bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slaying the Seven‐Headed Dragon: The Quest for Gender Change in Academia
Authors: van den Brink Marieke , Benschop Yvonne
Published: August 2011

In this article we propose a multi‐level distinction between gender inequality practices and gender equality practices to come to better understanding of the slow pace of gender change in academia. Gender inequality resembles an unbeatable seven‐headed dragon that has a multitude of faces in different social contexts. Based on an empirical study on the recruitment and selection of full professors in three academic fields in The Netherlands we discuss practices that should bring about gender equality and show how these interact with gender inequality practices. We argue that the multitude of gender inequality practices are ineffectively countered by gender equality practices because the latter lack teeth, especially in traditional masculine academic environments.
Fadrique Furió Ceriol's Machiavellian vocabulary of contingency
Authors: HOWARD KEITH DAVID
Published: August 2011

Over two decades ago Helena Puigdomenech demonstrated that Niccolò Machiavelli's political treatises circulated openly in Spain for roughly thirty years in the second half of the sixteenth century. Despite the Roman Index of 1559, Machiavelli was not prohibited in Spain until Quiroga's Index of 1583. Soon after this date, Machiavelli's fortune in Spain would become inevitably linked to the Spanish anti‐Machiavellian tradition, which Pedro de Ribadeneyra inaugurated with his Tratado de la Religion y Virtudes que deue tener el Principe Christiano, first published in 1595, and which lasted throughout the first half of the seventeenth century. The question of what Spaniards took out of their reading of Machiavelli continues unanswered. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Furió Ceriol not only appropriated Machiavelli's political vocabulary in general and adapted it to Philip II's monarchical ideology but also borrowed extensively from Il Principe in order to advise his king on the best way to deal with the rebellion in the Low Countries.
Single‐Tooth Implants with Different Neck Designs: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Aesthetic Outcome
Authors: den Hartog Laurens , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Slater James J. Huddleston , Stellingsma Kees , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A.
Published: August 2011

Aim: To evaluate the aesthetic outcome of single‐tooth implants in the aesthetic zone with different neck designs from a professional's and patient's perception.

Materials and Methods: Ninety‐three patients with a missing anterior tooth in the maxilla were randomly assigned to be treated with an implant with a smooth neck, a rough neck with grooves or a scalloped rough neck with grooves. Implants were installed in healed sites. One year after definitive crown placement (18 months post‐implant placement), photographs were taken and the aesthetic outcome was assessed according to two objective aesthetic indexes: pink esthetic score/white esthetic score (PES/WES) and implant crown aesthetic index (ICAI). A questionnaire was used to assess the aesthetic outcome and general satisfaction from a patient's perception. Standardized radiographs were taken to measure marginal bone level changes.

Results: One implant was lost. Although there was a significant difference in marginal bone loss between the different implant neck designs (smooth neck 1.19 ± 0.82 mm, rough neck 0.90 ± 0.57 mm, scalloped neck 2.01 ± 0.77 mm), there were no differences in aesthetic outcome. According to the professional's assessments using PES/WES and ICAI, 79.3% and 62% of the cases showed acceptable crown aesthetics, and 59.8% and 56.5% of the cases showed acceptable mucosa aesthetics. Overall, patients were satisfied about the aesthetics of the mucosa (81.5%) and crown (93.3%), and general patient satisfaction was high (9.0 ± 1.0 out of a maximum of 10). According to the professional's assessment, a pre‐implant augmentation procedure was associated with less favorable aesthetics of the mucosa.

Conclusion: This study shows that the aesthetics of single‐tooth implants in the maxillary aesthetic zone appears to be independent of the implant neck designs applied but dependent on the need for pre‐implant surgery.
Familial Risk of Early Suicide: Variations by Age and Sex of Children and Parents
Authors: Garssen Joop , Deerenberg Ingeborg , Mackenbach Johan P. , Kerkhof Ad , Kunst Anton E.
Published: August 2011

To determine familial risk of early suicide, data on cause of death of all Dutch residents aged 20–55 years who died between 1995 and 2001 were linked to data of their parents. Men whose father died by suicide had a higher odds of suicide themselves, relative to men whose father died of other causes (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.8‐3.6). This effect was slightly stronger in the case of mother's suicide (OR: 3.4; 2.3–5.0). The same effect was observed for women, for suicide by father (OR: 2.2; 1.3–3.7) and mother (OR: 4.6; 2.6–8.0). The odds of suicide increased with decreasing age at death of parent. Parental suicide is predictive for offspring suicide. Our data suggest that the predictive value is higher in case the mother died by suicide, particularly if the mother died by suicide at a young age§
MAGNITUDE ESTIMATION OF HEAVINESS AND LOUDNESS BY INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS: A TEST OF A PROBABILISTIC RESPONSE THEORY1
Authors: Luce R. Duncan , Mo Suchoon S.
Published: August 2011

One hundred magnitude estimates of heaviness were obtained for each of 18 weights from each of six Ss and of loudness for each of 20 intensities from another six Ss. The stimuli were spaced at approximately equal logarithmic intervals. The mean magnitude functions of individual Ss appear, in general, to deviate systematically from power functions. The distributions of responses, normalized by the mean response, appear to be skewed, highly peaked, and to have high tails. For at least half of the Ss, this response variability is no more than is needed to account for the errors in a simple two‐stimulus two‐response recognition experiment run under the same conditions. The data are examined in terms of a probabilistic response theory. Although the theory is clearly wrong in some of its details, certain of its qualitative features appear to be sustained.
Anxiety: Towards a decision‐theoretic perspective
Authors: Shechter M. , Zeidner M.
Published: August 2011

This paper sets out to illustrate how anxiety may be incorporated into a formal decision theoretic utility model of choice, and to suggest several measurement procedures towards that end. The major propositions derived and posited in this paper lend considerable support to intuitive notions with respect to the effects of anxiety on human behaviour in risky decision situations. Namely, that the willingness of an individual to pay to reduce health risks (an economic indicator of individual welfare associated with reduced morbidity or increased longevity) tends to be positive and higher when anxiety is present than when it is not. The formal results of the analysis show that when psychological considerations are incorporated into a state‐dependent utility model, the normative results customarily obtained concerning valuc‐of‐life need to be qualified.
Multidimensional scaling for n‐tuples
Authors: Cox Trevor F. , Cox Michael A. A. , Branco Joao A.
Published: August 2011

Wide use has been made of multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques since the pioneering papers of Shepard and Kruskal. In the main, dissimilarities used in the various MDS techniques are derived for pairs of objects or stimuli. This is termed 2‐way, 1‐mode data, meaning pairs of objects within a single set are considered. Some MDS techniques are designed for 3‐way or even higher, and for 2‐mode, 3‐mode or more. One such example is the CANDECOMP model which can deal with n‐way, m‐mode data where 3≤n≤7 and 2≤m≤7. This model considers n‐tuples of objects at a time, selecting these from m different sets.

To date there are no models which consider n‐way, 1‐mode data, where n≥3. An attempt is made in this paper to cater for this situation by an extension of the Shepard‐Kruskal approach to non‐metric multidimensional scaling which deals with dissimilarities defined for three or more objects. A computer program has been written using the new model to produce a configuration in Euclidean space to represent the objects. Some historical voting data and some artificial data are then analysed.
Generalized Procrustes analysis with iterative weighting to achieve resistance
Authors: Verboon Peter , Gabriel K. Ruben
Published: August 2011

The paper studies the generalized Procrustes problem with the extension of variable weights. A distinction is made between configurations and configuration classes, depending on the type of data used. The main interest is in configuration classes. Two different types of weighting are introduced: the Huber and Tukey weights. The objective is to use the weights to yield a resistant procedure for the generalized Procrustes problem. An algorithm is described and some attention is paid to the starting values in order to avoid non‐optimal solutions. An example and simulation results are presented which show that the weighted approach outperforms least squares when there are outliers in the data.
Confidence intervals for Kendall's tau
Authors: Long Jeffrey D. , Cliff Norman
Published: August 2011

A simulation study was conducted to examine the performance of several confidence intervals (CIs) for Kendall's tau (txy) under a variety of population conditions. Two normal population variables (N = 10,000) were transformed to have tau correlations, τ = 0, .19, .41, or.71. Samples (n = 10, 50, 200) were drawn from the transformed populations 2000 times under each level of correlation, and accompanying CIs were computed on each sample. The results show that the CI for τ based on a consistent estimate of the variance of txy has the best coverage and power among a number of alternatives. Kendall's txy is unaffected by non‐normality induced by monotonic transformations and, with its consistent variance estimated from the sample, performs well under a wide range of conditions.
Defining Success for Translational Research Organizations
Authors: Pozen Robert , Kline Heather
Published: August 2011

To promote translational research foundations require a flexible framework for performance assessment.
Separation of nematic and smectic-A potential effects on solute ordering in a series of binary 6OCB–8OCB mixtures
Authors: Burnell E. Elliott , Dong Ronald Y. , Weber Adrian C.J. , Yang Xuan , Yethiraj Anand
Published: August 2011

1H NMR and optical microscopy have been used to study four solutes dissolved in samples of a binary mixture of 4-n-hexyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl (6OCB) and 4-n-octyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB) that are close to the region of the phase diagram where the smectic-A (SmA) and re-entrant nematic (RN) phases exist. Optical microscopy clearly indicates that one of the four studied samples shows the phase sequence of isotropic–nematic–SmA–RN. The derived solute order parameters were interpreted by means of two Maier–Saupe mechanisms in conjunction with the Kobayashi–McMillan theory in the case of the SmA phase. The novel feature of this study is that the nematic potential is extrapolated from the nematic to the SmA phase based on concentrations of the 6OCB–8OCB mixtures. The derived smectic order parameters for each of the studied solutes clearly show a maximum absolute magnitude near the centre of the SmA temperature range. The different partitioning of these solutes in the binary mixture is also discussed.
Bucking the Trend: A Look at Zyme Solutions' Non-linear Business Model for IT Services from India
Authors: Seshadri D.V.R.
Published: August 2011

The case describes XGen Technologies (name disguised), an India-based IT Enabled Services (ITES) company having to grapple with the issues of linear growth. The company's headcount had touched a whopping 40,000 and managing such a large setup was becoming a severe challenge, putting immense pressure on Partha Sen, the CEO, to adopt an innovative business model to sustain historical growth rates of revenue and profitability. This situation was similar to what most Indian ITES companies faced: they had been clocking impressive growth, yet there were concerns about the future.

The case then describes some of the strategies that software companies have been adopting in order to achieve greater non-linearity in their business. In particular, the case concentrates on Zyme Solutions, Inc., a fully outsourced hosted data service provider to the high-tech vertical market, which has built as a non-linear business from the ground up, without the legacy of the linear business models to contend with. Students are put in the place of Partha Sen, having to decide on an approach that established companies like XGen could adopt to transit to a non-linear model.
Review of Small Cell Carcinomas of the Prostate
Authors: Furtado P. , Lima M. V. A. , Nogueira C. , Franco M. , Tavora F.
Published: August 2011

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare neoplasm, with only a few series hitherto reported. A little less than half of the cases are associated with conventional acinar adenocarcinoma, which are usually high grade. Although consensus has not been reached, the majority of patients with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate have advanced disease at diagnosis and disproportionally low PSA levels compared to patients with conventional acinar adenocarcinoma. Treatment consists mainly of chemotherapy associated with surgery. Radiation therapy is reserved for selected cases. This study reviews the most up-to-date information on small cell carcinomas of the prostate.
Exposure to Community Violence, Psychopathology, and Personality Traits in Russian Youth
Authors: Koposov Roman , Ruchkin Vladislav
Published: August 2011

Previous research with the US inner-city youth demonstrated the hazardous effects of community violence exposure. It remains unclear, however, whether these findings are generalizable to other cultures and populations. Furthermore, the role of factors influencing the processing of traumatic events such as personality has not been investigated. Two groups of Russian adolescents (community youth () and male delinquents ()) completed questionnaires assessing their exposure to community violence, conduct problems, internalizing psychopathology and personality. The study demonstrates that the relationships between exposure to violence and psychopathology are similar across different populations within the same culture (community youth and juvenile delinquents), suggesting similar mechanisms behind this phenomenon. The patterns of these relationships were also similar for boys and girls, suggesting similarities in the mechanisms across gender. Hence, the effects of community violence exposure are generalizable to other cultures outside the US. The associations between personality traits and specific types of behaviors also tend to be similar across different populations. Higher levels of novelty seeking were related to more severe problem behaviors and to higher levels of witnessing and victimization, whereas higher levels of harm avoidance were related to higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress.
Radar Nowcasting of Total Lightning over the Kennedy Space Center
Authors: Seroka Gregory N. , Orville Richard E. , Schumacher Courtney
Published: August 2011

A long-term radar dataset over Melbourne, Florida, was matched with three-dimensional lightning data to optimize radar-derived predictors of total lightning over the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Four years (2006–09) of summer (June–August) daytime (about 1400–0000 UTC) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler data were analyzed. Convective cells were tracked using a modified version of the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) algorithm, and correlated to cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and grouped intracloud (IC) flash data from the KSC Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) I and II networks. Reflectivity values at isothermal levels and a vertically integrated ice (VII) product were used to optimize radar-based forecasting of both IC and CG lightning. Results indicate the best reflectivity threshold predictors of CG and IC lightning according to the critical success index (CSI) were 25 dBZ at −20°C and 25 dBZ at −15°C, respectively. The best VII predictors of CG and IC were the 30th (0.840 kg m−2) and 5th percentiles (0.143 kg m−2), respectively, suggesting less ice mass is needed in the main mixed-phase region for IC flashes to occur. In addition, VII at lightning initiation (both CG and IC) was higher than at cessation. Seventy-six percent of cells had IC initiation before CG initiation. Using the first IC flash as a predictor of CG occurrence also statistically outperformed other CG predictors, but yielded a 2.4-min average lead time. However, this lead time is comparable to the reflectivity threshold and VII methods when accounting for radar scan and processing time.
Clinically Useful Cardioprotection: Ischemic Preconditioning Then and Now
Authors: Vander Heide Richard
Published: August 2011

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is the most effective, reproducible form of protection against myocardial cell death yet described. The mechanism of classic IP has not been identified, but recent investigations have focused on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Similarly, the mechanism of the “second window of protection” (SWOP) is not known but thought to involve increased expression of important gene products. Currently, IP in the clinical arena is limited to cardiac surgery, planned angioplasty, and organ preservation protocols. To move preconditioning into a broader clinical arena will require resolution of important fundamental yet stubborn problems involving both basic and clinical science. Important unresolved issues include the mechanisms involved in the transition from reversible to irreversible injury, the amount of potential salvageable myocardium present at the onset of reperfusion, the identity and signaling of the mPTP, the optimization of protocols, the identity of end effectors (SWOP), and the identification of the best experimental model systems. From a clinical standpoint, important issues include the influence of comorbidities on cardioprotection, identification of appropriate animal models, the lack of a biologic marker of the cardioprotective state, the influence of coexistent therapeutic drugs, potential toxicity of pharmacologic mimics, and the window of opportunity for significant protection. Ischemic preconditioning has yielded promising results in other organs including the brain as well as tissue preservation for certain surgical procedures that will require definition of the underlying mechanism(s) to be fully exploited clinically. Over the past 25 years, the scientific community has learned much regarding the biology and potential mechanisms of IP and the concept has been expanded to many other organ systems in many other clinically relevant scenarios. To realize the full clinical potential will require continued investigation into the mechanism.
High maternal mortality estimated by the sisterhood method in a rural area of Mali
Authors: Aa Ingvill , Grove Mari A , Haugsjå Anita H , Hinderaker Sven G
Published: August 2011

Background

Maternal mortality is high in Mali. Nevertheless, there are few studies on this topic from rural areas, and current estimates are mostly based on studies from urban settings. Our objective was to estimate the maternal mortality ratio in Kita, rural Mali.

Methods

Using the "sisterhood method", we interviewed participants aged 15-50 years from 20 villages in Kita, Mali, and thereby created a retrospective cohort of their sisters in reproductive age. Based on population and fertility estimates, we calculated the lifetime risk of maternal death, and from that the estimated approximate maternal mortality ratio.

Results

The 2,039 respondents reported 4,628 sisters who had reached reproductive age. Of these 4,628 sisters, almost a third (1,233; 27%) had died, and 429 (9%) had died during pregnancy or childbirth. This corresponded to a lifetime risk of maternal death of 20% and a maternal mortality ratio of 3,131 per 100,000 live births (95% confidence interval 2,967-3,296), with a time reference around 1999.

Conclusions

We found a very high maternal mortality in rural Mali and this highlights the urgent need for obstetric services in the remote rural areas.
Extracellular secretion of a recombinant therapeutic peptide by Bacillus halodurans utilizing a modified flagellin type III secretion system
Authors: Berger Eldie , Crampton Michael C , Nxumalo Nolwandle P , Louw Maureen E
Published: August 2011

Background

Through modification of the flagellin type III secretion pathway of Bacillus halodurans heterologous peptides could be secreted into the medium as flagellin fusion monomers. The stability of the secreted monomers was significantly enhanced through gene-targeted inactivation of host cell extracellular proteases. In evaluating the biotechnological potential of this extracellular secretion system an anti-viral therapeutic peptide, Enfuvirtide, was chosen. Currently, Enfuvirtide is synthesised utilizing 106 chemical steps. We used Enfuvirtide as a model system in an effort to develop a more cost-effective biological process for therapeutic peptide production.

Results

An attempt was made to increase the levels of the fusion peptide by two strategies, namely strain improvement through gene-targeted knock-outs, as well as vector and cassette optimization. Both approaches proved to be successful. Through chromosomal inactivation of the spo0A, lytC and lytE genes, giving rise to strain B. halodurans BhFDL05S, the secretion of recombinant peptide fusions was increased 10-fold. Cassette optimization, incorporating an expression vector pNW33N and the N- and C-terminal regions of the flagellin monomer as an in-frame peptide fusion, resulted in a further 3.5-fold increase in the secretion of recombinant peptide fusions.

Conclusions

The type III flagellar secretion system of B. halodurans has been shown to successfully secrete a therapeutic peptide as a heterologous flagellin fusion. Improvements to both the strain and expression cassette led to increased levels of recombinant peptide, showing promise for a biotechnological application.
Novel innate cancer killing activity in humans
Authors: Blanks Michael J , Stehle John R , Du Wei , Adams Jonathan M , Willingham Mark C , Allen Glenn O , Hu Jennifer J , Lovato James , Molnar Istvan , Cui Zheng
Published: August 2011

Background

In this study, we pilot tested an in vitro assay of cancer killing activity (CKA) in circulating leukocytes of 22 cancer cases and 25 healthy controls.

Methods

Using a human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, as target cells, we compared the CKA in circulating leukocytes, as effector cells, of cancer cases and controls. The CKA was normalized as percentages of total target cells during selected periods of incubation time and at selected effector/target cell ratios in comparison to no-effector-cell controls.

Results

Our results showed that CKA similar to that of our previous study of SR/CR mice was present in human circulating leukocytes but at profoundly different levels in individuals. Overall, males have a significantly higher CKA than females. The CKA levels in cancer cases were lower than that in healthy controls (mean ± SD: 36.97 ± 21.39 vs. 46.28 ± 27.22). Below-median CKA was significantly associated with case status (odds ratio = 4.36; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.06, 17.88) after adjustment of gender and race.

Conclusions

In freshly isolated human leukocytes, we were able to detect an apparent CKA in a similar manner to that of cancer-resistant SR/CR mice. The finding of CKA at lower levels in cancer patients suggests the possibility that it may be of a consequence of genetic, physiological, or pathological conditions, pending future studies with larger sample size.
Convolution and Reciprocity Formulas for Bernoulli Polynomials
Authors: Agoh Takashi , Dilcher Karl
Published: August 2011

We prove a new convolution identity for sums of products of two Bernoulli polynomials. This can be rewritten to obtain a reciprocity relation for a related sum. The proof uses some results on Stirling numbers of both kinds which are of independent interest. In particular, a class of polynomials related to the Stirling numbers of the second kind turns out to be a useful tool.
Counting Finite Languages by Total Word Length
Authors: Gerhold Stefan
Published: August 2011

We investigate the number of sets of words that can be formed from a finite alphabet, counted by the total length of the words in the set. An explicit expression for the counting sequence is derived from the generating function, and asymptotics for large alphabet size and large total word length are discussed. Moreover, we derive a Gaussian limit law for the number of words in a random finite language.
Selmer's Multiplicative Algorithm
Authors: Kops J. Christopher
Published: August 2011

The behavior of the multiplicative acceleration of Selmer's algorithm is widely unknown and no general result on convergence has been detected yet. Solely for its 2-dimensional, periodic expansions, there exist some results on convergence and approximation due to Fritz Schweiger. In this paper we show that periodic expansions of any dimension do in fact converge and that the coordinates of the limit points are rational functions of the largest eigenvalue of the periodicity matrix.
Development of PET molecular targeting agents with gallium-68
Authors: Cutler C. S. , Sisay N. , Cantorias M. , Galazzi F. , Quinn T. P. , Smith C. J.
Published: August 2011

The utilization of positron emission tomography (PET) is increasing due to its superior imaging quality and its ability to be used for in vivo quantification. Radionuclides that decay by positron emission can be attached to the same chelators used for radiotherapy applications in diagnosis and staging. One such isotope is 68Ga (T
1/2 = 68 min), which can be obtained from a long-lived generator by decay of the parent 68Ge (T
1/2 = 270.8 d). The availability of 68Ga from a generator plus its ability to be stably incorporated with a variety of chelates hold promise for expanding PET utilization to facilities unable to afford their own cyclotron. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Missouri, we have developed and evaluated peptides that target the melanocortin-1 receptor and the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor for peptide guided imaging and the rapy. The melanocortin-1 receptor is an attractive target for peptide guided melanoma imaging and therapy. The limited number of receptors per cell, approximately 900–5000, requires high specific activity radiolabeled peptide ligands to prevent target saturation and ensure optimal cellular uptake. GRP receptors are over-expressed by a variety of human cancers such as breast, lung, pancreatic and prostate tumors, and due to bombesin's toxicity, it is necessary to label it in high specific activity. Results are presented on NOTA and DOTA bifunctionalized α-MSH and bombesin peptides, highlighting the differences in specific activity, preparation time and in vivo characteristics.
Growth of C60 Fullerene Films on Semiconductor Surfaces
Authors: Basiuk (Golovataya-Dzhymbeeva) Elena V. , Bañuelos José G. , Esparza Alejandro , Saniger José M.
Published: August 2011

We report on a study of vacuum-deposited thin films of C60 fullerene on Si (100) and InP (100) semiconductor surfaces. The film morphology and C60—substrate interactions were investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For the film deposition, both patterned Si aand InP surfaces were used. It was found that the stronger interactions occur between C60 molecules and Si surface, than between C60 molecules and InP surface. On InP surface with microrelief of parallel V-grooves oriented in [011] direction, C60 films grow preferentially above the groove walls, with C60 grains arrayed in the direction perpendicular to the groove axis.
Electrical Properties of Bi 3.25 La 0.75 Ti3O12 Thin Films with Various Grain Orientations Deposited by r.f. Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Suh Ju Hyung , Oh Sang Ho , Park Chan-Gyung
Published: August 2011

Effects of grain orientation on the electrical polarization and leakage current characteristics of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) thin films have been investigated with respect to c-axis off-alignment. The BLT thin films from epitaxially aligned along c-axis to (117) and (014) off-aligned orientations have been successfully grown by using both different electrode materials (Pt and SrRuO3) and heat-treatments. In order to evaluate the crystallinity and the film texture of various off-aligned BLT thin films, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried out. The BLT thin films deposited on SrRuO3/SrTiO3 (100) substrate was grown epitaxial c-axis alignment. That is, the c-axis of the film was completely parallel to the substrate normal, resulting in a cube on cube epitaxial relationship with the underlying SrRuO3 film. The corresponding P-E curve showed nearly paraelectric property. The polycrystalline (117) and (014) oriented BLT thin films revealed that remnant polarization increased remarkably due to the anisotropy of spontaneous polarization of BLT. The surface roughness of BLT thin films was increased to result in degraded leakage current characteristic. According to the present results, it can be concluded that the grain orientation of BLT thin films is a crucial factor controlling the polarization properties and leakage current characteristics.
Social epidemiology of a large outbreak of chickenpox in the Colombian sugar cane producer region: a set theory-based analysis
Authors: Idrovo Alvaro J. , Albavera-Hernández Cidronio , Rodríguez-Hernández Jorge Martín
Published: August 2011

There are few social epidemiologic studies on chickenpox outbreaks, although previous findings suggested the important role of social determinants. This study describes the context of a large outbreak of chickenpox in the Cauca Valley region, Colombia (2003 to 2007), with an emphasis on macro-determinants. We explored the temporal trends in chickenpox incidence in 42 municipalities to identify the places with higher occurrences. We analyzed municipal characteristics (education quality, vaccination coverage, performance of health care services, violence-related immigration, and area size of planted sugar cane) through analyses based on set theory. Edwards-Venn diagrams were used to present the main findings. The results indicated that three municipalities had higher incidences and that poor quality education was the attribute most prone to a higher incidence. Potential use of set theory for exploratory outbreak analyses is discussed. It is a tool potentially useful to contrast units when only small sample sizes are available.
Cuidador familiar do idoso em cuidados paliativos: o processo de morrer no domicílio
Authors: Fratezi Flavia Renata , Gutierrez Beatriz Aparecida Ozello
Published: August 2011

Este estudo teve como objetivos: identificar e analisar o significado do processo de morrer para cuidadores familiares de pacientes idosos em cuidados paliativos. Tratou-se de pesquisa qualitativa com utilização de entrevista. Os dados foram analisados por conteúdo. A presença de doenças crônicas que levam o idoso a necessitar de cuidados paliativos impõe sobre o cuidador familiar sentimentos complexos e ambivalentes. A proximidade e inevitabilidade da morte do idoso colaboram para intensificar esses sentimentos, mas possibilitam ao cuidador resignificar como vivencia essa experiência. Diante desta complexidade, torna-se evidente que a equipe paliativista precisa colaborar junto ao cuidador familiar, no sentido de tentar amenizar essa situação.
Occurrence of hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Nosov V. R. , Gómez-Mancilla J. C. , Meda-Campaña J. A.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, the conditions under which cavitation (or liquid film rupture) can or cannot occur in thin layers of moving liquid are derived for three typical cases. At the same time, expressions depending on geometrical and movement parameters, where cavitation might start, are given. The results are obtained using simple engineering terms, which can be used in cases whether it is necessary to avoid cavitation or to induce it.
Comparing the microbial characteristics of rainwater in two operating rainwater tanks with different surface-to-volume ratios
Authors: Kim Mikyeong , Bak Gippeum , Han Mooyoung
Published: August 2011

In this study, the microbial characteristics of rainwater in two tanks with different surface-to-volume ratios were investigated and compared to determine how the internal design features of storage tanks affect water quality. The particle and nutrient parameters of the rainwater, including turbidity, suspended solids, total organic carbon, and total phosphate, were lower in Tank 2, which had a surface-to-volume ratio 7.5 times greater than that of Tank 1. In addition, although the rainwater was collected from the same catchment area, the water in Tank 1 had greater numbers of bacteria, and the bacterial communities in the water differed between the two storage tanks. It appears that the differences in the inside surface structures of the rainwater tanks affected the microbial ecosystems. Increasing the surface-to-volume ratio in rainwater tanks may affect rainwater quality, because this extends the area for biofilm development. Further study of the role of biofilm in rainwater tank is required precisely, and its function needs to be considered in the design and management of rainwater tanks.
Adsorption behavior of activated carbon derived from pyrolusite-modified sewage sludge: equilibrium modeling, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Chen Yao , Jiang Wenju , Jiang Li , Ji Xiujuan
Published: August 2011

Activated carbon was developed from sewage sludge using pyrolusite as an additive. It was demonstrated that the removal efficiency of two synthetic dyes (Tracid orange GS and Direct fast turquoise blue GL) by the produced adsorbent was up to 97.6%. The activated carbon with pyrolusite addition had 38.2% higher surface area, 43.8% larger micropore and 54.4% larger mesopore production than ordinary sludge-based activated carbons. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also investigated based on dyes adsorption tests. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption, and the results fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic data have been analyzed using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion equation. The experimental data fitted very well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Activation energies for the adsorption processes ranged between 8.7 and 19.1 kJ mol−1. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy (ΔG0), standard enthalpy (ΔH0) and standard entropy (ΔS0) were evaluated. The adsorption of these two dyes on the activated carbon was found to be a spontaneous and endothermic process in nature.
Comments by the Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the Securities and Exchange Commission Proposed Rules for Implementing the Whistleblower Provisions of Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Authors: Taylor Eileen , Bierstaker James , Brazel Joseph
Published: August 2011

SUMMARY: Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) proposed rules and forms to implement Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), entitled Securities Whistleblower Incentives and Protection, and sought comment thereon. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted on July 21, 2010 (“Dodd-Frank”), established a whistleblower program that requires the Commission to pay an award, under regulations prescribed by the Commission and subject to certain limitations, to eligible whistleblowers who voluntarily provide the Commission with original information about a violation of the federal securities laws that leads to the successful enforcement of a covered judicial or administrative action, or a related action. Dodd-Frank also prohibits retaliation by employers against individuals that provide the Commission with information about potential securities violations. Comments were requested by the Commission and could be submitted on or before December 17, 2010. The Auditing Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association provided the comments in the letter below to the Commission on the Proposed Rules for Implementing the Whistleblower Provisions of Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Incarvillea sinensis (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Yu Hai‐Yan , Jing‐Gao  , Luo Yi‐Bo , Bai Wei‐Ning
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Incarvillea sinensis var. sinensis (Bignoniaceae), an annual herb endemic to Inner Mongolia, to study the degree to which delayed self‐fertilization is favored.

• Methods and Results: Eight polymorphic primer sets were isolated and characterized in two Inner Mongolia populations of I. sinensis var. sinensis with a relatively simple and fast subcloning method. Numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0 to 0.261 and from 0 to 0.778, respectively.

• Conclusions: These markers will be useful for future studies of self‐fertilization adaptability in I. sinensis var. sinensis.
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite primers in Reaumuria soongorica (Tamaricaceae)
Authors: Chen Haikui , Zhu Lili , Cao Xiaohong , Song Dandan , Zhong Yang
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed in Reaumuria soongorica, a desert shrub occurring widely in western China, to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture technique, 10 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci primer sets were isolated and characterized in 90 individuals from six populations of R. soongorica. Five to 14 alleles per locus were identified for these microsatellites. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.132 to 0.593, and 0.217 to 0.803, respectively.

• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers provide a useful tool to assess the genetic variation and population structure of R. soongorica.
Dexmedetomidine for an Awake Fiber-Optic Intubation of a Parturient with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Type I Arnold Chiari Malformation and Status Post Released Tethered Spinal Cord Presenting for Repeat Cesarean Section
Authors: Shah Tanmay H. , Badve Manasi S. , Olajide Kowe O. , Skorupan Havyn M. , Waters Jonathan H. , Vallejo Manuel C.
Published: August 2011

Patients with Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) have congenital fusion of their cervical vertebrae due to a failure in the normal segmentation of the cervical vertebrae during the early weeks of gestation and also have myriad of other associated anomalies. Because of limited neck mobility, airway management in these patients can be a challenge for the anesthesiologist. We describe a unique case in which a dexmedetomidine infusion was used as sedation for an awake fiber-optic intubation in a parturient with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, who presented for elective cesarean delivery. A 36-yearold female, G2P1A0 with KFS (fusion of cervical vertebrae) who had prior cesarean section for breech presentation with difficult airway management was scheduled for repeat cesarean delivery. After obtaining an informed consent, patient was taken in the operating room and non-invasive monitors were applied. Dexmedetomidine infusion was started and after adequate sedation, an awake fiberoptic intubation was performed. General anesthetic was administered after intubation and dexmedetomidine infusion was continued on maintenance dose until extubation. Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital disorder for which the true incidence is unknown, which makes it even rare to see a parturient with this disease. Patients with KFS usually have other congenital abnormalities as well, sometimes including the whole thoraco-lumbar spine (Type III) precluding the use of neuraxial anesthesia for these patients. Obstetric patients with KFS can present unique challenges in administering anesthesia and analgesia, primarily as it relates to the airway and dexmedetomidine infusion has shown promising result to manage the airway through awake fiberoptic intubation without any adverse effects on mother and fetus.
Carotid Encasement by a Benign Multinodular Goiter
Authors: PRK Bhargav , Venkata Pavan Kumar CH , Krishna Murthy T
Published: August 2011

Great vessels in the neck and upper mediastinum are involved either by invasion or encasement in malignant thyroid disease. Rarely benign conditions, like Riedel's thyroiditis, may involve them due to extensive extracapsular fibrosis. We report a rare case of carotid artery engulfment due to benign goiters, which is a largely unknown entity.
How Does Health Insurance Affect the Retirement Behavior of Women?
Authors: Kapur Kanika , Rogowski Jeannette
Published: August 2011

The availability of health insurance is a crucial factor in the retirement decision. Women are substantially less likely to have health insurance from their own employment. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we examine the role of employer-provided retiree health insurance in the retirement decisions of single women, and women in single-earner and dual-earner couples. We compare the effect of health insurance on female and male retirement. Our results show that retiree health insurance increases retirement for all groups except single men. We find suggestive evidence that the role of health insurance for women hinges on their husbands' labor force status.
Biogeochemical controls on the bacterial population in the eastern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Neogi S. B. , Koch B. P. , Schmitt-Kopplin P. , Pohl C. , Kattner G. , Yamasaki S. , Lara R. J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Little is known about bacterial dynamics in the oligotrophic ocean, particularly about its cultivable population. We examined the abundance of total and cultivable bacteria in relation to changes in biogeochemical conditions in the eastern Atlantic Ocean with special regard to Vibrio spp., a group of bacteria that can cause diseases in human and aquatic organisms. Surface, deep water and plankton samples (<20 μm, 20–55 μm and >55 μm) were collected between 50° N and 24° S. Chlorophyll-a was very low (<0.3 μg l−1) in most areas of the nutrient-poor Atlantic, except at a few locations near upwelling regions. In surface water, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations were 64–95 μM C and 2–10 μM N accounting for ≥90 % and ≥76 % of total organic C and N, respectively. DOC and DON gradually decreased to ~45 μM C and <5 μM N in the bottom water while dissolved inorganic nutrients (Si, P, N) increased with depth. In the surface layer, culture independent total bacteria, represented by 4´-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) counts, ranged mostly between 107 and 108 cells l−1, while cultivable bacterial counts (CBC) and Vibrio spp. were found at concentrations of 104–107 and 102–105 colony forming units (CFU) l−1, respectively. Most bacteria (>99 %) were found in the nanoplankton fraction (<20 μm), however, bacterial abundance did not correlate with suspended particulates (chlorophyll-a, particulate organic C and N). Instead, we found a highly significant correlation between bacterial abundance and temperature (p < 0.001) and a significant correlation with DOC and DON. Among the cultivable bacteria, the abundance of Vibrio was also highly significantly correlated with DOC and DON (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.005, respectively). In cold waters of the mid-pelagic and abyssal zones, CBC was 50 to 100-times lower than in the surface layer; however, cultivable Vibrio spp. could be isolated from the bathypelagic zone and even near the seafloor (average ~10 CFU l−1). In contrast, DAPI counts revealed a homogenous distribution of the non-cultivable bacterial population throughout the oceanic depths. Our study indicates that Vibrio and other bacteria may largely depend on dissolved organic matter to survive in nutrient-poor oceanic habitats, without being associated with plankton or particles.
Spring-summer temperatures reconstructed for northern Switzerland and south-western Germany from winter rye harvest dates, 1454–1970
Authors: Wetter O. , Pfister C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. This paper presents a unique 517 yr long documentary data – based reconstruction of spring-summer (MAMJJ) temperatures for northern Switzerland and south western Germany from 1454 to 1970. It is composed of 25 partial series of winter grain (secale cereale) harvest starting dates (WGHD) that are in one part based on harvest related bookkeeping of institutions (hospitals, municipalities), in the other part to (early) phenological observations. The resulting main Basel WGHD series was homogenised with regard to dating style, data type and altitude. The calibration and verification approach was applied using the homogenous HISTALP temperature series from 1774–1824 for calibration (r = 0,78) and from 1920–1970 for verification (r = 0.75). The latter result even suffer from the weak data basis available for 1870–1950. Temperature reconstructions based on WGHD are more influenced by spring temperatures than those based on grape harvest dates (GHD), because rye in contrast to vines already begins to grow as soon as sunlight brings the plant to above freezing. The earliest and latest harvest dates were checked for consistency with narrative documentary weather reports. Comparisons with other European documentary-based GHD and WGHD temperature reconstructions generally reveal significant correlations decreasing with the distance from Switzerland. The new Basel WGHD series shows better skills in representing highly climate change sensitive variations of Swiss Alpine glaciers than available GHD series.
Measurement of Peroxiredoxin Activity
Authors: Nelson Kimberly J. , Parsonage Derek
Published: August 2011

Peroxiredoxins are cysteine‐dependent peroxidases that react with hydrogen peroxide, larger hydroperoxide substrates, and peroxynitrite. Protocols are provided to measure Prx activity with peroxide by (1) a coupled reaction with NADPH, thioredoxin reductase, and thioredoxin, (2) the direct monitoring of thioredoxin oxidation, (3) competition with horseradish peroxidase, and (4) peroxide consumption using the FOX assay. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 49:7.10.1‐7.10.28. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Double 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to β‐Aryloxyacrylates Involving β‐Oxygen Elimination
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Shiose Shigeru , Suda Yuya
Published: August 2011

The rhodium‐catalyzed addition reaction of arylboronic acids to β‐aryloxyacrylates gives 3,3‐diarylpropanoates in good yields. The double arylation reaction proceeds via the intermediate cinnamates generated by β‐oxygen elimination.