bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of biomolecule immobilization by scanning force microscopy using a wet‐masking technique
Authors: Fritzsche Wolfgang , Ermantraut Eugen , Köhler J. Michael
Published: June 2010

The assemblage of molecular layers was investigated using scanning force microscopy (SFM). A wet‐masking technique was used for the preparation of monolayer steps by partial masking of the substrate with an elastomeric mask during incubation in the modification buffers. The subsequent adsorption of biotin, streptavidin, and biotiny lated beads onto a gold substrate was investigated by SFM visualization of the created steps. The molecular layers were characterized based on measurements of step height and surface roughness. The simultaneous visualization of the surface before and after modification minimizes artifacts introduced by changes in tip shape or imaging parameters.
Correlating auger electron spectroscopy with scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy for the analysis of respirable particles
Authors: Stephens James W. , Harrison Joel C. , Wallace William E.
Published: June 2010

A method has been developed to characterize large populations of individual respirable particles. With the use of custom data collection and data correlation computer software, the same set of particles can be analyzed in multiple instruments. The method is demonstrated by the analysis of a sample of hard‐metal particles. A series of particles are analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy, and then the same particles are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy.
Investigation of foreign substances in food using scanning electron microscopy‐x‐ray microanalysis
Authors: Charbonneau James E.
Published: June 2010

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x‐ray microanalysis (EDS) were used to conduct forensic investigations on metal and glass foreign objects. SEM‐EDS is an excellent method for identifying metal foreign objects in food, such as wire, dental fillings, bone, and metal packaging, based on their element composition. From a determination of the extent of corrosion of a metal foreign object using SEM‐EDS, it is sometimes possible to determine whether the material has been processed with the food product. Case histories of processed aluminum, unprocessed nickel‐coated steel, and corrosion resistant stainless steel foreign objects are discussed. A potential product‐tampering problem involving a hole defect in a paperboard package was resolved using SEM‐EDS. Blue fibers found in the hole were found to contain brass particles from a ball point pen rather than a syringe needle. SEM‐EDS has been used to determine the elemental composition of glass foreign objects and is able to distinguish between many types of glass including container, electrical, and bakeware. A case history is presented to show that although container glasses cannot, in general, be distiguished from one another using SEM‐ED S, they can be distinguished by trace element semiquantitative spectrograghic analysis. SEM‐EDS can be used to distinguish glass‐like foreign objects from glass. Case histories of struvite crystals found in salmon and cream of tartar crystals found in grape juice are discussed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) identified the cream of tartar crystal as calcium tartrate, and this complemented the calcium, carbon, and oxygen components of the compound found using SEM‐EDS.
Transformation reactions of partially gold‐coated bioactive Ca‐P glass granules investigated by analytical scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Valdrè Giovanni
Published: June 2010

In the present work, we have clarified the detail of the surface transformation reactions of bioactive calcium‐phosphate (Ca‐P) glass granules induced by in vivo implantation in rabbit dorsal muscle sites. To this aim we have compared the behaviour, during the same implantation, between the as‐prepared and gold‐coated only‐on‐one‐side glass granules. The deposited gold layer enabled us to determine very precisely the initial position of the surface of the glass before the transformation took place. In addition, since the gold layer acts as a diffusion barrier, it allowed the study of the direction and the mechanism of crystal growth which occurred at the glass surface. Lapped and polished cross‐sections of the samples were examined by backscattered electron (BSE) imaging and quantitative (with standards) x‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The observations showed the presence of an interlayered structure. Quantitative EDS microanalysis performed by profiling the electron beam across the samples indicated the presence of hydrated calcium phosphate in the external layer, an inhomogeneous silica‐rich gel‐type layer in the middle layer, and an unaffected original Ca‐P glass in the centre. From the comparison with those granules gold‐coated on one side, we deduced that the hydrated calcium phosphate layer grew towards the interior of the granules at the expense of the starting glass. A simple model, based on the balance of the concentrations of the elements which have diffused in the different layers, is proposed to explain the contribution of the elements constituting the original glass to the formation of the different layers. This result agrees with the experimental data obtained from image analysis and the microstructural behaviour of this type of glass is discussed.
How the down step edges influence formation of the 7×7 structure
Authors: Hata Kenji , Okawa Shuichi , Miyake Koji , Shigekawa Hidemi
Published: June 2010

A surface that has wide terraces was fabricated by utilizing the step bunching phenomenon to study the effect of the down step edges on the formation of the 7×7 reconstruction. The surface with wide terraces was quenched through the 1×1–7×7 phase transition, freezing the formation process of the 7×7 reconstruction. On this surface, it became possible to investigate the influence of the down step edges on the formation of the 7×7 reconstruction because the influence of the upper step edge, which is located at the other side of the terrace, did not reach to the down step edge. A considerable decrease in the existence probability of the 7×7 reconstruction was observed near the down step edges. This decrease cannot explained by electromigration and steps advancement caused by the difference in adatom density between the 7×7 and disordered structure. Instead, we propose that the decrease in existence probability at down step edges is well explained by a simple topographic model assuming corner holes as the growth nuclei of the 7×7 domains.
An automated image alignment system for the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Rosolen G. C. , King W. D.
Published: June 2010

We have developed an automated image alignment system for the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This system enables specific locations on a sample to be located and automatically aligned with submicron accuracy. The system comprises a sample stage motorization and control unit together with dedicated imaging electronics and image processing software. The standard SEM sample stage is motorized in the X and Y axes with stepping motors which are fitted with rotary optical encoders. The imaging electronics are interfaced to beam deflection electronics of the SEM and provide the image data for the image processing software. The system initially moves the motorized sample stage to the area of interest and acquires an image. This image is compared with a reference image to determine the required adjustments to the stage position or beam deflection. This procedure is repeated until the area imaged by the SEM matches the reference image. A hierarchical image correlation technique is used to achieve submicron alignment accuracy in a few seconds. The ability to control the SEM beam deflection enables the images to be aligned with an accuracy far exceeding the positioning ability of the SEM stage. The alignment system may be used on a variety of samples without the need for registration or alignment marks since the features in the SEM image are used for alignment. This system has been used for the automatic inspection of devices on semiconductor wafers, and has also enabled the SEM to be used for direct write self‐aligned electron beam lithography.
Staining tissue with methacrylate casts for light microscopy
Authors: Sekosan Marin , Schraufnagel Dean E.
Published: June 2010

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of methyl methacrylate casts and light microscopy (LM) of tissue are well‐established methods for studying the microcirculation. The two are complimentary, but methacrylate is transparent and thus its presence is often not appreciated by LM. Histologic stains applied to methyl methacrylate in tissue sections would better identify by LM and allow the relationships with the SEM view of cast vasculature. We sought to test different stains on cast tissue to find one that would accent the cast. Surgically removed and autopsied human lungs were cast with methacry late and processed by routine light microscopic methods. They were stained with the hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichome, elastic‐van Gieson, Grocottmethenamine silver, Brown‐Brennan, and Ziehl‐Neelsen methods. The Ziehl‐Neelsen procedure stained the methacry late best, giving it a red color. This procedure also worked well without heating. We conclude that (1) cast methacry late lung can be processed for routine LM with excellent results; (2) methacry late stains well with the Ziehl‐Neelsen technique; (3) the acid‐fast stained cast lung shows capillaries and cells in both normal and diseased lung better than the routine hematoxylin and eosin stain; (4) this technique can be used to assess filling and correlate findings on the same tissue with the two different microscopic methods.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy of chondrocytes in vitro: Cytoskeletal changes after quinolone treatment
Authors: Walter I. , Egerbacher M. , Wolfesberger B. , Seiberl G.
Published: June 2010

The use of quinolone antibiotics would be significant for chronically diseased children (e.g., cysticfibrosis) as a prophylactic long‐term treatment. However, quinolones were shown to cause cartilage damage in experimental animals when administered during certain developmental stages. In the present study, the effect of quinolones on chondrocytes was studied in a cell culture model in order to avoid animal experiments, to investigate the influence of single factors, and to open up the possibility to test human tissue. Chondrocytes were obtained from hipjoint cartilage of 3 to 4‐weeks‐old rats and cultured in control medium or quinolone‐supplemented medium. It was shown that quinolones heavily disturbed adhesion of chondrocytes to the culture dish, accompanied by changes in cell shape and cytoskeletal morphology. Reduction of filamentous actin (stress fibers) and disintegration of vimentin fibers was demonstrated by immunofluorescence and evaluated by con‐focal laser scanning microscopy. In contrast, distribution and amount of the adhesion molecule integrin α did not change. Results of the present study indicate that quinolones disturb the adherence mechanism of chondrocytes and lead to cytoskeleton changes.
Errors in quantitative backscattered electron analysis of bone standardized by energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry
Authors: Vajda Eric. G. , Skedros John. G. , Bloebaum Roy. D.
Published: June 2010

Backscattered electron (BSE) imaging has proven to be a useful method for analyzing the mineral distribution in microscopic regions of bone. However, an accepted method of standardization has not been developed, limiting the utility of BSE imaging for truly quantitative analysis. Previous work has suggested that BSE images can be standardized by energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (EDX). Unfortunately, EDX‐standardized BSE images tend to underestimate the mineral content of bone when compared with traditional ash measurements. The goal of this study is to investigate the nature of the deficit between EDX‐standardized BSE images and ash measurements. A series of analytical standards, ashed bone specimens, and unembedded bone specimens were investigated to determine the source of the deficit previously reported. The primary source of error was found to be inaccurate ZAF corrections to account for the organic phase of the bone matrix. Conductive coatings, methyl‐methacrylate embedding media, and minor elemental constituents in bone mineral introduced negligible errors. It is suggested that the errors would remain constant and an empirical correction could be used to account for the deficit. However, extensive preliminary testing of the analysis equipment is essential.
NSOM the fourth dimension: Integrating nanometric spatial and femtosecond time resolution
Authors: Lewis Aaron , Ben‐Ami Udi , Kuck Nily , Fish Galina , Diamant Dora , Lubovsky Lev , Lieberman Klony , Katz Sharon , Saar Amir , Roth Michael
Published: June 2010

Photonic devices are becoming the cornerstone of next generation systems for computing and information processing. This paper reports on the first steps in the development of methods to understand these devices with nanometric (10−7 cm) spatial and femtosecond (10−15 s) time resolution. The basis of this achievement is the dramatic developments that have occurred in the past few years in a new area of optics called near‐field optics. Near‐field optics is a form of lensless optics with a resolution that is subwavelength and which is independent of the wavelength of the light being employed. We report in this paper the transmission of pulses with tens of femtosecond duration through subwavelength, near‐field optical elements. We also report on a femtosecond near‐field optical light source with cross‐correlating capabilities and on the growth of GaAs in the tip of micropipettes for use as an ultra‐fast electro‐optical switch which can cross‐correlate optical, electrical, and electro‐optical effects. These developments are especially relevant in the investigation of photonic devices since such devices can alter their characteristics as a function of size in the mesoscopic regime from just below lens‐based optical resolutions to dimensions that approach atomic scales of ∼1 nm (10−7 cm). In view of the fact that these devices and the processes that govern them also exhibit ultrafast speeds, the combination of state of the art femtosecond laser spectroscopy with the unique features of near‐field optics is a critical step in advancing our next generation understandings of such materials and structures so that their full potential in information processing can be achieved.
Monte Carlo calculations for specimens with microstructures
Authors: Ly T. D. , Howitt D. G. , Farrens M. K. , Harker A. B.
Published: June 2010

The calculation of secondary and backscattered signals from a heterogeneous sample has been done by modifying the calculation procedures that are used in the Monte Carlo calculations for homogeneous specimens.
Effects of the introduction of the discrete energy loss process into Monte Carlo simulation of electron scattering
Authors: Murata Kenji , Yasuda Masaaki , Kawata Hiroaki
Published: June 2010

First, the single scattering model is briefly described. Next, the hybrid model is explained, which takes into consideration a part of the discrete energy loss processes. The Vriens or the Gryzinski cross section is used for core electron ionizations, and the Moller cross section for free electron excitations. The model is applied to the calculations of the energy distribution of transmitted electrons through a thin film and the depth distribution of generated x‐rays. From comparisons among the calculated results with and without energy straggling and experimental data, it is found that the Gryzinski cross section shows the best result.
Monte Carlo modeling of secondary x‐ray fluorescence across phase boundaries in electron probe microanalysis
Authors: Myklebust Robert L. , Newbury Dale E.
Published: June 2010

Secondary fluorescence induced by photoelectric absorption of x‐rays generated by an electron beam can occur when the characteristic x‐ray energy of material “A” exceeds the critical excitation energy of material “B.” An expression is developed to calculate secondary fluorescence across a planar boundary from a discrete source placed at any (X, Y, Z) coordinates relative to the boundary. The expression can be incorporated into a Monte Carlo electron trajectory simulation which calculates the discrete distribution of primary x‐ray generation.
Use of Monte Carlo modeling for interpreting scanning electron microscope linewidth measurements
Authors: Lowney Jeremiah R.
Published: June 2010

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be used to measure the dimensions of the microlithographic features of integrated circuits. However, without a good model of the electron‐beam/specimen interaction, accurate edge location cannot be obtained. A Monte Carlo code has been developed to model the interaction of an electron beam with one or two lines lithographically produced on a multilayer substrate. The purpose of the code is to enable one to extract the edge position of a line from SEM measurements. It is based on prior codes developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, but with a new formulation for the atomic scattering cross sections and the inclusion of a method to simulate edge roughness or rounding. The code is currently able to model the transmitted and backscattered electrons, and the results from the code have been applied to the analysis of electron transmission through gold lines on a thin silicon substrate, such as is used in an x‐ray lithographic mask. Significant reductions in backscattering occur because of the proximity of a neighboring line.
Application of scanning electron microscopy for pollution particle source determination in residential dust and soil
Authors: Brown R. S. , Millette J. R. , Mount M. D.
Published: June 2010

Many tons of electric furnace flue dust accumulated in an industrial area in Tifton, Georgia. Vehicles transporting the flue dust, classified as K061 hazardous waste because it contained lead and cadmium, initially dumped the material in a warehouse. Once the warehouse was full, the flue dust was dumped in uncovered piles. Run‐off from the piles and wind‐driven particles had the opportunity to contaminate nearby industries, residential buildings, and neighborhood soils over a period of many years. Scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDS) was used to compare the morphology and chemical composition of fly ash dust from the suspect pile with samples collected from the surrounding buildings and soil. Adhesive samplers were used to collect dust that had accumulated in buildings surrounding the fly ash dump site. Suspect dust particles were analyzed by SEM‐EDS and compared with known dust particles from the fly ash pile. Soil samples were dried, sieved, and the “fines” analyzed by SEM‐EDS for comparison with samples from the fly ash pile. Fly ash particles similar in morphology and chemical composition to the fly ash in the suspect pile were identified in most of the buildings sampled surrounding the fly ash dump site and in all of the soil samples analyzed surrounding the dumpsite. This case study illustrates the usefulness of applying morphology and chemistry information acquired by SEM‐EDS for pollution particle source determination.
Compositional imaging of polymers using a field emission scanning electron microscope with a microchannel plate backscattered electron detector
Authors: Brostin Joel
Published: June 2010

The incorporation of a microchannel plate backscattered electron (BSE) detector into the field emission scanning electron microscope allows compositional imaging of polymers and other organic phases to be performed without chemical modification. Small atomic number differences, such as the presence or lack of oxygen, provide ample contrast when specimens are imaged without coating at accelerating voltages close to EII (Goldstein et al. 1984). Conventional electron stains provide superb contrast for purely hydrocarbon systems that have no intrinsic contrast.
Atomic force microscopy for ultrafiltration membrane imaging
Authors: Centoni S. A. , Vanasupa L. S. , Tong P. S.
Published: June 2010

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can reveal nanometer‐scale structure of samples without the sample preparation techniques that involve dehydration. This is particularly important for hydrophilic organic materials. An asymmetric polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane (molecular weight cutoff rated at 10 kg/mol) was imaged by AFM. Sample mounting methods tried include cyanoacrylate, double‐sided tape, and paraffin. Wax and tape bonding did not lead to usable images. Cyanoacrylate bonding resulted in images that appear to show 2.8° 109 pores/m2 approximately 3 nm in diameter, creating a porosity of 2%. This is consistent with estimates of molecular sizes for 10 kg/mol proteins, but not with the results of other AFM studies of similar membranes. The discrepancies can be explained largely by differences in sample preparation techniques.
World wide web‐controlled scanning electron microscope
Authors: Chand G. , Breton B. C. , Caldwell N. H. M. , Holburn D. M.
Published: June 2010

This paper1 presents a system for remote control of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) over the Internet using the World Wide Web (WWW). The evolution of the SEM to its current incarnation as a PC‐SEM is noted, and the World Wide Web is briefly described. The implementation of the authors' system is detailed in terms of configuration and manner of interaction. The potential commercial applications of the research are described. Related work in microscopy and networking fields is considered. A discussion of the advantages of the described system and expected future directions for research and development concludes the paper.
The fine structure of fenestrated adrenocortical capillaries revealed by in‐lens field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Apkarian Robert P.
Published: June 2010

Cell biologists probing the physiologic movement of macromolecules and solutes across the fenestrated microvascular endothelial cell have used electron microscopy to locate the postulated pore within the fenestrae. Prior to the advent of in‐lens field‐emission high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and ultrathin m et al coating technology, quick‐freeze, platinum‐carbon replica and grazing thin‐section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods provided two‐dimensional or indirect imaging methods. Wedge‐shaped octagonal channels composed of fibrils interwoven in a central mesh were depicted as the filtering structures of fenestral diaphragms in images of platinum replicas enhanced by photographic augmentation. However, image accuracy was limited to replication of the cell surface. Subsequent to this, HRSEM technology was developed and provided a high‐fidelity, three‐dimensional topographic image of the fenestral surface directly from a fixed and dried bulk adrenal specimen coated with a 1 nm chromium film. First described from TEM replicas, the “flower‐like” structure comprising the fenestral pores was readily visualized by HRSEM. High‐resolution images contained particulate ectodomains on the lumenal surface of the endothelial cell membrane. Particles arranged in a rough octagonal shape formed the fenestral rim. Digital acquisition of analog photographic recordings revealed a filamentous meshwork in the diaphragm, thus confirming and extending observations from replica and grazing section TEM preparations. Endothelial cell pockets, first described in murine renal peritubular capillaries, were observed in rhesus and rabbit adrenocortical capillaries. This report features recent observations of fenestral diaphragms and endothelial pockets fitted with multiple diaphragms utilizing a Schottky field‐emission electron microscope. In‐lens staging of bulk and thin section specimens allowed tandem imaging in HRSEM and scanning TEM modes at 25 kV.
Differential contrast imaging of secondary electron signals in cryo‐field‐emission scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Peters Klaus‐Ruediger , Wergin William P.
Published: June 2010

Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) is limited in resolution and image quality by charging of frozen hydrated samples and collection deficiencies of secondary electron signal contrasts. We measured and corrected both effects using differential hysteresis processing (DHP) of LTSEM images, scanned at 15‐bit from 5×4 inch Polaroid negatives. Bulk charging produced a major contrast component equal to 44–87% of the intensity range of the image. The strong charging contrast reduced the local high‐resolution signal contrasts to an unrecognizable level. Segmentation and imaging of the unaffected surface contrasts produced high‐quality images of high contrast from metal‐coated samples as well as from uncoated samples. The differential contrast imaging can be used for control of the sequential etching of ice from the non metal‐coated sample as well as improved LTSEM imaging of the finally coated sample.
Fracture analysis of concrete using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Nemati Kamran M.
Published: June 2010

A special experimental technique has been developed that enables the preservation of the compressive stress‐induced microcracks in concrete as they exist under applied loads. This technique involves injecting a molten‐metal alloy into the induced cracks and solidifying it before unloading. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to capture images from the cross sections of the concrete specimens. These images were then used to study the generation and interaction of the compressive stress‐induced microcracks and the effect of confinement on microcrack behavior.
New generation scanning electron microscopy technology based on the concept of active image processing
Authors: Oho Eisaku , Hoshino Yoshinobu , Ogashiwa Takeshi
Published: June 2010

A new generation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technology is proposed based on the concept of “active image processing.” In order to collect sufficient data for a purpose which is defined in the utilization of active image processing, we may need more devices from among a variety of useful hardware, for example, a digital scan generator with meaningful parameters and an analog‐to‐digital converter for ultrahigh density recording. After the data acquisition, the application of some digital image processing techniques is certainly effective, because the method in question is specially designed so that the property of obtained data will be suitable for the application of these techniques. The present technology should produce a variety of attractive options in the field of SEM.
A monte carlo study of the position of phase boundaries in backscattered electron images
Authors: Cousens D. R. , Joy D. C.
Published: June 2010

A Monte Carlo simulation of the contrast variation across phase boundaries in backscattered electron images of multiple phase composition systems has been used to develop a model for prediction of the position of the interface based solely on a knowledge of the signal intensity levels on either side of the interface. A wide range of average atomic numbers of the phases on either side of the boundary have been investigated at incident beam energies of 5, 10, 15, and 25 kV and a least‐squares minimisation procedure used to optimise the parameters of a generalised model.
C‐banding visualized by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Tan Erdal , Şahin Feride İffet , Ergün Mehmet Ali , Ercan Ismail , Menevşe Adnan
Published: June 2010

C‐banding is a method used for studying chromosome rearrangements near centromeres and for investigating polymorphisms. In human chromosomes, the C‐bands are located at the centromere of all the chromosomes and the distal long arm of the Y chromosome. In this study, we aimed to detect the structural changes in chromosomes during the stages of C‐banding by atomic force microscopy. We observed crater‐like structures in the chromosomes after 2×SSC (saline sodium citrate) treatment and measured the relative difference between the heights of chromatid and centromere of the chromosomes. Results showed that the relative difference was 3 nm in chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y, whereas in the other chromosomes this value was 11.6 nm. After Giemsa staining, the relative difference increased by a factor of 16 in chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y. The other chromosomes showed no such increase, which is in accordance with our suggestion that nonhiston proteins associated with DNA in constitutive heterochromatin can make the constitutive heterochromatin resistant to C‐banding.
Improvement of DNA‐visualization in dynamic mode atomic force microscopy in air
Authors: Noll Frank , Geisler Bernd , Hampp Norbert
Published: June 2010

Near‐contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging leads to sharper representations of DNA double strands on mica imaged at ambient conditions compared with noncontact mode AFM. Phase shift was used for feedback control yielding height information using a simple model calculation. No contact between tip and sample occurs. Measured DNA widths were up to four times smaller than measured with the same AFM tip in noncontact mode at ambient condition.
Metrics for focusing in extremely noisy scanning electron microscopy condition
Authors: Oho Eisaku , Kawamura Kazunari , Hatakeyama Toshiaki , Suzuki Kazuhiko
Published: June 2010

Finding a best focused image in very noisy condition is an extremely difficult task for the SEM user. If a performance, which is much higher than that of an expert in focusing, can be achieved in a computer‐controlled scanning electron microscope (SEM), it will be very helpful for our field due to the many possible applications. To accomplish this work, we employ a powerful metric‐the covariance obtained by a special scanning method. It can select the best focused image from a series of SEM images acquired by altering the focus of the objective lens under an extremely noisy SEM image condition. The noise immunity of the present method is quantitatively evaluated, and it is further improved based on the obtained evaluation result.
Getting started in student affairs development
Authors: Morgan Myra F. , Policello Sharon M.
Published: June 2010

This chapter examines the challenges that are associated with initiating a fundraising effort in a student affairs division, particularly for administrators at large public universities.
Likelihood inference
Authors: Reid Nancy
Published: June 2010

The essential role of the likelihood function in both Bayesian and non‐Bayesian inference is described. Several topics related to the extension of likelihood‐based methodology to more complex settings are reviewed, including modifications to profile likelihood, composite and pseudo‐likelihoods, quasi‐likelihood, semi‐parametric and non‐parametric likelihoods, and empirical likelihood. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods
The Book of Isaiah
Authors: Baltzer Klaus
Published: June 2010

The Book of Isaiah is a wonderful work that is preserved from antiquity both in its Hebrew and its Greek version. It is a history written and reworked by many generations, covering the following periods: the Assyrian period (ca. 911–605 B.C.E.), the Neo-Babylonian period (ca. 625–539 B.C.E.), and the Persian period (ca. 550–333 B.C.E.).1
Unless a Seed Falls: Cultivating Liberal Institutions
Authors: McKanan Dan
Published: June 2010

I have inherited a paradox. As the inaugural holder of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Unitarian Universalist Association chair, I am accountable in some sense to a man who once told the graduates of this school to “cast behind [them] all conformity” to what they had learned at school, relying on themselves rather than on the institutions of “historical Christianity.” But I am also accountable to one of those institutions—indeed, to the very denominational tradition that Emerson was leaving behind when he urged our students to “acquaint men at first hand with deity.”1 This level of institutional accountability in a Harvard chair has few precedents. Among my colleagues, only Francis Schussler Fiorenza has the name of a denomination in his title, and while the Charles Chauncy Stillman chair of Roman Catholic studies may contain its own paradoxes, I am guessing that the pope was not as intimately involved in its creation as Unitarian Universalist president Bill Sinkford was in the funding of the Emerson chair.
Reintegrating Care for the Dying, Body and Soul
Authors: Balboni Michael J. , Balboni Tracy A.
Published: June 2010

Modern medicine owes many of its founding principles to a spiritual heritage. However, passage through the Enlightenment and entry into a secular, pluralistic health context have yielded an estranged relationship between care of the body and care of the soul.1 Scientific medicine now holds the primary role in care of the body while religious communities are solely responsible for care of the soul. The needs of both body and soul are in many respects served well by this specialization and division of labor, but ultimately, of course, human experience is not susceptible to such a simplistic dichotomization. The lack of integration of spiritual and material care of the human person in contemporary life has led to increasingly evident tensions, most notably in the mechanization and isolation of the experiences of illness and dying.2
Short-term ingestive behaviour of cattle grazing tropical stoloniferous grasses with contrasting growth forms
Authors: HIRATA M. , KUNIEDA E. , TOBISA M.
Published: June 2010

Relationships between sward height and short-term ingestive behaviour of cattle were examined for two tropical stoloniferous grasses with contrasting growth forms: centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides(Munro) Hack.; (CG); strongly prostrate) and bahia grass (Paspalum notatumFlügge; (BG); more erect). Turves (500×500 mm) were extracted from field monoculture swards of each grass after the varying duration of re-growth, and presented to animals for a short period (10 bites) to measure bite dimensions (area, depth and volume), bite mass, time per bite and intake rate. In the same re-growth period, CG was always shorter and denser than BG. Bite dimensions, the bite mass and the intake rate of animals increased at a declining rate as the sward height increased for both grasses, showing a tendency for a steeper initial increase, an earlier plateau and a lower maximum in CG than in BG. Due to the difference in the shape of the intake rate response, animals on BG were estimated to require a longer grazing time than those on CG to attain the same daily herbage intake, when the sward is shorter than about 200 mm. The sward height below which the daily intake of animals may be restricted was lower for CG (61–70 mm) than for BG (71–92 mm). The results indicate an advantage of strongly prostrated, highly dense grasses (e.g. CG) over more erect, less dense grasses (e.g. BG) when grazed at a relatively low height (<200 mm). In relation to increasing bite mass, the time per bite pooled over CG and BG was constant until the bite mass reached a critical value (0·55 g dry matter (DM)) and thereafter increased linearly with the bite mass, confirming that cattle are able to perform compound jaw movements that gather herbage into the mouth (manipulative jaw movement) and chew herbage already in the mouth (chewing jaw movement) within one cycle of opening and closing of the jaws.
Extra-oral approach to removal of parotid duct stones
Authors: Macassey E , Ahsan F , Allison R
Published: June 2010

There are many different management strategies for salivary calculi within the parotid ducts. Commonly, the stones can be extracted via an intra-oral approach. Stones that are farther from the papillae require more complex management. This article describes a technique for extra-oral excision of palpable salivary calculi using known external facial landmarks and dissection. Two cases are discussed and illustrations shown, and a brief discussion of other techniques for the management of salivary stones is included.
A rat model of mild intestinal inflammation induced byStaphylococcus aureusenterotoxin B
Authors: Pérez-Bosque Anna , Moretó Miquel
Published: June 2010

The epithelial barrier of the intestine and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) protects the host against luminal pathogenic micro-organisms. This is important at weaning, when animals are exposed to infectious agents and stresses. We have developed a rat model of intestinal inflammation post weaning, based on the systemic administration ofStaphylococcus aureusenterotoxin B (SEB). Since the inflammatory response obtained is mild, the food intake pattern is not affected, which makes this model useful for studies of nutritional therapies for intestinal inflammatory disease. SEB increased T-lymphocytes in Peyer's patches and the number of activated T-lymphocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes (organized GALT). In the lamina propria, SEB increased activated T-lymphocytes as well as cytotoxic and natural killer-cell populations of the diffuse GALT. It also increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators in both Peyer's patches and mucosa. Rats given SEB had higher paracellular permeability to macromolecules, which was associated with a reduction in epithelial tightness. This model was used to examine whether dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma proteins affects intestinal inflammation. Results showed that dietary plasma proteins can attenuate the mucosal immune response in both organized and diffuse GALT and that these effects are mediated by a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Ont-entropy and variational principle for the spectral radii of transfer and weighted shift operators
Authors: ANTONEVICH A. B. , BAKHTIN V. I. , LEBEDEV A. V.
Published: June 2010

The paper deals with the variational principles for evaluation of the spectral radii of transfer and weighted shift operators associated with a dynamical system. These variational principles have been the matter of numerous investigations and the principal results have been achieved in the situation when the dynamical system is either reversible or a topological Markov chain. As the main summands, these principles contain the integrals over invariant measures and the Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy. In the paper we derive the variational principle for anarbitrarydynamical system. It gives the explicit description of the Legendre dual object to the spectral potential. It is shown that in general this principle contains not the Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy but a new invariant of entropy type—thet-entropy.
Cutting Back Public Investment after 1980: Collateral Damage, Policy Legacies and Political Adjustment
Authors: KEMAN HANS
Published: June 2010

Since the 1980s public investment expenditures have been cut back in many OECD democracies. One explanation is a priority for fiscal stringency in order to curb big government in the context of neo-liberal ideas, which is reinforced by EMU requirements in the 1990s. Another is the potential impact of left and right partisan politics on investment policies. The main finding here is that the overall decrease in public investment expenditure appears to be caused by collateral damage due to the downsizing of total government outlays. This is particularly the case where there is a policy legacy of the Left with high levels of total public spending on the welfare state prior to the 1980s. Where the Right in government has been dominant after 1980, this downward development in public investment is particularly noticeable.
Paths and Forks or Chutes and Ladders?: Negative Feedbacks and Policy Regime Change
Authors: WEAVER KENT
Published: June 2010

The literature on path dependence has emphasized positive feedback effects that make it difficult to shift from a policy regime once it is in place. This article argues that policy regimes may also have strong negative feedback effects that undermine the political, fiscal or social sustainability of an existing policy regime. The prospects for a shift in policy regime depend largely on the balance between positive and negative feedback effects; the availability of incremental reform options that can be used to patch the status quo; and the availability of politically and fiscally attractive regime transition options. The paper argues that differential survival rates of different public pension regimes in western industrial countries can be understood by the interaction of these three factors.
Effect of donor cell age on development of ovine nuclear transfer embryos in vitro
Authors: Heidari B. , Shirazi A. , Tajic P. , Ahmadi E. , Nazari H. , Shams-Esfandabadi N. , Ghasemzadeh-Nava H.
Published: June 2010

The effects of the age of cell donor animal on in vitro development of ovine nuclear transfer (NT) embryos were investigated. Somatic donor cells were obtained from two different sources: (1) adult cells (adult fibroblast cells; AFC and adult cumulus cells; ACC); and (2) fetal fibroblasts (40-day-old; FFC-40 and 65-day-old; FFC-65). The fibroblast cell lines were used for NT procedures within 4–13 subpassages. While the cumulus cells were used as non-cultured (fresh) cells. The in vitro matured abattoir-derived oocytes were considered as recipients. No differences in the rates of fusion (75.7, 77.7, 76.3 and 86.7%) and cleavage (80.1, 84.3, 77.8 and 74%) were detected among couplets reconstructed with FFC-40, FFC-65, AFC and ACC, respectively. Blastocyst formation rate of those oocytes reconstructed with FFC-40 was higher (18%; p < 0.001) than those reconstructed with FFC-65 (13%) and AFC (10.9) and comparable with those reconstructed with ACC (17.5%). When the effect of passage number was analysed within groups (FFC-40, FFC-65 and AFC) there were no significant differences in fusion, cleavage and blastocyst rates between reconstructed oocytes. The present study demonstrates that the fetal and adult fibroblasts as well as fresh cumulus cells are comparable in their ability to attain cell fusion and embryonic cleavage. Moreover, the blastocyst formation rate is influenced by the age of the donor animal and the fresh cumulus cells have similar remodelling potential to that of fetal fibroblasts in term of blastocyst formation rate.
Development and evaluation of a method for calculating the Healthy Eating Index-2005 using the Nutrition Data System for Research
Authors: Miller Paige E , Mitchell Diane C , Harala Priscilla L , Pettit Janet M , Smiciklas-Wright Helen , Hartman Terryl J
Published: June 2010

Objective

To develop and evaluate a method for calculating the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) with the widely used Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) based on the method developed for use with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrient Dietary Data System (FNDDS) and MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED).

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Non-institutionalized, community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and above.

Subjects

Two hundred and seventy-one adults participating in the Geisinger Rural Aging Study (GRAS) and 620 age- and race-matched adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002 (NHANES) were included in the analysis. The HEI-2005 scores were generated using NDSR in GRAS and compared to scores generated using FNDDS and MPED in NHANES.

Results

Similar total HEI-2005 scores (mean 62·0 (se 0·75) in GRAS v. 57·4 (se 0·55) in NHANES) were estimated, and the individual components most strongly correlated with total score in both samples were compared. Cronbach’s coefficient α values of HEI-2005 were 0·52 in GRAS and 0·43 in NHANES.

Conclusions

Since NDSR is commonly used for educational purposes, in clinical settings and in nutrition research, it is important to develop methodology for assessing diet quality through the use of HEI-2005 with this dietary analysis software application and its accompanying food and nutrient database. Results from the present study show that HEI-2005 scores can be generated with NDSR using the method described in the present study and the detailed USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion technical report as guidance.
Overall glycaemic index and glycaemic load of habitual diet and risk of heart disease
Authors: Grau Katrine , Tetens Inge , Bjørnsbo Kirsten S , Heitman Berit L
Published: June 2010

Objective

To test the hypothesis that diets with high glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) increase the risk of heart disease.

Design

Overall GI and GL were assessed from 7 d diet records or diet history interviews.

Setting

Information on hospitalization and death due to CVD and CHD was obtained from the National Register of Cause of Death and the National Register of Patients.

Subjects

In total 3959 adult Danes were – depending on time of entry – followed for 6–25 years until 31 December 1999.

Results

Overall GI was inversely associated with heart disease in men. The hazard ratios (95 % CI) for the 10th and 90th GI percentiles compared with the median were 1·38 (1·13, 1·68) and 0·90 (0·76, 1·07) for CVD morbidity, 1·45 (1·05, 1·99) and 0·81 (0·62, 1·06) for CVD mortality, and 1·31 (0·97, 1·76) and 0·65 (0·51, 0·84) for CHD morbidity. In male subjects GL was not associated with either outcome. In women no clear association between overall GI and heart disease was found, whereas positive non-linear associations were found for GL: at very high levels of GL, increase in GL was associated with increasing CVD and CHD morbidity.

Conclusions

In men low-GI diets were associated increased risk of heart disease and GL was not associated with heart disease. In women there was no clear association between GI and heart disease, but to some extent a positive association between GL and heart disease was observed as hypothesized.
Alliances, market power, and postwar trade: explaining the GATT/WTO
Authors: GOWA JOANNE
Published: June 2010

This paper argues that testing the empirical implications of existing theories about institutions yields rich insights into the postwar trade regime. Market-failure theory predicts that the GATT/WTO will exert its strongest impact on trade between its largest member states. A theory based on security externalities implies that a sizeable expansion of trade will also occur between a subset of the contracting parties that alliance ties link. An analysis of the data shows that the evidence is consistent with both theories, making clear the value added of taking explicitly into account the economics and politics that motivated the establishment of the postwar regime and that governed its subsequent operation.
Optimal funding of defined benefit pension plans
Authors: HAINAUT DONATIEN , DEELSTRA GRISELDA
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we address the issue of determining the optimal contribution rate of a defined benefit pension fund. The affiliate's mortality is modelled by a jump process and the benefits paid at retirement are function of the evolution of future salaries. Assets of the fund are invested in cash, stocks, and a rolling bond. Interest rates are driven by a Vasicek model. The objective is to minimize both the quadratic spread between the contribution rate and the normal cost, and the quadratic spread between the terminal wealth and the mathematical reserve required to cover benefits. The optimization is done under a budget constraint that guarantees the actuarial equilibrium between the current asset and future contributions and benefits. The method of resolution is based on the Cox–Huang approach and on dynamic programming.