bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ODYSSEY – A JUNGIAN PERSPECTIVE: INDIVIDUATION AND MEETING WITH THE ARCHETYPES OF THE COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS
Authors: Leader Carol
Published: October 2009

abstract

Homer's epic tale of the 20‐year return of Odysseus from the Trojan War is investigated with particular reference to Jung's theory of individuation. Odysseus' meetings with ‘the anima’ in the form of goddesses, sirens and female monsters and his visit to Hades demonstrate the confrontation and humanization of aspects of the archetypal level of the psyche, central to Jung's theories of psychic growth and development. Jung's important ideas of the psychoid level and the transcendent function are explored and linked both to his investigations into medieval alchemy and with findings from contemporary neuroscience. The importance of Jung's constructive method of the interpretation of dreams and myths is shown to be central.
Highly efficient multiplex PCR of noninvasive DNA does not require pre‐amplification
Authors: SKRBINŠEK TOMAŽ , JELENČIČ MAJA , WAITS LISETTE , KOS IVAN , TRONTELJ PETER
Published: October 2009

Among the key issues determining success of a study employing molecular genetics tools in wildlife monitoring or research is a large enough set of highly informative genetic markers and a reliable, cost effective method for their analysis. While optimized commercial genotyping kits have been developed for humans and domestic animals, such protocols are rare in wildlife research. We developed a highly optimized multiplex PCR that genotypes 12 microsatellite loci and a sex determination locus in brown bear (Ursus arctos) faecal samples in a single multiplex PCR and a single sequencer run. We used this protocol to genotype 1053 faecal samples of bears from the Dinaric population, and obtained useful genotypes for 88% of the samples, a very high success rate. The new protocol outperformed the multiplex pre‐amplification strategy used in a previous study of 473 faecal samples with a 78.4% success rate. On a subset of 182 samples we directly compared the performance of both approaches, and found no advantage of the multiplex pre‐amplification. While pre‐amplification protocols might still improve PCR success and reliability on a small fraction of low‐quality samples, the higher costs and workload do not justify their use when analysing reasonably fresh non‐invasive material. Moreover, the high number of multiplexed loci in the new protocol makes it comparable to commercially developed genotyping kits developed for domestic animals and humans.
Mussaenda epiphyticasp. nov. (Rubiaceae), an epiphytic shrub from cloud forest of the Bakossi Mts, western Cameroon
Authors: Cheek Martin
Published: October 2009

Mussaenda epiphyticaCheek is described as a new species, remarkable for being a cloud forest canopy epiphytic shrub in a genus of terrestial climbers and straggling shrubs. Attention is drawn to its adaptations to the epiphytic habit. The species appears to be endemic to the submontane evergreen forests of the Bakossi Mts, including Mt Kupe, in Cameroon. Its conservation status is assessed as ‘Vulnerable’ using IUCN criteria.
Sequential innovation, patents, and imitation
Authors: Bessen James , Maskin Eric
Published: October 2009

We argue that when innovation is “sequential” (so that each successive invention builds in an essential way on its predecessors) and “complementary” (so that each potential innovator takes a different research line), patent protection is not as useful for encouraging innovation as in a static setting. Indeed, society and even inventors themselves may be better off without such protection. Furthermore, an inventor's prospective profit may actually be enhanced by competition and imitation. Our sequential model of innovation appears to explain evidence from a natural experiment in the software industry.
Market power, price discrimination, and allocative efficiency in intermediate‐goods markets
Authors: Inderst Roman , Shaffer Greg
Published: October 2009

We consider a monopolistic supplier's optimal choice of two‐part tariff contracts when downstream firms are asymmetric. We find that the optimal discriminatory contracts amplify differences in downstream firms' competitiveness. Firms that are larger—either because they are more efficient or because they sell a superior product—obtain a lower wholesale price than their rivals. This increases allocative efficiency by favoring the more productive firms. In contrast, we show that a ban on price discrimination reduces allocative efficiency and can lead to higher wholesale prices for all firms. As a result, consumer surplus, industry profits, and welfare are lower.
Information congestion
Authors: Anderson Simon P. , De Palma André
Published: October 2009

Unsolicited advertising messages vie for scarce attention. “Junk” mail, “spam” e‐mail, and telemarketing calls need both parties to exert effort to generate transactions. Message receivers supply attention according to average message benefit, while the marginal sender determines congestion. Costlier transmission may improve average message benefit so more messages are examined. Too many (too few) messages may be sent, or the wrong ones. A Do‐Not‐Call policy beats a ban, but too many individuals opt out. A monopoly gatekeeper performs better than personal access pricing if nuisance costs to receivers are moderate. The welfare results still hold when messages are presorted (triage).
The strategic timing incentives of commercial radio stations: An empirical analysis using multiple equilibria
Authors: Sweeting Andrew
Published: October 2009

Commercial radio stations and advertisers may have conflicting interests about when commercial breaks should be played. This article estimates an incomplete information timing game to examine stations' equilibrium timing incentives. It shows how identification can be aided by the existence of multiple equilibria when appropriate data are available. It finds that stations want to play their commercials at the same time, suggesting that stations' incentives are at least partially aligned with the interests of advertisers, although equilibrium coordination is far from perfect. Coordination incentives are much stronger during drivetime hours, when more listeners switch stations, and in smaller markets.
Competition among contests
Authors: Azmat Ghazala , Möller Marc
Published: October 2009

When several contests compete for the participation of a common set of players, a contest's allocation of prizes not only induces incentive effects but also participation effects. Our model predicts that an increase in the sensitivity with which contest outcomes depend on players' efforts makes flatter prize structures more attractive to participants. In equilibrium, contests that aim to maximize the number of participants will award multiple prizes if and only if this sensitivity is sufficiently high. Moreover, the prize awarded to the winner is decreasing in the contests' sensitivity. We provide empirical evidence from professional road running using race–distance as a measure of sensitivity. We show that steeper prize structures are more attractive to top‐ranked runners in longer, that is, less sensitive, races. In line with our theory, longer races do in fact offer steeper prize structures.
Introduction to Cognition in Science and Technology
Authors: Gorman Michael E.
Published: October 2009

Cognitive studies of science and technology have had a long history of largely independent research projects that have appeared in multiple outlets, but rarely together. The emergence of a new International Society for Psychology of Science and Technology suggests that this is a good time to put some of the latest work in this area intotopiCSin a way that will both acquaint readers with the cutting edge in this domain and also give them a hint of its history. One core theme includes how scientists, inventors, and engineers represent and solve problems; another, related theme is the extent to which they distribute and share cognition. Methodologies include fine‐grained studies of historical records, protocols of working scientists, observations and comparisons of engineering science laboratories, and computational simulations designed both to serve as research tools and also to improve scientific problem‐solving. The series of articles will conclude with the Associate Editor’s suggestions for future research.
Risk axis: Implementation of structured clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of risk in psychiatry
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Lutchman Raksha , Stewart Alistair W. , Burrett Vanessa M. , Gordon Breanne P. , Boer Douglas P. , Mellsop Graham W.
Published: October 2009

Introduction: Mental health clinicians routinely assess risk in three domains: suicide, violence and self neglect. While the published work on the assessment of these risks has increased, concerns are often expressed that assessment alone does not lead to management of the identified risk. Not all axes of multiaxial classificatory systems are used by clinicians to the same extent, despite their proven usefulness. It is possible that a dedicated axis for risk management as a part of a multiaxial classificatory system could align risk assessment with management and increase utility of multiaxial classificatory systems.

Methods: Based on our earlier work we developed a comprehensive risk management axis (RMA), which was then further refined by conducting a pilot study and then used to collect data retrospectively from the case notes of 100 patients consecutively discharged from a general psychiatric ward.

Results: Common association between risk factors and three risk domains were as follows. Violence: active symptoms of major mental illness, employment problems, and major mental illness; Suicide: history of abuse, clinically significant depressive symptoms, and alcohol and drug use; Self neglect: neglect of home, personal safety, noncompliance with treatment, male gender, and low income. We also investigated whether the presence of a particular risk factor acted as a barrier or prompt for clinicians to address management factors in the RMA.

Discussion: It is possible to assess risk across the three domains and to derive management plans by using the proposed RMA. Minimal clinical background is necessary for collecting data retrospectively. It should be possible to apply this axis prospectively.
Preliminary study of stress in undergraduate nursing students in Singapore
Authors: Lim Chi Ching , Chua Tse Lert , Creedy Debra K. , Chan Moon Fai
Published: October 2009

Introduction: Stress experienced by nursing students may adversely affect academic achievement, personal wellbeing and long‐term professional capabilities. The current study is the first to report levels and sources of stress among Singaporean students undertaking a pre‐registration baccalaureate nursing degree.

Methods: An exploratory survey was conducted with students from all three year levels (n=112, 65% response rate) using the Stress in Nursing Students (SINS) scale. Use of this tool also enabled a regional comparison of results with published data from a nursing cohort in Hong Kong. Perceptions of support were measured using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). It was hypothesized that students with higher levels of social support would report less stress.

Results: In comparison to other year levels, Year 3 students reported higher levels of overall, clinical, and financial stress. There were statistical differences between Year 3 and Year 1 students in relation to clinical and financial stressors, but not with Year 2, nor were relationships found across year of study and confidence and education subscales. Level of stress was lower compared to Hong Kong nursing students. There were statistically significant differences on stress associated with clinical (P<0.01) and confidence (P<0.001) domains between datasets, but no differences on subscale scores for education and financial stressors. Social support was not statistically associated with stress.

Discussion: Student stress increased throughout the program and was not mediated by social support. Awareness of types and progression of stress can inform professional development activities to bolster coping, and minimize adverse psychological, academic and professional consequences.
Clinical characteristics and patterns of referral to a primary mental health team: A retrospective study
Authors: Jespersen Sean , Chong Terence , Gray Kelly , Carrin Deborah , Morton Laura , Robinson Timothy , Inglis Sandra
Published: October 2009

Introduction: The Primary Mental Health Team (PMHT) initiative in Victoria began almost 10 years ago, but there has been little evaluation of this important strategy to improve integration between mental health services and primary care. The present study investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients referred to a PMHT in order to guide development of the service and better meet the needs of primary care providers and their patients.

Methods: The referral forms (n=153) and assessment records (n=89) of patients referred consecutively to a PMHT over a 12‐month period were investigated in a retrospective file review.

Results: Most referrals were from general practitioners requesting consultations. Sixty‐five percent of patients were female, 41% were not in a relationship and 47% were unemployed. Fewer children and elderly people were referred. Illnesses tended to be chronic with multiple symptoms, and in half of those referred there had been a poor response to treatment in primary care. Many were victims of abuse and used substances. Medical illnesses were often present and levels of psychosocial stress and functional impairment were high. Referrers appeared to overestimate risk, over diagnose depression, and under diagnose personality disorders and mixed anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy was the most common recommendation made by the PMHT.

Discussion: In spite of the limitations of this study the findings are a useful description of the PMHT experience. The review enabled the team to describe and better understand the needs of primary care providers and their patients, and had a significant impact on the subsequent development and expansion of the PMHT.
China–Australia–Hong Kong tripartite community mental health training program
Authors: Ng Chee Hong , Ma Hong , Yu Xin , Chiu Helen , Fraser Julia , Chan Sandra , Chiu Edmond , Jia Fu Jun
Published: October 2009

The present paper describes the unique mental health training cooperation between two countries involving three training sites to facilitate the improvement of mental health care and service delivery in China. The priority is to build workforce capacity to deliver appropriate mental health care and rehabilitation in the community. In response to this challenge, a training program was collaboratively planned between partners in both countries to provide a comprehensive training program for multiskilled case workers for mainland China. The development and key activities of the training and exchange program correspond to a diverse range of training programs across multiple levels of staff and sectors. The tripartite training program represents a unique, large scale training program that has contributed significantly to developing one of the largest global national mental health program of reform and building a national community mental health service system for China. Over their many years of cooperation, the Australian and Chinese partners have developed a model for successful collaboration, one based on mutual respect, exchange of expertise and a deep appreciation of cultural difference and its influences on broad aspects of health system development.
How Thailand has modified the section on mental disorders in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD‐10)*
Authors: Udomratn Pichet
Published: October 2009

Introduction: In 2000, the Thai Ministry of Public Health appointed a taskforce to revise the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Relate Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD‐10) to make it more suitable for use in Thailand: the ICD‐10 Thai Modification (ICD‐10 TM).

Methods: The Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand appointed psychiatrists from various hospitals to form a working group on this matter. The ICD‐10 Australian Modification was used as an example and the ICD‐10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research was used as a reference book.

Results: The fourth and fifth characters added are the major modifications of the ICD‐10 TM for the typing of an emotionally unstable personality disorder and treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. However, we could not add any specific codes for patients dependent on amphetamine‐type stimulant drugs.

Discussion: The ICD‐10 TM has now been widely used throughout the country since 2003, with informal feedback suggesting that it is useful. Further research needs to be conducted into its impact on clinical care in Thailand.
Coupling between two singing wineglasses
Authors: Arane Tal , Musalem Ana K. R. , Fridman Moti
Published: October 2009

Rubbing the rim of one wineglass produces a tone, and induces oscillations on other wineglasses due to their coupling. This simple experiment demonstrates phase locking between coupled oscillators and the relation between the required coupling and the frequency detuning.
Generalized composition law from 2×2 matrices
Authors: Giust R. , Vigoureux J.-M. , Lages J.
Published: October 2009

Many results that are difficult can be found more easily by using a generalization in the complex plane of Einstein’s addition law of parallel velocities. Such a generalization is a natural way to add quantities that are limited to bounded values. We show how this generalization directly provides phase factors such as the Wigner angle in special relativity and how this generalization is related in the simplest case to the composition of 2×2 S-matrices.
The electromagnetic field in conductive slabs and cylinders submitted to a harmonic longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: Íñiguez J. , Raposo V. , Zazo M. , García-Flores A. , Hernández-Gómez P.
Published: October 2009

The analysis of the induced current distribution in conducting wires subjected to a harmonic axial voltage is important in designing many electrical devices such as transformers and transmission lines. The azimuthal magnetic field induces axial electric currents and therefore the impedance of the wire depends on the excitation frequency. The current density is increasingly confined to a thin layer at the boundary of the wire as the frequency increases. To minimize this effect at higher frequencies it is necessary to enhance the surface-to-volume ratio by using thin high-conductivity wires. The study of induction phenomena in conducting samples subjected to a harmonic longitudinal magnetic field has attracted less attention. The time-varying magnetic flux induces eddy currents, which flow perpendicularly to the axis of the sample. We study the electromagnetic field in samples of simple geometry, making the usual approximations in good conductors. The validity of our calculations extends to several GHz and allows us to propose a method for determining the electrical conductivity by measuring the phase angle of the complex mutual inductance between a primary coil, responsible for the external magnetic field, and a secondary winding around the sample.
A bead on a hoop rotating about a horizontal axis: A one-dimensional ponderomotive trap
Authors: Johnson A. K. , Rabchuk J. A.
Published: October 2009

We describe a simple mechanical system that operates as a ponderomotive particle trap. The system consists of a circular hoop and a frictionless bead, with the hoop rotating about a horizontal axis lying in the plane of the hoop. The system is analyzed in the ideal case of small displacements from the minimum, and the motion of the particle is shown to satisfy the Mathieu equation. If the axis of rotation is tangential to the hoop, the system is an exact analog to the rf Paul ion trap. Various complicating factors such as anharmonic terms, friction, and noise are considered. A working model of the system was constructed using a ball-bearing rolling in a tube along the outside of a bicycle rim. The apparatus demonstrates the operation of an rf Paul trap by reproducing the dynamics of trapped atomic ions and illustrating the manner in which the electric potential varies with time.
Student ability to apply the concepts of work and energy to extended systems
Authors: Lindsey Beth A. , Heron Paula R. L. , Shaffer Peter S.
Published: October 2009

We report results from an investigation of student ability to apply the concepts of work and energy to situations in which the internal structure of a system cannot be ignored, that is, the system cannot be treated as a particle. Students in introductory calculus-based physics courses were asked written and online questions after relevant instruction by lectures, textbook, and laboratory. Several difficulties were identified. Some related to student ability to calculate the work done on a system. Failure to associate work with the change in energy of a system was also widespread. The results have implications for instruction that aims for a rigorous treatment of energy concepts that is consistent with the first law of thermodynamics. The findings are guiding the development of two tutorials to supplement instruction.
Giving students the run of sprinting models
Authors: Heck André , Ellermeijer Ton
Published: October 2009

A biomechanical study of sprinting is an interesting task for students who have a background in mechanics and calculus. These students can work with real data and do practical investigations similar to the way sports scientists do research. Student research activities are viable when the students are familiar with tools to collect and work with data from sensors and video recordings and with modeling tools for comparing simulation and experimental results. This article describes a multipurpose system, named COACH, that offers a versatile integrated set of tools for learning, doing, and teaching mathematics and science in a computer-based inquiry approach. Automated tracking of reference points and correction of perspective distortion in videos, state-of-the-art algorithms for data smoothing and numerical differentiation, and graphical system dynamics based modeling are some of the built-in techniques that are suitable for motion analysis. Their implementation and their application in student activities involving models of running are discussed.
Structural color of Morpho butterflies
Authors: Smith Glenn S.
Published: October 2009

Structural color is caused by wavelength-selective scattering of light by microscopic features, such as those on the scales of some insects. The brilliant blue displayed by some male Morpho butterflies is a classic example of this phenomenon. In this paper, experiments used to distinguish structural color from color due to pigmentation are reviewed. A simple electromagnetic model is developed for the structural scattering from Morpho butterfly scales, and the blue color and iridescence normally seen for these butterflies are predicted by this model. The analysis is based on topics usually discussed in courses on electromagnetism and optics and can be used as an example to supplement classroom discussions of these topics.
The Casimir effect from a condensed matter perspective
Authors: Pálová L. , Chandra P. , Coleman P.
Published: October 2009

The Casimir effect, a key observable realization of vacuum fluctuations, is usually taught in graduate courses on quantum field theory. The growing importance of Casimir forces in microelectromechanical systems motivates this subject as a topic for graduate many-body physics courses. To this end, we revisit the Casimir effect using methods common in condensed matter physics. We recover previously derived results and explore the implications of the analogies implicit in this treatment.
Trajectory analysis of a soccer ball
Authors: Goff John Eric , Carré Matt J.
Published: October 2009

We performed experiments in which a soccer ball was launched from a machine while two cameras recorded portions of its trajectory. Drag coefficients were obtained from range measurements for no-spin trajectories, for which the drag coefficient does not vary appreciably during the ball’s flight. Lift coefficients were obtained from the trajectories immediately following the ball’s launch, in which Reynolds number and spin parameter do not vary much. We obtain two values of the lift coefficient for spin parameters that had not been obtained previously. Our codes for analyzing the trajectories are freely available to educators and students.
OBSERVATIONS ON LYOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTALLINE BEHAVIOR OF A CATIONIC SURFACTANT AND POLAR SOLVENT IN A NONAQUEOUS MEDIUM
Authors: SHUKLA RAVI K. , RAINA K. K.
Published: October 2009

A mixed lyotropic liquid crystalline phase was observed in cationic surfactant (cetyl pyridinium chloride) with increasing concentration in polar solvent (ethylene glycol) at lower surfactant concentration (< 40 wt%). However, at intermediate concentrations, the system exhibits single phase. Morphological, thermal, and structural characterizations of these materials support our observations.
VALENCE ENERGY LEVEL STRUCTURE OF Si1-xGex/Si QUANTUM DISK
Authors: LIU JIN-LONG , ZHU JING
Published: October 2009

In the framework of the effective mass approximation, we develop a method to study the valence energy level structure of a Si 1-x Ge x/ Si quantum disk system in the adiabatic approximation using an exact diagonalization technique. The effects of strain, finite offset, and the difference between effective masses of holes in different materials are taken into account. The influences of both the height and the radius of the disk, and the content of Ge on the valence energy level structure of the quantum disk system are discussed. Our theoretical results are useful for researching and making low-dimensional semiconductor optoelectronic devices.
FIELD-THEORETICAL CALCULATIONS ON THE HALDANE GAP OF QUASI-ONE-DIMENSIONAL HEISENBERG ANTIFERROMAGNETS
Authors: HUANG HAI
Published: October 2009

One-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets can be described by the O (3) nonlinear σ-model (NLσM). We give a review on zero temperature and finite temperature Haldane gaps obtained from this model. Based on the coupled-chain theory, we derive the finite temperature Haldane gap for triangular antiferromagnet RbNiCl 3. The Néel temperature is obtained as 11 K. In order to treat the anisotropy in crystal Ni ( C 2 H 8 N 2)2 NO 2( ClO 4), we relax the constraint of the NLσM and compute the finite temperature Haldane gap using a Ginzburg–Landau mean field approach. The comparison with the experimental data is discussed.
Meso Scale Discovery and Luminex Comparative Analysis of Calbindin D28K
Authors: Sourial Samer , Marcusson-Ståhl Maritha , Cederbrant Karin
Published: October 2009

The sensitivity of different renal regions to xenobiotics requires the development of a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous analysis of kidney biomarkers. Calbindin D28K is a distal tubule‐specific protein that can be detected in urine under pathological conditions. In this study, a pair of anti‐calbindin D28K antibodies was used in an immunoassay for the detection of calbindin D28K expression in rat and human kidney and urine. Comparative analysis of the immunoassay was performed on the Meso Scale Development (MSD) and Luminex platforms. Analysis on both platforms detected calbindin D28K concentrations between 100 ng/mL and 100 pg/mL. Luminex detected 10‐fold the amount of calbindin D28K in samples analyzed as compared to MSD, whereas calbindin D28K level in rat and human urine was below detection limit in both platforms. The application of the immunoassays described herein may be useful in toxicological and pathological studies of distal tubular damage in rats and human.
Nucleation and Growth of Crystalline Grains in RF-Sputtered TiO2Films
Authors: Johnson J. C. , Ahrenkiel S. P. , Dutta P. , Bommisetty V. R.
Published: October 2009

AmorphousTiO2thin films were radio frequency sputtered onto siliconmonoxide and carbon support films on molybdenum transmission electron microscope (TEM) grids and observed during in situ annealing in a TEM heating stage at250∘C. The evolution of crystallization is consistent with a classical model of homogeneous nucleation and isotropic grain growth. The two-dimensional grain morphology of the TEM foil allowed straightforward recognition of amorphous and crystallized regions of the films, for measurement of crystalline volume fraction and grain number density. By assuming that the kinetic parameters remain constant beyond the onset of crystallization, the final average grain size was computed, using an analytical extrapolation to the fully crystallized state. Electron diffraction reveals a predominance of the anatase crystallographic phase.
The pol3-t Hyperrecombination Phenotype and DNA Damage‐Induced Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is RAD50 Dependent
Authors: Galli Alvaro , Hafer Kurt , Cervelli Tiziana , Schiestl Robert H.
Published: October 2009

The DNA polymerase δ (POL3/CDC2) allele pol3-t of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has previously been shown to be sensitive to methylmethanesulfonate (MMS) and has been proposed to be involved in base excision repair. Our results, however, show that the pol3-t mutation is synergistic for MMS sensitivity with MAG1, a known base excision repair gene, but it is epistatic with rad50 Δ, suggesting that POL3 may be involved not only in base excision repair but also in a RAD50 dependent function. We further studied the interaction of pol3-t with rad50 Δ by examining their effect on spontaneous, MMS‐, UV‐, and ionizing radiation‐induced intrachromosomal recombination. We found that rad50 Δ completely abolishes the elevated spontaneous frequency of intrachromosomal recombination in the pol3-t mutant and significantly decreases UV‐ and MMS‐induced recombination in both POL3 and pol3-t strains. Interestingly, rad50 Δ had no effect on γ‐ray‐induced recombination in both backgrounds between 0 and 50 Gy. Finally, the deletion of RAD50 had no effect on the elevated frequency of homologous integration conferred by the pol3-t mutation. RAD50 is possibly involved in resolution of replication forks that are stalled by mutagen‐induced external DNA damage, or internal DNA damage produced by growing the pol3-t mutant at the restrictive temperature.
Analysis of High-Throughput Flow Cytometry Data Using plateCore
Authors: Strain Errol , Hahne Florian , Brinkman Ryan R. , Haaland Perry
Published: October 2009

Flow cytometry (FCM) software packages from R/Bioconductor, such as flowCore and flowViz, serve as an open platform for development of new analysis tools and methods. We created plateCore, a new package that extends the functionality in these core packages to enable automated negative control-based gating and make the processing and analysis of plate-based data sets from high-throughput FCM screening experiments easier. plateCore was used to analyze data from a BD FACS CAP screening experiment where five Peripheral Blood Mononucleocyte Cell (PBMC) samples were assayed for 189 different human cell surface markers. This same data set was also manually analyzed by a cytometry expert using the FlowJo data analysis software package (TreeStar, USA). We show that the expression values for markers characterized using the automated approach in plateCore are in good agreement with those from FlowJo, and that using plateCore allows for more reproducible analyses of FCM screening data.
Video Streaming Transfer in a Smart Satellite Mobile Environment
Authors: Celandroni Nedo , Davoli Franco , Ferro Erina , Gotta Alberto
Published: October 2009

Transportation media are becoming “smart spaces”, where sophisticated services are offered to the passengers. We concentrate on video streaming provided on buses that move in urban, suburban, or highway environments. A content provider utilizes a DVB-S2 satellite link for transmitting video streams to a bus, where they are relayed to passengers' devices. We say that a bus works in smart mode if it takes advantage of the knowledge of the exact points where fixed obstacles will prevent receiving the satellite signal for a certain time period. This information is sent to the hub via a return channel. The hub, in its turn, suspends the transmissions to that specific bus for the given time interval, thus avoiding information losses and unnecessary bandwidth occupation. Buffering video packets, without any quality of service (QoS) degradation, seamlessly compensates channel blockages up to a given duration. We determine the most appropriate transmission parameters for video streaming with good video QoS in a mobile satellite environment; moreover, we evaluate how “smart” the system can be in terms of bandwidth saving, by comparing it with the situation where the bus does not exploit the description of its route, still maintaining the same QoS requirements.
Adding to Yersinia enterocolitica Gene Pool Diversity: Two Cryptic Plasmids from a Biotype 1A Isolate
Authors: Lepka Daniela , Kerrinnes Tobias , Skiebe Evelyn , Hahn Birgitt , Fruth Angelika , Wilharm Gottfried
Published: October 2009

We report the nucleotide sequence of two novel cryptic plasmids (4357 and 14 662 base pairs) carried by a Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 1A strain isolated from pork. As distinguished from most biotype 1A strains, this isolate, designated 07‐04449, exhibited adherence to eukaryotic cells. The smaller plasmid pYe4449‐1 carries five attributable open reading frames (ORFs) encoding the first CcdA/CcdB‐like antitoxin/toxin system described for a Yersinia plasmid, a RepA‐like replication initiation protein, and mobilizing factors MobA and MobC. The deduced amino acid sequences showed highest similarity to proteins described in Salmonella (CcdA/B), Klebsiella (RepA), and Plesiomonas (MobA/C) indicating genomic fluidity among members of the Enterobacteriaceae. One additional ORF with unknown function, termed ORF5, was identified with an ancestry distinct from the rest of the plasmid. While the C+G content of ORF5 is 38.3%, the rest of pYe4449‐1 shows a C+G content of 55.7%. The C+G content of the larger plasmid pYe4449‐2 (54.9%) was similar to that of pYe4449‐1 (53.7%) and differed from that of the Y. enterocolitica genome (47.3%). Of the 14 ORFs identified on pYe4449‐2, only six ORFs showed significant similarity to database entries. For three of these ORFs likely functions could be ascribed: a TnpR‐like resolvase and a phage replication protein, localized each on a low C+G island, and DNA primase TraC. Two ORFs of pYe4449‐2, ORF3 and ORF7, seem to encode secretable proteins. Epitope‐tagging of ORF3 revealed protein expression at 4°C but not at or above 27°C suggesting adaptation to a habitat outside swine. The hypothetical protein encoded by ORF7 is the member of a novel repeat protein family sharing the DxxGN(x)nDxxGN motif. Our findings illustrate the exceptional gene pool diversity within the species Y. enterocolitica driven by horizontal gene transfer events.
Immune Responses Following Mouse Peripheral Nerve Xenotransplantation in Rats
Authors: Lu Lai-Jin , Sun Jia-Bing , Liu Zhi-Gang , Gong Xu , Cui Jian-Li , Sun Xi-Guang
Published: October 2009

Xenotransplantation offers a potentially unlimited source for tissues and organs for transplantation, but the strong xenoimmune responses pose a major obstacle to its application in the clinic. In this study, we investigate the rejection of mouse peripheral nerve xenografts in rats. Severe intragraft mononuclear cell infiltration, graft distension, and necrosis were detected in the recipients as early as 2 weeks after mouse nerve xenotransplantation. The number of axons in xenografts reduced progressively and became almost undetectable at week 8. However, mouse nerve xenotransplantation only led to a transient and moderate increase in the production of Th1 cytokines, including IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. The data implicate that cellular immune responses play a critical role in nerve xenograft rejection but that further identification of the major effector cells mediating the rejection is required for developing effective means to prevent peripheral nerve xenograft rejection.
Effective Endovascular Stenting of Malignant Portal Vein Obstruction in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ellis Christian M. , Shenoy Sadashiv , Litwin Alan , Soehnlein Stephanie , Gibbs John F.
Published: October 2009

We report herein the case of a patient successfully treated by transhepatic portal venous stent placement for malignant portal vein obstruction with associated gastric and small bowel varices and repeated gastrointestinal bleeding. CT angiography and portography showed severe portal vein obstruction from recurrent pancreatic cancer 15 months following pancreaticoduodenectomy with tumor encasement and dilated collateral veins throughout the gastric and proximal small bowel wall as the suspected cause of the GI bleeding. Successful transhepatic endovascular stent placement of the splenic vein at the portal vein confluence followed by balloon dilation was performed with immediate decompression of the gastric and small bowel varices and relief of GI hemorrhage in this patient until his death four months later. The treatment for patients with this dilemma can prove to be difficult, but as we have shown endovascular stenting of the portal system is an effective treatment option.
Time‐Dependent Circular Billiard
Authors: Howard J. E.
Published: October 2009

We investigate a time‐dependent circular billiard with a two‐frequency driving function and derive a new simplified form for the map, which is a symplectic nontwist map. Stability boundaries
and reconnection thresholds are derived for fixed points and period‐two vortex pairs. An island
interspersal condition is derived such that neighboring island chains of the first frequency are exactly
separated by those of the second. The results show a strong enhancement of the KAM barrier to
chaotic diffusion with increasing second frequency content and overall amplitude.
Transferring Instantly the State of Higher‐Order Linear Descriptor (Regular) Differential Systems Using Impulsive Inputs
Authors: Karageorgos Athanasios D. , Pantelous Athanasios A. , Kalogeropoulos Grigoris I.
Published: October 2009

In many applications, and generally speaking in many dynamical differential systems, the problem of transferring the initial state of the system to a desired state in (almost) zero‐time time is desirable but difficult to achieve. Theoretically, this can be achieved by using a linear combination of Dirac δ‐function and its derivatives. Obviously, such an input is physically unrealizable. However, we can think of it approximately as a combination of small pulses of very high magnitude and infinitely small duration. In this paper, the approximation process of the distributional behaviour of higher‐order linear descriptor (regular) differential systems is presented. Thus, new analytical formulae based on linear algebra methods and generalized inverses theory are provided. Our approach is quite general and some significant conditions are derived. Finally, a numerical example is presented and discussed.
Rapid Determination of Ractopamine Residues in Edible Animal Products by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay: Development and Investigation of Matrix Effects
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang FengXia , Fang Li , Wang Shuo , Fang GuoZhen
Published: October 2009

To determine ractopamine residues in animal food products (chicken muscle, pettitoes, pig muscle, and pig liver), we established a rapid direct competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a polyclonal antibody generated from ractopamine‐linker‐BSA. The antibody showed high sensitivity and specificity in phosphate buffer, with an IC50 of 0.6 ng/mL, and the limit of detection was 0.04 ng/mL. The matrix effect of the samples was easily eliminated by one‐step extraction with PBS, without any organic solution or clean‐up procedure such as SPE or liquid‐liquid extraction, making it a much more simple and rapid method than previously reported ones. The detection limit in blank samples was 0.2 μg/kg. To validate this new RAC (ractopamine hydrochloride) ELISA, a RAC‐free pig liver sample spiked at three different concentrations was prepared and analyzed by HPLC and ELISA. The results showed a good correlation between the data of ELISA and HPLC (R2 > 0.95), which proves that the established ELISA is accurate enough to quantify the residue of RAC in the animal derived foods.
A Gradient Weighted Moving Finite‐Element Method with Polynomial Approximation of Any Degree
Authors: Soheili Ali R. , Naghipoor J. , Ahmadian S. A.
Published: October 2009

A gradient weighted moving finite element method (GWMFE) based on piecewise polynomial of any degree is developed to solve time‐dependent problems in two space dimensions. Numerical experiments are employed to test the accuracy and effciency of the proposed method with nonlinear Burger equation.
Planar Bragg Grating Sensors—Fabrication and Applications: A Review
Authors: Sparrow I. J. G. , Smith P. G. R. , Emmerson G. D. , Watts S. P. , Riziotis C.
Published: October 2009

We discuss the background and technology of planar Bragg grating sensors, reviewing their development and describing the latest developments. The physical operating principles are discussed, relating device operation to user requirements. Recent performance of such devices includes a planar Bragg grating sensor design which allows refractive index resolution of 1.9 × 10−6 RIU and temperature resolution of 0.03°C. This sensor design is incorporated into industrialised applications allowing the sensor to be used for real time sensing in intrinsically safe, high‐pressure pipelines, or for insertion probe applications such as fermentation. Initial data demonstrating the ability to identify solvents and monitor long term industrial processes is presented. A brief review of the technology used to fabricate the sensors is given along with examples of the flexibility afforded by the technique.
Pharmacological Characterization of Inositol 1,4,5-tris Phosphate Receptors in Human Platelet Membranes
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh , Pandey Ghanshyam N.
Published: October 2009

The phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis signaling system has been shown to be altered in platelets of depressed and schizophrenic subjects. Inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), an integral component of the PI signaling system, mobilizesCa2+by activating Ins(1,4,5)P3receptors. To eventually investigate the role of Ins(1,4,5)P3receptors in depression and other mental disorders, we characterized [H3]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding sites in crude platelet membranes prepared from small amounts of blood obtained from healthy human control subjects. We found a single, saturable binding site for [H3]Ins(1,4,5)P3to crude platelet membranes, which is time dependent and modulated by pH, inositol phosphates, and heparin. Since cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) andCa2+have been shown to be important modulators in Ins(1,4,5)P3receptors, in the present study we also determined the effects of various concentrations ofCaCI2and forskolin on Ins(1,4,5)P3binding to platelet membranes.CaCI2modulated [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding sites in a biphasic manner: at lower concentrations it inhibited [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding, whereas at higher concentrations, it stimulated [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding. On the other hand, forskolin inhibited [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding. Our results thus suggest that the pharmacological characteristics of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding to crude platelet membranes are similar to that of Ins(1,4,5)P3receptors; and that bothCa2+and cAMP modulate [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3binding in crude platelet membranes.
Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, and Use of Emergency Contraceptives among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Wilder Kathleen J. , Guise Jeane-Marie , Perrin Nancy A. , Hanson Ginger C. , Hernandez Rebecca , Glass Nancy
Published: October 2009

The study examines emergency contraception (EC) knowledge, awareness, perceptions, and prior use and identifies predictors of EC use among a sample of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The majority (66.2%) of 154 survivors at risk of pregnancy reported EC awareness, only 15.3% reported prior EC use. Logistic regression identified perceived abusive intimate partner approval (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.15–4.41) and lack of moral/religious objections (OR = 12.83; 95% CI = 5.48–30.03) as the strongest predictors of EC use. Health care provider interventions acknowledging barriers to EC use, such as partner approval, and education that improves awareness of and knowledge about EC, may have the impact of empowering survivors in their reproductive choices, reducing unwanted pregnancies.
Non‐Power‐of‐Two FFTs: Exploring the Flexibility of the Montium TP
Authors: van de Burgwal Marcel D. , Wolkotte Pascal T. , Smit Gerard J. M.
Published: October 2009

Coarse‐grain reconfigurable architectures, like the Montium TP, have proven to be a very successful approach for low‐power and high‐performance computation of regular digital signal processing algorithms. This paper presents the implementation of a class of non‐power‐of‐two FFTs to discover the limitations and Flexibility of the Montium TP for less regular algorithms. A non‐power‐of‐two FFT is less regular compared to a traditional power‐of‐two FFT. The results of the implementation show the processing time, accuracy, energy consumption and Flexibility of the implementation.
Profound Muscle Weakness and Pain after One Dose of Actonel
Authors: Badayan Irina , Cudkowicz Merit E.
Published: October 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines osteopenia as a bone density between 1 and 2.5 standard deviation (SD) below the bone density of a normal young adult Iqbal 2000. Osteoporosis is defined as 2.5 SD or more below that reference point Iqbal 2000. Bisphosphonates are a group of medications used to treat osteoporosis, Padget's disease of bone, and osteopenia. We report a woman who developed profound muscle weakness and pain after one dose of Risedronate (Actonel).
Dynamic Changes of Neuroskeletal Proteins in DRGs Underlie Impaired Axonal Maturation and Progressive Axonal Degeneration in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kamiya Hideki , Zhang Weixian , Sima Anders A. F.
Published: October 2009

We investigated mechanisms underlying progressive axonal dysfunction and structural deficits in type 1 BB/Wor-rats from 1 week to 10 month diabetes duration. Motor and sensory conduction velocities were decreased after 4 and 6 weeks of diabetes and declined further over the remaining 9 months. Myelinated sural nerve fibers showed progressive deficits in fiber numbers and sizes. Structural deficits in unmyelinated axonal size were evident at 2 month and deficits in number were present at 4 mo. These changes were preceded by decreased availability of insulin, C-peptide and IGF-1 and decreased expression of neurofilaments andβ-III-tubulin. Upregulation of phosphorylating stress kinases like Cdk5, p-GSK-3β, and p42/44 resulted in increased phosphorylation of neurofilaments. Increasing activity of p-GSK-3βcorrelated with increasing phosphorylation of NFH, whereas decreasing Cdk5 correlated with diminishing phosphorylation of NFM. The data suggest that impaired neurotrophic support results in sequentially impaired synthesis and postranslational modifications of neuroskeletal proteins, resulting in progressive deficits in axonal function, maturation and size.
Adomian Decomposition Method for a Nonlinear Heat Equation with Temperature Dependent Thermal Properties
Authors: Bokhari Ashfaque H. , Mohammad Ghulam , Mustafa M. T. , Zaman F. D.
Published: October 2009

The solutions of nonlinear heat equation with temperature dependent diffusivity are investigated using the modified Adomian decomposition method. Analysis of the method and examples are given to show that the Adomian series solution gives an excellent approximation to the exact solution. This accuracy can be increased by increasing the number of terms in the series expansion. The Adomian solutions are presented in some situations of interest.