bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the shape of a set of points and lines in the plane
Authors: van Kreveld M. , van Lankveld T. , Veltkamp R. C.
Published: August 2011

Detailed geometric models of the real world are in increasing demand. LiDAR data is appropriate to reconstruct urban models. In urban scenes, the individual surfaces can be reconstructed and connected to form the scene geometry. There are various methods for reconstructing the free‐form shape of a point sample on a single surface. However, these methods do not take the context of the surface into account. We present the guided α‐shape: an extension of the well known α‐shape that uses lines (guides) to indicate preferred locations for the boundary of the shape. The guided α‐shape uses (parts of) these lines as boundary where the points suggest that this is appropriate. We prove that the guided α‐shape can be constructed in O((n + m) log (n + m)) time, from an input of n points and m guides. We apply guided α‐shapes to urban reconstruction from LiDAR, where neighboring surfaces can be connected conveniently along their intersection lines into adjacent surfaces of a 3D model. We analyze guided α‐shapes of both synthetic and real data and show they are consistently better than α‐shapes for this application.
Tranquillisers as Social Control?
Authors: Gabe Jonathan , Lipshitz–Phillips Susan
Published: August 2011

In this paper we use findings from an empirical study of the meaning of tranquilliser prescribing and use to examine the contention that these drugs are a means of social control, and to assess the explanatory value of the concept of social control when applied to the doctor-patient relationship. We first outline the historical application of the concept to the health field, specify the cultural mechanisms by which social control is said to be achieved and look at the ways in which the mechanisms are thought to operate through the prescribing of the most widely used kind of tranquilliser/hypnotic–benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Mogadon). We then draw on our data to see how far they substantiate the arguments which have been developed. In the final section of the paper we suggest some alternative explanations regarding the nature of doctors' power and of patient dependence. We also discuss problems involved in conceptualizing gender and class ideologies, note an inherent tendency towards an over-socialized view of the person and assess the usefulness of functionalist explanations stemming from the application of the social control concept to the doctor–patient relationship.
Multidimensional Developmental Pathways: A Proposal to Facilitate the Conceptualisation of ‘Family Diversity’
Authors: Bernardes Jon
Published: August 2011

This analysis takes Elder's work on the life-course as a starting point. Two proposals are made: (1) That the sociological use of the concept of ‘the family’ should be restricted to indicate only the occurrence of everyday usage; (2) That the notion of the ‘family life-course’ be replaced by the notion of individual life-courses coinciding upon developmental pathways. In this way the idea of a central type of ‘the family’ is made redundant and we are required, instead, to discover when and why participants refer to a particular developmental pathway as being ‘a family’. This approach not only facilitates the conceptualisation ‘family diversity’ but also compels researchers to engage the rich complexity of everyday life.
Electronics Technicians in an Industrialising Economy: Some Glimpses on the ‘New Middle Class’
Authors: Ng Sek-Hong
Published: August 2011

The ‘New Working Class’ theory, popularised in French sociology during the 1960s and 1970s, envisages the advent of a politically inspired class movement that rekindles the vision of a new social order as the technicians rise to become its vanguard. According to writers like Mallet and Touraine, these technical ‘white-collars’ tend to take over from the traditional manual groups in posing as the ‘standard-bearers’ of class-based industrial radicalism and solidarity. This paper proposes to trace the recent vein of discussions on the class implications of occupational and technological transformation from such a neo-Marxian perspective. It also attempts to apply these arguments to interpret the characteristics of a new occupation in Hong Kong – the technicians working in the electronics and related industries, with reference to an empirical study carried out in the early 1980s.
The European College of Veterinary Surgeons 1991–2011: A 20‐Year Success Story
Authors: Auer Jörg A.
Published: August 2011

The first meeting leading to the formation of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) was held August 30/31, 1990 in Lenzburg, Switzerland. Specialists in small animal and large animal surgery from practice and academicians from many European countries were invited. The constitution was developed based on that of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). ECVS was founded during the ACVS European Surgical Forum in Nice in 1991. The provisional Board elected at this meeting stayed active during the initial 4 years to provide stability. For the 146 Charter Members to become a Diplomate, they had to pass an examination. Therefore, the ECVS is the only Specialty College that does not have a “Grand Father Clause.” In 2000 ECVS, was the first College to acquire full recognition‐status by the European Board of Specialization (EBVS), which underlines the leading role the surgeons play in the development of the European veterinary specialty colleges. Like its American Sister College, ECVS maintains high standards for surgical training programs for Residents and administers rigorous certifying examinations. It is appropriate to recall the facts that lead to foundation of ECVS on its 20‐year anniversary.
Expert Training with Standardized Operative Technique Helps Establish a Successful Penile Prosthetics Program for Urologic Resident Education
Authors: King Ashley B. , Klausner Adam P. , Johnson Corey M. , Moore Blake W. , Wilson Steven K. , Grob B. Mayer
Published: August 2011

Introduction

The challenge of resident education in urologic surgery programs is to overcome disparity imparted by diverse patient populations, limited training times, and inequalities in the availability of expert surgical educators. Specifically, in the area of prosthetic urology, only a small proportion of programs have full-time faculty available to train residents in this discipline.

Aim

To examine whether a new model using yearly training sessions from a recognized expert can establish a successful penile prosthetics program and result in better outcomes, higher case volumes, and willingness to perform more complex surgeries.

Methods

A recognized expert conducted one to two operative training sessions yearly to teach standardized technique for penile prosthetics to residents. Each session consisted of three to four operative cases performed under the direct supervision of the expert. Retrospective data were collected from all penile prosthetic operations before (February, 2000 to June, 2004: N = 44) and after (July, 2004 to October, 2007: N = 79) implementation of these sessions.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcomes reviewed included patient age, race, medical comorbidities, operative time, estimated blood loss, type of prosthesis, operative approach, drain usage, length of stay, and complications including revision/explantation rates. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests, Fisher's tests, and survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier technique (P value ≤ 0.05 to define statistical significance).

Results

Patient characteristics were not significantly different pre- vs. post-training. Operative time and estimated blood loss significantly decreased. Inflatable implants increased from 19/44 (43.2%, pre-training) to 69/79 (87.3%, post-training) (P < 0.01). Operations per year increased from 9.96 (pre-training) to 24 (post-training) (P < 0.01). Revision/explantation occurred in 11/44 patients (25%, pre-training) vs. 7/79 (8.9%, post-training) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that yearly sessions with a recognized expert can improve surgical outcomes, type, and volume of implants and can reduce explantation/revision rates. This represents an excellent model for improved training of urologic residents in penile prosthetics surgery.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Biotinyl Hydrazone Derivatives of Muramyl Peptides
Authors: Blanot Didier , Lee Jooeun , Girardin Stephen E.
Published: August 2011

Muramyl peptides derived from bacterial peptidoglycan have long been known for their ability to trigger host innate immune responses, including inflammation and antimicrobial defense. Muramyl peptides have also been widely studied for their role as immune adjuvants. In mammals, the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (Nod) proteins Nod1 and Nod2 detect distinct muramyl peptide structures and mediate their biological activity. Because of the poor immunogenicity of these small peptidoglycan derivatives, research in this field is currently limited by the lack of reagents to track or immobilize specific muramyl peptides. We present here the generation and initial biological characterization of synthetic muramyl peptides covalently coupled to dansyl or biotinyl derivatives and demonstrate that biotinyl coupling on the muramyl moiety results in derivatives that can be tracked by immunofluorescence and maintain full biological activity, as observed by their capacity to trigger Nod signaling. Moreover, using digitonin‐mediated permeabilization techniques on live cells, we also demonstrate that biotinylated muramyl peptides efficiently reach the host cytosol, where they activate Nod signaling. Therefore, these derivatives represent useful probes to study the cell biology and the biochemistry of host responses to muramyl peptides.
HEREDITY AND INTELLIGENCE: A REPLY TO CRITICISMS
Authors: Burt Cyril , Howard Margaret
Published: August 2011

An attempt is made to remove current misconceptions about the way in which individual differences in general intelligence appear to be inherited. Further support for a multifactorial form of the Mendelian theory is found in an examination (a) of the commoner objections, both methodological and statistical, and (b) of the chief alternative hypotheses, viz., (i) the theory of blending inheritance and (ii) the theory of exclusively or predominantly environmental determination.
CLASS DIFFERENCES IN GENERAL INTELLIGENCE: III
Authors: Burt Cyril
Published: August 2011

The argument put forward in the following paper is based on three main premises, for which ample evidence is now available: (i) individual differences in ‘general intelligence’ are transmitted in accordance with the multifactorial theory of inheritance; (ii) in our own country for thirty generations or more, there has been a discernible tendency for individuals endowed with high intelligence to rise to a higher social class and for those of low intelligence to drop to a lower; (iii) with minor fluctuations, this twofold movement has increased at an accelerated rate from almost negligible amounts to the comparatively large proportions reported in recent sociological surveys. From these three propositions it is concluded that there must now be appreciable differences in the genetic composition of different social classes, and that these differences will show themselves most plainly in differences between the mean level of intelligence obtaining within each class. But it also follows that, within each class, there will be wide individual variations, so that each class remains highly heterogeneous; and these differences in innate ability will be still further magnified by environmental differences and by innate differences in temperament.

The conclusions thus deduced appear to be fully confirmed by surveys carried out with tests of intelligence and other devices. But the test‐results themselves by no means form the only ground, as is so often supposed, for accepting the conclusions thus reached. The various objections urged against the foregoing arguments are discussed; and their practical consequences briefly indicated.
APPROXIMATE METHODS IN FACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Lawley D. N.
Published: August 2011

The following paper deals with the problem of estimating a factor matrix, when certain specified factor loadings are known or assumed in advance to be zero. Two simple procedures are proposed, the first for uncorrelated factors, the second for correlated factors. An approximate test for the significance of the residuals is also described, and the whole process illustrated by a worked example.
ANALYTIC METHODS OF FACTOR ROTATION
Authors: Warburton Frank W.
Published: August 2011

Recent work on analytical methods of factor rotation applied to large‐scale data has emphasized the use of oblique factors and the simple structure criterion. The chief methodological advances have been (i) to use the variation of column (factor) loadings rather than row (test) loadings in order to reach a clearer simple structure (ii) the normalization of rows before rotation, in order to give the tests equal weight (this prevents complex tests, with high loadings in several factors, pulling the factors too close to each other) and (iii) the minimization of the covariance of the loadings (rather than the maximization of the variance) since this requires that high and low loadings occupy adjacent positions in the factor table in accordance with Thurstone's third condition for simple structure. The best method would appear to be Varimax in the orthogonal case, and Binormamin for oblique rotation. Maxplane is the closest to rotation by subjective methods.
TRIADIC COMPARISONS OF MUSICAL INTERVALS1
Authors: Levelt W. J. M. , Geer J. P. van de , Plomp R.
Published: August 2011

An analysis is made of the perception of musical intervals. Two kinds of stimuli were used; intervals consisting of two simultaneous simple tones (sinusoids) and intervals consisting of two simultaneous complex tones (fundamental plus harmonics). Subjects judged the stimuli by the method of triadic comparisons in an incomplete balanced design. Multidimensional analysis was performed according to Kruskal's MDSCAL program.

The following results were obtained: (a) In both the space of simple‐tone intervals (S) and the space of complex‐tone intervals (C) musical intervals are ordered according to their width (frequency difference between fundamental tones). This ordering appears to follow a scale which is bowed upwards in the centre; extremely narrow and extremely wide intervals are therefore more similar than would be expected on the basis of their width alone. (b) In addition, the intervals in C are ordered along a dimension which is related to the complexity of the frequency ratio of the fundamental tones. This is much less true for S. (c) In S, on the other hand, intervals are differentiated on a dimension which is interpreted as indicating their resemblance to certain normative reference intervals.

Attention is given to a number of methodological issues.
THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF ‘ELASTIC’ DISTANCES
Authors: McGee Victor E.
Published: August 2011

A new orientation to the problem of multidimensional scaling is presented using the notion of ‘elastic’ distances. Making use of a rational theory of judgement variability (in line with Thurstone's remarks about discriminal processes); a monotonic distance function (in line with Shepard's suggestions); an algorithm for determining the monotonic transformations at each iteration (as provided by Kruskal); and a criterion which yields information about the tolerance for variability of judgement that any solution demands, a hybrid analytical approach is proposed as a practical multidimensional scaling procedure. The approach is illustrated using experimental data.
DERIVING COEFFICIENTS OF RELIABILITY AND AGREEMENT FOR RATINGS
Authors: Maxwell A. E. , Pilliner A. E. G.
Published: August 2011

The paper is concerned with the measurement of internal consistency of rating scales and interviewing schedules, with the assessment of bias between different raters and with coefficients for measuring the degree of agreement between them. Analysis of variance models are first employed, but reference is also made to earlier psychometric techniques and to recent work by Armitage et al. and by Fleiss.
ERROR OF MEASUREMENT AND THE POWER OF A STATISTICAL TEST
Authors: Cleary T. Anne , Linn Robert L.
Published: August 2011

Formulae are developed from the assumptions of classical test theory to demonstrate the effect of error of measurement on the power of the F test for a fixed‐effects one‐way analysis of variance model. A simple model specifying the fixed and variable costs of testing is adopted and equations are derived that indicate the sample size that maximizes the non‐centrality parameter subject to the cost constraints. Given the sample size, the corresponding test length is then implied by the cost model. A computer program used for the estimation of power for permissible allocations of resources is described.
SIMPLE APPROXIMATIONS IN THE ESTIMATION OF MANY PARAMETERS
Authors: Jackson Paul H.
Published: August 2011

In the field of educational measurement, one often wishes to estimate a parameter of a particular type for each member of some class of subjects, in circumstances where knowledge of the data for the whole class can be used to improve the estimate for each individual subject. The logic of an early formula due to Kelley for true scores (individual means) is first studied, and is then extended to variances, regression weights, correlation coefficients and proportions. The estimates obtained are viewed as simple approximations to those which might be obtained from a Bayesian structural model.
Nominal scale response agreement and rater uncertainty
Authors: Gillett Raphael
Published: August 2011

Current methods of assessing nominal scale response agreement between two raters allow each rater to make only a single response per object. When raters are uncertain in their responses, such methods can underestimate the extent to which agreement exists in the range of possible classifications envisaged by raters for each object. Accordingly, an exact unweighted test procedure is developed for the analysis of nominal scale response agreement in the event of rater uncertainty. A rater who is undecided about the appropriate category label for an object is allowed to assign more than one category label to that object. The researcher can choose an operational definition of agreement under uncertainty which is appropriate to the goal of a study. The approach, which is based on the combinatorial technique of rook methodology, supplies the exact null distribution of the amount of agreement between two raters who may make multiple responses per object. The present findings also provide, as a special case, exact results for the unweighted single‐response approach.
A note on computational efficiency in asymptotically distribution‐free correlational models
Authors: Mooijaart Ab
Published: August 2011

Asymptotically distribution‐free (ADF) methods for the analyses of covariances or correlations require the calculation of an estimated variance–covariance matrix of those covariances or correlations.

Formulae for this variance–covariance matrix are well known from the literature. However, it turns out that, in particular for the correlations, this matrix is quite elaborate because it seems to be necessary to compute and store fourth‐order standardized sample moments.

In this paper we show that this can be avoided and that computations can be done in the data matrix directly. This may save a lot of core storage and computation time as well.
The exact runs test and some large sample approximations
Authors: Koppen M. G. M. , Verhelst N. D.
Published: August 2011

A new algorithm for computing the exact distribution of the number of runs in a sequence is derived. A number of large sample approximations is discussed. It is shown that an easily calculated test which takes the number of runs per category into account is more sensitive than the usual test, based on the global number of runs. The test statistic is asymptotically chi‐squared distributed. A general index of agreement between categorical and sequential data is proposed.
A sampling artifact in the UGC evaluation of research performance
Authors: Gillett Raphael
Published: August 2011

The UGC evaluation of research performance in British universities contained a sampling artifact which potentially contributed to an overestimation of the performance of larger departments. The statistical principles underlying the artifact are elucidated, and the magnitude of the effect is investigated.
Intransitivities of preferences, lexicographic shifts and the transitive dimension of oriented graphs
Authors: Barthélemy Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2011

Intransitivities in preference relations are usually explained by shifts in choice criteria, i.e. shifts in points of view. This paper is concerned with the following problem: assume that a preference relation R on a finite set of alternatives is observed and that no information about choice criteria is provided, how many shifts of point of view are needed, at a minimum, to explain all the intransitivities of R? A model is proposed that takes into account lexicographic shifts in point of view, and some bounds are computed for the minimal number required. One of the results of this paper is that this number is relatively small: if p binary preferences are expressed, then it is bounded by a function in O(log p).
A comparison of two models of performance in objective tests: Finite states versus continuous distributions
Authors: García‐Pérez Miguel A.
Published: August 2011

Two theories of performance in multiple‐choice tests, one based on finite states and the other based on continuous distributions, are compared in this paper as regards their capability to account for data from an answer‐until‐correct administration of a test of spatial reasoning. The theories are shown to be almost equivalent in their predictions and to fit the data almost equally well, with a minimal advantage in favour of the continuous distribution theory. A theoretical analysis of the models shows, though, that the finite state theory is closer than the continuous distribution theory to an accurate representation of the processes involved in responding to test items. The finite state theory is also shown to be more general and flexible than the continuous distribution model.
Optimal presentation orders for the method of paired comparisons
Authors: Wells Andrew J.
Published: August 2011

This paper argues that Ross's (1939) method of obtaining presentation sequences for use in paired comparisons deserves to be better known. The method is reformulated for computer implementation and extended to deal with even numbers of items. A program for generating presentation sequences is included.
Bootstrap inferences about the correlation and variances of paired data
Authors: Wilcox Rand R.
Published: August 2011

Rasmussen recently reported the results of an ambitious simulation study that supported the use of the percentile‐bootstrap procedure when testing H0: ρ = 0, where ρ is Pearson's correlation between two random variables X and Y. Rasmussen found that the percentile‐bootstrap procedure gave good control over the probability of a Type I error if the marginal distributions of both X and Y were normal, and n was not too small. This note describes situations where the percentile‐bootstrap procedure is unsatisfactory. Several modifications of the percentile‐bootstrap are also considered, but they too are unsatisfactory.
Thurstonian representation for partial ranking data
Authors: Böckenholt Ulf
Published: August 2011

Thurstonian models have proven useful in a wide range of applications because they can describe the multidimensional nature of choice objects and the effects of similarity and comparability in choice situations. This paper presents a unified framework for applying the Thurstonian approach to partial ranking data that includes paired comparison data and first choices. As a result, several new Thurstonian ranking models are introduced by imposing different constraints on the covariance matrix of the random utilities and their mean scale values. Furthermore, the estimation of probabilities for a multivariate normal distribution by numerical integration procedures and the Clark algorithm are discussed. To illustrate the approach, data from two partial ranking experiments are analysed.
Implementation of a decision analytic aid to support examiners' judgements in aggregating pairs of components
Authors: French Simon , Allatt Paul , Slater John , Vassiloglou Marilena , Willmott Alan
Published: August 2011

In a series of papers, the case has been argued for viewing the process of aggregating marks in an examination from a decision theoretic (or measurement theoretic) standpoint. The purpose of aggregating marks is to form an overall ranking of the candidates that corresponds with the ranking that the examiners would generate by holistic judgement, if they had the time and the powers of consistency required. Models of aggregation that parallel multi‐attribute value functions have been proposed. These models have not, until recently, been trialed with practising examiners, however. The problem has been that the interactive procedure, which the assessment of the models requires, needed to be implemented within a general examination processing package so that the context in which the models are used could be as realistic as possible. This has now been achieved for the restricted case of aggregating two components, and preliminary trials with examiners have begun.

The implementation adopted was not the lock‐step procedure originally suggested, but rather a least‐squares fitting procedure of finite‐difference approximations to the aggregation functions. Although a least squares procedure is used, the assessment is iterative and allows the users to revise their judgements in the light of possible inconsistencies. The authors believe this approach has not been used before, either in the examination context or in the assessment of multi‐attribute utility functions.
Predicting ordinal relations
Authors: Cliff Norman
Published: August 2011

An alternative to multiple regression that is appropriate when the dependent variable is ordinal is suggested. The goal of the system is to predict correctly as many as possible of the binary ordinal relations on the dependent variable. This can be done by treating the problem as one in discriminant analysis by discriminating the pairs of subjects whose ordinal relations are in one direction from those with relations in the other. The bases of prediction can be raw score differences on predictors, their rank differences, or their directions of difference. For each, it is possible to find a system of weights that approximately maximizes discrimination. These turn out to depend on the variables' co‐variances, on their rank correlations, and on their tau correlations, respectively. It is also possible to estimate the odds that any given relation is in a particular direction. A solution for the weights that exactly maximizes probability of correct ordinal prediction is available in the case of predicting from directions of difference. An example is given.
Bootstrapping latent variable models for binary response
Authors: Albanese M. T. , Knott M.
Published: August 2011

Estimated asymptotic variances for the estimates of the parameters in a logit‐probit model for binary response data are unreliable for moderate sized samples. We show how bootstrapping gives a better idea of the sampling distribution of the estimators, and can also allow an assessment of the reliability of the scoring of individuals on the latent scale.
Identifying regions of significance in ANCOVA problems having non‐homogeneous regressions
Authors: Hunka Steve
Published: August 2011

Although the Johnson‐Neyman problem has been well defined in the literature, computational problems have restricted its use by researchers. The computational problems can be simplified considerably by defining the analysis of covariance model in terms of the general linear model in which the contrast matrix for assessing group effects holds the unknown values to which groups are equated. A solution for the unknown values or boundary for the region of significance can be obtained by using the symbolic processing, or three‐dimensional graphing and contour plotting capabilities of the Mathematica computer software package.
Analysing multiattribute ranking data: Joint and conditional approaches
Authors: Böckenholt Ulf
Published: August 2011

Rankings, in contrast to ratings, eliminate effects of individual differences in scale usage and avoid arbitrary definitions regarding the number of response categories and category labels. However, despite the appeal and popularity of this technique, few methods are available for the analysis of rankings on several attributes. This paper presents extensions of Thurstonian and logistic models for the joint analysis of multiattribute ranking responses and for conditional analyses where rankings on one of the attributes are modelled as a function of the rankings on the other attributes. These extensions are based on two approaches proposed to account for associations among the ranking responses. Empirical applications of the Thurstonian and logistic ranking models indicate that one of the two approaches appears particularly promising for the analysis of multiattribute ranking data.
Invariant parameters of measurement scales
Authors: Chiang Ching‐Yuan
Published: August 2011

Parameter functions are functions of scales. We define the absolute invariance, reference invariance and comparison invariance of parameter functions, and derive some properties of and methods of constructing invariant parameter functions. The results are discussed in relation to the invariance of statistical parameters.
Standard errors for rotation matrices with an application to the promax solution
Authors: Ogasawara Haruhiko
Published: August 2011

A method of estimating the asymptotic covariance matrix for unrotated and rotated loadings and rotation matrices in factor analysis is presented. The covariance structure for common factors is expressed by the asymmetric formulation which contains unrotated and rotated loadings, and a rotation matrix. Using the restrictions for the relationships among the matrices and the restrictions from optimization of the criterion for rotation, the asymptotic covariance matrix for the parameters is obtained from an augmented information matrix. The method is applied to the models for covariances and correlations. As an application of the covariance matrix of the parameters, the asymptotic standard errors for the loadings and correlations for the rotated factors by the promax method are derived.
Influence of gate metallization processes on the electrical characteristics of high-k/In0.53Ga0.47As interfaces
Authors: Burek Greg J. , Hwang Yoontae , Carter Andrew D. , Chobpattana Varistha , Law Jeremy J. M. , Mitchell William J. , Thibeault Brian , Stemmer Susanne , Rodwell Mark J. W.
Published: August 2011

The influence of different gate metal deposition processes on the electrical characteristics of dielectric/III-V interfaces is investigated. Al2O3 and HfO2 dielectrics are grown on In0.53Ga0.47As channels and top metal electrodes are deposited by either thermal evaporation or electron beam deposition. It is shown that metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with electron beam evaporated electrodes exhibit substantially larger midgap interface trap densities than those with thermally evaporated electrodes. The damage caused by electron beam metallization can be mitigated by subsequent, long anneals in forming gas.
Crystallization kinetics and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of Ga2TeSb7 thin film
Authors: Chang Po-Chin , Chang Shih-Chin , Chin Tsung-Shune
Published: August 2011

Ga 2 TeSb 7 films were deposited on SiOx/Si(100) wafers by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering to assess its potential as a phase-change memory material. Electrical resistance of the film versus temperature (R-T) was measured at various heating rates. Crystallization kinetics was analyzed using the R-T curves. Crystallization temperature 253–260 °C and activation energy of crystallization 5.76 eV were deduced using Kissinger’s plot. The kinetic exponent (n) obtained from Ozawa’s plot decreases from 2.5 to 1.0 upon crystallization at 253 to 265 °C. The n value is less than 1.5 when crystallizing at ≥257 °C, denoting a growth-dominated mechanism. X-ray diffraction shows that the amorphous phase crystallizes into the R3m Sb-structure and surface roughness of the crystallized Ga2TeSb7 is 0.3 nm at all annealing temperatures. X-ray photoelectron spectra reveal little change in bonding status of the three elements before and after crystallization.
A Prime-Boost Strategy Using Virus-Like Particles Pseudotyped for HCV Proteins Triggers Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies in Macaques
Authors: Garrone Pierre , Fluckiger Anne-Catherine , Mangeot Philippe E. , Gauthier Emmanuel , Dupeyrot-Lacas Pia , Mancip Jimmy , Cangialosi Arnaud , Du Chéné Isaure , LeGrand Roger , Mangeot Isabelle , Lavillette Dimitri , Bellier Bertrand , Cosset François-Loic , Tangy Frederic , Klatzmann David , Dalba Charlotte
Published: August 2011

Virus-like particles pseudotyped with heterologous viral envelopes stimulate broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies against HCV.
Novel Sensitive Real-Time PCR for Quantification of Bacterial 16S rRNA Genes in Plasma of HIV-Infected Patients as a Marker for Microbial Translocation
Authors: Kramski M. , Gaeguta A. J. , Lichtfuss G. F. , Rajasuriar R. , Crowe S. M. , French M. A. , Lewin S. R. , Center R. J. , Purcell D. F. J.
Published: August 2011

We developed a real-time PCR to quantify 16S rRNA gene levels in plasma from HIV-infected patients as a marker of microbial translocation. The assay uses shrimp nuclease (SNuc) to eliminate DNA contamination, giving high sensitivity and low variability. The 16S rRNA gene levels measured in plasma from HIV patients correlated significantly with lipopolysaccharide levels.
Exact calculation of the response of a quadrupolar nucleus to radio frequency irradiation
Authors: Spencer T. Leigh , Goward Gillian R. , Bain Alex D.
Published: August 2011

The effect of a pulse in NMR is usually considered as a rotation of the frame of reference of the spin system. For spins-1/2, this concept is an important and very useful tool. The assumption behind this concept is that while the radio frequency irradiation is on, this term dominates all other interactions. Although this is usually true for spins-1/2, typical interactions for a quadrupolar nucleus can be very large and the assumption is no longer valid. The full solution is complex, but two extreme cases are already solved. If the quadrupole interaction is very small, then the assumption is valid and the pulse does act like a rotation of the frame of reference. At the other extreme, if the interaction is large and the spin, I, is half-integral, then the central transition remains relatively narrow and can be treated as a fictitious spin-1/2. The pulse then acts as a rotation, but with a scaling factor of I + 1/2. This paper treats the general case, where no approximations are made. The effects can be observed in a nutation experiment, in which the observed signal is plotted as a function of pulse width, in a simple one-pulse experiment. If the pulse acts as a rotation, then the nutation plot will be a sine wave, but otherwise it will be a sum of sinusoids. This is true even for a single-crystal sample with a single quadrupolar coupling. If the sample is a powder, then the nutation plot will be a sum of many sinusoids, since the quadrupole coupling will vary with the powder average. This paper sketches out the theory of these effects based on a full and exact description of a quadrupolar system and illustrates it with some nutation spectra of 23Na in a powdered sample of sodium nitrate.
ENHANCING MAS ENVIRONMENTS WITH ORGANIZATIONAL MECHANISMS
Authors: ESPARCIA SERGIO , ARGENTE ESTEFANÍA , CENTENO ROBERTO , HERMOSO RAMÓN
Published: August 2011

This work proposes a new coordination system for the environment of a Multi-Agent System by merging the features from two important contributions to this field of research, Organizational Mechanisms and Artifacts. Organizational mechanisms can be introduced into a Multi-Agent System with the aim of influencing the behavior of agents populating it to achieve their goals in a proper way. In this paper, we propose to model organizational mechanisms by means of artifacts, which are non-proactive entities used by agents. Artifacts were presented within the Agents & Artifacts conceptual framework, and that present good advantages for coordinating agents' environments. We put forward a formal model that defines how organizational mechanisms can be designed by using artifacts theory. We validate the approach by presenting a case study focused on a real health care domain problem. Additionally, the Artifacts for Organizational Mechanisms are compared with some different proposed artifacts.
Role of an apical K,Cl cotransporter in urine formation by renal tubules of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti)
Authors: Piermarini Peter M. , Hine Rebecca M. , Schepel Matthew , Miyauchi Jeremy , Beyenbach Klaus W.
Published: August 2011

The K,Cl cotransporters (KCCs) of the SLC12 superfamily play critical roles in the regulation of cell volume, concentrations of intracellular Cl−, and epithelial transport in vertebrate tissues. To date, the role(s) of KCCs in the renal functions of mosquitoes and other insects is less clear. In the present study, we sought molecular and functional evidence for the presence of a KCC in renal (Malpighian) tubules of the mosquito Aedes aegypti . Using RT-PCR on Aedes Malpighian tubules, we identified five alternatively spliced partial cDNAs that encode putative SLC12-like KCCs. The majority transcript is AeKCC1-A1; its full-length cDNA was cloned. After expression of the AeKCC1-A protein in Xenopus oocytes, the Cl−-dependent uptake of86Rb+is 1) activated by 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide and cell swelling, 2) blocked by 100 μM dihydroindenyloxyalkanoic acid (DIOA), and 3) dependent upon N-glycosylation of AeKCC1-A. In Aedes Malpighian tubules, AeKCC1 immunoreactivity localizes to the apical brush border of principal cells, which are the predominant cell type in the epithelium. In vitro physiological assays of Malpighian tubules show that peritubular DIOA (10 μM): 1) significantly reduces both the control and diuretic rates of transepithelial fluid secretion and 2) has negligible effects on the membrane voltage and input resistance of principal cells. Taken together, the above observations indicate the presence of a KCC in the apical membrane of principal cells where it participates in a major electroneutral transport pathway for the transepithelial secretion of fluid in this highly electrogenic epithelium.
Effect of a Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Containing Magnolia Bark Extract on Different Variables Related to Caries and Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Trial
Authors: Campus G. , Cagetti M.G. , Cocco F. , Sale S. , Sacco G. , Strohmenger L. , Lingström P.
Published: August 2011

The effect of magnolia bark extract (MBE) on different variables related to caries and gingivitis administered daily through a sugar-free chewing gum was evaluated. The study was performed with healthy adult volunteers at high risk for caries as a randomized double-blind interventional study. 120 subjects with a salivary mutans streptococci (MS) concentration ≧105 CFU/ml and presence of bleeding on probing >25% were enrolled and divided into three groups: magnolia, xylitol and control. The study design included examinations at baseline, after 7 days, after 30 days of gum use and 7 days after the end of gum use. Plaque pH was assessed using the strip method following a sucrose challenge. Area under the curve (AUC5.7 and AUC6.2) was recorded. Whole saliva was collected and the number of salivary MS (CFU/ml) was counted. Bleeding on probing was recorded as a proxy of dental plaque. Data were analyzed using ANOVA repeated measures. Magnolia gum significantly reduced plaque acidogenicity, MS salivary concentration and gingival bleeding compared to xylitol and control gums. Subjects from the magnolia and xylitol groups showed both MS concentration (p = 0.01 and 0.06, respectively) and AUC5.7 (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) to be significantly lower compared to baseline. Thirty-day use of a chewing gum containing MBE showed beneficial effects on oral health, including reduction of salivary MS, plaque acidogenicity and bleeding on probing.
Dynamically and Observationally Constrained Estimates of Water-Mass Distributions and Ages in the Global Ocean
Authors: DeVries Tim , Primeau François
Published: August 2011

A data-constrained ocean circulation model is used to characterize the distribution of water masses and their ages in the global ocean. The model is constrained by the time-averaged temperature, salinity, and radiocarbon distributions in the ocean, as well as independent estimates of the mean sea surface height and sea surface heat and freshwater fluxes. The data-constrained model suggests that the interior ocean is ventilated primarily by water masses forming in the Southern Ocean. Southern Ocean waters, including those waters forming in the Antarctic and subantarctic regions, make up about 55% of the interior ocean volume and an even larger percentage of the deep-ocean volume. In the deep North Pacific, the ratio of Southern Ocean to North Atlantic waters is almost 3:1. Approximately 65% of interior ocean waters make first contact with the atmosphere in the Southern Ocean, further emphasizing the central role played by the Southern Ocean in the regulation of the earth’s climate. Results of the age analysis suggest that the mean ventilation age of deep waters is greater than 1000 yr throughout most of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, reaching a maximum of about 1400–1500 yr in the middepth North Pacific. The mean time for deep waters to be reexposed at the surface also reaches a maximum of about 1400–1500 yr in the deep North Pacific. Together these findings suggest that the deep North Pacific can be characterized as a “holding pen” of stagnant and recirculating waters.
Factors Affecting Rotator Cuff Healing After Arthroscopic Repair
Authors: Chung Seok Won , Oh Joo Han , Gong Hyun Sik , Kim Joon Yub , Kim Sae Hoon
Published: August 2011

Background: The prognostic factors associated with structural outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair have not yet been fully determined.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study was that bone mineral density (BMD) is an important prognostic factor affecting rotator cuff healing after arthroscopic cuff repair.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Among 408 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tear between January 2004 and July 2008, 272 patients were included whose postoperative cuff integrity was verified by computed tomography arthrography (CTA) or ultrasonography (USG) and simultaneously who were evaluated by various functional outcome instruments. The mean age at the time of operation was 59.5 ± 7.9 years. Postoperative CTA or USG was performed at a mean 13.0 ± 5.1 months after surgery, and the mean follow-up period was 37.2 ± 10.0 months (range, 24-65 months). The clinical, structural, and surgery-related factors affecting cuff integrity including BMD were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Evaluation of postoperative cuff integrity was performed by musculoskeletal radiologists who were unaware of the present study.

Results: The failure rate of rotator cuff healing was 22.8% (62 of 272). The failure rate was significantly higher in patients with lower BMD ( P < .001); older age ( P < .001); female gender ( P = .03); larger tear size ( P < .001); higher grade of fatty infiltration (FI) of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis (all P < .001); diabetes mellitus ( P = .02); shorter acromiohumeral distance ( P < .001); and associated biceps procedure ( P < .001). However, in the multivariate analysis, only BMD ( P = .001), FI of the infraspinatus ( P = .01), and the amount of retraction ( P = .03) showed a significant relationship with cuff healing failure following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Conclusion: Bone mineral density, as well as FI of the infraspinatus and amount of retraction, was an independent determining factor affecting postoperative rotator cuff healing. Further studies with prospective, randomized, and controlled design are needed to confirm the relationship between BMD and postoperative rotator cuff healing.
‘Psychogenic Psychoses’ by August Wimmer (1936): Part 1
Authors: Schioldann Johan
Published: August 2011

Among others inspired by Magnan’s doctrine of délires des dégénérés , bouffées délirantes, etc., in 1916 the Danish psychiatrist August Wimmer (1872—1937) authored the first comprehensive monograph on the psychogenic psychoses. Written in Danish only, this classic work did not become directly accessible to international psychiatry until it appeared in English translation in 2003 (Schioldann, 2003a). In the opinion of Strömgren, these psychosis forms became one of the most important stumbling blocks in achieving agreement on international psychiatric nomenclature. The introduction to the Classic Text below — translated from Wimmer’s textbook of psychiatry (1936) — also discusses the possible relationship between Wimmer’s concept and Ey’s bouffées délirantes réactionnelles. Emphasizing that the question of psychogenesis has not yet been answered by modern psychiatry, Berrios urges today’s psychiatrists to study Wimmer’s ‘magnificent’ book, and Bertelsen, deploring that the psychogenic psychoses seem to have disappeared almost completely from current psychiatric classification, urges these illness forms be included in the coming revision of ICD.
Vegetation history of the Río Manso Superior catchment area, Northern Patagonia (Argentina), since the last deglaciation
Authors: Bianchi María Martha , Ariztegui Daniel
Published: August 2011

In Northern Patagonia, the long-term vegetation–climate relationships that gave shape to southern South American forests have been the subject of extensive investigations in the Andean regions of Argentina and Chile for about a century. The Río Manso Superior originates in one of the tongues of the Cerro Tronador Glacier, near the international border, discharging into the Pacific Ocean after feeding present Lago Mascardi and flowing east to west on a mountain landscape. Ongoing pollen studies in this watershed provide us with a modern analogue to better understand the vegetation history of the region. A pollen record from a 15 m long sediment core retrieved from Lago Mascardi (41°08°S, 71°34°W) contains continuous evidence of vegetation changes in the Río Manso watershed extending back to the last deglaciation. High Andean steppe vegetation with forest patches, and extended waterlogged areas gave place to a forest, probably deciduous, during the Lateglacial–Holocene transition. A forest diversification took place during the climate amelioration that encompassed the deglaciation whilst the vegetation became more open before the onset of the Huelmo-Mascardi cold reversal. A mixed Nothofagus-Austrocedrus forest expanded during the middle Holocene. This forest became denser under the higher climate variability registered in the region during the late Holocene as shown by independent published data. Statistical analyses of modern pollen samples along an altitudinal transect from low Nothofagus forest and shrubland to high Andean semi-desert support this interpretation. Pollen results are discussed in the context of paleoenvironmental reconstructions at a regional scale.