bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Accumulation in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interfaces by the Broken Symmetry of Crystal Field
Authors: Park Hayan , Choi Heechae , Park Hong-Lae , Chung Yong-Chae
Published: October 2011

Using ab initio calculations, we studied structural characteristics of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface and related with its extraordinarily increased electric conductivity. In both of the two (LaAlO3)
m
/SrTiO3 heterojunction models (m = 3, 5), the oxygen atoms in the cells were displaced toward the n-type interface and the Ti-centered octahedron structure was compressed along the [001] direction by the atomic reconstructions at the (LaAlO3)
m
/(SrTiO3)4 interfaces. As a result, the 3d
x
y
orbital of the Ti atom was preferentially occupied due to the lowered energy state of the 3d
x
y
orbital, which arises from the crystal field asymmetry. We reason that the extra electrons occupy the 3d
x
y
orbital are accumulated at the interface by the displacement of the oxygen atoms. This accumulation contributes to the conductivity of the n-type interface.
Fabrication of Direct-Contact Higher-k HfO2 Gate Stacks by Oxygen-Controlled Cap Post-Deposition Annealing
Authors: Morita Yukinori , Migita Shinji , Mizubayashi Wataru , Ota Hiroyuki
Published: October 2011

We demonstrate a novel technique to fabricate direct-contact HfO2 gate stacks with a very high-k value by using oxygen-controlled cap post-deposition annealing (cap-PDA). The permittivity of HfO2 was enhanced by generating a cubic crystallographic phase by abrupt thermal annealing with the capping layer deposited on HfO2. The increase in the thickness of the SiO2 interlayer during cap-PDA was effectively suppressed by controlling the oxygen chemistry with an oxygen-controlling capping layer. A very thin direct-contact HfO2 gate stack of 0.39 nm equivalent oxide thickness was realized with a HfO2 dielectric constant of ∼46.5 and suppression of the interfacial layer.
Analytic Model of Threshold Voltage Variation Induced by Plasma Charging Damage in High-k Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Eriguchi Koji , Kamei Masayuki , Takao Yoshinori , Ono Kouichi
Published: October 2011

We discuss plasma charging damage (PCD) to high-kgate dielectrics and the resultant threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) in n-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (n-ch MOSFETs). The PCD induced by the antenna effect is focused on, and ΔVthand its variation are estimated for MOSFETs treated by various plasma processes. We propose a ΔVthvariation model based on both the power-law dependence of ΔVthon the antenna ratior(= exposed metal interconnect area/gate area) and therdistribution deduced from an interconnect-length distribution function (ILDF) in a large-scale integrated (LSI) circuit. Then, we simulate the variations in ΔVth[σ(ΔVth)] and the subthreshold leakage currentIoff[σ(Ioff)], in accordance with the employedrdistribution. The model prediction quantitatively shows the effects of PCD on σ(ΔVth) and σ(Ioff): The antenna effect is found to increase σ(ΔVth) and σ(Ioff).
Ultralow Dielectric Property of Electrospun Polylactide–Polyglycolide Nanofibrous Membranes
Authors: Liu Shih-Jung , Chiou Lung-Yi , Liao Jun-Yi
Published: October 2011

Polylactide–polyglycolide (PLGA) has been one of the most important biodegradable and biocompatible materials. In this study, nanofibrous membranes of PLGA were fabricated using an electro fiber spinning setup that consisted of a syringe and needle (the internal diameter is 0.42 mm), a ground electrode, an aluminum sheet, and a high voltage supply. The dielectric properties of the electrospun membranes were characterized. The experimental results suggested that the electrospun membranes exhibited ultralow dielectric behavior. The influences of the nanofibers diameter and the density of the membranes on the dielectric properties were also instigated. It was found that the dielectric constants decreased with the fiber diameter and increased with the density of the nanofibrous membranes. By employing the electrospinning process, one will be able to fabricate polymeric membranes with ultralow dielectric performance.
Early-Life Origins of Type 2 Diabetes: Fetal Programming of the Beta-Cell Mass
Authors: Portha Bernard , Chavey Audrey , Movassat Jamileh
Published: October 2011

A substantial body of evidence suggests that an abnormal intrauterine milieu elicited by maternal metabolic disturbances as diverse as undernutrition, placental insufficiency, diabetes or obesity, may program susceptibility in the fetus to later develop chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This paper examines the developmental programming of glucose intolerance/diabetes by disturbed intrauterine metabolic condition experimentally obtained in various rodent models of maternal protein restriction, caloric restriction, overnutrition or diabetes, with a focus on the alteration of the developing beta-cell mass. In most of the cases, whatever the type of initial maternal metabolic stress, the beta-cell adaptive growth which normally occurs during gestation, does not take place in the pregnant offspring and this results in the development of gestational diabetes. Therefore gestational diabetes turns to be the ultimate insult targeting the offspring beta-cell mass and propagates diabetes risk to the next generation again. The aetiology and the transmission of spontaneous diabetes as encountered in the GK/Par rat model of type 2 diabetes, are discussed in such a perspective. This review also discusses the non-genomic mechanisms involved in the installation of the programmed effect as well as in its intergenerational transmission.
Moving Heat Source Reconstruction from Cauchy Boundary Data: The Cartesian Coordinates Case
Authors: Roberty Nilson C. , de Sousa Denis M. , Rainha Marcelo L. S.
Published: October 2011

We consider the problem of reconstruction of an unknown characteristic interval and block transient thermal source inside a domain. By exploring the definition of an Extended Dirichlet to Neumann map in the time space cylinder that has been introduced in Roberty and Rainha (2010a), we can treat the problem with methods similar to that used in the analysis of the stationary source reconstruction problem. Further, the finite difference θ‐scheme applied to the transient heat conduction equation leads to a model based on a sequence of modified Helmholtz equation solutions. For each modified Helmholtz equation the characteristic interval and parallelepiped source function may be reconstructed uniquely from the Cauchy boundary data. Using representation formula we establish reciprocity functional mapping functions that are solutions of the modified Helmholtz equation to their integral in the unknown characteristic support. Numerical experiment for capture of an interval and an rectangular parallelepiped characteristic source inside a cubic box domain from boundary data are presented in threedimensional and one‐dimensional implementations. The problem of centroid determination is addressed and questions are discussed from an computational points of view.
Benthic Macrofauna Associated with Submerged Bottoms of a Tectonic Estuary in Tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: Guevara-Fletcher Carlos E. , Cantera Kintz Jaime R. , Mejía-Ladino Luz M. , Cortés Fabián A.
Published: October 2011

The composition and distribution of the main associations of submerged macrobenthos ofBahía Málaga(Colombian pacific coast), were studied in relation to the distribution of hard and soft substrates and some abiotic factors. Eight localities were sampled during six months: three in the external border of the estuary and five in the inner part. In total, 728 organisms were registered, belonging to 207 species, 132 genera, 86 families, and 14 orders of six invertebrate groups (Porifera, Cnidaria, Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea, and Echinodermata). The submerged bottoms presented soft and hard substrates, with rocks and thick sand in five sites, soft bottoms with fine sand in one, and soft bottoms with slime and clay in two. The temperature and salinity values were higher in the external localities, while dissolved oxygen and pH were higher in the internal localities. The localities with hard substrates presented the highest richness of species while the soft substrates, were characterized by a paucity of species and individuals. The similarity classification analyses showed two groups: one characterized by having 61 species in common and high richness with 113 exclusive species. The other group with low diversity and richness values, 37 species in common and 23 exclusive species.
“Down the Language Rabbit Hole with Alice”: A Case Study of a Deaf Girl with a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Andrews Jean F. , Dionne Vickie
Published: October 2011

Alice, a deaf girl who was implanted after age three years of age was exposed to four weeks of storybook sessions conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) and speech (English). Two research questions were address: (1) how did she use her sign bimodal/bilingualism, codeswitching, and code mixing during reading activities and (2) what sign bilingual code-switching and code-mixing strategies did she use while attending to stories delivered under two treatments: ASL only and speech only. Retelling scores were collected to determine the type and frequency of her codeswitching/codemixing strategies between both languages after Alice was read to a story in ASL and in spoken English. Qualitative descriptive methods were utilized. Teacher, clinician and student transcripts of the reading and retelling sessions were recorded. Results showed Alice frequently used codeswitching and codeswitching strategies while retelling the stories retold under both treatments. Alice increased in her speech production retellings of the stories under both the ASL storyreading and spoken English-only reading of the story. The ASL storyreading did not decrease Alice’s retelling scores in spoken English. Professionals are encouraged to consider the benefits of early sign bimodal/bilingualism to enhance the overall speech, language and reading proficiency of deaf children with cochlear implants.
Nasopharyngeal Actinomycosis
Authors: Ouertatani Lamia , Jeblaoui Yassine , Kharrat Salima , Sahtout Samia , Besbes Ghazi
Published: October 2011

Nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is a rarely encountered bacterial infection which usually occurs after nasal trauma or surgery. In some clinical cases, nasopharyngeal actinomycosis has appeared in patients without prior trauma, making diagnosis difficult. Here we present three such cases successfully treated with appropriate dosages of penicillin. One 16-year-old boy with no previous medical antecedents showed an important thickening of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. A similar nasopharyngeal thickening was found in a 42-year-old woman exhibiting poor dental hygiene. In another 42-year-old woman, nasopharyngeal inflammation was accompanied by multiple right lymphoadenopathies. Like the first two patients, the woman had no prior trauma but did exhibit poor dental hygiene and teeth rottenness. In all three patients, actinomycosis diagnosis was confirmed by anaerobic microbial culturing of the biopsy specimen. Although diagnosis is delayed in patients with no prior trauma, treatment with antibiotics has greatly improved the prognosis for all forms of actinomycosis, and neither death nor deformity is common.
The Use of Protein-Based Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas
Authors: Kwon Richard S. , Simeone Diane M.
Published: October 2011

Proteomics is a powerful method used to identify, characterize, and quantify proteins within biologic samples. Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are a common clinical entity and represent a diagnostic and management challenge due to difficulties in accurately diagnosing cystic lesions with malignant potential and assessing the risk of malignant degeneration. Currently, cytology and other biomarkers in cyst fluid have had limited success in accurately distinguishing both the type of cystic neoplasm and the presence of malignancy. Emerging data suggests that the use of protein-based biomarkers may have greater utility in helping clinicians correctly diagnose the type of cyst and to identify which cystic neoplasms are malignant. Several candidate proteins have been identified within pancreatic cystic neoplasms as potential biomarkers. Future studies will be needed to validate these findings and move these biomarkers into the clinical setting.
Proteomic-Based Biosignatures in Breast Cancer Classification and Prediction of Therapeutic Response
Authors: He Jianbo , Whelan Stephen A. , Lu Ming , Shen Dejun , Chung Debra U. , Saxton Romaine E. , Faull Kym F. , Whitelegge Julian P. , Chang Helena R.
Published: October 2011

Protein-based markers that classify tumor subtypes and predict therapeutic response would be clinically useful in guiding patient treatment. We investigated the LC-MS/MS-identified protein biosignatures in 39 baseline breast cancer specimens including 28 HER2-positive and 11 triple-negative (TNBC) tumors. Twenty proteins were found to correctly classify all HER2 positive and 7 of the 11 TNBC tumors. Among them, galectin-3-binding protein and ALDH1A1 were found preferentially elevated in TNBC, whereas CK19, transferrin, transketolase, and thymosin 4 and 10 were elevated in HER2-positive cancers. In addition, several proteins such as enolase, vimentin, peroxiredoxin 5, Hsp 70, periostin precursor, RhoA, cathepsin D preproprotein, and annexin 1 were found to be associated with the tumor responses to treatment within each subtype. The MS-based proteomic findings appear promising in guiding tumor classification and predicting response. When sufficiently validated, some of these candidate protein markers could have great potential in improving breast cancer treatment.
Actinidia macrospermaC. F. Liang (a Wild Kiwi): Preliminary Study of Its Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Lu Yin , Du Xiangtao , Lai Lidan , Jin Hao
Published: October 2011

The antioxidant potential ofActinidia macrospermaC. F. Liang (Actinidiaceae) was investigated in vitro for total phenolic content, along with total antioxidant activity (TAA), 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), and lipid peroxidation (LP). The results indicated that different polarity extracts ofA. macrospermaexhibit different biological activities, which depends mainly on the presence of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity was in the following decreasing order: MeOH extract > EtOAc extract > aqueous extract > CHCl3extract > Hexane extract. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of this plant by MTT dye assay using SMMC-7721 has been determined also. The hexane, EtOAc, and CHCl3extracts showed cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Methanol and aqueous extracts, however, showed weak activities in this test. And a very significant cytotoxic activity, not significantly different from the positive control of quercetin, was observed in CHCl3extract.
Splicing Programs and Cancer
Authors: Germann Sophie , Gratadou Lise , Dutertre Martin , Auboeuf Didier
Published: October 2011

Numerous studies report splicing alterations in a multitude of cancers by using gene-by-gene analysis. However, understanding of the role of alternative splicing in cancer is now reaching a new level, thanks to the use of novel technologies allowing the analysis of splicing at a large-scale level. Genome-wide analyses of alternative splicing indicate that splicing alterations can affect the products of gene networks involved in key cellular programs. In addition, many splicing variants identified as being misregulated in cancer are expressed in normal tissues. These observations suggest that splicing programs contribute to specific cellular programs that are altered during cancer initiation and progression. Supporting this model, recent studies have identified splicing factors controlling cancer-associated splicing programs. The characterization of splicing programs and their regulation by splicing factors will allow a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in cancer initiation and progression and the development of new therapeutic targets.
Target Contour Recovering for Tracking People in Complex Environments
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Sheng , Li Y. F. , Zhang Jianwei
Published: October 2011

Recovering people contours from partial occlusion is a challenging problem in a visual tracking system. Partial occlusions would bring about unreasonable contour changes of the target object. In this paper, a novel method is presented to detect partial occlusion on people contours and recover occluded portions. Unlike other occlusion detection methods, the proposed method is only based on contours, which makes itself more flexible to be extended for further applications. Experiments with synthetic images demonstrate the accuracy of the method for detecting partial occlusions, and experiments on real-world video sequence are also carried out to prove that the method is also good enough to be used to recover target contours.
An Astigmatic Detection System for Polymeric Cantilever-Based Sensors
Authors: Hwu En-Te , Liao Hsien-Shun , Bosco Filippo G. , Chen Ching-Hsiu , Keller Stephan Sylvest , Boisen Anja , Huang Kuang-Yuh
Published: October 2011

We demonstrate the use of an astigmatic detection system (ADS) for resonance frequency identification of polymer microcantilever sensors. The ADS technology is based on a DVD optical head combined with an optical microscope (OM). The optical head has a signal bandwidth of 80 MHz, allowing thermal fluctuation measurements on cantilever beams with a subnanometer resolution. Furthermore, an external excitation can intensify the resonance amplitude, enhancing the signal- to-noise ratio. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the laser spot is 568 nm, which facilitates read-out on potentially submicrometer-sized cantilevers. The resonant frequency of SU-8 microcantilevers is measured by both thermal fluctuation and excited vibration measurement modes of the ADS.
What's Out There Making Us Sick?
Authors: Genuis Stephen J.
Published: October 2011

Throughout the continuum of medical and scientific history, repeated evidence has confirmed that the main etiological determinants of disease are nutritional deficiency, toxicant exposures, genetic predisposition, infectious agents, and psychological dysfunction. Contemporary conventional medicine generally operates within a genetic predestination paradigm, attributing most chronic and degenerative illness to genomic factors, while incorporating pathogens and psychological disorder in specific situations. Toxicity and deficiency states often receive insufficient attention as common source causes of chronic disease in the developed world. Recent scientific evidence in health disciplines including molecular medicine, epigenetics, and environmental health sciences, however, reveal ineluctable evidence that deficiency and toxicity states feature prominently as common etiological determinants of contemporary ill-health. Incorporating evidence from historical and emerging science, it is evident that a reevaluation of conventional wisdom on the current construct of disease origins should be considered and that new knowledge should receive expeditious translation into clinical strategies for disease management and health promotion.
Relationship between Anorectal Pressure and Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension in Patients with Pelvic Floor Organ Prolapse Accompanied by Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Cheng Dali
Published: October 2011

Objective: To investigate the value of anorectal manometry, combined with measuring pelvic floor muscle tension, to assess the anorectal dynamics of patients with pelvic floor organ prolapse accompanied by outlet obstruction. Methods: 30 patients with pelvic floor organ prolapse and 30 healthy volunteers were included in the observation group. The relationships between anorectal pressure and pelvic floor muscle tension, the patients’ subjective and objective symptoms, and posterior vaginal wall prolapse were analyzed in both groups. Results: No significant difference was observed in the anorectal pressure between the observation group during straining to defecate and the control group (p = 0.098). Statistically significant differences were found in the initial rectal sensory volume, the maximum tolerated volume, and the initial desire to defecate sensory volume between the two groups (p = 0.020, 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). A decrease in pelvic floor muscle tension was measured in the observation group (p = 0.037). Compared with the control group, the observation group exhibited decreased internal and external anal sphincter resting pressures, elevated rectal perception threshold, and reduced pelvic floor muscle tone. Conclusions: Anorectal manometry, combined with measuring pelvic floor muscle tension, can provide important references for diagnosing and assessing pelvic floor organ prolapse accompanied by outlet obstruction.
Repetitive DNA and Meiotic Behavior of Sex Chromosomes in Gymnotus pantanal (Gymnotiformes, Gymnotidae)
Authors: da Silva M. , Matoso D.A. , Vicari M.R. , de Almeida M.C. , Margarido V.P. , Artoni R.F.
Published: October 2011

Neotropical fishes have a low rate of chromosome differentiation between sexes. The present study characterizes the first meiotic analysis of sex chromosomes in the order Gymnotiformes. Gymnotus pantanal – females had 40 chromosomes (14m/sm, 26st/a) and males had 39 chromosomes (15m/sm, 24st/a), with a fundamental number of 54 – showed a multiple sexual determination chromosome system of the type X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y. The heterochromatin is restricted to centromeres of all chromosomes of the karyotype. The meiotic behavior of sex chromosomes involved in this system in males is from a trivalent totally pared in the pachytene stage, with a high degree of similarity. The cells of metaphase II exhibit 19 and 20 chromosomes, normal disjunction of sex chromosomes and the formation of balanced gametes with 18 + Y and 18 + X1X2 chromosomes, respectively. The small amount of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA involved in this system and the high degree of chromosome similarity indicated a recent origin of the X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y system in G. pantanal and suggests the existence of a simple ancestral system with morphologically undifferentiated chromosomes.
Recognition, Diagnosis and Treatment of Meconium Obstruction in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Kim Yoon-Joo , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Eun Sun , Kim Han-Suk , Choi Jung-Hwan , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim Woo Sun , Kim In-One , Park Kwi Won
Published: October 2011

Background: Meconium obstruction (MO) of prematurity can result in increased morbidity or mortality and prolonged hospitalization if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. Objectives: The aims of our study were to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with MO and to review the treatment outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 101 extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs) who were born between January 1, 2007, and April 1, 2009, at Seoul National University Hospital. Prenatal and neonatal factors were compared between the MO and control groups. The treatment outcomes were also reviewed. Results: Twenty-two (22%) patients were diagnosed as having MO. Eighteen of these patients (82%) had prenatal risk factors for MO. Respiratory distress syndrome was more prevalent in the MO group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Overall, 17 of the 22 patients (77%) were relieved with medical treatment and the rest underwent ileostomy. The times to full enteral feeding did not differ between the medically treated group and the control group. However, the surgically treated group required more time to achieve full enteral feeding, and some patients had persistent gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion: MO is not a rare condition in ELBWIs, and the majority of ELBWIs have prenatal risk factors. Medical management was effective, and medically manageable cases had good prognoses for subsequent feeding, whereas some surgically managed cases had persistent gastrointestinal problems.
Clinical and Molecular Characterization of a Combined 17p13.3 Microdeletion with Partial Monosomy 21q21.3 in a 26-Year-Old Man
Authors: Hannachi H. , Mougou-Zerelli S. , BenAbdallah I. , Mama N. , Hamdi I. , Labalme A. , Elghezal H. , Sanlaville D. , Saad A.
Published: October 2011

We led a clinical and molecular characterization of a patient with mild mental delay and dysmorphic features initially referred for cytogenetic exploration of an azoospermia. We employed FISH and array CGH techniques for a better definition and refinement of a double chromosome aberration associating a 17p microdeletion with partial monosomy 21q due to 1:3 meiotic segregation of a maternal reciprocal translocation t(17;21)(p13.3;q21.2) revealed after banding analysis. Brain MRI depicted partial callosal and mild diffuse cerebral atrophies, but without expected signs of lissencephaly. The patient’s karyotype formula was: 45,XY,der(17)t(17;21)(p13.3;q21.2)mat,–21. FISH study confirmed these rearrangements and array CGH analysis estimated the loss sizes to at least 635 kb on chromosome 17 and to 15.6 Mb on chromosome 21. The absence of lissencephaly and major brain malformations often associated with 17p terminal deletions could be attributed to the retention of PAFAH1B1, YWHAE and CRK genes. Dysmorphic features, moderate mental impairment and minor brain malformations could result from the 21q monosomy and particularly the partial deletion of the APP-SOD1 region. Azoospermia should result from gamete apoptosis induced by a control mechanism triggered in response to chromosome imbalances. Our study provides an additional case for better understanding and delineating both 17p and 21q deletions.
De novo Interstitial Triplication of MECP2 in a Girl with Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Random X Chromosome Inactivation
Authors: Mayo S. , Monfort S. , Roselló M. , Orellana C. , Oltra S. , Armstrong J. , Català V. , Martínez F.
Published: October 2011

Loss-of-function mutations of the MECP2 gene are the cause of most cases of Rett syndrome in females, a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, global regression, hand stereotypies, and microcephaly. On the other hand, gain of dosage of this gene causes the MECP2 duplication syndrome in males characterized by severe mental retardation, absence of speech development, infantile hypotonia, progressive spasticity, recurrent infections, and facial dysmorphism. Female carriers of a heterozygous duplication show a skewed X-inactivation pattern which is the most probable cause of the lack of clinical symptoms. In this paper, we describe a girl with a complex de novo copy number gain at Xq28 and non-skewed X-inactivation pattern that causes mental retardation and motor and language delay. This rearrangement implies triplication of the MECP2 and IRAK1 genes, but it does not span other proximal genes located in the common minimal region of patients affected by the MECP2 duplication syndrome. We conclude that the triplication leads to a severe phenotype due to random X-inactivation, while the preferential X chromosome inactivation in healthy carriers may be caused by a negative selection effect of the duplication on some proximal genes like ARD1A or HCFC1.
Phosphorylation of Histone H3S10 in Animal Chromosomes: Is There a Uniform Pattern?
Authors: Sotero-Caio C.G. , de Souza M.J. , Cabral-de-Mello D.C. , Brasileiro-Vidal A.C. , Guerra M.
Published: October 2011

Phosphorylation of serine 10 in histone H3 (H3S10ph) has been extensively analyzed and appears to be a conserved chromatin change associated with chromosome condensation in different eukaryotic organisms. In this work, we report the distribution of H3S10ph during meiosis in monocentric and holokinetic chromosomes of 6 insect species and in mitotic chromosomes of 7 mammalian species, aiming to investigate the labeling patterns in phylogenetically distant groups. The results indicated a very similar phosphorylation timing and distribution pattern among insects. The sex chromosomes of insects analyzed were always undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Similarly, the micro chromosomes of the bug Pachylis aff pharaonis were also undercondensed and hypophosphorylated. Holokinetic chromosomes of bugs and monocentric chromosomes of grasshoppers and beetles displayed identical phosphorylation pattern in spite of the difference in the centromere type. Among mammals, a uniform chromosome phosphorylation was observed in marsupials, whereas bat chromosomes displayed a longitudinal banding pattern. These data indicate that, in general, the intensity of H3S10 phosphorylation in animal chromosomes is variable among the distinct chromosome types and associated with the degree of chromatin condensation at metaphase, but it may vary between different groups of animals.
The Centromeric Heterochromatin of Costus spiralis: Poorly Methylated and Transiently Acetylated during Meiosis
Authors: Feitoza L. , Guerra M.
Published: October 2011

The centromeric region of Costus spiralis is characteristically composed of a small heterochromatic DAPI+ band flanked by a discrete decondensed region. High concentrations of serine 10 of histone H3 (H3S10ph) around the DAPI+ band in pachytene chromosomes and the location of this heterochromatin at the chromosome region directed towards the poles during metaphase-anaphase I confirm its integration into the centromeric region. Antibodies against both typical components of euchromatin histones (histone H4 acetylated at lysine 5 (H4K5ac) and histone H3 dimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me2)) and heterochromatin (dimethylated lysine 9 of H3 (H3K9me2) and anti-5-methylcytosine (5-mC)) were used to characterize the centromeric chromatin of this species during meiosis. In pachytene chromosomes, the decondensed terminal euchromatin of the chromosome arms were seen to be richer in H4K5ac and H3K4me2 histones, while the more condensed proximal region was relatively stronger labeled with anti-H3K9me2 and anti-5-methylcytosine (5-mC). The centromeric region itself, including the DAPI+ band, was poor in all of these chromatin modifications, but it was highly enriched in H4K5ac at pachytene. Before and after this stage, the centromeric region was poorly labeled with anti-H4K5ac. Hypomethylation and hyperacetylation of any kind of heterochromatin has rarely been reported, and it may be related to the dominant role of the centromere domain over the heterochromatin repeats.
Karyotype Differentiation between Two Stickleback Species (Gasterosteidae)
Authors: Urton J.R. , McCann S.R. , Peichel C.L.
Published: October 2011

The stickleback family (Gasterosteidae) of fish is less than 40 million years old, yet stickleback species have diverged in both diploid chromosome number (2n) and morphology. We used comparative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on 2 stickleback species, Gasterosteus aculeatus (2n = 42) and Apeltes quadracus (2n = 46), to ascertain the types of chromosome rearrangements that differentiate these species. The A. quadracus karyotype contains more acrocentric and telocentric chromosomes than the G. aculeatus karyotype. By using bacterial artificial chromosome probes from G. aculeatus in our FISH screen, we found that 6 pericentric inversions and 2 chromosome fusions/fissions are responsible for the greater number of acrocentric and telocentric chromosomes in A. quadracus. While most populations of G. aculeatus have an XX/XY sex chromosome system, A. quadracus has a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system, as previously reported. However, we discovered that a population of A. quadracus from Connecticut lacks heteromorphic sex chromosomes, providing evidence for unexpected sex chromosome diversity in this species.
Effects of Dienogest on Surgically Induced Endometriosis in Rats after Repeated Oral Administration
Authors: Fischer O.M. , Kaufmann-Reiche U. , Moeller C. , Fuhrmann U.
Published: October 2011

Background: Dienogest demonstrates efficacy for lesion reduction and pain relief in clinical trials of endometriosis. The current study investigated an intraperitoneal animal model of endometriosis to further characterize the effects of dienogest. Methods: Endometrial-like lesions were induced in rats by autotransplantation of uterine tissue into the peritoneal cavity. Dienogest 0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg/day, danazol 100 mg/kg/day, or vehicle control were administered orally for 28 days. Changes in endometrial-like lesion size during treatment were assessed at laparotomy. Uterine horn weight was also measured as an index of the estrogenic effects of treatment. Results: Dienogest 0.3 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the total endometrial lesion area, with an effect equivalent to danazol 100 mg/kg/day. Unlike dienogest 1.0 mg/kg/day, dienogest 0.3 mg/kg/day had no effect on uterine horn weight, indicating an absence of estrogenic effects for this dose in rodents. Conclusion: Dienogest 0.3 mg/kg/day for 28 days demonstrated potent inhibitory activity on the growth of endometrial tissue in this model, providing supportive evidence for the efficacy of dienogest in lesion reduction.
Aquaporin-2 Promoter Is Synergistically Regulated by Nitric Oxide and Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells
Authors: Albertoni Borghese María F. , Bettini Layne M. , Nitta Carlos H. , de Frutos Sergio , Majowicz Mónica , Gonzalez Bosc Laura V.
Published: October 2011

Background/Aims: We have previously shown that aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is down-regulated in the renal medulla of rats made hypertensive by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. It has been shown that AQP2 expression is regulated by the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc). Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the activity of NFATc via c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2). Therefore, we hypothesized that increases in NO enhance NFATc-mediated up-regulation of AQP2 promoter activity. Methods: AQP2 mRNA and protein expression were detected in mouse renal papilla.AQP2 promoter luciferase reporter- and NFAT luciferase reporter-transfected MDCK cells were used to determine AQP2 promoter activity and NFATc activity, respectively. Cells were incubated with classic activators and inhibitors of NFATc and the NO pathway. Results: Our results demonstrate that both Ca2+ and NO have a synergistic effect resulting in an increase in AQP2 mRNA and protein in mouse papilla and activation of the AQP2 promoter in kidney-derived cells. In addition, NO enhances Ca2+-induced NFATc activation. The underlying mechanism involves increased NFATc nuclear import and decreased export via protein kinase G-mediated inhibition of JNK1/2. Conclusions: This is the first study defining novel regulatory roles for NO and NFATc in the control of AQP2, which is an important renal protein.
Effects of Tridocosahexaenoyl-Glycerol Emulsion on Proteinuria in Rats with Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis
Authors: Nakamura Norio , Kumasaka Ryuichiro , Fu Lu Yong , Fujita Takeshi , Murakami Reiichi , Shimada Michiko , Shimaya Yuko , Osawa Hiroshi , Yamabe Hideaki , Okumura Ken , Hamazaki Kei , Hamazaki Tomohito
Published: October 2011

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and an important component of cell membrane phospholipids (PL). Nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis was a worldwide model of the Goodpasture syndrome. We investigated the effects of tridocosahexaenoyl-glycerol (DHA-TG) emulsion on proteinuria in rats with NTS nephritis. Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 g were used. Twelve rats were treated with NTS via the tail vein and divided into 3 groups (groups A, B, and C). Another 4 rats treated with saline served as controls (group D). DHA-TG and soybean oil emulsions were intraperitoneally administered to the rats in groups A and B, respectively, 24 h prior to NTS injection, and 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after the injection. Saline was administered to the rats in groups C and D in the same manner. All rats were sacrificed on day 6 to obtain plasma and kidney samples. Analyses of urinary protein levels and fatty acid composition of plasma and kidney as well as histological examination of the kidneys were performed. Results: Urinary protein levels in group A were significantly lower than those in group C (35.0 ± 13.3 vs. 79.2 ± 11.8 mg/day on day 5, means ± SE, p < 0.05). DHA levels in the PL fraction of the kidneys in group A were significantly increased compared with those in groups B and C. Conclusions: These results suggest that the DHA-TG emulsion may have beneficial effects on NTS nephritis in the rat.
How the Brain Generates Movement
Authors: Rokni Uri , Sompolinsky Haim
Published: October 2011

In this study, we assume that the brain uses a general-purpose pattern generator to transform static commands into basic movement segments. We hypothesize that this pattern generator includes an oscillator whose complete cycle generates a single movement segment. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, we construct an oscillator-based model of movement generation. The model includes an oscillator that generates harmonic outputs whose frequency and amplitudes can be modulated by external inputs. The harmonic outputs drive a number of integrators, each activating a single muscle. The model generates muscle activation patterns composed of rectilinear and harmonic terms. We show that rectilinear and fundamental harmonic terms account for known properties of natural movements, such as the invariant bell-shaped hand velocity profile during reaching. We implement these dynamics by a neural network model and characterize the tuning properties of the neural integrator cells, the neural oscillator cells, and the inputs to the system. Finally, we propose a method to test our hypothesis that a neural oscillator is a central component in the generation of voluntary movement.
Multistability and Perceptual Inference
Authors: Gershman Samuel J. , Vul Edward , Tenenbaum Joshua B.
Published: October 2011

Ambiguous images present a challenge to the visual system: How can uncertainty about the causes of visual inputs be represented when there are multiple equally plausible causes? A Bayesian ideal observer should represent uncertainty in the form of a posterior probability distribution over causes. However, in many real-world situations, computing this distribution is intractable and requires some form of approximation. We argue that the visual system approximates the posterior over underlying causes with a set of samples and that this approximation strategy produces perceptual multistability—stochastic alternation between percepts in consciousness. Under our analysis, multistability arises from a dynamic sample-generating process that explores the posterior through stochastic diffusion, implementing a rational form of approximate Bayesian inference known as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We examine in detail the most extensively studied form of multistability, binocular rivalry, showing how a variety of experimental phenomena—gamma-like stochastic switching, patchy percepts, fusion, and traveling waves—can be understood in terms of MCMC sampling over simple graphical models of the underlying perceptual tasks. We conjecture that the stochastic nature of spiking neurons may lend itself to implementing sample-based posterior approximations in the brain.
The Exemplification of ‘Fan Zones’
Authors: Klauser Francisco
Published: October 2011

The paper starts with an assessment of the internal spatial organisation of the eight host cities of the European Football Championships 2008 into a complex patchwork of tightly enclosed and monitored fan zones (also called ‘public viewing events’). Fan zones, such is the paper’s basic assumption, constitute a previously tested and exemplified solution to the problem of how to deal with security and branding in the event city. The paper examines the mediating mechanisms through which the ‘fan zones exemplar’ was transferred from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to Euro 2008 in Austria/Switzerland. Based on rich empirical insights, the exemplar is studied in its various forms and stages: as a written bid requirement for Euro 2008, as a lesson drawn from exchanges and collaboration at earlier mega events and as the object of a wide range of conferences, exercises and external assessments. On this basis, the paper also brings to the fore a number of more fundamental insights into the public–private coalitions of authority and into the patterns of learning and lesson-drawing in contemporary security governance.
Civil Cities and Urban Governance
Authors: Boyle Philip , Haggerty Kevin D.
Published: October 2011

The paper analyses Project Civil City (PCC), a major initiative launched by the City of Vancouver in 2006 that aimed for significant reductions in street disorder in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This initiative is considered in light of the links between urban regeneration/revitalisation efforts and security and surveillance practices. PCC stands as a telling moment in the on-going and highly politicised efforts to regulate urban disorder in this ‘world city’. The paper concentrates on three distinct initiatives aimed at ordering different components of urban disorder in Vancouver.
Ensuring Safety at Australian Sport Event Precincts
Authors: Taylor Tracy , Toohey Kristine
Published: October 2011

Since 9/11, pervasive concerns about public safety have irrevocably changed the management of large sport events and these events are now under constant pressure to improve security. This empirical research contextualises contemporary safety issues associated with sport event hosting and locates security debates within the Australian sport event landscape. Public safety considerations, policies and legislation are explored through in-depth interviews with ten sport venue managers. Content analysis of newspaper articles related to the topic was used to formulate questions used in the interviews. Results indicate safety-related processes and practices are firmly based in compliance-driven risk management. Media coverage portrays a general public acceptance of significantly increased security and surveillance with only a few isolated stories reporting that the changes have compromised human rights and/or the sport spectator experience. Current Australian approaches to safety and security are politically and institutionally derived, and largely devoid of community consultation.
Laminated Security for London 2012
Authors: Coaffee Jon , Fussey Pete , Moore Cerwyn
Published: October 2011

Since the 1970s, security planning has become an integral and required part of bidding documents and preparation for hosting sporting mega events, most notably the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Drawing on a multidisciplinary conceptual framework derived from prior experiences of security operations at major sporting events and historical counter-terrorism experiences of London, the paper unpacks the socio-spatial implications of security measures intended to secure the 2012 Games. In particular, it highlights the threat posed against ‘crowded places’ from international terrorism as well as possible surveillance, design or managerial measures that are to be deployed to make such sites more resilient to terrorist attack. This, it is argued, both converges with standardised Olympic security models and diverges at important points, related to the pre-existence of capacity in urban counter-terrorism onto which 2012 security will be overlaid or laminated. The paper also highlights the increased use made of security for ‘legacy’ purposes.
Fracture mechanics approach to compare laser sintered parts and injection mouldings of nylon-12
Authors: Hitt D J , Haworth B , Hopkinson N
Published: October 2011

In comparison to equivalent parts made by injection moulding, components manufactured by laser sintering are often perceived to offer inferior mechanical properties, yet the evidence for this is rarely based upon systematic research studies. In this paper, attempts have been made to conduct a fundamental study of the fracture behaviour of both injection moulded and laser sintered parts, based upon a modification of a standard technique used to determine linear elastic fracture mechanics parameters. The influence of specimen thickness (in the range 2–10 mm) was also included in the experimental plan, which concentrated upon the testing of single-edge notch bending (SENB) beam specimens.

Force-displacement characteristics demonstrated significant plastic deformation in nylon (PA12) specimens, so that the J-integral method was used to obtain quantitative fracture parameters, including the energy requirements for crack growth. Comparisons of this parameter showed thickness-dependent ‘geometry-sensitive’ data for each set of samples. For the injection moulded SENB specimens, energy absorption decreased with increasing thickness, a result attributed to the influence of plane-strain-dominated conditions. In contrast, laser sintered samples exhibited increased toughness as specimen thickness increased towards 10 mm; this could not be explained by density or particle melting data and may be interpreted by changes in molecular structure that occur during the additive manufacturing process.
Estimation of minimum chip thickness in micro-milling using acoustic emission
Authors: Mian A J , Driver N , Mativenga P T
Published: October 2011

In micro-machining, determination of the minimum chip thickness is of paramount importance, as features having dimensions below this threshold cannot be produced by the process. This study proposes a methodology to determine the value of minimum chip thickness by analysing acoustic emission (AE) signals generated in orthogonal machining experiments conducted in micro-milling. Cutting trials were performed on workpiece materials ranging from non-ferrous (copper and aluminium), ferrous (single- and multiphase steel) to difficult-to-cut (titanium and nickel) alloys. The characteristics of AErms signals and chip morphology were studied for conditions when the tool was rubbing the workpiece. This provided a foundation to contrast AE signals captured at higher feed rates. This study enabled the identification of threshold conditions for the occurrence of minimum chip thickness. The values of minimum chip thickness predicted by this new approach compare reasonably well with the published literature.
Burr minimization in face milling: an edge bevelling approach
Authors: Pratim S P , Das S
Published: October 2011

Burr is usually formed and attached to the edges of surfaces during machining operations. It needs to be removed otherwise it can cause problems at the assembly stage ofprecision parts. If the minimization, or elimination, of burrs becomes possible, then time-consuming and costly deburring operations need not be performed. In this work, face milling experiments have been carried out on aluminium blocks to observe the influence of machining conditions and exit edge bevel on exit burr formation. Results obtained in vertical milling in dry conditions are presented and the obtained results are analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to isolate the significance of the observed effects. It is found that exit edge bevel has the most significant effect in the present experiments. A 15° exit edge bevel angle is shown to lead to negligible levels of burr formation.
Micro-electrical discharge machining machine tool and its control technology
Authors: Zhang L-X , Ji F , Zhang Y-B , Tang X-H , He J-G
Published: October 2011

In this paper a new type of micro electrical discharge machining (MEDM) machine tool is designed and developed that is based on the principles of complete functions, good adaptability, and high accuracy. The MEDM machine tool consists of a motion system, a wire electrical discharge grinding system, a dielectric fluid supply system, a micro-energy pulse generator, a visual observation and measurement system, and a control system. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate that the proposed MEDM machine tool can be used to manufacture micro electrodes, micro holes, and complex two-dimensional micro workpieces and can also be used to mill complex three-dimensional shapes.