bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic management of nonampullary duodenal polyps
Authors: Basford Peter John , Bhandari Pradeep
Published: November 2011

Duodenal polyps are a rare finding in patients presenting for gastroscopy, being found in 0.3–4.6% of cases. The majority of patients are asymptomatic. The most common lesions necessitating removal are duodenal adenomas which should be differentiated from other mucosal lesions such as ectopic gastric mucosa, and submucosal lesions such as carcinoids and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Adenomas can occur sporadically or as part of a polyposis syndrome. Both groups carry malignant potential but this is higher in patients with a polyposis syndrome. The majority of sporadic duodenal adenomas are flat or sessile and occur in the second part of the duodenum. Historically duodenal adenomas have been managed by radical surgery, which carried significant mortality and morbidity, or more conservative local surgical excision which resulted in high local recurrence rates. There is growing evidence for the use of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) techniques for treatment of sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas, with good outcomes and low complication rates. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) carries greater risk of complications and should be reserved for experts in this technique. Patients with sporadic duodenal adenomas carry an increased risk of colonic neoplasia and should be offered colonoscopy. The impact of endoscopic resection on the course of polyposis syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) needs further study.
Constitutively active ezrin increases membrane tension, slows migration, and impedes endothelial transmigration of lymphocytes in vivo in mice
Authors: Liu Yin , Belkina Natalya V. , Park Chung , Nambiar Raj , Loughhead Scott M. , Patino-Lopez Genaro , Ben-Aissa Khadija , Hao Jian-Jiang , Kruhlak Michael J. , Qi Hai , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Kehrl John H. , Tyska Matthew J. , Shaw Stephen
Published: November 2011

ERM (ezrin, radixin moesin) proteins in lymphocytes link cortical actin to plasma membrane, which is regulated in part by ERM protein phosphorylation. To assess whether phosphorylation of ERM proteins regulates lymphocyte migration and membrane tension, we generated transgenic mice whose T-lymphocytes express low levels of ezrin phosphomimetic protein (T567E). In these mice, T-cell number in lymph nodes was reduced by 27%. Lymphocyte migration rate in vitro and in vivo in lymph nodes decreased by 18% to 47%. Lymphocyte membrane tension increased by 71%. Investigations of other possible underlying mechanisms revealed impaired chemokine-induced shape change/lamellipod extension and increased integrin-mediated adhesion. Notably, lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes was decreased by 30%. Unlike most described homing defects, there was not impaired rolling or sticking to lymph node vascular endothelium but rather decreased migration across that endothelium. Moreover, decreased numbers of transgenic T cells in efferent lymph suggested defective egress. These studies confirm the critical role of ERM dephosphorylation in regulating lymphocyte migration and transmigration. Of particular note, they identify phospho-ERM as the first described regulator of lymphocyte membrane tension, whose increase probably contributes to the multiple defects observed in the ezrin T567E transgenic mice.
Adaptive evolution of the matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein in mammals
Authors: Machado João Paulo , Johnson Warren E , O'Brien Stephen J , Vasconcelos Vítor , Antunes Agostinho
Published: November 2011

Background

Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) belongs to a family of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) that play a key role in skeleton development, particularly in mineralization, phosphate regulation and osteogenesis. MEPE associated disorders cause various physiological effects, such as loss of bone mass, tumors and disruption of renal function (hypophosphatemia). The study of this developmental gene from an evolutionary perspective could provide valuable insights on the adaptive diversification of morphological phenotypes in vertebrates.

Results

Here we studied the adaptive evolution of the MEPE gene in 26 Eutherian mammals and three birds. The comparative genomic analyses revealed a high degree of evolutionary conservation of some coding and non-coding regions of the MEPE gene across mammals indicating a possible regulatory or functional role likely related with mineralization and/or phosphate regulation. However, the majority of the coding region had a fast evolutionary rate, particularly within the largest exon (1467 bp). Rodentia and Scandentia had distinct substitution rates with an increased accumulation of both synonymous and non-synonymous mutations compared with other mammalian lineages. Characteristics of the gene (e.g. biochemical, evolutionary rate, and intronic conservation) differed greatly among lineages of the eight mammalian orders. We identified 20 sites with significant positive selection signatures (codon and protein level) outside the main regulatory motifs (dentonin and ASARM) suggestive of an adaptive role. Conversely, we find three sites under selection in the signal peptide and one in the ASARM motif that were supported by at least one selection model. The MEPE protein tends to accumulate amino acids promoting disorder and potential phosphorylation targets.

Conclusion

MEPE shows a high number of selection signatures, revealing the crucial role of positive selection in the evolution of this SIBLING member. The selection signatures were found mainly outside the functional motifs, reinforcing the idea that other regions outside the dentonin and the ASARM might be crucial for the function of the protein and future studies should be undertaken to understand its importance.
Absence of mutations in four genes encoding for congenital cataract and expressed in the human brain in Tunisian families with cataract and mental retardation
Authors: Chograni Manèl , Chaabouni Myriam , Mâazoul Faouzi , Bouzid Hedi , Kraiem Abdelhafid , Chaabouni Habiba B Bouhamed
Published: November 2011

Background

To identify the genetic defect associated with autosomal recessive congenital cataract (ARCC), mental retardation (MR) and ARCC, MR and microcephaly present in most patients in four Tunisian consanguineous families.

Methods

We screened four genes implicated in congenital cataract by direct sequencing in two groups of patients; those affected by ARCC associated to MR and those who presented also microcephaly. Among its three genes PAX6, PITX3 and HSF4 are expressed in human brain and one gene LIM2 encodes for the protein MP20 that interact with the protein galectin-3 expressed in human brain and plays a crucial role in its development. All genes were screened by direct sequencing in two groups of patients; those affected by ARCC associated to MR and those who presented also microcephaly.

Results

We report no mutation in the four genes of congenital cataract and its flanking regions. Only variations that did not segregate with the studied phenotypes (ARCC associated to MR, ARCC associated with MR and microcephaly) are reported. We detected three intronic variations in PAX6 gene: IVS4 -274insG (intron 4), IVS12 -174G>A (intron12) in the four studied families and IVS4 -195G>A (intron 4) in two families. Two substitutions polymorphisms in PITX3 gene: c.439 C>T (exon 3) and c.930 C>A (exon4) in one family. One intronic variation in HSF4 gene: IVS7 +93C>T (intron 7) identified in one family. And three intronic substitutions in LIM2 gene identified in all four studied families: IVS2 -24A>G (intron 2), IVS4 +32C>T (intron 4) and c.*15A>C (3'-downstream sequence).

Conclusion

Although the role of the four studied genes: PAX6, PITX3, HSF4 and LIM2 in both ocular and central nervous system development, we report the absence of mutations in all studied genes in four families with phenotypes associating cataract, MR and microcephaly.
Expression, purification of herpes simplex virus type 1 US11 Protein, and production of US11 polyclonal antibody
Authors: Huang Yizhong , Wuyunerdeni  , Yao Shanglong
Published: November 2011

Background

The US11 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a small, highly basic phosphoprotein expressed at late times during infection. To date, the function of US11 protein in cell culture and animal models is poorly understood. To further investigate the function of the US11 protein, this study was undertaken to express the US11 protein and raise a polyclonal antibody.

Results

The US11 gene was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a (+) to express His-tagged US11 protein in Escherichia coli. After purification by nickel affinity chromatography and refolding, the recombinant protein was used to raise the anti-US11 polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the US11 protein was specifically recognized by the polyclonal antibody, and immunofluorescent assay also showed that the antibody was able to probe the US11 protein in the cells infected with HSV-1.

Conclusions

In the present study, we obtained a high-level expression of the recombinant US11 protein as well as high titers of rabbit polyclonal antibody specially against US11 protein in HSV-1 infected cells. This special polyclonal antibody provides a good tool for further studying structural and functional characterization of HSV-1 US11 protein.
Determining novel functions of Arabidopsis14-3-3 proteins in central metabolic processes
Authors: Diaz Celine , Kusano Miyako , Sulpice Ronan , Araki Mitsutaka , Redestig Henning , Saito Kazuki , Stitt Mark , Shin Ryoung
Published: November 2011

Background

14-3-3 proteins are considered master regulators of many signal transduction cascades in eukaryotes. In plants, 14-3-3 proteins have major roles as regulators of nitrogen and carbon metabolism, conclusions based on the studies of a few specific 14-3-3 targets.

Results

In this study, extensive novel roles of 14-3-3 proteins in plant metabolism were determined through combining the parallel analyses of metabolites and enzyme activities in 14-3-3 overexpression and knockout plants with studies of protein-protein interactions. Decreases in the levels of sugars and nitrogen-containing-compounds and in the activities of known 14-3-3-interacting-enzymes were observed in 14-3-3 overexpression plants. Plants overexpressing 14-3-3 proteins also contained decreased levels of malate and citrate, which are intermediate compounds of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These modifications were related to the reduced activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, which are key enzymes of TCA cycle. In addition, we demonstrated that 14-3-3 proteins interacted with one isocitrate dehydrogenase and two malate dehydrogenases. There were also changes in the levels of aromatic compounds and the activities of shikimate dehydrogenase, which participates in the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings indicate that 14-3-3 proteins play roles as crucial tuners of multiple primary metabolic processes including TCA cycle and the shikimate pathway.
DNA aneuploidy as a topographic malignant transformation pattern in a pleomorphic adenoma of long-term evolution: a case report
Authors: Gallego Lorena , Junquera Luis , Hernando Josué , Fresno Manuel F , Salas Ana , Cutilli Tommaso
Published: November 2011

Introduction

We present a case of long-term evolution of a submandibular pleomorphic adenoma. There is little information about topographic malignant transformation patterns of pleomorphic adenomas.

Case presentation

We extensively analyze a giant submandibular mixed tumor of 25-year evolution in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was evaluated in different superficial and deep areas using flow cytometry analysis and correlated with pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Superficial areas exhibited a typical histological pleomorphic adenoma pattern and were deoxyribonucleic acid diploid. Deep samples showed deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploidy, atypical histological benign features and expression of markers involved at an early-stage of malignant transformation, such as tumor protein 53 and antigen Ki67.

Conclusion

These findings revealed that deep tumor compartments may be involved in the initial stages of malignant transformation. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy analysis may provide an additional diagnosis tool and indicate 'uncertain' areas that require careful study to avoid diagnostic errors. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the usefulness of the technique.
The amount of astrocytic GABA positively correlates with the degree of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 and cerebellum
Authors: Yoon Bo-Eun , Jo Seonmi , Woo Junsung , Lee Jae-Hoon , Kim Taekeun , Kim Daesoo , Lee C Justin
Published: November 2011

A tonic form of synaptic inhibition occurs in discrete regions of the central nervous system and has an important role in controlling neuronal excitability. Recently, we reported that GABA present in astrocyte is the major source of tonic inhibition in cerebellum and that GABA is released through Bestrophin-1 channel by direct permeation. In this study, we screened for the presence of astrocytic GABA in various brain regions such as hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebellum using immunohistochemistry. We found that astrocytic GABA was present in the regions that were reported to show tonic inhibition. Because the existence of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 is somewhat controversial, we compared the amount of astrocytic GABA and tonic inhibition between the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer and the cerebellar granule cell layer. Unlike cerebellar glial cells, hippocampal astrocytes did not contain GABA. The tonic inhibition was also much lower in the pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA1 compared to the granule cells of cerebellum. Nevertheless, most of the hippocampal astrocytes expressed Bestrophin-1 channel. These data indicate that the absence of astrocytic GABA results in a low level of tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 region.
Quality of service provision in mobile multimedia - a survey
Authors: Luo Hongli , Shyu Mei-Ling
Published: November 2011

The prevalence of multimedia applications has drastically increased the amount of multimedia data. With the drop of the hardware cost, more and more mobile devices with higher capacities are now used. The widely deployed wireless LAN and broadband wireless networks provide the ubiquitous network access for multimedia applications. Provision of Quality of Service (QoS) is challenging in mobile ad hoc networks because of the dynamic characteristics of mobile networks and the limited resources of the mobile devices. The wireless network is not reliable due to node mobility, multi-access channel and multi-hop communication. In this paper, we provide a survey of QoS provision in mobile multimedia, addressing the technologies at different network layers and cross-layer design. This paper focuses on the QoS techniques over IEEE 802.11e networks. We also provide some thoughts about the challenges and directions for future research.
Increased frequency of circulating Th22 in addition to Th17 and Th2 lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis: association with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Truchetet Marie-Elise , Brembilla Nicolò C , Montanari Elisa , Allanore Yannick , Chizzolini Carlo
Published: November 2011

Introduction

T cell abnormalities have been associated with the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recently, besides T helper (Th)17 cells, the Th22 subset has been identified in humans. Our purpose was to investigate the pattern of cytokines produced and chemokine-receptors expressed by peripheral blood (PB) Th cells in SSc and healthy donors (HD) focusing on cells producing interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 and to identify specific clinical associations.

Methods

Clinical data and peripheral blood were collected in 33 SSc individuals and 29 HD. IL-17A, IL-22, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4 production, the chemokine receptors CCR4, CCR6, CCR10, CXCR3 expression and the CD161 Th17 cell marker were assessed by multiparametric flow cytometry in PB CD4+ T cells. Intracellular cytokine accumulation was further investigated in CD4+ T cells expanded in vitro for seven days.

Results

The frequency of Th22, Th17, Th2, but not Th1 cells, was significantly increased in SSc individuals compared to HD. The percentage of CD161+CD4+ T cells was increased in SSc and correlated with the percentage of IL-17A producing cells. Moreover, the expression of the skin- and lung-homing chemokine receptor CCR6 correlated with the frequency of IL-22 and IL-17A-producing cells in SSc but not in HD. Finally, SSc interstitial lung disease (ILD) was strongly associated with higher numbers of IL-22 and, to a lesser extent, IL-17A-producing cells.

Conclusions

IL-22 and IL-17A-producing T cells with skin- and lung-homing capabilities are characteristically increased in SSc. These findings support the hypothesis that Th22, in addition to Th17 cells, may be involved in pathological processes leading to SSc. While the association between IL-22 producing cells and ILD needs to be assessed in larger cohorts of patients, the increased frequency of Th22 cells appears to be a useful novel biomarker in SSc.
Seismic data interpolation beyond aliasing using regularized nonstationary autoregression
Authors: Liu Yang , Fomel Sergey
Published: November 2011

Seismic data are often inadequately or irregularly sampled along spatial axes. Irregular sampling can produce artifacts in seismic imaging results. We have developed a new approach to interpolate aliased seismic data based on adaptive prediction-error filtering (PEF) and regularized nonstationary autoregression. Instead of cutting data into overlapping windows (patching), a popular method for handling nonstationarity, we obtain smoothly nonstationary PEF coefficients by solving a global regularized least-squares problem. We employ shaping regularization to control the smoothness of adaptive PEFs. Finding the interpolated traces can be treated as another linear least-squares problem, which solves for data values rather than filter coefficients. Compared with existing methods, the advantages of the proposed method include an intuitive selection of regularization parameters and fast iteration convergence. The technique was tested on benchmark synthetic and field data to prove it can successfully reconstruct data with decimated or missing traces.
Predicting the engineering and transport properties of soils using fractal equivalent circuit model: Laboratory experiments
Authors: Boadu Fred Kofi
Published: November 2011

Frequency-dependent electrical measurements of soils contain useful information about their texture and structure that can be linked to their engineering and transport properties. We performed frequency-dependent electrical measurements on 29 natural soils with wide variability in physical and textural properties in a laboratory environment at a constant stress level and in the frequency range of 0.01 Hz–10 kHz. The engineering and hydraulic properties of these soils, that is, the hydraulic conductivity [Formula: see text], void ratio [Formula: see text], fines content [Formula: see text], intergranular void ratio [Formula: see text] and the dry density [Formula: see text] are concurrently measured. The electrical behaviors of the soils are modeled with an equivalent circuit model, which are described by six circuit parameters. Relationships between the circuit parameters and the soil properties (geotechnical engineering and hydraulic) are investigated. Crossplots of frequency exponent [Formula: see text] and resistivity [Formula: see text] and that of [Formula: see text] and grain percent resistivity [Formula: see text] clusters soils with high and low values of hydraulic conductivity, whereas crossplots of relaxation time [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] clusters soils with high and low intergranular void ratio. Regression models are developed using the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the hydraulic conductivity with [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the intergranular void ratio with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to predict the dry density with [Formula: see text].
Postmigration multiple prediction and removal in the depth domain
Authors: Wang Bin , Cai Jun , Guo Manhong , Mason Chuck , Gajawada Sampath , Epili Duryodhan
Published: November 2011

We have developed a new methodology for predicting and removing multiples in the postmigration depth domain based on wavefield extrapolation and attribute-based subtraction. The inputs for the multiple prediction are a 3D prestack depth-migrated stack volume and the corresponding migration velocity volume. The output is the predicted multiple model in the migration depth domain. In some cases, the strong residual top of salt multiple may be erroneously picked as the base of salt reflection. With the predicted multiple model available for comparison during the salt model building stage, there is a better chance of building an accurate salt model and avoid picking multiple events. In an effort to further improve the final migrated images, the predicted multiple model is used to remove residual multiples in the migration depth domain. A poststack wavefield extrapolation-based multiple prediction is used to identify and confirm the multiple events in the migration depth domain. Once multiple events are identified, an effective and efficient demultiple technique is applied to remove the residual multiples from the final migration. The key ingredient of this new demultiple methodology is the attribute-based subtraction. We describe the main steps of this methodology and demonstrate its effectiveness by showing some field data applications.
Analysis of the Effect of a Social Problem-Solving Program on the Aggression of Children
Authors: Seçer Zarife , Ogelman Hülya Gülay
Published: November 2011

The aim of this research was to establish the effect of a social problem-solving training program for 8th grade students. In the experimental group, 14 students were 14 years old and 1 student was 15 years old. In the control group, 13 students were 14 years old and 2 students were 15 years old. The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) was administered to the students. The students in the experimental group were trained in the Social Problem-Solving program at school. The students in the Social Problem-Solving Training Program had statistically significant lower scores on physical aggression, anger, hostility, indirect aggression and total aggression than the students who did not undertake the program.
Hierarchic self-assembling of silver nanoparticles in solution
Authors: Suber Lorenza , Campi Gaetano
Published: November 2011

Facile chemical synthesis and understanding of the formation mechanism of silver nanoparticles, ordered on the microscale on one-dimensional (1D), 2D or in 3D structures of complex forms is challenging for advanced applications, in electronics, optoelectronics, and medicine, to mention a few. Significant results obtained in the comprehension of assembling mechanisms in solutions of silver nanoparticles in 1D, 2D, and 3D organic-inorganic mesostructures are surveyed together with details on their preparation and characterization. Emphasis will be placed on very recent results obtained in our laboratories on self-assembly of silver nanoparticles in 1D microstructures and hierarchic ordering in 3D flower-like mesostructures monitored and studied by in situ and time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements.
Social Networks and Ideological Orientation of South Korean NGOs Involved in the Unification Issues of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: KIM HANNA , CHO HEEJUNG , JEONG BOKGYO
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the configuration of non-governmental organization (NGO) networks based on their ideological position. By utilizing social network analysis, this study observes the inter-organizational networks of the South Korean unification NGOs, and further examines the reflections of the ideological splits in online space and offline realities.
The Effect of Background Music on Cognitive Performance in Musicians and Nonmusicians
Authors: Patston Lucy L. M. , Tippett Lynette J.
Published: November 2011

there is debate about the extent of overlap between music and language processing in the brain and whether these processes are functionally independent in expert musicians. A language comprehension task and a visuospatial search task were administered to 36 expert musicians and 36 matched nonmusicians in conditions of silence and piano music played correctly and incorrectly. Musicians performed more poorly on the language comprehension task in the presence of background music compared to silence, but there was no effect of background music on the musicians' performance on the visuospatial task. In contrast, the performance of nonmusicians was not affected by music on either task. The findings challenge the view that music and language are functionally independent in expert musicians, and instead suggest that when musicians process music they recruit a network that overlaps with the network used in language processing. Additionally, musicians outperformed nonmusicians on both tasks, reflecting either a general cognitive advantage in musicians or enhancement of more specific cognitive abilities such as processing speed or executive functioning.
Ruins, Refuse, and the Politics of Allegory in The Old Curiosity Shop
Authors: McCann Andrew
Published: November 2011

This essay revisits Theodor Adorno's discussion of allegory in Charles Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop (1841) in order to retrieve a sense of the radicality of a form that is usually dismissed by contemporary critics as anachronistic and somehow inadequate to the modernity of the nineteenth century. It argues that Dickens's use of allegory organizes a critique of capitalism that is concentrated most emphatically in the novel's images of ruins, which are emblematic of lifeworlds destroyed by industrial progress. In the juxtaposition of industrial spaces defined by alienation and the symbolically charged cultural landscapes of Romanticism, The Old Curiosity Shop attempts to recuperate, or at least make legible, forms of life and identity lost to the movement of history. But if this framework facilitates a certain sort of historical consciousness, then it is also a consciousness defined by blind spots and absences that surface in images of refuse, waste, and formlessness associated with an emerging proletariat. In the movement between ruins and refuse, two different forms of historical obsolescence, the limitations of Dickens's allegorical vision and of the politics its fosters become apparent.
Dramatic Monologue, Detective Fiction, and the Search for Meaning
Authors: Martens Britta
Published: November 2011

This essay compares the genres of the dramatic monologue and detective fiction in terms of their contemporaneous development and respective reading processes. Drawing on narratological categories, it examines the emphasis in both genres on the withholding of information and the stimulation of the reader's desire to establish meaning and exert judgment. Despite these similarities in the reading process, the genres’ epistemologies seem opposed: the relativist dramatic monologue clearly challenges the belief in absolute meaning, while the classic detective formula depicts the problematic process of arriving at an apparently unambiguous truth. On a subtler analysis, however, detective fiction echoes and diversifies the dramatic monologue's questioning of stable meaning. Both genres explore questions of relativism, both invite their readers to engage in modes of investigative reasoning and a problematized process of “solving,” and both can be read as critiquing the literature of subjectivity and reflecting the transgression of norms in a society where key values are shifting. Considering the origins of both genres, the essay asks whether a further relationship might derive from the debt that their founding figures, Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Browning, owe to the Gothic and from their shared interest in the individual psyche.
Hermeneutic Delusion in Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner's The Gilded Age
Authors: Morris Christopher D.
Published: November 2011

The notorious difficulty of assigning authorship to specific parts of Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner's The Gilded Age (1873) is a formal correlative of its allegory: all characters are deluded whenever they make the ordinary reading assumption that language must have natural origins and referents. “Gilded” names a condition of illusory authenticity. The danger of arbitrary signs is demonstrated diegetically when characters pursue mirages induced by writing and cultural artifacts; these end in madness or new illusions. The theme is reinforced by paratextual elements—title, preface, epigraphs, parabases, and the expensive, tipped-in diagram of Sellers's speculative dream. Twain had earlier evoked such a labile world, foreshadowing the Derridean “postal,” in travel writings and tall tales narrating the delusions of author- and reader-surrogates. Twain's later writings will describe the “gilded” world as one without any viable alternative to Tom Sawyer or as wholly unreal, as in The Mysterious Stranger.
Half-Brothers
Authors: Nyan Francis
Published: November 2011

Faced with a declining number of brothers arriving from France, the Frères des écoles Chrétiennes (FEC) in Vietnam actively recruited and trained Vietnamese members to sustain and expand their school network. French brothers practiced de facto associationism through their unwillingness and inability to concede responsibility to Vietnamese confreres. The expectations of the latter, however, had grown in an ecclesiastical background of indigenization, and this led to severe internal tensions. The hybrid life the FEC were committed to by virtue of their religious profession was a casualty. The failure of hybridity underlines the polarization engendered by the colonial frame.
Financial Impact to Providers Using Pediatric Combination Vaccines
Authors: Shen Angela K. , Sobczyk Elizabeth , Simonsen Lone , Khan Farid , Esber Allahna , Andreae Margie C.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To understand the financial impact to providers for using a combination vaccine (Pediarix [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, King of Prussia, PA]) versus its equivalent component vaccines for children aged 1 year or younger.

METHODS:

Using a subscription remittance billing service offered to private-practice office-based physicians, we analyzed charge and payment information submitted by providers to insurance payers from June 2007 through July 2009. We analyzed provider and payer characteristics, payer comments, and the ratio of vaccine product to immunization administration (IA) codes and computed total charges and payments to providers for both arms of the study.

RESULTS:

Most providers in our data set were pediatricians (74%), and most payers were commercial (75%), primarily managed care. The ratio of the number of vaccine products to the number of IAs was 1:1 in the majority of the claims. Twenty percent of claims were paid with no adjustment by the payer, whereas 76% of the claims were adjusted for charges that exceeded the contract arrangement or the fee schedule. Providers received $23 less from commercial payers and $13 less from Medicaid for the use of Pediarix compared with the equivalent component vaccines. The mean commercial payment was greater for age-specific Current Procedural Terminology IA codes 90465 and 90466 than for non–age-specific codes 90471 and 90472, whereas the reverse was true for Medicaid.

CONCLUSIONS:

Providers who administer vaccines to children face a reduction in payment when choosing to provide combination vaccines. The new IA codes should be monitored for correction of financial barriers to the use of combination vaccines.
Calibration of methods for soil and diagnostic plant analysis in the Hungarian National Fertilization Long-term Trials. I. Comparison of soil P tests for agronomic purposes in the soils of long-term experiments
Authors: Csathó Péter , Magyar Marianna , Osztoics Erzsébet , Debreczeni Katalin , Sárdi Katalin
Published: November 2011

A szabadföldi trágyázási (tartam)kísérletek eredményeit talaj-, illetve diagnosztikai célú növényvizsgálatok segítségével tudjuk kiterjeszteni, általánosítani – figyelembe véve természetesen a kiterjesztés korlátait is. Célszerűnek láttuk ezen túl a talaj könnyen oldható tápelem-, közöttük P-tartalmát is meghatározni a hazánkban hivatalosan elfogadott AL- (ammónium-laktátos) módszer mellett az Európai Unióban és Észak-Amerikában alkalmazott P-tesztekkel is (CaCl2-, H2O-, Olsen-, Bray1-, LE-, Mehlich3- stb.) a hazai OMTK kísérletek talajmintáiban. A kísérleti helyek talajtulajdonságaiban megnyilvánuló jelentős különbségek lehetőséget adnak rá, hogy a talaj P-teszteket – és a növényi P-felvételt – jellegzetes hazai talajokon, sokszor szélsőséges talajparaméterek mellett vizsgáljuk. Az egyes P-szintek között a 28 év átlagában mintegy évi 50 kg P2O5·ha-1volt a különbség. A P0-szinten mért P-tartalmak jól jelezték az egyes kísérleti helyek talajának eltérő P-ellátottságát, illetve, közvetve, fizikai féleségében, pH és mészállapotában meglévő különbségeket. A P2-szinten – a hazai talajokra, P-igényes növényekre a hazai szabadföldi P-trágyázási tartamkísérleti adatbázisban talált összefüggésekre alapozott – új AL-P határértékek szerint csupán a bicsérdi csernozjom barna erdőtalajon nem javult a P-ellátottság legalább a „jó” szintig. Vizsgálataink megerősítették az AL-módszer függőségét a CaCO3-tartalomtól: a Mehlich3 módszerrel való összefüggésben a karbonátmentes és a karbonátos talajok csoportja erőteljesen elkülönült egymástól. Az AL-P korrekció elvégzése, azaz az AL-P értékeknek egy standard talajtulajdonság-sorra való konvertálása (KA: 36; pH(KCl): 6,8; CaCO3: 0,1%) látványosan csökkentette az AL-módszernek a talaj CaCO3-tartalmától való függőségét. Az AL-P és Olsen-P, valamint a korrigált AL-P és Olsen-P tartalmak összehasonlításában ugynakkor ugyanez az összefüggés nem volt állapítható, ami arra utal, hogy az Olsen módszer bizonyos fokig szintén pH- és mészállapot függő. Kísérleti eredményeink megerősítették a Sarkadi-féle AL-P korrekciós modell helytálló voltát. Fenti megállapításunkat ugyanakkor a növényi P-tartalmakkal való összefüggéseknek is igazolniuk kell. Szükséges tehát a talajvizsgálati eredményeknek a diagnosztikai célú növényvizsgálatokkal, valamint a terméseredményekkel való összevetése. A tartamkísérletek talajai lehetőséget nyújtanak a környezetvédelmi célú P-vizsgálatok értékelésére, a talaj P-feltöltöttsége környezeti kockázatának becslésére. Ezekkel a kérdésekkel a cikksorozat további részeiben kívánunk foglalkozni.
Study on Dipole Layer Formation between Two Oxides : Experimental Evidences and Possible Models
Authors: Kita Koji , Toriumi Akira
Published: November 2011

Hetero-interface between two oxides sometimes forms a dipole layer which is experimentally observable macroscopically, as an electric potential barrier at the interface. Investigation of the flatband voltage shift of the metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitors with bilayer oxides as the insulator is suitable to characterize the dipole formation at the interface of two oxides. A model to explain the driving force to form the dipole is discussed by taking account of the areal density difference of oxygen atoms at the interface, which should be a guideline to predict both the direction and magnitude of the interface dipoles. Based on this model the requirement for the oxides to form the dipoles is also discussed.
Real Time Analysis of Magnetron-Sputtered Thin-Film CdTe by Multichannel Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Jie , Zapien J. A. , Podraza N. J. , Chen Chi , Drayton J. , Vasko A. , Gupta A. , Wang S. L. , Collins R. W. , Compaan A. D.
Published: November 2011

Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) based on rotating-compensator modulation and multichannel detection has been implemented to characterize polycrystalline thin film CdTe deposition for photovoltaic applications. RTSE is capable of providing routine deposition information on substrate temperature T and deposition rate. It is also capable of providing detailed information on the thickness evolution of microstructure and optical properties. In this study, we highlight the differences in nucleation that occur under different CdTe deposition conditions on smooth crystalline Si wafer substrates. Differing behavior in the initial stages of deposition has been observed, ranging from layer-by-layer growth to nucleation and coalescence of 45 Å thick clusters. We also consider the thickness and substrate dependence of the microstructure, comparing depositions on smooth Si wafer and rough thin film Mo substrates.
Effect of Cu Deficiency on CuIn1-xGaxSe2 and High-efficiency Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Authors: Han Sung-Ho , Hasoon Falah S. , Pankow Joel W. , Hermann Allen M. , Levi Dean H.
Published: November 2011

We report the results of our studies on the optical and electronic structure of a wide range of polycrystalline thin-film CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) alloys. The composition range includes CIS and nearly stoichiometric (slightly Cu-poor) (24.3±0.3 at.% Cu) CIGS with x values located around the value that has the best efficiency (x ∼ 0.28). Relative to nearly stoichiometric CIS and CIGS, we find a reduction in the absorption strength in the spectral range 1-3 eV. This reduction can be explained in terms of the predominance of Cu 3d and Se 4p states at the valence band maximum (VBM). In addition, Cu-poor CIS and CIGS materials show an increase in bandgap because the p-d repulsive interaction in Cu-poor CIGS is less than that in nearly stoichiometric CIGS. High efficiency is discussed in terms of optical properties.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Electronic Transport Through a CdTe-Based Schottky Barrier
Authors: Shvydka Diana , Parikh V. , Karpov V.G. , Compaan A.D.
Published: November 2011

We study the electric current through metal-semiconductor junctions of a type used in thin-film PV for back contacts. To concentrate on one type of junction we used the symmetric structures of rf-sputtered CdTe layer sandwiched between two Cr contacts. Along with the conventional measurements, the current-sensing contact mode AFM was employed to measure the current-voltage characteristics and current variations with time under fixed voltage. We found that (i) the electric current flow is laterally strongly nonuniform; (ii) it chaotically varies over time; (iii) this behavior did not correlate with surface topography. We interpret our observations in terms of defect assisted tunneling through time-dependent defect pathways.
Influence of Traps on Carrier Concentration Profiles Measured by Capacitance-Voltage and Drive Level Profiling in CIGSe-based Heterojunctions
Authors: Zabierowskia P. , Ćwila M. , Edoffb M.
Published: November 2011

Detailed analysis of drive level capacitance, capacitance voltage characteristics and capacitance transient was carried out to elucidate the influence of N1 defects on carrier concentration profiles. The type of hysteresis observed in CV curves proves that N1 traps originate from close-to-interface minority carrier traps. We show that in the presence of these states one must be careful while interpreting DLCP data. It was found that due to the incomplete charging of N1 defects, low frequency drive level profiles may give erroneous defects densities.
Performance of CuGaSe2 Solar Cells Grown By Co-Evaporation Process
Authors: Yun Jae Ho , Chalapathy R.B.V. , Kim Seok Ki , Lee Jeong Chul , Song Jinsoo , Yoon Kyung Hoon
Published: November 2011

CuGaSe2 absorber layers were prepared by evaporating elemental Cu, Ga and Se in three stage on Molybdenum coated soda lime glass. The composition of the resultant film was studied by monitoring the substrate temperature, which decreased when a Cu-Se secondary phase was formed. As the Ga supplement increased during the third stage the void that formed in the beginning of the third stage was removed, while a small grain Ga-rich layer was formed on the surface, resulting in a Cu deficient surface. Therefore, the Voc was improved because of the enhanced surface morphology and the Jsc was reduced, due to the Ga rich layer on of the surface. Under optimal conditions, we achieved a cell performance of Voc = 780 mV, Jsc = 12.9 mA/cm2, ff = 62.5 and ν = 7.3 %.
Band gap and interface engineering of wide gap Cu-containing chalcopyrite absorbers by dry (In,Ga)-S surface treatments
Authors: Marrón David Fuertes , Lehmann Sebastian , Schedel-Niedrig Thomas , Klaer Joachim , Klenk Reiner , Lux-Steiner Martha Ch.
Published: November 2011

Device-grade CuGaSe2 (CGSe) and CuInS2 (CIS) thin films for photovoltaic applications have been subjected to dry surface treatments based on In-S and Ga-S by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), carried out in an open-tube system. Film properties have been monitored from time and temperature processing series. Improved PV performance has been demonstrated from devices based on treated CGSe compared to those based on reference samples. Numerical simulations have been performed, pointing out the conditions such surface treatments should fulfil in order to improve the performance of devices based on wide gap absorbers.
Band alignment at CdS/wide-band-gap Cu(In,Ga)Se2 hetero-junction by using PES/IPES
Authors: Kong S.H. , kashiwabara H. , Ohki K. , Itoh K. , Okuda T. , Niki S. , Sakurai K. , Yamadaa A. , Ishizuka S. , Terada N.
Published: November 2011

Direct characterization of band alignment at chemical bath deposition (CBD)-CdS/Cu0.93 (In1-xGax)Se2 has been carried out by photoemission spectroscopy (PES) and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES). Ar ion beam etching at the condition of the low ion kinetic energy of 350 eV yields a removal of surface contamination as well as successful measurement of the intrinsic properties of each layer and the interfaces. Especially interior regions of the wide gap CIGS layers with a band gap of 1.4 ∼ 1.6 eV were successfully exposed. IPES spectra revealed that the conduction band offset (CBO) at the interface region of the wide gap CIGS with x = 0.60 and 0.75 was negative, where the conduction band minimum of CdS was lower than that of CIGS. It was also observed that the energy spacing between conduction band minimum (CBM) of CdS layer and valence band maximum (VBM) of Cu0.93(In0.25Ga0.75)Se2 layer at interface region was no wider than that of the interface over the Cu0.93(In0.60Ga0.40)Se2 layer.
Built-in Potential and Open Circuit Voltage of Heterojunction CuIn1-xGaxSe2 Solar Cells
Authors: Yamada Akimasa , Matsubara Koji , Sakurai Keiichiro , Ishizuka Shogo , Hajime Hitoshi Tampo , Tomoyuki Baba Shibata , Kimura Yasuyuki , Nakamura Satoshi , Nakanishi Hisayuki , Niki Shigeru
Published: November 2011

The reasons why the open circuit voltage (Voc) of high-x CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS)/ZnO solar cells remain low are discussed. Here it is shown that the Voc ceiling can be interpreted simply on the basis of a model that the valence-band energy (Ev) of CIGS is almost immovable irrespective of x. When the conduction-band energy (Ec) of ZnO is lower than that of high-x CIGS (DEc<0), the built-in potential (Vbi) of a CIGS/ZnO junction is equivalent to the flat-band potential (Vbi) that arises from the separation between the Fermi energies of the two materials. If the Ev (and therefore the Fermi energy) of p-type CIGS is constant with increasing x, the Vbi and Voc that follows the Vbi remain unchanged since the Fermi energy of ZnO is constant. This unchangeable Voc reduces the conversion efficiency of high-x CIGS cells in cooperation with reduced photocurrents due to a larger bandgap. A positive offset, ΔEc>o gives rise to a photoelectrons barrier in the conduction-band that partially cancels Voc, thus the Voc of a low-x CIGS cell is governed by the Ec of CIGS. Based upon this concept, a material selection guideline is given for the windows and transparent electrodes appropriate for high-x CIGS absorbers-based solar cells.
Photoluminescence from Ion Implanted CdTe Crystals
Authors: Liu Xiangxin , Compaan A. D.
Published: November 2011

We have studied the photoluminescence of CdTe crystals doped with two elements, Cu and Cl, that are frequently used in CdTe-based solar cells. Ions were implanted into high-quality single crystals of CdTe at the Toledo Heavy Ion Accelerator Lab in our Department. We used a standard Monte Carlo simulation program to plan an implant dosage at three different energies. The lattice damage was removed by thermal annealing in an inert atmosphere using a proximity cap to avoid surface deterioration. The PL spectra at 40K were obtained at 488 nm or 752nm to match the absorption depth with the implant profile. Using implant densities typically of 1016, 1017, and 1018 /cm3, and laser excitation power densities ranging over several orders of magnitude, we have identified band-to-band transitions, free-to-bound transitions, bound-exciton lines, and donor-acceptor pair transitions related to these species.
An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study on the Native Oxidation of CuGaSe2
Authors: Würz R. , Meeder A. , Fuertes Marrón D. , Schedel-Niedrig Th. , Lips K.
Published: November 2011

The complementary techniques of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) have been used to study the native oxidation of CuGaSe2 crystals and polycrystalline thin films. After storage of specimen under ambient conditions for few months, an EPR signal occurred which is assigned to Cu2+ and is found independently from the sample morphology. This signal is due to the formation of a copper hydroxide surface phase, Cu(OH)2, observed only after long term oxidation. Chemical etching in KCN removes and thermal reduction by annealing in vacuum at 200°C reduces this Cu(OH)2 surface phase as proved by EPR and PES. Implications for solar cell device performance will be discussed.
A Study of the Diffusion and pn-Junction Formation in CIGS Solar Cells using EBIC and EDX Measurements
Authors: Ishizuka Shogo , Sakurai Keiichiro , Matsubara Koji , Yamada Akimasa , Yonemura Minoru , Kuwamori Shimpei , Nakamura Satoshi , Kimura Yasuyuki , Nakanishi Hisayuki , Niki Shigeru
Published: November 2011

Using EBIC and EDX measurements, CIGS solar cells prepared under several different conditions were observed and characterized. The results of EBIC and EDX measurements suggest that Cd plays an important role in the forming of a buried pn-junction in the CIGS layer via diffusion, and de-emphasize the possibility of the formation of the hetero pn-junction at the CdS/CIGS heterointerface. The correlation of the extent of the space charge region and the observed shift in the pn-junction location with the diffusion of the constituent elements in CIGS was investigated.
Implant Esthetic Restoration in Ridge Deficiencies in Cases of Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Puneet , Anandakrishna G. N. , Kaur Palwinder , Dahiya Varun
Published: November 2011

The long-term success of implant therapy does not depend solely on osseointegration, but the gingival architecture surrounding the implant system. It becomes very important to restore the gingival tissues in the areas that enhance one's esthetics. The esthetic zone can be defined as any dentoalveolar area of esthetic concern to the patient. The anterior maxillary teeth in the esthetic zone usually extend from first premolar to first premolar, but in some individuals can extend as far distally as the first molar. The patients requiring esthetic reconstruction at the site of trauma pose a great problem in implant placement and prosthetic restoration as scar tissue interferes with the same. To be successful, an implant-supported restoration should meet biological, mechanical, and esthetic goals. The most challenging situation is when esthetics is of prime concern in deficient ridge cases. This clinical report presents problems faced during implant placement and the sequential procedure to rehabilitate with an implant that was esthetically harmonized at the site of trauma.