bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the localization of centrosomal proteins by PALM/STORM nanoscopy
Authors: Sillibourne James E. , Specht Christian G. , Izeddin Ignacio , Hurbain Ilse , Tran Phong , Triller Antoine , Darzacq Xavier , Dahan Maxime , Bornens Michel
Published: October 2011

The structure of the centrosome was resolved by EM many years ago to reveal a pair of centrioles embedded in a dense network of proteins. More recently, the molecular composition of the centrosome was catalogued by mass spectroscopy and many novel components were identified. Determining precisely where a novel component localizes to within the centrosome remains a challenge, and until now it has required the use of immuno‐EM. This technique is both time‐consuming and unreliable, as it often fails due to problems with antigen accessibility. We have investigated the use of two nanoscopic techniques, photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), as alternative techniques for localizing centrosomal proteins. The localization of a known centrosomal component, the distal appendage protein Cep164 was investigated by direct STORM (dSTORM) and resolved with a high spatial resolution. We further validated the use of nanoscopic PALM imaging by showing that the previously uncharacterized centrosomal protein CCDC123 (Cep123) localizes to the distal appendages, forming ring‐like structures with a diameter of 500 nm. Our results demonstrate that both PALM and STORM imaging have great potential as alternatives to immuno‐EM. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From a Library of MAG Antagonists to Nanomolar CD22 Ligands
Authors: Mesch Stefanie , Lemme Katrin , Wittwer Matthias , Koliwer‐Brandl Hendrik , Schwardt Oliver , Kelm Sørge , Ernst Beat
Published: October 2011

Siglec‐2, also known as CD22, is involved in the regulation and survival of B‐cells and has been successfully targeted in cell depletion therapies with antibody‐based approaches. Sialic acid derivatives, already known to bind with high affinity to myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG, Siglec‐4), were screened for their binding affinity for CD22 by surface plasmon resonance. The best compound identified was further modified with various hydrophobic substituents at the 2‐, 5‐, and 9‐positions of the sialic acid scaffold, leading to nanomolar derivatives, of which ligand 17 b shows the most promising pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements demonstrate that the binding is enthalpy driven. Interestingly, the thermodynamic fingerprints reveal an excellent correlation between gains in enthalpy and compensation by increased entropy costs. Moreover, 17 b exhibits a residence time in the range of a few seconds, clearly prolonged relative to residence times typically observed for carbohydrate–lectin interactions. Finally, initial tests regarding drug‐like properties of 17 b demonstrate the required high plasma protein binding yet a lack of oral availability, although its distribution coefficient (log D) is in the required range.
Failure patterns in patients with esophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiation
Authors: Welsh James , Settle Stephen H. , Amini Arya , Xiao Lianchun , Suzuki Akihiro , Hayashi Yuki , Hofstetter Wayne , Komaki Ritsuko , Liao Zhongxing , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Local failure after definitive chemoradiation therapy for unresectable esophageal cancer remains problematic. Little is known about the failure pattern based on modern‐day radiation treatment volumes. We hypothesized that most local failures would be within the gross tumor volume (GTV), where the bulk of the tumor burden resides.

METHODS:

We reviewed treatment volumes for 239 patients who underwent definitive chemoradiation therapy and compared this information with failure patterns on follow‐up positron emission tomography (PET). Failures were categorized as within the GTV, the larger clinical target volume (CTV, which encompasses microscopic disease), or the still larger planning target volume (PTV, which encompasses setup variability) or outside the radiation field.

RESULTS:

At a median follow‐up time of 52.6 months (95% confidence interval, 46.1‐56.7 months), 119 patients (50%) had experienced local failure, 114 (48%) had distant failure, and 74 (31%) had no evidence of failure. Of all local failures, 107 (90%) were within the GTV, 27 (23%) were within the CTV, and 14 (12%) were within in the PTV. On multivariate analysis, GTV failure was associated with tumor status (T3/T4 vs T1/T2; odds ratio, 6.35; P = .002), change in standardized uptake value on PET before and after treatment (decrease >52%: odds ratio, 0.368; P = .003), and tumor size (>8 cm, 4.08; P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS:

Most local failures after definitive chemoradiation for unresectable esophageal cancer occur in the GTV. Future therapeutic strategies should focus on enhancing local control. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Detection and monitoring of normal and leukemic cell populations with hierarchical clustering of flow cytometry data
Authors: Fišer Karel , Sieger Tomáš , Schumich Angela , Wood Brent , Irving Julie , Mejstříková Ester , Dworzak Michael N.
Published: October 2011

Flow cytometry is a valuable tool in research and diagnostics including minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring of hematologic malignancies. However, its gradual advancement toward increasing numbers of fluorescent parameters leads to information rich datasets, which are challenging to analyze by standard gating and do not reflect the multidimensionality of the data.

We have developed a novel method to analyze complex flow cytometry data, based on hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) but with a new underlying algorithm, using Mahalanobis distance measure. HCA is scalable to analyze complex multiparameter datasets (here demonstrated on up to 12 color flow cytometry and on a 20‐parameter synthetic dataset).

We have validated this method by comparison with standard gating approaches when performed independently by expert cytometrists. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia blast populations were analyzed in diagnostic and follow‐up datasets (n = 123) from three centers. HCA results correlated very well (Passing–Bablok correlation coefficient = 0.992, slope = 1, intercept = −0.01) with standard gating data obtained by the I‐BFM FLOW‐MRD study group. To further improve the performance in follow‐up samples with low MRD levels and to automate MRD detection, we combined HCA with support vector machine (SVM) learning.

HCA in combination with SVM provides a novel diagnostic tool that not only allows analysis of increasingly complex flow cytometry data but also is less observer‐dependent compared with classical gating and has potential for automation. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Spontaneously Occurring micronuclei in infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast: A potential biomarker for aggressive phenotype detection?
Authors: Goel Shubham , Bhatia Alka , Dey Pranab
Published: October 2011

Chromosomal instabilities (CIN) manifesting as structural or numerical alterations in the chromosomes are common in malignancies like breast cancer. Assessment of CIN in breast cancer may help to understand its etiopathogenesis. Micronucleus (MN) scoring and aneuploidy have been used to assess the presence of CIN in lymphocytes of various malignancies in the past. In this study, spontaneously occurring MN were counted in epithelial cells on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears from 50 patients with benign and malignant breast lesions. Further, the ploidy status and S‐phase fraction (SPF) of the samples was determined by flow cytometry. All these were then correlated with grades of breast cancer at cytology. Most IDC cases showed variable number of MN (n = 16, MN mean = 9.3), in contrast to the benign lesions (n = 26) where they were consistently absent. Aneuploidy and SPF analysis also showed a significant difference between benign (n = 10, mean DNA index [DI] = 0.96 ± 0.04, mean SPF= 8.07% ± 2.93) and malignant (n = 10, mean DI = 1.5 ± 0.41, mean SPF = 25.05% ± 10.35) lesions. On statistical analysis, a positive correlation was observed between the grades of IDC and presence of aneuploidy and high SPF (P‐values < 0.05); however, the difference between the MN scores of grade 2 and 3 cancers was not significant. The study suggests that MN scoring and aneuploidy may be used to assess the presence of underlying CIN in IDC on FNAC smears. Further, collectively they may be explored for their role as biomarkers for predicting the tumor behavior in the breast cancer patients. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:296–302. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Very Rare Double μ‐1,1‐Azido‐ and a μ‐1,1‐(OMe)‐Bridged FeIII Dimer Containing a N,N,O‐Donor Tridentate Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Naiya Subrata , Drew Michael G. B. , Diaz Carmen , Ribas Joan , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: October 2011

Two new FeIII complexes, [Fe2L2(μ‐OMe)2(NCS)2] (1) and [Fe2L2(μ‐N3)2(N3)2] (2), have been synthesized using a N,N,O‐donor tridentate Schiff base ligand HL {2‐[(2‐dimethylaminoethylimino)methyl]phenol}, the condensation product of salicylaldehyde and N,N‐dimethyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane. The complexes were characterized by X‐ray structural analyses and variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. Both crystal structures are centrosymmetric dimers containing two FeIII atoms, which are bridged in compound 1 by two methoxy anions and in compound 2 by two μ‐1,1‐azides. The chelating tridentate Schiff base and a terminal thiocyanato (for 1) or azido (for 2) group complete the hexacoordination of the distorted octahedral environment of each iron center. The magnetic properties of compound 1 show the presence of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions mediated by double methoxy bridges (J = –29.45 cm–1). Compound 2 shows the presence of very weak ferromagnetic exchange interactions mediated by double μ‐1,1‐N3 bridges (J = 1.08 cm–1).
Pattern recognition for broken bars fault diagnosis in induction motors under various supply conditions
Authors: Ebrahimi Bashir Mahdi , Faiz Jawad , Akin Bilal
Published: October 2011

In this paper, impacts of the unbalanced voltage supply conditions and inverter harmonics on accurate broken bar fault diagnosis in induction motors are investigated in detail. It is presented that amplitude of the side‐band components at frequencies (1 ± 2ks)fs as a well‐known index is not competent for accurate broken bar fault detection in induction motors in the presence of unbalanced voltage supply. Thus, the above mentioned frequency pattern is modified for precise broken bar fault recognition in induction motors under unbalanced voltage supply conditions. Amplitude of the side‐band components at frequencies [k/p(1 − s) ± s]fs is proposed as a proper index for precise broken bar fault identification in the aforementioned conditions. In order to evaluate proposed index competency, effects of the load variation and unbalanced supply deviation on the proposed index are analyzed. Furthermore, electromotive force of the healthy and faulty induction motors has been calculated, and side‐band components at frequencies [k/p(1 − s) ± s]fs are extracted from the electromotive force spectra which is nominated as a new technique for precise broken bar fault recognition in induction motors. Comparison of simulation and experimental results verifies the method's ability to detect broken bars with an unbalanced voltage supply and inverter harmonics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of microglia effector functions by tumor necrosis factor signaling
Authors: Harms Ashley S. , Lee Jae‐Kyung , Nguyen Thi A. , Chang Jianjun , Ruhn Kelly M. , Treviño Isaac , Tansey Malú G.
Published: October 2011

The exact biological role of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the central nervous system (CNS) is not well understood; but overproduction of TNF by activated microglia has been implicated in neuronal death, suggesting that TNF inhibition in the CNS may be a viable neuroprotective strategy. We investigated the role of TNF signaling in regulation of microglia effector functions using molecular, cellular, and functional analyses of postnatal and adult microglia populations in the CNS. No differences were found by flow cytometric analyses in the basal activation state between TNF‐null and wild‐type mice. Although TNF‐null microglia displayed an atypical morphology with cytoplasmic vacuoles in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the phagocytic response of TNF‐null microglia to Escherichia coli particles in vitro was normal and there were no signs of enhanced caspase 3 activation or apoptosis. Functionally, conditioned media from LPS‐stimulated TNF‐null microglia was found to have significantly reduced levels of IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐12, and CXCL1 relative to wild‐type microglia and exerted no cytotoxic effects on neurally differentiated dopaminergic (DA) MN9D cells. In contrast, incubation of wild‐type microglia with TNF inhibitors selectively depleted the levels of soluble TNF and its cytotoxicity on MN9D cells. To distinguish whether reduced cytotoxicity by LPS‐activated TNF‐null microglia could be attributed to deficient autocrine TNF signaling, we employed primary microglia deficient in one or both TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) in co‐culture with MN9D cells and found that neither receptor is required to elicit LPS‐evoked TNF production and cytotoxicity on DA cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evapotranspiration models of different complexity for multiple land cover types
Authors: Choi Minha , Kustas William P. , Ray Ram L.
Published: October 2011

A comparison between half‐hourly and daily measured and computed evapotranspiration (ET) using three models of different complexity, namely, the Priestley–Taylor (P‐T), the reference Penman–Monteith (P‐M) and the Common Land Model (CLM), was conducted using three AmeriFlux sites under different land cover and climate conditions (i.e. arid grassland, temperate forest and subhumid cropland). Using the reference P‐M model with a semiempirical soil moisture function to adjust for water‐limiting conditions yielded ET estimates in reasonable agreement with the observations [root mean square error (RMSE) of 64–87 W m−2 for half‐hourly and RMSE of 0.5–1.9 mm day−1 for daily] and similar to the complex Common Land Model (RMSE of 60–94 W m−2 for half‐hourly and RMSE of 0.4–2.1 mm day−1 for daily) at the grassland and cropland sites. However, the semiempirical soil moisture function was not applicable particularly for the P‐T model at the forest site, suggesting that adjustments to key model variables may be required when applied to diverse land covers. On the other hand, under certain land cover/environmental conditions, the use of microwave‐derived soil moisture information was found to be a reliable metric of regional moisture conditions to adjust simple ET models for water‐limited cases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the utility of the simplified methods for different landscapes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generating probabilistic estimates of hydrological response for Irish catchments using a weather generator and probabilistic climate change scenarios
Authors: Bastola Satish , Murphy Conor , Fealy Rowan
Published: October 2011

In accounting for uncertainties in future simulations of hydrological response of a catchment, two approaches have come to the fore: deterministic scenario‐based approaches and stochastic probabilistic approaches. As scenario‐based approaches result in a wide range of outcomes, the role of probabilistic‐based estimates of climate change impacts for policy formulation has been increasingly advocated by researchers and policy makers. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on seasonal river flows by propagating daily climate time series, derived from probabilistic‐based climate scenarios using a weather generator (WGEN), through a set of conceptual hydrological models. Probabilistic scenarios are generated using two different techniques. The first technique used probabilistic climate scenarios developed from statistically downscaled scenarios for Ireland, hereafter calledSDprob. The second technique used output from 17 global climate models (GCMs), all of which participated in CMIP3, to generate change factors (hereafter calledCF). Outputs from both the SDprob and the CF approach were then used in combination with WGEN to generate daily climate scenarios for use in the hydrological models. The range of simulated flow derived with the CF method is in general larger than those estimated with the SDprob method in winter and vice versa because of the strong seasonality in the precipitation signal for the 17 GCMs. Despite this, the simulated probability density function of seasonal mean streamflow estimated with both methods is similar. This indicates the usefulness of the SDprob or probabilistic approach derived from regional scenarios compared with the CF method that relies on sampling a diversity of response from the GCMs. Irrespective of technique used, the probability density functions of seasonal mean flow produced for four selected basins is wide indicating considerable modelling uncertainties. Such a finding has important implications for developing adaptation strategies at the catchment level in Ireland. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoselective fabrication of high density peptide microarray by hetero‐bifunctional tetra(ethylene glycol) linker for click chemistry conjugation
Authors: Zhao Yongfeng , Liu Yan , Lee Ilkeun , Song Yang , Qin Xiangdong , Zaera Francisco , Liao Jiayu
Published: October 2011

A hetero‐bifunctional tetra(ethylene glycol) molecule with silane and azide termini was synthesized, and this molecule was used to prepare azide‐derivatized glass surface in one step. The resulting glass surface was available for fabricating peptide microarray by the conjugation with alkyne‐containing peptide using click chemistry, which proceeded to the completion at low temperature and in aqueous solution. A high density of peptide on the surface was achieved due to concise overall procedure and highly efficient conjugation reaction. Immobilized peptides were highly bio‐functional on the surface, as demonstrated by the ability to detect protease activity. Due to the biologically orthogonal manner of conjugation, peptide conjugated by site‐specific immobilization was more accessible by protease than that conjugated by random amide conjugation. This site‐specific and high efficient immobilization technique could be expanded to large scale development of biocompatible peptide and protein arrays for use in various applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Assessing person‐centered outcomes in practice research: a latent transition profile framework
Authors: Thompson Aaron M. , Macy Rebecca J. , Fraser Mark W.
Published: October 2011

Advances in statistics provide new methods for analyzing practice data. These advances include person‐centered methods (PCMs) that identify subgroups of research participants with similar characteristics. PCMs derive from a frame of reference that is similar to the risk factor perspective in practice. In practice, the delivery of services is often contingent on identifying at‐risk populations and then providing interventions to groups based on shared risk profiles. PCMs use this perspective. Moreover, PCMs provide a means for identifying high‐risk groups with a precision rarely afforded by routine variable‐centered methods. This article describes a latent profile transition analysis (LPTA), one of several PCMs. To demonstrate LPTA, we estimate risk profiles and treatment effects using data from a cohort study of a school‐based social skills training program. We define four steps in PCMs analysis, describe key statistical tests, and conclude with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of PCMs for practice research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From homelessness to community: psychological integration of women who have experienced homelessness
Authors: Nemiroff Rebecca , Aubry Tim , Klodawsky Fran
Published: October 2011

This longitudinal study examined psychological integration of women who were homeless at the study's outset. Participants (N = 101) were recruited at homeless shelters and participated in 2 in‐person interviews, approximately 2 years apart. A predictive model identifying factors associated with having a psychological sense of community within one's neighbourhood was developed from previous empirical research and tested. Having dependent children, living in higher quality housing, and having more positive contact with neighbours predicted higher levels of psychological integration. Counter to predictions, living in one's current housing for longer predicted lower levels of psychological integration in this sample. The findings suggest the importance of providing high‐quality, affordable housing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods to facilitate psychological reintegration into the community. In addition, providing opportunities for positive contact with neighbours might contribute to helping women who have experienced homelessness become psychologically integrated in their communities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of proteins that associate with integrin α2 by proteomic analysis in human fibrosarcoma HT‐1080 cells
Authors: Uematsu Takayuki , Konishi Chieko , Hoshino Daisuke , Han Xiao , Tomari Taizo , Egawa Nagayasu , Takada Yoshikazu , Isobe Toshiaki , Seiki Motoharu , Koshikawa Naohiko
Published: October 2011

Integrins are adhesion receptors for components of the extracellular matrix (ECMs) that regulate multiple cellular functions, such as migration, invasion, proliferation, and survival by mediating bidirectional signal transmission. Even though many proteins have been reported to associate with integrins both on and in cells, systemic analyses of the adhesome have not been carried out. In previous studies, we identified proteins associating with a membrane‐type protease, MT1‐MMP, using nano‐flow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐LC/MS/MS) of associated proteins prepared by optimized conditions for cell lysis and purification. Since integrins were identified as MT1‐MMP‐associated proteins, we next applied this method to analyze integrin‐associated proteins. In this study, we expressed integrin α2 fused at the C terminus to a FLAG peptide in HT1080 cells. Cells stably expressing the chimeric protein were lysed with 1% Brij‐98 and affinity purified using anti‐FLAG antibody. Integrin β1 co‐purified with integrin α2 confirming the specificity of the purification procedure. Analysis of the purified mixture by nano‐LC/MS/MS identified 70 proteins. Nineteen of these were membrane proteins, including adhesion proteins, receptors, transporters, proteinases, and ion‐channel receptors, and the balance were cytoplasmic. Interestingly, eight of the proteins had previously been shown to associate with MT1‐MMP. We believe the present study provides a platform to facilitate the study of the mechanisms of cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3072–3079, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microcellular foaming of low‐density polyethylene using nano‐CaCo3 as a nucleating agent
Authors: Abbasi Mohammadhadi , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Bagheri Rohallah , Esfahani Javad Moftakharian
Published: October 2011

In this study, microcellular foaming of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) using nano‐calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3) were carried out. Nanocomposite samples were prepared in different content in range of 0.5–7 phr nano‐CaCO3 using a twin screw extruder. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize of LDPE/nano‐CaCO3 nanocomposites. The foaming was carried out by a batch process in compression molding with azodicarbonamide (ADCA) as a chemical blowing agent. The cell structure of the foams was examined with SEM, density and gel content of different samples were measured to compare difference between nanocomposite microcellular foam and microcellular foam without nanomaterials. The results showed that the samples containing 5 phr nano‐CaCO3 showed microcellular foam with the lowest mean cell diameter 27 μm and largest cell density 8 × 108 cells/cm3 in compared other samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lattice tilt, concentration, and relaxation degree of partly relaxed InGaAs/GaAs structures
Authors: Benediktovitch A. , Rinaldi F. , Menzel S. , Saito K. , Ulyanenkova T. , Baumbach T. , Feranchuk I. D. , Ulyanenkov A.
Published: October 2011

The series of samples is investigated to verify the validity of the scattering theory within the layers of different relaxation degree. The samples composed of In0.06Ga0.94As layer of different thicknesses on GaAs [001] substrates were grown using MBE technique. The symmetric and asymmetric reciprocal space maps (RSM) were measured and simulated for the samples with the fully coherent layer, in the vicinity of the critical thickness of relaxation, and with the fully relaxed layer. The crystallographic layer miscuts, indium concentrations, the relaxation degrees, and density of dislocations have been precisely evaluated.
Tracing the source of bottled water using stable isotope techniques
Authors: Rangarajan Ravi , Ghosh Prosenjit
Published: October 2011

The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) precipitation recharges ground water aquifers in a large portion of the Indian subcontinent. Monsoonal precipitation over the Indian region brings moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal (BoB). A large difference in the salinity of these two reservoirs, owing to the large amount of freshwater discharge from the continental rivers in the case of the BoB and dominating evaporation processes over the Arabian Sea region, allows us to distinguish the isotopic signatures in water originating in these two water bodies. Most bottled water manufacturers exploit the natural resources of groundwater, replenished by the monsoonal precipitation, for bottling purposes. The work presented here relates the isotopic ratios of bottled water to latitude, moisture source and seasonality in precipitation isotope ratios. We investigated the impact of the above factors on the isotopic composition of bottled water. The result shows a strong relationship between isotope ratios in precipitation (obtained from the GNIP data base)/bottled water with latitude. The approach can be used to predict the latitude at which the bottled water was manufactured. The paper provides two alternative approaches to address the site prediction. The limitations of this approach in identifying source locations and the uncertainty in latitude estimations are discussed. Furthermore, the method provided here can also be used as an important forensic tool for exploring the source location of bottled water from other regions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insertion force in manual and robotic corneal suturing
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Cunliang , Deng Shijing , Xiao Jingjing
Published: October 2011

Background

Due to differences in corneal grafting microsurgery between manual and robotic suturing, new challenges have arisen in testing the insertion force and torque of corneal tissue acting on suturing needles in order to guarantee successful completion of surgical procedures.

Methods

In order to measure the force during the insertion operation, from the needle entering the cornea through the entry point until the puncturing of the exit point along the circular trajectory, a force measurement system was established, including fresh porcine cornea, a corneal‐suturing robot, a circular needle, a micro‐forceps manipulator with a force transducer, a computer with a data acquisition board and a medical microscope. The force values in the needle coordinate frames were obtained on the basis of a sensor coordinate frame through D–H coordinate transformation, and an index is proposed here to evaluate the insertion performance. Experiments on both manual and robotic suturing were carried out for comparison.

Results

The scale and changes of the needle insertion force were obtained using two different suturing methods. The maximal tangent force in robotic suturing is a little larger than in manual suturing, and the maximal resultant force in robotic suturing is somewhat smaller. Although the difference is not very significant, robotic suturing performs in a more stable way. Moreover, the performance evaluation index Mdmax (the maximum of square root of the quadratic sum of torque components MOX and MOY) in robotic suturing is much smaller than that in manual suturing.

Conclusions

The force measurement system has been verified to be feasible through experimentation. Compared with conventional manual surgery, robotic suturing has some advantages: more stable suturing, smaller distortion torque and fewer invasions to the corneal tissue, showing that its application in minimally invasive surgery is practical. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sliding‐mode control for automated lane guidance of heavy vehicle
Authors: Imine H. , Madani T.
Published: October 2011

In the present work, an active steering assistance system for heavy vehicles is developed to prevent lane departure and let the vehicle follow the road's centre line. The controller is based on the super‐twisting algorithm. An estimator based on the sliding mode observer is also developed to estimate the vehicle dynamics. The lateral positions and speeds are then controlled to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. The lateral offset and the relative yaw angle are supposed to be measured and the road curvature to be known. Some simulation results are given to show the quality of this steering assistance system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory and application of Kossel x‐ray diffraction in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Dingley D. J.
Published: October 2011

The application of Kossel x‐ray diffraction to the SEM is reviewed with discussion of identification of structures, determination of orientation relationships between crystals, residual strain measurements, examination of fracture surfaces and semi‐quantitative measurement of plastic strain. Geometrical theory of formation of the patterns is outlined and methods of analysis reviewed with emphasis on the techniques available when the pattern centre and specimen to film distance can be accurately determined. A recent method of obtaining the latter parameters is discussed. Pattern recognition techniques are discussed with references to F. C. Frank's model based on the intersection of an x‐ray sphere of radius 1/2 with the Brillouin zone boundaries of the crystal and estimates are produced of the diffracting volume as a function of perfection of the crystal.
Mechanical manipulation with cells in vitro prior to fixation can have an adverse effect on cell surface appearance in the SEM
Authors: Veselý P.
Published: October 2011

Rat Rous sarcoma cells of the W 12 line and cinemicrography were used to analyze the causes of the cell surface changes occurring during the manipulation of cultures prior to fixation for SEM examination. It is concluded that these changes are caused primarily by the increase in the availability of serum factors present in whole blood serum which could be brought about by the mechanical disturbance of the diffusion boundary layer. Mechanical irritation, cooling, and pH changes are only secondary causes. The possibilities of preventing these undesirable changes are discussed.
Scanning electron mirror microscopy
Authors: Witzani J. , Hörl E. M.
Published: October 2011

The working principles, instrument designs, and applications of scanning electron mirror microscopy are reviewed. The capability of this technique for direct imaging of topographical surface structures as well as electrostatic and magnetic surface strayfields is demonstrated by a number of examples.
Application of a new detector for cathodoluminescence measurements in the wavelength range to 1.8 μm
Authors: Koschek G. , Kubalek E.
Published: October 2011

The energetic gap structure of semiconductors or insulators can strongly be influenced by the local appearance of inhomogenities, impurities, dopants or vacancies. A high spatial resolution cathodoluminescence (CL) measuring technique makes it possible to investigate this gap structure via spectral analysis of the emitted CL. This can lead to a detailed knowledge of the local defect distribution.

The wavelength range which could be detected by CL measurements has, up to the present, been limited to values less than 1 μm, because no detectors were available for higher wavelengths. By use of a new germanium detector, the measuring range could be extended to 1.8 μm. This makes it possible to analyse the CL properties, both of materials with small gap energies and of deep impurities.

The detector properties which are important for CL measurements are presented. The efficiency of the detector is demonstrated by CL investigations of barium titanate ceramics and silicon. The results are discussed and compared to results obtained using conventional detectors.
Thermal Modelling of the Ladle Preheating Process
Authors: Glaser Björn , Görnerup Mårten , Sichen Du
Published: October 2011

To predict the temperature distribution in the ladle wall during the preheating process a two dimensional model was developed. The model calculated the heat transfer and the velocity field in the gas phase inside the ladle as well as the heat transfer in the solid walls during the preheating process. Measurements of the temperature in an industrial lade were carried out using an infrared radiation (IR) camera. The measurements were made inside and outside the ladle. The model predictions were found to be in reasonably good agreement with the measured temperatures. It was found that the preheating time could be minimized when the working lining became thinner. The effect of the distance between the lid and the ladle was also studied by the model. The results indicated that there was no significant temperature change on the upper side wall of the ladle. On the lower side wall and bottom the temperature changed slightly. The temperature difference in the lower part of the ladle could be explained by the larger flame distance from the bottom layer.
Clinical and dimensional characteristics of euthymic bipolar patients with or without suicidal behavior
Authors: Parmentier C. , Etain B. , Yon L. , Misson H. , Mathieu F. , Lajnef M. , Cochet B. , Raust A. , Kahn J.-P. , Wajsbrot-Elgrabli O. , Cohen R. , Henry C. , Leboyer M. , Bellivier F.
Published: October 2011

Background

The clinical and dimensional features associated with suicidal behaviour in bipolar patients during euthymic states are not well characterised.

Methods

In a sample of 652 euthymic bipolar patients, we assessed clinical features with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetics Studies (DIGS) and dimensional characteristics with questionnaires measuring impulsivity/hostility and affective lability/intensity. Bipolar patients with and without suicidal behaviour were compared for these clinical and dimensional variables.

Results

Of the 652 subjects, 42.9% had experienced at least one suicide attempt. Lifetime history of suicidal behaviour was associated with being a woman, a history of head injury, tobacco misuse and indicators of severity of bipolar disorder including early age at onset, high number of depressive episodes, positive history of rapid cycling, alcohol misuse and social phobia. Indirect hostility and irritability were dimensional characteristics associated with suicidal behaviour in bipolar patients, whereas impulsivity and affective lability/intensity were not associated with suicidal behaviour.

Limitations

This study had a retrospective design with no replication sample.

Conclusions

Bipolar patients with earlier onset, mood instability (large number of depressive episodes, rapid cycling) and/or particular addictive and anxiety comorbid disorders might be at high risk of suicidal behaviour. In addition, hostility dimensions (indirect hostility and irritability), may be trait components associated with suicidal behaviour in euthymic bipolar patients.
Current trends of 24-h urinary iodine excretion in German schoolchildren and the importance of iodised salt in processed foods
Authors: Johner Simone A. , Günther Anke L. B. , Remer Thomas
Published: October 2011

Worldwide, the iodisation of salt has clearly improved iodine status. In industrialised countries, iodised salt added to processed food contributes most to iodine supply. Yet it is unclear as to what extent changes in the latter may affect the iodine status of populations. Between 2004 and 2009, 24-h urinary iodine excretions (UIE) were repeatedly measured in 278 German children (6 to 12 years old) of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study (n707). Na excretion measurements and simultaneously collected 3-d weighed dietary records provided data on intakes of the most important dietary sources of iodine in the children's diet. Actual trends of UIE (2004–9) and contributions of relevant food groups were analysed by mixed linear regression models. Longitudinal regression analysis showed a plateau of UIE in 2004–6; afterwards, UIE significantly decreased till 2009 (P = 0·01; median 24-h UIE in 2004–6: 85·6 μg/d; 2009: 80·4 μg/d). Median urinary iodine concentration fell below the WHO criteria for iodine sufficiency of 100 μg/l in 2007–9. Salt, milk, fish and egg intake (g/d) were significant predictors of UIE (P < 0·005); and the main sources of iodine were salt and milk (48 and 38 %, respectively). The present data hint at a beginning deterioration in the iodine status of German schoolchildren. A decreased use of iodised salt in industrially produced foods may be one possible reason for this development. Because of the generally known risks for cognitive impairment due to even mild iodine deficits in children, a more widespread use of iodised salt, especially in industrially processed foods, has to be promoted.
Doing It for the Kids? The Determinants of Attitudes towards Public Childcare in Unified Germany
Authors: GOERRES ACHIM , TEPE MARKUS
Published: October 2011

In order to explain why people differ in their attitudes towards public childcare, we present a theoretical framework that integrates four causal mechanisms: regime socialisation, political ideology, family involvement and material self-interest. Estimation results obtained from multivariate regressions on the 2002 German General Social Survey and replications on the 2008/9 European Social Survey can be condensed into three statements: (1) Regime socialisation is the single most important determinant of attitudes toward public childcare, followed by young age as an indicator of self-interest and political ideology. Family involvement does not have any sizeable impact. (2) Regime socialisation conditions the impact of some indicators of political ideology and family involvement on attitudes toward public childcare. (3) Despite a paradigmatic shift in policy, the dynamics of 2008 mirror those of 2002, highlighting the stability of inter-individual differences in support. The results suggest that the ‘shadow of communism’ still stretches over what people in the East expect from the welfare state and that individual difference in the demand for public childcare appears to be highly path-dependent.
Optimal independent contact regions for two-fingered grasping of polygon
Authors: Phoka Thanathorn , Vongmasa Pawin , Nilwatchararang Chaichana , Pipattanasomporn Peam , Sudsang Attawith
Published: October 2011

As every real mechanical hand has a limited accuracy, the grasp planning process must be prepared to cope with unavoidable positioning errors. The concept of independent contact regions (ICRs) was proposed to deal with this issue by computing for each finger an ICR on the object's boundary such that each finger can be placed anywhere in its ICR to guarantee a force closure grasp. Existing methods for computing ICRs of a polygon requires that each ICR must lie on a single edge of the polygon. This constraint severely limits the size of computed ICRs, especially when the input polygon contains only small edges (e.g., when the polygon is used for representing a curve object). This paper proposes a method for computing the optimal ICRs for frictional two-fingered grasp of a polygon such that each ICR is allowed to extend across consecutive edges of the polygon. The time complexity of the method is O(n2log n), where n is the number of edges of the polygon. Implementation results using several test polygons are presented to exhibit effectiveness of the method.
Hilbert functions and the extension functor
Authors: Kirby David
Published: October 2011

Throughout R will denote a commutative ring with identity, A,B etc. will denote ideals of R, and E will denote a unitary R-module. We recall from [5] the definition of homological grade hgrR(A;E) as inf{r|ExtRr(R/A,E) ≠ 0}, and we allow both hgrR(A;E) = ∞ (i.e. ExtRr(R/A,E) = 0 for all r) and AE = E. For the most part E will be Noetherian, in which case hgrR(A;E) coincides with the usual grade grR(A;E) which is the supremum of the lengths of the (weak) E-sequences contained in A (see [7], for example).
Properties of Littlewood-Paley sets
Authors: Hare Kathryn E. , Klemes Ivo
Published: October 2011

We give a combinatorial characterization of the known examples of intervals of ℤ having the Littlewood-Paley (LP) property. This leaves an interesting open problem. We also note that certain previously known necessary conditions are equivalent, and give two examples of intervals which are not LP but whose endpoints form thin sets (e.g. Sidon or Λ(p) for all p < ∞).
IDENTIFYING A FORGED MAYA MANUSCRIPT IN UNESCO'S WORLD DIGITAL LIBRARY
Authors: Eberl Markus , Prem Hanns J.
Published: October 2011

Among the original holdings of the recently opened World Digital Library was a Spanish manuscript on the Maya that supposedly dates to 1548 (initially available athttp://www.wdl.org/en/item/2961). It was given the titleEl modo de cómo hacían la pintura los indígenas(“How the Indians Made Their Paintings”) and contained an explanation of Maya culture accompanied by drawings of Maya glyphs and deities. Detailed analysis shows that thePinturamanuscript is a fake that belongs to the Canek group of forged manuscripts. It is written in the same hand as the Canek forgeries and shares the same stylistic characteristics with this group. Its drawings copy illustrations from the third English or the second Spanish edition of Sylvanus Morley'sThe Ancient Maya, and from theMadrid Codex. The World Digital Library aims to make significant primary materials from all UNESCO member countries available on the Internet. Forgeries like thePinturamanuscript undermine the trustworthiness and eminence of this project. While thePinturamanuscript was removed from the World Digital Library in August 2009, researchers may find useful the holistic approach that allowed identifying it as a forgery. A historical document is here examined from six angles. What are its physical makeup, its penmanship, and its linguistic properties? Authentic documents should have a traceable history of documentation (here termed a “pedigree”) and their content should be consistent with well-established sources and with culture- and time-specific conventions.
All about PSY DREAM. Psychiatric Drug Registration, Evaluation & All-inclusive Monitoring
Authors: Lehmann Peter
Published: October 2011

Aims — In this article the author – board-member of the European Network of (ex-) Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (ENUSP) -explains, what is needed to guarantee a minimal level of involvement of users and survivors of psychiatry into issues relating to psychiatric drugs. Methods – He reflects demands of their organisations, and compares these demands with the current involvement level. Considering the concrete circumstances in psychiatry, he reflects the risks and dangers of the administered drugs -especially the widely used neuroleptics –for example enhanced breast cancer risk in women, suicidal effects, receptor changes, tardive dyskinesia and other toxic reactions. Results – Considering the unique situation of psychiatric patients to receive treatment in general without informed consent and in a violent way or through bullying and threat, he argues for to provide their involvement in all aspects of psychiatric drug issues -especially registration and monitoring, for example by their involvement in creating and running a suicide register. And he argues for involvement in ethics committees, licensing processes and providing guidelines and decision making about effectiveness and reimbursement of costs. Conclusions – As first steps towards these aims he proposes independent and user-controlled research, independent and user-controlled education and independent and user-controlled information about the effects of psychiatric drugs.

Declaration of Interest: the Author did not receive any grants and financial support for the study; any forms of financing (included pharmaceutical company support and any honoraria for consultancies or interventions in the last two years); any other involvements that might be considered a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Mental health services in Central and Eastern Europe: current state and continuing concerns
Authors: Saraceno Benedetto , Saxena Shekhar
Published: October 2011

Aims – This paper attempts to examine the current state of mental health services in Central and Eastern Europe. Methods – Selected review of available literature has been done with emphasis on information complied by World Health Organization (WHO). Results – The magnitude and burden of mental disorders is high in Europe, the mental health services are inadequate in most Central and Eastern European countries and human rights situation is unsatisfactory. However, there are some positive recent developments worth noting. These include increased attention to human rights, cooperation and collaboration at subregional level and emergence of family and consumer associations. Conclusions – A concerted and systematic attempt needs to be made to respond to the challenge of providing adequate and human rights-based mental health services in Central and Eastern European countries. The framework developed by WHO can assist the countries in their initiatives aimed at improving mental health systems.

Declaration of Interest: none
Mental Health Department accreditation. Classification and assessment criteria
Authors: Grassi Gaddomaria
Published: October 2011

Aims – To compare different accreditation categories in Italy and to suggest some criteria to assess them. Methods – The A. compare specific characteristics of different model of normative and professional accreditation and suggest some criteria to distinguish different type of accreditation programme and to assess quality and usefulness of an accreditation programme. Results and Conclusions – Different types of accreditation are attributed to some basic criteria: voluntary/by law, high/low stan- dard, assessment object. Criteria to assess the usefulness are: check list accuracy, support to quality improvement, documental bur- den, services impact.