bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unified phylogeny-based nomenclature for histone variants
Authors: Talbert Paul B , Ahmad Kami , Almouzni Geneviève , Ausió Juan , Berger Frederic , Bhalla Prem L , Bonner William M , Cande W Zacheus , Chadwick Brian P , Chan Simon W L , Cross George A M , Cui Liwang , Dimitrov Stefan I , Doenecke Detlef , Eirin-López José M , Gorovsky Martin A , Hake Sandra B , Hamkalo Barbara A , Holec Sarah , Jacobsen Steven E , Kamieniarz Kinga , Khochbin Saadi , Ladurner Andreas G , Landsman David , Latham John A , Loppin Benjamin , Malik Harmit S , Marzluff William F , Pehrson John R , Postberg Jan , Schneider Robert , Singh Mohan B , Smith M Mitchell , Thompson Eric , Torres-Padilla Maria-Elena , Tremethick David John , Turner Bryan M , Waterborg Jakob Harm , Wollmann Heike , Yelagandula Ramesh , Zhu Bing , Henikoff Steven
Published: December 2012

Histone variants are non-allelic protein isoforms that play key roles in diversifying chromatin structure. The known number of such variants has greatly increased in recent years, but the lack of naming conventions for them has led to a variety of naming styles, multiple synonyms and misleading homographs that obscure variant relationships and complicate database searches. We propose here a unified nomenclature for variants of all five classes of histones that uses consistent but flexible naming conventions to produce names that are informative and readily searchable. The nomenclature builds on historical usage and incorporates phylogenetic relationships, which are strong predictors of structure and function. A key feature is the consistent use of punctuation to represent phylogenetic divergence, making explicit the relationships among variant subtypes that have previously been implicit or unclear. We recommend that by default new histone variants be named with organism-specific paralog-number suffixes that lack phylogenetic implication, while letter suffixes be reserved for structurally distinct clades of variants. For clarity and searchability, we encourage the use of descriptors that are separate from the phylogeny-based variant name to indicate developmental and other properties of variants that may be independent of structure.
MicroRNA-203 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting BIRC5 and LASP1 in human triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chen , Zheng Xiangqian , Shen Chunyan , Shi Yurong
Published: December 2012

Background

This study was performed to investigate the effect of microRNA-203 (miR-203) on cell proliferation and migration in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Real-time PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-203 in TNBC cell lines. miR-203 precursor and control microRNA (miRNA) were transfected into triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines and the effects of miR-203 up-regulation on the proliferation and migration of cells were investigated. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 5 (BIRC5) and Lim and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) were measured. Luciferase assays were also performed to validate BIRC5 and LASP1 as miR-203 targets.

Results

Both miR-203 and BIRC5 siRNA signicantly inhibited cell proliferation in TNBC cells. Both miR-203 and LASP1 siRNA signicantly inhibited cell migration in TNBC cells, also. Moreover, up-regulated of BIRC5 and LASP1 was able to abrogate the effects induced by transfection with the miR-203 precursor.

Conclusions

These data suggest that miR-203 may function as a tumor suppressor in TNBC cells. Thus, miR-203 could be a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
Intravascular CNS lymphoma: Successful therapy using high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy
Authors: Kebir Sied , Kuchelmeister Klaus , Niehusmann Pitt , Nelles Michael , Kim Young , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Schäfer Niklas , Stuplich Moritz , Mack Frederic , Scheffler Björn , Urbach Horst , Glas Martin , Herrlinger Ulrich
Published: December 2012

Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma limited to the CNS (cIVL) is a very rare malignant disorder characterized by a selective accumulation of neoplastic lymphocytes (usually B cells) within the lumen of CNS blood vessels but not in the brain parenchyma. In the past, treatment of cIVL with anthracycline-based regimens was unsatisfactory with very short survival times. In the case of cIVL presented here, high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy according to the Bonn protocol plus rituximab therapy was successful and led to a complete clinical and MRI remission which is ongoing 29 months after diagnosis.
An interval mixed-integer non-linear programming model to support regional electric power systems planning with CO2 capture and storage under uncertainty
Authors: Wang XQ , Huang GH , Lin QG
Published: December 2012

Background

Electric generating capacity expansion has been always an essential way to handle the electricity shortage, meanwhile, greenhouse-gas (GHG) emission, especially CO2, from electric power systems becomes crucial considerations in recent years for the related planners. Therefore, effective approach to dealing with the tradeoff between capacity expansion and carbon emission reduction is much desired.

Results

In this study, an interval mixed-integer non-linear programming (IMINLP) model was developed to assist regional electric power systems planning under uncertainty. CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technologies had been introduced to the IMINLP model to help reduce carbon emission. The developed IMINLP model could be disassembled into a number of ILP models, then two-step method (TSM) was used to obtain the optimal solutions. A case study was provided for demonstrating applicability of the developed method.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the developed model was capable of providing alternative decisions based on scenario analysis for electricity planning with consideration of CCS technologies. The IMINLP model could provide an effective linkage between carbon sequestration and electric generating capacity expansion with the aim of minimizing system costs.
Quantitative Estimates for the Long-Time Behavior of an Ergodic Variant of the Telegraph Process
Authors: Fontbona Joaquin , Guérin Hélène , Malrieu Florent
Published: December 2012

Motivated by stability questions on piecewise-deterministic Markov models of bacterial chemotaxis, we study the long-time behavior of a variant of the classic telegraph process having a nonconstant jump rate that induces a drift towards the origin. We compute its invariant law and show exponential ergodicity, obtaining a quantitative control of the total variation distance to equilibrium at each instant of time. These results rely on an exact description of the excursions of the process away from the origin and on the explicit construction of an original coalescent coupling for both the velocity and position. Sharpness of the obtained convergence rate is discussed.
Asymptotic Ruin Probabilities for a Bivariate Lévy-Driven Risk Model with Heavy-Tailed Claims and Risky Investments
Authors: Hao Xuemiao , Tang Qihe
Published: December 2012

Consider a general bivariate Lévy-driven risk model. The surplus process Y, starting with Y0=x > 0, evolves according to dYt= Yt- dRt -dPt for t > 0, where P and R are two independent Lévy processes respectively representing a loss process in a world without economic factors and a process describing the return on investments in real terms. Motivated by a conjecture of Paulsen, we study the finite-time and infinite-time ruin probabilities for the case in which the loss process P has a Lévy measure of extended regular variation and the stochastic exponential of R fulfills a moment condition. We obtain a simple and unified asymptotic formula as x→∞, which confirms Paulsen's conjecture.
Spectrally Negative Lévy Processes Perturbed by Functionals of their Running Supremum
Authors: Kyprianou Andreas E. , Ott Curdin
Published: December 2012

In the setting of the classical Cramér–Lundberg risk insurance model, Albrecher and Hipp (2007) introduced the idea of tax payments. More precisely, if X = {Xt: t≥ 0} represents the Cramér–Lundberg process and, for all t≥ 0, St=sup_{s≤ t}Xs, then Albrecher and Hipp studied Xt - γ St,t≥ 0, where γ∈(0,1) is the rate at which tax is paid. This model has been generalised to the setting that X is a spectrally negative Lévy process by Albrecher, Renaud and Zhou (2008). Finally, Kyprianou and Zhou (2009) extended this model further by allowing the rate at which tax is paid with respect to the process S = {St: t≥ 0} to vary as a function of the current value of S. Specifically, they considered the so-called perturbed spectrally negative Lévy process, Ut:=Xt -∫(0,t]γ(S_u)dSu,t≥ 0, under the assumptions that γ:[0,∞)→ [0,1) and ∫0∞ (1-γ(s))d s =∞. In this article we show that a number of the identities in Kyprianou and Zhou (2009) are still valid for a much more general class of rate functions γ:[0,∞)→∝. Moreover, we show that, with appropriately chosen γ, the perturbed process can pass continuously (i.e. creep) into (-∞, 0) in two different ways.
First Passage Times of Constant-Elasticity-of-Variance Processes with Two-Sided Reflecting Barriers
Authors: Bo Lijun , Hao Chen
Published: December 2012

In this paper we explore the first passage times of constant-elasticity-of-variance (CEV) processes with two-sided reflecting barriers. The explicit Laplace transforms of the first passage times are derived. Our results can include analytic formulae concerning Laplace transforms of first passage times of reflected Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes, reflected geometric Brownian motions, and reflected square-root processes.
Kronecker-Based Infinite Level-Dependent QBD Processes
Authors: Dayar TuǦrul , Can Orhan M.
Published: December 2012

Markovian systems with multiple interacting subsystems under the influence of a control unit are considered. The state spaces of the subsystems are countably infinite, whereas that of the control unit is finite. A recent infinite level-dependent quasi-birth-and-death model for such systems is extended by facilitating the automatic representation and generation of the nonzero blocks in its underlying infinitesimal generator matrix with sums of Kronecker products. Experiments are performed on systems of stochastic chemical kinetics having two or more countably infinite state space subsystems. Results indicate that, even though more memory is consumed, there are many cases where a matrix-analytic solution coupled with Lyapunov theory yields a faster and more accurate steady-state measure compared to that obtained with simulation.
Improving the Asmussen–Kroese-Type Simulation Estimators
Authors: Ghamami Samim , Ross Sheldon M.
Published: December 2012

The Asmussen–Kroese Monte Carlo estimators of P(Sn > u) and P(SN > u) are known to work well in rare event settings, where SN is the sum of independent, identically distributed heavy-tailed random variables X1,…,XN and N is a nonnegative, integer-valued random variable independent of the Xi. In this paper we show how to improve the Asmussen–Kroese estimators of both probabilities when the Xi are nonnegative. We also apply our ideas to estimate the quantity E[(SN-u)+].
Parasite manipulation of host personality and behavioural syndromes
Authors: Poulin Robert
Published: December 2012

The past decades have seen mounting evidence that parasites alter their host’s behaviour in ways that benefit transmission, based on differences in the expression of behavioural traits between infected and control individuals, or on significant correlations between trait expression and infection levels. The multidimensional nature of host manipulation has only recently been recognised: parasites do not target single host traits, but instead suites of interrelated traits. Here, I use recent research on animal personality (behavioural differences among individuals consistent across time and situations) and behavioural syndromes (correlations at the population level among distinct behavioural traits, or between the same trait expressed in different contexts) to provide a framework from which simple testable patterns of host behavioural changes can be predicted. Following infection, a manipulative parasite could (i) change the temporal consistency of its host’s behavioural responses, (ii) change the slope of a host reaction norm, i.e. the way host behavioural traits are expressed as a function of an environmental gradient, or (iii) decouple two or more host behavioural traits and/or change the way in which they correlate with each other. Two case studies involving trematode parasites and their freshwater hosts are used to provide empirical illustrations of the above scenarios. These clearly illustrate the full richness of behavioural alterations induced by parasites, and how these effects would go unnoticed using the classical trait-by-trait comparisons of mean values between parasitised and non-parasitised individuals. However, the power of animal personality and behavioural syndromes to inform research on host manipulation by parasites will only be fully realised when underlying mechanisms are elucidated and linked to their phenotypic impacts.
Immune–neural connections: how the immune system’s response to infectious agents influences behavior
Authors: McCusker Robert H. , Kelley Keith W.
Published: December 2012

Humans and animals use the classical five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste to monitor their environment. The very survival of feral animals depends on these sensory perception systems, which is a central theme in scholarly research on comparative aspects of anatomy and physiology. But how do all of us sense and respond to an infection? We cannot see, hear, feel, smell or taste bacterial and viral pathogens, but humans and animals alike are fully aware of symptoms of sickness that are caused by these microbes. Pain, fatigue, altered sleep pattern, anorexia and fever are common symptoms in both sick animals and humans. Many of these physiological changes represent adaptive responses that are considered to promote animal survival, and this constellation of events results in sickness behavior. Infectious agents display a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These PRR are expressed on both the surface [e.g. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4] and in the cytoplasm [e.g. nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors] of cells of the innate immune system, primarily macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells initiate and propagate an inflammatory response by stimulating the synthesis and release of a variety of cytokines. Once an infection has occurred in the periphery, both cytokines and bacterial toxins deliver this information to the brain using both humoral and neuronal routes of communication. For example, binding of PRR can lead to activation of the afferent vagus nerve, which communicates neuronal signals via the lower brain stem (nucleus tractus solitarius) to higher brain centers such as the hypothalamus and amygdala. Blood-borne cytokines initiate a cytokine response from vascular endothelial cells that form the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Cytokines can also reach the brain directly by leakage through the BBB via circumventricular organs or by being synthesized within the brain, thus forming a mirror image of the cytokine milieu in the periphery. Although all cells within the brain are capable of initiating cytokine secretion, microglia have an early response to incoming neuronal and humoral stimuli. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines that are induced following bacterial infection blocks the appearance of sickness behaviors. Collectively, these data are consistent with the notion that the immune system communicates with the brain to regulate behavior in a way that is consistent with animal survival.
Parasites: evolution’s neurobiologists
Authors: Adamo Shelley Anne
Published: December 2012

For millions of years, parasites have altered the behaviour of their hosts. Parasites can affect host behaviour by: (1) interfering with the host’s normal immune–neural communication, (2) secreting substances that directly alter neuronal activity via non-genomic mechanisms and (3) inducing genomic- and/or proteomic-based changes in the brain of the host. Changes in host behaviour are often restricted to particular behaviours, with many other behaviours remaining unaffected. Neuroscientists can produce this degree of selectivity by targeting specific brain areas. Parasites, however, do not selectively attack discrete brain areas. Parasites typically induce a variety of effects in several parts of the brain. Parasitic manipulation of host behaviour evolved within the context of the manipulation of other host physiological systems (especially the immune system) that was required for a parasite’s survival. This starting point, coupled with the fortuitous nature of evolutionary innovation and evolutionary pressures to minimize the costs of parasitic manipulation, likely contributed to the complex and indirect nature of the mechanisms involved in host behavioural control. Because parasites and neuroscientists use different tactics to control behaviour, studying the methods used by parasites can provide novel insights into how nervous systems generate and regulate behaviour. Studying how parasites influence host behaviour will also help us integrate genomic, proteomic and neurophysiological perspectives on behaviour.
Comparing mechanisms of host manipulation across host and parasite taxa
Authors: Lafferty Kevin D. , Shaw Jenny C.
Published: December 2012

Parasites affect host behavior in several ways. They can alter activity, microhabitats or both. For trophically transmitted parasites (the focus of our study), decreased activity might impair the ability of hosts to respond to final-host predators, and increased activity and altered microhabitat choice might increase contact rates between hosts and final-host predators. In an analysis of trophically transmitted parasites, more parasite groups altered activity than altered microhabitat choice. Parasites that infected vertebrates were more likely to impair the host’s reaction to predators, whereas parasites that infected invertebrates were more likely to increase the host’s contact with predators. The site of infection might affect how parasites manipulate their hosts. For instance, parasites in the central nervous system seem particularly suited to manipulating host behavior. Manipulative parasites commonly occupy the body cavity, muscles and central nervous systems of their hosts. Acanthocephalans in the data set differed from other taxa in that they occurred exclusively in the body cavity of invertebrates. In addition, they were more likely to alter microhabitat choice than activity. Parasites in the body cavity (across parasite types) were more likely to be associated with increased host contact with predators. Parasites can manipulate the host through energetic drain, but most parasites use more sophisticated means. For instance, parasites target four physiological systems that shape behavior in both invertebrates and vertebrates: neural, endocrine, neuromodulatory and immunomodulatory. The interconnections between these systems make it difficult to isolate specific mechanisms of host behavioral manipulation.
Host–parasite molecular cross-talk during the manipulative process of a host by its parasite
Authors: Biron David G. , Loxdale Hugh D.
Published: December 2012

Many parasite taxa are able to alter a wide range of phenotypic traits of their hosts in ways that seem to improve the parasite’s chance of completing its life cycle. Host behavioural alterations are classically seen as compelling illustrations of the ‘extended phenotype’ concept, which suggests that parasite genes have phenotype effects on the host. The molecular mechanisms and the host–parasite cross-talk involved during the manipulative process of a host by its parasite are still poorly understood. In this Review, the current knowledge on proximate mechanisms related to the ‘parasite manipulation hypothesis’ is presented. Parasite genome sequences do not themselves provide a full explanation of parasite biology nor of the molecular cross-talk involved in host–parasite associations. Recently, first-generation proteomics tools have been employed to unravel some aspects of the parasite manipulation process (i.e. proximate mechanisms and evolutionary convergence) using certain model arthropod-host–parasite associations. The pioneer proteomics results obtained on the manipulative process are here highlighted, along with the many gaps in our knowledge. Candidate genes and biochemical pathways potentially involved in the parasite manipulation are presented. Finally, taking into account the environmental factors, we suggest new avenues and approaches to further explore and understand the proximate mechanisms used by parasite species to alter phenotypic traits of their hosts.
The significance of cerebral toxocariasis: a model system for exploring the link between brain involvement, behaviour and the immune response
Authors: Holland Celia V. , Hamilton Clare M.
Published: December 2012

Toxocara canis is a parasitic nematode that infects canines worldwide, and as a consequence of the widespread environmental dissemination of its ova in host faeces, other abnormal hosts including mice and humans are exposed to infection. In such abnormal or paratenic hosts, the immature third-stage larvae undergo a somatic migration through the organs of the body but fail to reach maturity as adult worms in the intestine. The presence of the migrating larvae contributes to pathology that is dependent upon the intensity of infection and the location of the larvae. A phenomenon of potential public health significance in humans and of ecological significance in mice is that T. canis larvae exhibit neurotrophic behaviour, which results in a greater concentration of parasites in the brain, as infection progresses. Toxocara larval burdens vary between individual outbred mice receiving the same inocula, suggesting a role for immunity in the establishment of cerebral infection. Although the systemic immune response to T. canis has been widely reported, the immune response in the brain has received little attention. Differential cytokine expression and other brain injury-associated biomarkers have been observed in infected versus uninfected outbred and inbred mice. Preliminary data have also suggested a possible link between significant memory impairment and cytokine production associated with T. canis infection. Mice provide a useful, replicable animal model with significant applicability and ease of manipulation. Understanding the cerebral host–parasite relationship may shed some light on the cryptic symptoms of human infection where patients often present with other CNS disorders such as epilepsy and mental retardation.
CD200 Expression in Plasma Cells of Nonmyeloma Immunoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Olteanu Horatiu , Harrington Alexandra M. , Kroft Steven H.
Published: December 2012

The majority of plasma cell myelomas (PCMs) are positive for CD200, a membrane protein with immunosuppressive function. There are no flow cytometry data in the literature on plasma cell CD200 expression in other immunoproliferative disorders. Therefore we used flow cytometry to study the expression of CD200 on plasma cells in diagnostic bone marrow aspirates from 61 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and 10 patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). For comparison, we evaluated CD200 expression in 74 PCM bone marrow biopsies. Thirty-three (54.1%) of 61 MGUS cases and 2 (20.0%) of 10 LPL cases were CD200+. Comparative clinicopathologic parameters for MGUS cases, based on CD200 expression status, showed no differences between the 2 groups. The proportion of CD200+ PCMs (73.0%) in our series was significantly higher than that of CD200+ MGUS (P = .030) and CD200+ LPL (P = .002) cases.
Comparison of Monoclonal Napsin A, Polyclonal Napsin A, and TTF-1 for Determining Lung Origin in Metastatic Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Katzenstein Anna-Luise A.
Published: December 2012

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is currently the best immunohistochemical marker for carcinomas of lung origin. Our aim was to compare napsin A to TTF-1 for identifying pulmonary origin in metastatic adenocarcinoma and its mimics. One hundred fifty-five metastatic carcinomas (55 pulmonary, 100 nonpulmonary) were stained with monoclonal napsin A and TTF-1, and most also with polyclonal napsin A. The sensitivity of monoclonal napsin A, polyclonal napsin A, and TTF-1 for metastatic adenocarcinomas of pulmonary origin was 76%, 81%, and 82%, respectively. Two lung carcinomas were diffusely positive for monoclonal napsin A, but negative or equivocal for TTF-1. TTF-1 stained 9 of 100 nonpulmonary carcinomas (all thyroid), monoclonal napsin A stained 12 of 100 (4 sites), and polyclonal napsin A stained 27 of 91 (8 sites). Napsin A is expressed in a wider variety of metastatic nonpulmonary carcinomas than TTF-1, and the monoclonal antibody is more specific. Napsin A is a useful adjunct to TTF-1, because occasional lung adenocarcinomas are TTF-1 negative but napsin A positive.
Thymic Hyperplasia With Lymphoepithelial Sialadenitis (LESA)–like Features
Authors: Weissferdt Annikka , Moran Cesar A.
Published: December 2012

Four cases of an unusual type of thymic hyperplasia strongly resembling lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (LESA) of the salivary glands are described. The patients were 2 men and 2 women aged 37 to 53 years. On histologic examination, abundant lymphoid tissue with lymphoid follicles containing germinal centers and areas of plasma cell infiltration were seen. The epithelial component consisted of a proliferation of Hassall corpuscles and islands of thymic epithelial cells. Cystic changes and lymphoepithelial lesions were identified in all cases, but a monocytoid B-cell population was absent. On immunohistochemical examination, a mixed B- and T-cell population was identified, and polymerase chain reaction performed in 1 case showed polyclonality. Follow-up revealed that all patients were alive 5 months to 9 years after diagnosis. The cases in this series represent a distinct type of thymic hyperplasia that histologically strongly resembles LESA. The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features are presented, and a possible relationship with thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is discussed.
Nitrate Reduction by Redox-Activated, Polydiallyldimethylammonium-Exchanged Ferruginous Smectite
Authors: Su Kai , Radian Adi , Mishael Yael , Yang Lizhong , Stucki Joseph W.
Published: December 2012

Nitrate is linked to chronic human illness and to a variety of environmental problems, and continues to be a contaminant of concern in soils and natural waters. Improved methods for nitrate abatement, thus, are still needed. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for redox-modified, iron-bearing clay minerals to act as nitrate decontamination agents in natural environments. The model clay mineral tested was ferruginous smectite (sample SWa-1) exchanged with either sodium (Na+) or polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (poly-DADMAC). Structural iron (Fe) in SWa-1 was in either the oxidized or reduced state. Little nitrate uptake was observed in the Na+-SWa-1, which was attributed to coulombic repulsion between the basal surfaces of the smectite and the nitrate anion. The addition of the DADMAC to the SWa-1 reversed the electrostatic charge manifested at the smectite surface from negative to positive, as measured by the zeta (ζ) potential. The positively charged poly-DADMAC-SWa-1 yielded high nitrate uptake due to coulombic attraction in both the oxidized and reduced states of the Fe in the SWa-1. The presence of reduced structural Fe(II) in the positively charged poly-DADMAC-SWa-1 enabled a chemical reduction reaction with the nitrate to produce nitrite. The amounts of nitrite found in solution, however, failed to account for all of the Fe(II) oxidized, so other N reduction products may also have formed or perhaps nitrite was also present in the adsorbed phase. The effects of other complexities, such as polymer configuration at the surface, also need further investigation. The results do clearly establish abiotic nitrate reduction to nitrite and possibly other reduction products. The combination of bacterial activity in soils and sediments, which is known to reduce structural Fe in smectites, and the abundance of organic cations in soil organic matter creates an environment where reversed-charge smectite could exist in nature. This represents a potentially effective system for mitigating harmful effects of nitrate in soils, sediments, groundwater, and surface water.
Rietveld Refinement of Disordered Illite-Smectite Mixed-Layer Structures by a Recursive Algorithm. II: Powder-Pattern Refinement and Quantitative Phase Analysis
Authors: Ufer Kristian , Kleeberg Reinhard , Bergmann Jörg , Dohrmann Reiner
Published: December 2012

X-ray diffraction (XRD) of powdered materials is one of the most common methods used for structural characterization as well as for the quantification of mineral contents in mixtures. The application of the Rietveld method for that purpose requires structure models for each phase. The recursive calculation of structure factors was applied here to the Rietveld refinement of XRD powder patterns of illite-smectite (I-S) minerals. This approach allowed implementation of stacking disorder in structural models. Models for disordered stacking of cis-vacant and trans-vacant dioctahedral 2:1 layers as well as rotational disorder were combined with models for mixed layering of illitic and smectitic layers.

The DIFFaX code was used to simulate non-basal (hk) reflections of illites with different degrees of disorder. Rietveld refinements of these simulated patterns were used to evaluate the application of this new approach. A model describing rotational disorder (n·120° and n·60° rotations) and mixed layering of cis-vacant and trans-vacant dioctahedral layers was tested. Different starting parameters led to identical results within the ranges of standard deviations and confirmed the stability of the automatic refinement procedure. The influence on the refinement result of an incorrect choice of fixed parameters was demonstrated.

The hk model was combined with models describing the basal reflections of disordered I-S and tested on measured data. A glauconitic mineral (Urkut, Hungary), an ordered I-S (ISCz-1, a special clay in the Source Clays Repository of The Clay Minerals Society), and a dioctahedral I-S (F4, Füzérradvány, Hungary) were used as test substances. Parameters describing the mixed layering of illitic and smectitic layers were compared with the results from refinements of oriented mounts and showed good agreement. A pattern of a physical mixture of an I-S mineral and a turbostratically disordered smectite was analyzed in order to test the new approach for application in quantitative phase analysis. The quantitative Rietveld phase analysis results were found to be satisfactory.
Online Exposure for Spider Phobia: Continuous Versus Intermittent Exposure
Authors: Matthews Allison J. , Wong Zee H. , Scanlan Joel D. , Kirkby Ken C.
Published: December 2012

Background: The aim of this research was to evaluate an online exposure treatment for spider phobia (www.feardrop.com) and to investigate the effects of intermittent versus continuous exposure.

Methods: Spider phobic participants (N = 23) completed two 14-minute stages of laboratory-based online exposure. In the first of these stages exposure was either continuous or intermittent (alternating fearrelevant and -irrelevant images). One week later, participants commenced a sixstage home-based graded online exposure task, which was undertaken over 30 days. Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings were taken throughout all exposure stages. Spider fear was assessed prior to treatment, and at 1-week and 1-month post treatment.

Results: Habituation was observed across each stage for both the laboratory and home-based tasks and generalisation of habituation was found between stages. Habituation was not impaired in the alternating fear-relevant and -irrelevant image condition, though subjects experienced less summed anxiety. Adherence rates were low in home-based online exposure. However, participants who completed 30-days post-treatment assessment (n = 14) showed a significant reduction in spider fear as measured by the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire (FSQ).

Conclusions: Online exposure produces habituation and generalisation of habituation to spider images as well as longer-term reductions in spider fear. Alternating fear-relevant and -irrelevant exposure is feasible in online exposure and may lead to habituation with less summed anxiety that has implications for tolerability and acceptability. Measures to increase adherence rates and hence dosage delivered are a key consideration for further online exposure research.
Are Australian Treatment Agencies Equipped to Deal With Rising Numbers of Presentations for Cannabis Issues?
Authors: Frewen Amie R. , Copeland Jan
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate drug and alcohol work-force issues related to the treatment of cannabis use and related problems in Australia. Method: A postal or online questionnaire of randomly selected drug and alcohol clinicians (n = 179) across Australia. Results: A total of 53 clinicians (30%) completed surveys. Results indicated that staff in metropolitan services tended to have higher qualifications than rural and regional agencies. Access to ongoing training and clinical supervision could be improved, with approximately one third of staff having not received training in the last five years, and nearly one in five agencies not offering regular clinical supervision. Preferred options for the further development of cannabis treatments included support for medications and specific cannabis outpatient clinics. Discussion: To adequately assist with the consequences of cannabis use frontline workers need to be adequately supported to deliver evidenced based interventions.
Crossroads of Experience: Miyazaki Hayao's Global/Local Nexus
Authors: Goulding Jay
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the double folding of time and space in the anime films of Miyazaki Hayao: the past becomes the present and the present becomes the past. Particular attention is paid to Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke) and Sen To Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away). Miyazaki
entertains a unique Japanese response to the cultural challenges of globalization with the use of Shinto and Buddhist themes. For him, "global goes local" is more than a slogan. In the wake of the influx of American commodity culture in Japan, Miyazaki's films attempt to enact an
ironic reversal. Global trends (especially from the West) are themselves "spirited away" and transformed into deep Japanese and Chinese philosophy against a backdrop of local folk culture. Hence, the roots of Japanese heritage emerge through the crossroads of experience: East and
West, ancient and modern, old and young, inside and outside.
Kurosawa's Censored Satori
Authors: Klinger Walter
Published: December 2012

This article will discuss the story of Sugata Sanshiro and how it provides some interesting perspectives on Japanese society and religion; in particular, it shows a satori or "sudden enlightenment experience" and how it affects Sanshiro life. The variations of the novels and
films as they appeared in wartime and postwar also reveal that a number of phrases which may have spiritual overtones to some people and militaristic connotations to others have disappeared or have been replaced with more innocuous phrases.
A Study of Japanese, Korean, and Hong Kong Beauty Comedies
Authors: Shuk-ting Kinnia Yau
Published: December 2012

The article begins by examining the historical background of motion pictures in Japan and Hong Kong. Part two turns to look at the external catalyst of beauty comedies from a social perspective. The final part investigates the internal significance of beauty comedies, which will then
lead us into whether women's contemporary status has been improved from the men's perspective.
Thalamic Control of Layer 1 Circuits in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Cruikshank Scott J. , Ahmed Omar J. , Stevens Tanya R. , Patrick Saundra L. , Gonzalez Amalia N. , Elmaleh Margot , Connors Barry W.
Published: December 2012

Knowledge of thalamocortical (TC) processing comes mainly from studying core thalamic systems that project to middle layers of primary sensory cortices. However, most thalamic relay neurons comprise a matrix of cells that are densest in the “nonspecific” thalamic nuclei and usually target layer 1 (L1) of multiple cortical areas. A longstanding hypothesis is that matrix TC systems are crucial for regulating neocortical excitability during changing behavioral states, yet we know almost nothing about the mechanisms of such regulation. It is also unclear whether synaptic and circuit mechanisms that are well established for core sensory TC systems apply to matrix TC systems. Here we describe studies of thalamic matrix influences on mouse prefrontal cortex using optogenetic andin vitroelectrophysiology techniques. Channelrhodopsin-2 was expressed in midline and paralaminar (matrix) thalamic neurons, and their L1-projecting TC axons were activated optically. Contrary to conventional views, we found that matrix TC projections to L1 could transmit relatively strong, fast, high-fidelity synaptic signals. L1 TC projections preferentially drove inhibitory interneurons of L1, especially those of the late-spiking subtype, and often triggered feedforward inhibition in both L1 interneurons and pyramidal cells of L2/L3. Responses during repetitive stimulation were far more sustained for matrix than for core sensory TC pathways. Thus, matrix TC circuits appear to be specialized for robust transmission over relatively extended periods, consistent with the sort of persistent activation observed during working memory and potentially applicable to state-dependent regulation of excitability.
Estradiol Selectively Enhances Auditory Function in Avian Forebrain Neurons
Authors: Caras Melissa L. , O'Brien Matthew , Brenowitz Eliot A. , Rubel Edwin W.
Published: December 2012

Sex steroids modulate vertebrate sensory processing, but the impact of circulating hormone levels on forebrain function remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that circulating sex steroids modulate single-unit responses in the avian telencephalic auditory nucleus, field L. We mimicked breeding or nonbreeding conditions by manipulating plasma 17β-estradiol levels in wild-caught female Gambel's white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). Extracellular responses of single neurons to tones and conspecific songs presented over a range of intensities revealed that estradiol selectively enhanced auditory function in cells that exhibited monotonic rate level functions to pure tones. In these cells, estradiol treatment increased spontaneous and maximum evoked firing rates, increased pure tone response strengths and sensitivity, and expanded the range of intensities over which conspecific song stimuli elicited significant responses. Estradiol did not significantly alter the sensitivity or dynamic ranges of cells that exhibited non-monotonic rate level functions. Notably, there was a robust correlation between plasma estradiol concentrations in individual birds and physiological response properties in monotonic, but not non-monotonic neurons. These findings demonstrate that functionally distinct classes of anatomically overlapping forebrain neurons are differentially regulated by sex steroid hormones in a dose-dependent manner.
SEZ-led Growth in Taiwan, Korea, and India: Implementing a Successful Strategy
Authors: Aggarwal Aradhna
Published: December 2012

The present study examines the ingredients of strategic state intervention in growth driven by special economic zones (SEZs). Analyzing the experiences of Taiwan, South Korea, and India, the research reveals that essential components of a strategic SEZ policy include the spirit of experimentation with strategic policy making informed by a medium- to long-term vision, as well as a strong commitment, pragmatic approach, dynamic learning, and institution-building.
TSH and free triiodothyronine concentrations are associated with weight loss in a lifestyle intervention and weight regain afterwards in obese children
Authors: Wolters Barbara , Lass Nina , Reinehr Thomas
Published: December 2012

Objective

The impact of thyroid hormones on weight loss in lifestyle interventions and on weight regain afterwards is unknown. Therefore, we studied the relationships between TSH, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and weight status, as well as their changes during and after a lifestyle intervention in obese children.

Materials and methods

We evaluated the weight status as BMI–SDS in 477 obese children (mean age 10.6±2.7 years, 46% male, mean BMI 28.1±4.5 kg/m2) participating in a 1-year lifestyle intervention in a 2-year longitudinal study. Changes in BMI–SDS at 1 and 2 years were correlated with TSH, fT3, and fT4concentrations at baseline and their changes during the intervention.

Results

A decrease in BMI–SDS during the intervention period (−0.32±0.38;P<0.001) was significantly positively associated with baseline TSH and fT3in multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, and baseline BMI–SDS. An increase in BMI–SDS after the end of the intervention (+0.05±0.36;P=0.011) was significantly related to the decreases in TSH and fT3during the intervention in multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for change in BMI–SDS during the intervention. In contrast to children with weight maintenance, children with weight regain after the end of the intervention demonstrated a decrease in their TSH levels (−0.1±1.6 vs +0.2±1.6 mU/l;P=0.03) and fT3(−0.2±1.1 vs +0.3±1.6 pg/ml;P<0.001) during the intervention.

Conclusions

The decreases in TSH and fT3concentrations during the lifestyle intervention were associated with weight regain after the intervention. Future studies should confirm that the decreases in TSH and fT3levels associated with weight loss are related to the change in metabolism such as resting energy expenditure.
The Influence of Ni on the Transport Properties of CoSb3
Authors: Uher Ctirad , Dyck Jeffrey S. , Chen Wei , Meisner Gregory P. , Yanga Jihui
Published: December 2012

The effect of Ni doping on the Co site of the binary skutterudite CoSb3 is investigated. We measured resistivity, Hall effect, magnetoresistance, thermopower, thermal conductivity, and magnetization of a series of samples of the form Co1-xNixSb3 with x in the range x=0 to x=0.01. We find that Ni takes the tetravalent state Ni4+, assumes the d6 electronic configuration for the lower energy non-bonding orbitals, and gives an electron to the conduction band. Ni doping dramatically suppresses the thermal conductivity, changes the temperature dependence of the thermopower, and increases the carrier concentration. Low temperature anomalies in thermopower, Hall coefficient and magnetoresistance are found.
Major Advances in the Synthesis of POSS Monomers
Authors: Feher Frank J. , Terroba Raquel , Jin Ren-Zhi , Lücke Sabine , Nguyen Frank , Brutchey Richard , Wyndham Kevin D
Published: December 2012

Several new methods have been developed for the synthesis of POSS monomers from fully condensed [RSiO3/2]nand [ROSiO3/2]n(n = 6 or 8) frameworks. These methods, which all rely on highly selective base-catalyzed reactions of Si/O frameworks, provide unprecedented access to new POSS monomers and the means for manufacturing useful POSS monomers on a large scale from readily available silane monomers.
Emission Characteristics of OLEDs on Planar and Non-Planar Substrates
Authors: Scheffel Marcus , Birnstock Jan , Hunze Arvid , Paetzold Ralph , Rau Lothar , Rogler Wolfgang , Voegele Sven , Winnacker Albrecht
Published: December 2012

We report on light extraction experiments with polyfluorene based organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The intensity distribution of emission within the substrate and within air is determined experimentally. For the devices investigated in this study, we find that the external quantum efficiency can be increased by a factor of 1.82, in the case of complete suppression of waveguiding within the substrate. The experimental data is in good agreement with modeling results based on dipole emission within a multilayer system. As a consequence of these findings, we modified the device topology by introducing light extraction structures between glass substrate and indium tin oxide anode. This results in redirection of photon trajectories and thus in a higher probability to extract waveguided radiation. At a luminance of 100 cd/m2, the photometric efficiency for emission in forward direction is enhanced by a factor of 1.45 to 8.9 cd/A.
Influence of Pressure and Plasma Potential on High Growth Rate Microcrystalline Silicon Grown by Vhf Pecvd
Authors: Gordijn A. , Francke J. , Hodakova L. , Rath J.K. , Schropp R.E.I.
Published: December 2012

Microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) based single junction solar cells are deposited by VHF PECVD using a showerhead cathode at high pressures in depletion conditions. At a deposition rate of 4.5 nm/s, a stabilized conversion efficiency of 6.7 % is obtained for a single junction solar cell with a μc-Si i-layer of 1 μm. The i-layer is made near the transition from amorphous to crystalline. In order to control the material properties in the growth direction, the hydrogen dilution of silane in the gas phase is graded following different profiles with a parabolic shape. It is observed that the performance of solar cells deposited at high rate improves under light soaking conditions at 50 °C, which we attribute to post deposition equilibration of a fast deposited transition material.

The performance is lower at higher rates due to poorer i-layer quality (higher defect density), which may be attributed to smaller relaxation times for growth precursors at the growth surface and the higher energy ion bombardment at higher plasma power. High process pressures can be used to reduce the ion energy by decreasing the mean free path. We have introduced an additional method to limit the ion energy by controlling the DC self bias voltage using an external power source. In this way the quality of the μc-Si layers and the performance of the solar cells is further improved.
New Conjugated Polymers Derived from Carbazole as Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Lévesque Isabelle , Gao Xing , Ratcliffe Christopher I. , Klug Dennis D. , Tse John S. , Blouin Nicolas , Morin Jean-François , Leclerc Mario
Published: December 2012

Novel poly(3,6-hexyl-2,7-N-octylcarbazole) derivatives and poly(diindolocarbazole)s were synthesized. Optical, electrochemical, electrical and thermoelectric properties were investigated. Band structure calculations were used to predict which polymers were promising as thermoelectric materials. The best combination of Seebeck coefficient and conductivity (power factor) was 9,4 x10-8 Wm-1K-2 with a copolymer of carbazole and thiophene. This corresponds to a ZT at room temperature of 0.0003. Optimization of the polymer structure and doping level should lead to an increased ZT.
Anchoring of Organic Molecules on Cu(001) Surface Through S-Headgroup.
Authors: Monachesi P. , Chiodo L. , Bussolotti F. , Betti M. G. , Mariani C.
Published: December 2012

We characterize, experimentally and theoretically, the electronic properties of the S/Cu(001) interface in two molecule-metal systems, Mercaptobenzoxazole(MBO) and Methanethiol on Cu(001), containing the S-headgroup. The S atom realizes the anchoring of the whole molecule to the substrate through the formation of an S-Cu hybrid, irrespective of the p(2×2) and c(2×2) reconstruction, but with different relative orbital contributions. This behaviour may be highlighted only by the comparison of the high resolution angular resolved photoemission spectra with the ab inito calculated electronic density of states of the interface.