bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DISCRETE PREDICTING CONTROLLER
Authors: Bainbridge Lisanne
Published: August 2011

This paper describes an attempt to develop a control device which has some of the characteristics of human processing rather than of the lead‐lag formulations of control theory. The controller's sensory limitations, the way in which it internally represents the behaviour of the system under control, and its control strategy, are described. A digital computer simulation of the controller has been subjected to two performance tests; and the limitations of its behaviour are discussed.
An application of the analysis of covariance structures to the psychogenetical study of impulsiveness
Authors: Eaves L. J. , Martin N. G. , Eysenck Sybil B. G.
Published: August 2011

A method based on Jöreskog's approach to the analysis of covariance structures is applied to the genotype‐environment analysis of the covariation of four aspects of impulsiveness in male and female monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The data are consistent with a simple model which assumes additive gene action, random mating and environmental effects within families. Further, it is shown that genotypic factor loadings can be regarded as constant multiples of corresponding environmental loadings. Trait‐specific sex interactions are detected which suggest that some mechanism of sex‐limitation could contribute to specific variation.
A quasi‐statistical model for choosing between alternative configurations derived from ordinally constrained data
Authors: Lingoes James C. , Borg Ingwer
Published: August 2011

Present‐day users of MDS techniques are confronted with many choices and options, e.g. whether to use A's procedure or B's,…, whether to select m or m + 1 dimensions, whether to use a metric or ordinally based MDS, would a few more iterations make any difference, is configuration A equivalent to B, has an hypothesis been confirmed or not, …, etc.—in sum, what are the consequences of such choices and on what basis does one select? In this difficult research environment there is little (and sometimes conflicting) guidance. We shall suggest a possible strategy and an objective, quasi‐statistical decision model for such choices, since there are no statistical models completely free from criticism when used in the MDS context.
Linear composites in multiattribute judgement and choice: Extensions of Wilks' results to zero and negatively correlated attributes
Authors: Krieger Abba M. , Green Paul E.
Published: August 2011

One of the most common ways of evaluating two or more options that vary along multiple criteria is to form linear composites that incorporate the decision maker's assessment of the relative importance of each criterion. Variations of this procedure are prevalent in both the behavioural and policy disciplines.

Over 50 years ago Wilks (1 938) showed that if the criteria underlying the options are sufficiently highly correlated then the choice of weights does not matter, in the sense that the correlation between composites formed from any two independent sets of ratings tends to 1 as the number of criteria increases. Wilks' result, however, requires two assumptions, namely positively correlated attributes and independent choices of weights. Through various extensions of his results, we show that Wilks' conclusion is highly robust‐nly extreme, simultaneous violation of both assumptions produces negatively correlated composites.
Integrating What and When Across the Primate Medial Temporal Lobe
Authors: Naya Yuji , Suzuki Wendy A.
Published: August 2011

Structures of the medial temporal lobe provide distinct but complementary signals to encode temporal-order information.
Correlation of HIV-Specific Immunity, Viral Control, and Diversification following Planned Multiple Exposures to Autologous HIV in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Borkowsky William , McFarland Elizabeth J. , Yogev Ram , Li Yonghua , Harding Paul
Published: August 2011

Repeated controlled exposure to autologous virus was previously shown to result in increased CD8 T lymphocyte response to HIV antigens and accompanying reduction in viremia. We attempted to see if this immunity contributed to virologic control by correlating the immune response with quasispecies envelope diversification, an indicator of immune selection. The greatest diversification was seen in those with the greatest reduction in viremia but was unrelated to the frequency of Env-specific gamma interferon-producing cells. There was a trend toward correlation between the response to multiple HIV antigens and diversification.
THE ORDERED DISTRIBUTE CONSTRAINT
Authors: PETIT THIERRY , RÉGIN JEAN-CHARLES
Published: August 2011

In this paper we introduce a new cardinality constraint: Ordered Distribute. Given a set of variables, this constraint limits for each value v the number of times v or any value greater than v is taken. It extends the global cardinality constraint, that constrains only the number of times a value v is taken by a set of variables and does not consider at the same time the occurrences of all the values greater than v . We design an algorithm for achieving generalized arc-consistency on Ordered Distribute, with a time complexity linear in the sum of the number of variables and the number of values in the union of their domains. In addition, we give some experiments showing the advantage of this new constraint for problems where values represent levels whose overrunning has to be under control. Finally, we present three extensions of our constraint that can be particularly useful in practice.
Strategic Decision-Making Mechanism of Yuhan-Kimberly: 1984–2007
Authors: Park Namgyoo K. , Kim Jinsung , Kim Hyojung
Published: August 2011

Yuhan-Kimberly's core competence is its strategic decision-making process mechanism. During the early 1990s, Yuhan-Kimberly had some serious weaknesses in its major operational divisions. With multinational companies such as P&G coming into the Korean market, the company had to make important decisions. Fortunately, Yuhan-Kimberly was able to make timely strategic decisions at the top management level, successfully dealing with its weaknesses in order to withstand multi-national corporations much bigger than itself.

However, if one considers "strategically sound decisions" are all that Yuhan-Kimberly took to accomplish what it has done today, such comment would miss the point. The unique organizational structure, the corporate culture of Yuhan-Kimberly, and the strategic decision-making process are what made the decisions of senior management possible. Only a close inspection of all these factors will reveal the competitive advantage as well as the core competence of Yuhan-Kimberly as a whole.
Role of NKCC in BK channel-mediated net K+secretion in the CCD
Authors: Liu Wen , Schreck Carlos , Coleman Richard A. , Wade James B. , Hernandez Yubelka , Zavilowitz Beth , Warth Richard , Kleyman Thomas R. , Satlin Lisa M.
Published: August 2011

Apical SK/ROMK and BK channels mediate baseline and flow-induced K secretion (FIKS), respectively, in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). BK channels are detected in acid-base transporting intercalated (IC) and Na-absorbing principal (PC) cells. Although the density of BK channels is greater in IC than PC, Na-K-ATPase activity in IC is considered inadequate to sustain high rates of urinary K secretion. To test the hypothesis that basolateral NKCC in the CCD contributes to BK channel-mediated FIKS, we measured net K secretion ( JK) and Na absorption ( JNa) at slow (∼1) and fast (∼5 nl·min−1·mm−1) flow rates in rabbit CCDs microperfused in vitro in the absence and presence of bumetanide, an inhibitor of NKCC, added to the bath. Bumetanide inhibited FIKS but not basal JK, JNa, or the flow-induced [Ca2+]itransient necessary for BK channel activation. Addition of luminal iberiotoxin, a BK channel inhibitor, to bumetanide-treated CCDs did not further reduce JK. Basolateral Cl removal reversibly inhibited FIKS but not basal JKor JNa. Quantitative PCR performed on single CCD samples using NKCC1- and 18S-specific primers and probes and the TaqMan assay confirmed the presence of the transcript in this nephron segment. To identify the specific cell type to which basolateral NKCC is localized, we exploited the ability of NKCC to accept NH4+at its K-binding site to monitor the rate of bumetanide-sensitive cytosolic acidification after NH4+addition to the bath in CCDs loaded with the pH indicator dye BCECF. Both IC and PC were found to have a basolateral bumetanide-sensitive NH4+entry step and NKCC1-specific antibodies labeled the basolateral surfaces of both cell types in CCDs. These results suggest that BK channel-mediated FIKS is dependent on a basolateral bumetanide-sensitive, Cl-dependent transport pathway, proposed to be NKCC1, in both IC and PC in the CCD.
Simulating Quantitative Cellular Responses Using Asynchronous Threshold Boolean Network Ensembles
Authors: Jack John , Wambaugh John F , Shah Imran
Published: August 2011

Background

With increasing knowledge about the potential mechanisms underlying cellular functions, it is becoming feasible to predict the response of biological systems to genetic and environmental perturbations. Due to the lack of homogeneity in living tissues it is difficult to estimate the physiological effect of chemicals, including potential toxicity. Here we investigate a biologically motivated model for estimating tissue level responses by aggregating the behavior of a cell population. We assume that the molecular state of individual cells is independently governed by discrete non-deterministic signaling mechanisms. This results in noisy but highly reproducible aggregate level responses that are consistent with experimental data.

Results

We developed an asynchronous threshold Boolean network simulation algorithm to model signal transduction in a single cell, and then used an ensemble of these models to estimate the aggregate response across a cell population. Using published data, we derived a putative crosstalk network involving growth factors and cytokines - i.e., Epidermal Growth Factor, Insulin, Insulin like Growth Factor Type 1, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α - to describe early signaling events in cell proliferation signal transduction. Reproducibility of the modeling technique across ensembles of Boolean networks representing cell populations is investigated. Furthermore, we compare our simulation results to experimental observations of hepatocytes reported in the literature.

Conclusion

A systematic analysis of the results following differential stimulation of this model by growth factors and cytokines suggests that: (a) using Boolean network ensembles with asynchronous updating provides biologically plausible noisy individual cellular responses with reproducible mean behavior for large cell populations, and (b) with sufficient data our model can estimate the response to different concentrations of extracellular ligands. Our results suggest that this approach is both quantitative, allowing statistical verification and calibration, and extensible, allowing modification and revision as guided by experimental evidence. The simulation methodology is part of the US EPA Virtual Liver, which is investigating the effects of everyday contaminants on living tissues. Future models will incorporate additional crosstalk surrounding proliferation as well as the putative effects of xenobiotics on these signaling cascades within hepatocytes.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Mantovani Giovanna
Published: August 2011

Context:

The term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) indicates a group of heterogeneous disorders whose common feature is represented by impaired signaling of various hormones (primarily PTH) that activate cAMP-dependent pathways via Gsα protein. The two main subtypes of PHP, PHP type Ia, and Ib (PHP-Ia, PHP-Ib) are caused by molecular alterations within or upstream of the imprinted GNAS gene, which encodes Gsα and other translated and untranslated products.

Evidence acquisition:

A PubMed search was used to identify the available studies (main query terms: pseudohypoparathyroidism; Albright hereditary osteodystrophy; GNAS; GNAS1; progressive osseous heteroplasia). The most relevant studies until February 2011 have been included in the review.

Evidence synthesis and conclusions:

Despite the first description of this disorder dates back to 1942, recent findings indicating complex epigenetic alterations beside classical mutations at the GNAS complex gene, pointed out the limitation of the actual classification of the disease, resulting in incorrect genetic counselling and diagnostic procedures, as well as the gap in our actual knowledge of the pathogenesis of these disorders. This review will focus on PHP type I, in particular its diagnosis, classification, treatment, and underlying molecular alterations.
The impact of ovulation on fallopian tube epithelial cells: evaluating three hypotheses connecting ovulation and serous ovarian cancer
Authors: King Shelby M , Hilliard Tyvette S , Wu Lucia Y , Jaffe Randal C , Fazleabas Asgerally T , Burdette Joanna E
Published: August 2011

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy affecting American women. Current hypotheses concerning the etiology of ovarian cancer propose that a reduction in the lifetime number of ovulations decreases ovarian cancer risk. Advanced serous carcinoma shares several biomarkers with fallopian tube epithelial cells, suggesting that some forms of ovarian carcinoma may originate in the fallopian tube. Currently, the impact of ovulation on the tubal epithelium is unknown. In CD1 mice, ovulation did not increase tubal epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining as compared to unstimulated animals. In superovulated mice, an increase in the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages was detected in the oviduct. Ovulation also increased levels of phospho-γH2A.X in TEC, indicating that these cells were susceptible to double-strand DNA breakage following ovulation. To determine which components of ovulation contributed to DNA damage in the fallopian tube, an immortalized baboon TEC cell line and a three-dimensional organ culture system for mouse oviduct and baboon fallopian tubes were developed. TEC did not proliferate or display increased DNA damage in response to the gonadotropins or estradiol alonein vitro. Oxidative stress generated by treatment with hydrogen peroxide or macrophage-conditioned medium increased DNA damage in TEC in culture. Ovulation may impact the fallopian tube epithelium by generating DNA damage and stimulating macrophage infiltration but does not increase proliferation through gonadotropin signaling.
Full scale evaluation of diffuser ageing with clean water oxygen transfer tests
Authors: Krampe J.
Published: August 2011

Aeration is a crucial part of the biological wastewater treatment in activated sludge systems and the main energy user of WWTPs. Approximately 50 to 60% of the total energy consumption of a WWTP can be attributed to the aeration system. The performance of the aeration system, and in the case of fine bubble diffused aeration the diffuser performance, has a significant impact on the overall plant efficiency. This paper seeks to isolate the changes of the diffuser performance over time by eliminating all other influencing parameters like sludge retention time, surfactants and reactor layout. To achieve this, different diffusers have been installed and tested in parallel treatment trains in two WWTPs. The diffusers have been performance tested in clean water tests under new conditions and after one year of operation. A set of material property tests describing the diffuser membrane quality was also performed. The results showed a significant drop in the performance of the EPDM diffuser in the first year which resulted in similar oxygen transfer efficiency around 16 g/m3/m for all tested systems. Even though the tested silicone diffusers did not show a drop in performance they had a low efficiency in the initial tests. The material properties indicate that the EPDM performance loss is partly due to the washout of additives.
Uterine Neuroectodermal Tumor with Ependymoblastic Features in an Infant with Clonal +del (2)(q11.2),-13: A Possible Role of Increased Gene Dosage on 2pter-2q11.2 in the Tumorigenesis
Authors: Donner Ludvik R.
Published: August 2011

Clonal +(2)(q11.2),-13 was detected in a uterine neuroectodermal tumor with ependymoblastic features arising in an infant. The tumor expressed vimentin, nestin, CD56, CD99, microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP 1B), focally microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP 2), synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, and, very focally, epithelial membrane antigen. Because trisomy 2 was previously detected in a medulloepithelioma of pelvic soft tissue and in several neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system, this finding is indicative of a possible role of increased dosage of gene(s) on chromosome 2 in the tumorigenesis of these neoplasms and of their histogenetic relatedness.
Registration of Seven Winter Wheat Germplasm Lines Carrying the Wsm1 Gene for Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Resistance
Authors: Mutti Jasdeep S. , Baenziger P. Stephen , Graybosch Robert A. , French Roy , Gill Kulvinder S.
Published: August 2011

Seven winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm lines carrying the Wsm1 gene conferring resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)—Alliance‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐858, PI 653710), Arrowsmith‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐859, PI 653711), Goodstreak‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐860, PI 653712), Harry‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐861, PI 653713), Millennium‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐862, PI 653714), Wahoo‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐863, PI 653715), and Wesley‐Wsm1 (Reg. No. GP‐864, PI 653716)—were codeveloped by Washington State University, Pullman, WA; the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE; and the USDA‐ARS. These seven different winter wheat cultivars were selected to provide more sources of effective resistance to WSMV in winter wheat cultivars of Nebraska and adjoining states. Resistance to WSMV is conferred by the Wsm1 gene, which was translocated from Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey [Agropyron intermedium (Horst.) Beauv.] into wheat. The STSJ15 marker was used to select for the gene in the backcross progeny until the BC4F1 generation. In BC4F2 generation, screening for disease resistance was done using the Sidney 81 isolate of WSMV, along with the recurrent parents. Lines showing high levels of resistance to WSMV were further selected for seed increase and field evaluation. These lines may serve as a winter wheat source of WSMV resistance and may be used for gene pyramiding and for studying the effect of the Wsm1 gene in different backgrounds.
Registration of ‘Transit’ High β‐Glucan Spring Barley
Authors: Obert D. E. , Hang A. , Hu G. , Burton C. , Satterfield K. , Evans C. P. , Marshall J. M. , Jackson E. W.
Published: August 2011

Studies on the effects of β‐glucan on humans have shown that food containing high concentrations of β‐glucans from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) reduced total cholesterol levels. β‐Glucan has been shown to be beneficial for the regulation of blood‐glucose levels, and high β‐glucan has been found to reduce glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. High β‐glucan barley varieties with good agronomic traits are few and have reduced yield potential compared with feed‐ and malting‐barley cultivars. ‘Transit’ (Reg. No. CV‐348, PI 660128), a two‐rowed, spring, high β‐glucan barley, was developed and submitted for release in 2009 by the USDA‐ARS, Aberdeen, ID in cooperation with the University of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station. Transit is a selection from the cross 10/‘Azhul’//‘CDC Alamo’. 10 is a selection from composite cross XXXII. Azhul is a six‐rowed, high β‐glucan cultivar released by the ARS and Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station and is the progenitor of most high β‐glucan cultivars and germplasm. Azhul was developed by the mutation of line 76‐19‐7 with diethyl sulfate. Line 76‐19‐7 has the pedigree CCXXXII/‘Arimont’//‘Westbar’. CDC Alamo, tested as HB340, has the pedigree SB85750/Azhul. Transit has a reduced yield potential compared with the best feed and malting types, but its high level of β‐glucan provides enough added value to allow it to be economically competitive with current malting‐barley cultivars. The release of Transit will provide producers with a variety having improved yield potential and β‐glucan content compared with the current varieties CDC Alamo and Azhul. Transit is expected to be adapted to both irrigated and rainfed regions in Idaho.
Total Hip Arthroplasty With Shortening Osteotomy in Congenital Major Hip Dislocation Sequelae
Authors: Dallari Dante , Pignatti Giovanni , Stagni Cesare , Giavaresi Gianluca , Del Piccolo Nicolandrea , Rani Nicola , Veronesi Francesca , Fini Milena
Published: August 2011

We retrospectively evaluated the postoperative results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients presenting with Crowe group IV dislocated hips. Overall, results were compared with regard to the type of osteotomy performed (Z or oblique) to define the correct indications for surgical technique and choice of prosthetic implant. Thirty-three subtrochanteric shortening and derotational osteotomies in primary THA were performed in 26 patients secondary to congenital hip dislocation. A Z osteotomy was performed in 14 cases and an oblique osteotomy in 19. The surgical approach was direct lateral, and surgery was aimed at restoring the anatomic hip center. Femoral and acetabular fixation was uncemented. The most used stem was the S-ROM (DePuy, Leeds, United Kingdom), and the couplings used were ceramic-ceramic (7 cases), ceramic-polyethylene (3 cases), metal-polyethylene (15 cases), and metal-metal (3 cases). Mean follow-up was 88±45 months. According to the Merle D’Aubigné score, the overall clinical results were good in 23 cases, satisfactory in 6, and fair in 4. Union of the osteotomy occurred in 97% of cases, and the mean time required for osteotomy union was 6±2 months without significant differences between Z and oblique osteotomies.

At last follow-up, there was loosening of 1 cup and 1 stem, and revision was necessary. Twelve percent of patients experienced postoperative dislocation and 9% developed neuropraxia of the femoral nerve. The clinical and radiological results were similar in both groups, with a high rate of pain relief, an improvement in limb-length discrepancy, and reduced limping, leading to a smaller or no insole. Currently, the more complex Z osteotomy has been abandoned, because a modular stem prosthesis with metaphyseal sleeve allows the oblique osteotomy to be used with an easier and shorter surgical procedure.
An Assessment of Continued Use and Health Impact of the Concrete Biosand Filter in Bonao, Dominican Republic
Authors: Aiken Benjamin A. , Stauber Christine E. , Ortiz Gloria M. , Sobsey Mark D.
Published: August 2011

The biosand filter (BSF) is a promising point of use (POU) technology for water treatment; however there has been little follow-up of initial implementation to assess sustainability. The purpose of this study was to examine continued use, performance, and sustainability of previously implemented concrete BSFs in Bonao, Dominican Republic. Of 328 households visited and interviewed, 90% of BSFs were still in use after approximately 1 year since installation. Water-quality improvement, measured by fecal indicator bacteria reduction, was found to be 84–88%, which is lower than reductions in controlled laboratory studies but similar to other field assessments. In a short prospective cohort study comparing BSF to non-BSF households, odds of reported diarrheal disease in BSF households were 0.39 times the odds of reported diarrheal disease in non-BSF households. These results document high levels of sustained and effective concrete BSF use and associated improvements in water quality and health.
Review Article: Inventory of platforms towards the design of a statically balanced six degrees of freedom compliant precision stage
Authors: Dunning A. G. , Tolou N. , Herder J. L.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. For many applications in precision engineering, a six degrees of freedom (DoF) compliant stage (CS) with zero stiffness is desirable, to deal with problems like backlash, friction, lubrication, and at the same time, reduce the actuation force. To this end, the compliant stage (also known as compliant mechanism) can be statically balanced with a stiffness compensation mechanism, to compensate the energy stored in the compliant parts, resulting in a statically balanced compliant stage (SBCS). Statically balanced compliant stages can be a breakthrough in precision engineering. This paper presents an inventory of platforms suitable for the design of a 6 DoF compliant stage for precision engineering. A literature review on 3–6 DoF compliant stages, static balancing strategies and statically balanced compliant mechanisms (SBCMs) has been performed. A classification from the inventory has been made and followed up by discussion. An obviously superior architecture for a 6 DoF compliant stage was not found. All the 6 DoF stages are either non-statically balanced compliant structures or statically balanced non-compliant structures. The statically balanced non-compliant structures can be transformed into compliant structures using lumped compliance, while all SBCMs had distributed compliance. A 6 DoF SBCS is a great scope for improvements in precision engineering stages.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction Catalyzed by C2‐Symmetric N,N′‐Dioxide‐Ni(II) Complex.
Authors: Zhao Jiannan , Zheng Ke , Yang Yang , Shi Jian , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: August 2011

A chiral proline‐derived Ni(II) complex catalyzes the Mukaiyama aldol reaction between glyoxal derivatives (I) and enolsilane (II) enantioselectively.
Androstanes with Modified Carbon Skeletons (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 24/2011)
Authors: Norden Sascha , Bender Matthias , Rullkötter Jürgen , Christoffers Jens
Published: August 2011

The cover picture shows the synthesis of a series of androstane derivatives. They are intended to serve as authentic standards for the structure elucidation of six unknown saturated C19 and C20 hydrocarbons detected in ca. 600 million year‐old sedimentary rocks and related crude oils from the South Oman Salt Basin. Phytosterols with 26 to 30 carbon atoms are commonly converted into their saturated hydrocarbon analogs during geochemical transformation associated with petroleum formation as a consequence of deep burial and geothermal heating of the biogenic organic matter in sedimentary rocks. To a certain extent, aromatization, skeletal rearrangement, and modifications of the carbon backbone occur as well. The background image shows a present‐day salt lake in the Rub' al Khali desert of South Oman (photograph by G�ünther Neuenhofer, Bocholt). Details are discussed in the article by J. Christoffers et al. on p. 4543 ff.
Influence of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes on thermal and mechanical properties of polycarbonate/POSS hybrid composites
Authors: Cai H.L. , Xu K. , Liu H. , Liu X. , Fu Z.E. , Chen M.C.
Published: August 2011

Two types of silsesquioxanes were synthesized by hydrolytic condensation reaction, and then were incorporated into polycarbonate (PC) matrix by melt blending to prepare PC/POSS hybrid composites. The study of morphology of the composites showed that octaphenylsilsesquioxane (PH‐POSS) exhibited partial compatibility with PC matrix, while 3‐glycidyloxypropylsilsesquioxane (EP‐POSS) could react with phenolic hydroxyl groups of matrix. Thermal and mechanical properties were studied by DSC, TGA, and DMA. The result showed that the incorporation of POSS not only improved thermal stabilities of PC composites, but also retarded their thermal degradation. SiO fractions left during POSS degradations were the key factor governing the formation of a gel network layer on the exterior surface. This layer possessed more compact structures, higher thermal stabilities, and some thermal insulation. In addition, percentage residues at 700°C (C700) significantly increased from 10.8 to 15.5–22.8% in air. The storage modulus of two series of composites was slightly improved up to 90°C; furthermore, the temperature range of the rubbery state of them shifted to high temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dikes of distinct composition intruded into Noachian‐aged crust exposed in the walls of Valles Marineris
Authors: Flahaut Jessica , Mustard John F. , Quantin Cathy , Clenet Harold , Allemand Pascal , Thomas Pierre
Published: August 2011

Valles Marineris represents the deepest natural incision in the Martian upper crust. Previous studies showed that the upper parts of the walls were made of finely layered probable basalts in most of the chasmata, while the base of the stratigraphy reveals primary Noachian crustal blocks. Exposures of pristine Noachian bedrock are rare on Mars, and mostly observed outside of their geological context. The occurrence of well‐preserved and extended outcrops of pristine material in this giant rift could bring valuable information on the early processes that took place at the surface of Mars. Analyses of high resolution data over the best exposures of lower walls in Coprates Chasma, central Valles Marineris, revealed the presence of multiple magmatic intrusions interpreted as dikes. These dikes intrude an old, massive, fractured bedrock interpreted as being preserved ancient Noachian crust. Their composition, determined using CRISM data, and distribution, limited to this ancient crust at the bottom walls, indicate that they might have formed early in the rift formation, and therefore represent exceptionally well‐preserved outcrops of the early history of Mars.
Multiple scattering effects on quantum efficiency and response time for cesiated metal photocathodes
Authors: Jensen Kevin L. , Montgomery Eric J. , Feldman Donald W. , O’Shea Patrick G. , Harris John R. , Lewellen John W. , Moody Nathan
Published: August 2011

An oft used approximation to predict quantum efficiency (QE) from bare metals or those with a low work function coating such as cesium is to assume that photo-excited electrons have not scattered prior to their emission. Monte Carlo simulations are used to assess that approximation, and show that, while good for bare metals, for cesiated metals a photoexcited electron may undergo several scattering events and yet be emitted. Neglecting scattered electrons therefore underestimates QE. Emitted electrons that have undergone scattering before emission elongate the response time by giving rise to a long time tail, low energy contribution to the faster non-scattered emission, for which a model is developed. The theory is applied to study variations in QE as a function of wavelength measured from cesiated metal surfaces. The extension of the findings to semiconductor photocathodes is briefly discussed.
Defect-induced ferromagnetism on pulsed laser ablated Zn0.95Co0.05O diluted magnetic semiconducting thin films
Authors: Liu Q. , Yuan C. L. , Gan C. L. , Han Guchang
Published: August 2011

Room temperature ferromagnetic Zn0.95Co0.05O thin films with (002) preferential orientation have been successfully deposited by pulsed laser deposition at different oxygen partial pressures on n-type (100) silicon substrate. A maximum saturation magnetization of 0.86 μB/Co was achieved at room temperature at 5 × 10−6 Torr oxygen partial pressure. HRTEM and XPS results indicate that the observed ferromagnetism is not due to metallic Co microclusters in the thin films. Oxygen vacancies in the films were detected from photoluminance characterization, which showed a significant effect on the ferromagnetic behavior. By changing the amount of oxygen vacancies through adjusting the oxygen partial pressure during deposition and post-deposition annealing, the ferromagnetic behavior of the thin films can be tuned significantly. This implies that the oxygen vacancies, which contribute to the bound magnetic polarons model and RKKY indirect interaction, are the likely cause of this ferromagnetism.
DNA-based ionic conducting membranes
Authors: Firmino A. , Grote J. G. , Kajzar F. , M’Peko J.-C. , Pawlicka A.
Published: August 2011

Deoxyribonucleic acid based gel solid electrolytes were prepared and their electric properties were characterized. Their ionic conductivity is in the range of 10−4–10−5 S/cm at room temperature and increases linearly in function of temperature, obeying an Arrhenius-like relationship. The present study, combined with the literature data, suggests that the electrical conduction mechanism in these membranes involve ion motion and/or charge hopping, promoted most likely by a significant interaction between the membrane components. The good conductivity results, as found here, together with the good transparency and good adhesion to the electrodes show that the DNA-based gel polymer electrolytes are very promising materials for application in various electrochromic devices.
A microfiber cavity with minimal-volume confinement
Authors: Ding Ming , Wang Pengfei , Lee Timothy , Brambilla Gilberto
Published: August 2011

We demonstrate a type of microcavity with minimal-volume confinement using a high-contrast phase-shifted Bragg grating in a microfiber. While waveguiding by the air-silica boundary provides a diffraction-limited two-dimensional confinement, the grating introduces the third degree of confinement. Theoretical simulations verified the microfiber cavity confinement while the experimental demonstration, carried out in samples nanostructured by focused ion beam, showed a good agreement with theoretical predictions. This cavity can be used for a variety of applications ranging from sensing to quantum dynamic experiments.
Modification of the trypsin cleavage site of rotavirus VP4 to a furin-sensitive form does not enhance replication efficiency
Authors: Komoto Satoshi , Wakuda Mitsutaka , Ide Tomihiko , Niimi Gen , Maeno Yoshimasa , Higo-Moriguchi Kyoko , Taniguchi Koki
Published: August 2011

The infectivity of rotavirus (RV) is dependent on an activation process triggered by the proteolytic cleavage of its spike protein VP4. This activation cleavage is performed by exogenous trypsin in the lumen of the intestinesin vivo. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a recombinant RV expressing cDNA-derived VP4 with a modified cleavage site (arginine at position 247) recognized by endogenous furin as well as exogenous trypsin. Unexpectedly, the mutant virus (KU//rVP4-R247Furin) was incapable of plaque formation without an exogenous protease, although the mutant VP4s on virions were efficiently cleaved by endogenous furin. Furthermore, KU//rVP4-R247Furin showed impaired infectivity in MA104 and CV-1 cells even in the presence of trypsin compared with the parental virus carrying authentic VP4 (KU//rVP4). Although the total titre of KU//rVP4-R247Furin was comparable to that of KU//rVP4, the extracellular titre of KU//rVP4-R247Furin was markedly lower than its cell-associated titre in comparison with that of KU//rVP4. In contrast, the two viruses showed similar growth in a furin-defective LoVo cell line. These results suggest that intracellular cleavage of VP4 by furin may be disadvantageous for RV infectivity, possibly due to an inefficient virus release process.
Claims for improved survival from systemic corticosteroids in diverse conditions: an umbrella review
Authors: Contopoulos‐Ioannidis Despina G. , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: August 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (3): 233–244

Background   Systemic corticosteroids have been proposed for numerous indications and there are many claims that corticosteroids can reduce mortality in diverse conditions.

Methods   We performed an umbrella, agenda‐wide review of the evidence on systemic corticosteroids and mortality, focusing primarily on large trials (defined as those with > 100 deaths) and meta‐analyses. Searches were performed in PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (last update February 2011). We also examined whether spurious subset analyses may be responsible for claims of survival benefits in indications where only small trials had been available.

Results   Among 257 identified randomized trials with mortality data in their abstract, we found 14 large trials pertaining to 10 different indications. Although 10 of these 14 trials have reported statistically significant survival differences in subset analyses, none shows a nominally statistically significant (P < 0·05) decrease in death risk for any of the tested conditions when all deaths on all randomized patients are analysed. Meta‐analyses for these conditions show statistically significant reductions in mortality only with antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labour (relative risk 0·77, 95% CI, 0·67–0·89) and in tuberculous meningitis (relative risk 0·78, 95% CI, 0·67–0·91). For conditions without any large trials, statistically significant reductions in mortality in meta‐analyses were noted for Pneumocystis pneumonia (relative risk 0·54, 95% CI, 0·38–0·79) and alcoholic hepatitis (relative risk 0·63, 95% CI, 0·50–0·80). Many small trials that claim significant benefits, even those for classic indications such as typhoid fever and tetanus, have shown these benefits only in subset analyses.

Conclusions   Corticosteroids have been documented to decrease mortality in some indications, in particular, antenatal use for preterm labour, tuberculous meningitis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, and alcoholic hepatitis. Many postulated benefits of corticosteroids on mortality may reflect ‘vibration of treatment effects’ leading to false‐positive claims from spurious subset analyses and even for standard indications, such biases may have inflated the treatment effect estimates. More large trials are needed for serious, common conditions where use of corticosteroids is proposed.
A Condition Number for Non‐Rigid Shape Matching
Authors: Ovsjanikov Maks , Huang Qi‐Xing , Guibas Leonidas
Published: August 2011

Despite the large amount of work devoted in recent years to the problem of non‐rigid shape matching, practical methods that can successfully be used for arbitrary pairs of shapes remain elusive. In this paper, we study the hardness of the problem of shape matching, and introduce the notion of the shape condition number, which captures the intuition that some shapes are inherently more difficult to match against than others. In particular, we make a connection between the symmetry of a given shape and the stability of any method used to match it while optimizing a given distortion measure. We analyze two commonly used classes of methods in deformable shape matching, and show that the stability of both types of techniques can be captured by the appropriate notion of a condition number. We also provide a practical way to estimate the shape condition number and show how it can be used to guide the selection of landmark correspondences between shapes. Thus we shed some light on the reasons why general shape matching remains difficult and provide a way to detect and mitigate such difficulties in practice.
Species Non-Exchangeability in Probabilistic Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment
Authors: Craig Peter S. , Hickey Graeme L. , Luttik Robert , Hart Andy
Published: August 2011

Current ecotoxicological risk assessment for chemical substances is based on the assumption that tolerances of all species in a specified ecological community are a priori exchangeable for each new substance. We demonstrate non-exchangeability by using a large database of tolerances to pesticides for fish species and extend the standard statistical model for species tolerances to allow for the presence of a single species which is considered non-exchangeable with others. We show how to estimate parameters and adjust decision rules that are used in ecotoxicological risk management. Effects of parameter uncertainty are explored and our model is compared with a previously published less tractable alternative. We conclude that the model and decision rules that we propose are pragmatic compromises between conflicting needs for more realistic modelling and for straightforwardly applicable decision rules.
Isometric knee extensor fatigue following a Wingate test: peripheral and central mechanisms
Authors: Fernandez‐del‐Olmo M. , Rodriguez F. A. , Marquez G. , Iglesias X. , Marina M. , Benitez A. , Vallejo L. , Acero R. M.
Published: August 2011

Central and peripheral fatigue have been explored during and after running or cycling exercises. However, the fatigue mechanisms associated with a short maximal cycling exercise (30 s Wingate test) have not been investigated. In this study, 10 volunteer subjects performed several isometric voluntary contractions using the leg muscle extensors before and after two bouts of cycling at 25% of maximal power output and two bouts of Wingate tests. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical motor nerve stimulation (NM) were applied at rest and during the voluntary contractions. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), twitch amplitude evoked by electrical nerve stimulation, M wave and motor potential evoked by TMS (MEP) were recorded. MVC, VA and twitch amplitude evoked at rest by NM decreased significantly after the first and second Wingate tests, indicating central and peripheral fatigue. MVC and VA, but not the twitch amplitude evoked by NM, recovered before the second Wingate test. These results suggest that the Wingate test results in a decrease in MVC associated with peripheral and central fatigue. While the peripheral fatigue is associated with an intramuscular impairment, the central fatigue seems to be the main reason for the Wingate test‐induced impairment of MVC.
Reconnaissance surveys to assess sources of diffuse pollution in rural catchments in East Anglia, eastern England – implications for policy
Authors: Evans R.
Published: August 2011

Reconnaissance surveys were made to assess sources of diffuse pollution in the Wissey, Blyth, Little Ouse and Wensum catchments in East Anglia, eastern England. Water‐eroded fields and the state of watercourses, roads and tracks were noted and photographed along traverses made across the catchments. Volumes of soil moved were estimated. River nutrient concentrations and turbidity were examined. Nutrient enrichment of watercourses is mostly explained by effluent leaving small Sewage Treatment Works. Sediment in watercourses can come not only from eroded fields but also from roads and tracks and erosion of the channels themselves. Farmers and land managers are not the only ones who must be targeted to curtail enrichment and sedimentation of watercourses. Policy makers need to take such findings into account if water quality in East Anglia is to be improved. Exploratory surveys can indicate sources of pollutants and be a basis for further investigation or ameliorative action.
Changes in causes of low vision between 1988 and 2009 in a Dutch population of children
Authors: Boonstra Nienke , Limburg Hans , Tijmes Nel , van Genderen Maria , Schuil José , van Nispen Ruth
Published: August 2011

Purpose:  Causes of low vision in the Netherlands may have changed over time. The purpose of this study is to assess trends over the last two decades.

Methods:  Socio‐demographic and medical data, including ophthalmic diagnosis and inheritance patterns for 2843 children with low vision (0–21 years; 50% representation) referred to a Dutch institute for low vision (Bartiméus) over a 21‐year period between 1988 and 2009, were included in the analysis. For the 19 most common diagnoses, inheritance and presence of mental impairment, trend analyses were performed with logistic regression models; odds ratios (OR) for a 10‐year time span were reported.

Results:  Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) was found in 27.2% (97% mental impairment), albinism in 8.0%. Over time, nystagmus (6.6%; OR = 1.42), retinitis pigmentosa (2.9%; OR = 1.61), cone‐rod dystrophy (2.6%; OR = 1.98) and hyperopia (2.0%; OR = 3.66) increased significantly. Cataract (4.9%; OR = 0.64), aniridia (1.6%; OR = 0.42) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; 2.0%; OR = 0.45) decreased significantly. There was a significant increase in genetic disorders (41.0%; OR = 1.49) and in co‐occurrence of mental impairment (52.2% OR = 1.16).

Conclusion:  In the last two decades, treatable or preventable disorders (such as cataract and ROP) have become a less common cause of low vision in children. However, the prevalence of complex (genetic) and untreatable disorders (CVI) has taken its place, as a result of increased survival of preterm and low birth weight children and improved diagnostic possibilities. Knowledge of the prevalence of low vision, its causes and trends over time may help policy makers to define effective intervention strategies and to monitor its impact.
FIXED‐WIDTH CONFIDENCE INTERVALS IN LINEAR REGRESSION WITH APPLICATIONS TO THE JOHNSON‐NEYMAN TECHNIQUE
Authors: Aitkin M. A.
Published: August 2011

Fixed‐width confidence intervals for a population regression line over a finite interval of x have recently been derived by Gafarian. The method is extended to provide fixed‐width confidence intervals for the difference between two population regression lines, resulting in a simple procedure analogous to the Johnson‐Neyman technique.
THE LOGISTIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE ANALYSIS OF PAIRED‐COMPARISON DATA
Authors: Maxwell A. E.
Published: August 2011

The desirability that scores on a preference scale should be additive is first demonstrated. It is then shown that when the logistic transformation of the proportion of preferences for an object in a paired‐comparison experiment is used as a scoring device additivity is achieved when preferences between pairs of objects are made independently and the preferences are consistent. An example is given to show how the analysis of paired‐comparison data may conveniently be carried out, a test of additivity performed, and scale values for the objects derived.
AN APPROACH TO AN ORTHOGONAL SIMPLE STRUCTURE SOLUTION BY MAXIMIZING TEST‐FACTOR INTERACTION EFFECTS AMONG SQUARED FACTOR LOADINGS
Authors: Balloun J. L. , KEARNS J.
Published: August 2011

Introduces a new criterion for analytic rotation based upon the concept of simple structure. The rationale for the method stems from a consideration of the way in which the variance of squared factor loadings is partitioned as in an analysis of variance. It is argued that a maximization of the relative amount of squared factor loading variation which is due to the ‘interaction’ of factors and tests should produce results consistent with the simple structure hypothesis. Other methods of orthogonal rotation, such as quartimax and varimax, may be defined as linear combinations of the component sums of squares. The criterion of this paper differs from previous ones in that it is defined as a ratio of sums of squares. The use of a gradient method to maximize the criterion is discussed. A method for employing the Fletcher‐Powell algorithm is presented. The solutions obtained with three well‐known illustrative examples are similar to those obtained with varimax, although two of them are somewhat closer than varimax to Harman's subjective solutions.
Variable selection techniques in discriminant analysis: I. Description
Authors: McKay R. J. , Campbell N. A.
Published: August 2011

The problem of assessing the relative importance of variable subsets in discriminant analysis is discussed. Attention is focused on techniques for determining those subsets which are ‘adequate’ for discrimination from the descriptive viewpoint. A number of procedures which have been proposed or used in the literature are described, illustrated and compared with reference to various aspects, including rationale, statistical significance testing and computational difficulties.