bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Twin-Candidate Model for Learning-Based Anaphora Resolution
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Su Jian , Tan Chew Lim
Published: March 2008

The traditional single-candidate learning model for anaphora resolution considers the antecedent candidates of an anaphor in isolation, and thus cannot effectively capture the preference relationships between competing candidates for its learning and resolution. To deal with this problem, we propose a twin-candidate model for anaphora resolution. The main idea behind the model is to recast anaphora resolution as a preference classification problem. Specifically, the model learns a classifier that determines the preference between competing candidates, and, during resolution, chooses the antecedent of a given anaphor based on the ranking of the candidates. We present in detail the framework of the twin-candidate model for anaphora resolution. Further, we explore how to deploy the model in the more complicated coreference resolution task. We evaluate the twin-candidate model in different domains using the Automatic Content Extraction data sets. The experimental results indicate that our twin-candidate model is superior to the single-candidate model for the task of pronominal anaphora resolution. For the task of coreference resolution, it also performs equally well, or better.
“Do I Need to Know This for the Exam?” Using Popular Media, Inquiry-based Laboratories, and a Community of Scientific Practice to Motivate Students to Learn Developmental Biology
Authors: Madhuri Marga , Broussard Christine
Published: March 2008

One of the greatest challenges instructors face is getting students to connect with the subject in a manner that encourages them to learn. In this essay, we describe the redesign of our Developmental Biology course to foster a deeper connection between students and the field of developmental biology. In our approach, we created a community of scientific practice focused on the investigation of environmental impacts on embryonic development and informed by popular and scientific media, the students' own questions, and the instructor. Our goals were to engage students in meaningful ways with the material, to develop students' science process skills, and to enhance students' understanding of broad principles of developmental biology. Though significant challenges arose during implementation, assessments indicate using this approach to teach undergraduate developmental biology was successful.
Structures and Electrical Properties of β- and θ-(BTM-TTP)2SbF6
Authors: Noda Manami , Yasuda Misaki , Nakano Yoshiaki , Ito Akihiro , Fueno Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kazuyoshi , Fujiwara Hideki , Sugimoto Toyonari , Misaki Yohji
Published: March 2008

Two kinds of (BTM-TTP)2SbF6 salts, where BTM-TTP is 2-[4,5-bis(methylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]-5-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene, have been prepared. X-ray structure analyses have revealed that needle-like and plate-like crystals have the so-called β- and θ-type arrays of the donors, respectively. The β-type salt exhibits metallic conducting behavior down to 5 K, while the θ-type salt is a semiconductor even at room temperature.
Patterning of Gold Surfaces with Hexadecanethiol by Shear Force-based Scanning Capillary Microscopy
Authors: Yamada Hiroshi , Isaka Kohei , Koike Tohru , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: March 2008

A shear force-based scanning capillary microscope was fabricated by contacting a glass capillary with a quartz crystal tuning fork and was used for the patterning of gold surfaces with hexadecanethiol. A micrometer-sized pattern was successfully obtained by moving the capillary, through which the hexadecanethiol solution was introduced, along the gold surface. Dotted and line patterns were observed by high-resolution scanning electrochemical microscopy using a standing approach mode in (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium (FA+) solution without destroying the morphology of the surface.
Optimal Policy for Software Vulnerability Disclosure
Authors: Arora Ashish , Telang Rahul , Xu Hao
Published: March 2008

Software vulnerabilities represent a serious threat to cybersecurity, most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, there is no agreed-upon policy for their disclosure. Disclosure policy (which sets a protected period given to a vendor to release the patch for the vulnerability) indirectly affects the speed and quality of the patch that a vendor develops. Thus, CERT/CC and similar bodies acting in the public interest can use disclosure to influence the behavior of vendors and reduce social cost. This paper develops a framework to analyze the optimal timing of disclosure. We formulate a model involving a social planner who sets the disclosure policy and a vendor who decides on the patch release. We show that the vendor typically releases the patch less expeditiously than is socially optimal. The social planner optimally shrinks the protected period to push the vendor to deliver the patch more quickly, and sometimes the patch release time coincides with disclosure. We extend the model to allow the proportion of users implementing patches to depend upon the quality (chosen by the vendor) of the patch. We show that a longer protected period does not always result in a better patch quality. Another extension allows for some fraction of users to use “work-arounds.” We show that the possibility of work-arounds can provide the social planner with more leverage, and hence the social planner shrinks the protected period. Interestingly, the possibility of work-arounds can sometimes increase the social cost due to the negative externalities imposed by the users who are able to use the work-arounds on the users who are not.
Hierarchisierte Modelle in Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) (Hierarchical Models in Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS))
Authors: Baumann Michael , Dimitrov Todor
Published: March 2008

Neben der Vereinfachung von Planungsobjekten wie den Prozessen oder Ressourcen kann die Hierarchisierung dieser Planungsobjekte zu einer leichter beherrschbaren Modellierung führen. Ansätze stellen dabei das Ausschneiden irrelevanter Planungsobjekte oder deren ‘ünstliche’ Gruppierung dar. Durch die Anwendung dieser Ansätze wird eine schnelle und präzise Lieferterminermittlung ermöglicht und andererseits können langfristige Ressourcenbelastungen und Personen- und Materialbedarfe berechnet werden.

A simplification of complex production problems can be achieved by a hierarchical structuring. Methods such as abstraction, reduction or grouping of planning objects (resources or operations) allow a faster and more accurate calculation of delivery dates. At the same time they enable to forecast long term resource and personal loads and material requirements. Applying these methods we get an abstraction of a production problem using the same model description, that allows to apply known scheduling algorithms and simple and user friendly manipulation.
A UNIT PRICE EVALUATION OF SEVERE PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Borrero John C. , Francisco Monica T. , Haberlin Alayna T. , Ross Noël A. , Sran Sandeep K.
Published: March 2008

We evaluated problem behavior exhibited by 6 individuals with developmental disabilities using the behavioral economic conceptualization of unit price. Descriptive observations were conducted during interactions between the participants and their primary care providers in a clinical laboratory, the participants' homes, or school. Data were recorded on potential reinforcers and problem behavior. After identifying reinforcers for each participant's problem behavior by way of functional analysis, the descriptive data were analyzed retrospectively, using the cost—benefit ratio described by the concept of unit price. Results showed that demand was elastic and produced monotonic response output curves. The results represent an extension of the concept of unit price to severe problem behavior under naturally occurring environmental conditions.
EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF POSTSESSION REINFORCEMENT ON CHOICE OF REINFORCERS
Authors: Kodak Tiffany , Lerman Dorothea C. , Call Nathan
Published: March 2008

Factors that influence reinforcer choice have been examined in a number of applied studies (e.g., Neef, Mace, Shea, & Shade, 1992; Shore, Iwata, DeLeon, Kahng, & Smith, 1997; Tustin, 1994). However, no applied studies have evaluated the effects of postsession reinforcement on choice between concurrently available reinforcers, even though basic findings indicate that this is an important factor to consider (Hursh, 1978; Zeiler, 1999). In this bridge investigation, we evaluated the influence of postsession reinforcement on choice of two food items when task responding was reinforced on progressive‐ratio schedules. Participants were 3 children who had been diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Results indicated that response allocation shifted from one food item to the other food item under thinner schedules of reinforcement when no postsession reinforcement was provided. These findings suggest that the efficacy of instructional programs or treatments for problem behavior may be improved by restricting reinforcers outside treatment sessions.
APPLYING THE BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS PRINCIPLE OF UNIT PRICE TO DRO SCHEDULE THINNING
Authors: Roane Henry S. , Falcomata Terry S. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: March 2008

Within the context of behavioral economics, the ratio of response requirements to reinforcer magnitude is called unit price. In this investigation, we yoked increases in reinforcer magnitude with increases in intervals of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) to thin DRO intervals to a terminal value.
A TUTORING PACKAGE TO TEACH PRONUNCIATION OF MANDARIN CHINESE CHARACTERS
Authors: Wu Hang , Miller L. Keith
Published: March 2008

We examined the effects of a tutoring package (verbal modeling, prompts, and contingent praise/Chinese conversations with the tutor) on the performance of a college student's Mandarin Chinese pronunciation. The effects of the tutoring package were analyzed using a multiple baseline design across two sets of 50 Chinese characters. The tutoring package produced improvement in the student's correct pronunciation of Chinese characters from 48% (pretutoring) to 90% (posttutoring). Results suggested that the tutoring package produced mastery pronunciation of targeted Mandarin Chinese vocalizations by a nonnative speaker.
Soluble Interleukin‐1 Receptor Type II Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Suzuki M. , Ishihara Y. , Kamiya Y. , Koide M. , Fuma D. , Fujita S. , Matsumura Y. , Suga T. , Kamei H. , Noguchi T.
Published: March 2008

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐1 is closely related to the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. IL‐1 levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects with periodontitis are higher than those in periodontally healthy controls, and the levels of IL‐1 correlate with disease severity. However, soluble IL‐1 receptor type II (sIL‐1RII), which acts as a decoy receptor for IL‐1s, has not been investigated in detail in periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to measure sIL‐1RII levels in the GCF of subjects with chronic or aggressive periodontitis; the correlation between the sIL‐1RII levels in GCF and clinical parameters also was examined.

Methods: IL‐1β and sIL‐1RII were measured in 64 GCF samples collected from 47 subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 17 subjects with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). The clinical characteristics of each site were recorded at the time of GCF sampling. IL‐1β and sIL‐1RII were measured by specific non–cross‐reactive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The disease severity was comparable in CP and AgP. IL‐1β was detected in 98% of CP GCF samples and 88% of AgP GCF samples. sIL‐1RII was detected in 55% of CP GCF samples and 35% of AgP GCF samples. However, the concentrations of IL‐β and sIL‐1RII detected in GCF from subjects with CP or AgP were similar.

Conclusion: sIL‐1RII was detected more often in CP GCF than in AgP GCF, and there was no correlation between GCF sIL‐1RII concentration and clinical parameters.
Sarcoidosis Presenting as Gingival Erosion in a Patient Under Long‐Term Clinical Control
Authors: Antunes Karinne B. , Miranda Águida M.M.A. , Carvalho Sônia R. da S. , Azevedo André L. da R. , Tatakis Dimitris N. , Pires Fábio R.
Published: March 2008

Background: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous systemic disease that rarely affects the oral cavity. Gingival involvement has been reported in only a very limited number of cases, occasionally as the first manifestation of the disease. This article reports a case of sarcoidosis affecting the gingiva and alveolar mucosa in a patient previously treated for the systemic disease and considered under long‐term clinical control.

Methods: A 57‐year‐old white female presented with a chief complaint of gingival pain in the maxillary right area lasting 3 years. Clinical examination revealed an erythematous, ill‐defined erosive macule on the buccal aspect of the maxillary right gingiva extending from the canine to the third molar. The medical history included a diagnosis of sarcoidosis 16 years prior to presentation, which was considered to be under clinical control for the last 11 years. An incisional biopsy was obtained.

Results: Histopathology indicated the presence of an intense chronic inflammatory infiltrate and focal areas with non‐caseating granulomas. Periodic acid‐Schiff and Grocott's stains were negative for microorganisms, and the diagnosis was compatible with sarcoidosis. Systemic evaluation showed no involvement of other areas and organs, and the patient was managed with topical steroid therapy using silicone trays in conjunction with conventional periodontal therapy and oral hygiene instructions. Complete response was achieved after 6 months, and the patient remains in clinical follow‐up.

Conclusion: Although sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that rarely affects the gingiva, the possibility of gingival involvement as the sole manifestation of the disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gingival lesions.
The Effect of Adjunctive Subantimicrobial Dose Doxycycline Therapy on GCF EMMPRIN Levels in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Emingil Gülnur , Atilla Gül , Sorsa Timo , Tervahartiala Taina
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of the present randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm study was to examine the effectiveness of a 3‐month regimen of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) in combination with scaling and root planing compared to scaling and root planing alone on levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: GCF samples were collected, and clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, gingival index (GI), and plaque index, were recorded. Thirty chronic periodontitis subjects were randomized to receive SDD or placebo. The SDD group received SDD (20 mg, twice a day) for 3 months plus scaling and root planing, whereas the placebo group took placebo capsules twice a day for 3 months and received scaling and root planing. The subjects were reevaluated at 3 and 6 months. At each visit, all clinical parameters were measured and GCF was sampled. GCF EMMPRIN levels were determined by Western immunoblotting assay. Intragroup comparisons were tested by the Friedman test followed by the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to analyze the significance of changes over time. The Mann‐Whitney test was used to determine differences between the SDD and placebo groups.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in all clinical parameters in the SDD group over the 6‐month study period (P <0.025). The SDD group showed a significantly greater reduction in mean PD scores at 6 months and in mean GI scores at 3 and 6 months than the placebo group (P <0.05). From baseline to 6 months, the GCF EMMPRIN levels were reduced significantly in the SDD group (P <0.025). The GCF EMMPRIN level in the SDD group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group at 3 and 6 months (P <0.05).

Conclusions: SDD therapy in combination with scaling and root planing reduced GCF EMMPRIN levels and improved clinical periodontal parameters in subjects with chronic periodontitis. The ability of SDD to downregulate, in vivo, the GCF levels of EMMPRIN, a unique upregulator of matrix metalloproteinase expression, is one of its beneficial host‐modulatory properties. These results expand the usefulness of SDD therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the long‐term management of periodontal disease.
Interleukin‐1 Gene Polymorphism, Diabetes, and Periodontitis: Results From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Struch Franziska , Dau Michael , Schwahn Christian , Biffar Reiner , Kocher Thomas , Meisel Peter
Published: March 2008

Background: Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammatory disease leading to attachment loss with the consequence of tooth loss. There exists a multifactorial risk pattern including bacterial challenge, age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, as well as socioeconomic and genetic factors. An interleukin (IL)‐1 haplotype is associated with periodontitis. We report the relationship between type 2 diabetes, the IL‐1A/1B haplotype, and periodontitis in a population‐based study.

Methods: In a cross‐sectional health survey in northeast Germany, we genotyped 1,515 subjects aged 40 to 60 years for the IL‐1 genotype, examined their periodontal status, and assessed diabetes, including the history of diagnosed diabetes, the use of antidiabetic medications, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures.

Results: Subjects with increased levels of HbA1c had more widespread and severe periodontal disease than normoglycemic subjects. There is a gene–environmental interaction because diabetic subjects bearing a variant IL‐1 genotype C/T or T/T had an enhanced risk for periodontal disease in comparison with their IL‐1 wild‐type counterparts. Bleeding on probing (P = 0.007), attachment loss (P = 0.009), and number of teeth (P <0.001) were associated significantly with diabetes and the IL‐1 genotype. Logistic regression and a matched‐pair analysis confirmed these results.

Conclusion: Subjects with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for periodontitis, which is aggravated further if combined with the variant IL‐1A/1B genotype.
Modified‐Release Subantimicrobial Dose Doxycycline Enhances Scaling and Root Planing in Subjects With Periodontal Disease
Authors: Preshaw Philip M. , Novak M. John , Mellonig James , Magnusson Ingvar , Polson Alan , Giannobile William V. , Rowland Randal W. , Thomas John , Walker Clay , Dawson Dolphus R. , Sharkey Dennis , Bradshaw Mark H.
Published: March 2008

Background: Previous studies showed that adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD; 20 mg, twice daily) provides significant clinical benefits to scaling and root planing (SRP). A modified‐release SDD formulation containing 40 mg doxycycline (SDD‐40) to be taken once daily has been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of SDD‐40 when used as an adjunct to SRP for the treatment of periodontitis.

Methods: A 9‐month, double‐masked, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study was conducted to test the efficacy of adjunctive SDD‐40 in 266 subjects with periodontitis. Subjects were treated by SRP and randomized to receive SDD‐40 or placebo for 9 months with evaluations at 3, 6, and 9 months.

Results: Adjunctive SDD‐40 provided significantly greater clinical benefits than placebo at all time points. At month 9, at sites with baseline probing depths (PD) ≥6 mm, 72% to 76% of sites in the SDD‐40 group demonstrated clinically significant PD reductions and clinical attachment level (CAL) gains ≥2 mm compared to 56% to 58% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001); 48% to 52% of sites in the SDD‐40 group demonstrated PD reductions and CAL gains ≥3 mm compared to 32% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001). In moderate sites (baseline PD 4 to 6 mm), adjunctive SDD‐40 provided significant clinical benefits compared to placebo for mean CAL (all time points: P <0.05), PD (3 months: P = 0.002; 6 and 9 months: P = 0.001), and bleeding on probing (BOP) (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.02; 9 months: P <0.05). In deep sites (baseline PD ≥7 mm), SDD‐40 provided significant benefits over control for mean CAL (3 months: P <0.05; 6 and 9 months: P <0.01), PD (all time points: P <0.001), and BOP (3 months: P <0.05; 6 months: not statistically significant; 9 months: P <0.05). Compliance with study medication was high (>92%) with no significant differences in adverse events between groups and no evidence of microbiologically significant changes or development of antibiotic resistance in the subgingival flora in either group.

Conclusion: SDD‐40 used as an adjunct to SRP resulted in significantly greater clinical benefits than SRP alone in the treatment of periodontitis.
Calculation of Left Ventricular Relaxation Time Constant-Tau in Humans by Continuous-Wave Doppler
Authors: Bai Xufang
Published: March 2008

Left ventricular relaxation time constant, Tau, is the best index to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function, but the measurement is only available traditionally in catheter lab. In Echo lab, several methods of non-invasive measurement of Tau have been tried since 1992, however almost all the methods are still utilizing the same formula to calculate Tau as in catheter lab, which makes them inconvenient, time-consuming and sometimes not very accurate. Based on Weiss’ formula and simplified Bernoulli’s equation, a simple method is developed by pure mathematical derivative to calculate Tau by continuous-wave Doppler in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Supersymmetry of time-dependent Schrödinger equations with effective mass
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel
Published: March 2008

We establish the supersymmetry formalism for time-dependent Schrödinger equations with effective mass and show that the corresponding supersymmetric transformations are equivalent to effective mass Darboux transformations
Photoionization of 3d electrons of Xe, Cs and Ba endohedral atoms: comparative analyses
Authors: Amusia Miron , Baltenkov Arkadiy , Chernysheva Larissa
Published: March 2008

We demonstrate rather interesting manifestations of co-existence of resonance features in characteristics of the photoionization of 3d-electrons in Xe, Cs and Ba endohedral atoms. It is shown that for all of the considered atoms the reflection by the fullerene shell of photoelectrons produced by the 3d subshell photoionization affects greatly partial photoionization cross-sections of 3d
5/2 and 3d
3/2 levels and respective angular anisotropy parameters, both dipole and non-dipole adding to all of them additional maximums and minimums. The results obtained demonstrate distinctive differences between the three atoms. The calculations are performed treating the 3/2 and 5/2 electrons as electrons of different kinds with their spins “up” and “down”. The effect of the C60 shell is accounted for in the frame of the “orange” skin potential model. It is essential that in the considered photon frequency region the presented resonance features are not affected by the C60polarization.
Electro-optical properties of all-oxide p-CuAlO2/n-ZnO: Al transparent heterojunction thin film diode fabricated on glass substrate
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Chattopadhyay Kalyan
Published: March 2008

We report on the fabrication of all transparent heterojunction thin film diodes of the form glass/n-ZnO: Al/p-CuAlO2 produced by a combinatorial chemical and physical technique and on a study of their electro-optical properties. The n-ZnO: Al layer was deposited by a sol-gel-dip-coating process whereas the p-CuAlO2 layer was deposited by direct current sputtering techniques. The diode structure, with a total thickness of 1100 nm showed around 60% transmittance in the visible region. The current-voltage characteristics of the device showed a rectifying nature, with a low turn-on voltage around 0.8 V, having a rectification ratio > 50 at ± 2 V. The low turn-on voltage and moderate visible transmittance of the transparent diode indicate its potential application in the field of “Transparent” or “Invisible Electronics”.
Boundary sources in the Doran-Lobo-Crawford spacetime
Authors: Culetu Hristu
Published: March 2008

We take a null hypersurface (causal horizon) generated by a congruence of null geodesics as the boundary of the Doran-Lobo-Crawford spacetime to be the place where the Brown-York quasilocal energy is located. The components of the outer and inner stress tensors are computed and shown to depend on time and on the impact parameter b of the test-particle trajectory. The spacetime is a solution of Einstein’s equations with an anisotropic fluid as source. The surface energy density σ on the boundary is given by the same expression as that obtained previously for the energy stored on a Rindler horizon. For time intervals long compared to b (when the stretched horizon tends to the causal one), the components of the stress tensors become constant.
Quantum cards and quantum rods
Authors: Batista Milan , Peternelj Joze
Published: March 2008

Quantum mechanical analysis of a rigid rod with one end fixed to a flat table is presented. Assuming that the rod is initally in the upright orientation, “the time of fall” is calculated using WKB wavefunctions representing energy eigenstates near the barrier summit.
Effects of ion implantation on yellow luminescence in unintentional doped n-type GaN
Authors: Zhang Limin , Zhang Xiaodong , You Wei , Yang Zhen , Wang WenXiu , Ge Qing , Liu Zhengmin
Published: March 2008

The effects of Si, O, C and N ion implantation with different implantation doses on yellow luminescence (YL) of GaN have been investigated. The as-grown GaN samples used in the work were of unintentional doped n-type, and the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of samples had strong YL. The experimental results showed that YL of ion implanted samples exhibited marked reductions compared to samples with no implantation, while the near band edge (NBE) emissions were reduced to a lesser extent. The deep-level centers associated with YL may be produced in GaN films by O and C ion implantation, and identities of these deep-level centers were analyzed. It was also found that the dose dependence of YL was analogous with the one of the intensity ratios of YL to the near band edge (NBE) emission (I
YL/I
NBE) for ion implanted samples. The possible reason for this comparability has been proposed.
Monte Carlo study on bilayer thin films magnetic properties dependence with discontinouos anisotropy parameters
Authors: Bîrsan Eugen
Published: March 2008

In the last few years there has been significant interest in the field of thin films, due to numerous specific phenomena related to the low dimension of these systems, and to the large opportunities in development of high technologies based on their specific magnetic and electronic properties. When dealing with systems of reduced dimensionality it is important to take into account the influence of magnetic anisotropies. In this paper we investigate the magnetic properties of bilayer thin film. This behavior is modeled using Monte Carlo simulations, in the Extended Anisotropic Heisenberg Model. The magnetization, out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic susceptibilities, and also the specific heat bearings according to temperature are investigated in order to find the potential magnetic ordering phases and the critical temperatures, for two sets parameter assignments. For quasi-uniform anisotropy parameters of the film we detect the ferromagnetism-paramagnetism transition and then, by changing the model parameters values, we relieve a short range ferromagnetic ordering phase arising from the antiferromagnetic base layer coupling influence and from easy-plane anisotropy discontinuity on the layers interface.
Relativistic solution in D-dimensions to a spin-zero particle for equal scalar and vector ring-shaped Kratzer potential
Authors: Ikhdair Sameer , Sever Ramazan
Published: March 2008

The Klein-Gordon equation in D-dimensions for a recently proposed ring-shaped Kratzer potential is solved analytically by means of the conventional Nikiforov-Uvarov method. The exact energy bound states and the corresponding wave functions of the Klein-Gordon are obtained in the presence of the non-central equal scalar and vector potentials. The results obtained in this work are more general and can be reduced to the standard forms in three dimensions given by other works.
Cell separation with horizontal cell electrophoresis under near-isopycnic conditions on a “density cushion”
Authors: Wilk Anna , Urbańska Katarzyna , Woolley David , Korohoda Włodzimierz
Published: March 2008

This report describes an improvement made to the horizontal cell electrophoresis methodology. It involves using two liquid layers differing in density to produce an interface described as a “density cushion”. The electrophoretic system that employed an anti-convective porous matrix to separate red blood cells (RBC) and charged dyes effectively was found to be unsuitable for some other mammalian cells. The “density cushion” method was found to be more versatile and applicable to studies on the separation of a variety of cell types. The experiments described show the differences between the electrophoretic mobilities of a human eosinophilic leukaemia cell line (Eol-1) and RBC, both with and without the modification of the cell surface properties.
Abbreviated dose rituximab for immune‐mediated hematological disorders
Authors: Fairweather Helen , Tuckfield Annabel , Grigg Andrew
Published: March 2008

As rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, depletes B cells, there is considerable interest in its use in immune‐mediated disorders. The majority of studies employ a four‐dose regimen based on practice in lymphoma therapy. We describe our experience with one or two doses of 375 mg/m2 of rituximab in 12 patients with relapsed and refractory immune‐mediated hematological disorders. Eleven patients (92%) achieved a complete remission that has been sustained in 7 for a median of 14.5 (10.5–22) months. Four patients (36%) relapsed after responses of 1–18.5 months. This preliminary experience suggests that one or two doses of rituximab may have response and relapse rates comparable to multidose regimens while potentially providing considerable cost savings. Further prospective studies are planned. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Case‐Control Age‐at‐Onset Data Using a Modified Case‐Cohort Method
Authors: Nan Bin , Lin Xihong
Published: March 2008

Case‐control designs are widely used in rare disease studies. In a typical case‐control study, data are collected from a sample of all available subjects who have experienced a disease (cases) and a sub‐sample of subjects who have not experienced the disease (controls) in a study cohort. Cases are oversampled in case‐control studies. Logistic regression is a common tool to estimate the relative risks of the disease with respect to a set of covariates. Very often in such a study, information of ages‐at‐onset of the disease for all cases and ages at survey of controls are known. Standard logistic regression analysis using age as a covariate is based on a dichotomous outcome and does not efficiently use such age‐at‐onset (time‐to‐event) information. We propose to analyze age‐at‐onset data using a modified case‐cohort method by treating the control group as an approximation of a subcohort assuming rare events. We investigate the asymptotic bias of this approximation and show that the asymptotic bias of the proposed estimator is small when the disease rate is low. We evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed method through a simulation study and illustrate the method using a breast cancer case‐control data set. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanistic Insights into the Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization (CMRP) of Vinyl Acetate with Cobalt(III) Adducts as Initiators
Authors: Debuigne Antoine , Champouret Yohan , Jérôme Robert , Poli Rinaldo , Detrembleur Christophe
Published: March 2008

Over the past few years, cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) has proved efficient in controlling the radical polymerization of very reactive monomers, such as vinyl acetate (VAc). However, the reason for this success and the intimate mechanism remained basically speculative. Herein, two mechanisms are shown to coexist: the reversible termination of the growing poly(vinyl acetate) chains by the Co(acac)2 complex (acac: acetylacetonato), and a degenerative chain‐transfer process. The importance of one contribution over the other strongly depends on the polymerization conditions, including complexation of cobalt by ligands, such as water and pyridine. This significant progress in the CMRP mechanism relies on the isolation and characterization of the very first cobalt adducts formed in the polymerization medium and their use as CMRP initiators. The structure proposed for these adducts was supported by DFT calculations. Beyond the control of the VAc polymerization, which is the best ever achieved by CMRP, extension to other monomers and substantial progress in macromolecular engineering are now realistic forecasts.
Preparation and luminescence of SrAl2O4: Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphors coated with maleic anhydride
Authors: Yu Shengfei , Pi Pihui , Wen Xiufang , Cheng Jiang , Yang Zhuoru
Published: March 2008

In this paper, maleic anhydride is directly coated on the surface of SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ (SAO‐ED) phosphors by an interfacial coordination chemistry method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods are used to characterize the coating. The experimental result shows that a dense coating layer is consisting of maleic anhydride coordination with metal ions on the surface of the phosphors and the coating process does not destroy the crystal structure of the phosphors. It is also found that the introduction of maleic anhydride does not change the excitation and emission spectra of SAO‐ED phosphors, but decreases the luminous intensity, which is verified by the photoluminescence (PL) measurement. Afterglow delay curves show that the initial brightness of coated SAO‐ED phosphors decreases, but the afterglow decay rate of coated phosphors is slower than that of uncoated phosphors after they both are immersed into water for one month. This indicates that the coating layer protects the phosphors and the crystal structure of coated phosphors in water was not destroyed.
Describing and predicting psychological distress after colorectal cancer
Authors: Lynch Brigid M. , Steginga Suzanne K. , Hawkes Anna L. , Pakenham Ken I. , Dunn Jeff
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Psychological distress in cancer survivors can be detrimental to treatment adherence and self‐care tasks and is associated with poor health behaviors and decreased overall quality of life. The prevalence, course, and predictors of psychological distress after the diagnosis of colorectal cancer are to date not well described.

METHODS.

A prospective survey of 1822 colorectal cancer patients was undertaken assessing psychological distress and hypothesized predictors including optimism, cancer threat appraisal, social support, and physical activity at 6 and 12 months postdiagnosis. Logistic regression identified correlates of psychological distress at 12 months postdiagnosis.

RESULTS.

The prevalence of global psychological distress was low: 8.3% and 6.7% at 6 and 12 months postdiagnosis, respectively. When baseline measures of independent variables were included in a logistic regression model, distress at 6 months postdiagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 10.84), comorbidities (OR = 1.64), optimism (OR = 0.93), cancer threat appraisal (OR = 0.92), and social support (OR = 0.94) were significantly associated with distress at 12 months postdiagnosis. A second logistic regression model that included concurrent measures of cancer threat appraisal, social support, and physical activity found that distress at 6 months postdiagnosis (OR = 12.49), comorbidities (OR = 1.64), optimism (OR = 0.94), and concurrent cancer threat appraisal (OR = 0.85) were significantly associated with distress at 12 months postdiagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Distress screening at regular intervals is needed to efficiently detect colorectal cancer patients who require in‐depth psychological intervention. Threat appraisal is a modifiable variable that should be included in interventions for colorectal cancer survivors. Further research is needed to investigate the potential for physical activity to reduce distress after cancer. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Glutamatergic networks in the Ciona intestinalis larva
Authors: Horie Takeo , Kusakabe Takehiro , Tsuda Motoyuki
Published: March 2008

Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter in the excitatory synapses of both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems and is involved in many neural processes including photo‐, mechano‐, and chemosensations, neural development, motor control, learning, and memory. We identified and characterized the gene (Ci‐VGLUT) encoding a member of the vesicular glutamate transporter subfamily, a specific marker of glutamatergic neurons, in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The Ci‐VGLUT gene is expressed in the adhesive organ, the epidermal neurons, and the brain vesicle, but not in the visceral ganglion. The Ci‐VGLUT promoter and an anti‐Ci‐VGLUT antibody were used to analyze the distribution and axonal connections of prospective glutamatergic neurons in the C. intestinalis larva. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter driven by the 4.6‐kb upstream region of Ci‐VGLUT recapitulated the endogenous gene expression patterns and visualized both the cell bodies and neurites of glutamatergic neurons. Papillar neurons of the adhesive organs, almost all epidermal neurons, the otolith cell, and ocellus photoreceptor cells were shown to be glutamatergic. Each papillar neuron connects with a rostral epidermal neuron. Axons from rostral epidermal neurons, ocellus photoreceptor cells, and neurons underlying the otolith terminate in the posterior brain vesicle. Some caudal epidermal neurons also send long axons toward the brain vesicle. The posterior brain vesicle contains a group of Ci‐VGLUT‐positive neurons that send axons posteriorly to the visceral ganglion. Our results suggest that glutamatergic neurotransmission plays a major role in sensory systems and in the integration of the sensory inputs of the ascidian larva. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:249–263, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliable and efficient multicast protocol for mobile IP networks
Authors: Yoo Sang‐Jo , Cho Hyung‐Sang
Published: March 2008

To provide a multicasting service, several multicast protocols for mobile hosts (MHs) have been proposed. However, all of these protocols have faults, such as non‐optimal delivery routes and data loss when hosts move to another network, resulting in insecure multicast data transmissions. Thus, this paper presents a new reliable and efficient multicast routing protocol for mobile IP networks. The proposed protocol provides a reliable multicast transmission by compensating the data loss from the previous mobile agent when a MH moves to another network. In addition, an additional function allows for direct connection to the multicast tree according to the status of agents, thereby providing a more efficient and optimal multicast path. The performance of the proposed protocol is confirmed based on simulations under various conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Diazaheterocyclic Ring‐Fused 1,2,4‐Benzothiadiazine 1,1‐Dioxides by a Sequential Aza‐Wittig/NH‐Addition Cyclization/Nucleophilic Ring‐Closure Methodology with N‐Alkenyl‐2‐carbodiimidobenzenesulfonamides as Key Intermediates
Authors: Hirota Shinsuke , Kato Ryo , Suzuki Madoka , Soneta Yuji , Otani Takashi , Saito Takao
Published: March 2008

Treatment of N‐alkenyl‐2‐azidobenzenesulfonamides with triphenylphosphane and subsequent subjection of the resulting iminophosphoranes to aza‐Wittig reactions with isocyanates generated functionalized carbodiimides, which spontaneously underwent cyclization to form 2‐alkenyl‐3‐(R2‐substituted amino)‐2H‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine 1,1‐dioxides by internal nucleophilic addition. Subsequent (tandem) cyclizations through iodoamination or hydroamination with HgII/NaBH4 produced a variety of diazaheterocyclic ring‐fused benzothiadiazine dioxides. In one case a methano‐bridged benzothiatriazabicyclotridecanone was obtained. The scope and limitations of these cyclizations are reported. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Serum proteomic analysis during nicotine self‐administration, extinction and relapse in rats
Authors: Cecconi Daniela , Tessari Michela , Willé David R. , Zoli Michele , Domenici Enrico , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Carboni Lucia
Published: March 2008

Nicotine dependence is known to induce long‐term neural adaptations in brain. The purpose of this study was to verify whether specific protein patterns related to nicotine self‐administration states could also be detected in a peripheral tissue. A serum proteomic analysis was performed by 2‐DE on samples taken at six time points: N, naïve; P, priming; S, self‐administration; W, withdrawal; E, extinction; R, relapse. After image analysis, spot volume values were submitted to a principal component analysis and relevant comparisons were selected. In N versus S; S versus W; E versus R; S versus R and S versus E comparisons a clear separation between groups could be observed, suggesting that each self‐administration state correlates with a specific protein expression pattern. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was adopted to rank proteins by the contribution to the overall separation. A number of spots were identified; among them, C reactive protein and haemopexin displayed a significant reduction after nicotine administration; two haemopexin isoforms were decreased in the S state and antithrombin III was increased in the E phase. This study showed that specific protein patterns related to the nicotine self‐administration states exist in serum. Further development of this approach may provide biomarkers to assess dependence states of drug‐taking individuals.
Enantiomeric separations of binaphthyl derivatives by capillary electrophoresis using N‐(2‐hydroxydodecyl)‐L‐threonine as chiral selector: Effect of organic additives
Authors: Ghosh Arjun , Dey Joykrishna
Published: March 2008

The chiral selectivity of a novel amphiphile, N‐(2‐hydroxydodecyl)‐L‐threonine (2‐HDT), was evaluated for enantiomeric resolution of three binaphthyl derivatives (±)−1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol, (±)−1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine, and (±)−1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diylhdrogen phosphate (BNP) by micellar EKC. The effects of three organic modifiers, methanol, isopropanol, and acetonitrile, on the separations of enantiomers of these compounds were investigated. Separation of enantiomers could be achieved in relatively dilute solutions of the pure surfactant. However, best separations of enantiomers were obtained only in the presence of 10% v/v acetonitrile. Enantiomeric impurity in nonracemic mixtures of R‐ and S‐forms of BNP was determined.
A generalization of Rubinstein's “Pay now, choose later”
Authors: Guo Jia‐Hau , Hung Mao‐Wei
Published: March 2008

This article provides quasi‐analytic pricing formulae for forward‐start options under stochastic volatility, double jumps, and stochastic interest rates. Our methodology is a generalization of the Rubinstein approach and can be applied to several existing option models. Properties of a forward‐start option may be very different from those of a plain vanilla option because the entire uncertainty of evolution of its price is cut off by the strike price at the time of determination. For instance, in contrast to the plain vanilla option, the value of a forward‐start option may not always increase as the maturity increases. It depends on the current term structure of interest rates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:488–515, 2008
Volatility dynamics of NYMEX natural gas futures prices
Authors: Suenaga Hiroaki , Smith Aaron , Williams Jeffrey
Published: March 2008

We examine the volatility dynamics of NYMEX natural gas futures prices via the partially overlapping time‐series model of Smith (2005. Journal of Applied Econometrics, 20, 405–422). We show that volatility exhibits two important features: (1) volatility is greater in the winter than in the summer, and (2) the persistence of price shocks and, hence, the correlations among concurrently traded contracts, displays substantial seasonal and cross‐sectional variation in a way consistent with the theory of storage. We demonstrate that, by ignoring the seasonality in the volatility dynamics of natural gas futures prices, previous studies have suggested sub‐optimal hedging strategies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28:438–463, 2008
DNA copy number alterations and expression of relevant genes in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Han Wonshik , Jung Eun‐Mi , Cho Jihyoung , Lee Jong Won , Hwang Ki‐Tae , Yang Song‐Ju , Kang Jason Jongho , Bae Ji‐Yeon , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Park In‐Ae , Nicolau Monica , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Noh Dong‐Young
Published: March 2008

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by a lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, and genetically most of them fall into the basal subgroup of breast cancer. The important issue of TNBC is poorer clinical outcome and absence of effective targeted therapy. In this study, we sought to identify DNA copy number alterations and expression of relevant genes characteristic of TNBC to discover potential therapeutic targets. Frozen tissues from 114 breast cancers were analyzed using high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization. The classification into subtype was determined by estrogen and progesterone receptor expression, and by the presence or absence of gain on the ERBB2 containing clone. The ACE algorithm was used for calling gain and loss of clones. Twenty‐eight cases (25%) were classified as TNBC. Recurrent gains (≥25%) unique to TNBC were 9p24‐p21, 10p15‐p13, 12p13, 13q31‐q34, 18q12, 18q21‐q23, and 21q22. Two published gene expression array data sets comparing basal subtype versus other subtype breast cancers were used for searching candidate genes. Of the genes upregulated in the basal subtype, 45 of 686 genes in one data set and 59 of 1,428 in the second data set were found to be located in the gained regions. Of these candidate genes, gain of NFIB (9p24.1) was specific for TNBC in a validation set by real‐time PCR. In conclusion, we have identified recurrently gained regions characteristic of TNBC, and found that NFIB copy number and expression is increased in TNBC across the data sets. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.