bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescence Properties of Si Nanocrystals Fabricated by Ion Beam Sputtering and Annealing
Authors: Kim Sung , Shin Dong Hee , Shin Dong Yeol , Kim Chang Oh , Park Jae Hee , Yang Seung Bum , Choi Suk-Ho , Yoo Seung Jo , Kim Jin-Gyu
Published: March 2012

During the past several decades, Si nanocrystals (NCs) have received remarkable attention in view of potential optoelectronic device applications. This paper summarizes recent progress in the study of luminescence from Si NCs, such as photoluminescence (PL), cathodoluminescence, time‐solved PL, and electroluminescence. The paper is especially focused on Si NCs produced by ion beam sputtering deposition of SiOx single layer or SiOx/SiO2 multilayers and subsequent annealing. The effects of stoichiometry (x) and thickness of SiOx layers on the luminescence are analyzed in detail and discussed based on possible mechanisms.
Improved Visualization ofAlphitobius diaperinus(Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)—Part II: Alimentary Canal Components and Measurements
Authors: Crippen Tawni L. , Esquivel Jesus F.
Published: March 2012

Alphitobius diaperinus(Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a pest of stored food products and problematic to every type of poultry production facility. Larvae and adults can ingest and harbor foodborne and poultry pathogens. Determining the efficiency of this insect’s capacity to transmit disease is critical to improving management ofA. diaperinuson poultry facilities and providing a safe food supply for human consumption. However, a deficiency exists in the literature reporting measurements of the gut and its defined segments. Previous reports include line drawing depictions, which aid little in the determination of the pathogen reservoir potential of these insects. Advances in technology allowed more accurate visualization and precise measurement of gross anatomical features of the alimentary canal. A photographic depiction to aid the researcher in the visualization of anatomical features and accurate measurements of the alimentary canal for these insects is presented here.
Intraoperative Ultrasonography: A Useful Tool In Retrolaparoscopic Nephron-Sparing Surgery
Authors: Kang Ning , Niu Yinong , Zhang Junhui , Wang Jianwen , Tian Xiquan , Yan Yong , Yu Zexing , Xing Nianzeng
Published: March 2012

Objective: To evaluate the value of intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography (ILUS) in retrolaparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. Methods: A total of 81 cases were studied during a 5-year period: 38 patients with a benign renal tumor who underwent enucleation of the tumor and 43 patients with a suspected malignant renal tumor who underwent wedge resection of the tumor. ILUS was used to evaluate renal perfusion, locate the tumor, precisely delineate the tumor border, characterize the tumor, and look for any suspected satellite renal masses. Results: All procedures were successful without conversion to open surgery. The mean operating time was 106 min for enucleation (range 70– 150 min) and 114 min for wedge resection (range 80– 235 min). The mean size of benign tumors was 4.02 cm and that of malignant tumors was 3.13 cm, and all margins were negative. An additional renal artery branch was detected in 11 patients. In 2 cases the operative procedure was changed based on the ILUS findings. No satellite lesion was found in any of the patients with malignant tumors. Conclusions: ILUS provides significant benefit in retrolaparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. In a number of situations, especially endogenic lesions, it is an essential surgical tool.
Limb Constriction Secondary to Pseudoamniotic Band Syndrome after Selective Fetoscopic Laser Surgery: Report of a Case with a Favorable Outcome
Authors: Rodrigues Andreia , Araújo Cláudia , Carvalho Rui , Melo Maria Antonieta , Pinto Luísa , da Graça Luís Mendes
Published: March 2012

Pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS) is an iatrogenic complication that causes entanglement of fetal parts in a constrictive sheet of detached or ruptured amniotic membrane after an invasive procedure, namely amniocentesis, amnioreduction or septostomy in twins. The incidence and risk factors for PABS after fetoscopy-guided laser have not been documented [Winer et al.: Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;198:393.e1–393.e5]. We report a case of monochorionic biamniotic twin pregnancy submitted to selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome at 16 weeks of gestation. The procedure was complicated by the death of one of the fetuses at 24 weeks of gestation. Moreover, the surviving twin was diagnosed postnatally with pseudoamniotic band syndrome, presenting with affected limbs. The newborn was submitted to surgical correction of these lesions with a successful outcome and was discharged on day 15.
Influence of dependent personality status on the outcome and health service costs of health anxiety
Authors: Tyrer Helen , Tyrer Peter , Barrett Barbara
Published: March 2012

Objective:

To assess the effect of dependent personality disturbance as an influence on the cost and clinical outcome of health anxiety.

Method:

In the course of a randomized trial of treatments for patients with high health anxiety over 12 months, we also recorded dependent personality status by two methods: the Personality Assessment Schedule (an observer-rated instrument) and the self-rated Dependent Personality Questionnaire (DPQ), the latter being administered at baseline, six months and 12 months. The two main hypotheses tested were that patients with dependent personality features would have a worse outcome and attract greater health service costs.

Results:

Forty-nine patients took part in the trial; all had baseline dependent personality data, 44 provided health service costs, and 38 had observer-rated personality assessments. At baseline patients with any personality disorder had higher clinical ratings for health anxiety, and dependent personality disturbance, mainly in the form of personality difficulty, was associated with a worse outcome than those without dependent personalities after correction for baseline differences. The DPQ at a score of 15 successfully identified all patients with dependent personality disorder in both ICD and DSM classifications and showed a significant but relatively modest reduction in scores of 1.5 (13%) during the course of the 12-month trial. Costs in those separated by personality status showed those with dependent personality incurred 45% more health service costs than those without these personality characteristics ( p = .10). No patient with dependent personality disorder dropped out of treatment compared with 6 out of 38 (16%) of those with no dependence.

Conclusions:

The DPQ is probably a reliable instrument for assessing dependent personality characteristics without the need for interview and its scores, unlike many ratings of personality, are stable over time. The findings may have been influenced by different responses to those treated in the trial with cognitive behaviour therapy compared with control treatment.
Master’s and Undergraduate Industrial/Organizational Internships
Authors: Shoenfelt Elizabeth L. , Kottke Janet L. , Stone Nancy J.
Published: March 2012

Internships play a vital role in the education of master’s and undergraduate-level industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology students, providing applied learning experiences in organizational settings under qualified supervision. This article presents results collected from surveys of organizational hosts and interns. It addresses locating sites for internships, ensuring an appropriate experience, and the responsibilities of organizational hosts. The authors describe the responsibilities of faculty and students, student competencies, and evaluation of student performance in providing a meaningful internship experience. They provide suggestions for yielding productive and useful internship experiences for master’s I/O students with particular attention on the development of an appropriate internship site and framing requirements with the organizational host. They recommend strategies and techniques for monitoring and evaluating the I/O intern.
Successful tocilizumab and tacrolimus treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Maeshima K , Ishii K , Torigoe M , Imada C , Iwakura M , Hamasaki H , Akamine M , Haranaka M , Yoshimatsu H
Published: March 2012

We report a 37-year-old female of intractable rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who was successfully treated with a combination of tocilizumab (TCZ) and tacrolimus. She was diagnosed with RA when she was 21 years old, and was administered oral prednisolone, injectable gold and salazosulfapyridine, but deformity of her hands gradually developed. She developed high fever and thrombocytopenia when she was 35 years old. Renal involvement, pericarditis, positive antinuclear antibody and high level of anti-double-stranded DNA antibody were found and the patient was diagnosed with SLE. Polyarthritis and immunological abnormalities developed despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy including high-dose corticosteroids and intravenously administered cyclophosphamide. Tacrolimus (TAC) therapy gave only partial improvement of joint symptoms. After the initiation of combination therapy with TCZ, not only was a complete remission of RA obtained, but also the serum levels of SLE markers dramatically decreased. Our report suggests the possibility that this combination therapy is effective in treating SLE as well as RA.
Elevated serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein concentrations are independently associated with renal dysfunction in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: Iwamoto Mutsumi , Miyoshi Toru , Doi Masayuki , Takeda Ko , Kajiya Masahito , Nosaka Kazumasa , Nakayama Rie , Hirohata Satoshi , Usui Shinichi , Kusachi Shozo , Sakane Kosuke , Nakamura Kazuhfumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2012

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with cardiovascular events. Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. We investigated whether plasma A-FABP is involved in renal function in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Methods

A total of 221 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis were enrolled after coronary angiography. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The severity of coronary stenosis was assessed using a modified Gensini score and coronary angiography. Serum A-FABP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum A-FABP levels were significantly correlated with both eGFR (r = -0.41, p < 0.01) and the severity of coronary artery stenosis (r = 0.16, p = 0.02), and these relationships remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. The prevalence of CKD and multi-vessel disease was significantly higher among patients with serum A-FABP levels above the median value of 20.3 ng/ml than among patients with serum A-FABP levels below the median value (57% vs. 27%, p < 0.01 and 64% vs. 48%, p = 0.02, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of three-vessel disease in comparison with single-vessel disease was independently associated with the higher A-FABP (per doubling) (odds ratio; 2.26, 95% confidential interval; 1.28-3.98, p < 0.01) and tended to be associated with the lower eGFR (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Serum A-FABP may have a significant role in the interplay between renal dysfunction and coronary atherosclerosis.
The cerebrospinal fluid proteome in HIV infection: change associated with disease severity
Authors: Angel Thomas E , Jacobs Jon M , Spudich Serena S , Gritsenko Marina A , Fuchs Dietmar , Liegler Teri , Zetterberg Henrik , Camp David G , Price Richard W , Smith Richard D
Published: March 2012

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) infection is a nearly universal feature of untreated systemic HIV infection with a clinical spectrum that ranges from chronic asymptomatic infection to severe cognitive and motor dysfunction. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has played an important part in defining the character of this evolving infection and response to treatment. To further characterize CNS HIV infection and its effects, we applied advanced high-throughput proteomic methods to CSF to identify novel proteins and their changes with disease progression and treatment.

Results

After establishing anaccurate mass and time(AMT) tag database containing 23,141 AMT tags for CSF peptides, we analyzed 91 CSF samples by LC-MS from 12 HIV-uninfected and 14 HIV-infected subjects studied in the context of initiation of antiretroviral therapy and correlated abundances of identified proteins a) within and between subjects, b) with all other proteins across the entire sample set, and c) with "external" CSF biomarkers of infection (HIV RNA), immune activation (neopterin) and neural injury (neurofilament light chain protein, NFL). We identified a mean of 2,333 +/- 328 (SD) peptides covering 307 +/-16 proteins in the 91 CSF sample set. Protein abundances differed both between and within subjects sampled at different time points and readily separated those with and without HIV infection. Proteins also showed inter-correlations across the sample set that were associated with biologically relevant dynamic processes. One-hundred and fifty proteins showed correlations with the external biomarkers. For example, using a threshold of cross correlation coefficient (Pearson's) ≤ -0.3 and ≥0.3 for potentially meaningful relationships, a total of 99 proteins correlated with CSF neopterin (43 negative and 56 positive correlations) and related principally to neuronal plasticity and survival and to innate immunity. Pathway analysis defined several networks connecting the identified proteins, including one with amyloid precursor protein as a central node.

Conclusions

Advanced CSF proteomic analysis enabled the identification of an array of novel protein changes across the spectrum of CNS HIV infection and disease. This initial analysis clearly demonstrated the value of contemporary state-of-the-art proteomic CSF analysis as a discovery tool in HIV infection with likely similar application to other neurological inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Food aroma affects bite size
Authors: de Wijk René A , Polet Ilse A , Boek Wilbert , Coenraad Saskia , Bult Johannes HF
Published: March 2012

Background

To evaluate the effect of food aroma on bite size, a semisolid vanilla custard dessert was delivered repeatedly into the mouth of test subjects using a pump while various concentrations of cream aroma were presented retronasally to the nose. Termination of the pump, which determined bite size, was controlled by the subject via a push button. Over 30 trials with 10 subjects, the custard was presented randomly either without an aroma, or with aromas presented below or near the detection threshold.

Results

Results for ten subjects (four females and six males), aged between 26 and 50 years, indicated that aroma intensity affected the size of the corresponding bite as well as that of subsequent bites. Higher aroma intensities resulted in significantly smaller sizes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that bite size control during eating is a highly dynamic process affected by the sensations experienced during the current and previous bites.
Intracellular pH regulation in unstimulatedCalliphorasalivary glands is Na+ dependent and requires V-ATPase activity
Authors: Schewe Bettina , Blenau Wolfgang , Walz Bernd
Published: March 2012

Salivary gland cells of the blowfly Calliphora vicina have a vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) that lies in their apical membrane and energizes the secretion of a KCl-rich primary saliva upon stimulation with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). Whether and to what extent V-ATPase contributes to intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in unstimulated gland cells is unknown. We used the fluorescent dye BCECF to study intracellular pHi regulation microfluorometrically and show that: (1) under resting conditions, the application of Na+-free physiological saline induces an intracellular alkalinization attributable to the inhibition of the activity of a Na+-dependent glutamate transporter; (2) the maintenance of resting pHi is Na+, Cl–, concanamycin A and DIDS sensitive; (3) recovery from an intracellular acid load is Na+ sensitive and requires V-ATPase activity; (4) the Na+/H+ antiporter is not involved in pHi recovery after a NH4Cl prepulse; and (5) at least one Na+-dependent transporter and the V-ATPase maintain recovery from an intracellular acid load. Thus, under resting conditions, the V-ATPase and at least one Na+-dependent transporter maintain normal pHi values of pH 7.5. We have also detected the presence of a Na+-dependent glutamate transporter, which seems to act as an acid loader. Despite this not being a common pHi-regulating transporter, its activity affects steady-state pHi in C. vicina salivary gland cells.
Metabolism and energy supply below the critical thermal minimum of a chill-susceptible insect
Authors: MacMillan Heath A. , Williams Caroline M. , Staples James F. , Sinclair Brent J.
Published: March 2012

When exposed to temperatures below their critical thermal minimum (CTmin), insects enter chill-coma and accumulate chilling injuries. While the critical thermal limits of water-breathing marine animals may be caused by oxygen- and capacity-limitation of thermal tolerance (OCLT), the mechanisms are poorly understood in air-breathing terrestrial insects. We used thermolimit respirometry to characterize entry into chill-coma in a laboratory population of fall field crickets (Gryllus pennsylvanicus). To detect potential oxygen limitation, we quantified muscle ATP, lactate and alanine concentrations in crickets following prolonged exposure to 0°C (a temperature that causes chill-coma, chilling injury and eventual death). Although there was a sharp (44%) drop in the rate of CO2 emission at the CTmin and spiracular control was lost, there was a low, continuous rate of CO2 release throughout chill-coma, indicating that the spiracles were open and gas exchange could occur through the tracheal system. Prolonged exposure to 0°C caused muscle ATP levels to increase marginally (rather than decrease as OCLT would predict), and there was no change in muscle lactate or alanine concentration. Thus, it appears that insects are not susceptible to OCLT at low temperatures but that the CTmin may instead be set by temperature effects on whole-animal ion homeostasis.
The effects of muscimol and AMN082 injections into the medial prefrontal cortex on the expression and extinction of conditioned fear in mice
Authors: Morawska Marta M. , Fendt Markus
Published: March 2012

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), in particular its infralimbic part, is a key region in mediating the extinction of conditioned fear. There is some evidence that the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) may be involved in the mediation or modulation of extinction. The aim of present study was to assess the potential role of mGluR7 in the mPFC in the extinction of conditioned fear in mice by local injections of AMN082, a positive allosteric modulator of mGluR7. Furthermore, for comparison we injected the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol, which should lead to a temporary inactivation of mPFC. We found impaired between-session extinction of conditioned fear for the muscimol group as well as a decrease in fear expression. However, local injections of AMN082 into the mPFC had no effects. Overall, the results of the experiment add to a growing body of evidence that mPFC, especially the infralimbic region, is crucial in the extinction of fear memory.
A Copulas-Based Approach to Modeling Dependence in Decision Trees
Authors: Wang Tianyang , Dyer James S.
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a general framework based on copulas for modeling dependent multivariate uncertainties through the use of a decision tree. The proposed dependent decision tree model allows multiple dependent uncertainties with arbitrary marginal distributions to be represented in a decision tree with a sequence of conditional probability distributions. This general framework could be naturally applied in decision analysis and real options valuations, as well as in more general applications of dependent probability trees. While this approach to modeling dependencies can be based on several popular copula families as we illustrate, we focus on the use of the normal copula and present an efficient computational method for multivariate decision and risk analysis that can be standardized for convenient application.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Characterization of Lignin Peroxidase Isolated from Agaricus bitorqus A66
Authors: Bibi Ismat , Bhatti Haq Nawaz
Published: March 2012

This study deals with purification and characterization of lignin peroxidase (LiP) isolated from Agaricus bitorqus A66 during decolorization of NOVASOL Direct Black dye. A laboratory scale experiment was conducted for maximum LiP production under optimal conditions. Purification & fractionation of LiP was performed on DEAE-Sepharose ion exchange chromatography followed by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration. The purified LiP has a specific activity of 519 U/mg with 6.73% activity recover. The optimum pH and temperature of purified LiP for the oxidation of veratryl alcohol were 6.8 and 45 °C, respectively. Michaelis-Menten kinetic constants (Vmax and Km) were determined using different concentrations of veratryl alcohol (1-35 mM). The Km and Vmax were 16.67 mM and 179.2 U/mL respectively, for veratryl alcohol oxidation as determined from the Lineweaver-Burk plot. Thermal inactivation studies were carried out at different temperatures to check the thermal stability of the enzyme. Enthalpy of activation decreased where Free energy of activation for thermal denaturation increased at higher temperatures. A possible explanation for the thermal inactivation of LiP at higher temperatures is also discussed.
Adsorption of Thiophenic Compounds in the Gasoline Boiling Range over FCC Catalysts under Process Conditions
Authors: Del Rio Daniel , Sedran Ulises , de la Puente Gabriela
Published: March 2012

Experiments on commercial FCC equilibrium catalysts with different hydrogen transfer properties and content of Ni and V contaminant metals were performed in a CREC Riser Simulator reactor to study the behavior of thiophenic compounds in the gasoline boiling range. Thiophene and alkylthiophenes were used as test reactants dissolved in aromatic and paraffinic solvents in usual concentrations of the process, from about 150 to 400 ppm of each compound. The experiments were performed under conditions similar to those of the industrial operation (510 º C, contact time 5 to 20 s). The reaction effluents were analyzed by on-line gas chromatography using two detectors simultaneously: FID (hydrocarbons) and PFPD (sulfur). The results showed that a higher hydrogen transfer capacity in a catalyst favors the decrease of the concentration of sulfur compounds in gasoline by adsorption and / or coke formation. These results were more pronounced as the molecular weight of the alkylthiophene increased. Reductions in total sulfur concentration in the gas phase as high as 65 % were observed. Among contaminant metals, Ni seemed to have an important contribution to this effect.
Modeling and Predicting the High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Inactivation of Microorganisms in Foods
Authors: Buzrul Sencer
Published: March 2012

Published high pressure carbon dioxide (HPCD) inactivation data of natural microflora in apple juice and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in distilled water were described by the Weibull model. The shape parameter of the Weibull model was assumed to be pressure and temperature independent and could be fixed to reduce the number of parameters of the model from two to one. The rate parameter of the reduced Weibull model can be described in terms of pressure and temperature by use of a second order polynomial function fulfilling a number of constraints. Integrated models (secondary model incorporated into the primary one) produced successful predictions of survival curves for both natural microflora in apple juice and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in distilled water within the interpolation region.
The Effect of Neighborhood Diversity on Volunteering: Evidence From New Zealand
Authors: Clark Jeremy , Kim Bonggeun
Published: March 2012

A growing empirical literature has found that neighborhood heterogeneity lowers people’s likelihood of contributing to public goods. However, this literature has been mostly cross-sectional, and so struggled to address the effects of unobserved influences on contributions that may be correlated with heterogeneity. It has also paid little attention to how heterogeneity’s estimated effects are influenced by neighborhood size or the concavity of heterogeneity measures. With access to a panel of three waves of census data on volunteering rates in New Zealand, released at two fine levels of aggregation, we can control for stable unobserved neighborhood characteristics that may affect volunteering rates. We use pooled cross-section, between and fixed effects regressions to test whether volunteering rates are lowered by heterogeneity in race/ethnicity, language, birthplace, or income. We find that estimates are affected by neighborhood definition, and that ethnic and language heterogeneity are robustly associated with lower volunteering rates in New Zealand.
Evaluation of Recent Developments in Laws and Regulations for Earthquake Risk Mitigation and Management in Iran
Authors: Amini‐Hosseini Kambod , Hosseinioon Solmaz
Published: March 2012

Most of the urban and rural areas in Iran are subjected to earthquakes. Moreover, due to the high vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure in most parts of the country, severe damages and casualties can be expected in the case of strong earthquakes. Several activities have been carried out in recent decades in order to reduce the vulnerability of the country to potential earthquakes and improve disaster management capacity. This paper discusses the evolution of relevant legislation and policy, focusing on the developments of the last 30 years. Additionally, a methodology to evaluate the disaster risk management laws and plans of Iran is presented and discussed. This methodology can be applied to other countries facing similar challenges. Finally, recommendations are made that might be helpful not only to Iran when the country updates its disaster management laws and regulations, but also to countries in the process of policy development.
2011 Reviewers
Authors: Stabile Bonnie
Published: March 2012

Thanks to our 2011 Reviewers
Poverty, Disparities, Disasters and Global Burden of Disease
Authors: Nicogossian Arnauld , Kloiber Otmar , Zimmerman Thomas , Stabile Bonnie , Thomas Kevin , Terbush James W. , Doarn Charles R.
Published: March 2012

The world socio‐economic situation contributes to increasing poverty, disparities and poor accces to health. Rising poverty levels and disparities continue to slow, and in some cases negate, the hard won achievement in global health. Natural disasters are also on the rise, killing people, destroying services, communities and medical infrastructure, and further exacerbating the plight of the poor and already medically underserved populations. A more efficient use, collaboration and integration of national and international medical and health resources and services will help improve health in vulnerable populations.
Data, Statistics, and Controversy: Making Science Research Data
Intelligible
Authors: Sedransk Nell , Young Linda J. , Spiegelman Cliff
Published: March 2012

Making published, scientific research data publicly available can
benefit scientists and policy makers only if there is sufficient information
for these data to be intelligible. Thus the necessary meta-data go beyond
the scientific, technological detail and extend to the statistical approach
and methodologies applied to these data. The statistical principles that
give integrity to researchers’ analyses and interpretations of their data
require documentation. This is true when the intent is to verify or validate
the published research findings; it is equally true when the intent is to
utilize the scientific data in conjunction with other data or new
experimental data to explore complex questions; and it is profoundly
important when the scientific results and interpretations are taken outside
the world of science to establish a basis for policy, for legal precedent or
for decision-making. When research draws on already public data bases, e.g.,
a large federal statistical data base or a large scientific data base,
selection of data for analysis, whether by selection (subsampling) or by
aggregating, is specific to that research so that this (statistical)
methodology is a crucial part of the meta-data. Examples illustrate the role
of statistical meta-data in the use and reuse of these public datasets and
the impact on public policy and precedent.
Injection molded high precision freeform optics for high volume applications
Authors: Dick Lars , Risse Stefan , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: March 2012

Injection molding offers a cost-efficient method for manufacturing high precision plastic optics for high-volume applications. Optical surfaces such as flats, spheres and also aspheres are meanwhile state-of-the-art in the field of plastic optics. The demand for surfaces without symmetric properties, commonly referred to as freeform surfaces, continues to rise. Currently, new mathematical approaches are under consideration which allow for new complex optical designs. Such novel optical designs strongly encourage development of new manufacturing methods. Specifically, new surface descriptions without an axis of symmetry, new ultra precision machining methods and non-symmetrical shrinkage compensation strategies have to be developed to produce freeform optical surfaces with high precision for high-volume applications. This paper will illustrate a deterministic and efficient way for the manufacturing of ultra precision injection molding tool inserts with submicron precision and show the manufacturing of replicated freeform surfaces with micrometer range shape accuracy at diameters up to 40 mm with a surface roughness of approximately 2 nm.
Optical glass: past and future of a key enabling material
Authors: Hartmann Peter
Published: March 2012

No abstract available
Wach modules and critical slope p-adic L-functions
Authors: Loeffler David , Zerbes Sarah Livia
Published: March 2012

We study Kato and Perrin-Riou's critical slope p-adic L-function attached to an ordinary modular form using the methods of A. Lei, D. Loeffler and S. L. Zerbes, Wach modules and Iwasawa theory for modular forms, Asian J. Math. 14 (2010), 475–528. We show that it may be decomposed as a sum of two bounded measures multiplied by explicit distributions depending only on the local properties of the modular form at p. We use this decomposition to prove results on the zeros of the p-adic L-function, and we show that our results match the behaviour observed in examples calculated by Pollack and Stevens in “Overconvergent modular symbols and p-adic L-functions”, Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér. (4) 44 (2011), no. 1, 1–42.
Algebraic varieties with quasi-projective universal cover
Authors: Claudon Benoît , Höring Andreas , Kollár János
Published: March 2012

We prove that the universal cover of a normal projective variety X is quasi-projective iff a finite étale cover of X is a fiber bundle over an Abelian variety with simply connected fiber.
Avoiding Type or Patterns in a Partition of a Set
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark
Published: March 2012

A
Creativity meets convention: idiom variation and remetaphorization in ELF
Authors: Pitzl, Marie-Luise
Published: March 2012

This article discusses creativity in English as a lingua franca (ELF) and its link to a phenomenon of conventional language use, namely the use of idioms. Reviewing a number of approaches to creativity in linguistics, it attempts to address some of the salient and recurring issues that different conceptualizations have in common, such as the importance of norms and conventions for the occurrence of creativity. It proposes a two-fold distinction between norm-following and norm-developing creativity that relates to the synchronic-diachronic dimension of language variation and change, and it suggests that such a conceptualization of creativity may be particularly relevant for ELF. Referring to general findings of previous ELF research, the article builds on the assumption that ELF is generally effective in communication, in spite of the considerable variability in linguistic forms it exhibits, and proposes that creativity might serve as a fundamental concept in accounting for the variability and situational adaptability that seems to be central to ELF. Using this conceptualization as a basis, the article reports on the findings of an extensive qualitative corpus linguistic study on the variation of idioms in spoken ELF. It provides a short overview of formal characteristics of creative idioms, points out dimensions of metaphorical creativity and illustrates the range of discourse functions of creative idioms and metaphors in the Vienna-Oxford International Corpus of English (VOICE). Exploring the general tension between creativity and convention in language use, the article stresses the importance of the intrinsic (diachronic) link between two seemingly distinct (synchronic) categories, i.e. conventional idioms and creative metaphors, and suggests that this link is paramount to the intelligibility and functionality of variable idiom use in ELF. It suggests that processes like idiomatizing and re-metaphorization take precedence over distinct categories like idiom and metaphor in the context of ELF research.
Recent biomarker approaches in the diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration/Neurochemische Ansätze in der Diagnose der Frontotemporalen Lobärdegeneration
Authors: Feneberg Emily , Steinacker Petra , Lehnert Stefan , Neumann Manuela , Otto Markus
Published: March 2012

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a heterogeneous group of syndromes with different symptoms. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration is mostly used as a clinical umbrella term for different diseases. In some clinical subtypes of the FTLD spectrum, a close correlation with underlying pathology can be found. Neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging and position emission tomography help to detect neuroanatomical lesions and therefore obtain relevance for in vivo prediction of neurodegeneration. However, there is still a lack of neurochemical biomarkers helping to differentiate between underlying histopathologies. The following review gives an overview about present neurochemical biomarker studies and perspective approaches in the diagnosis of FTLD.
Reverse Modeling of Green Sand Mould System Using Fuzzy Logic-Based Approaches
Authors: Surekha B. , Vundavilli Pandu R. , Parappagoudar M. B.
Published: March 2012

In the present study, reverse mapping problems of green sand mould system have been solved using Fuzzy Logic (FL)-based approaches. It is a complicated process, in which the quality of the castings is influenced by the mould properties (that is, green compression strength, permeability, hardness and others). In forward modeling, the outputs are expressed as the functions of input variables, whereas in reverse modeling, the later are represented as the functions of the former. The main advantage of reverse modeling lies in the fact that it helps in effective real-time control of the process. This paper proposes three different FL-based approaches for the reverse modeling of the green sand mould system. A binary-coded Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been used to optimize the knowledge base of the FL-based approaches, off-line. The developed approaches are found to solve the above problem effectively, and the performances of the developed approaches are compared among themselves. It has been observed that the approach “Automatic design of FL system using GA” yielded much better results in predicting a set of input variables from the set of known set of output.
Microwave-assisted synthesis and antibacterial and pesticidal activity studies of aluminum(III) and gallium(III) complexes with a bioactive Schiff base
Authors: Singh Nirmala , Rastogi Shobha , Singh R.V.
Published: March 2012

Biologically potent complexes of aluminum(III) and gallium(III) derived from semicarbazone of 3-acetylcoumarin have been synthesized under microwave irradiation and investigated using a combination of microanalytical analysis, melting point, ultraviolet spectra, infrared spectra, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, and 13C NMR spectra. Aluminum and gallium isopropoxides interact with the ligand, resulting in the formation of colored products. Based on conductance and spectral evidences, a five-coordinated structure for aluminum(III) and gallium(III) complexes has been assigned for 1:1 ratio and a six-coordinated structure for 1:2 and 1:3 ratios. The ligand is coordinated to the aluminum(III) and gallium(III) via the azomethine nitrogen atom and the enolic oxygen atom. The free ligand and its metal complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic microorganisms in order to assess their antimicrobial and pesticidal properties. Both the ligand and its complexes were found to possess appreciable bactericidal and pesticidal properties.
Unsaturated polyester-clay slurry nanocomposites
Authors: Rivera-Gonzaga Alejandro , Sanchez-Solis Antonio , Sanchez-Olivares Guadalupe , Calderas Fausto , Manero Octavio
Published: March 2012

In this work, nanocomposites were produced with an unsaturated polyester resin and sodium montmorillonite (MMT) slurry. Upon increasing the clay content [from 1 to 5 parts per hundred resin (phr)] increments of 57% and up to 120% were found in the flexural modulus, with respect to that of the resin alone. Using clay slurry, the cross-linking reaction was affected by the clay, in such a way that the gelation temperature and the thermal stability increased. Using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, resin intercalation into the MMT silicate layers was observed and the fracture morphology revealed the effect of the clay slurry on the nanocomposite morphology. Furthermore, shear and oscillatory rheological tests revealed the formation of a structure between resin and clay at low shear rates, and the presence of this structure was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.
Application of variothermal heating concepts for the production of microstructured films using the extrusion embossing process
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Eilbracht Stephan , Scharf Micha , Hartmann Claudia , Bobzin Kirsten , Bagcivan Nazlim , Theiß Sebastian
Published: March 2012

The application of the extrusion embossing process is a fast and cost-effective way to produce large-scale films with structured surfaces. In principle, microscopic and macroscopic surface structures can be manufactured this way. Particularly for the fabrication of microscopic structures, the reproduction accuracy can be remarkably improved by applying variothermal heating concepts for the embossing roll. In this article, two possible heating concepts are investigated: one laser-based and another using an inductor. The generated temperature profile along the circumference of the embossing roll is studied, taking the material of the embossing roll as well as different processing parameters into account. Both external heating systems (laser vs. inductor) are tested and compared. Furthermore, the improvement of the accuracy of the replicated microstructures is examined.
The integrated curved surface imprinting process technology aided by gas and gray-scale regulated electromagnetic force
Authors: Weng Yung Jin
Published: March 2012

This study proposes an integrated imprinting technology, of combining gas-aided imprinting technology and gray-scale, regulated, electromagnetic, force hot-imprinting technology, for the replication imprinting forming of the curved surface micro-nano structure. Based on the existing gas-aided hot imprinting forming technology, this study designed an electromagnetic disc that can regulate and control the imprinting force at different positions, and with features of even and precise control of gradual pressure. The electromagnetic disc was integrated with the gas and the electromagnetic force aided hot-imprinting technology to replicate micro-structure, to make the micro-nano imprinting technology and applications more mature. The experimental results showed that the proposed integrated imprinting technology can accurately replicate the curved surface micro-nano micro-structure.
Understanding Low Reliability of Memories for Neutral Information Encoded under Stress: Alterations in Memory-Related Activation in the Hippocampus and Midbrain
Authors: Qin Shaozheng , Hermans Erno J. , van Marle Hein J. F. , Fernández Guillén
Published: March 2012

Exposure to an acute stressor can lead to unreliable remembrance of intrinsically neutral information, as exemplified by low reliability of eyewitness memories, which stands in contrast with enhanced memory for the stressful incident itself. Stress-sensitive neuromodulators (e.g., catecholamines) are believed to cause this low reliability by altering neurocognitive processes underlying memory formation. Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated neural activity during memory formation in 44 young, healthy human participants while incidentally encoding emotionally neutral, complex scenes embedded in either a stressful or neutral context. We recorded event-related pupil dilation responses as an indirect index of phasic noradrenergic activity. Autonomic, endocrine, and psychological measures were acquired to validate stress manipulation. Acute stress during encoding led to a more liberal response bias (more hits and false alarms) when testing memory for the scenes 24 h later. The strength of this bias correlated negatively with pupil dilation responses and positively with stress-induced heart rate increases at encoding. Acute stress, moreover, reduced subsequent memory effects (SMEs; items later remembered vs forgotten) in hippocampus and midbrain, and in pupil dilation responses. The diminished SMEs indicate reduced selectivity and specificity in mnemonic processing during memory formation. This is in line with a model in which stress-induced catecholaminergic hyperactivation alters phasic neuromodulatory signaling in memory-related circuits, resulting in generalized (gist-based) processing at the cost of specificity. Thus, one may speculate that loss of specificity may yield less discrete memory representations at time of encoding, thereby causing a more liberal response bias when probing these memories.
Rethinking the Meaning of Citizenship in Post-PRI Mexico: Can the State Change Its Image?
Authors: Nishikawa Katsuo A.
Published: March 2012

This study considers the effect that gestures of goodwill from state officials have on political attitudes in post-PRI Mexico. A field experiment was conducted in the state of Baja California in which randomly selected individuals in the treatment group received a short letter from the state designed to improve residents' evaluation of government efforts to rehabilitate their neighborhoods. Overall, this study finds that a gesture of goodwill has a mixed effect on political attitudes relevant to democracy. While the treatment has a negative effect on levels of efficacy and evaluations of government performance, it also has a positive effect on willingness to become more involved in politics.
Differentiation capacity of native pituitary folliculostellate cells and brain astrocytes
Authors: Osuna Marumi , Sonobe Yokiko , Itakura Eisuke , Devnath Sukumar , Kato Takako , Kato Yukio , Inoue Kinji
Published: March 2012

Pituitary folliculostellate (FS) cells are characterized by producing S100B protein, as do brain astrocytes. FS cells have some functions in the pituitary gland, i.e. scavenger functions, sustentacular cell activity through cytokines, and intercellular communication through gap junctions. However, the biological significances of FS cells, especially their differentiation capacities in the anterior pituitary gland, are still under discussion. To understand FS cells with new approaches, we generated a transgenic rat expressing GFP underS100bgene promoter, which regulates tissue-specific expression ofS100bgene. Using the transgenic rat, we succeeded in inducing skeletal muscle cells from FS cells by culturing it in serum-free medium containing B-27 supplement, thyroid hormone (tri-iodothyronine), epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. In this study, we also succeeded in inducing skeletal muscle cells from primary cultured astrocytes and astrocyte cell line, C6 cells. Hence, we concluded that pituitary FS cells have wide differentiation potential and have similar characteristics to astrocytes, which not only support cell activity but also support differentiation capacity.
Evaluation of Validity of the Urine Dipstick Test for Identification of Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate in Japanese Male Workers Aged 40 Years and Over
Authors: Kawashima Masatoshi , Wada Koji , Ohta Hiroshi , Moriya Rika , Aizawa Yoshiharu
Published: March 2012

Evaluation of Validity of the Urine Dipstick Test for Identification of Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate in Japanese Male Workers Aged 40 Years and Over: Masatoshi KAWASHIMA, et al. Department of Occupational Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University—

Objectives

We evaluated the validity of the urine dipstick test for identifying reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in male workers.

Methods

This study was conducted in male workers aged ≥ 40 yr. Reduced GFR was categorized as either estimated GFR (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2(eGFR<60)oreGFR<50 ml/min/1.73 m2(eGFR < 50). Four sets of criteria were used to evaluate the GFR on the basis of proteinuria excretion, as measured using the urine dipstick test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created based on the sensitivity and specificity and used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 5,799 workers were included in this study. Use of an abnormal proteinuria criterion of 1+–3+ and a reduced GFR criterion of eGFR < 60 resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 7.8% and 97.4%, respectively, while a reduced GFR criterion of eGFR < 50 resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 37.8% and 97.4%, respectively. The AUC was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.48–0.55) for eGFR < 60 and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.59–0.80) for eGFR < 50.

Conclusions

In this study, 92.2% of participants with an eGFR < 60 and 62.2% of participants with an eGFR < 50 were overlooked in the urine dipstick test. These results suggest that the urine dipstick test only is not sufficient enough to identify reduced GFR and that both a urine dipstick test and other measures of GFR are required to reliably identify reduced GFR.