bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and use of modelling techniques for real‐time bathing water quality predictions
Authors: Stidson R. T. , Gray C. A. , McPhail C. D.
Published: March 2011

Real‐time prediction of bathing water quality is suggested as an appropriate regulatory approach in recent WHO Guidelines and new European Union (EU) standards for bathing water quality. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed the first EU real‐time bathing water quality predictions at 10 sites throughout Scotland since 2004. This paper covers two stages in the evolution of modelling tools which inform these predictions based on antecedent rainfall and river flow, using four sites as examples. These tools, together with associated advisory systems, demonstrate the potential to minimise public exposure to adverse water quality where this occurs in discrete episodes after rainfall events. In addition, they allow an effective prediction and communication system to provide significant compliance benefits as samples taken during periods when bathing is not advised are disregarded for classification purposes.
Catchment management groups in England and Wales: extent, roles and influences
Authors: Cook Hadrian , Benson David , Inman Alex , Jordan Andrew , Smith Laurence
Published: March 2011

Both nonstatutory community‐based catchment management groups and existing statutory groups seek effective environmental management characterised by public participation, collaborative working and decentralised modes of assessment, planning and decision making. The characteristics and challenges of catchment management for water resources and protection of water quality require such approaches, and an expansion of both community‐based and state‐led initiatives has been evident in the United Kingdom. Available information about these developments is, however, limited and this paper reports survey findings of such initiatives, providing a mid‐to‐late 2009 ‘snapshot’ of the situation in England and Wales. Catchment management groups are profiled in terms of size, organisational structure, membership, financing, technology transfer, policy influence and other outcomes. The results are interpreted with reference to a growing international literature, the potential sustainability, effectiveness and impact of groups and environmental governance challenges, including those posed by the European Union Water Framework Directive.
The weakness of strong policies and the strength of weak policies: Law, experimentalist governance, and supporting coalitions in European Union health care policy
Authors: Greer Scott L.
Published: March 2011

The experience of European Union (EU) health care services policy shows the importance of supporting coalitions in any effort to effect policy change and the extent to which the presence or absence of such coalitions can qualify generalizations about policymaking. EU health care services law is substantively liberalizing and procedurally driven by the courts, with little legislative input. But the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has been much better at establishing an EU competency in law than in causing policy development in the EU or member states. Literature on courts helps to explain why: courts are most effective when they enjoy supporting coalitions and the ECJ does not have a significant supporting coalition for its liberalizing health care services policy. Based on interview data, this article argues that the hard law of health care services deregulation and the newer forms of health care governance, such as the Open Method of Coordination and the networks on rare diseases, depend on supporting coalitions in member states that are willing to litigate, lobby, budget, decide cases, and otherwise implement EU law and policy. Given the resistance that the Court has met in health care sectors, its overarching deregulatory approach might produce smaller effects than expected, and forms of experimentalist governance that are easy to deride might turn out to have supporting coalitions that make them unexpectedly effective.
French Brain Tumor DataBase: 5‐Year Histological Results on 25 756 Cases
Authors: Rigau Valérie , Zouaoui Sonia , Mathieu‐Daudé Hélène , Darlix Amélie , Maran Aurélie , Trétarre Brigitte , Bessaoud Faiza , Bauchet Fabienne , Attaoua Redha , Fabbro‐Peray Pascale , Fabbro Michel , Kerr Christine , Taillandier Luc , Duffau Hugues , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Costes Valérie , Bauchet Luc ,   with the participation of Société Française de Neuropathologie (SFNP), Société Française de Neurochirurgie (SFNC) and the Club de Neuro‐Oncologie of the Société Française de Neurochirurgie (CNO‐SFNC), and Association des Neuro‐Oncologues d'Expression Française (ANOCEF)
Published: March 2011

This work aimed to prospectively record all primary central nervous system tumor (PCNST) cases in France, for which histological diagnosis is available. The objectives were to (i) create a national registry and a network to perform epidemiological studies; (ii) implement clinical and basic research protocols; and (iii) harmonize the health care of patients affected by PCNST. For 5 years, 25 756 cases of newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed PCNST have been recorded. Histological diagnoses included glioma (48.9%), all other neuroepithelial tumors (5%), meningioma (28.8%), nerve sheath tumors (8.4%), lymphoma (3.2%) and others (5.7%). Cryopreservation was reported for 6018 PCNST specimens. Tumor resections (R) were performed in 78% cases, while biopsies accounted for 22%. Median age (MA), sex, percentage R and number of cryopreserved tumors were detailed for each histology; for example, out of 6053 glioblastomas (MA 63 years, male 59.4%, R 62%, 1611 were cryopreserved), and out of 37 atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (MA 2 years, male 56.8%, R 94%, 17 were cryopreserved). This database or databank dedicated to PCNST cases contains detailed data on clinical, histological and other characteristics, such as the inclusion of data on cryopreserved specimens that are not available in other European registries. Therefore, this is a valuable resource that can be used for planning future epidemiological and clinical research.
Geology and Geochemistry of Highly Metamorphosed Footwall Alteration Zones in the Hongtoushan Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposit, Liaoning Province, China
Authors: ZHENG Y. C. , GU Lianxing , TANG Xiaoqian , WU Changzhi , LI Chunhai , LIU Sihai
Published: March 2011

The Hongtoushan Archean Cu–Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit, which was metamorphosed (3.0–2.8 Ga) to upper amphibolite facies at temperatures between 600 and 650°C, occurs in the Hunbei granite–greenstone terrane, Liaoning Province of NE China. Stratiform cordierite–anthophyllite gneiss (CAG) that occurs hundreds of meters below the ore horizon in the Hongtoushan district corresponds to the metamorphosed semi‐conformable alteration zone of the VMS hydrothermal system, whereas the CAG that contains abundant deformed sulfide‐bearing quartz veins immediately below the main ore layer represents the metamorphosed discordant alteration zone. Whole‐rock geochemistry indicates that stratiform CAG was derived ultimately from five lithologies (basalt, basaltic andesite, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite), while discordant CAG derived from a single lithology (rhyolite). Amphibolite and biotite‐rich gneiss are identified as a metamorphosed least‐altered precursor for these CAGs. Mass change calculation indicates that, compared to the least‐altered rocks, stratiform CAG is enriched in Fe and Mg, and depleted in Na, K, Ca, Cu, Pb and Zn, while discordant CAG is enriched in Fe, Mg, Si, Na, Pb, Cu and Zn, and depleted in K. HREE and HFSE (Zr, Ti, Nb and Ta) behaved inertly during submarine alteration, whereas Rb, Sr, Ba and LREE (especially Eu) were leached off.

Both stratiform and discordant CAGs are depleted in 18O, with values up to 7‰ lower than their corresponding least‐altered precursors. Addition of Fe, Mg, and depletion of Ca, K, Sr, and 18O, indicate that hydrothermal alteration for both types of CAGs was characterized by chloritization prior to metamorphism. Stratiform CAG could be used to evaluate the mineralization potential of VMS in metamorphic terranes, while discordant CAG containing sulfide‐bearing quartz veins could be a good indication for overlying stratiform massive sulfide ores as well as an exploration target itself.
Mobility of Rare Earth Elements in Basalt‐Derived Laterite at the Bolaven Plateau, Southern Laos
Authors: SANEMATSU Kenzo , MORIYAMA Takeru , SOTOUKY Laochou , WATANABE Yasushi
Published: March 2011

Geochemical and geochronological studies were conducted on basalts and laterites from the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos in order to evaluate the mobility and mineralization of REE, Y and Sc during laterization. The basalts are classified into three categories: (i) small volumetric alkali basalt (eruption age: 15.7 Ma), large volumetric olivine tholeiite (1.2 Ma) and quartz tholeiite with olivine tholeiite (younger than 0.5 ± 0.2 Ma). Formation of REE minerals during laterization result in mobilization and fractionation of REE and Y in laterite profiles. Occurrence of florencite‐(Ce) in a laterite profile derived from alkali basalt immobilizes REE (particularly LREE) and this leads the laterites to be enriched in LREE relative to the parent basalt. Few positive Ce anomalies in this profile suggest that florencite‐(Ce) [(Ce)Al3(PO4)2(OH)2] formation was followed by CeO2 precipitation due to the change of redox condition. In tholeiite‐derived laterite profiles, florencite is not recognized and REE and Y tend to be depleted relative to the parent basalts with positive Ce anomalies. This is interpreted as scavenging REE3+ except for Ce4+ from the laterite profile in oxidizing conditions. Sc behaves similarly to Fe during laterization and it is more abundant in the tholeiitic laterite than that in the alkali basaltic laterite. Results of sequential extraction indicate that REE of the alkali basaltic laterite are contained in residual phase, which is dominantly florencite‐(Ce), but they are rarely present in ion‐adsorption phase. It is concluded that basaltic laterites have a low potential of REE resource in terms of low REE contents and a difficulty in REE extraction.
Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Compositions of Calcite and Rhodochrosite from Geothermal Exploratory Drills TH‐4 and TH‐6 near the Toyoha Deposit, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: NITTA Miyuki , INOUE Atsuyuki
Published: March 2011

We studied calcite and rhodochrosite from exploratory drill cores (TH‐4 and TH‐6) near the Toyoha deposit, southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, from the aspect of stable isotope geochemistry, together with measuring the homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions. The alteration observed in the drill cores is classified into four zones: ore mineralized zone, mixed‐layer minerals zone, kaolin minerals zone, and propylitic zone. Calcite is widespread in all the zones except for the kaolin minerals zone. The occurrence of rhodochrosite is restricted in the ore mineralized zone associated with Fe, Mn‐rich chlorite and sulfides, the mineral assemblage of which is basically equivalent to that in the Toyoha veins.

The measured δ18OSMOW and δ13CPDB values of calcite scatter in the relatively narrow ranges from −2 to 5‰ and from −9 to −5‰, respectively; those of rhodochrosite from 3 to 9‰ and from −9 to −5‰, excluding some data with large deviations. The variation of the isotopic compositions with temperature and depth could be explained by a mixing process between a heated surface meteoric water (100°C δ18O =−12‰, δ13C =−10‰) and a deep high temperature water (300°C, δ18O =−5‰, δ13C =−4‰). Boiling was less effective in isotopic fractionation than that of mixing. The plots of δ18O and δ13C indicate that the carbonates precipitated from H2CO3‐dominated fluids under the conditions of pH = 6–7 and T = 200–300°C. The sequential precipitation from calcite to rhodochrosite in a vein brought about the disequilibrium isotopic fractionation between the two minerals. The hydrothermal fluids circulated during the precipitation of carbonates in TH‐4 and TH‐6 are similar in origin to the ore‐forming fluids pertaining to the formation of veins in the Toyoha deposit.
PRGmatic: an efficient pipeline for collating genome‐enriched second‐generation sequencing data using a ‘provisional‐reference genome’
Authors: HIRD SARAH M. , BRUMFIELD ROBB T. , CARSTENS BRYAN C.
Published: March 2011

Second‐generation sequencing is increasingly being used in combination with genome‐enrichment techniques to amplify a large number of loci in many individuals for the purpose of population genetic and phylogeographic analysis. Compiling all the necessary tools to analyse these data is complex and time‐consuming. Here, we assemble a set of programs and pipe them together with Perl, enabling research laboratories without a dedicated bioinformatician to utilize second‐generation sequencing. User input is a folder of the second‐generation sequencing reads sorted by individual (in FASTA format) and pipeline output is a folder of multi‐FASTA files that correspond to loci (with 2 alleles called per individual). Additional output includes a summary file of the number of individuals per locus, observed and expected heterozygosity for each locus, distribution of multiple hits and summary statistics (θ, Tajima’s D, etc.). This user‐friendly, open source pipeline, which requires no a priori reference genome because it constructs its own, allows the user to set various parameters (e.g. minimum coverage) in the dependent programs (CAP3, BWA, SAMtools and VarScan) and facilitates evaluation of the nature and quality of data collected prior to analysis in software packages.
Berberis rawatii sp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from India
Authors: Tiwari Umeshkumar L. , Singh Adhikari Bhupendra
Published: March 2011

In India, 55 species of Berberis have been reported and 22 species are found in Uttarakhand state. Berberis rawatii (Berberidaceae), a new species from Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state of India (western Himalaya) is here described and illustrated. In terms of leaf and inflorescence, Berberis rawatii shows affinities with B. cretica L. Both these species have entire leaves, fascicled inflorescences, conspicuous style and black berries, but B. rawatii differs in the presence of a petiole, the dorsal surface of leaf pruinose, presence of elongated‐ovate glands, presence of prophylls, three ovules and pruinose fruits.
Efficacy and safety in sitagliptin therapy for diabetes complicated by chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kobayashi Mariko , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kawamura Yusuke , Matsumoto Naoki , Akuta Norio , Imai Norihisa , Kobayashi Masahiro , Sezaki Hitomi , Saito Satoshi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Ohmoto Yuki , Amakawa Kazuhisa , Tsuji Hiroshi , Hsieh Shium Dong , Kobayashi Tetsurou
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Diabetes is present in patients with chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this case–control study is to assess the efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic liver disease caused by HCV.

Methods:  Sixteen HCV positive patients with T2DM treated by sitagliptin were retrospectively enrolled. These patients were given sitagliptin between December 2009 and January 2010. Another 16 HCV patients with T2DM treated only with diet and excise for 48 weeks were selected as the control group. Serum levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured before and 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks after the initiation of treatment.

Results:  In the sitagliptin group, the average HbA1C level decreased approximately 0.8% at 48 weeks after the initiation of sitagliptin. Next, the average FPG level decreased approximately 20 mg/dL during follow up after the initiation of sitagliptin. All the patients were able to take sitagliptin of 50 mg/day without reduction because of sitagliptin‐related side‐effects. On the other hand, in the control group, the average HbA1C and FPG level did not change with statistical significance during follow up of 48 weeks. Regarding aminotransferase, there were no significant changes of average AST and ALT level during follow up of 48 weeks in both the sitagliptin group and control group.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that sitagliptin is effective and safe for the treatment of T2DM complicated with HCV positive chronic liver disease.
Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Effect of Head Position on Central Venous Pressure Measurement in Standing Adult Horses
Authors: Norton J.L. , Nolen‐Walston R.D. , Underwood C. , Boston R. , Slack J. , Dallap B.L.
Published: March 2011

Background:Central venous pressure (CVP) is a used as an estimation of intravascular volume status in various species. Techniques for measuring CVP in horses have been described, but the repeatability of these readings at a single time point or over time has not been established.

Hypothesis:That CVP measurements in healthy adult horses would be repeatable at each time point, that these readings would be reproducible over time, and that alteration in head position relative to the heart would alter CVP.

Animals:Ten healthy adult research horses.

Methods:In an experimental study, horses were instrumented with a central venous catheter. Readings were taken in triplicate q6h for 2 days by water manometry, and twice daily with the head in neutral, elevated, and lowered positions by electronic manometry.

Results:Variation in the “neutral” measurements obtained at each time point was <0.1 ± 1.0 cmH2O (P= .718). There was a significant decrease in CVP over time (P= .015), which was eliminated when results were controlled for acute decrease in body weight of −1.35% (presumed hypohydration because of lack of acclimatization and decreased water intake). Head height had a significant and directional effect on CVP in that the elevated head position decreased CVP −2.0 ± 6.5 cmH2O (P< .001) while the lowered head position increased CVP by 3.7 ± 5.5 cmH2O (P< .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:CVP values obtained by water manometry were repeatable in adult horses, but were reproducible only when controlled for changes in hydration. Care should be taken to maintain consistency in head position to prevent erroneous readings.
The constructive role of gender asymmetry in social interaction: Further evidence
Authors: Psaltis Charis
Published: March 2011

Two hundred and sixty‐four children aged 6.5–7.5 years (first graders) took part in a pre‐test, interaction, and post‐test experiment working on a spatial transformation task known as the ‘village task’. Cognitive progress was assessed by pre‐ to post‐test gains in both an immediate and delayed post‐test in dyads and individual participants as a control. The results indicate clear links between particular pair types with both communication processes and with learning and cognitive developmental outcomes. The present study demonstrates that gender can act as a source of status asymmetry in peer interaction to influence communication, learning, and cognitive development in same‐ and mixed‐sex dyads.
The influence of categorical organization on verbal working memory
Authors: Belacchi Carmen , Benelli Beatrice , Pantaleone Silvia
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to show the positive effects of categorical organization on verbal working memory (WM), in a modified version of a double task, such as the Listening Span Test (LST) (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980). Two experiments were performed comparing sentences with the typical definitional format (i.e., superordinate term, copula, and specification) to sentences simply describing objects or events. The results of the two experiments, with participants from children aged 6 to adults, revealed that word recall was better in Categorical sentences than in Descriptive sentences and are interpreted in terms of retrieval facilitation, due to pre‐existing organization in semantic memory, at least from the age of 8 onwards. Recall performance was also better with sentences giving True statements than those giving False statements. Furthermore, Categorical False sentences are more effective in enhancing recall than Descriptive False sentences since they violate well‐established semantic expectations. Such variables were also found to act among participants with a lower WM span, by this confirming that pre‐existing organized information may compensate for less efficient WM.
Identification of Tire Model Parameters Through Full Vehicle Experimental Tests
Authors: Braghin Francesco , Cheli Federico , Sabbioni Edoardo
Published: March 2011

Individual tire model parameters are traditionally derived from expensive component indoor laboratory tests as a result of an identification procedure minimizing the error with respect to force and slip measurements. These parameters are then transferred to vehicle models used at a design stage to simulate the vehicle handling behavior. A methodology aimed at identifying the Magic Formula-Tyre (MF-Tyre) model coefficients of each individual tire for pure cornering conditions based only on the measurements carried out on board vehicle (vehicle sideslip angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, speed and steer angle) during standard handling maneuvers (step-steers) is instead presented in this paper. The resulting tire model thus includes vertical load dependency and implicitly compensates for suspension geometry and compliance (i.e., scaling factors are included into the identified MF coefficients). The global number of tests (indoor and outdoor) needed for characterizing a tire for handling simulation purposes can thus be reduced. The proposed methodology is made in three subsequent steps. During the first phase, the average MF coefficients of the tires of an axle and the relaxation lengths are identified through an extended Kalman filter. Then the vertical loads and the slip angles at each tire are estimated. The results of these two steps are used as inputs to the last phase, where, the MF-Tyre model coefficients for each individual tire are identified through a constrained minimization approach. Results of the identification procedure have been compared with experimental data collected on a sport vehicle equipped with different tires for the front and the rear axles and instrumented with dynamometric hubs for tire contact forces measurement. Thus, a direct matching between the measured and the estimated contact forces could be performed, showing a successful tire model identification. As a further verification of the obtained results, the identified tire model has also been compared with laboratory tests on the same tire. A good agreement has been observed for the rear tire where suspension compliance is negligible, while front tire data are comparable only after including a suspension compliance compensation term into the identification procedure.
Fault Diagnosis of High Speed Rolling Element Bearings Due to Localized Defects Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Kankar P. K. , Sharma Satish C. , Harsha S. P.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, fault diagnosis of high speed rolling element bearings due to localized defects using response surface method has been done. The localized defects as spalls on outer race, on inner race, and on rolling elements are considered for this study. The mathematical formulation accounted for tangential motions of rolling elements and inner and outer races with the sources of nonlinearity such as Hertzian contact force and internal radial clearance. The nonlinear stiffness is obtained by the application of Hertzian elastic contact deformation theory. The mathematical formulation predicts discrete spectrum having peaks at the characteristic defect frequencies and their harmonics. Experimentation has also been performed to validate the results obtained from the mathematical model and it shows that the model can be successfully used to predict amplitude ratios among various spectral lines with localized surface defects. Combined parametric effects have been analyzed and their influence has been considered with design of experiments and surface response methodology is used to predict the dynamic response of a rotor bearing system.
In-Plane Free Vibrations of an Inclined Taut Cable
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , Yan Shaoze , Chu Fulei
Published: March 2011

The investigation of the free vibrations of inclined taut cables has been a significant subject due to their wide applications in various engineering fields. For this subject, accurate analytical expression for the natural modes and the natural frequencies is of great importance. In this paper, the free vibration of an inclined taut cable is further investigated by accounting for the factor of the weight component parallel to the cable chord. Two coupled linear differential equations describing two-dimensional in-plane motion of the cable are derived based on Newton’s law. By variable substitution, the equation of the transverse motion becomes a Bessel equation of zero order when the equation of longitudinal motion is ignored. Solving the Bessel equation with the given boundary conditions, a set of explicit formulae is presented, which is more accurate for determining the natural frequencies and the modal shapes of an inclined taut cable. The accuracy of the proposed formulae is validated by numerical results obtained by the Galerkin method. The influences of two characteristic parameters λ and ε on the natural frequencies and modal shapes of an inclined taut cable are studied. The results are discussed and compared with those of other literatures. It appears that the present theory has an advantage over others in the aspect of accuracy, and may be used as a base for the correct analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamics of cable structures.
Robust Control of the Elastodynamic Vibrations of a Flexible Rotor System With Discontinuous Friction
Authors: Karkoub Mansour
Published: March 2011

The work presented here deals with the control of a flexible rotor system using the μ-synthesis control technique. This technique allows for the inclusion of modeling errors in the control design process in terms of uncertainty weights. The dynamic model of the rotor system, which includes discontinuous friction, is highly nonlinear and has to be linearized around an operating point in order to use μ-synthesis. The difference between the linear and nonlinear models is characterized in terms of uncertainty weights and included in the control design process. The designed controller is robust to uncertainty in the dynamic model, spillover, actuator uncertainty, and noise. The theoretical findings of the μ-synthesis control design are validated through simulations and the results are presented and discussed here.
A Reduction Procedure for One-Dimensional Joint Models and Application to a Lap Joint
Authors: Guthrie Michael A. , Kammer Daniel C.
Published: March 2011

A reduction procedure for joint models that was developed in earlier work is extended to allow for relative motion between surfaces, and the effect of this procedure on timestep issues is considered. A general one-dimensional structure containing a frictional interface is considered. Coulomb friction is approximated with nonlinear springs of large but finite stiffness. The system of equations describing this structure is reduced in a procedure similar to Guyan reduction by assuming that the system deforms only in the shapes that it takes when the interface is massless. The result of this procedure is that the dynamics associated with the interface region are removed from the analysis. Following the development of the reduction procedure, the reduced formulation is specialized to the case of a simple lap joint. A numerical example problem is considered in which both the full and reduced equations of motion are integrated over time. It is seen that, for the example problem considered, the reduction procedure results in tremendous computational savings with little loss of accuracy. Based on the results of the simple example problem, it appears that the proposed reduction procedure has potential to be an accurate and effective method of alleviating the timestep difficulties associated with direct finite element analysis of joints in structural dynamics applications.
Correlation between low threshold emission and C–N bond in nitrogen-doped diamond films
Authors: Masuzawa T. , Sato Y. , Kudo Y. , Saito I. , Yamada T. , Koh A. T. T. , Chua D. H. C. , Yoshino T. , Chun W. J. , Yamasaki S. , Okano K.
Published: March 2011

A recent study demonstrated that electron emission occurs from conduction bands of heavily nitrogen (N)-doped diamond, utilizing the benefit of negative electron affinity [H. Yamaguchi et al., Phys. Rev. B 80, 165321 (2009)]. In addition, doping N-doped diamond films with dimethylurea (DMU) allowed high reproducibility. In this article, field emission properties of N-doped diamond films were compared between samples doped with DMU and one doped with urea. Fowler–Nordheim analysis and voltage-distance plot analysis showed that the barrier height for the urea-doped film was smaller than for DMU-doped counterparts, while the barrier height showed only a slight decrease when the DMU concentration in the reactant solution was changed from 10 to 1000 ppm. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that this difference in barrier height did not originate from the electron affinity. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF SIMS) exhibited that the concentration of C–N bonds in the urea-doped sample was an order of magnitude higher than in the two DMU-doped samples. This result suggests that only nitrogen atoms incorporated as C–N enhance the field emission properties of N-doped diamond films. Further TOF SIMS analysis of N-doped diamonds with urea or DMU doping may clarify the C–N distribution in relation to the electron emission under low electric fields.
From a Single-Band Metal to a High-Temperature Superconductor via Two Thermal Phase Transitions
Authors: He Rui-Hua , Hashimoto M. , Karapetyan H. , Koralek J. D. , Hinton J. P. , Testaud J. P. , Nathan V. , Yoshida Y. , Yao Hong , Tanaka K. , Meevasana W. , Moore R. G. , Lu D. H. , Mo S.-K. , Ishikado M. , Eisaki H. , Hussain Z. , Devereaux T. P. , Kivelson S. A. , Orenstein J. , Kapitulnik A. , Shen Z.-X.
Published: March 2011

Three techniques are used to probe the pseudogap state of cuprate high-temperature superconductors.
CD40 Agonists Alter Tumor Stroma and Show Efficacy Against Pancreatic Carcinoma in Mice and Humans
Authors: Beatty Gregory L. , Chiorean Elena G. , Fishman Matthew P. , Saboury Babak , Teitelbaum Ursina R. , Sun Weijing , Huhn Richard D. , Song Wenru , Li Dongguang , Sharp Leslie L. , Torigian Drew A. , O’Dwyer Peter J. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: March 2011

CD40 immunotherapy shows efficacy in treating pancreatic cancer in mice and humans by eliciting antitumor immunity.
The Bonding Electron Density in Aluminum
Authors: Nakashima Philip N. H. , Smith Andrew E. , Etheridge Joanne , Muddle Barrington C.
Published: March 2011

A combination of microscopy and first-principle calculations is used to study the bonding charge density in aluminum.
Dental Occlusion in a 260-Million-Year-Old Therapsid with Saber Canines from the Permian of Brazil
Authors: Cisneros Juan Carlos , Abdala Fernando , Rubidge Bruce S. , Dentzien-Dias Paula Camboim , Bueno Ana de Oliveira
Published: March 2011

Tiarajudens
extends the date of dental occlusion and suggests why the members of this Permian group were such diverse and successful herbivores.
Baryons at the Edge of the X-ray–Brightest Galaxy Cluster
Authors: Simionescu Aurora , Allen Steven W. , Mantz Adam , Werner Norbert , Takei Yoh , Morris R. Glenn , Fabian Andrew C. , Sanders Jeremy S. , Nulsen Paul E. J. , George Matthew R. , Taylor Gregory B.
Published: March 2011

The Suzaku satellite provides a census of the gas, metals, and dark matter out to the outskirts of the Perseus Cluster.
Marine Biodiversity and Gene Patents
Authors: Arnaud-Haond Sophie , Arrieta Jesús M. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: March 2011

Ten countries account for 90% of patent claims associated with marine genes, including some from international waters.
Self-Recognition Among Different Polyprotic Macroions During Assembly Processes in Dilute Solution
Authors: Liu Tianbo , Langston Melissa L. K. , Li Dong , Pigga Joseph M. , Pichon Céline , Todea Ana Maria , Müller Achim
Published: March 2011

Differences in surface charge and water mobility allow slightly different inorganic macroions to self-assemble separately.
Antarctica's Deep Frozen “Lakes”
Authors: Tulaczyk Slawek , Hossainzadeh Saffia
Published: March 2011

Airborne radar surveys performed over East Antarctica reveal massive and widespread bodies of accreted basal ice.
Cancer Immunoediting: Integrating Immunity’s Roles in Cancer Suppression and Promotion
Authors: Schreiber Robert D. , Old Lloyd J. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: March 2011

Understanding how the immune system affects cancer development and progression has been one of the most challenging questions in immunology. Research over the past two decades has helped explain why the answer to this question has evaded us for so long. We now appreciate that the immune system plays a dual role in cancer: It can not only suppress tumor growth by destroying cancer cells or inhibiting their outgrowth but also promote tumor progression either by selecting for tumor cells that are more fit to survive in an immunocompetent host or by establishing conditions within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate tumor outgrowth. Here, we discuss a unifying conceptual framework called “cancer immunoediting,” which integrates the immune system’s dual host-protective and tumor-promoting roles.
A Perspective on Cancer Cell Metastasis
Authors: Chaffer Christine L. , Weinberg Robert A.
Published: March 2011

Metastasis causes most cancer deaths, yet this process remains one of the most enigmatic aspects of the disease. Building on new mechanistic insights emerging from recent research, we offer our perspective on the metastatic process and reflect on possible paths of future exploration. We suggest that metastasis can be portrayed as a two-phase process: The first phase involves the physical translocation of a cancer cell to a distant organ, whereas the second encompasses the ability of the cancer cell to develop into a metastatic lesion at that distant site. Although much remains to be learned about the second phase, we feel that an understanding of the first phase is now within sight, due in part to a better understanding of how cancer cell behavior can be modified by a cell-biological program called the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
A Ballet of Plant Movement

The Restless Plant
by Dov Koller. Elizabeth Van Volkenburgh, Ed.

Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2011. 224 pp. $39.95, £29.95, €36. ISBN 9780674048638.
Authors: Wyatt Sarah E.
Published: March 2011

Writing for nonspecialists, Koller collects experimental findings (many from his own research) to discuss the mechanisms and adaptive value of plant movements.
A New Focus on RNA in the Lens
Authors: Duncan Melinda K.
Published: March 2011

A protein forms granules with RNA to control gene expression and mammalian eye lens development.
Nuclear Power's Global Fallout
Authors:   News Staff
Published: March 2011

Science
has created a map that provides a snapshot of the number of nuclear reactors in operation and under construction worldwide, locations of power plants in relation to seismic hazard zones, and reactions to events in Japan in some countries.
Radiation Risks Outlined by Bombs, Weapons Work, and Accidents
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: March 2011

Risk calculations for radiation exposure are based heavily on a 63-year study of 94,000 people who survived the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan in August 1945. It is one of the largest, longest population studies ever done; for radiation safety, it is the gold standard.
Candidate Radiation Drugs Inch Forward
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: March 2011

Over the past 5 years, a few promising candidate drugs designed to ward off the effects of radiation exposure have begun to undergo animal, and even human, testing. Still, only a few companies and academic groups are addressing this unmet need.
Current Designs Address Safety Problems in Fukushima Reactors
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: March 2011

Nuclear reactor designers say that the reactors being built or planned today are quite different—and they say much safer—than those that are still smoldering in Japan.
Fukushima Cleanup Will Be Drawn Out and Costly
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: March 2011

The Fukushima cleanup operation is likely to resemble the protracted cleanup at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Pennsylvania, where one reactor experienced a partial meltdown in 1979.
Japan's Research Facilities Down But Not Out
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2011

Japan's scientific community has been quietly taking stock of how extensively the magnitude-9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami on 11 March damaged facilities and experiments. The news is mixed.
Texas Site Confirms Pre-Clovis Settlement of the Americas
Authors: Pringle Heather
Published: March 2011

Very ancient stone tools help confirm what many have long suspected: Clovis hunters, with their distinctive spear points, were not the first to people the Americas.
Going Viral: Exploring the Role Of Viruses in Our Bodies
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2011

'Virome' surveys reveal our vast number and variety of viruses.
Cancer Research and the $90 Billion Metaphor
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: March 2011

In the 40 years since President Richard Nixon first declared "War on Cancer," the cancer campaign has changed therapy and saved lives, as demonstrated in this infographic
Science
has created of indicators for the seven deadliest cancers.
Making Her Life an Open Book to Promote Expanded Care
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: March 2011

Felicia Knaul, a health economist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, is one half of a Mexican-Canadian power couple that aims to end the neglect of cancer as a disease of the poor—and will succeed, if anyone can, say colleagues.
Brothers in Arms Against Cancer
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: March 2011

Cancer researchers are trying to harness siblings of p53, the famous tumor-blocking protein.
Comprehensive Serological Analysis of Two Successive Heterologous Vaccines against H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in Exotic Birds in Zoos
Authors: Vergara-Alert Júlia , Fernández-Bellon Hugo , Busquets Núria , Alcántara Gabriel , Delclaux María , Pizarro Bienvenido , Sánchez Celia , Sánchez Azucena , Majó Natàlia , Darji Ayub
Published: March 2011

In 2005, European Commission directive 2005/744/EC allowed controlled vaccination against avian influenza (AI) virus of valuable avian species housed in zoos. In 2006, 15 Spanish zoos and wildlife centers began a vaccination program with a commercial inactivated H5N9 vaccine. Between November 2007 and May 2008, birds from 10 of these centers were vaccinated again with a commercial inactivated H5N3 vaccine. During these campaigns, pre- and postvaccination samples from different bird orders were taken to study the response against AI virus H5 vaccines. Sera prior to vaccinations with both vaccines were examined for the presence of total antibodies against influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) by a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Humoral responses to vaccination were evaluated using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. In some taxonomic orders, both vaccines elicited comparatively high titers of HI antibodies against H5. Interestingly, some orders, such as Psittaciformes, which did not develop HI antibodies to either vaccine formulation when used alone, triggered notable HI antibody production, albeit in low HI titers, when primed with H5N9 and during subsequent boosting with the H5N3 vaccine. Vaccination with successive heterologous vaccines may represent the best alternative to widely protect valuable and/or endangered bird species against highly pathogenic AI virus infection.
Antibody Recognition of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Capsid Protein Epitopes after Vaccination, Infection, and Disease
Authors: Trible Benjamin R. , Kerrigan Maureen , Crossland Nicholas , Potter Megan , Faaberg Kay , Hesse Richard , Rowland Raymond R. R.
Published: March 2011

Open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) codes for the 233-amino-acid capsid protein (CP). Baculovirus-based vaccines that express only ORF2 are protective against clinical disease following experimental challenge or natural infection. The goal of this study was to identify regions in CP preferentially recognized by sera from experimentally infected and vaccinated pigs and to compare these responses to those of pigs diagnosed with porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), including porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). The approach was to react porcine sera with CP polypeptide fragments followed by finer mapping studies using overlapping oligopeptides that covered amino acids 141 to 200. The results showed that vaccinated pigs preferentially recognized only the largest polypeptide fragment, CP(43-233). A subset of experimentally infected pigs and pigs with PDNS showed strong reactivity against a CP oligopeptide, 169-STIDYFQPNNKR-180. Alanine scanning identified Y-173, F-174, Q-175, and K-179 as important for antibody recognition. The results from this study support the notion of PCV2 modulation of immunity, including antibody responses that may represent a precursor for disease. The recognition of CP(169-180) and other polypeptides provides opportunities to devise diagnostic tests for monitoring the immunological effectiveness of vaccination.
Comparison of Clinical and Analytical Performance of the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV Test to the Performance of Hybrid Capture 2 in Population-Based Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Poljak Mario , Oštrbenk Anja , Seme Katja , Učakar Veronika , Hillemanns Peter , Bokal Eda Vrtačnik , Jančar Nina , Klavs Irena
Published: March 2011

The clinical performance of the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV (human papillomavirus) test (RealTime) and that of the Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA test (hc2) were prospectively compared in the population-based cervical cancer screening setting. In women >30 years old (
n
= 3,129), the clinical sensitivity of RealTime for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 (CIN2) or worse (38 cases) and its clinical specificity for lesions of less than CIN2 (3,091 controls) were 100% and 93.3%, respectively, and those of hc2 were 97.4% and 91.8%, respectively. A noninferiority score test showed that the clinical specificity (
P
< 0.0001) and clinical sensitivity (
P
= 0.011) of RealTime were noninferior to those of hc2 at the recommended thresholds of 98% and 90%. In the total study population (women 20 to 64 years old;
n
= 4,432; 57 cases, 4,375 controls), the clinical sensitivity and specificity of RealTime were 98.2% and 89.5%, and those of hc2 were 94.7% and 87.7%, respectively. The analytical sensitivity and analytical specificity of RealTime in detecting targeted HPV types evaluated with the largest sample collection to date (4,479 samples) were 94.8% and 99.8%, and those of hc2 were 93.4% and 97.8%, respectively. Excellent analytical agreement between the two assays was obtained (kappa value, 0.84), while the analytical accuracy of RealTime was significantly higher than that of hc2. RealTime demonstrated high intralaboratory reproducibility and interlaboratory agreement with 500 samples retested 61 to 226 days after initial testing in two different laboratories. RealTime can be considered to be a reliable and robust HPV assay clinically comparable to hc2 for the detection of CIN2+ lesions in a population-based cervical cancer screening setting.
Disseminated Paracoccidioidomycosis (Simulating Metastatic Lung Cancer) and Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfestation in a Steroid-Treated Patient
Authors: Dall Bello Aline Gehlen , Severo Cecília Bittencourt , Oliveira Flávio de Mattos , Severo Luiz Carlos
Published: March 2011

We report a case of disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis, initially suggestive of metastatic lung cancer. The infection was associated with strongyloides hyperinfestation as a result of iatrogenic hypercorticoidism. Examination of a smear prepared from aspirated tracheobronchial secretion and stained by Grocott-methenamine-silver revealed structures consistent with
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
and
Strongyloides stercoralis
. At autopsy, the central nervous system and pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis, as well as pulmonary strongyloidiasis, were confirmed, without evidence of malignant cells.
Comparative Evaluation of a Chromogenic Agar Medium, the Modified Hodge Test, and a Battery of Meropenem-Inhibitor Discs for Detection of Carbapenemase Activity in Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Seah Christine , Low Donald E. , Patel Samir N. , Melano Roberto G.
Published: March 2011

Three phenotypic methods (modified Hodge test, chromogenic agar, and meropenem discs combined with specific inhibitors) used for the detection of carbapenemase activity were tested on a panel of characterized
Enterobacteriaceae
expressing various β-lactamase mechanisms. Overall, the meropenem-plus-inhibitor approach was more sensitive and specific than the other methods, despite its limitation of being unable to detect class D carbapenemases.
Fading of Auramine-Stained Mycobacterial Smears and Implications for External Quality Assurance
Authors: Minion Jessica , Shenai Shubhada , Vadwai Viral , Tipnis Tejashree , Greenaway Christina , Menzies Dick , Ramsay Andrew , Rodrigues Camilla , Pai Madhukar
Published: March 2011

Light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy is being scaled up for tuberculosis control, but fading of auramine-stained slides could compromise external quality assurance. We stored auramine-stained slides and reexamined them over time. Slides stored in all environments faded quickly, with significant changes in the proportion of positive slides in as little as 1 week.
Bacterial Identification by 16S rRNA Gene PCR-Hybridization as a Supplement to Negative Culture Results
Authors: Matsuda Kazuko , Iwaki Kosuke K. , Garcia-Gomez Jean , Hoffman Jill , Inderlied Clark B. , Mason Wilbert H. , Iwaki Yuichi
Published: March 2011

PCR-hybridization was compared to culture methods for evaluating suspected blood infections. A total of 231 clinical samples from blood culture bottles that were flagged positive by the BacT/Alert system or were negative 1 week after inoculation were tested. When the PCR-hybridization and culture method results were compared, the positive and negative concordance rates were 99.2% (122/123) and 89.5% (94/105), respectively. Of the negative blood cultures, 10.5% (11/105) were positive by PCR-hybridization. Supplemental testing of negative blood cultures may identify bacterial pathogens that are undetectable by culture methods.
Bullous Impetigo in Children Infected with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Alone or in Combination with Methicillin-Susceptible S. aureus: Analysis of Genetic Characteristics, Including Assessment of Exfoliative Toxin Gene Carriage
Authors: Shi Da , Higuchi Wataru , Takano Tomomi , Saito Kohei , Ozaki Kyoko , Takano Misao , Nitahara Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: March 2011

Among bullous impetigo isolates, exfoliative toxin (ET) gene carriage was found in 61.5% of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates versus 90.6% of methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) isolates. MRSA-only cases were ETB or ETA positive, while MRSA/MSSA coinfection cases were ET negative for MRSA but ETA positive for MSSA. Collagen adhesin may facilitate some MRSA infections.