bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature and Thickness Dependence of Cerium Oxide Dielectric Breakdown
Authors: Chen Chun-Heng , Shih Wen-chieh , Huang Huey-Liang , Chiu Fu-Chien
Published: April 2010

Temperature and thickness dependence of CeO2 dielectric break-down characteristics in metal-oxide-semiconductor structures is studied. The dielectric breakdown strength of CeO2 decreases with increasing temperature. The Weibull slope of the charge-to-breakdown (Qbd) statistics is a function of dielectric thickness. No temperature dependence of the Weibull slope is observed. Accord-ing to the cell-based analytic model, the effectively stress-induced defect size (a0) of CeO2 is obtained. The defect size is about 1-2 nm, which indicates the producing of neutral traps during the elec-trical stress. A comparison with SiO2 and HfO2-gated capacitors was made.
Bulk Matter Resistivity of Ti Based TiAlN Dielectric Thin Films
Authors: Razeghi Ali Mohammad , Hantehzadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2010

In this article, we produce titanium aluminum nitride thin film by using one of the most popular methods of Advanced Materials Functional Coatings Synthesis, DC magnetron sputtering. We deposited this film on glass substrate. The bulk matter resistivity variation of titanium aluminum nitride for different Nitrogen and Argon gas composition for different thickness is investigated using two methods together reflection spectroscopy for calculating thickness and four point measurements for surface resistivity. The morphology of titanium aluminum nitride films is characterized using atomic force microscopy AFM. Experimental results show that increasing the gas portion with respect to Ar gas in the mixture of gases makes the film less conductive. Formation of titanium aluminum nitride crystal structures for different gas mixtures was investigated using X-ray Diffraction.
(Invited) Microfabricated Nanocomposite Polymers and Thin Films for Flexible Substrate Microfluidics and MEMS
Authors: Gray Bonnie
Published: April 2010

While many materials have been employed to fabricate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidic systems for lab-on-a-chip, polymers are under increasing focus to realize highly flexible microinstrumentation that can conform to the body or other surfaces. Polymers are also optically transparent, biocompatible, and inexpensive. For MEMS and microfluidics, active devices such as actuators, as well as conductive tracks for read-out and control electronics, are also required, but may be difficult to implement on polymers. This paper discusses new approaches to the development of highly flexible MEMS and microfluidics, including highly conductive and magnetic nanocomposite polymers for active devices and conductive tracks. Hybrid systems fabrication employing these polymers, as well as fabrication of thin-film-metal-on-polymer devices, is also presented. The preparation, micropatterning, and integration of the different polymers is discussed, together with materials characterization, and example devices including: flexible printed circuit boards; sensor microelectrodes; and micromagnets for miniaturized actuators and microfluidic interconnect structures.
(Invited) Metrology of Molecular Devices Made by Flip Chip Lamination
Authors: Hacker Christina A. , Coll Mariona , Richter Curt A.
Published: April 2010

Scaling of conventional electronics has continued unabated to dimensions approaching fundamental physical limits. As technology continues to evolve there are increasing demands to identify alternate routes of performing electrical functions. One novel device architecture is molecular electronics. The fabrication and metrology of molecular based devices has progressed but remains challenging. We have focused our efforts on silicon-based molecular electronic devices and developed a crucial understanding of the formation and characterization of molecular electronic devices. This paper gives an overview of our technology highlighting formation of monolayers and metallization of the monolayers. Characterization of metal-monolayer-silicon structures will be discussed throughout.
Incorporation of BCB into Wafer-Scale Assembly MMIC's
Authors: Eaves David M. , Chang-Chien Patty , Luo Wen-Ben , Farkas David , Zeng Xianglin , Elmadjian Raffi , Li Danny , Dang Linh , Hennig Kelly , Cheung Chi , Lan Xing , Battung Michael , Lee Wendy , Parlee Matthew , Uyeda Jansen , Barsky Michael
Published: April 2010

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS) has developed a Wafer Scale Assembly (WSA) process that is compatible with Benzocyclobutene (BCB) processes. BCB is a common dielectric material used to construct multi-metal interconnects. BCB processes enable additional metallization layers to be available for circuits and signal routing. WSA is a technology that physically bonds two or more wafers together to create a hermetically packaged MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit). Two additional BCB layers, translates to two additional metallizations added to each side of the WSA, increasing the number of interconnect layers on both sides. Combining BCB and WSA processes has several benefits, including but not limited to: added MMIC design flexibility, MMIC size reduction, and ability to create three-dimensional passive structures. In this paper, results from NGAS' development on the WSA-BCB integration are presented, and key process considerations are discussed.
Electron Transport Processes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Made of One-Dimensional Titania Nanoscale Materials
Authors: Adachi Motonari , Mori Yasushige
Published: April 2010

It is elucidated that electron diffusion rate in titania electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells should be very rapid, i.e., highly crystallized TiO2 one-dimensional materials are needed. Three kinds of TiO2 nanoscale materials (1,2) were synthesized, applied for dye-sensitized solar cells, and all cells made of these three materials showed high light-to-electricity conversion efficiency, around 9%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is very useful to investigate electron transport processes in dye-sensitized solar cells (5). Strong distribution of electron density induced by distribution in irradiation light under steady state conditions must be taken into consideration to determine parameters participating electron transport processes accurately and to evaluate the quality of the cells correctly.
Photo-anodic Polarization Behavior of TiO2 with Dye Sensitization for Electrochemical Polymerization of Pyrrole
Authors: Kawakita Jin
Published: April 2010

Solidification of the electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cell is important to improve the safety and the reliability by the low risk in leakage of the electrolyte from the cell. The hole transport material is a promising candidate for the solid electrolyte. The optimized interfacial structure between the photo-anode and the hole transport material is not still unclear. Formation of organic polymer through photo-anodic polymerization on the photo-anode is attractive with respect to filling of the polymer to fine porous structures in the photo-anode and to controlling the electronic structure of the polymer as the p-type semiconductor. In this paper, formation behavior of polypyrrole was studied through the photo-electrochemical measurements for the aggregates of anatase TiO2 with dye sensitization and characterization of the reaction products to get the guideline for designing the organic polymer. The results showed that polypyrrole was formed localizedly on the TiO2 layer and that polymerization and side reaction took place simultaneously.
Junction Effect on the Photocatalytic Activity of Mixed-Phase TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Di Paola Agatino , Bellardita Marianna , Palmisano Leonardo , Parrino Francesco
Published: April 2010

Active TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared under mild experimental conditions by thermohydrolysis of TiCl4 in pure water at 100 {degree sign}C. The preparation method is very simple and does not require the use of expensive thermal or hydrothermal treatments. Depending on the TiCl4/H2O ratio, pure rutile, binary mixtures of anatase and rutile or anatase and brookite, or ternary mixtures of anatase, brookite and rutile, can be obtained. 4-nitrophenol photodegradation was used to evaluate the photoactivity of the various powders. The high photocatalytic activity of the mixed samples was explained by the presence of junctions among different polymorphic TiO2 phases that allows an improved charge separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, hindering their recombination.
Photoelectrochemistry of Hematite Thin Films
Authors: Wang Heli , Turner John A.
Published: April 2010

Optical investigation indicated that both nanorod and pyrolysis hematite thin films show direct and indirect band gap transitions. Nanorod film shows a direct band gap of 2.14 eV and an indirect band gap of 2.04 eV. Pyrolysis film gives a direct gap of 2.15 eV and an indirect gap of 2.08 eV. Pyrolysis film has much higher IPCEs than the nanorod film. IPCE measurements give band gaps of 1.94 and 2.00 eV for nanorod film and pyrolysis film, respectively. Photocurrent onsets in 1M NaOH solution were -0.44 V for nanorod film and -0.14 V for pyrolysis film. For nanorod film, linear (photocurrent)0.5 ~ light intensity relationship means a high charge carriers' recombination. Linear photocurrent ~ light intensity relationship with pyrolysis film indicates a fast charge transfer. Adopting pyrolysis film in the dual photoelectrode assembly resulted in zero short circuit photocurrent, due to the mis-match of the CBM of the pyrolysis film with the VBM of the p-GaInP2. It is expected that combining the advantages of the two films should form an efficient electrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting with efficient charge transfer and a large surface area.
Photoelectrolysis of Water in Tj-a-Si Solar Cell Biased CM-n-TiO2││Pt and in Monolithic Self-Driven n-TiO2 - Mn2O3 Coated Tj-a-Si││Pt Photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Frites Mourad , Ingler William , Khan Shahed U.
Published: April 2010

Carbon modified (CM)-n-TiO2 thin film was synthesized and optimized by flame oxidation method at high temperature of 825{degree sign}C, and 16 min heating time. The natural gas and oxygen flow rates of 3.32 L/min and 2.23 L/min were found optimum to incorporate the appropriate amounts of carbon concentration in the bulk and on the surface of the CM-n-TiO2 thin films. TJ-a-Si solar cell biased CM-n-TiO2│2.5 M KOH │Pt PEC generated hydrogen gas of 25.0 L m-2 h-1 and a photoconversion efficiency of 5.45 % under the solar simulated light illumination of 1 sun. Importantly, the Tj-a-Si solar cell biased dark water electrolysis cell of Pt│2.5 M KOH │Pt in did not show any measurable H2 gas production. The monolithic Self-Driven n-TiO2 -Mn2O3 coated Tj-a-Si│2.5 M KOH │Pt PEC generated hydrogen gas of 15.63 L m-2 h-1 and a photoconversion efficiency of 4.16 %. This PEC was found to last more than 5 hours (compared to maximum 5 min life time for uncoated Tj-a-Si│2.5 M KOH │Pt PEC). This limited stability for 5 hours was attributed to presence of some pin-holes on n-TiO2-Mn2O3 coated Tj-a-Si solar cell surface.
Low Reflectance Surface Observed on InP Porous Structures after Photoelectrochemical Etching
Authors: Sato Taketomo , Yoshizawa Naoki , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Hashizume Tamotsu
Published: April 2010

Extremely low reflectance was obtained from InP porous nanostructures in UV, visible, and near-infrared light ranges. The reflectance strongly depended on the surface morphology of the porous structures prepared by the electrochemical process, and the lowest reflectance of 0.1% in the visible light range was obtained from a sample after the irregular top layer was completely removed. Large anodic photocurrents were obtained on the InP porous structures that had low reflectance surfaces with deeper pores.
Friction and Wear Studies Using Taguchi Method: Application to the Characterization of Carbon‐Silicon Carbide Tribological Couples of Automotive Water Pump Seals
Authors: Déprez Pascal , Hivart Philippe , Coutouly Jean François , Debarre Etienne
Published: April 2010

An experimental design based on the Taguchi method has been applied to optimize the use of a dynamic sealing element of water pump of automotives combustion engines. A carbon primary ring and a silicon carbide mating ring set up this dynamic sealing element. The aim of this work was to experimentally determine the crossed influence of the primary ring variant, the normal load, the surrounding, the mating ring finishing, and the rotational frequency on the dynamic friction coefficient and on the wear of carbon primary ring‐silicon carbide mating ring tribological couples. The coefficient of dynamic friction and the wear depend on the design factors. They are also functions of theinteractions between these experimental factors, from the implementation of an experimental design. The results obtained allow the optimal functioning condition to be determined and the best friction couple to be used for a given dynamic sealing application.
Fixed Point Iterations of a Pair of Hemirelatively Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Hao Yan , Cho SunYoung
Published: April 2010

We introduce an iterative method for a pair of hemirelatively nonexpansive mappings. Strong convergence of the purposed iterative method is obtained in a Banach space.
An Investigation of Value Updating Bidders in Simultaneous Online Art Auctions
Authors: Dass Mayukh , Seymour Lynne , Reddy Srinivas K.
Published: April 2010

Simultaneous online auctions, in which the auction of all items being sold starts at the same time and ends at the same time, are becoming popular especially in selling items such as collectables and art pieces. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of bidders (Reactors) in simultaneous auctions who update their preauction value of an item in the presence of influencing bidders (Influencers). We represent an auction as a network of bidders where the nodes represent the bidders participating in the auction and the ties between them represent an Influencer-Reactor relationship. We further develop a random effects bilinear model that is capable of handling covariates of both bidder types at the same time and account for higher‐order dependence among the bidders during the auction. Using the model and data from a Modern Indian Art auction, we find that Reactors tend to update their values on items that have high preauction estimates, bid on items created by high investment risk artists, bid selectively only on certain items, and are more active in the second half of the auction. Implications for the auction house managers are discussed.
Rheological Properties of Very High-Strength Portland Cement Pastes: Influence of Very Effective Superplasticizers
Authors: Papo Adriano , Piani Luciano , Ricceri Riccardo
Published: April 2010

The influence of the addition of very effective superplasticizers, that are commercially available, employed for maximising the solid loading of very high-strength Portland cement pastes, has been investigated. Cement pastes were prepared from deionized water and a commercially manufactured Portland cement (Ultracem 52.5 R). Cement and water were mixed with a vane stirrer according to ASTM Standard C305. The 0.38 to 0.44 water/cement ratio range was investigated. Three commercial superplasticizing agents produced by Ruredil S.p.a. were used. They are based on a melamine resin (Fluiment 33 M), on a modified lignosulphonate (Concretan 200 L), and on a modified polyacrylate (Ergomix 1000). Rheological tests were performed at 25°C by using the rate controlled coaxial cylinder viscometer Rotovisko-Haake 20, system M5-osc., measuring device MV2P with serrated surfaces. The tests were carried out under continuous flow conditions. The results of this study were compared with those obtained in a previous article for an ordinary Portland cement paste.
Dynamic Strength of Titin's Z-Disk End
Authors: Kollár Veronika , Szatmári Dávid , Grama László , Kellermayer Miklós S. Z.
Published: April 2010

Titin is a giant filamentous protein traversing the half sarcomere of striated muscle with putative functions as diverse as providing structural template, generating elastic response, and sensing and relaying mechanical information. The Z-disk region of titin, which corresponds to the N-terminal end of the molecule, has been thought to be a hot spot for mechanosensing while also serving as anchorage for its sarcomeric attachment. Understanding the mechanics of titin's Z-disk region, particularly under the effect of binding proteins, is of great interest. Here we briefly review recent findings on the structure, molecular associations, and mechanics of titin's Z-disk region. In addition, we report experimental results on the dynamic strength of titin's Z1Z2 domains measured by nanomechanical manipulation of the chemical dimer of a recombinant protein fragment.
Coordination Polymer: Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Thermal Behaviour of Starch‐Urea Based Biodegradable Polymer and Its Polymer Metal Complexes
Authors: Malik Ashraf , Parveen Shadma , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M. , Singh Prabal Kumar , Nishat Nahid
Published: April 2010

A starch‐urea‐based biodegradable coordination polymer modified by transition metal Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) was prepared by polycondensation of starch and urea. All the synthesized polymeric compounds were characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR),  1H‐NMR
spectroscopy,  13C‐NMR spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectra, magnetic moment measurements, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements indicate that Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes show octahedral geometry, while Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes show square planar and tetrahedral geometry, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all the polymeric metal complexes are more thermally stable than the parental ligand. In addition, biodegradable studies of all the polymeric compounds were also carried out through ASTM standards of biodegradable polymers by CO2 evolution method.
Molecular Inflammatory Mediators in Peripheral Nerve Degeneration and Regeneration
Authors: Cámara-Lemarroy Carlos Rodrigo , Guzmán-de la Garza Francisco Javier , Fernández-Garza Nancy Esthela
Published: April 2010

Wallerian degeneration, the self-destructive set of cellular and molecular processes by which degenerating axons and myelin are cleared after injury, is initiated by macrophages and Schwann cells. Molecular inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, among others), transcription factors (NF-ĸB, c-Jun), the complement system and arachidonic acid metabolites have been shown to modulate these processes in various studies. However, the exact role that each of these mediators plays during axonal degeneration and regeneration has not been fully established. Understanding the molecular basis of these interactions between the immune system and peripheral nerve injury would open the possibility of targeting these inflammatory mediators as therapeutic interventions. In this review we attempt to integrate the current evidence generated around this issue, and to explore the therapeutic possibilities that arise.
The Conditioned Stimulus Elicits Taste Aversion but Not Sickness Behavior in Conditioned Mice
Authors: Vidal Jose , Chamizo Victoria D.
Published: April 2010

Objectives: This article extends previous reports on (i) elicitation of taste aversion after pairing a flavored beverage (saccharin solution) with a disease-provoking microbial product (lipopolysaccharide, LPS, or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, poly I:C); (ii) elicitation of sickness behavior (assessed as diminished ingestion of water and food) by the conditioned stimulus, and (iii) development of tolerance to those microbial products. Methods: Mice of the CD1 strain were conditioned by pairing ingestion of 0.15% saccharin solution with injection of LPS (100 µg/mouse) or poly I:C (6 mg/kg). A few days later, some mice were offered saccharin solution and were injected with saline, whereas other mice were offered saccharin solution and were injected with the microbial product. Results: Regardless of the nature of the unconditioned stimulus (LPS or poly I:C), (i) taste aversion to saccharin ensued, (ii) tolerance ensued to sickness elicitation by a second administration of the microbial component, and (iii) saccharin taste did not evoke sickness. Conclusions: Symptoms of infectious sickness in the absence of infection are hardly explained by exposure to the conditioned stimulus.
Changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytokine Expression in Tuberculous Meningitis Patients with Treatment
Authors: Kashyap Rajpal S. , Deshpande Poonam S. , Ramteke Sonali R. , Panchbhai Milind S. , Purohit Hemant J. , Taori Girdhar M. , Daginawala Hatim F.
Published: April 2010

Background: The prevalence of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is very high in developing areas of the world. Inflammation and cytokine patterns produced by T lymphocytes play an important role in susceptibility to infections. The inflammatory response and production of cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with TBM are well documented. Conversely, little is known about the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the CSF of TBM patients. The goal of the present study was to estimate the level of proinflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in CSF samples from TBM patients. Materials and Methods: To study this, in vivo levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ (proinflammatory cytokines), and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) in the CSF of 60 adult TBM patients and 50 age- and sex-matched non-TBM controls were measured. These cytokines were estimated in the CSF of TBM patients before and after starting treatment. Results: High levels of proinflammatory cytokines as compared to anti-inflammatory cytokines were found in TBM patients before treatment. However, CSF samples from TBM patients after treatment showed elevated levels of anti-inflammatory and low levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: We hypothesize that an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines during treatment may indicate a favorable response.
Strain Differences Influence N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit Gene Expression in the Olfactory Bulb of an Allergic Mouse Model following Toluene Exposure
Authors: Win-Shwe Tin Tin , Kunugita Naoki , Yamamoto Shoji , Arashidani Keiichi , Fujimaki Hidekazu
Published: April 2010

Objective: Genetic variation is a causative factor in differing sensitivities to environmental chemicals. The present study explored whether differences in mouse strains influence N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression in the olfactory bulb after low-level toluene exposure. Methods: Ten-week-old male C3H/HeN (H-2k), BALB/c (H-2d) and C57BL/10 (H-2b) mice were exposed to 0, 5, 50 or 500 ppm of toluene for 6 h per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Because individuals with allergic disease are more susceptible to volatile organic compound exposure, the animals of each strain were divided into 2 main groups, a non-allergy (NAG) group and an allergy (AG) group. The AG groups were stimulated with ovalbumin before toluene exposure. The mRNA levels of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A and NR2B) in the olfactory bulbs of the NAG and AG groups were examined using real-time RT-PCR. Results: In C3H/HeN mice, the expression levels of NR1 and NR2B mRNA decreased significantly in the AG group exposed to 500 ppm of toluene; in the NAG group, however, the NR2A mRNA level increased significantly in mice exposed to 50 ppm while the NR2A and NR2B mRNA levels decreased significantly in mice exposed to 500 ppm of toluene. No significant changes were observed in the NAG groups of BALB/c or C57BL/10 mice. However, in the BALB/c mice, the mRNA levels of NR1, NR2A and NR2B decreased significantly in the AG group exposed to 500 ppm of toluene. Conclusion: Mammalian strain differences in NMDA receptor expression after allergic stimulation can be observed in the mouse olfactory bulb after toluene exposure.
An Anomalous Cleido-Occipitalis Muscle
Authors: Rahman H.A. , Yamadori T.
Published: April 2010

In a Japanese female cadaver, the occipital portion of the trapezius muscle (the cleido-occipitalis) was separated from the rest of the muscle by a triangular gap that resulted from a deficiency of the upper two thirds of the cervical portion on both sides. The right cleido-occipitalis blended distally with the cervical fibers of the trapezius and had a normal insertion into the clavicle. The left cleido-occipitalis intermingled partially with the reduced cervical portion, and some of the conjoint fibers formed an independent accessory slip whose tendon inserted into the posterior aspect of the junction of the middle and medial thirds of the clavicle. The other conjoint fibers inserted into the clavicle and scapula as usual. This anomalous morphology may be attributed to a secondary degeneration of a portion of the trapezius anlage concomitant with an abnormal segregation of another portion during development.
Investigation of the Blood-Ganglion Barrier Properties in Rat Sympathetic Ganglia by Using Lanthanum Ion and Horseradish Peroxidase as Tracers
Authors: Chau Y.P. , Lu K.S.
Published: April 2010

Vascular permeability in various rat sympathetic ganglia, including superior cervical ganglia, thoracic ganglia and the celiac-mesenteric ganglia (CMG) complex, was investigated by using lanthanum and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as tracers with special attention to the neuronal and small granule-containing (SGC) cell area. After lanthanum perfusion, lanthanum tracer was present within the lumen of blood vessels. No lanthanum depositions were found in the extra-vascular space surrounding neurons in the superior cervical and thoracic ganglia. By contrast, an accumulation of lanthanum was observed in both luminal, abluminal and subendothelial surface of blood vessels in neuronal and SGC cell areas of the CMG complex and surrounding SGC cells in superior cervical ganglia. Injecting HRP revealed that all blood vessels of various sympathetic ganglia, either in neuronal or in SGC cell areas, were impermeable to HRP. HRP reaction product was limited to the vascular lumen and macrophages. The escape of HRP was obstructed by the junctional complex at intercellular clefts of endothelia and also by the diaphragms of the fenestrated capillaries associated with SGC cells. We conclude that there are different properties in the blood-ganglion barriers among rat sympathetic ganglia: (1) continuous capillaries in superior cervical ganglia and thoracic ganglia provide an efficient blood-ganglion barrier that prevents the penetration of tracers, and (2) capillaries in the CMG complex and in regions of the superior cervical ganglia that contain SGC cells possess a selective blood-ganglion barrier that discriminates between tracers based on their molecular sizes.
Relationship of the Mechanical Properties of the Cat Inferior Oblique Muscle to the Anatomy of Its Motoneurons and Nerve Branches
Authors: Shall M.S. , Sorg P.J. , McClung J.R. , Gilliam E.E. , Goldberg S.J.
Published: April 2010

Physiologically, the contractile characteristics and electromyography (EMG) of cat inferior oblique (IO) muscle fibers supplied by the medial and lateral 10 muscle nerve branches were studied by direct nerve stimulation. Anatomically, the brain stem locations and sizes of 10 motoneuron soma were evaluated after retrograde labeling by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) through whole 10 muscle nerves and/or through each medial or lateral 10 muscle nerve branch. Stimulation of the lateral nerve branch elicited significantly (p < 0.005) slower twitch contraction times (8.0 ± 1.5 ms) and lower fusion frequencies (217 ± 46 Hz) than when the medial branch of the 10 nerve was stimulated (average twitch contraction time = 6.8+1.1 ms; average fusion frequency = 260 ± 34 Hz). The EMG wave shape responses in the global and orbital layers could be differentiated when the individual nerve branches were stimulated, but the response differences were not consistent among animals. The average diameter of 10 motoneuron soma with axons in the lateral branch of the nerve were significantly smaller (p < 0.001) than the average diameter of those IO motoneuron soma associated with the medial branch of the nerve (27.9 ± 7.2 vs. 32.9 ± 7.2 µm). Regardless of which nerve branch was labeled, the full range of motoneuron soma sizes was found, and these were distributed throughout the IO subdivision of the oculomotor nucleus. These findings showed that muscle contraction time and motoneuron soma diameter were correlated with the IO nerve branch subjected to stimulation or exposed to HRP. But no topographic organization of motoneurons was found within the IO division of the oculomotor nucleus.
Candidate Gene Association Resource (CARe)
Authors: Musunuru Kiran , Lettre Guillaume , Young Taylor , Farlow Deborah N. , Pirruccello James P. , Ejebe Kenechi G. , Keating Brendan J. , Yang Qiong , Chen Ming-Huei , Lapchyk Nina , Crenshaw Andrew , Ziaugra Liuda , Rachupka Anthony , Benjamin Emelia J. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Fornage Myriam , Fox Ervin R. , Heckbert Susan R. , Hirschhorn Joel N. , Newton-Cheh Christopher , Nizzari Marcia M. , Paltoo Dina N. , Papanicolaou George J. , Patel Sanjay R. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rader Daniel J. , Redline Susan , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Taylor Herman A. , Tracy Russell P. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Wilson James G. , Kathiresan Sekar , Fabsitz Richard R. , Boerwinkle Eric , Gabriel Stacey B. ,   for the NHLBI Candidate Gene Association Resource
Published: April 2010

Background—

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Candidate Gene Association Resource (CARe), a planned cross-cohort analysis of genetic variation in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep-related traits, comprises >40 000 participants representing 4 ethnic groups in 9 community-based cohorts. The goals of CARe include the discovery of new variants associated with traits using a candidate gene approach and the discovery of new variants using the genome-wide association mapping approach specifically in African Americans.

Methods and Results—

CARe has assembled DNA samples for >40 000 individuals self-identified as European American, African American, Hispanic, or Chinese American, with accompanying data on hundreds of phenotypes that have been standardized and deposited in the CARe Phenotype Database. All participants were genotyped for 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected based on prior association evidence. We performed association analyses relating each of these SNPs to lipid traits, stratified by sex and ethnicity, and adjusted for age and age squared. In at least 2 of the ethnic groups, SNPs near
CETP
,
LIPC
, and
LPL
strongly replicated for association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations,
PCSK9
with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and
LPL
and
APOA5
with serum triglycerides. Notably, some SNPs showed varying effect sizes and significance of association in different ethnic groups.

Conclusions—

The CARe Pilot Study validates the operational framework for phenotype collection, SNP genotyping, and analytic pipeline of the CARe project and validates the planned candidate gene study of ≈2000 biological candidate loci in all participants and genome-wide association study in ≈8000 African American participants. CARe will serve as a valuable resource for the scientific community.
A Common Variant at Chromosome 9P21.3 Is Associated With Age of Onset of Coronary Disease but Not Subsequent Mortality
Authors: Ellis Katrina L. , Pilbrow Anna P. , Frampton Chris M. , Doughty Rob N. , Whalley Gillian A. , Ellis Chris J. , Palmer Barry R. , Skelton Lorraine , Yandle Tim G. , Palmer Suetonia C. , Troughton Richard W. , Richards A. Mark , Cameron Vicky A.
Published: April 2010

Background—

Chromosome 9p21.3 (chr9p21.3) recently was identified by several genome-wide association studies as the genomic region most strongly associated with the risk of coronary artery disease. Within the chr9p21.3 locus, the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1333049 has been demonstrated to be most strongly associated with susceptibility to developing coronary artery disease. However, the effect of rs1333049 on clinical outcomes in patients with established coronary disease has yet to be determined.

Methods and Results—

Coronary Disease Cohort Study (CDCS) (n=1054) and Post-Myocardial Infarction (PMI) (n=816) study participants were genotyped for rs1333049. Clinical history, circulating lipids, neurohormones, cardiac function, and discharge medications were documented. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospital readmissions were recorded over a median follow-up period of 4.0 years for the CDCS cohort and 9.1 years for the PMI cohort. The CDCS patients homozygous for the high-risk C allele had an age of onset 2 to 5 years earlier for coronary disease (
P
=.005), angina (
P
=.025), myocardial infarction (
P
=.022), and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (
P
=.009). Patients with the CC genotype also had higher levels of total cholesterol (
P
=.033) and triglycerides (
P
=.003). The PMI participants with the CC genotype were 3 years younger on admission (
P
=.009). Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for established predictors of increased risk showed no significant association between rs1333049 genotype and mortality in either the CDCS (
P
=.214) or the PMI (
P
=.696) cohorts.

Conclusions—

The chr9p21.3 polymorphism rs1333049 was associated with an earlier age of disease onset in 2 coronary disease cohorts but not with poorer clinical outcome in either cohort.
Molecular MRI of Intracranial Thrombus in a Rat Ischemic Stroke Model
Authors: Uppal Ritika , Ay Ilknur , Dai Guangping , Kim Young Ro , Sorensen A. Gregory , Caravan Peter
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial thrombus is a principal feature in most ischemic stroke, and thrombus location and size may correlate with outcome and response to thrombolytic therapy. EP-2104R is a fibrin-specific molecular MR agent that has previously been shown to enhance extracranial and venous sinus thrombi in animal models and, recently, in clinical trials. In this study, we examined whether this fibrin-specific MR probe could noninvasively characterize intracranial arterial thrombi.

Methods—

Embolic stroke was induced in adult rats by occlusion of the right internal carotid artery with an aged thrombus. We used diffusion-weighted imaging, time of flight angiography, and high-resolution 3-dimensional T1-weighted MRI at 4.7 T before and after use of contrast agents EP-2104R (n=6) and gadopentetate dimeglumine (n=5).

Results—

In all animals, MR angiography revealed a flow deficit and diffusion-weighted imaging showed hyperintensity consistent with ischemia. Using EP-2104R-enhanced MRI, we saw occlusive thrombi and vessel wall enhancement in all 6 animals with high contrast to noise relative to blood, whereas gadopentetate dimeglumine-injected animals showed no occlusive thrombus or vessel wall enhancement. The concentration of gadolinium in the thrombus after EP-2104R was 18 times that in the blood pool.

Conclusions—

EP-2104R-enhanced MRI successfully identifies intracranial thrombus in a rat embolic stroke model.
The Role of Nonnormality in Overreflection Theory
Authors: Bakas Nikolaos A. , Farrell Brian F.
Published: April 2010

The role of nonnormality in the overreflection of gravity waves is investigated. In the limit of weak stratification, wave packets having a critical level inside a shear layer of finite depth are reflected with amplified energy. This process, which exhibits the characteristics of stimulated emission, occurs in three stages: first, the incoming wave enters the shear layer and excites nonpropagating perturbations leaning with and against the shear. Subsequently, the energy of perturbations leaning against the shear grows in a manner similar to energy growth of perturbations in constant shear flows, indicating that the Orr mechanism that is slightly modified by stratification underlies the observed growth. Finally, the amplified perturbations excite propagating waves originating from the vicinity of the shear layer boundary. The role of nonnormality in this process is also investigated from the perspective of the associated nonorthogonality of the modes of the dynamical system. It is found that the incident wave packet projects on nonorthogonal analytic modes having the structure of a downward propagating wave in the far field below the shear layer and overreflection expressed by the interaction among these nonorthogonal modes.
Improving the Noah Land Surface Model in Arid Regions with an Appropriate Parameterization of the Thermal Roughness Length
Authors: Chen Yingying , Yang Kun , Zhou Degang , Qin Jun , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: April 2010

Daytime land surface temperatures in arid and semiarid regions are typically not well simulated in current land surface models (LSMs). This study first evaluates the importance of parameterizing the thermal roughness length (z0h) to model the surface temperature (Tsfc) and turbulent sensible heat flux (H) in arid regions. Six schemes for z0h are implemented into the Noah LSM, revealing the high sensitivity of the simulations to its parameterization. Comparisons are then performed between the original Noah LSM and a revised version with a novel z0h scheme against observations at four arid or semiarid sites, including one in Arizona and three in western China. The land they cover is sparse grass or bare soil. The results indicate that the original Noah LSM significantly underestimates Tsfc and overestimates H in the daytime, whereas the revised model can simulate well both Tsfc and H simultaneously. The improved version benefits from the successful modeling of the diurnal variation of z0h, which the original model cannot produce.
Modeling and Forecasting the Onset and Duration of Severe Radiation Fog under Frost Conditions
Authors: van der Velde I. R. , Steeneveld G. J. , Wichers Schreur B. G. J. , Holtslag A. A. M.
Published: April 2010

A case of a severe radiation fog during frost conditions is analyzed as a benchmark for the development of a very high-resolution NWP model. Results by the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) and the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM) are evaluated against detailed observations to determine the state-of-the-art in fog forecasting and to derive requirements for further research and development. For this particular difficult case, WRF is unable to correctly simulate the fog for any of the parameterizations and model configurations utilized. Contrary, HIRLAM does model the onset of fog, but is unable to represent it beyond the lowest model layer, which leads to an early dispersal of fog in the morning transition. The sensitivity of fog forecasts to model formulation is further analyzed with a high-resolution single-column version of HIRLAM, and with the Duynkerke single-column model as a reference. The single-column results are found to be sensitive to the proper specification of the external forcings. It is reconfirmed that high vertical resolution is essential for modeling the fog formation, the growth of the fog layer, and when the fog lifts for the maintenance of a stratus deck. The properly configured column models are able to accurately model the onset of fog and its maturation, but fail in the simulation of fog persistence and subsequent dispersal. Details of the turbulence parameterization appear to be important in this process. It is concluded that, despite all of the advances in numerical weather prediction, fog forecasting is still a major challenge.
Doing “Diversity” at Dynamic High: Problems and Possibilities of Multicultural Education in Practice
Authors: Ngo Bic
Published: April 2010

In this article, I examine how students, teachers and staff understood and addressed cultural difference at an urban, public high school in the United States. My research reveals that the school’s multicultural practices contradictorily sustained and exacerbated problems and made teachers resistant to multicultural education. Simultaneously, my research elucidates the ways in which pedagogy that focuses on tensions and conflicts that arise from cultural differences offer important possibilities for multicultural education.
Measuring Academic Growth in Students With Disabilities in Charter Schools
Authors: Drame Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2010

In the current climate of high-stakes accountability created under the No Child Left Behind legislation, public schools, including charter schools, are under tremendous pressure to show consistent improvement in student achievement for all students. Students with disabilities present unique challenges to schools attempting to meet Adequate Yearly Progress. An accountability system that relies exclusively on students’ ability to meet a fixed proficiency level is now under great scrutiny. Indeed, efforts to pilot an assessment system that measures individual students’ growth are underway in a number of states.What can be learned from analyzing the achievement of students with disabilities using a growth model? This question became the focus of a study conducted in 4 urban charter schools where growth in reading and math achievement were examined for students with and without disabilities. The challenges with measuring growth in charter environments and implications for policies around accountability are examined.
Pre-Napoleonic centralization in a decentralized polity: the case of the Dutch Republic
Authors: Groenveld Simon , Wagenaar Pieter , van der Meer Frits
Published: April 2010

The interest in the origins of present-day government is often derived from the thought that its current functioning and problems can be at least partially explained by the institutional choices made at the moment of origin. The institutional reforms made during the so-called French (or Napoleonic) era divert attention from the at least equally relevant Ancien Régime reform origins. For a thorough understanding of the origins of a ‘modern’ governmental system we have to examine the Ancien Régime period more closely. This is highly relevant in the Dutch case. Contrary to popular opinion, during the Republic a more centralized system of government did gradually develop from the two power centers (Stadtholders and Estates-General).

Points for practitioners

The importance of the Dutch case is that it highlights, due to the very absence of monarchical absolutism, the deeper mechanisms working towards centralizing (the system of) governance.
Identifying and assessing valuable resources and core capabilities in public organizations
Authors: Melián-González Arturo , Batista-Canino Rosa M. , Sánchez-Medina Agustín
Published: April 2010

The resource-based view has been one of the most relevant theoretical approaches in Strategic Management. However, its use has not been widespread in public management practice and research. This work aims to apply its premises to public organizations to support strategy formulation. To that end, a set of deductive procedures has been designed to identify the organization’s valuable resources and its core capabilities. These procedures seek to reinforce the coherence between the internal diagnosis and the organization’s objectives and to make that diagnosis more systematic and exhaustive. They have been applied to a Spanish University to illustrate its utility.

Points for practitioners

This work applies the prescriptions of the resource-based view to public organizations. The practical implications of this work are straightforward, since it consists of some procedures for internal diagnosis in public organizations. This internal analysis enables the identification of the valuable resources and core capabilities of public administrations, these being the basic units of the internal environment. The determination of these resources and capabilities forms the groundwork to build up the strategy of the organization.
To what extent does deprivation affect the performance of English local authorities?
Authors: Gutiérrez Romero Roxana , Haubrich Dirk , McLean Iain
Published: April 2010

The UK Government has placed increasing emphasis on the use of performance assessment schemes with the aim of improving the delivery of public services. An example of such schemes is the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). The CPA subjects English local authorities to annual audits and the collection of hundreds of performance indicators to arrive at final ratings that lead to corresponding rewards and sanctions. This article shows that the CPA does not provide a reliable measure of performance given that it does not consider the external constraints that authorities face in improving their performance. Using panel data analysis we find that deprivation affects authorities’ performance in all the core services they provide such as education, housing, libraries, environment and social care. Evidence that suggests sanctioning authorities that perform badly, without considering their local circumstances, risks the danger of perpetuating the delivery of poor services particularly in deprived areas. To avoid this ‘unintended consequence’, the article offers three options by which the CPA scheme could be improved.

Points for practitioners

With the aim of improving the delivery of public services, a wide range of performance metrics have been devised. In particular the UK uses the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) scheme, which audits and collects performance indicators on local governments to arrive at ratings used to reward and sanction. This article finds that sanctioning authorities that perform badly, without considering their local circumstances, risks perpetuating the delivery of poor services particularly in deprived areas. The article advances the understanding of the extent to which deprivation affects performance and provides practitioners with strategies to improve performance assessment schemes.