bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GeoPhylo: an online tool for developing visualizations of phylogenetic trees in geographic space
Authors: Hill Andrew W. , Guralnick Robert P.
Published: July 2010

GeoPhylo is a scalable online service for developing 3‐dimensional geographic visualizations of phylogenetic trees in the keyhole markup language (KML). These geographic phylogenies, geophylogenies, can then be viewed in Google Earth or Nasa's World Wind. Advanced features provide users the ability to change many aspects such as scaling and coloring of branches. The GeoPhylo engine has been deployed on the Google App Engine in order to be scalable, sustainable and easily updated, while providing long‐term support for stable releases. These features will allow developers to use GeoPhylo as a service in their own applications without concerns of incompatible changes made in future updates.
Detecting signatures of inter‐regional and inter‐specific hybridization among the Chinese rhesus macaque specific pathogen‐free (SPF) population using single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers
Authors: Kanthaswamy Sree , Satkoski Jessica , Kou Alex , Malladi Venkat , Glenn Smith David
Published: July 2010

Background While rates of gene flow between rhesus and longtail macaque populations near their hybrid zone in Indochina have been quantified elsewhere, this study demonstrates that the inter‐specific introgression is not limited to the Indochinese hybrid zone but is more geographically widespread.

Methods Twelve rhesus and longtail macaque populations were analyzed using single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) loci.

Results There is evidence for inter‐specific admixture between Chinese rhesus and mainland longtails, with implications for genetic diversity both in the Chinese super‐SPF population at the California National Primate Research Center and in other primate facilities. Eastern Chinese rhesus appeared more highly derived than western Chinese rhesus, and allele sharing between longtails and Chinese rhesus was not random with regard to geographic distance, but no significant nuclear genetic differences between eastern and western Chinese rhesus were detected among the 245 genic SNPs assayed.

Conclusion The implications of this inter‐specific admixture for the use of Chinese rhesus and mainland longtail in biomedical research should be considered.
Toll‐like Receptor‐2 and Toll‐like Receptor‐4 Expression on Maternal Neutrophils During Pregnancy
Authors: Nitsche Joshua F. , Jiang Shi‐Wen , Brost Brian C.
Published: July 2010

Nitsche JF, Jiang S‐W, Brost BC. Toll‐like receptor‐2 and toll‐like receptor‐4 expression on maternal neutrophils during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 427–434

Problem  Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are an important part of the innate immune system and are present in a variety of human tissues. Work investigating the role of the TLR in pregnancy has thus far focused on placental tissue; however, minimal data is currently available concerning TLR expression in other tissues. Unlike placental tissue, neutrophils are easily retrievable during pregnancy and thus allow assessment of TLR’s prior to delivery.

Method of study  Using real time quantitative PCR this study investigated whether TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression on maternal neutrophils is altered throughout gestation or at the time of labor. A group of 12 non‐pregnant women and two groups of ten pregnant patients were enrolled and followed longitudinally, one group throughout gestation and one group throughout the third trimester.

Results  Although increased in the placenta, TLR2 and TLR4 expression on maternal neutrophils changes minimally throughout gestation.

Conclusion  There appears to be very little regulation of TLR2 and TLR4 at the mRNA level during normal pregnancy and labor. However, now that the normal values of TLR expression on maternal neutrophils have been determined it will be possible to compare them to those from pregnancies complicated by such conditions as preeclampsia, preterm labor, or preterm premature rupture of membranes.
Rostroventral caudate putamen involvement in ethanol withdrawal is influenced by a chromosome 4 locus
Authors: Chen G. , Buck K. J.
Published: July 2010

Physiological dependence and associated withdrawal episodes are thought to constitute a motivational force that sustains alcohol use and abuse and may contribute to relapse in dependent individuals. Although no animal model duplicates alcoholism, models for specific factors, like withdrawal, are useful for identifying potential genetic and neural determinants of liability in humans. Previously, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) and gene (Mpdz, which encodes the multi‐PDZ domain protein) on chromosome 4 with a large effect on alcohol withdrawal in mice. Using congenic mice that confirm this QTL and c‐Fos expression as a high‐resolution marker of neuronal activation, we report that congenic mice show significantly less neuronal activity associated with alcohol withdrawal in the rostroventral caudate putamen (rvCP), but not other parts of the striatum, compared with background strain mice. Moreover, bilateral rvCP lesions significantly increase alcohol withdrawal severity. Using retrograde (fluorogold) and anterograde (Texas Red conjugated dextran amine) tract tracing, we found that ∼25% of c‐Fos immunoreactive rvCP neurons project to caudolateral substantia nigra pars reticulata (clSNr), which we previously found is crucially involved in withdrawal following acute and repeated alcohol exposure. Our results expand upon work suggesting that this QTL impacts alcohol withdrawal via basal ganglia circuitry associated with limbic function, and indicate that an rvCP‐clSNr projection plays a critical role. Given the growing body of evidence that the syntenic region of human chromosome 9p and humanMPDZgene are associated with alcohol abuse, our results may facilitate research on alcohol dependence and associated withdrawal in clinical populations.
The effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and EMG
Authors: Uçankale Mert , Akoğlu Burçin , Özkan Yaşar , Ozkan Yasemin Kulak
Published: July 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00389.x

The effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and EMG

Objective:  To compare the effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and muscle activity using electromyography (EMG).

Background:  Denture retention and stability is of considerable interest in prosthetic dentistry.

Materials and methods:  Thirty‐five patients were examined: 15 edentulous patients treated with mandibular implant‐retained overdentures (MIRO) and maxillary dentures (MCD) (two implant‐ball attachment) (BC); 10 edentulous patients treated with MIRO and MCD (four implants‐bar attachments) (BRC); 10 patients with edentulous mandibular treated with MIRO and maxillary fixed partial dentures (MFPD) (two implant‐ball attachments) (BF). Before implant placement all patients received new dentures. After using these dentures for 3 months the maximum bite force and electrical activity of masseter muscle were measured. Two or four implants were then inserted into the intraforaminal region. After osseointegration periods, patients were treated with MIRO which duplicated their dentures and after three months the measurements were repeated. The data were collected and statistically analysed.

Results:  Muscle activity and chewing ability increased in the second period of measurements. Also chewing time was significantly decreased at the first measurements. The highest muscle activity was observed in the group of patients treated with group BF.

Conclusion:  The EMG values of the masseter muscle significantly increased when an implant attachments was used in the overdenture.
Recent Work on Pygmalion in Nineteenth‐Century Literature
Authors: Yeates Amelia
Published: July 2010

Pygmalion, Ovid’s story of the sculptor who falls in love with his own statue, later brought to life by Venus, is a popular subject in English literature. In this essay I review recent work on Pygmalion in 19th‐century literature, focusing on the key themes of gender, class and metamorphosis. The literature reviewed includes analyses of specific Pygmalion poems and plays, as well as the use of Pygmalion as a trope for a range of concerns relating to male control, fashioning and the female subject. In the essay I consider Romantic and Victorian versions, as well as early 20th‐century texts such as George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion (1912) which I suggest has shaped modern ways of understanding Pygmalionism and transformation.
N‐Glycosylation is important for the correct intracellular localization of HFE and its ability to decrease cell surface transferrin binding
Authors: Bhatt Lavinia , Murphy Claire , O’Driscoll Liam S. , Carmo‐Fonseca Maria , McCaffrey Mary W. , Fleming John V.
Published: July 2010

HFE is a type 1 transmembrane protein that becomes N‐glycosylated during transport to the cell membrane. It influences cellular iron concentrations through multiple mechanisms, including regulation of transferrin binding to transferrin receptors. The importance of glycosylation in HFE localization and function has not yet been studied. Here we employed bioinformatics to identify putative N‐glycosylation sites at residues N110, N130 and N234 of the human HFE protein, and used site‐directed mutagenesis to create combinations of single, double or triple mutants. Compared with the wild‐type protein, which co‐localizes with the type 1 transferrin receptor in the endosomal recycling compartment and on distributed punctae, the triple mutant co‐localized with BiP in the endoplasmic reticulum. This was similar to the localization pattern described previously for the misfolding HFE‐C282Y mutant that causes type 1 hereditary haemachromatosis. We also observed that the triple mutant was functionally deficient in β2‐microglobulin interactions and incapable of regulating transferrin binding, once again, reminiscent of the HFE‐C282Y variant. Single and double mutants that undergo limited glycosylation appeared to have a mixed phenotype, with characteristics primarily of the wild‐type, but also some from the glycosylation‐deficient protein. Therefore, although they displayed an endosomal recycling compartment/punctate localization like the wild‐type protein, many cells simultaneously displayed additional reticular localization. Furthermore, although the majority of cells expressing these single and double mutants showed decreased surface binding of transferrin, a number appeared to have lost this ability. We conclude that glycosylation is important for the normal intracellular trafficking and functional activity of HFE.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7896236, MINT‐7896218: beta2M (uniprotkb:P61769) physically interacts (MI:0915) with HFE (uniprotkb:Q30201) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

 MINT‐7896162: TfR1 (uniprotkb:P02786) and HFE (uniprotkb:Q30201) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)

 MINT‐7896258, MINT‐7896317, MINT‐7896330, MINT‐7896348, MINT‐7896366: HFE (uniprotkb:Q30201) and transferrin (uniprotkb:P02787) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)

 MINT‐7896149: HFE (uniprotkb:Q30201) and BiP (uniprotkb:P11021) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)
BRCA1 16 years later: nuclear import and export processes
Authors: Thompson Marilyn E.
Published: July 2010

Over the past several years, the importance of regulated nuclear transport processes for tumor suppressors has become evident. Proteins with a molecular mass greater than 40 kDa can enter the nucleus only by active transport across the nuclear membrane. The most common pathway by which this occurs is via the importin alpha/beta pathway, whereby the cargo protein binds importin alpha. This heterodimer binds importin beta and the heterotrimer passes through nuclear pores at the expense of GTP. Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) is one such protein. As a mediator of transcription and DNA repair, two exclusively nuclear functions, BRCA1, at 220 kDa, can enter the nucleus only via active transport mechanisms. In addition to the classical importin alpha/beta pathway, BRCA1 can also enter the nucleus in a piggyback mechanism with BRCA1‐associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1). The interaction between BRCA1 and BARD1 is also important in the retention of BRCA1 in the nucleus. This is important because BRCA1 also undergoes active nuclear export. BRCA1 is also involved in apoptotic processes. Whether this occurs within the nucleus or cytoplasm is still unclear; thus, the consequences of BRCA1 nuclear export have not been clearly elucidated. This review will discuss the literature regarding the subcellular localization of BRCA1, with particular emphasis on its nuclear import and export processes.
BRCA1 16 years later: DNA damage‐induced BRCA1 shuttling
Authors: Yang Eddy S. , Xia Fen
Published: July 2010

The tumor suppressor, breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), plays an integral role in the maintenance of genome stability and, in particular, the cellular response to DNA damage. Here, the emerging role of BRCA1 in nonhomologous end‐joining‐mediated DNA repair following DNA damage will be reviewed, as well as the activation of apoptotic pathways. The control of these functions via DNA damage‐induced BRCA1 shuttling will also be discussed, in particular BRCA1 shuttling induced by erlotinib and irradiation. Finally, the potential targeting of BRCA1 shuttling as a novel strategy to sensitize cells to DNA damage will be entertained.
The dark flow induced small-scale kinetic Sunyaev–Zel'dovich effect
Authors: Zhang Pengjie
Published: July 2010

Recently, Kashlinsky et al. reported a discovery of a ∼103 km s−1 bulk flow of the Universe out to z≃ 0.3, through the dark flow induced cosmic microwave background (CMB) dipole in directions of clusters. We point out that, if this dark flow exists, it will also induce observable CMB temperature fluctuations at multipole ℓ∼ 103, through modulation of the inhomogeneous electron distribution on the uniform dark flow. The induced small-scale kinetic Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (SZ) effect will reach ∼ 1 μ K2 at multipole 103≲ℓ≲ 104, only a factor of ∼ 2 smaller than the conventional kinetic SZ effect. Furthermore, it will be correlated with the large-scale structure (LSS) and its correlation with Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) galaxy distribution reaches 0.3 μK at ℓ= 103, under a directional dependent optimal weighting scheme. We estimate that, Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe plus 2MASS should already be able to detect this dark flow induced small-scale kinetic SZ effect with ∼ 6σ confidence. Deeper galaxy surveys such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey can further improve the measurement. Planck plus existing galaxy surveys can reach >rsim 14σ detection. Existing CMB–LSS cross-correlation measurements shall be reanalysed to test the existence of the dark flow and, if it exists, shall be used to eliminate possible bias on the integrated Sachs–Wolfe effect measurement through the CMB–LSS cross-correlation.
Shattering by turbulence as a production source of very small grains
Authors: Hirashita Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

The origin of grain size distribution in the interstellar medium is one of the most fundamental problems in the interstellar physics. In the Milky Way, smaller grains are more abundant in number, but their origins are not necessarily specified and quantified. One of the most efficient drivers of small grain production is interstellar turbulence, in which dust grains can acquire relative velocities large enough to be shattered. Applying the framework of shattering developed in previous papers, we show that small (a ≲ 0.01 μm) grains reach the abundance level observed in the Milky Way in ∼108 yr (i.e. within the grain lifetime) by shattering in warm neutral medium. We also show that if part of grains experiences additional shattering in warm ionized medium, carbonaceous grains with a ∼ 0.01 μm are redistributed into smaller sizes. This could explain the relative enhancement of very small carbonaceous grains with a ∼ 3–100 Å. Our theory also explains the ubiquitous association between large grains and very small grains naturally. Some tests for our theory are proposed in terms of the metallicity dependence.
Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools*
Authors: Nihiser Allison J. , Lee Sarah M. , Wechsler Howell , McKenna Mary , Odom Erica , Reinold Chris , Thompson Diane , Grummer‐Strawn Larry
Published: July 2010

Background:  School‐based body mass index (BMI) measurement has attracted much attention across the nation from researchers, school officials, legislators, and the media as a potential approach to address obesity among youth.

Methods:  An expert panel, convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005, reviewed and provided expertise on an earlier version of this article. The panel comprised experts in public health, education, school counseling, school medical care, and a parent organization. This article describes the purposes of BMI measurement programs, examines current practices, reviews existing research, summarizes the recommendations of experts, identifies concerns, and provides guidance including a list of safeguards and ideas for future research.

Results:  The implementation of school‐based BMI measurement for surveillance purposes, that is, to identify the percentage of students in a population who are at risk for weight‐related problems, is widely accepted; however, considerable controversy exists over BMI measurement for screening purposes, that is, to assess the weight status of individual students and provide this information to parents with guidance for action. Although some promising results have been reported, more evaluation is needed to determine whether BMI screening programs are a promising practice for addressing obesity.

Conclusions:  Based on the available information, BMI screening meets some but not all of the criteria established by the American Academy of Pediatrics for determining whether screening for specific health conditions should be implemented in schools. Schools that initiate BMI measurement programs should evaluate the effects of the program on BMI results and on weight‐related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of youth and their families; they also should adhere to safeguards to reduce the risk of harming students, have in place a safe and supportive environment for students of all body sizes, and implement science‐based strategies to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Mortality and morbidity due to gastric dilatation‐volvulus syndrome in pedigree dogs in the UK
Authors: Evans Katy M. , Adams Vicki J.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: To estimate breed‐specific risk of death due to, and prevalence of, gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV) in UK pedigree dogs.

Methods: Data were available on the reported cause of and age at death and occurrence of and age at diagnosis of disease from the 2004 purebred dog health survey. A total of 15,881 dogs of 165 breeds had died in the previous 10 years; GDV was the cause of death in 65 breeds. There were 36,006 live dogs of 169 breeds of which 48 breeds had experienced ≥1 episodes of GDV. Prevalence ratios were used to estimate breed‐specific GDV mortality and morbidity risks.

Results: Gastric dilatation‐volvulus was the cause of death for 389 dogs, representing 2.5% (95% CI: 2.2‐2.7) of all deaths reported and the median age at death was 7.92 years. There were 253 episodes in 238 live dogs. The median age at first diagnosis was five years. Breeds at greatest risk of GDV mortality were the bloodhound, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, German longhaired pointer and Neapolitan mastiff. Breeds at greatest risk of GDV morbidity were the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, bloodhound, otterhound, Irish setter and Weimaraner.

ClinicalSignificance: These results suggest that 16 breeds, mainly large/giant, are at increased risk of morbidity/mortality due to GDV.
AutochthonousDirofilaria immitisinfection in a ferret with aberrant larval migration in Europe
Authors: Molnár V. , Pazár P. , Rigó D. , Máthé D. , Fok É. , Glávits R. , Vajdovich P. , Jacsó O. , Balogh L. , Sós E.
Published: July 2010

A two‐year‐old male ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, for investigation of somnolence. Following unsuccessful therapeutic attempts, the ferret was euthanased and a maleDirofilaria immitisworm was found in the pulmonary artery and a femaleD. immitisspecimen in the subdural space of the cranial cavity. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first European record ofD. immitisinfection in a ferret, and the first case in which aberrant larval migration and consequent central nervous system signs were observed in a ferret in the course ofD. immitisinfection.
Sociophonetic Variation in Speech Perception
Authors: Drager Katie
Published: July 2010

In this paper, I review previous research that investigates sociophonetic variation in speech perception. I also argue that more speech perception work is needed to inform work on variation in speech production, particularly in the areas of language change and stereotype formation. Exploring the mental representations and processing of social and linguistic information as well as treating phonetic and social factors as multidimensional and interacting will take future work in sociophonetics in new and exciting directions.
Children Build on Pragmatic Information in Language Acquisition
Authors: Clark Eve V. , Amaral Patricia Matos
Published: July 2010

Pragmatic information is integral to language use for both adults and children. Children rely on contextually shared knowledge to communicate before they can talk: they make use of gesture to convey their first meanings and then add words to gestures. Like adults, they build on joint attention, physical copresence, and conversational copresence both as they acquire and as they use language. This can be seen in children’s early communication, in their first inferences about word and utterance meanings, and in their ability to make use of appropriate contextual information as they learn how to interpret and produce terms like big or long compared to full, almost and only, and all and some.
Evaluating Human Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Part II: Modeling
Authors: Millar Gail , Abel Tyler , Allen Janice , Barn Prabjit , Noullett Melanie , Spagnol John , Jackson Peter L.
Published: July 2010

Exposure modeling has become a fundamental component of exposure analysis as it provides an efficient and economical means for assessing exposure of individuals to populations over a variety of spatial and temporal scales for past, current, future, or hypothetical conditions. For airborne particulate matter, traditional modeling approaches typically utilize ambient concentration data to assign exposure levels across an area of interest for a given period of time. Technological advancements have allowed for more sophisticated and innovative modeling approaches that combine exposure measurements and/or models to integrate the strengths of individual methods. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of both conventional and novel approaches of modeling exposure to fine particulate matter.
Smoking, stages of change and decisional balance in Iceland and Sweden
Authors: Fjalldal Sigrídur B. , Janson Christer , Benediktsdóttir Bryndís , Gudmundsson Gunnar , Burney Peter , Buist A. Sonia , Vollmer William M. , Gíslason Thórarinn
Published: July 2010

Introduction:  Smoking remains a significant health problem. Smoking interventions are important but selection of successful quitters can be difficult.

Objective:  To characterise smokers with emphasis on two constructs of the transtheoretical model, the stages of change and decisional balance.

Methods:  A random sample from adults aged 40 and over in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Uppsala, Sweden. Smokers were defined as being in the stage of pre‐contemplation (not thinking of quitting within the next 6 months), contemplation (thinking of quitting within the next 6 months) or preparation (thinking of quitting within the next 30 days, having managed to quit for at least 24 h within the last 12 months).

Results:  A total of 226 participants were smokers: 72 (32%) were in the pre‐contemplation stage, 126 (56%) in the contemplation stage and 28 (12%) in the preparation stage. A younger age, higher body mass index (BMI) and higher educational level were significantly related to being in a more advanced stage. A significant association was observed between decisional balance and stages of change such that decreased importance of the positive aspects of smoking and increased importance of the negative aspects of smoking were independently associated with an increased readiness to quit.

Conclusion:  The motivated smoker is likely to be young and educated with an above average BMI. A smoker in the contemplation stage is likely to maintain the negative aspects of smoking at a high level. Decreasing the value of the pros of smoking may facilitate the shift towards the stage of preparation.

Please cite this paper as: Fjalldal SB, Janson C, Benediktsdóttir B, Gudmundsson G, Burney P, Buist AS, Vollmer WM and Gíslason T. Smoking, stages of change and decisional balance in Iceland and Sweden. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2011; 5: 76–83.
Evaluating possible cap and trade legislation on cellulosic feedstock availability
Authors: HELLWINCKEL CHAD M. , WEST TRISTRAM O. , DE LA TORRE UGARTE DANIEL G. , PERLACK ROBERT D.
Published: July 2010

An integrated, socioeconomic–biogeophysical model is used to analyze the interactions of cap‐and‐trade legislation and the Renewable Fuels Standard. Five alternative policy scenarios were considered with the purpose of identifying policies that act in a synergistic manner to reduce carbon emissions, increase economic returns to agriculture, and adequately meet ethanol mandates. We conclude that climate and energy policies can best be implemented together by offering carbon offset payments to conservation tillage, herbaceous grasses for biomass, and by constraining crop residue removal for ethanol feedstocks to carbon neutral level. When comparing this scenario to the Baseline scenario, the agricultural sector realizes an economic benefit of US$156 billion by 2030 and emissions are reduced by 135 Tg C‐equivalent (Eq) yr−1. Results also indicate that geographic location of cellulosic feedstocks could shift significantly depending on the final policies implemented in cap and trade legislation. Placement of cellulosic ethanol facilities should consider these possible shifts when determining site location.
A comparison of visual responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus of alert and anaesthetized macaque monkeys
Authors: Alitto Henry J. , Moore 4th Bartlett D. , Rathbun Daniel L. , Martin Usrey W.
Published: July 2010

Non‐technical summary

Neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus are the major source of visual input to the cerebral cortex. Much of our understanding of the physiology of LGN neurons comes from data collected in anaesthetized animals. This study examines the visual responses of LGN neurons in alert animals and compares these responses to those from anaesthetized animals. Compared to the anaesthetized animal, LGN neurons in the alert animal respond to visual stimuli with stronger responses and follow stimuli drifting at higher spatial and temporal frequencies. Stronger responses are likely to translate into an increased coupling between the LGN and visual cortex, as firing rate and interspike interval are known to influence the dynamics of synaptic communication between the two structures.
Bias stress stability of zinc-tin-oxide thin-film transistors with Al2O3 gate dielectrics
Authors: Triska J. , Conley J. F. , Presley R. , Wager J. F.
Published: July 2010

The bias stability of zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with either Al2O3 gate dielectrics deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) or SiO2 gate dielectrics deposited via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was compared. Both device types showed incremental mobility ≥11 cm2/V s, subthreshold slopes <0.4 V/dec, and ION/IOFF ratios of ∼107. During repeated ID-VGS sweeping, both device types showed positive parallel shift of the turn-on voltage (VON) without significant degradation of subthreshold slope or mobility, consistent with electron trapping without creation of new traps. A smaller VON shift was observed in the SiO2/ZTO devices. In an effort to improve the bias stress stability of the Al2O3/ZTO devices, the impact of ALD temperature, plasma exposure of the Al2O3, and the addition of an interfacial PECVD SiO2 capping layer were investigated. The positive bias stress stability of the Al2O3/ZTO TFTs was found to be relatively unaffected by the Al2O3 ALD temperature, degraded with plasma exposure, and improved by the addition of a thin (∼3 nm) PECVD SiO2 interfacial layer between the Al2O3 dielectric and the ZTO channel. These results point to the vicinity of the Al2O3/ZTO interface as the dominant source of charge trapping.
One Two T
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: July 2010

A transcription factor is essential for maintenance of T cell identity.
No Genetic Vertigo
Authors: Zahn Laura M.
Published: July 2010

Sequencing coding regions identified genetic changes likely involved in adaptation to hypoxia.
Informing family members about a hereditary predisposition to cancer: attitudes and practices among clinical geneticists
Authors: Stol Yrrah H , Menko Fred H , Westerman Marjan J , Janssens Rien M J P A
Published: July 2010

If a hereditary predisposition to colorectal cancer or breast cancer is diagnosed, most guidelines state that clinical geneticists should request index patients to inform their at-risk relatives about the existence of this condition in their family, thus enabling them to consider presymptomatic genetic testing. Those identified as mutation carriers can undertake strategies to reduce their risk of developing the disease or to facilitate early diagnosis. This procedure of informing relatives through the index patient has been criticised, as it results in relatively few requests for genetic testing, conceivably because a certain number of relatives remain uninformed. This pilot study explored attitudes toward informing family members and relevant practices among clinical geneticists. In general, clinical geneticists consider it to be in the interests of family members to be informed and acknowledge that this goal is not accomplished by current procedures. The reasons given for maintaining present practices despite this include clinical ‘mores’, uncertainty about the legal right of doctors to inform family members themselves, and, importantly, a lack of resources. We discuss these reasons from an ethical point of view and conclude that they are partly uninformed and inconsistent. If informing relatives is considered to be in their best interests, clinical geneticists should consider informing relatives themselves. In the common situation in which index patients do not object to informing relatives, no legal obstacles prevent geneticists from doing so. An evaluation of these findings among professionals may lead to a more active approach in clinical practice.
The making and breaking of paternity secrets in donor insemination
Authors: Turney Lyn
Published: July 2010

This paper analyses the complex issues faced by regulators of the infertility treatment industry in response to the social and technological changes that heralded a new openness in knowledge about genetics, paternity and the concomitant need for donor offspring to know their genetic origins. The imperative for full information about their donor and biological father, who contributed to their creation and half of their genome, was an outcome unanticipated by the architects of the donor insemination programme. Genetic paternity testing realised the possibility of fixed and certain knowledge about paternity. This paper outlines medicine's role in the formation of normative families through the use of donor insemination. Extending information from an Australian study on the use of DNA paternity testing, it analyses what the social and scientific changes that have emerged and gained currency in the last several decades mean for the new ‘openness’ and the role of paternity testing in this context. It concludes with recommendations about how to deal with the verification of paternity in linking donor conceived adult children to their donor.
Quality of consent form completion in orthopaedics: are we just going through the motions?
Authors: Jeyaseelan Luckshmana , Ward Jonathan , Papanna Madhavan , Sundararajan Sabapathy
Published: July 2010

Consent plays a vital role in every aspect of medicine and surgery, facilitating the patient in making informed decisions about their treatment. The recently published Reference Guide to Consent, by the Department of Health (DH), notes that, although not a legal requirement, the completion of consent forms is good practice, particularly in interventions such as surgery. In addition, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman noted that a significant number of complaints about consent involved the complainant feeling that they did not fully understand what was going to happen. It was often found that there was no documentation to clarify what the patient was told, when and by whom.

We have performed an audit of 71 randomly selected consent forms, elective and trauma cases within our district general hospital orthopaedics department. Our data demonstrate that a significant number of consent forms were incorrectly or insufficiently completed. This could not only leave the patient confused about their procedure but also leaves the doctor open to litigation, with little in the way of documentation support. Minor changes in consenting methods and more precise documentation could significantly improve patient experience and satisfaction.
EXACT SOLUTIONS OF NON-CENTRAL POTENTIALS
Authors: GU XIAO-YAN , ZHANG MENG , SUN JIAN-QIANG
Published: July 2010

The extension of the quantization rule approach to non-central potentials is investigated. The energy spectra for the generalized Coulomb and oscillator systems are presented. The results are in good agreement with those obtained before.
A PROBABLE MECHANISM OF SPIN-STATE TRANSITION IN LaCoO3
Authors: NI JIAN , MA CHUN-LAN
Published: July 2010

Total energies and electronic structures of rhombohedral lanthanum cobaltite ( LaCoO 3) with both non-magnetic and magnetic states are calculated from generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with on-site Coulomb correlation corrections (GGA + U) method. It is found that only the non-magnetic ground state can be obtained for LaCoO 3 at 5 K, consistent with previous studies. When U = 4.0 eV is employed, the band gap is found to be 0.6 eV, in agreement with the result of ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). The ferromagnetic ground state can be obtained for LaCoO 3 at 100 K, but much larger on-site Coulomb interaction between Co 3d is found. Only when U = 7.8 eV is employed for the calculation of LaCoO 3 at 100 K can we find a band gap of 0.26 eV, consistent with the optical conductivity measurements. According to these results, we propose a probable mechanism for spin-state transition in LaCoO 3 at around 100 K. The transition is mainly due to the big change in the on-site Coulomb repulsion between Co 3d electrons.
EFFECTS OF CONFINEMENT POTENTIAL ON FEW-ELECTRON QUANTUM DOTS IN MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: LI XIAO-ZHU , LIU YI-MIN
Published: July 2010

Effects of confinement potential hω0 on two- and four-electron quantum dots (QDs) subjected to an external magnetic field B are theoretically investigated. The energy spectra of low-lying states of the QDs as a function of B are obtained. The (L0, S0) phase diagrams are presented, indicating how the ground-state transitions of the QDs vary with B and hω0, where L0 denotes the total angular momentum and S0 the total spin of the ground states. Arising from symmetry effect, L0 and S0 are matched with each other in a special way. Density functions are calculated, and information on electronic configurations is extracted from them. The ground states are found to have a regular-polygon configuration.
VORTICAL FLOW ANALYSIS
Authors: WONG KELVIN K. L. , TU JIYUAN , KELSO RICHARD M.
Published: July 2010

The minimization of errors due to random noise in statistical properties such as the mean and root mean square of a vorticity distribution is investigated. We map two-dimensional (2D) vorticity fields and present the distribution of vorticity with an intensity map. Then, we quantify the reliability of the visualization configuration using statistical properties of this distribution. To validate our methodology, we devise vortical flow fields based on the analytical Lamb–Oseen vortex. The reliability of the vorticity measurements from our results shows that the size of the flow vector sampling and random noise in the data affect the fidelity of the vorticity maps. Based on this analysis, we establish an optimised configuration that minimises the influence of noise on the computed vorticity histograms. The concept outlined in this study may be used to reduce the effects of noise in a vorticity calculation, and thereby improve the effectiveness of flow visualization.
IN-VIVOESTIMATION OF THE TIBIO-FEMORAL CONTACT AREA USING THIN-PLATE SPLINE TOOL
Authors: BERTOZZI LUIGI , STAGNI RITA , FANTOZZI SILVIA , CAPPELLO ANGELO
Published: July 2010

Interaction between articular surfaces at the knee joint allows movement and stability. The knowledge of how this mechanism works in physiological conditions could be very useful for the development of new clinical procedures. The objective of this study was to develop a subject-specific model able to estimate the articular contact area at the tibio-femoral joint avoiding any destructive measurements. Thin plate splines were used to describe articular surfaces and to allow an analytical estimation of the distance between the surfaces. The sensitivity of the model was evaluated and the tibio-femoral contact area was estimated in a living subject. Femoral contact area results were always smaller than the tibial one, whereas tibial contact area results were less repeatable. Increasing the distance threshold, the increase of the contact area was almost linear. High repeatability was obtained sampling each condyle with more than 60 steps. Contact areas, estimated with the loaded knee, were in accordance with physiology and literature showing a good repeatability. The devised model was suitably used to evaluate the articular contact at the knee joint of an healthy living subject and can be a useful clinical tool to suggest procedures aimed at restoring physiological conditions.
A PVC BEATS RECOGNITION USING FUZZY CLASSIFIER
Authors: CHIKH M. A. , BEHADADA OMAR
Published: July 2010

This article describes a fuzzy classifier for the identification of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in surface electrocardiograms (ECGs). The classifier uses features extracted from the ECG beat, such as the width of QRS complex and RR interval. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database following the AAMI recommendations. The results of the experiments of the recognition of PVCs have confirmed the reliability and advantage of the proposed approach.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF PULSATILE FLOW OF BLOOD THROUGH A STENOSED TAPERED ARTERY UNDER PERIODIC BODY ACCELERATION
Authors: VARSHNEY GAURAV , KATIYAR V. K. , KUMAR SUSHIL
Published: July 2010

A mathematical model is developed for the pulsatile flow of blood through a stenosed tapered artery under the influence of externally imposed body acceleration. The artery is assumed as a cylindrical tube with time-dependent radius having mild stenosis and the non-Newtonian behavior of blood is characterized by generalized Power-law model. The governing equations are transformed by using a radial transformation and solved numerically by a suitable finite difference scheme in order to obtain the velocity, fluid acceleration, wall shear stress, and flow rate. The effect of stenosis severity, tapering, and externally imposed body acceleration on the blood flow in artery is discussed with the help of graph. It is found that all flow characteristics are affected by the stenosis severity, tapering, and periodic acceleration applied on the body.
CORRELATION OF DIELECTRIC PERMITTIVITY WITH MECHANICAL PROPERTIES IN SOFT TISSUE-MIMICKING POLYACRYLAMIDE PHANTOMS
Authors: KAMALANAND K. , SRIDHAR B. T. N. , RAJESHWARI P. M. , RAMAKRISHNAN S.
Published: July 2010

In this work, an attempt has been made to correlate the dielectric permittivity of polyacrylamide based tissue mimicking phantoms with their mechanical properties such as breaking stress, breaking strain and Young's modulus. The tissue mimicking phantoms of various concentrations were prepared as per the standard protocol and their permittivity was measured using a precision impedance analyzer. The mechanical properties of the phantoms were measured by conducting tensile tests using a Universal Testing Machine. The measured mechanical properties were correlated with the dielectric permittivity by performing statistical analysis. Results demonstrate that the percentage variation in the mechanical properties correlate well with the percentage variation in the permittivity of the tissue mimicking phantoms. Further, it appears that the changes in the mechanical properties of the phantoms can be estimated by quantifying the changes in their dielectric permittivity. In this paper, the objectives of the study, methodology and significant observations are discussed in detail.
FINITE ELEMENT CONTACT ANALYSIS OF A HUMAN SAGITTAL KNEE JOINT
Authors: PENG XIONGQI , LIU GENG , GUO ZAOYANG
Published: July 2010

Articular cartilage is a vital component of human knee joints by providing a low-friction and wear-resistant surface in knee joints and distributing stresses to tibia. The degeneration or damage of articular cartilage will incur acute pain on the human knee joints. Hence, to understand the mechanism of normal and pathological functions of articular cartilage, it is very important to investigate the contact mechanics of the human knee joints. Experimental research has difficulties in reproducing the physiological conditions of daily activities and measuring the key factors such as contact-stress distributions inside knee joint without violating the physiological environment. On the other hand, numerical approaches such as finite element (FE) analysis provide a powerful tool in the biomechanics study of the human knee joint. This article presents a two-dimensional (2D) FE model of the human knee joints that includes the femur, tibia, patella, quadriceps, patellar tendon, and cartilages. The model is analyzed with dynamic loadings to study stress distribution in the tibia and contact area during contact with or without articular cartilage. The results obtained in this article are very helpful to find the pathological mechanism of knee joint degeneration or damage, and thus guide the therapy of knee illness and artificial joint replacement.
Functionalization of porphyrins: towards the synthesis of bifunctional chelates for bismuth coordination
Authors: Halime Zakaria , Balieu Sébatien , Najjari Btissam , Lachkar Mohammed , Roisnel Thierry , Boitrel Bernard
Published: July 2010

We report the condensation of 3-chloromethyl-benzoyl chloride with two atropisomers ααββ and αβαβ of meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2-amino)phenylporphyrin (TAPP), followed by the reaction of the anion of either cyano-acetic acid ethyl ester or (4-nitro-phenyl)-acetic acid ethyl ester to prepare various pre-organized strapped porphyrins. These two reagents were selected as both allow the easy formation of the anion in the α position of the ester group while their electron-withdrawing group (EWG) can be further transformed in a reactive functional group. In the ααββ series, this reaction leads to three isomeric porphyrins differing only by the location of their ethoxycarbonyl groups, oriented either towards the center of the porphyrin or maintained outside of the cavity. In the αβαβ series, as expected, a single porphyrin is obtained in which both straps bear an ethoxycarbonyl group, precursor of a hanging carboxylic function and a cyano or a 4-nitro-phenyl group, which can be reduced to an amine function, suitable for the coupling on a biomolecule.
Regioselective syntheses of 2,3-disubstituted-12-formyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrins and their metal complexes
Authors: Bhyrappa P. , Velkannan V. , Maity Ayan
Published: July 2010

Regioselective synthesis of 2,3-dibromo-12-formyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin, H2TPPBr2(CHO) was achieved by bromination of H2TPP(CHO) as the precursor. The Suzuki/Stille coupling reaction of H2TPPBr2(CHO) produced good yields of various H2TPPR2(CHO) (R = phenyl, 2-thienyl and phenylethynyl) derivatives. These porphyrins and their metal complexes were characterized by electronic absorption, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopic methods. MTPPR2(CHO) derivatives showed marked change in their absorption spectral features in contrast to their corresponding MTPP(CHO) complexes. The crystal structures of ZnTPP(CHO)(CH3OH)·0.5(C7H8) and H2TPP(Ph)2(CHO) exhibited more of saddle distortion combined with varying degree of ruffled and wave distortions of their macrocyclic rings as evidenced from the normal coordinate structure decomposition analysis.
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF HEAT RECOVERY COGENERATION LOOP AND ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WITH DETAILED BUILDING ENERGY SIMULATION
Authors: SEO DONG-HYUN , KOH JAE-YOON , PARK YOOL
Published: July 2010

Recent energy and economic analysis of a cogeneration system has been implemented by a manual calculation that is based on monthly thermal loads of buildings. In this study, a cogeneration system modeling validation with a detail building energy simulation, eQUEST, for a building energy and cost prediction has been implemented. By analyzing the hourly building electricity and thermal loads, it enables designers to decide proper cogeneration system capacity and to estimate more reliable building energy consumption. eQUEST also verified economical and environmental benefits when the heat pump system is integrated with the cogeneration system because the mechanical system configuration benefits from the high efficiency heat pump system while avoiding the building electricity demand increase. Economic analysis such as LCC (Life Cycle Cost) method is carried out to verify economical benefits of the system by applying actual utility rates of KEPCO (Korea Electricity Power COmpany) and KOGAS (KOrea GAS company). As results, the proposed system consumed approximately 40% less energy than the Alt-2 in terms of source energy. LCC analysis results also show that the proposed system could save about 10–14% of energy cost during the life cycle compared to the Alt-1 and Alt-2. It could save 6–7% of the total life cycle cost and it is equivalent to around 1–1.3 billion Won in cost.
Universal and Nonuniversal Dynamical Conductivity in Small Metallic Grains: An Ambivalent Role of T‐Invariance at Finite Frequency
Authors: Taniguchi Nobuhiko
Published: July 2010

The idea of random matrix theory is applicable not only to the level statistics but also to various physical observables. Taking the dynamical conductivity in isolated quantum dots with diffusive
dynamics, we investigate analytically intertwining effects of the time‐reversal invariance, level repulsion
and quantum interference. We clarify an ambivalent role of the time‐reversal invariance at finite frequency by a new invariant analysis respecting the symmetry of the effective field theory. A subtlety of the operator insertion, and the fast‐slow mode separation within the effective field description is pointed out.