bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History of the Diagnosis of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Linked to Normal Variation in Personality Traits
Authors: Mõttus René , Realo Anu , Allik Jüri , Esko Tõnu , Metspalu Andres
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Stable individual differences in personality traits have well-documented associations with various aspects of health. One of the health outcomes that directly depends on people’s behavioral choices, and may therefore be linked to personality traits, is having a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Aim

The study examines the associations between a comprehensive set of basic personality traits and past STD history in a demographically diverse sample.

Methods

Participants were 2,110 Estonians (1,175 women) between the ages of 19 and 89 (mean age 45.8 years, SD = 17.0). The five-factor model personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness) and their specific facets were rated by participants themselves and knowledgeable informants. Sex, age, and educational level were controlled for.

Main Outcome Measure

History of STD diagnosis based on medical records and/or self-report.

Results

History of STD diagnosis was associated with higher Neuroticism and lower Agreeableness in both self- and informant-ratings. Among the specific personality facets, the strongest correlates of STD were high hostility and impulsiveness and low deliberation.

Conclusions

Individual differences in several personality traits are associated with a history of STD diagnosis. Assuming that certain personality traits may predispose people to behaviors that entail a higher risk for STD, these findings can be used for the early identification of people at greater STD risk and for developing personality-tailored intervention programs.
The Role of Initial Success Rates and Other Factors in Determining Reliability of Outcomes of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Pooled Analysis of 17 Placebo-Controlled Trials of Tadalafil for Use as Needed
Authors: Sontag Angelina , Rosen Raymond C. , Litman Heather J. , Ni Xiao , Araujo Andre B.
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Reliability of successful outcomes in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) on phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is an important aspect of patient management.

Aims

We examined reliability of successful outcomes in a large integrated dataset of randomized tadalafil trials.

Main Outcome Measures

Success rates, time to success, subsequent success after first success, and probability of success were analyzed based on Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3.

Methods

Data from 3,254 ED patients treated with tadalafil 10 mg (N = 510), 20 mg (N = 1,772), or placebo (N = 972) were pooled from 17 placebo-controlled studies.

Results

Tadalafil patients had significantly higher first-attempt success rates vs. placebo. This effect was consistent across most subgroups; however, patients with severe ED experienced a greater response to tadalafil than patients with mild–moderate ED. Approximately 80% of patients achieved successful penile insertion within two attempts with either tadalafil dose and successful intercourse within eight attempts for tadalafil 10 mg and four attempts for tadalafil 20 mg. However, approximately 70% of tadalafil-treated patients achieved successful intercourse even by the second attempt. Subsequent success rates were higher for patients with first-attempt success (81.5% for 10 mg and 86.1% for 20 mg vs. 66.2% for placebo, P < 0.001) vs. patients with later initial success (53.2% for 10 mg and 56.4% for 20 mg vs. 39.9% for placebo, P < 0.001). Among patients treated with tadalafil, intercourse success rates at early attempts were similar to rates at later attempts (i.e., attempts 5 and 10 vs. 25), although insertion success rates were significantly lower earlier in treatment.

Conclusions

The findings affirm the reliability of successful outcomes with tadalafil treatment and that first-attempt success is a critical factor affecting subsequent outcomes. The results further show that even among men who did not succeed on first attempt, a substantial proportion will have successful outcomes if treatment is maintained.
Measurement of arthropod body composition using quantitative magnetic resonance
Authors: O'Regan Sacha M. , Guglielmo Christopher G. , Taylor Graeme M.
Published: August 2012

Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) is a new technology for measuring the body composition (wet lean mass, fat mass, and total body water mass) of unrestrained and unanesthetized animals. We conducted a validation study using two species of crayfish (mass range 5.5–27 g), American lobsters (680–732 g), and Madagascar hissing cockroaches (6.5–14 g) to assess the utility ofQMRfor quantifying the body composition of crustaceans and other large arthropods. A comparison of crayfish, lobster, and cockroach wet lean, fat, and body water masses calculated byQMRwith those obtained from the traditional chemical extraction method demonstrates thatQMRis a valid technology for analysis of wet lean mass and body water. Fat mass could not be accurately predicted, although this might be improved with the use of aQMRanalyzer designed specifically for animals of low fat content.QMRanalysis allows rapid (<4 min) and non‐destructive determination of body composition in field and lab environments, enabling researchers to conduct longitudinal studies and to increase the ethicality and practicality of studying rare or threatened species.
Dark flows and the cosmological axis
Authors: Tsagas Christos G.
Published: August 2012

Recent surveys indicate coherent large-scale peculiar motions, commonly referred to as ‘dark flows’, considerably stronger than expected. At the same time, an increasing number of reports suggest the presence of a weak dipolar anisotropy in the supernova data. The Universe seems to accelerate slightly faster in one direction and equally slower in the opposite. Also, this ‘cosmological axis’ lies fairly close to the cosmic microwave background dipole. Since apparent, dipole-like, anisotropies are the trademark signature of peculiar motions, we consider the possibility that these, seemingly unconnected, observations are actually related. In the process, we find that observers living inside a dark flow could experience locally accelerated expansion in a globally decelerating Universe. Moreover, to these observers, the acceleration should appear slightly faster in one direction and equally slower in the opposite, as if there is a preferred axis in the universe. When combined, these results open, in principle at least, the theoretical possibility of addressing the supernova data and the cosmic acceleration by appealing to dark flows rather than dark energy.
On the stellar populations of massive galaxies
Authors: De Lucia Gabriella , Borgani Stefano
Published: August 2012

In this Letter, we analyse the predicted physical properties of massive galaxies, in the framework of recent semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. All models considered account for winds driven by supernova explosions and suppression of gas condensation at the centre of relatively massive haloes by active galactic nuclei (AGN). We show that while these models successfully reproduce the old stellar populations observed for massive galaxies, they fail in reproducing their observed chemical abundances. This problem is alleviated but still present if AGN feedback is completely switched off. Moreover, in this case, model predictions fail in accounting for the old stellar ages of massive galaxies. We argue that the difficulty of semi-analytical models in simultaneously reproducing the observed ages and metallicities of massive galaxies signals a fundamental problem with the schemes that are currently adopted to model star formation, feedback and related recycling of gas and metals.
Impact of Merci Device Fracture on Clinical Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke after Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Shi Zhong‐Song , Duckwiler Gary R. , Loh Yince , Liebeskind David S. , Gonzalez Nestor R. , Tateshima Satoshi , Jahan Reza , Saver Jeffrey L. , Viñuela Fernando
Published: August 2012

Aims

To investigate the frequency and predictors of Merci device fracture in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy and its impact on clinical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by thrombectomy with the Merci Retriever and identified the presence of device fracture. The predictors of device fracture were assessed. We evaluated the impact of device fracture on hemorrhage and clinical outcome.

Results

Of 136 patients treated by thrombectomy, 6 (4.4%) experienced intraprocedural Merci device fracture. Internal carotid artery occlusion was associated with device fracture. The fractured X and L series Merci Retrievers were successfully ensnared in four patients. Patients with fractured devices had similar rates of successful revascularization with those without. In patients with fractured devices, no parenchymal hematomas were found, while hemorrhagic infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage were found in three and two patients, respectively. Patients with fractured devices tended to be more dependent (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3) at discharge, but had similar rates of in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Merci device fracture is relatively infrequent in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with thrombectomy. This complication may not increase the risk of parenchymal hematoma but tends to be associated with poor outcome.
Ethanol production potential of sweet sorghum assessed using forage fiber analysis procedures
Authors: Han Kun‐Jun , Pitman William D. , Kim Misook , Day Donal F. , Alison Montgomery W. , McCormick Michael E. , Aita Giovanna
Published: August 2012

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is widely recognized as a highly promising biomass energy crop with particular potential to complement sugarcane production in diversified cropping systems. Agronomic assessments have led to identification of four cultivars well suited for such sugarcane‐based production systems in southern Louisiana. Sweet sorghum biofuel production systems are currently being developed, and research producing large sample numbers requiring ethanol yield assessment is anticipated. Fiber analysis approaches developed for forage evaluation appear to be useful for screening such large numbers of samples for relative ethanol yield. Chemical composition, forage fiber characteristics, digestibility, and ethanol production of sweet sorghum bagasse from the four cultivars were assessed. Measures of detergent fiber, lignin, and digestibility were highly correlated with ethanol production (P < 0.01). The best linear regression models accounted for about 80% of the variation among cultivars in ethanol production. Bagasse from the cultivar Dale produced more ethanol per gram of material than any of the other cultivars. This superior ethanol production was apparently associated with less lignin in stems of Dale. Forage evaluation measures including detergent fiber analyses, in vitro digestibility, and an in vitro gas production technique successfully identified the cultivar superior in ethanol yield indicating their usefulness for screening sweet sorghum samples for potential ethanol production in research programs generating large sample numbers from evaluations of germ plasm or agronomic treatments. These screening procedures reduce time and expense of alternatives such as hexose sugar assessment for calculating theoretical ethanol yield.
A Gibbs sampler for Bayesian analysis of site‐occupancy data
Authors: Dorazio Robert M. , Rodríguez Daniel Taylor
Published: August 2012

1. A Bayesian analysis of site‐occupancy data containing covariates of species occurrence and species detection probabilities is usually completed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods in conjunction with software programs that can implement those methods for any statistical model, not just site‐occupancy models. Although these software programs are quite flexible, considerable experience is often required to specify a model and to initialize the Markov chain so that summaries of the posterior distribution can be estimated efficiently and accurately.

2. As an alternative to these programs, we develop a Gibbs sampler for Bayesian analysis of site‐occupancy data that include covariates of species occurrence and species detection probabilities. This Gibbs sampler is based on a class of site‐occupancy models in which probabilities of species occurrence and detection are specified as probit‐regression functions of site‐ and survey‐specific covariate measurements.

3. To illustrate the Gibbs sampler, we analyse site‐occupancy data of the blue hawker,Aeshna cyanea(Odonata, Aeshnidae), a common dragonfly species in Switzerland. Our analysis includes a comparison of results based on Bayesian and classical (non‐Bayesian) methods of inference. We also provide code (based on the R software program) for conducting Bayesian and classical analyses of site‐occupancy data.
The Information Content of OTC Individual Put Option Implied Volatility for Credit Default Swap Spreads*
Authors: Park Yuen Jung , Kim Tong Suk
Published: August 2012

This study investigates the information content of implied volatilities extracted from over‐the‐counter individual equity put options to explain credit default swap (CDS) spreads in the Korean market. Using out‐of‐the‐money put options, we demonstrate that the implied volatility dominates historical volatility in explaining CDS spread variations and that both the predicted future volatility and the volatility risk premium inferred from the implied volatility are significant determinants of CDS spreads in an out‐of‐sample approach. Moreover, the effects of these variables were especially strong during the global crisis, while the volatility risk premium exhibited a negative sign during that time.
Transrectal decompression as a new approach for treatment of large intestinal tympany in horses with colic: Preliminary results
Authors: Scotti G. B. , Lazzaretti S. S. , Zani D. D. , Magri M.
Published: August 2012

A common feature of colic in horses is tympany in the large intestine and medical treatment of this condition can be unsuccessful. In this article we describe and evaluate a new approach for decompression of large intestinal tympany in equine colic patients using transrectal puncture. We evaluated horses showing colic symptoms and colonic or caecal tympany and the final diagnosis, complications and final outcome were recorded for each horse. A special transrectal decompression device (TDD) was developed and used to perform transrectal decompression (TD) by gas aspiration. In order to assess pain reduction as a result of TD, heart rate (HR) was recorded before and after the decompression procedure. Twenty‐five horses were included in the study. In 17 cases, tympany was recognised as primary in origin while in 8 it was secondary to other conditions. A total of 33 TDs were performed and no horses developed short‐ or long‐term complications. All horses were alive after the first month post TD, while 5 died from diseases not related to TD. The TD could safely and easily be performed in all horses presenting tympany. Transrectal decompression can easily be performed, 2 or even 3 times to treat a single colic episode by using the transrectal device connected to a surgical aspirator. It was not possible from available information to relate the timing of HR decrease to resolution of colic or to administration of drugs because a retrospective study and all such data were not readily accessible. Our clinical results support the relevance of the TD as an elective treatment of primary large intestinal tympany, emergency treatment of tympany secondary to other surgical entities and as palliative treatment in surgical patients, in which surgery could not be achieved.
Design, Manufacture, and Testing of the Easycuff™ Pressure Measuring Syringe
Authors: Slocum Alexander H. , Duffley Samuel C. , Gamazo Jaime M. , Watral Adrienne , Spiegel Joan E. , Slocum Alexander H.
Published: August 2012

A pressure measuring syringe, known as the EasyCuff™, has been designed and manufactured to provide physicians with a tool to accurately measure the pressure inside the distal cuff of endotracheal tube tubes (ETTs). The syringe, identical in size to a standard 10 cc syringe, has four components: a seal, a plunger, a barrel, and a silicone-rubber bellows (the pressure measuring component). A finite-element model of the bellows was created using ADINA™; silicone rubber bellows were then produced and shown to correlate linearly with the model to within ±5% up to a load equivalent to an internal pressure of 200 cm H2O. 20 of these bellows were then assembled into EasyCuff™ syringes and tested to assess their accuracy and repeatability. The experimental setup used a currently-available manometer, which the EasyCuff™ is designed to replace, as a reference tool. The data show that the relationship between measured pressure and bellows deflection is linear, with a correlation factor of R2 = 0.99; additionally, environmental testing showed that the EasyCuff™ is unaffected by temperature cycling between −15 °F and +170 °F.
Hyperthermic-related challenges in aquatics, athletics, football, tennis and triathlon: Table 1
Authors: Mountjoy Margo , Alonso Juan-Manuel , Bergeron Michael F , Dvorak Jiri , Miller Stuart , Migliorini Sergio , Singh Dato’ Gurcharan
Published: August 2012

Although many elite sporting events occur in climate-controlled venues, some athletes train and compete in environments that can potentially pose a risk to the athlete's health. In particular, athletes in aquatics, track and field, tennis, football and triathlon can be exposed to extreme heat during competition or while training. The International Federations responsible for these sports are aware of these health risks and have implemented measures to help protect the health of their athletes. This review paper outlines the sport-specific environmental health risks and the safety standards implemented to safeguard athlete health.
ON THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE HURWITZ ZETA-FUNCTION
Authors: LAURINČIKAS ANTANAS
Published: August 2012

It is known that the Hurwitz zeta-function ζ(s, α) with transcendental or rational parameter α is universal in the sense that its shifts ζ(s + iτ, α), τ ∈ ℝ, approximate with a given accuracy any analytic function uniformly on compact subsets of the strip D = {s ∈ ℂ : ½ < σ < 1}. Let H(D) denote the space of analytic functions on D equipped with the topology of uniform convergence on compacta. In the paper, the classes of functions F : H(D) → H(D) such that F(ζ(s, α)) is universal in the above sense are considered. For example, if F is continuous and, for each polynomial p = p(s), the set F-1{p} is non-empty, then F(ζ(s, α)) with transcendental α is universal.
EXACT FORMULA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF SEQUENCES {ωn}
Authors: SHAHVERDIAN ASHOT , KILICMAN ADEM
Published: August 2012

An exact formula for distribution of sequences of fractional parts is proved. This provides us with a possibility for computational study of their discrepancies by the means of integer-number programming.
Si Damage Due to Oblique-Angle Ion Impact Relevant for Vertical Gate Etching Processes
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Mizotani Kohei , Isobe Michiro , Kang Song-Yun , Honda Masanobu , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2012

In reactive ion etching (RIE) processes of vertical metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices, damages caused by ion bombardment at oblique incidence may affect the device performance. In this study, damage formation on Si surfaces by energetic hydrogen and halogen ions has been examined for different angles of incidence with the use of a multi-beam system. The beam experiments and molecular dynamics simulations have shown that the depth of a Si damage layer caused by H+ ion injections has weak dependence on the angle of incidence. It is also found experimentally that the Cl+ or Br+ ion etching yield of a Si substrate that is damaged by energetic hydrogen ions prior to Cl+ or Br+ ion injections is essentially the same as that of the undamaged Si substrate. The results indicate that, in the etching process of vertical MOS gate structures, surface bombardment by energetic hydrogen ions even at oblique incidence may cause several-nanometer deep damages to the Si channels but etching yields for the gate fabrication are unlikely to be altered by the surface damages.
Surface Modification of GaN Substrate by Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma
Authors: Shimizu Kazuo , Noma Yuta , Blajan Marius , Naritsuka Shigeya
Published: August 2012

In this study, surface modification of GaN substrates by microplasma was investigated. Microplasma, which is an atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasma and a type of dielectric barrier discharge, was generated with a pair of electrodes that were covered with a dielectric layer and that faced each other at a small discharge gap under 100 µm with a spacer. Owing to small discharge gaps (0–100 µm) and to the assumed specific dielectric constant of εr = 104, a high-intensity electric field (107–108 V/m) could be obtained with a relatively low discharge voltage of only about 1 kV at atmospheric pressure. The GaN surface was treated with atmospheric pressure microplasma using Ar and N2 as process gases and powered by AC and pulse power supplies. Modifications of the surfaces were observed after the treatment and they depend on the gas process, treatment time, and power supply. The surface was analyzed before and after the treatment by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM).
Plasma-Etching of Spray-Coated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Films for Biointerfaces
Authors: Kim Joon Hyub , Lee Jun-Yong , Min Nam Ki
Published: August 2012

We present an effective method for the batch fabrication of miniaturized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrodes using oxygen plasma etching. We adopted the approach of spray-coating for good adhesion of the SWCNT film onto a pre-patterned Pt support and used O2plasma patterning of the coated films to realize efficient biointerfaces between SWCNT surfaces and biomolecules. By these approaches, the SWCNT film can be easily integrated into miniaturized electrode systems. To demonstrate the effectiveness of plasma-etched SWCNT film electrodes as biointerfaces,Legionellaantibody was selected as analysis model owing to its considerable importance to electrochemical biosensors and was detected using plasma-etched SWCNT film electrodes and a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-benzidine dihydrochloride/horseradish peroxidase (TMB/HRP) catalytic system. The response currents increased with increasing concentration ofLegionellaantibody. This result indicates that antibodies were effectively immobilized on plasma-etched and activated SWCNT surfaces.
Biocompatibility of Cation Coated on Plasma-Polymerized Ti Surface
Authors: Lee Kang , Ko Yeong-Mu , Kim Byung-Hoon
Published: August 2012

In this study, we investigated the bone formation properties and cell responses on Na-, Mg-, K-, and Ca-ion-exchanged carboxyl plasma polymerized titanium (Ti) surfaces. The phase and morphologies of deposits bonelike apatite were significantly influence by the cation species. Na and Mg ions promote bonelike apatite nucleation and growth on plasma-functionalized Ti surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF) and improves the crystallinity of the bonelike apatite deposited layer. The cell viability tests revealed significantly enhanced viability on the Ca-ion-exchanged plasma-functionalized Ti surface than on any other surface.
Fast Deposition of Low-Temperature-Crystallized Silicon Films by Hybrid Nucleation
Authors: Lin Chiung-Wei , Li Cheng-Yen
Published: August 2012

A new method involving hybrid nucleation and ionic-argon-assisted dissociation was proposed to achieve the high-speed deposition of crystallized silicon at 150 °C. At the initial stage of deposition, the nucleation process was reduced by in situ physical and chemical etchings. In a mixture of various plasmas, ionic argon removed some nuclei. Meanwhile, atomic hydrogen passivated dangling bonds and improved the crystallinity of the processed film. When a seed layer formed, the presence of ionic argon accelerated the dissociation of the source gases. Thus, a high deposition rate of crystallized silicon films was achieved. The deposition rate was as high as 15.6 nm/min. The optimum crystallized film in this study had a crystalline fraction of 72%. In addition, a thin-film transistor adopted the proposed crystallized film as a channel showing robust reliability to electrical stressing.
Isobutane/N2 Pulsed Radio Frequency Magnetron Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition of Hydrogenated Amorphous Carbon Nitride Films for Field Emission Applications
Authors: Kinoshita Haruhisa , Tanaka Sumio
Published: August 2012

Radio frequency (rf) supermagnetron plasma was modulated by pulse and was applied to the deposition of hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride (a-CN
x
:H) films. The range of upper/lower electrode rf powers (UPRF/LORF) was selected as 200/50–800 W, and films were deposited using isobutane (i-C4H10)/N2 plasma. Phase-controlled rf power (13.56 MHz) was modulated by a 2.5-kHz pulse frequency, and the duty ratio was selected as 12.5%. With increases in LORF, the optical band gap decreased from 1.3 to 0.6 eV, and the hardness became sufficiently high, reaching a peak (34 GPa) at LORFs of 200 and 400 W. A low field emission threshold of 11 V/µm was obtained in the films deposited at LORF of 400 W, and gas pressure of 4 Pa.
Evaluation of Data Stability and Analysis of Degradation Factors of Digital Versatile Disk Recordable (DVD+R) for Archival Application
Authors: Lee Kwan-Yong , Lim Dong-Soo , Kim Ki-Hyun , Cho Won-Ik , Kim Young-Joo
Published: August 2012

Optical disks are widely used in libraries and archives as digital data media due to their archival storage stability. Nevertheless, there is relatively less focus on the understanding of physical and chemical degradation mechanism. To observe the degradation mechanism of an optical disk, the accelerated aging test was designed with high temperature and relative humidity of 85 °C and 85% in this study. After 1500 h of aging, digital versatile disk recordable (DVD+R) media resulted in a high value of over 280 in the PI sum 8 value, which means a severe data degradation in the media. From the microstructural observation of recorded marks and the chemical analysis of the reflective layer after this accelerated aging test, gradual physical deformation of recorded mark edges and chemical change of the reflective layer were observed, and they might be related to the severe increase of PI sum 8.
Measurements of Nonlinear Mark Edge Shift for Phase Change Optical Disk Systems
Authors: Okubo Kohei , Ansai Tsutomu , Tanabe Takaya
Published: August 2012

A new measurement method using the autocorrelation of readout pseudorandom sequence signals is proposed for evaluating the nonlinear mark edge shift of the phase change optical disk. The measurement abilities of the method are evaluated using 255-bit maximal length sequence signals. The nonlinear mark edge shifts are determined experimentally by using pulse train recordings and these results also agree with theoretical analysis.
Two-Dimensional Iterative Decoding Schemes for Holographic Data Storage Systems
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Kong Gyuyeol , Choi Sooyong
Published: August 2012

Two iterative decoding (ID) schemes, which are the ID using a single parity bit (ID-SPB) and ID using a modulation code (ID-MC), are proposed for holographic data storage systems. In the ID-SPB, a single two-dimensional parity bit is employed to conduct ID, whereas in the ID-MC, the inherent constraint of the modulation code is utilized to conduct ID. In both schemes, a data page is iteratively decoded by exchanging extrinsic information between the horizontal and vertical data bits in the page. In particular, in the ID-SPB, by adding more parity bits to each row and column of the interleaved page, we can conduct the ID within a page as well as between the original and interleaved pages. Thus, additional performance gain can be achieved in the ID-SPB. On the other hand, the ID-MC has a performance gain without loss of data rate since parity bits are not required for ID. The simulation results show that the proposed ID-SPB and ID-MC have about 2–4 and 1–2 dB performance gains in terms of bit error rate compared with the system without ID, respectively.
Characterization of Isolated Individual Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube by Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Yasuda Satoshi , Ikeda Kouta , Yu Li , Murakoshi Kei
Published: August 2012

The local density of states (LDOS) of an isolated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) was characterized by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (EC-STM and EC-STS). Discrimination of individual semiconducting and metallic nanotubes adsorbed on a Au(111) surface was demonstrated by analyzing EC-STS spectra under electrochemical control at a nanometer scale. Two distinct LDOS determined from differential EC-STS spectra are found to be characteristic of the conduction and valence bands, corresponding to van Hove singularities of the SWNT. The absolute potential of the energy level and the band gap between these bands for semiconducting nanotubes could be also evaluated.
Interaction of Serum Proteins with Surface of Hemodialysis Fiber Membranes
Authors: Afrin Rehana , Shirako Yuji , Kishimoto Kikuo , Ikai Atsushi
Published: August 2012

The poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-covered hydrophilic surface of hollow-fiber membranes (fiber membrane, hereafter) for hemodialysis was mechanically probed using modified tips on an atomic force microscope (AFM) with covalent crosslinkers and several types of serum protein. The retraction part of many of the force extension (F–E) curves obtained with AFM tips coated with serum albumin had a long and smooth extension up to 200–300 nm indicating forced elongation of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) chains. When fibrinogen-coated tips were used, long extension F–E curves up to 500 nm with multiple peaks were obtained in addition to smooth curves most likely reflecting the unfolding of fibrinogen molecules. The results indicated that individual polymer chains had a significant affinity toward serum proteins. The adhesion frequency of tips coated with serum proteins was lower on the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) surface than on the uncoated hydrophobic polysulfone surface.
Evaluation of Errors in the Measurement of Surface Roughness at High Spatial Frequency by Atomic Force Microscopy on a Thin Film
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: August 2012

Factors such as sample deformation, which comes from the applied force, and the probe shape, which results in image dilation, lead to the errors in the measurement of roughness by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We explored the roughness errors that result from the applied imaging force, different probe materials, and the probe radius in the roughness measurements of a polysilicon film surface. Structures with high spatial frequencies, which are strongly affected by the probe shape, were separated by comparing radial power spectrum density curves. A geometrical model was established to describe the roughness–probe radius relationship, which was compared with experimental results under optimized imaging conditions. For a surface with a small correlation lengthWCL= 14.1 nm comparable to the radius of a commercial probe (Rt<10 nm), a probe with a 7 nm radius contributes an error of around 43.7%. To achieve a precise measurement of the roughness of such a surface, it is important to develop a suitable model that describes the roughness distribution well.
Spring Constant Calibration of Microcantilever by Astigmatic Detection System
Authors: Liao Hsien-Shun , Juang Bo-Jing , Huang Kuang-Yuh , Hwu En-Te , Chang Chia-Seng
Published: August 2012

For calibrating the spring constant of a microcantilever, the thermal fluctuation method has been widely used in atomic force microscope (AFM). For this method, the force curve must be first acquired to correlate the voltage response of the photodiode with the known cantilever deflection. However, it usually takes a long time to move the cantilever tip close to the sample, and is not adapted to calibrate a tipless cantilever. To realize an efficient way of detecting photodiode responses, we developed a calibration routine employing an astigmatic detection system (ADS). In comparison with the technique of optical beam deflection (or optical lever), the ADS is more sensitive to the vertical and less sensitive to the angular displacement of a cantilever. Therefore, its photodiode response can be directly associated with a predetermined vertical movement of the cantilever, without the need of any subtract. Our experiments have verified that the derived spring constants by the ADS method are close to the typical values of the cantilevers, and this method can be applied to tipless cantilevers.
Pro Se Litigation
Authors: Landsman Stephan
Published: August 2012

This review examines the rising challenge of self-represented litigants in America's courts. It begins with a history of the right to represent oneself and the right to counsel and then considers the dearth of empirical information about those who proceed on their own—in other words, pro se. The article examines the shortcomings of the available data about how pro se litigants are treated as compared with those represented by counsel. It then considers the importance of how the unrepresented feel about their experience—most particularly regarding their opportunity for “voice.” The article then explores judicial attitudes about pro se litigants, arguing that judges may be resistant to reforms to help these parties because such reforms raise fears about judicial neutrality and fair resolution of the merits. The review concludes by briefly considering the cost of not addressing the pro se challenge.
Pathogenesis of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Badalian-Very Gayane , Vergilio Jo-Anne , Fleming Mark , Rollins Barrett J.
Published: August 2012

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) combines in one nosological category a group of diseases that have widely disparate clinical manifestations but are all characterized by accumulation of proliferating cells with surface markers and ultrastructural features similar to cutaneous Langerhans cells (LCs). Despite this unified nosology, important questions about LCH remain unanswered. First, despite having phenotypic features of LCs, LCH cell gene-expression patterns differ from those in LCs. Although this observation suggests that LCH may arise from an earlier precursor, it is not necessarily inconsistent with the hypothesis that LCs are the cell of origin for LCH. Second, LCH's prominent inflammatory component and occasional benign clinical course suggest that LCH may not be a neoplasm. However, the demonstration that LCH cells are clonal, along with the recent discovery of activating BRAF mutations in LCH cells, strongly suggests that LCH is a neoplastic disease. These new observations point the way to rationally targeted therapies.
Intrinsic Architecture Underlying the Relations among the Default, Dorsal Attention, and Frontoparietal Control Networks of the Human Brain
Authors: Spreng R. Nathan , Sepulcre Jorge , Turner Gary R. , Stevens W. Dale , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: August 2012

Human cognition is increasingly characterized as an emergent property of interactions among distributed, functionally specialized brain networks. We recently demonstrated that the antagonistic “default” and “dorsal attention” networks—subserving internally and externally directed cognition, respectively—are modulated by a third “frontoparietal control” network that flexibly couples with either network depending on task domain. However, little is known about the intrinsic functional architecture underlying this relationship. We used graph theory to analyze network properties of intrinsic functional connectivity within and between these three large-scale networks. Task-based activation from three independent studies were used to identify reliable brain regions (“nodes”) of each network. We then examined pairwise connections (“edges”) between nodes, as defined by resting-state functional connectivity MRI. Importantly, we used a novel bootstrap resampling procedure to determine the reliability of graph edges. Furthermore, we examined both full and partial correlations. As predicted, there was a higher degree of integration within each network than between networks. Critically, whereas the default and dorsal attention networks shared little positive connectivity with one another, the frontoparietal control network showed a high degree of between-network interconnectivity with each of these networks. Furthermore, we identified nodes within the frontoparietal control network of three different types—default-aligned, dorsal attention-aligned, and dual-aligned—that we propose play dissociable roles in mediating internetwork communication. The results provide evidence consistent with the idea that the frontoparietal control network plays a pivotal gate-keeping role in goal-directed cognition, mediating the dynamic balance between default and dorsal attention networks.
Prefrontal Cortical Mechanisms Underlying Individual Differences in Cognitive Flexibility and Stability
Authors: Armbruster Diana J. N. , Ueltzhöffer Kai , Basten Ulrike , Fiebach Christian J.
Published: August 2012

The pFC is critical for cognitive flexibility (i.e., our ability to flexibly adjust behavior to changing environmental demands), but also for cognitive stability (i.e., our ability to follow behavioral plans in the face of distraction). Behavioral research suggests that individuals differ in their cognitive flexibility and stability, and neurocomputational theories of working memory relate this variability to the concept of attractor stability in recurrently connected neural networks. We introduce a novel task paradigm to simultaneously assess flexible switching between task rules (cognitive flexibility) and task performance in the presence of irrelevant distractors (cognitive stability) and to furthermore assess the individual “spontaneous switching rate” in response to ambiguous stimuli to quantify the individual dispositional cognitive flexibility in a theoretically motivated way (i.e., as a proxy for attractor stability). Using fMRI in healthy human participants, a common network consisting of parietal and frontal areas was found for task switching and distractor inhibition. More flexible persons showed reduced activation and reduced functional coupling in frontal areas, including the inferior frontal junction, during task switching. Most importantly, the individual spontaneous switching rate antagonistically affected the functional coupling between inferior frontal junction and the superior frontal gyrus during task switching and distractor inhibition, respectively, indicating that individual differences in cognitive flexibility and stability are indeed related to a common prefrontal neural mechanism. We suggest that the concept of attractor stability of prefrontal working memory networks is a meaningful model for individual differences in cognitive stability versus flexibility.
The Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal during Emotional Autobiographical Memory Recall
Authors: Holland Alisha C. , Kensinger Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2012

We used fMRI to investigate the neural processes engaged as individuals down- and up-regulated the emotions associated with negative autobiographical memories (AMs) using cognitive reappraisal strategies. Our analyses examined neural activity during three separate phases, as participants (a) viewed a reappraisal instruction (i.e., Decrease, Increase, Maintain), (b) searched for an AM referenced by a self-generated cue, and (c) elaborated upon the details of the AM being held in mind. Decreasing emotional intensity primarily engaged activity in regions previously implicated in cognitive control (e.g., dorsal and ventral lateral pFC), emotion generation and processing (e.g., amygdala, insula), and visual imagery (e.g., precuneus) as participants searched for and retrieved events. In contrast, increasing emotional intensity engaged similar regions during the instruction phase (i.e., before a memory cue was presented) and again as individuals later elaborated upon the details of the events they had recalled. These findings confirm that reappraisal can modulate neural activity during the recall of personally relevant events, although the time course of this modulation appears to depend on whether individuals are attempting to down- or up-regulate their emotions.
PPs without Disguises: Reply to Bruening
Authors: Ormazabal Javier , Romero Juan
Published: August 2012

Bresnan and Nikitina (2009) and Rappaport Hovav and Levin (2008) show that, contrary to standard assumptions, fixed-theme idioms may appear in to-constructions under certain pragmatic circumstances. Bruening (2010a) contends that the cases they present are in fact R(ightward)-dative shifts, double object constructions with the object projected to the right. In this article, we argue that Bruening’s proposed theoretical apparatus is unnecessarily complex and ad hoc and falls short of explaining the main facts it is supposed to deal with, massively overgenerating. A regular PP structure is argued to be empirically more adequate and conceptually simpler, avoiding the main problems of the R-dative shift analysis. New empirical evidence concerning pairlist readings and scope freezing also suggests that the empirical facts about idioms should be reconsidered in completely different terms.
Once-daily gastroretentive gabapentin for the management of postherpetic neuralgia: an update for clinicians
Authors: Irving Gordon
Published: August 2012

Gabapentin was originally developed as an add-on anticonvulsant drug, but has been widely used in the USA for the management of postherpetic neuralgia since its approval for this indication in 2002. Gabapentin has a short elimination half life and limited absorption due to a saturable L-amino acid transport system, which is expressed predominantly in the proximal small intestine. Hence, the original immediate-release gabapentin formulation (gabapentin TID) must usually be taken three times a day for optimal efficacy. Gabapentin TID is also associated with a high incidence of dizziness and somnolence and some patients are unable to tolerate the doses required for maximum pain relief. A once-daily, gastroretentive formulation of gabapentin was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of postherpetic neuralgia. This formulation provides gradual release of gabapentin to the optimal site of absorption in the proximal small intestine and reduces the chance of saturating intestinal uptake, thus enabling once-daily dosing of gabapentin. This gradual release and absorption have been demonstrated in pharmacokinetic studies in healthy subjects. The efficacy of once-daily gastroretentive gabapentin for the management of postherpetic neuralgia has been demonstrated in placebo-controlled clinical studies. In addition, data from these studies suggest that the incidence of dizziness and somnolence may be reduced compared with similar studies using gabapentin TID. This article provides an overview of the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of once-daily gastroretentive gabapentin for the management of postherpetic neuralgia.
Comparative genomics among Saccharomyces cerevisiae × Saccharomyces kudriavzevii natural hybrid strains isolated from wine and beer reveals different origins
Authors: Peris David , Lopes Christian A , Belloch Carmela , Querol Amparo , Barrio Eladio
Published: August 2012

Background

Interspecific hybrids between S. cerevisiae × S. kudriavzevii have frequently been detected in wine and beer fermentations. Significant physiological differences among parental and hybrid strains under different stress conditions have been evidenced. In this study, we used comparative genome hybridization analysis to evaluate the genome composition of different S. cerevisiae × S. kudriavzevii natural hybrids isolated from wine and beer fermentations to infer their evolutionary origins and to figure out the potential role of common S. kudriavzevii gene fraction present in these hybrids.

Results

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and ploidy analyses carried out in this study confirmed the presence of individual and differential chromosomal composition patterns for most S. cerevisiae × S. kudriavzevii hybrids from beer and wine. All hybrids share a common set of depleted S. cerevisiae genes, which also are depleted or absent in the wine strains studied so far, and the presence a common set of S. kudriavzevii genes, which may be associated with their capability to grow at low temperatures. Finally, a maximum parsimony analysis of chromosomal rearrangement events, occurred in the hybrid genomes, indicated the presence of two main groups of wine hybrids and different divergent lineages of brewing strains.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that wine and beer S. cerevisiae × S. kudriavzevii hybrids have been originated by different rare-mating events involving a diploid wine S. cerevisiae and a haploid or diploid European S. kudriavzevii strains. Hybrids maintain several S. kudriavzevii genes involved in cold adaptation as well as those related to S. kudriavzevii mitochondrial functions.
Bias-corrected estimator for intraclass correlation coefficient in the balanced one-way random effects model
Authors: Atenafu Eshetu G , Hamid Jemila S , To Teresa , Willan Andrew R , M Feldman Brian , Beyene Joseph
Published: August 2012

Background

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) are used in a wide range of applications. However, most commonly used estimators for the ICC are known to be subject to bias.

Methods

Using second order Taylor series expansion, we propose a new bias-corrected estimator for one type of intraclass correlation coefficient, for the ICC that arises in the context of the balanced one-way random effects model. A simulation study is performed to assess the performance of the proposed estimator. Data have been generated under normal as well as non-normal scenarios.

Results

Our simulation results show that the new estimator has reduced bias compared to the least square estimator which is often referred to as the conventional or analytical estimator. The results also show marked bias reduction both in normal and non-normal data scenarios. In particular, our estimator outperforms the analytical estimator in a non-normal setting producing estimates that are very close to the true ICC values.

Conclusions

The proposed bias-corrected estimator for the ICC from a one-way random effects analysis of variance model appears to perform well in the scenarios we considered in this paper and can be used as a motivation to construct bias-corrected estimators for other types of ICCs that arise in more complex scenarios. It would also be interesting to investigate the bias-variance trade-off.