bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributions of electric parameters in MOS structures on 3C-SiC substrate
Authors: Piskorski Krzysztof , Przewlocki Henryk , Esteve Romain , Bakowski Mietek
Published: October 2012

In this work studies of some electrical parameters of the MOS structure based on 3C-SiC substrate are presented. The effective contact potential difference ϕMS, the barrier height at the gate-dielectric interface E
BG and the flat-band in semiconductor voltage V
FB were measured using several electric and photoelectric techniques. Values of these parameters obtained on structures with different gate areas decrease monotonically with increasing parameter R, defined as the ratio of the gate perimeter to the gate area. Such behavior confirmed results obtained on MOS structures on silicon substrate and also supported our hypothesis that the mechanical stress in the dielectric layer under the metal gate causes non uniform distribution of some parameters over the gate area of MOS structure.
Exact and approximate solutions of Schrödinger’s equation for a class of trigonometric potentials
Authors: Ciftci Hakan , Hall Richard , Saad Nasser
Published: October 2012

The asymptotic iteration method is used to find exact and approximate solutions of Schrödinger’s equation for a number of one-dimensional trigonometric potentials (sine-squared, double-cosine, tangent-squared, and complex cotangent). Analytic and approximate solutions are obtained by first using a coordinate transformation to reduce the Schrödinger equation to a second-order differential equation with an appropriate form. The asymptotic iteration method is also employed indirectly to obtain the terms in perturbation expansions, both for the energies and for the corresponding eigenfunctions.
A window detection technique with adjustable threshold for transmitted reference receivers
Authors: Roy Apratim , Rashid A.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a threshold decision circuit with an adjustable detection window designed in a 90-nm IBM CMOS technology. Together with an RF mixer, the decision Section realizes the circuit implementation of the back-end of a transmitted reference ultra wideband receiver, which is yet to be reported in literature. The proposed circuit is built on a differential amplifier core and avoids the use of integrator and sampling blocks, which reduces the device burden necessary for the architecture. Moreover, the detection window threshold of the design can be regulated by three independent factors defined by the circuit elements. The circuit is tested at an input data rate of 0.1∼2.0 Gbps and the core decision section consumes 9.14 mW from a 1.2-V bias supply (with a maximum capacity/Pdc ratio of 218.8 GHz/W). When compared against other reported decision blocks, the proposed detection circuit shows improved performance in terms of capacity and power requirement.
Bond strength of epoxy coated bar splices confined with nominal lateral reinforcement
Authors: Pandurangan Krishnamurthy , Rao Gangolu
Published: October 2012

Fusion bonded epoxy coating is one of the methods used to protect steel against corrosion. The primary objective of this research reported in this paper is to evaluate the bond strength of epoxy coated bar splices confined with lateral reinforcement. Six full scale beams specimens, designed to fail in bond- splitting mode, were tested in positive bending. Each beam was reinforced with bars spliced in the constant moment region at mid span. The main variables were the amount of transverse reinforcement in the splice region and the coating to the bar. Test results indicate that transverse reinforcement improves the bond strength of coated bars and the ductility of the beams. The bond strength of coated bars is 93%, 72% and 59% of uncoated bars for confinement indices of 1.8, 1.4 and 1.26 respectively. Moreover, a bond reduction factor of 1.35 is suggested for use in code in place of 1.5,when the confinement index is greater than 1.4.
Exploring Children's Attitudes towards Research Participation
Authors: Baxter Stacey
Published: November 2012

Marketing researchers are interested in the consumption-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of children. As a result, children often constitute the target population for marketing-related research, participating in focus groups and interviews and completing questionnaires. However, what are children's attitudes towards participating in such research? This paper presents the results of a series of focus groups conducted to address this question. Findings suggest that, overall, children (5–12 years of age) enjoy participating in research. Children over the age of 6 were also found to have a good understanding of why marketers conduct research and hold a positive attitude towards the use of information obtained. Children were found to prefer research activities that are short and visually appealing, that enable them to express their opinions and are not completed independently.
How Research Assisted the Rollout of a Mobile Agriculture Information Service: The Day Peepli went [Live]
Authors: Mistry Purvi , Samant Ameya
Published: November 2012

Knowledge is power. It can help you transform the way you live and the way you do business, and can help you to reap benefits that you never thought possible. A small bit of information can enable you to take informed decisions in a proactive manner and save yourself the agony of various losses: time, money and so on. The client discussed herein is the world's leading provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. It wanted to empower the mass of the Indian population - the agricultural community - with basic information on weather, commodity prices and crop advice. The question was ‘How feasible is this?’ To answer this, the client partnered with IMRB International nearly five years ago. The research project was long drawn out and completed in varied stages, starting with checking the acceptance of a paper concept through a house-to-house survey of farmers, converting the same to a tangible offering upon acceptance and testing the same through central location testing, where all farmers were collectively given a demonstration of the product, their reactions recorded and, finally, a working model developed to be tested in real time by a select set of farmers to bring the finishing touches to the product. The client still touches base with subscribers through IMRB International, to garner post-usage feedback, satisfaction with services being provided and to discover any other thing that could be done better. From providing the service in one state, the client has progressed to successfully providing the service to 13 states in India. The service has enjoyed unprecedented success and is estimated to have been taken up by more than two million farmers through its usage and sharing in more than 15,000 villages. The decision-enabling nature of the information has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the farmers, enabling them to lead a better life through increased incomes and reduced losses. Individual farmers claim to have reaped significant return on their investment, achieving up to INR200,000 (US$4000) of additional profits, and savings of nearly INR400,000 (US$8000) by using this service, which costs roughly INR250 (US$5) for three months.
Traditional Fishing Methods of Bhutan
Authors: Procter Dennis L , Drukpa Karma , Yargay Lobzang Rinzin , Namgey Rinzin , Zangmo Sonam , Rai Surendra K , Suberi Sudarshan , Phuntsho Tashi , Thinley Tenzin , Tangbi Yeshey D , Dema Yeshey
Published: November 2012

Traditional fishing techniques, practiced in all parts of Bhutan, are described and compared with techniques reported from Nepal. While a wide range of techniques is found in Bhutan, the number is significantly smaller than that from Nepal. For example, six kinds of net are reported from Nepal, but only one from Bhutan. However, the difference in number may reflect in part the limited scope of the present study. At the same time, several techniques appear unique to Bhutan, and others, while similar to their Nepali equivalents, use different materials - plant-derived poisons are an example. Some techniques may have been brought by ancient immigrants from Tibet, with more recent introductions from lowland India and, most recently, from Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.6081 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 25-30
Assessment and prioritization of community soil and water conservation measures for adaptation to climatic stresses in Makawanpur district of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Prashant , Kafle Gandhiv
Published: November 2012

Climate change is the global concern of our sustainable development whose impact is of great concern to humanity. In Nepal, we are already starting to become aware of recent changes and developing the mechanism to adapt. A study was carried out in Bramha Thakur Community Forest User Group of Makawanpur district with an objective of assessing and prioritizing adaptation options by local community using soil and water conservation measures on climate change. Primary data were collected from direct observation, focus group discussion, key informant interview, preference ranking and transect walk. Meteorological data on temperature and rainfall of 30 years was collected from government sources and climatic trend was analyzed. Prioritization of adaptation options was done using Index of Usefulness of Practices to Adaptation (IUPA) tool developed by Debels et al. (2010). Monthly maximum value of daily maximum temperature and minimum temperature has increased by 0.0461°C and 0.12°C respectively. Numbers of warm days are increasing. Annual precipitation has increased steadily whereas maximum five days and monthly precipitation trend is increasing at high rate, alarming to hazards induced by climate change. Local people were found very resourceful in using various adaptation practices to deal with impacts of climate change. IUPA scoring provided important rankings on the adaptation options. Conservation pond was highly prioritized for drought management. To adapt with flood, engineering structures with or without vegetation were highly used as adaptation option. Bamboo plantation was highly preferred by local community to reduce the impacts of landslide and to prevent its occurrence. Bioengineering structures are highly recommended for long term stability in flooded and landslide affected areas. Further studies on adaptation options and their prioritization in more areas are recommended for comprehensive database and generalization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.6997 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 44-51
Spinal manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Chu Ray M. , Maya M. Marcel , Johnson J. Patrick , Cohen Hart C. M.
Published: November 2012

Object

The goal of the study was to elucidate the spinal manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Methods

The authors reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 338 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension who were evaluated at their institution between 2001 and 2010.

Results

Twenty patients (6%; mean age 35.8 [range 16 to 60 years]; 5 males and 15 females) had convincing signs or symptoms referable to the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. The spinal manifestations consisted of radiculopathy in 11 patients (unilateral in 8 and bilateral in 3), myelopathy in 8 patients, and bibrachial amyotrophy in 1 patient. The cervical spine was involved in 12 patients, the thoracic spine in 5, and the lumbosacral spine in 3. The spinal symptoms were positional in only 3 patients. The spinal manifestations occurred around the time of the headache onset in 16 patients, and months to years after the positional headache had resolved in 4 patients. A large extrathecal CSF collection causing compression of the spinal cord or nerve root was responsible for the spinal manifestations in the majority of patients. Treatment of the spinal CSF leak resulted in resolution of the spinal manifestations along with the headache, except for those in the patient with bibrachial amyotrophy.

Conclusions

Spinal manifestations are uncommon in cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, occurring in about 6% of patients, but myelopathy and radiculopathy involving all spinal segments do occur. Unlike the headache, the spinal manifestations usually are not positional and are caused by mass effect from an extradural CSF collection.
The seasonality of postoperative infection in spine surgery
Authors: Gruskay Jordan , Smith Jeremy , Kepler Christopher K. , Radcliff Kristen , Harrop James , Albert Todd , Vaccaro Alexander
Published: November 2012

Object

Studies from many disciplines have found an association with the summer months, elevated temperature, humidity, and an increased rate of infection. The “July effect,” a hypothesis that the inexperience of new house staff at the beginning of an academic year leads to an increase in wound complications, has also been considered. Finally, an increase in trauma-related admissions in the summer months is likely to result in an increased incidence of postoperative infections. Two previous studies revealed mixed results concerning perioperative spinal wound infections in the summer months. The purpose of this study was to determine the months and/or seasons of the year that display significant fluctuation of postoperative infection rate in spine surgery. Based on the idea that infection rates are susceptible to seasonal factors, the authors hypothesized that spinal infections would increase during the summer months.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were all spine surgery cases at a single tertiary referral institution between January 2005 and December 2009; 8122 cases were included. Patients presenting with a contaminated wound or active infection were excluded. Infection rates were calculated on a monthly and seasonal basis and compared.

Results

A statistically significant increase in the infection rate was present on both a seasonal and monthly basis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.024) when looking at the seasonal change from spring to summer. A significant decrease in the infection rate was seen on a seasonal basis during the change from fall to winter (p = 0.04). The seasonal rate of infection was highest in the summer (4.1%) and decreased to the lowest point in the spring (2.8%) (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

At the authors' institution, spine surgeries performed during the summer and fall months were associated with a significantly higher incidence of wound infection compared with the winter and spring. These data support the existence of a seasonal effect on perioperative spinal infection rates, which may be explained by seasonal variation in weather patterns and house staff experience, among other factors.
Tumors of the superior medullary velum in infancy and childhood: report of 6 cases
Authors: Tomita Tadanori , Frassanito Paolo
Published: November 2012

Object

The superior medullary velum (SMV) is a thin lamina of white matter located between the superior cerebellar peduncles horizontally and between the midbrain and cerebellum vertically. The SMV has not previously been described as the primary location of a posterior fossa tumor, although it can be secondarily invaded by a tumor from the cerebellum or quadrigeminal plate. This paper aims to define clinical and radiological features of tumors primarily arising from the SMV during childhood.

Methods

The authors observed 6 infants and children harboring neoplasms of the SMV who were treated at Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital) in Chicago, Illinois. Pathological diagnosis of the neoplasms was an atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) in 5 patients, and a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) in the remaining child. The tumors were diagnosed during infancy in all patients, with ages ranging from 3 months to 10 months, except for the patient with a JPA (diagnosed at 5 years old). All patients presented with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus.

Results

Characteristic MRI features were noted, consistent with a mass in both the fourth ventricle and the cerebellomesencephalic fissure and quadrigeminal cistern, resulting in the circumferential displacement of the neural structures surrounding the SMV. The tumor was removed effectively in gross-total fashion through the occipital transtentorial approach in all patients. This approach offers a wide exposure of the region. However, all infants with ATRT suffered tumor dissemination and died between 4 and 11 months after diagnosis, in spite of radical resection and oncological treatment. The 1 child with JPA is alive and well 30 months after tumor resection.

Conclusions

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description in the literature that focuses on tumors originating from the SMV. This entity must be promptly recognized on preoperative radiological studies to carefully plan the subsequent surgical and clinical management.
Berechnung von Mehraufwand und Minderertrag infolge des Trinkwasserschutzes im Wald
Authors: Blattert Clemens , Bürgi Anton , Lemm Renato
Published: October 2012

Calculation of additional expense and reduced revenue as a result of drinking water protection in the forest

A good portion of the drinking water in Switzerland originates from groundwater wells in the forest. Within the framework of the Water Protection Ordinance these forest areas are designated as groundwater protection zones (core zone, S1; inner protection zone, S2; further protection zone, S3) to protect the drinking water supply against contamination. The designation of a forest area as a protection zone is connected to prescriptions and recommendations influencing forest management and causing additional costs for forest enterprises. On behalf of the Federal Office for Environment, an Excel tool has been developed. With this tool, the additional expense and reduced revenue can be calculated quickly and easily. To reflect the requirements in the tool, courses of action were defined, as they occur in forest management (e.g. no chemical wood treatment in the S2 and S3 zone, utilization of non-polluting fuels and lubricants). Subsequently, these courses were converted into mathematical formulae quantifying the additional costs. Three harvesting methods common in forest management were thereby distinguished, a motor-manual harvesting method, a fully mechanized harvesting method and a harvesting method for steep slopes. The results calculated with the drinking water protection tool can form an essential basis for the discussion on compensation payment for water services from forest management and provide a better communication between forest managers and water suppliers. However, the results of the tool are to be regarded rather as guidelines and should not be taken as absolutely.
Impact of increasing Antarctic ice-shelf melting on Southern Ocean hydrography
Authors: Wang Caixin , Wang Keguang
Published: October 2012

Southern Ocean hydrography has undergone substantial changes in recent decades, concurrent with an increase in the rate of Antarctic ice-shelf melting (AISM). We investigate the impact of increasing AISM on hydrography through a twin numerical experiment, with and without AISM, using a global coupled sea-ice/ocean climate model. The difference between these simulations gives a qualitative understanding of the impact of increasing AISM on hydrography. It is found that increasing AISM tends to freshen the surface water, warm the intermediate and deep waters, and freshen and warm the bottom water in the Southern Ocean. Such effects are consistent with the recent observed trends, suggesting that increasing AISM is likely a significant contributor to the changes in the Southern Ocean. Our analyses indicate potential positive feedback between hydrography and AISM that would amplify the effect on both Southern Ocean hydrography and Antarctic ice-shelf loss caused by external factors such as changing Southern Hemisphere winds.
Spinning in the NAPLAN Ether: ‘Postscript on the Control Societies’ and the Seduction of Education in Australia
Authors: Thompson Greg , Cook Ian
Published: October 2012

This paper applies concepts Deleuze developed in his ‘Postscript on the Societies of Control’, especially those relating to modulatory power, dividuation and control, to aspects of Australian schooling to explore how this transition is manifesting itself. Two modulatory machines of assessment, NAPLAN and My Schools, are examined as a means to better understand how the disciplinary institution is changing as a result of modulation. This transition from discipline to modulation is visible in the declining importance of the disciplinary teacher–student relationship as a measure of the success of the educative process. The transition occurs through seduction because that which purports to measure classroom quality is in fact a serpent of modulation that produces simulacra of the disciplinary classroom. The effect is to sever what happens in the disciplinary space from its representations in a luminiferous ether that overlays the classroom.
Beyond Percept and Affect: Beckett'sFilmand Non-Human Becoming
Authors: Gardner Colin
Published: October 2012

Film, Samuel Beckett's 1964 short starring Buster Keaton, dubbed by Deleuze as ‘The Greatest Irish Film’, is a seminal text in the latter's cinematic canon as it helps us to extrapolate the transition from the Bergson-based movement-image of Cinema 1 to the Nietzschean time-image of Cinema 2. Film is unique insofar as its narrative traverses and progressively destroys the action-, perception- and affection-images that constitute the movement-image as a whole, using Keaton's body, and more importantly his face, as a means of attaining a pure intensity or Entity abstracted from all spatio-temporal coordinates, a condition of exhaustion/saturation that Deleuze and Guattari call, ‘non-human becoming’. Beckett's film is predicated on Bishop Berkeley's fundamental philosophical principle, esse est percipi (to be is to be perceived) and, using Keaton as its protagonist, raises the question of whether it is possible to escape perception, not only by a third party, but also by oneself. The latter is ‘played’ by the camera itself, which ‘stalks’ Keaton from behind, taking great pains not to exceed a 45-degree ‘angle of immunity’ (lest Buster experience percipi or the anguish of perceivedness) until the film's final close-up when he comes face to face with his own self-perception and affective annihilation. Film's denouement thus deconstructs the very nature of conventional cinematic language, whereby filmic suture – the enfolding of character, camera and spectatorial ‘viewing-views’ into a unified field of vision – gives way to a perspective where, at the very moment that the perceptive/affective body dies, the work of filmic art gives birth to itself as a being of pure sensation, exceeding lived experience.
The Effect of Tillage System and Crop Rotation on Soil Microbial Diversity and Composition in a Subtropical Acrisol
Authors: Dorr de Quadros Patricia , Zhalnina Kateryna , Davis-Richardson Austin , Fagen Jennie R. , Drew Jennifer , Bayer Cimelio , Camargo Flavio A.O. , Triplett Eric W.
Published: October 2012

Agricultural management alters physical and chemical soil properties, which directly affects microbial life strategies and community composition. The microbial community drives important nutrient cycling processes that can influence soil quality, cropping productivity and environmental sustainability. In this research, a long-term agricultural experiment in a subtropical Acrisol was studied in south Brazil. The plots at this site represent two tillage systems, two nitrogen fertilization regimes and three crop rotation systems. Using Illumina high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the archaeal and bacterial composition was determined from phylum to species level in the different plot treatments. The relative abundance of these taxes was correlated with measured soil properties. The P, Mg, total organic carbon, total N and mineral N were significantly higher in the no-tillage system. The microbial diversity was higher in the no-tillage system at order, family, genus and species level. In addition, overall microbial composition changed significantly between conventional tillage and no-tillage systems. Anaerobic bacteria, such as clostridia, dominate in no-tilled soil as well as anaerobic methanogenic archaea, which were detected only in the no-tillage system. Microbial diversity was higher in plots in which only cereals (oat and maize) were grown. Soil management influenced soil biodiversity on Acrisol by change of composition and abundance of individual species.
Perinatal Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Enhances Susceptibility to Viral and Secondary Bacterial Infections
Authors: Claude Jocelyn , Grimm Amy , Savage Hannah , Pinkerton Kent
Published: October 2012

Studies suggest childhood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) leads to increased incidence of infections of the lower respiratory tract. The objective of this study was to determine whether perinatal exposure to ETS increases the incidence, morbidity and severity of respiratory influenza infection and whether a secondary bacterial challenge at the peak of a pre-existing viral infection creates an enhanced host-pathogen susceptibility to an opportunistic infection. Timed-pregnant female Balb/c mice were exposed to either ETS for 6 h/day, 7 d/week beginning on gestation day 14 and continuing with the neonates to 6 weeks of age. Control animals were exposed to filtered air (FA). At the end of exposure, mice were intranasally inoculated with a murine-adapted influenza A. One week later, an intranasal inoculation of S. aureus bacteria was administered. The respective treatment groups were: bacteria only, virus only or virus+bacteria for both FA and ETS-exposed animals for a total of six treatment groups. Animal behavior and body weights were documented daily following infection. Mice were necropsied 1-day post-bacterial infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell analysis demonstrated perinatal exposure to ETS, compared to FA, leads to delayed but enhanced clinical symptoms and enhanced total cell influx into the lungs associated with viral infection followed by bacterial challenge. Viral infection significantly increases the number of neutrophils entering the lungs following bacterial challenge with either FA or ETS exposure, while the influx of lymphocytes and monocytes is significantly enhanced only by perinatal ETS exposure. There is a significant increase in peribronchiolar inflammation following viral infection in pups exposed to ETS compared with pups exposed to FA, but no change is noted in the degree of lung injury between FA and ETS-exposed animals following bacterial challenge. The data suggests perinatal exposure to ETS alters the response of neonates to the timing and severity of infection as well as ETS alters the pattern of inflammation and cellular influx into the lungs due to viral and bacterial infection.
Types, Causes, Detection and Repair of DNA Fragmentation in Animal and Human Sperm Cells
Authors: González-Marín Clara , Gosálvez Jaime , Roy Rosa
Published: October 2012

Concentration, motility and morphology are parameters commonly used to determine the fertilization potential of an ejaculate. These parameters give a general view on the quality of sperm but do not provide information about one of the most important components of the reproductive outcome: DNA. Either single or double DNA strand breaks can set the difference between fertile and infertile males. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be caused by intrinsic factors like abortive apoptosis, deficiencies in recombination, protamine imbalances or oxidative stress. Damage can also occur due to extrinsic factors such as storage temperatures, extenders, handling conditions, time after ejaculation, infections and reaction to medicines or post-testicular oxidative stress, among others. Two singular characteristics differentiate sperm from somatic cells: Protamination and absence of DNA repair. DNA repair in sperm is terminated as transcription and translation stops post-spermiogenesis, so these cells have no mechanism to repair the damage occurred during their transit through the epididymis and post-ejaculation. Oocytes and early embryos have been shown to repair sperm DNA damage, so the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation depends on the combined effects of sperm chromatin damage and the capacity of the oocyte to repair it. In this contribution we review some of these issues.
Arabidopsis RIBA Proteins: Two out of Three Isoforms Have Lost Their Bifunctional Activity in Riboflavin Biosynthesis
Authors: Hiltunen Hanna-Maija , Illarionov Boris , Hedtke Boris , Fischer Markus , Grimm Bernhard
Published: October 2012

Riboflavin serves as a precursor for flavocoenzymes (FMN and FAD) and is essential for all living organisms. The two committed enzymatic steps of riboflavin biosynthesis are performed in plants by bifunctional RIBA enzymes comprised of GTP cyclohydrolase II (GCHII) and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBPS). Angiosperms share a small RIBA gene family consisting of three members. A reduction of AtRIBA1 expression in the Arabidopsis rfd1mutant and in RIBA1 antisense lines is not complemented by the simultaneously expressed isoforms AtRIBA2 and AtRIBA3. The intensity of the bleaching leaf phenotype of RIBA1 deficient plants correlates with the inactivation of AtRIBA1 expression, while no significant effects on the mRNA abundance of AtRIBA2 and AtRIBA3 were observed. We examined reasons why both isoforms fail to sufficiently compensate for a lack of RIBA1 expression. All three RIBA isoforms are shown to be translocated into chloroplasts as GFP fusion proteins. Interestingly, both AtRIBA2 and AtRIBA3 have amino acid exchanges in conserved peptides domains that have been found to be essential for the two enzymatic functions. In vitro activity assays of GCHII and DHBPS with all of the three purified recombinant AtRIBA proteins and complementation of E. coli ribA and ribB mutants lacking DHBPS and GCHII expression, respectively, confirmed the loss of bifunctionality for AtRIBA2 and AtRIBA3. Phylogenetic analyses imply that the monofunctional, bipartite RIBA3 proteins, which have lost DHBPS activity, evolved early in tracheophyte evolution.
InN Nanowires: Growth and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Calarco Raffaella
Published: October 2012

An overview on InN nanowires, fabricated using either a catalyst-free molecular beam epitaxy method or a catalyst assisted chemical vapor deposition process, is provided. Differences and similarities of the nanowires prepared using the two techniques are presented. The present understanding of the growth and of the basic optical and transport properties is discussed.
Medicinal Plants: A Source of Anti-Parasitic Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Wink Michael
Published: October 2012

This review summarizes human infections caused by endoparasites, including protozoa, nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes, which affect more than 30% of the human population, and medicinal plants of potential use in their treatment. Because vaccinations do not work in most instances and the parasites have sometimes become resistant to the available synthetic therapeutics, it is important to search for alternative sources of anti-parasitic drugs. Plants produce a high diversity of secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties. These drugs often interfere with central targets in parasites, such as DNA (intercalation, alkylation), membrane integrity, microtubules and neuronal signal transduction. Plant extracts and isolated secondary metabolites which can inhibit protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Trichomonas and intestinal worms are discussed. The identified plants and compounds offer a chance to develop new drugs against parasitic diseases. Most of them need to be tested in more detail, especially in animal models and if successful, in clinical trials.
DNA as a Chiral Scaffold for Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Park Soyoung , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

DNA as a Chiral Scaffold for Asymmetric Synthesis
RSBP: A Reliable Slotted Broadcast Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Vinh Phan , Oh Hoon
Published: October 2012

In wireless sensor networks for monitoring and control applications, a sink node needs to disseminate messages to all nodes to acquire monitoring data or to control the operation of sensor nodes. The basic flooding protocol suffers from low transmission reliability in broadcasting messages due to the hidden terminal problem. Besides, it can cause the broadcast storm problem by having many nodes rebroadcast the received message simultaneously. In order to resolve these problems while minimizing energy consumption in delivery of broadcast messages, we propose a reliable slotted broadcast protocol (RSBP) that allocates broadcast time slots to nodes based on their slot demands and then allows every node to transmit its broadcast message within the allocated slots. Then, every node can broadcast messages safely in a contention-free manner. Moreover, RSBP can be deployed easily since it does not have any specific requirements such as GPS, multi-channels and directional antennas that may not be always available in real scenarios. We show by experimental study that RSBP significantly outperforms other broadcast protocols in terms of safety-critical packet delivery and energy consumption.
Evaluation of vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs
Authors: Pinto A. C. B. C. F. , Marvulle V. , Matera J. M. , Souza A. N. A.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To evaluate vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs by relative percentage among total limb vertical forces using a pressure sensitive walkway.

Procedure: A pressure sensitive walkway was used to collect vertical force data for each pad of the limbs of 16 healthy client-owned German Shepherd dogs used for kinetic gait analysis. The vertical force for each pad was evaluated as a percentage of total limb vertical force. Weight distribution among limbs was also recorded. Velocity and acceleration were within a range of 1.3 and 1.6 ± 0.1 m/s2. The ANOVA test was used to compare data and the paired t-test was used to assess symmetry (p <0.05).

Results: The peak vertical force was higher on the metacarpal pad than on the metatarsal pad. Peak vertical force was highest on the metacarpal pad and metatarsal pad followed by the digital pads 3, 4 and 5 of the forelimb, and on the hindlimb by digital pads 3 and 4. Vertical impulse was greatest in the metacarpal pad and digital pads 3 and 4 of the forelimb and hindlimb respectively, followed by digital pads 3, 4, and 5 of the forelimb and the metatarsal pad.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: A vertical force distribution pattern was observed on the pads of the German Shepherd dogs. These data are important for improving the understanding of vertical force distribution during gait and to assess orthopaedic conditions.
Experiences using the Fixin locking plate system for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs
Authors: Nicetto T. , Urizzi A. , Isola M. , Petazzoni M.
Published: October 2012

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs using the Fixin locking plate system.

Materials and methods: Medical records and radiographs of dogs with fractures stabilized with the Fixin system in the period from May 2005 to September 2010 were reviewed. For each patient, data pertaining to signalment, the nature of the fracture, implants used, and evidence of fracture healing were recorded. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations. Limb function was evaluated between 40 days and 90 days postoperatively. Owners of pets with complications were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up.

Results: Eighty-two fractures in seventy-five dogs met the inclusion criteria for the study. Radiographic re-examinations were carried out between eight days to two years (median 60 days) following surgery. Seventy-three out of 82 fractures (89%) reached union without complications. Major complications were seen in six dogs (7%). Limb function was graded as ‘normal’ in 73/75 (97%) dogs and ‘mild lameness’ in 2/75 (3%) cases.

Clinical significance: Despite a modest complication rate, the Fixin locking bone plating system appears to be an acceptable choice of implant for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs.
A retrospective study of 109 dogs with mandibular fractures
Authors: de Rooster H. , Ferreira S. M. , Steenkamp G. , Kitshoff A. M.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To determine patient factors and fracture morphology of dogs presented with mandibular fractures to a small animal referral centre in South Africa.

Methods: Patient data on age, sex, breed and aetiology of dogs with mandibular fractures were recorded. The fractures were classified according to the anatomical location, displacement, fracture type, fracture line direction, periodontal pathology, and whether there were teeth in the fracture line or not by evaluation of preoperative radiographs. Clinical observations indicated whether these fractures were open or closed.

Results: In total, 109 dogs with 135 mandibular fractures were included in the study. Small breed dogs and dogs less than eight months of age predominated (102/109). Dog fights were the most common aetiology in this study (68/109). The molar region was the most commonly affected region (56/135). Evaluation of the radiographs revealed that transverse (73/135), relatively unstable (116/135), and displaced (112/135) fractures were the most common. The majority of fractures involved teeth in the fracture line (100/135), with the first molar frequently involved (54/135). The majority of fractures were open (104/135).

Clinical significance: The results obtained from this study may be used to guide patient and fracture morphology selection in biomechanical studies of mandibular fracture repair techniques. Screening of this patient population may inspire the search for new treatment options for mandibular fracture repair in South Africa.
The effect of blood contamination on equine synovial fluid analysis
Authors: Roquet I. , Hendrick S. , Carmalt J. L.
Published: October 2012

Objective: Based on a systemic complete blood count and a synovial fluid sample, to develop a mathematical model enabling the approximation of corrected values for synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, and total protein concentration in samples of synovial fluid that were contaminated by blood.

Methods: Peripheral venous blood and synovial fluid samples were obtained from ten horses. A pooled synovial fluid sample from each horse was separated into 2 mL aliquots, which were subsequently contaminated with a known percentage of autogenous blood (0 to 50% of the synovial fluid volume). A complete blood count, packed cell volume, total protein (TP) concentration, and differential cytological examination were performed in all the synovial fluid and venous blood samples. Regression analysis was used to generate a model to calculate non-contaminated synovial WBC count, TP concentration and synovial neutrophil percentage. Using a further five horses these models were applied in blinded fashion to contaminated synovial fluid samples. Calculated values were compared to non-contaminated measured values.

Results: Model results for synovial WBC count and TP concentration were not significantly different from measured values. Calculated neutrophil percentage of synovial fluid WBC was a mean of 6.6% higher than measured values and was significantly different. There was no effect of the severity of contamination (as a percentage of volume) on the ability of the models to predict any of the outcome variables.

Clinical significance: It is possible to calculate non-contaminated synovial fluid WBC and TP values, but not neutrophil percentage, from heavily contaminated samples. Further study would allow for improved prediction, validation and extrapolation to a wider horse population.
Management of degenerative lumbosacral disease in cats by dorsal laminectomy and lumbosacral stabilization
Authors: Danielski A. , Bertran J. , Fitzpatrick N.
Published: October 2012

In this case series we describe the diagnosis and surgical treatment of five cats affected by clinical cauda equina syndrome as a result of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed the suspected diagnosis of disc-associated lumbosacral disease. Cauda equina decompression was achieved by dorsal laminectomy followed by dorsal annulectomy and nuclear extirpation. Dorsal stabilization was achieved using miniature positive-profile pins inserted into the vertebral body of L7 and the wings of S1 with the free ends of the pins being embedded in a bolus of gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Reassessment two years postoperatively using a previously validated feline specific owner questionnaire indicated satisfactory outcome with complete return to normal activity and resolution of signs of pain in all cases.
Symplasmic, long‐distance transport in xylem and cambial regions in branches of Acer pseudoplatanus (Aceraceae) and Populus tremula × P. tremuloides (Salicaceae)
Authors: Sokołowska Katarzyna , Zagórska‐Marek Beata
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: The picture of how long‐distance transport proceeds in trees is still far from being complete. Beside the apoplasmic pathway, transport undoubtedly also takes place within the system of living cells in the secondary xylem and cambial region. Because detailed, thorough studies of the symplasmic routes in woody branches, using direct localization with fluorescent tracers, had not been done, here we focused on the main routes of long‐distance symplasmic transport in xylem and cambial tissues and analyzed in detail tracer distribution in the rays on the extended cambial surface in branches of Acer pseudoplatanus and Populus tremula ×P. tremuloides.

• Methods: Fluorescent tracers were loaded into branches through the vascular system, then their distribution in xylem and cambial regions was analyzed.

• Key results: Tracer signal was present in the symplast of axial and radial xylem parenchyma cells and in both types of cambial cells. The living cells of xylem parenchyma and of the cambium were symplasmically interconnected via xylem rays. Tracer distribution in rays was uneven on the extended cambial surface; cambial regions with intensively or sparsely dyed rays alternated along the vertical axis of analyzed branches.

• Conclusions: Symplasmic, long‐distance transport is present between the living cells of xylem and the cambial region in woody branches. The uneven distribution of fluorescent tracers in cambial rays along the stems is surprising and suggests the presence of an intrinsic pattern caused by an unknown mechanism.
Tumour Size Predicts Long-Term Survival among Women with Lymph Node-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Narod S.A.
Published: October 2012

Background: The benefit of early detection of breast cancer is assumed to be achieved primarily by identifying disease before it has spread beyond the breast. In support of early detection, the survival experience of women with breast cancer decreases as the mean size of the cancer increases. It is not clear if women with regional spread (node-positive breast cancer) benefit from early detection to the same extent that women with node-negative breast cancer do. Methods: A review was conducted of the survival experience of 1894 patients with invasive breast cancers 5.0 cm or less in size. Cases were divided into node-positive and node-negative, and tumours were categorized by size (0.1–1.0 cm, 1.1–2.0 cm, and 2.1–5.0 cm). After a mean follow-up of 9.9 years, 368 cancer-specific deaths had occurred in the cohort. The effect of tumour size on 15-year survival for subgroups of women with node-positive and node-negative breast cancer was estimated. Results: Tumour size was a strong predictor of 15-year survival in both the node-positive and node-negative cancer subgroups. A decline of 1.0 cm in size was associated with a reduction in 15-year mortality of 10.3% in the node-positive group and of 2.5% in the node-negative group. A decline of approximately 1.5 cm was associated with a reduction in mortality of 23.0% in the node-positive group and of 10.8% in the node-negative group. Conclusions: The impact of decreasing tumour size on 15-year survival is much greater for women with node-positive than for women with node-negative breast cancers. Contrary to expectation, the benefit of screening is likely to be greater for women with relatively advanced breast cancer than for women with earlystage disease.
Adenocarcinoma Not Otherwise Specified on Dorsum of Tongue: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Velker B.A. Market , Louie A.V. , Velker V.M. , Kwan K.F. , Franklin J.H. , Venkatesan V.M.
Published: October 2012

Primary adenocarcinoma of the oropharynx most often arises from the minor salivary glands, and primary squamous cell carcinoma is more commonly seen arising from the tongue. Few cases of adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified of the tongue have been reported in the literature, and none found on the dorsum of the tongue. Successful treatment strategies have therefore not been defined. We report a case of adenocarcinoma located on the dorsum of the posterior one third of the tongue adjacent to the circumvallate papillae in a woman presenting with globus sensation and mild dysphagia. Treatment consisted of transoral laser excision and postoperative external-beam radiotherapy, resulting in disease-free survival at her 5-year follow-up. The goals of this report are to present a case of adenocarcinoma arising from the minor salivary gland located on the dorsum of the tongue, to discuss previous reports of similar cases, and to suggest that surgery with or without radiotherapy be used as the mainstay of treatment.
Are Bilateral Cancers Hereditary? Part II
Authors: Narod S.A.
Published: October 2012

There is no disputing that cancer susceptibility genes, when mutated, may give rise to bilateral cancers in those who inherit a mutation. But is it equally true that all bilateral cancers have a hereditary origin—that is, are they all caused by an inherited germline mutation? [...]
Selected Abstracts Aubmitted to the 3rd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium
Authors: Illarramendi Jose , Arrarás Juan , Zarandona Uxue , Salgado Esteban , De La Cruz Susana , de Lascoiti Angela Fernández , Lainez Nuria , Vera Ruth
Published: October 2012

Quality of life (QOL) in survivors of premenopausal breast cancer (BC) is influenced by prolonged hormone therapy, secondary amenorrhea, and other factors. A proportion of premenopausal bc patients develop fatigue during follow-up. [...]
Politics, Health, and Mesothelioma: When It Comes to Cancer, None Is One Too Many
Authors: Touyz Louis Z.G.
Published: October 2012

All public strategies and policies are ultimately public health policies and strategies. [...]
Peptides presenting the binding site of human CD4 for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120
Authors: Meier Julia , Kassler Kristin , Sticht Heinrich , Eichler Jutta
Published: October 2012

Based on the structure of the HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 in complex with its cellular receptor CD4, we have designed and synthesized peptides that mimic the binding site of CD4 for gp120. The ability of these peptides to bind to gp120 can be strongly enhanced by increasing their conformational stability through cyclization, as evidenced by binding assays, as well as through molecular-dynamics simulations of peptide–gp120 complexes. The specificity of the peptide–gp120 interaction was demonstrated by using peptide variants, in which key residues for the interaction with gp120 were replaced by alanine or D-amino acids.