bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of determination methods of the Si/Al contact resistance of screen-printed passivated emitter and rear solar cells
Authors: Müller M. , Lottspeich F.
Published: February 2014

The Si/Al contact resistance of narrow p-type contact areas of crystalline silicon solar cells is a crucial parameter for the further development and improvement of passivated emitter and rear (PERC) solar cells. In this paper, two methods for determining the rear contact resistance are analyzed and improved: the series resistance analysis and the transfer length method (TLM). We use an experimental set of PERC solar cells with varying metallization fraction, and we analyze the experiment using numerical device simulation. In the first method, the resistive losses are extracted from the I-V-curves of the PERC cells, and the rear contact resistance is separated by subtracting the analytically calculated base contribution. The state-of-the-art analytical calculations deviate significantly from our numerical simulations, causing a high level of uncertainty that we do not recommend this method (an upper limit of the rear contact resistance per line contact is determined to be about 2 Ω cm). In the second method, the rear line contacts are separated and measured with the TLM. Still, the series resistance loss in the base has to be quantified considering a thick base and the rear line contact geometry. We separate the base component by numerical device simulations and find that the rear contact resistance per line contact is below 0.5 Ω cm. This implies that rear contact resistance reduces cell efficiency of screen-printed PERC solar cells only by about 0.1%abs for metallization fractions higher than 3.5%, i.e., the rear contact resistance is currently no significant loss mechanism in our PERC solar cells. All of our improved evaluations lead to lower resistance values than previously reported and with a reduced uncertainty. The TLM method is suggested to be favorable.
Spin-polarization and spin-dependent logic gates in a double quantum ring based on Rashba spin-orbit effect: Non-equilibrium Green's function approach
Authors: Eslami Leila , Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi
Published: February 2014

Spin-dependent electron transport in an open double quantum ring, when each ring is made up of four quantum dots and threaded by a magnetic flux, is studied. Two independent and tunable gate voltages are applied to induce Rashba spin-orbit effect in the quantum rings. Using non-equilibrium Green's function formalism, we study the effects of electron-electron interaction on spin-dependent electron transport and show that although the electron-electron interaction induces an energy gap, it has no considerable effect when the bias voltage is sufficiently high. We also show that the double quantum ring can operate as a spin-filter for both spin up and spin down electrons. The spin-polarization of transmitted electrons can be tuned from −1 (pure spin-down current) to +1 (pure spin-up current) by changing the magnetic flux and/or the gates voltage. Also, the double quantum ring can act as AND and NOR gates when the system parameters such as Rashba coefficient are properly adjusted.
Measurement of relative permittivity of LTCC ceramic at different temperatures
Authors: Tan Qiulin , Kang Hao , Qin Li , Xiong Jijun , Zhou Zhaoying , Zhang Wendong , Luo Tao , Xue Chenyang , Liu Jun
Published: February 2014

Devices based on LTCC (low-temperature co-fired ceramic) technology are more widely applied in high temperature environments, and the temperature-dependent properties of the LTCC material play an important role in measurements of the characteristics of these devices at high temperature. In this paper, the temperature-dependence of the relative permittivity of DuPont 951 LTCC ceramic is studied from room temperature to 500 °C. An expression for relative permittivity is obtained, which relates the relative permittivity to the resonant frequency, inductance, parasitic capacitance and electrode capacitance of the LTCC sample. Of these properties, the electrode capacitance is the most strongly temperature-dependent. The LTCC sample resonant frequency, inductance and parasitic capacitance were measured (from room temperature to 500 °C) with a high temperature measurement system comprising a muffle furnace and network analyzer. We found that the resonant frequency reduced and the inductance and parasitic capacitance increased slightly as the temperature increases. The relative permittivity can be calculated from experimental frequency, inductance and parasitic capacitance measurements. Calculating results show that the relative permittivity of DuPont 951 LTCC ceramic ceramic increases to 8.21 from room temperature to 500 °C.
A 45-element continuous facesheet surface micromachined deformable mirror for optical aberration correction
Authors: Wang Weimin , Hu Fangrong , Wang Qiang , Qiu Chuankai , Chen Zexiang , Yao Jun
Published: February 2014

A 45-element continuous facesheet surface micromachined deformable mirror (DM) is presented and is fabricated using the PolyMUMPs multi-user micro-electro-mechanical system processes. The effects of the structural parameters on the characteristics of the DM, such as its stroke, frequency and actuator coupling, are analyzed. In addition, the DM design has also been verified through experimental testing. This DM prototype has a surface figure of 0.5 μm and a fill factor of 95%. The DM can provide a 0.6 μm stroke with 5.9% actuator coupling. A static aberration correction based on this DM is also demonstrated, which acts as a reference for the potential adaptive optics (AO) applications of the device.
Stancetaking in seventeenth-century prefaces on obstetrics
Authors: Alonso Almeida Francisco , Mele-Marrero Margarita
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with authorial stance in prefatory material of Early Modern English manuals on women’s diseases. Publications on this field from between 1612 and 1699 constitute our corpus of study. Original digitalised texts have been analysed manually to identify and detect structures concerning authorial identity and stance, according to the model developed by Marín-Arrese (2009). This model for the identification of effective and epistemic stance strategies enables us to describe both the relationship between the authors and their texts and, more specifically, the power relationship between the writers and their audience. One of the most important conclusions of this study concerns the strategic use of stance markers to enhance the quality of these books and make them appropriate for a wide variety of readers.
From clause to pragmatic marker
Authors: López-Couso María José , Méndez-Naya Belén
Published: February 2014

Propositional attitude predicates, such as Englishthink,guessandseem, occur parenthetically in many languages. In this article we pay attention to a group of propositional attitude predicates which can be labelled epistemic/evidential, namelyappear,look,seemandsound, and which, in addition to degree of certainty, also give an indication of the evidential source. In this study we describe the different parentheticals available with these verbs, paying special attention tolike-parentheticals (e.g.Going to be a big one, looks like), a development characteristic of American English. Using data from theCorpus of Historical American English(COHA, Davies 2010-) and theCorpus of Contemporary American English(COCA, Davies 2008-), we explore whether these developments can be conceptualised in terms of grammaticalisation and (inter)subjectification. In the structural domain, these parentheticals show fixation, decategorialisation and fusion. In the semantic-pragmatic domain, they show signs of generalisation of meaning and increased (inter)subjectivity.
Nominalizations in Ojibwe
Authors: Mathieu Eric
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is to account for nominalization processes in Ojibwe including agent and non-agent nominalizations. I make two main claims: (1) in Ojibwe (even) simple nouns (result nominals, cf. Grimshaw 1990) have internal (verbal) structure; (2) agent nominals in Ojibwe are not exactly nominalizations: they are more like full clauses (with no nominal projection on top of the CP). Theoretically, I address for Ojibwe the puzzle mentioned by Harley (2009) for English nominalizations: meaning shifts from event to result readings do not affect the internal morphological structure of the nominalization. In Ojibwe, it will be argued that, although many nominalizations have transitive morphology, the transitive verb that is imported into the nominalization process is devoid of an internal and of an external argument, creating result nominalization rather than event nominalization.
Assigning reference in clausal nominalizations
Authors: Bliss Heather
Published: February 2014

Nominalizations in Blackfoot can be formed of full clauses, and depending on the properties of the clause from which the nominalization is formed, the referent of the nominalization varies. In this paper I describe the patterns of reference assignment in Blackfoot nominalizations, and develop an analysis to account for the various patterns. I demonstrate that clausal nominalizations partition according to clause type: in matrix clause nominalizations the referent is a grammatical argument (subject or object), but in subordinate clauses it is not (thematic object or oblique). I propose that reference assignment in clausal nominalizations is achieved via an agreement relation with an N feature, and that the two types of nominalizations differ with respect to where this N feature is realized.
Simple event nominalizations
Authors: Moulton Keir
Published: February 2014

In one popular view, expressed most fully in Borer 2005, word meanings are nothing but unstructured, polysemous ‘blobs’ of content, with no formal properties. It is the syntactic context that shapes their meaning, and only this functional scaffolding delivers the kinds of meanings that the compositional semantics trades in. I call this the ‘Blob Theory’ of root meanings. I am going to argue against the Blob Theory by investigating an overlooked class of nominalizations that show properties unexpected under most classifications (Grimshaw 1990, and following): they exhibit some properties of event nominals (they can be modified by frequent/constant, cf. Borer 2003, Alexiadou 2009) but they nonetheless do not have argument structure. I provide an account of these nominalizations as eventive root nominalizations. I then examine the behaviour of these nominalizations with respect to clausal arguments. I argue that their ability to combine with clausal complements shows that roots have a structured semantics that interacts, as unexpected by Blob Theory, with the compositional semantics.
Patterns of nominalization in Blackfoot
Authors: Wiltschko Martina
Published: February 2014

Patterns of nominalization in Blackfoot are surveyed. It is demonstrated that two of these patterns behave like nouns while two others only partially behave like nouns. Degrees of nominality are analyzed within the assumption that there is a universal syntactic spine, a hierarchically organized set of categories, which are not intrinsically specified for nominality or verbality. They are category-neutral. Different nominalization patterns (and degrees of nominality) reduce to different ways of introducing the nominalizer: it may be introduced by a dedicated morphological marker (nominalization via m-marking), it may be introduced as a head (nominalization via complementation), or it may be introduced as part of the higher head (nominalization via selection). Category-neutral functional projections as well as functors are independently attested.
Biomedical Natural Language Processing
Authors: Bretonnel Cohen Kevin , Demner-Fushman Dina
Published: February 2014

Biomedical Natural Language Processing is a comprehensive tour through the classic and current work in the field. It discusses all subjects from both a rule-based and a machine learning approach, and also describes each subject from the perspective of both biological science and clinical medicine. The intended audience is readers who already have a background in natural language processing, but a clear introduction makes it accessible to readers from the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology, as well. The book is suitable as a reference, as well as a text for advanced courses in biomedical natural language processing and text mining.
Matching propositional content and formal markers
Authors: Hansen Martje , Hessman Jens
Published: February 2014

The question of sentence boundaries in sign language texts is approached by way of a case study in this paper. A short sample German Sign Language (DGS) text is segmented into elementary units and subjected to a functional analysis that identifies topics, predications, adjuncts and conjuncts as the constituents of textual units of a sentence or clause type, i.e. units with propositional content. Results largely agree with and partly refine the results of an earlier more intuitively based analysis. We then turn to a consideration of formal markings of sentence boundaries, reviewing a number of candidates for ‘boundary markers,’ i.e. specific manual signs, gestures, head nods, eye blinks, and dynamic features such as gaze direction, pauses, and transitions, inspecting if these co-occur with any consistency with the boundaries established on the basis of our consideration of propositional content. Results indicate that, while there is a certain correlation between sentence boundaries and the occurrence of these form elements, neither of these functions consistently or exclusively as boundary marker. Formal markings can be predicted to enter but not dominate the larger interpretative process of making sense of a signed text and recognizing its constituent sentences.
Morpheme structure constraints on two-handed signs in American Sign Language
Authors: Napoli Donna Jo , Wu Jeff
Published: February 2014

In ASL, two-handed signs fall into three major sets. In one set the hands have different shapes and either only the dominant hand moves or the hands move as a unit. Battison’s Dominance Condition was intended to account for the fact that the non-dominant hand typically assumes an unmarked shape when it is stationary. However, we show that the non-dominant hand does this even when the hands move as a unit. In the second set the hands have the same shape and only the dominant hand moves. These signs are unrestricted for handshape. In the third set the hands have the same shape and both move. Battison’s Symmetry Condition was intended to account for restrictions on the parameters of these signs. We argue that four basic types of symmetry transformations occur, with various complications: reflection, rotation, translation, and glide reflection, all of which call for conditions specific to them, and lead to an overriding condition on movement in symmetry transformation signs. The conditions uncovered here might be morpheme structure constraints or, instead, simply follow from physiological limitations of hands in motion.
Transcription of child sign language: A focus on narrative
Authors: Morgan Gary
Published: February 2014

This paper describes some general difficulties in analysing child sign language data with an emphasis on the process of transcription. The particular issue of capturing how signers encode simultaneity in narrative is discussed.
Code mixing in mother–child interaction in deaf families
Authors: van denBogaerde Beppie , Baker Anne
Published: February 2014

In this paper we discuss the mixed language input of four deaf mothers and the mixed output of their three deaf and three hearing children. Taking a strict definition of code-mixing (as defined by Muysken 2000) we find that the deaf mothers mainly use a form of code-mixing, or mixed code-blending, called congruent lexicalization, which results in a mixed form between NGT (Sign Language of the Netherlands) and Dutch in a structure which is compatible with both NGT and Dutch. The deaf children (up to 3 years), who are only just beginning to become bilingual, hardly produce any code-mixed utterances. The hearing children, however, are clearly bilingual in NGT and Dutch, and use code-blending of the mixed type in more or less the same form as their mother does.
What is the chin doing?: An analysis of interrogatives in Austrian sign language
Authors: Schalber Katharina
Published: February 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the structure of polar (yes/no questions) and content questions (wh-questions) in Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS), analyzing the different nonmanual signals, the occurrence of question signs and their syntactic position. As I will show, the marking strategies used in ÖGS are no exception to the crosslinguistic observations that interrogative constructions in sign languages employ a variety of nonmanual signals and manual signs (Zeshan 2004). In ÖGS polar questions are marked with ‘chin down’, whereas content questions are indicated with ‘chin up’ or ‘head forward’ and content question signs. These same nonmanual markers are reported for Croatian sign language, indicating common foundation due to historical relations and intense language contact.
Interrogative structures in Croatian Sign Language: Polar and content questions
Authors: Kuhn Ninoslava Šarac , Wilbur Ronnie B.
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigate the interrogative structures in Croatian Sign Language (HZJ) with respect to the word order, manual question words, and nonmanual markers and their scope. Both polar and content questions mainly use specific nonmanual markers to indicate interrogative function. Polar questions use chin down and content questions use chin up as their prominent nonmanual markers. In addition to these markers, brows up occurs in both constructions leading to the suggestion that brows up may be a general question marker in HZJ. Brows down can also occur, particularly in content questions. Other nonmanual markers that appear in polar questions are head forward, and eyes wide open and those in content questions are head forward, headshake, shoulders up, and eyes closed.

Both interrogative constructions use manual question words. Polar questions can use an optional manual sign je-li that was probably introduced to HZJ through Signed Croatian. je-li is not connected to the peak intensity of the nonmanual markers and we consider it to be an adjunct to the question structure. Content words are used in most HZJ content interrogatives. Question words can be represented by specific signs or can be formed by the content sign ‘5’ (i.e. handshape 5 or b-th moving side-to-side). This ‘5’ sign is further specified by mouthing the particular question word from spoken Croatian. Content words can appear in sentence initial, sentence final or both positions. In content questions, question words bear the highest peak of nonmanual intensity, thus we consider them to be operating as operators.

Recent research shows that HZJ shares some features with Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) because in the 19th century, Croatian deaf students attended Vienna’s Institute for the Deaf (Schalber this volume; Šarac 2003; Šarac et al in press). Upon finishing their education, they would return back to Croatia. Similarities between HZJ and ÖGS are found in their interrogative nonmanual markings but not in their syntactic structures. This can be seen by the fact that these two sign languages do not have the same canonical word order.
Constituent order and information structure in Karitiana
Authors: Storto Luciana
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the relationship between constituent order and information structure in main and subordinate clauses in Karitiana, based on data taken from dialogues and a narrative. We show that head-internal relative clauses display an obligatory movement of the head (pivot) to the left edge of the clause paired with a special verb prefix ti- when the extracted argument is the object whereas adverbial subordinates may vary in constituent order without any changes in morphology. A possible source for this object focus morphology is suggested: an object nominalization prefix limited to embedded clauses in Proto-Tupi may have given rise to object relative clauses in Karitiana and spread to clefts and main clause environments, grammaticalizing as an object focus marker. Keywords: Karitiana; constituent order; focus marker; relative clause; cleft
Topic management and clause combination in the Papuan language Usan
Authors: Reesink Ger P.
Published: February 2014

This chapter describes topic management in the Papuan language Usan. The notion of ‘topic’ is defined by its pre-theoretical meaning ‘what someone’s speech is about’. This notion cannot be restricted to simple clausal or sentential constructions, but requires the wider context of long stretches of natural text. The tracking of a topic is examined in its relationship to clause combining mechanisms. Coordinating clause chaining with its switch reference mechanism is contrasted with subordinating strategies called ‘domain-creating’ constructions. These different strategies are identified by language-specific signals, such as intonation and morphosyntactic cues like nominalizations and scope of negation and other modalities. Keywords: Switch reference; coordination; subordination; presupposition; assertion; Tail-Head linkage
Educated Fiji English
Authors: Zipp Lena
Published: February 2014

This volume contains a comprehensive corpus-based study of prepositional constructions in written Fiji English. It explores the endo- and exonormative dynamics of norm-giving and norm-developing varieties and contributes to our understanding of structural nativization and variety formation in a multi-ethnic setting. The book provides an account of the sociolinguistic development of English in Fiji against the backdrop of the country's colonial and post-independence history, with special focus on the Indo-Fijian part of the population. Drawing on the written sections of the Indian, Great Britain, New Zealand and preliminary Fiji components of the International Corpus of English, quantitative and qualitative analyses of prepositional phenomena are conducted on the word level (frequency, semantic effects and stylistic variation), phrase level (productivity in verb-particle combinations), and pattern level (prepositions and -ing clauses). The book will be relevant to scholars interested in lexico-grammar, variety and corpus linguistics, and sociolinguistics in general.
Roles of Different Forms of Lipopolysaccharides in Ralstonia solanacearum Pathogenesis
Authors: Li Chien-Hui , Wang Kuan-Chung , Hong Yu-Hau , Chu Tai-Hsiang , Chu Yu-Ju , Chou I-Chun , Lu Der-Kang , Chen Chiao-Yen , Yang Wen-Chieh , Lin Yu-Mei , Cheng Chiu-Ping
Published: February 2014

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are critical components for the fitness of most gram-negative bacteria. Ralstonia solanacearum causes a deadly wilting disease in many crops; however, the pathogenic roles of different forms of LPS and their pathways of biogenesis remain unknown. By screening for phage-resistant mutants of R. solanacearum Pss4, whose genome sequence is unavailable, mutants with various types of structural defects in LPS were isolated. Pathogenesis assays of the mutants revealed that production of rough LPS (R-LPS), which does not contain O-polysaccharides, was sufficient to cause necrosis on Nicotiana benthamiana and induce the hypersensitive response on N. tabacum. However, biosynthesis of smooth LPS (S-LPS), which contains O-polysaccharides, was required for bacterial proliferation at infection sites on N. benthamiana leaves and for proliferation and causing wilt on tomato. Complementation tests confirmed the involvement of the previously unidentified cluster RSc2201 to RSc2204 in the formation of R. solanacearum S-LPS. With these data and the availability of the annotated genomic sequence of strain GMI1000, certain loci involved in key steps of R. solanacearum LPS biosynthesis were identified. The strategy of this work could be useful for similar studies in other bacteria without available genome sequences.
Metabolic Environments and Genomic Features Associated with Pathogenic and Mutualistic Interactions Between Bacteria and Plants
Authors: Karpinets Tatiana V. , Park Byung H. , Syed Mustafa H. , Klotz Martin G. , Uberbacher Edward C.
Published: February 2014

Genomic characteristics discriminating parasitic and mutualistic relationship of bacterial symbionts with plants are poorly understood. This study comparatively analyzed the genomes of 54 mutualists and pathogens to discover genomic markers associated with the different phenotypes. Using metabolic network models, we predict external environments associated with free-living and symbiotic lifestyles and quantify dependences of symbionts on the host in terms of the consumed metabolites. We show that specific differences between the phenotypes are pronounced at the levels of metabolic enzymes, especially carbohydrate active, and protein functions. Overall, biosynthetic functions are enriched and more diverse in plant mutualists whereas processes and functions involved in degradation and host invasion are enriched and more diverse in pathogens. A distinctive characteristic of plant pathogens is a putative novel secretion system with a circadian rhythm regulator. A specific marker of plant mutualists is the co-residence of genes encoding nitrogenase and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). We predict that RuBisCO is likely used in a putative metabolic pathway to supplement carbon obtained heterotrophically with low-cost assimilation of carbon from CO2. We validate results of the comparative analysis by predicting correct phenotype, pathogenic or mutualistic, for 20 symbionts in an independent set of 30 pathogens, mutualists, and commensals.
Identification of Two Major Rice Sheath Blight Resistance QTLs, qSB1-1HJX74 and qSB11HJX74, in Field Trials Using Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines
Authors: Zhu Yajun , Zuo Shimin , Chen Zongxiang , Chen Xingguang , Li Gang , Zhang Yafang , Zhang Guiquan , Pan Xuebiao
Published: February 2014

Sheath blight (SB) is among the most destructive rice (Oryza sativa) diseases worldwide. SB resistance (SBR) is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL). Only a few SB resistance QTLs were confirmed previously in field trials that were independent of morphological traits, a crucial factor in plant breeding. Here, we employed 63 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) to identify SBR QTLs derived from ‘HJX74’. Importantly, these CSSLs all carried the same genetic background as ‘HJX74’, except in the substituted segment introgressed from susceptible ‘Amol3(sona)’. In contrast to most reports that mapped SBR QTLs under complex genetic backgrounds, this approach allowed many CSSLs to consistently retain the agronomic traits of ‘HJX74’ with moderate resistance, giving the needed high reproducibility in SBR scoring. We have identified five SBR QTLs in field tests. Two of them, qSB11HJX74 and qSB1-1HJX74, conferred the greatest reduction in SB ratings by approximately 0.9 to 1.2 on a 0 to 9 scale. qSB11HJX74 exhibited nearly perfect recessive heredity, whereas qSB1-1HJX74 showed dominant heredity. Using a secondary F2 population and overlapping substitution segment lines, we further mapped qSB11HJX74 and qSB1-1HJX74 to regions of approximately 430 and 930 kb, respectively. The results will accelerate the rice breeding process for resistance to SB disease.
Masking of Lewis acidity trends in the solid-state structures of trichlorido- and tribromido(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3N,N′,N′′)gallium(III)
Authors: Kazakov Igor V. , Bodensteiner Michael , Timoshkin Alexey Y.
Published: February 2014

The molecular structures of trichlorido(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3N,N′,N′′)gallium(III), [GaCl3(C15H11N3)], and tribromido(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3N,N′,N′′)gallium(III), [GaBr3(C15H11N3)], are isostructural, with the GaIIIatom displaying an octahedral geometry. It is shown that the Ga—N distances in the two complexes are the same within experimental error, in contrast to expected bond lengthening in the bromide complex due to the lower Lewis acidity of GaBr3. Thus, masking of the Lewis acidity trends in the solid state is observed not only for complexes of group 13 metal halides with monodentate ligands but for complexes with the polydentate 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine donor as well.
Normative Consent and the Scope of Democratic Authority
Authors: Huseby Robert
Published: February 2014

David Estlund's theory of normative consent attempts to ground democratic authority that extends even to some decisions and laws that are erroneous, and with which it would be better not to comply, in light of the goal of achieving justice. This paper argues that the theory of normative consent is unable to ground authority with such a wide scope (or, as it will be called in the paper, ‘a wide margin of error’). Therefore, democratic authority must allow that citizens are in principle permitted to disobey laws and policies that are erroneous and with which compliance is, on the whole, counterproductive. Even though the epistemic threshold for determining both whether a particular decision is erroneous and whether it would be counterproductive to comply with it must be high, this does not touch the principled point that citizens would not be wrong not to consent to proposed authority of the type Estlund has in mind.
Siderophores in environmental research: roles and applications
Authors: Ahmed E. , Holmström S. J. M.
Published: February 2014

Siderophores are organic compounds with low molecular masses that are produced by microorganisms and plants growing under low iron conditions. The primary function of these compounds is to chelate the ferric iron [Fe(III)] from different terrestrial and aquatic habitats and thereby make it available for microbial and plant cells. Siderophores have received much attention in recent years because of their potential roles and applications in various areas of environmental research. Their significance in these applications is because siderophores have the ability to bind a variety of metals in addition to iron, and they have a wide range of chemical structures and specific properties. For instance, siderophores function as biocontrols, biosensors, and bioremediation and chelation agents, in addition to their important role in weathering soil minerals and enhancing plant growth. The aim of this literature review is to outline and discuss the important roles and functions of siderophores in different environmental habitats and emphasize the significant roles that these small organic molecules could play in applied environmental processes.
Sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: An ethnic Asian subpopulation analysis for safety and efficacy
Authors: Lee Se‐Hoon , Bang Yung‐Jue , Mainwaring Paul , Ng Christina , Chang John W‐C , Kwong Philip , Li Rubi K , Sriuranpong Virote , Toh Chee‐Keong , Yuan Jinyu , Pitman Lowenthal Susan , Chung Hyun C
Published: February 2014

Aims

We evaluated and compared the safety and efficacy of sunitinib in Asian and non‐Asian patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma enrolled in a previously reported global expanded access program.

Methods

Previously treated and treatment‐naïve patients received open‐label sunitinib at a starting dose of 50 mg/day for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off treatment, in repeated 6‐week cycles. Safety was assessed regularly, tumor measurements were performed per local practice, and survival data collected where possible.

Results

Data were available for 212 Asian patients from Asian sites (Asian‐A), 113 Asian patients from non‐Asian sites (Asian‐O) and 4046 non‐Asian patients. The most common grade 3/4 treatment‐related adverse events were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hand–foot syndrome, diarrhea, asthenia and fatigue. The incidence of many adverse events was greater in Asian‐A than in Asian‐O or non‐Asian patients. Sunitinib efficacy was comparable between Asian and non‐Asian patients, with an objective response rate of 18% versus 14%; median progression‐free survival of 8.7 versus 10.9 months; and overall survival of 18.9 versus 18.4 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Sunitinib demonstrated tolerable safety and similar efficacy in Asian and non‐Asian patients. Geographic differences in the reported frequency of specific adverse events were noted across Asian patients.
MiR‐22 is Frequently Downregulated in Medulloblastomas and Inhibits Cell Proliferation via the Novel Target PAPST1
Authors: Xu Qing‐Fu , Pan Ya‐Wen , Li Li‐Chao , Zhou Zheng , Huang Qi‐Lin , Pang Jesse Chung‐sean , Zhu Xiao‐Peng , Ren Yong , Yang Hui , Ohgaki Hiroko , Lv Sheng‐Qing
Published: February 2014

Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant central nervous system tumor in children. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, non‐coding RNAs that target protein‐coding and non‐coding RNAs, and play roles in a variety of cellular processes through regulation of multiple targets. In the present study, we analyzed miR‐22 expression and its effect in cell proliferation and apoptosis in medulloblastomas. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) revealed significantly lower expression of miR‐22 in 19 out of 27 (70%) medulloblastomas, D341, DAOY, ONS‐76 medulloblastoma cell lines, compared with normal cerebellum. Forced expression of miR‐22 by lentiviral vector transfection reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, while knockdown of miR‐22 increased proliferative activity in DAOY and ONS‐76 cells. DAOY cells with miR‐22 overexpression in nude mice yielded tumors smaller than those originated from control DAOY cells. Microarray analysis in DAOY cells with forced miR‐22 expression showed significant changes in expression profiles, PAPST1 being the most significantly (10 folds) downregulated gene. Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed PAPST1 mRNA upregulation in 18 out of 27 (67%) medulloblastomas. In addition, a luciferase reporter assay in ONS‐76 and DAOY cells suggested that miR‐22 directly targets the PAPST1 gene, and lentivirus‐mediated knockdown of PAPST1 suppressed proliferation of DAOY and ONS‐76 medulloblastoma cells. These results suggest that frequently downregulated miR‐22 expression is associated with cell proliferation in medulloblastomas, and this may be at least in part via PAPST1, which is a novel target of miR‐22.
Clinical, biochemical and imaging characteristics of Cushing's macroadenomas and their long‐term treatment outcome
Authors: Kakade Harshal Ramesh , Kasaliwal Rajeev , Khadilkar Kranti S. , Jadhav Swati , Bukan Amol , Khare Shruti , Budyal Sweta R. , Goel Atul , Lila Anurag R. , Bandgar Tushar , Shah Nalini S.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Cushing's macroadenoma as a cause of Cushing's disease is less common than microadenoma. The data on nature and behaviour of Cushing's macroadenoma are limited to a few case series. We studied clinical, biochemical and imaging characteristics of macroadenoma and their long‐term treatment outcomes.

Method

Retrospective analysis of 40 patients with macroadenoma managed at our centre from 1997 to 2013.

Results

Of 40 patients, there were 15 (37·5%) males and 25 (62·5%) females. Mean age at presentation was 26·7 ± 9·3 years. Visual field defects and/or cranial nerve palsies were found in 15 cases at presentation. Mean maximum tumour dimension was 20·83 ± 10·74 mm, and parasellar extension was seen in 25 (62·5%) patients. Plasma ACTH/maximum tumour dimension and 8 am serum cortisol/maximum tumour dimension decreased with increasing tumour size. Sixteen patients (40%) had remission (4: immediate, 12: delayed) after first transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Larger tumour size and parasellar extension were predictors of failure to achieve remission. Four patients relapsed; noticeably all of them had delayed remission. Among the persistent and relapsed cases, second TSS was successful in two of eight patients, whereas 11 of 16 patients achieved remission after a mean duration of 12·14 ± 8·41 months postradiotherapy.

Conclusion

Younger age at presentation and larger tumour size compared with previous series were distinctive features of our series. Large tumour size and parasellar extension were negative predictors of surgical remission. Delayed remission was seen in significant proportion of patients, but one‐third later relapsed. Radiotherapy was an effective second‐line treatment modality.
Decreased CCR2 and CD62L expressions on peripheral blood classical monocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cui Yi Wen , Kawano Yuji , Yamasaki Ryo , Shi Nan , Masaki Katsuhisa , Isobe Noriko , Yonekawa Tomomi , Matsushita Takuya , Tateishi Takahisa , Hayashi Shintaro , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2014

Objective

Recent evidence has suggested the importance of an aberrantly activated monocyte system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. However, the roles of each monocyte subset, namely CD14+CD16− classical monocytes, CD14dimCD16+ non‐classical monocytes and CD14+CD16+ intermediate monocytes, in ALS remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the alterations in the monocyte subset proportions and the surface marker expressions on each monocyte subset in ALS.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 19 ALS patients and 28 healthy controls (HC). The surface expressions of CCR2, CX3CR1, CD64 and CD62L were measured in the three monocyte subsets (classical, non‐classical and intermediate) by flow cytometry.

Results

The percentages of CCR2 and CD62L on CD14+CD16− classical monocytes were significantly lower in ALS patients than in HC (P = 0.0012 and P = 0.0296, respectively). No differences were found in CX3CR1 and CD64 on each monocyte subset. The percentage of intermediate monocytes showed a significant negative correlation with the revised ALS functional rating scale score (r = −0.631, P = 0.0038).

Conclusions

Reductions in chemotaxis‐ and adhesion‐related molecules on classical inflammatory monocytes are present in ALS, further suggesting the involvement of an aberrant innate immune system in ALS pathogenesis.
What we know and do not know about fingolimod: Outline and interpretation of results from the Japanese fingolimod core and extension studies
Authors: Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an idiopathic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Autoreactive T cells that recognize undetermined CNS antigens are assumed to mediate the disease. Fingolimod or FTY720, a sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator, downmodulates S1PR on lymphocytes causing retention of circulating lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, including the CNS antigen‐autoreactive lymphocytes that invade the CNS. Fingolimod has recently been approved in several countries as a once‐daily, oral, disease‐modifying drug for relapsing–remitting MS. Recently, the Japanese fingolimod core and extension studies showed the efficacy of fingolimod in terms of brain magnetic resonance imaging criteria and clinical activities in Japanese patients with relapsing MS without longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCL). These results were consistent with the effects of fingolimod in Caucasian MS patients. No new safety issues were observed except for severe exacerbations that occurred in four anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody‐positive cases in whom LESCL were absent at the time of the entry. Thus, fingolimod is regarded as efficacious and safe for Asian MS patients, although Asian neuromyelitis optica cases in the early course of the disease should be excluded from fingolimod treatment.
Autoantibodies in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Specificities and clinical relevance
Authors: Kusunoki Susumu
Published: February 2014

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic autoimmune neuropathy, of which the precise pathogenetic mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Recently, the elevated titer of the antibodies to contactin‐1, a protein in axoglial junction, has been reported in a subset of CIDP patients. The antibody‐positive patients shared common clinical features. The antibodies to contactin‐1 might be a good serological marker, and possibly have a pathogenic role in a subgroup of CIDP patients. Examination of the serum antibodies against glycolipids, myelin proteins and proteins in axoglial junctions for the same cohort of patients should be carried out in future.
Weight loss improves reproductive outcomes in obese women undergoing fertility treatment: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sim K. A. , Dezarnaulds G. M. , Denyer G. S. , Skilton M. R. , Caterson I. D.
Published: February 2014

For women attempting pregnancy, obesity reduces fertility and is an independent risk factor for obstetric and neonatal complications. The aim of this evaluator‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate a weight loss intervention on pregnancy rates in obese women undertaking fertility treatment. Forty‐nine obese women, aged ≤37 years, presenting for fertility treatment were randomized to either a 12‐week intervention (n = 27) consisting of a very‐low‐energy diet for the initial 6 weeks followed by a hypocaloric diet, combined with a weekly group multidisciplinary programme; or a control group (n = 22) who received recommendations for weight loss and the same printed material as the intervention. Anthropometric and reproductive parameters were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. The 22 women who completed the intervention had greater anthropometric changes (–6.6 ± 4.6 kg and −8.7 ± 5.6 cm vs. −1.6 ± 3.6 kg and −0.6 ± 6.3 cm) compared with the control group (n = 17; P < 0.001). The intervention group achieved a pregnancy rate of 48% compared with 14% (P = 0.007), took a mean two fertility treatment cycles to achieve each pregnancy compared with four in the control group (P = 0.002), and had a marked increase in the number of live births (44% vs. 14%; P = 0.02). A group weight loss programme, incorporating dietary, exercise and behavioural components, is associated with a significant improvement in pregnancy rates and live births in a group of obese women undergoing fertility treatment.
Fuzzy GIS‐based multi‐criteria evaluation for US Agave production as a bioenergy feedstock
Authors: Lewis Sarah M. , Gross Stephen , Visel Axel , Kelly Maggi , Morrow William
Published: February 2014

In the United States, renewable energy mandates calling for increased production of cellulosic biofuels will require a diversity of bioenergy feedstocks to meet growing demands. Within the suite of potential energy crops, plants within the genus Agave promise to be a productive feedstock in hot and arid regions. The potential distributions of Agave tequilana and Agave deserti in the United States were evaluated based on plant growth parameters identified in an extensive literature review. A geospatial suitability model rooted in fuzzy logic was developed that utilized a suite of biophysical criteria to optimize ideal geographic locations for this new crop, and several suitability scenarios were tested for each species. The results of this spatially explicit suitability model suggest that there is potential for Agave to be grown as an energy feedstock in the southwestern region of the United States – particularly in Arizona, California, and Texas – and a significant portion of these areas are proximate to existing transportation infrastructure. Both Agave species showed the highest state‐level renewable energy benefit in Arizona, where agave plants have the potential to contribute 4.8–9.6% of the states' ethanol consumption, and 2.5–4.9% of its electricity consumption, for A. deserti and A. tequilana, respectively. This analysis supports the feasibility of Agave as a complementary bioenergy feedstock that can be grown in areas too harsh for conventional energy feedstocks.
Women's decision satisfaction and psychological distress following early breast cancer treatment: a treatment decision support role for nurses
Authors: Budden Lea M , Hayes Barbara A , Buettner Petra G
Published: February 2014

This prospective cross‐sectional study investigated Australian women's (n = 104) decision satisfaction with cancer treatment decision for early breast cancer as well as their psychological distress 3–4 months following surgery. Women's satisfaction was surveyed using the Treatment Decision Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 was used to measure psychological distress. Women who were living alone, who worked as professionals and who were not involved in the decision‐making process by their doctors were less likely to be satisfied with their decision process, outcome and their overall treatment decision. Following treatment, 26.0% of women were distressed; 18.3% experienced anxiety; 19.2% somatization; and 27.9% depression. Women who experienced somatization were more likely to be dissatisfied with the treatment decision (P = 0.003) as were those who reported psychological distress (P = 0.020). Women who were involved in choosing their treatment were more satisfied with their decision. Many women experienced distress following breast cancer treatment and might have required referral for psychological assessment, management and long‐term support. Women who experienced distress were more likely to be dissatisfied with the treatment decision (or vice versa).
Consumer experience of formal crisis‐response services and preferred methods of crisis intervention
Authors: Boscarato Kara , Lee Stuart , Kroschel Jon , Hollander Yitzchak , Brennan Alice , Warren Narelle
Published: February 2014

The manner in which people with mental illness are supported in a crisis is crucial to their recovery. The current study explored mental health consumers' experiences with formal crisis services (i.e. police and crisis assessment and treatment (CAT) teams), preferred crisis supports, and opinions of four collaborative interagency response models. Eleven consumers completed one‐on‐one, semistructured interviews. The results revealed that the perceived quality of previous formal crisis interventions varied greatly. Most participants preferred family members or friends to intervene. However, where a formal response was required, general practitioners and mental health case managers were preferred; no participant wanted a police response, and only one indicated a preference for CAT team assistance. Most participants welcomed collaborative crisis interventions. Of four collaborative interagency response models currently being trialled internationally, participants most strongly supported the Ride‐Along Model, which enables a police officer and a mental health clinician to jointly respond to distressed consumers in the community. The findings highlight the potential for an interagency response model to deliver a crisis response aligned with consumers' preferences.
Reluctant Donors? The Europeanization of International Development Policies in the New Member States
Authors: Lightfoot Simon , Szent‐Iványi Balázs
Published: February 2014

The European Union (EU) played an instrumental role in re‐starting the international development policies in central and eastern European Member States, but questions remain about how far this policy area has been Europeanized since accession. Focusing on the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, this article investigates why the new donors have been reluctant to adopt the EU's development acquis more fully. The article traces the socialization processes offered by the EU's development policy rule‐making and subsequent national rule implementation. The conclusions reveal three reasons why socialization has been weak: perceptions among the new Member States on the procedural legitimacy of the development acquis; low domestic resonance with the development acquis; and inconsistencies in the activities of norm entrepreneurs. The article contributes to our understanding of development policy in the EU – particularly how decision‐making takes place within the Council and its working groups post‐enlargement.