD as a co-transcriptional factor, and this complex formation not only activates the expression of metastasis-related genes but also contributes to migration and tumorsphere formation. Therefore, RUNX2 and CD44-ICD are potential targets for anti-cancer therapy, and attenuation of their interaction may validate the regulatory effects of these proteins on cancer migration and progression.

DFT modeling of successive hydrogenated subnano-size aluminum clusters

Energies, structural and vibrational characteristics of isomers of step-wise hydrogenated aluminum clusters Al13Hn, Al44Hn and Al89Hn were calculated using the DFT B3LYP method and the evolution of the clusters with increasing number n of H atoms was followed. It is found that the geometry distortions of the clusters grow with rising n, becoming ultimate at the end of the series and resulting in complicated cooperative rearrangements. An increasing number of the surface atoms are shifted to the oversurface area and form external valence-unsaturated fragments like AlHn, Al2Hn, etc., together with a gradual disintegration of the subsurface layer and embedment of the subsurface atoms into the surface shell. The surface shells acquire 5- or 6-membered “windows” which can serve as “gates” for the migration of external H atoms into the inner cavity and the formation of nontrivial structures with internal H-bridging bonds.

Immunolocalization of VirB11 protein in the Anaplasma marginale outer membrane and its reaction with bovine immune sera

Type IV secretion system is composed by a group of proteins associated with substrate transfer between bacteria and eukaryotic organisms. VirB11 is a protein of this system and, in A. marginale it induces partial protection in cattle immunized with external membrane fragments of the rickettsia. The objectives of this study were: to determine the conservation rate of VirB11 among different Mexican isolates and to corroborate its cellular localization on the outer membrane of A. marginale. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence alignment of virB11 from nine Mexican isolates showed 100 % identity. Bovine sera from both naturally and experimentally infected cattle reacted against a multiple antigenic peptide (MAP‑VirB11) designed based on a B-type epitope present in VirB11. In addition, MAP‑VirB11‑rabbit immune sera reacted with native VirB11 by ELISA and western blot in rickettsial extracts and on the surface of bovine infected erythrocytes by indirect immunofluorescence and the localization of VirB11 protein was determined on the outer surface of A. marginale initial bodies.

Two-Photon Absorbing Phosphorescent Metalloporphyrins: Effects of π-Extension and Peripheral Substitution.

The ability to form triplet excited states upon two-photon excitation is important for several applications of metalloporphyrins, including two-photon phosphorescence lifetime microscopy (2PLM) and two-photon photodynamic therapy (PDT). Here we analyzed one-photon (1P) and degenerate two-photon (2P) absorption properties of several phosphorescent Pt (II) porphyrins, focusing on the effects of aromatic π-extension and peripheral substitution on triplet emissivity and two-photon absorption (2PA). Our 2PA measurements for the first time made use of direct time-resolved detection of phosphorescence, having the ability to efficiently reject laser background through microsecond time gating. π-Extension of the porphyrin macrocycle by way of syn-fusion with two external aromatic fragments, such as in syn-dibenzo- (DBP) and syn-dinaphthoporphyrins (DNP), lowers the symmetry of the porphyrin skeleton. As a result, DBPs and DNPs exhibit stronger 2PA into the one-photon-allowed B (Soret) and Q states than fully symmetric (D4h) nonextended porphyrins. However, much more 2P-active states lie above the B state and cannot be accessed due to the interfering linear absorption. Alkoxycarbonyl groups (CO2R) in the benzo-rings dramatically enhance 2PA near the B state level. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations in combinations with the sum-over-states (SOS) formalism revealed that the enhancement is due to the stabilization of higher-lying 2P-active states, which are dominated by the excitations involving orbitals extending onto the carbonyl groups. Furthermore, calculations predicted even stronger stabilization of the 2P-allowed gerade-states in symmetric Pt octaalkoxycarbonyl-tetrabenzoporphyrins. Experiments confirmed that the 2PA cross-section of PtTBP(CO2Bu)8 near 810 nm reaches above 500 GM in spite of its completely centrosymmetric structure. Combined with exceptionally bright phosphorescence (ϕphos = 0.45), strong 2PA makes Pt(II) complexes of π-extended porphyrins a valuable class of chromophores for 2P applications. Another important advantage of these porphyrinoids is their compact size and easily scalable synthesis.

Quantitative monitoring of HCMV DNAlactia in human milk by real time PCR assay: Implementation of internal control contributes to standardization and quality control

For cytomegalovirus screening of breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants under risk, we present a rapid, quantitative real-time PCR protocol using the hybridization format of the viral gB target region. For quantification, we used an external gB fragment cloned into a vector system. For standardization, we created an internal control-plasmid by site-directed mutagenesis with an exchange of 9 nucleotides. Spiked with internal control, patient wildtype amplicons could be discriminated from internal controls by hybridization probes using two-channel fluorescence detection. Potential bias of formerly reported false nucleotide sequence data of gB-hybridization probes was excluded. Using this approach, we could demonstrate excellent analytical performance and high reproducibility of HCMV detection during lactation. This assay shows very good correlation with a commercial quantitative HCMV DNA PCR and may help to identify rapidly HCMV shedding mothers of very low birth weight preterm infants to prevent HCMV transmission. On the other hand, negative DNA amplification results allow feeding of milk samples of seropositive mothers to their preterm infants under risk (<30 weeks of gestational age, <1000g birth weight) during the onset and late stage of HCMV shedding during lactation.

Tetraspanin 7 autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes.

Autoantibodies to pancreatic beta cell proteins are markers of asymptomatic type 1 diabetes. The aim was to determine whether autoantibodies to the beta cell protein tetraspanin 7 would improve the ability to identify autoimmunity against pancreatic beta cells. Full length and external domain fragments of tetraspanin 7 were expressed as luciferase-tagged fusion proteins and used in immunoprecipitation assays to measure autoantibodies in samples from 363 patients with type 1 diabetes at onset of disease, 503 beta cell autoantibody negative first-degree relatives of patients, and 212 relatives with autoantibodies to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen 2 or zinc transporter 8. Antibody binding was observed against the full length and external domains of tetraspanin 7, and was strongest against the full length protein. Autoantibodies that could be inhibited by untagged tetraspanin 7 were detected in 5 (1%) of 503 autoantibody negative relatives, 3 (3.2%) of 94 autoantibody negative patients, 95 (35.3%) of 269 autoantibody positive patients, 1 (1%) of 98 single autoantibody positive relatives and 25 (21.9%) of 114 multiple autoantibody positive relatives. Progression to diabetes did not differ between multiple autoantibody positive relatives with and without tetraspanin 7 autoantibodies. Tetraspanin 7 is an autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. Tetraspanin 7 autoantibodies are a marker of type 1 diabetes, but provide minor additional value to existing autoantibodies in identifying beta cell autoimmunity.

Catalytic conjunctive cross-coupling enabled by metal-induced metallate rearrangement.

Transition metal catalysis plays a central role in contemporary organic synthesis. Considering the tremendously broad array of transition metal-catalyzed transformations, it is remarkable that the underlying elementary reaction steps are relatively few in number. Here, we describe an alternative to the organometallic transmetallation step that is common in many metal-catalyzed reactions, such as Suzuki-Miyaura coupling. Specifically, we demonstrate that vinyl boronic ester ate complexes, prepared by combining organoboronates and organolithium reagents, engage in palladium-induced metallate rearrangement wherein 1,2-migration of an alkyl or aryl group from boron to the vinyl α-carbon occurs concomitantly with C-Pd σ-bond formation. This elementary reaction enables a powerful cross-coupling reaction in which a chiral Pd catalyst merges three simple starting materials-an organolithium, an organoboronic ester, and an organotriflate-into chiral organoboronic esters with high enantioselectivity.

A two-for-one twist on Suzuki coupling

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY The Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction is one of the most widely used ways of making carbon-carbon bonds. Essentially a palladium catalyst activates one carbon fragment and then links it to a second fragment pulled from boron. Zhang et al. now demonstrate a twist on the conventional pathway (see the Perspective by Fyfe and Watson). In their system, the palladium initially coaxes together two carbon fragments on one boron center. Then the catalyst stitches a second C-C bond to a third, external fragment. A chiral ligand renders the reaction highly enantio-selective. Science , this issue p. [70][1]; see also p. [26][2] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad6080 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad8698

Nested-PCR multiplex test with increased sensitivity for detection of allogeneic cells transplanted from male to female mice

Cell therapy has shown encouraging perspectives for human and veterinary medicine. Experimentally, genetic manipulation allows to mark and locate allogeneic cells. However, this makes their genotype/phenotype different from non-marked cells used clinically. Alternatively, the presence of the Y-chromosome enables male donor cells detection in female organisms. However, the concentration of engrafted cells may be minimal in tissues, due to systemic distribution. In this study, a nested-PCR multiplex test was developed, aiming to increase the sensitivity of the presence/absence diagnosis of male mice adipose-derived (ADSC-Y) and bone marrow mononuclear (BMNC-Y) cells in samples of blood and lungs from females, after endovenous transplantation. Four females received placebos; four females received ADSC-Y from two males; and four females received BMNC-Y from two males. The PCR first-step included two primer sets (multiplex): one for amplification of a Y-chromosome fragment (SRYout; 300bp); the other for amplification of an X-chromosome (DXNds3 gene) fragment. In the PCR second-step, one primer set (SRYinn) was used for amplification of a 110bp fragment, restrained in the SRYout amplification product. The PCR internal control (DXNds3 gene) was detected in all DNA samples, whereas the SRY gene external fragment (300bp) was detected exclusively in ADSC-Y and BMNC-Y pure DNA samples. The SRY gene internal fragment (110bp) was detected in 100% of the blood and lung samples from the ADSC-Y and BMNC-Y female recipients. The nested-PCR technique increased sensitivity and reliability for molecular diagnostic of presence or absence of male mice cells in body fluids and tissues of female recipients after endovenous transplantation.

Aromatically π-Extended Porphyrins with Large Two-Photon Absorption Cross-Sections and Bright Phosphorescence

The ability to form triplet excited states upon two-photon excitation is important for several applications of metalloporphyrins. Here we present two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of several platinum (II) porphyrins, focusing on the effect of aromatic π-extension and peripheral substitution on 2PA cross-sections. p-Extension of the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle by way of syn-fusion with two external aromatic fragments, such as in syn-dibenzo- (DBP) and syn-dinaphthoporphyrins (DNP), removes the center-of-inversion symmetry in the porphyrins macrocycle. As a result, DBPs and DNPs exhibit stronger 2PA into their one-photon-allowed states (e.g. Soret state) than fully-symmetrical non-extended Pt(II) porphyrins (D4h symmetry). However, much stronger absorbing 2PA-allowed states still lie above the Soret state and cannot be accessed directly due to the interfering linear absorption. 2PA near the Soret state increases dramatically (up to 50 fold) upon introduction of alkoxycarbonyl groups (CO2R) into the benzo rings in DBP. TDDFT/sum-over-states calculations reveal that in these porphyrins low-lying molecular orbitals spanning over CO2R groups via configuration form new 2PA-allowed states located just above the Soret state. Furthermore, computations predicted major stabilization of gerade-states in fully-symmetrical D4h Pt alkoxycarbonyltetrabenzoporphyrins. Measurements confirmed that e.g. in PtTBP(CO2Bu)8 2PA cross-section near 810 nm is ~900 GM. Combined with ultrafast intersystem crossing and exceptionally bright phosphorescence 2PA makes alkoxycarbonyl-substituted p-extended porphyrins very promising candidates for several 2P applications.

Synthesis of Carbosilane Dendrimers with 2-Phenylethyl End Groups and Influence of Generation Number on Glass Transition Temperature of PS-based Composites

In this study we report the synthesis of carbosilane dendrimers of the 1 st, 3 rd and 6 th generations, containing 2 - phenylethyl external fragments in the outer layer. Also, we prepared composite materials from polystyrene and the obtained dendrimers. The composite glass transition temperature strongly depends on the generation number and the filler content. A previously developed theoretical model for the glass transition temperature change caused by nanosized filler of a core-shell type matches the experimental data.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF HEAT-SHIELDING CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND FREE LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE WALL STONES

The article reports on theoretical research results of sand free lightweight concrete wall stones thermal protective properties. Calculated values of resistance referred to stone wall masonrys thermal exchange on cement-sand and warm mortars are got using the method worked out by the article writersCalculation of three-dimension thermal fields in the external wall fragment was performed by using the method of finite elements provided in ANSIS software package.

Tetra-2,3-pyrazinoporphyrazines with externally appended pyridine rings 14: UV-visible spectral and electrochemical behavior of homo/heterobinuclear neutral and hexacationic macrocycles

Detailed UV-visible, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies were carried out in DMSO on two known series of homo/heterobimetallic pyrazinoporphyrazine compounds, i.e.[( M′Cl 2) LM ] and [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6, where L = tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl)pyrazino]porphyrazinato anion, M = Zn II , Mg II ( H 2 O ) or Pd II and M′ = Pd II or Pt II . The [( M′Cl 2) LM ] compounds, as obtained from the mononuclear species [LM], undergo only subtle UV-visible spectral changes and exhibit practically unchanged half wave potentials for reduction; thus, peripheral coordination to the [LM] macrocycles of a single PdCl 2 or PtCl 2 unit at one of the external dipyridinopyrazine fragments only minimally disturbs the σ/π electronic distribution within the entire porphyrazine unit. In contrast, quaternization by CH 3 I of the six unligated pyridine N atoms of the species [( PtCl 2) LM ] leading to formation of the hexacations [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ results in a significant bathochromic shift (5–15 nm) of the Q-band positions, thus suggesting an enhanced electron-withdrawing effect determined by an incremented displacement of the σ/π electronic system towards the periphery of the macrocycle. Accordingly, there is a facilitated thermodynamic uptake of electrons upon going from [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ to [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ] n (n = 5+ → 2+). Noteworthy, the UV-visible spectra of the salt-like species [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6 in water at c = 5 × 10-5 M ) indicate the presence of a monomer-dimer equilibrium, persistent even at very low concentrations (ca. 5 × 10-7 M).

A best block exploring algorithm for two-dimensional downlink burst construction in IEEE 802.16 networks

Various burst construction algorithms for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) were proposed. However, these algorithms did not consider the downlink burst characteristics that are specified in IEEE 802.16 standard. This work therefore presents the Best Block-Oriented (BBO) algorithm. BBO not only complies with the downlink burst characteristics, but also addresses three further issues that are important to obtain high throughput: BBO reduces external fragment by shrinking a burst to fit into the available bandwidth area if the available area is otherwise insufficient to accommodate it; BBO shrinks the burst area to minimize internal fragment if the requested bandwidth has been satisfied; to find the subchannels that have good channel quality, BBO evaluates the channel quality of subchannels and constructs the burst in the subchannels that provide the highest throughput. Simulation results show that BBO yields 1.2–9 times the throughput that has been achieved using previous algorithms under a heavy load.

Double Sandwich Polyoxometalate and Its Fe(III) Substituted Derivative, [As2Fe5Mo21O82]17– and [As2Fe6Mo20O80(H2O)2]16–

A double sandwich polyoxometalate and its Fe(III) substituted derivative, [As(2)Fe(5)Mo(21)O(82)](17-) (1) and [As(2)Fe(6)Mo(20)O(80)(H(2)O)(2)](16-) (2), were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescent spectroscopy, UV spectra, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry analyses, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and magnetism measurements. The polyoxoanion is composed of a central fragment FeMo(7)O(28) for 1 (Fe(2)Mo(6)O(26)(H(2)O)(2) for 2) and two external AsMo(7)O(27) fragments linked together by two distinct edge-sharing dimeric clusters Fe(2)O(10) to lead to a C(2v) molecular symmetry. The central FeMo(7)O(28) fragment and external AsMo(7)O(27) fragment have a similar structure, and both of them can be viewed as a monocapped hexavacant α-Keggin subunit with a central FeO(4) group or a central AsO(3) group. Both of the polyoxoanions contain a oxo-bridged Fe(III)(5) magnetic core with the angles of Fe-O-Fe in the range of 96.4(4)-125.7(5)°, and magnetism measurements show an overall ferromagnetic interactions among the five-nuclearity cluster Fe(5) with the spin ground state S = 15/2.