bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of structural changes in semi‐crystalline polymers during deformation by synchrotron X‐ray scattering
Authors: Schneider Konrad
Published: March 2010

The mechanical behavior of polymer materials is strongly dependent on polymer structure and morphology of the material. The latter is determined mainly by processing and thermal history. Temperature‐dependent on‐line X‐ray scattering during deformation enables the investigation of deformation processes, fatigue and failure of polymers. As an example, investigations on polypropylene are presented. By on‐line X‐ray scattering with synchrotron radiation, a time resolution in the order of seconds and a spatial resolution in the order of microns can be achieved. The characterization of the crystalline and amorphous phases as well as the study of cavitation processes were performed by simultaneous SAXS and WAXS. The results of scattering experiments are complemented by DSC measurements and SEM investigations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1574–1586, 2010
Preterm rabbit lung tissue mechanics: Maturational changes and effect of antenatal steroids
Authors: Debeer Anne , Flemmer Andreas W. , Lewi Paul J. , Beheydt Stijn , De Buck Frederik , Zimmermann Luc J. , Naulaers Gunnar , Deprest Jan A.
Published: March 2010

Aim:

Describe lung tissue and central airway mechanics using forced oscillation in preterm rabbits at different gestational ages and after maternal administration of betamethasone (BM).

Methods:

One hundred twelve fetuses from 54 does were studied. Ventilation was done using a Flexivent® (Scireq, Montreal, Canada). Resistance (Rrs), compliance/bodyweight (Crs/bw), Newtonian resistance (Rn), tissue damping (GL), and elastance (HL) were assessed. Maturational changes were studied in normal controls at days 27–31. The effect of BM (0.05 mg/kg on days 25 and 26) or placebo was studied in preterm fetuses at days 27, 28, and 29.

Results:

In unmanipulated control fetuses, Rrs decreased and Crs/bw increased with advancing gestation. Rn remained stable while GL and HL decreased. After day 29 no differences in pulmonary mechanics were observed. At 28 days Rrs and Crs/bw in BM and placebo fetuses were better compared to controls. At 29 days, Crs/bw and Rrs were higher, respectively, lower in control fetuses than BM or placebo exposed pups.

Conclusion:

Maturational changes in preterm rabbits occur mainly up to day 29 of gestation and are largely due to changes in tissue mechanics. Maternal BM injection improves lung mechanics at 28 days but placebo has equal effects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:349–355. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phases of the string theory effective potential during the “radiation‐like” cosmological era
Authors: Estes J.
Published: March 2010

We study the effects of the quantum‐thermal effective potential on internal moduli in the context of perturbative string cosmology throughout the “radiation‐like” cosmological era. Based on the work done in references [6,7] and a talk given at the Workshop on Cosmology & Strings, Corfu Institute, Greece, Sept 11, 2009.
Strings at the LHC
Authors: Lüst D.
Published: March 2010

Assuming that the fundamental string mass scale is in the TeV range and the theory is weakly coupled, we discuss possible signals of string physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Contractions of quantum algebraic structures
Authors: Doikou A. , Sfetsos K.
Published: March 2010

A general framework for obtaining certain types of contracted and centrally extended algebras is reviewed. The whole process relies on the existence of quadratic algebras, which appear in the context of boundary integrable models.
Development of a path model for human‐induced unplanned reactor trips in nuclear power plants
Authors: Kim Man Cheol , Park Jinkyun
Published: March 2010

A simple path model for human‐induced unplanned reactor trips in nuclear power plants (NPPs) is proposed. The path model consists of four plant states and seven transitions between the four plant states, and describes how NPPs in the normal operation state result in unplanned reactor trips due to human errors. By applying the simple path model to historic unplanned reactor trip data, it is found that two out of five paths take more than 80% of the human‐induced unplanned reactor trips. The proposed path model for human‐induced unplanned reactor trips in NPPs is expected to provide insights into how human‐induced unplanned reactor trips can be reduced by cutting the critical paths to human‐induced unplanned reactor trips. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seriation and matrix reordering methods: An historical overview
Authors: Liiv Innar
Published: March 2010

Seriation is an exploratory combinatorial data analysis technique to reorder objects into a sequence along a one‐dimensional continuum so that it best reveals regularity and patterning among the whole series. Unsupervised learning, using seriation and matrix reordering, allows pattern discovery simultaneously at three information levels: local fragments of relationships, sets of organized local fragments of relationships, and an overall structural pattern. This paper presents an historical overview of seriation and matrix reordering methods, several applications from the following disciplines are included in the retrospective review: archaeology and anthropology; cartography, graphics, and information visualization; sociology and sociometry; psychology and psychometry; ecology; biology and bioinformatics; cellular manufacturing; and operations research. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 3: 70‐91, 2010
Special issue on ‘Channel modelling and propagation impairment simulation activities within the SatNEx project’
Authors: Castanet Laurent
Published: March 2010

SatNEx aims to rectify the fragmentation in satellite communications research by bringing together Europe's leading academic institutions and research organisations in a cohesive and durable way. The resultant pan‐European network provides a collective grouping of expertise and state‐of‐the‐art laboratory facilities that would otherwise remain dispersed throughout Europe. This special issue provides results of the propagation and channel modelling activities. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of environmental justice: the case of a US urban wastewater system
Authors: Gen Sheldon , Shafer Holley , Nakagawa Monique
Published: March 2010

Environmental justice is often viewed as an access point for disadvantaged communities to engage the policy process to prevent their exploitation by more established policy players. The mostly untested assumption of it, however, is that communities have accurate perceptions of the distribution of environmental harms. This study tests this assumption with data on San Francisco's wastewater system. Survey data from residents were coupled with operational data on various wastewater system problems. When compared, these data suggest that people's perceptions of the distribution of environmental harms do not match empirical measures of it. Instead, perceptions of neighborhoods' exposures were more associated with socio‐economic and physical characteristics of the neighborhoods than their actual exposures. In essence, perceptions of environmental justice resembled social equity issues more than environmental equity issues. These findings have implications for the changing roles of government agencies and the public in their efforts to achieve environmental justice and sustainable development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Power for studies with random group sizes
Authors: Ambrosius Walter T. , Mahnken Jonathan D.
Published: March 2010

In any study it is essential to select the sample size carefully to ensure adequate power. For many studies this is simple: recruit a desired number of subjects within each group, conduct measurements, and perform the statistical test. In some studies (e.g. observational studies), however, the group membership is unknown at recruitment. In this paper we examine the effect of random group sizes on power. Additionally, we consider the situation when the group proportions are unknown and specified by a prior distribution. The problem that initially motivated this research is presented (power for a 2‐by‐2 table), as are examples using continuous outcomes. We find that standard estimates of power using expected group sizes can over or underestimate power. SAS macros are available at http://www.phs.wfubmc.edu/public/wambrosi/RandomPower. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermally Driven Self‐Assembly of Nanomicelles: A Facile Route to Functional Monodisperse Mesoporous Colloidal Nanocomposites of Inorganic Nature and Mesoscale Size
Authors: Tartaj Pedro
Published: March 2010

Thermally driven self‐assembly of nanomicelles can be a feasible route to produce monodisperse porous colloidal nanocomposites of inorganic nature and sizes around the mesoscale (below 100 nm). Success relies on extending the lifetime of intermediate droplets (size below about 100 nm) that are obtained under particular conditions. Herein, the conditions for the long‐term stabilization of these unique templates are studied and a model proposed to produce monodisperse porous colloidal nanocomposites. As an example of the potential applications of this methodology, functional colloidal nanocomposites with a high loading of the doping material (30 mol%) are obtained. In particular, superparamagnetic nanomagnets of metallic nature encapsulated in porous oxide colloidal matrixes of mesoscale size that easily respond to an external magnetic field are prepared and characterized in terms of structure and textural and magnetic properties.
On the testing of user‐configurable software systems using firewalls
Authors: Robinson Brian , White Lee
Published: March 2010

User‐configurable software systems present many challenges to software testers. These systems are created to address a large number of possible uses, each of which is based on a specific configuration. As configurations are made up of groups of configurable elements and settings, a huge number of possible combinations exist. As it is infeasible to test all configurations before release, many latent defects remain in the software once deployed. A just‐in‐time testing technique is presented to address this problem, including examples of how it can be used with various user‐configurable systems in the field. The proposed solution is evaluated with a set of five empirical studies conducted on two separate ABB software systems using real customer configurations and changes. These studies analyse failures reported by many different customers globally and show that this just‐in‐time testing process is effective at detecting latent defects exposed by customer configuration changes in user‐configurable systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression testing minimization, selection and prioritization: a survey
Authors: Yoo S. , Harman M.
Published: March 2010

Regression testing is a testing activity that is performed to provide confidence that changes do not harm the existing behaviour of the software. Test suites tend to grow in size as software evolves, often making it too costly to execute entire test suites. A number of different approaches have been studied to maximize the value of the accrued test suite: minimization, selection and prioritization. Test suite minimization seeks to eliminate redundant test cases in order to reduce the number of tests to run. Test case selection seeks to identify the test cases that are relevant to some set of recent changes. Test case prioritization seeks to order test cases in such a way that early fault detection is maximized. This paper surveys each area of minimization, selection and prioritization technique and discusses open problems and potential directions for future research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging and depression vulnerability interaction results in decreased serotonin innervation associated with reduced BDNF levels in hippocampus of rats bred for learned helplessness
Authors: Aznar Susana , Klein Anders B. , Santini Martin A. , Knudsen Gitte M. , Henn Fritz , Gass Peter , Vollmayr Barbara
Published: March 2010

Epidemiological studies have revealed a strong genetic contribution to the risk for depression. Both reduced hippocampal serotonin neurotransmission and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been associated with increased depression vulnerability and are also regulated during aging. Brains from young (5 months old) and old (13 months old) congenital Learned Helplessness rats (cLH), and congenital Non Learned Helplessness rats (cNLH) were immunohistochemically stained for the serotonin transporter and subsequently stereologically quantified for estimating hippocampal serotonin fiber density. Hippocampal BDNF protein levels were measured by ELISA. An exacerbated age‐related loss of serotonin fiber density specific for the CA1 area was observed in the cLH animals, whereas reduced hippocampal BDNF levels were seen in young and old cLH when compared with age‐matched cNLH controls. These observations indicate that aging should be taken into account when studying the neurobiological factors behind the vulnerability for depression and that understanding the effect of aging on genetically predisposed individuals may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology behind depression, particularly in the elderly. Synapse 64:561–565, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fenfluramine‐induced serotonin release decreases [11C]AZ10419369 binding to 5‐HT1B‐receptors in the primate brain
Authors: Finnema S.J. , Varrone A. , Hwang T.J. , Gulyás B. , Pierson M.E. , Halldin C. , Farde L.
Published: March 2010

The need for positron emission tomography (PET)‐radioligands that are sensitive to changes in endogenous serotonin (5‐HT) levels in brain is recognized in experimental and clinical psychiatric research. We recently developed the novel PET radioligand [11C]AZ10419369 that is highly selective for the 5‐HT1B receptor. In this PET‐study in three cynomolgus monkeys, we examined the sensitivity of [11C]AZ10419369 to altered endogenous 5‐HT levels. Fenfluramine‐induced 5‐HT release decreased radioligand binding in a dose‐dependent fashion with a regional average of 27% after 1 mg/kg and 50% after 5 mg/kg. This preliminary study supports that [11C]AZ10419369 is sensitive to endogenous 5‐HT levels in vivo and may serve as a tool to examine the pathophysiology and treatment of major psychiatric disorders. Synapse 64:573–577, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ER‐β mediates 17β‐estradiol attenuation of HIV‐1 Tat‐induced apoptotic signaling
Authors: Adams Sheila M. , Aksenova Marina V. , Aksenov Michael Y. , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M.
Published: March 2010

The protective actions of estrogen have been well evaluated in various models of neurodegeneration. These neuroprotective mechanisms may include a direct neuronal antiapoptotic effect as estrogen modulates actions of key regulators of the mitochondrial/intrinsic apoptotic cascade. We tested the ability of estrogen to protect against apoptotic signaling in cortical cell cultures exposed to Tat 1‐86 (50 nM), and additionally, whether the beneficial actions of estrogen involved an estrogen receptor sensitive mechanism. We demonstrated that estrogen pretreatment significantly delayed Tat‐induced cell death in primary cortical cultures. Pretreatment with 17β‐estradiol (10 nM) attenuated the increased expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2, proapoptotic protein Bax and activation of caspases linked to mitochondrial apoptotic pathway following Tat exposure. In addition, select components of apoptotic pathway signaling appear more sensitive to estrogen receptor (ER) activation, as the addition of ER antagonist ICI 182780 reversed estrogen downregulation of Bax and caspase 3, while estrogen effects on Tat‐induced Bcl‐2 and caspase 9 expression were maintained. Moreover, the addition of preferential ERα and ERβ antagonists (MPP dihydrochloride and PHTPP) indicated that estrogen effects on caspase 3 may be mediated by both receptor subtypes, whereas, was more involved in estrogen effects on Bax. Our data suggest that estrogen intervenes against HIV‐1 Tat‐induced cortical neuronal dysfunction via intersecting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway signaling in an ER‐sensitive manner. Synapse 64:829–838, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knockdown of mortalin within the medial prefrontal cortex impairs normal sensorimotor gating
Authors: Gabriele Nicole , Pontoriero Giuseppe F. , Thomas Nancy , Shethwala Shazli K. , Pristupa Zdenek B. , Gabriele Joseph P.
Published: March 2010

The 70‐kDa mitochondrial heat shock protein, mortalin, is a ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional protein that is capable of binding the neurotransmitter, dopamine, within the brain. Dopamine dysregulation has been implicated in many of the abnormal neurological behaviors. Although studies have indicated that mortalin is differentially regulated in response to dopaminergic modulation, research has yet to elucidate the role of mortalin in the regulation of dopaminergic activity. This study seeks to investigate the role of mortalin in the regulation of dopamine‐dependent behavior, specifically as it pertains to schizophrenia (SCZ). Mortalin expression was knocked down through the infusion of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide molecules into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Rats infused with mortalin antisense oligodeoxynucleotide molecules exhibited significant prepulse inhibition deficits, suggestive of defects in normal sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, mortalin misexpression within the mPFC was coupled to a significant increase in mortalin protein expression within the nucleus accumbens at the molecular level. These findings demonstrate that mortalin plays an essential role in the regulation of dopamine‐dependent behavior and plays an even greater role in the pathogenesis of SCZ. Synapse 64:808–813, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of coupling–control effect of a sky‐bridge for adjacent tall buildings
Authors: Lee Dong‐Guen , Kim Hyun‐Su , Ko Hyun
Published: March 2010

In this study, the coupling–control effect of a sky‐bridge for adjacent tall buildings has been investigated. To this end, two building structures of 42‐ and 49‐stories connected by a sky‐bridge and constructed in the Seoul, Korea, were used. Earthquake excitations and wind load data obtained from wind tunnel tests are employed for numerical simulation. Lead rubber bearings and linear motion bearings were used for the connectors between the sky‐bridge and the example buildings. Several types of connector configurations were investigated to find an appropriate configuration for the tall buildings considered. The displacement and acceleration responses of the coupled buildings, and the reactions of the bearings and member forces of the sky‐bridge were evaluated in comparison with the uncoupled buildings. Numerical results demonstrated that the sky‐bridge could effectively increase the damping ratio of the coupled tall buildings, resulting in decreased dynamic responses. In addition, it was shown that the coupling–control effect of the sky‐bridge could be significantly improved by using additional viscous dampers. The connection system and configuration proposed in this study had been applied to the construction of the sky‐bridge for the example structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Properties of Novel Alkyl Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Li Xin , Hu Zhiyong , Zhu Hailin , Zhao Sufen , Cao Duanlin
Published: March 2010

A series of novel dialkyl disulfonate gemini surfactants (2Cn‐SCT where n is the carbon number of the hydrophobic chain) were synthesized from cyanuric chloride, aliphatic amine and taurine. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR spectra, and ESI–MS. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in the aqueous solutions at 25 °C were determined by surface tension and electrical conductivity methods. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased, and then increased with an alkyl chain length of 14. The surface tension measurements of 2Cn‐SCT (except for n = 14) determined that there is a low CMC, a great efficiency in lowering the surface tension, and a strong adsorption at the air–water interface. In addition, adsorption and micellization behavior of 2Cn‐SCT were estimated from pC20, the minimum average area per surfactant molecule (Amin), and standard free energy micellization and adsorption (). These properties are significantly influenced by the chain length n, and the adsorption is promoted more than the micellization.
Enantioselective Analysis of Chiral Anteiso Fatty Acids in the Polar and Neutral Lipids of Food
Authors: Hauff Simone , Hottinger Georg , Vetter Walter
Published: March 2010

Anteiso fatty acids (aFA) are substituted with a methyl group on the antepenultimate carbon of the straight acyl chain. This feature leads to a stereogenic center. The 12‐methyltetradecanoic acid (a15:0) and the 14‐methylhexadecanoic acid (a17:0) are the most common aFA found in food, although they occur only in very small quantities. In this study we used gas chromatography in combination with a chiral stationary phase to determine the enantiomeric distribution of both a15:0 and a17:0 in the neutral and polar lipids of aquatic food samples and cheese. The best suited column was selected out of four custom‐made combinations of heptakis(6‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐2,3‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐TBDM) with different amount and polarity of an achiral polysiloxane. After separation of polar and neutral lipids of the food samples by solid phase extraction, fatty acid methyl esters were prepared and the fatty acid methyl esters were fractionated by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Measurements of fractions high in aFA by enantioselective GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode verified the dominance of the (S)‐enantiomers of a15:0 and a17:0 in both lipid fractions. However (R)‐enantiomers were detectable in all samples. The relative proportion of the (R)‐enantiomers was up to fivefold higher in the polar lipids than in the neutral lipids. The higher proportions in the polar lipids indicate that microorganisms might be involved in the formation of (R)‐aFA.
A Review of Studies Reporting on Complications of Upper Urinary Tract Stone Ablation Using the Holmium:YAG Laser
Authors: Nuttall Martin C. , Abbaraju Jai , Dickinson Ian K. , Sriprasad Seshadri
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

A review of the literature of studies reporting complications of ureteroscopic urinary tract stone ablation using the holmium:YAG laser was performed.

Patients and methods:

Electronic databases were searched using specific keywords to identify relevant studies. Reference lists of identified articles were scrutinised for other studies and searches were conducted using the names of authors known to have published widely in this field. Two reviewers assessed retrieved articles for inclusion criteria. Patients <16 years old were excluded.

Results:

Overall, 48 studies published between 1994 and 2007 were included. Half were published since 2000. In total, 4454 patients were identified. Around half of studies were performed in North America (25). The number of patients per study varied from 8 to 598. The study populations were very heterogeneous in terms of stone position and size, and ureteroscope size and rigidity. Overall, 303 (6.8%) complications were identified. Post-operative ureteric stricture and perforation rates were both 1.0%. There were only six major complications identified (0.1%). The post-operative sepsis rate was 2% and one death was reported.

Conclusions:

Upper urinary tract stone ablation using the holmium:YAG laser is both safe and reliable. Follow-up imaging to detect procedure-specific complications would not appear to be routinely indicated given this low complication rate.
Perioperative Intercostal Nerve Blockade in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy—A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Viney R. , Garston H. , Patel P. , Devarajan R.
Published: March 2010

Introduction and objective:

Intercostal nerve blockade is well established in thoracic surgery but since the technique was first described in relation to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in 1990, there has been no evaluation of the impact of this technique on post-operative recovery of PCNL patients. We set out to prove the null hypothesis that intercostal nerve blockade offers no analgesic advantage to the patient undergoing PCNL.

Methods:

Retrospectively analyzing a prospectively collected dataset, we compared 50 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL with a further 50 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL and provided with the same anaesthetic but with the addition of an intercostal nerve block using local anaesthetic at the end of the operation, prior to the patient waking. The surgery was performed by a single surgeon in a single institution but different anaesthetists were involved accounting for the variation in post-operative analgesic management. The dataset includes pain scores using a visual analogue scale and analgesic requirements using a patient controlled morphine syringe driver (PCA). These data, along with data concerning time to mobilization and hospital stay were interpreted using bivariate tabular analysis methods.

Results:

The use of intercostal nerve blockade significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased the amount of analgesia required by the patient. The use of intercostal nerve blockade also significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the speed of mobilization and decreased inpatient stay.

Conclusions:

We reject the null hypothesis. The use of post-operative intercostal nerve blockade does offer an analgesic advantage for patients undergoing PCNL. Given our results we would recommend further prospective evaluation of the technique.
Benchmarking Competency in Paediatric Groin Surgery
Authors: Wilson J. , Younis A. , Lewis-Russell J. , Jones P.
Published: March 2010

Introduction:

A diminishing number of surgeons are performing paediatric groin surgery in large district general hospitals due to loss of expertise. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) is currently engaged with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to resolve this gradual loss of subspecialist expertise. We have adopted a user-friendly approach to quantify training in this field.

Methods:

In our centre we undertake approximately 150 paediatric groin cases per year with 3 specialist registrars (SpRs) rotating through the post every 4 months. Using existing Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP) tools, Direct Observation of Procedural Skill (DOPS) assessments were undertaken for each groin procedure performed by the SpR then scored by the trainer from 2 (unsatisfactory) to 6 (above expectations), with 4 being considered satisfactory/competent to perform the procedure. Three SpRs were assessed over a period of 4 months each.

Results:

Competency was determined by 5 successive DOPS scores of 4. Case numbers over 4 months were 23–35 with a mean number of cases to achieve competency being 16 (range 10–18).

Conclusion:

These results indicate that it is feasible and practical for a trainee to acquire adequate experience in DGH paediatric groin surgery and we suggest a minimum performance of 25 procedures.
Triad 1 induces apoptosis by p53 activation
Authors: Jung Jin Hyuk , Lee Sun-Mi , Bae Seunghee , Lee Su-Jae , Park In-Chul , Jin Young-Woo , Lee Jae Ho , An Sungkwan
Published: March 2010

Triad 1 (2 RING [really interesting new gene] fingers and DRIL [double RING finger linked] 1) is an E3 ligase that induces apoptosis and clonogenic inhibition in myeloid cells through Gfi‐1 stabilization. Here we demonstrate that Triad 1 induces apoptosis in several cancer cell lines including MCF7, A549, U2OS, and HCT 116 p53+/+ cells via its RING ligase activity. Interestingly, in these cancer cells, Triad 1‐induced apoptosis is not mediated by Gfi‐1 stabilization but is instead p53‐dependent. Moreover, Triad 1 promotes transactivation of p53. These results suggest that Triad 1 can induce apoptosis through its ligase activity via p53 activation.
Photonic Crystal Surfaces as a General Purpose Platform for Label-Free and Fluorescent Assays
Authors: Cunningham Brian T.
Published: March 2010

Photonic crystal (PC) surfaces can be designed to provide a wide range of functions that are used to perform biochemical and cell-based assays. Detection of the optical resonant reflections from PC surfaces enables high sensitivity label-free biosensing, whereas the enhanced electromagnetic (EM) fields that occur at resonant wavelengths can be used to enhance the detection sensitivity of any surface-based fluorescence assay. Fabrication of PCs from inexpensive plastic materials over large surface areas enables them to be incorporated into standard formats that include microplates, microarrays, and microfluidic channels. This report reviews the design of PC biosensors, their associated detection instrumentation, and biological applications. Applications including high-throughput screening of small molecules, cell membrane integrin activation, gene expression analysis, and protein biomarker detection are highlighted. Recent results in which PC surfaces are used for enhancing the detection of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and the development of high-resolution PC-based laser biosensors are also described.
On-Chip Cryopreservation of Living Cells
Authors: Li Sha , Liu Wei , Lin Liwei
Published: March 2010

On-chip cryopreservation of biological cells under low-temperature environments has been successfully demonstrated using a microfabricated chip with an incubation microchamber and microfluidic channels. Microheaters are used as both the resistive heating elements and temperature sensors to control the temperature profile of microenvironment under the liquid nitrogen cooling process. A two-step, temperature-controlled, on-chip cryopreservation process is applied for yeast cells, and after the thawing process, 74% cell survival rate has been accomplished. The reference experiment conducted without using the temperature control results in 27% cell survival rate. As such, this technique could have potential applications in on-chip cryopreservation processes, including those for sperm, embryo, or future cryogenic-based, lab-on-a-chip applications.
Pairings in Hopf cyclic cohomology of algebras and coalgebras with coefficients
Authors: Nikonov I. , Sharygin G.
Published: March 2010

This paper is concerned with the theory of cup products in the Hopf cyclic cohomology of algebras and coalgebras. We show that the cyclic cohomology of a coalgebra can be obtained from a construction involving the noncommutative Weil algebra. Then we introduce the notion of higher -twisted traces and use a generalization of the Quillen and Crainic constructions (see [14] and [3]) to define the cup product. We discuss the relation of the cup product above and S-operations on cyclic cohomology. We show that the product we define can be realized as a combination of the composition product in bivariant cyclic cohomology and a map from the cyclic cohomology of coalgebras to bivariant cohomology. In the last section, we briefly discuss the relation of our constructions with that in [9]. More precisely, we propose still another construction of such pairings which can be regarded as an intermediate step between the “Crainic” pairing and that of [9]. We show that it coincides with what in [9] and as far its relation to Crainic's construction is concerned, we reduce the question to a discussuion of a certain map in cohomology (see the question at the end of section 5).

The results of the current paper were announced in [12].
Cartilage tympanoplasty: how to reduce surgery time
Authors: De Seta E , Covelli E , De Seta D , Mancini P , Filipo R
Published: March 2010

In the last few years, cartilage has been the preferred material for reconstruction of the tympanic membrane, particularly in the case of allergy, re-perforation, or total or subtotal perforation. The mechanical characteristics of cartilage offer the advantage of high resistance to retraction and re-perforation. This paper describes two original techniques which reduce cartilage tympanoplasty surgery time, involving a 0.3 mm thick cartilage–perichondrium composite graft to repair the tympanic membrane.
Use of Rubens pillow in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Mulla O , Agada F , Strachan D R
Published: March 2010

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure in almost all ENT departments. Commonly, a head ring is used for head support during this procedure. We believe that the Rubens pillow enables better head stability and provides a better operating surface for surgical instruments.
In Memoriam: John Cunnison ‘Ian’ Catford and Stanley Ellis
Authors: Harris Jimmy G. , Lewis Jack Windsor
Published: March 2010

JOHN CUNNISON ‘IAN’ CATFORD, IPA Council member and one of the great phoneticians, died peacefully on 6 October 2009. Catford was not only one of the best phoneticians; he was also a good, kind, honest human being. He always gave credit where and when credit was due. Catford first became seriously interested in phonetics when, at age 14, his parents took him to see a stage performance of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. From that time until his death, he maintained a professional interest in phonetics and linguistics. Soon after seeing Pygmalion, he found a copy of A Primer of Phonetics by Henry Sweet in a second-hand bookstore in Edinburgh. It became his ‘bible’, and over the next two years he read every book on phonetics and linguistics he found in the Edinburgh Public Library. About the same time, he started keeping notebooks on his ideas and phonetic observations.
Psychological distress and circulating inflammatory markers in healthy young adults
Authors: Goldman-Mellor S. , Brydon L. , Steptoe A.
Published: March 2010

Background

Although a substantial body of research points to a link between psychological distress and inflammatory responses in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, the relationship between inflammation and distress in young, healthy individuals has not been established. This study was designed to investigate the cross-sectional association between psychological distress and inflammatory proteins in a young, healthy representative population of English adults.

Method

Participants were 1338 individuals aged 16–34 years from the 2006 Health Survey for England (HSE). Blood samples to measure plasma fibrinogen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as well as measures of psychological distress (using the General Health Questionnaire 12-item scale, GHQ-12) and covariates, were collected during home visits. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and fibrinogen and hsCRP.

Results

Higher self-rated distress was positively associated with fibrinogen level in this young population, independently of age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, smoking, and alcohol and medication use (β=0.024, p<0.01). Psychological distress was not related to hsCRP.

Conclusions

Psychological distress may negatively impact inflammatory processes in young adulthood before the onset of chronic health problems such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Longitudinal research is needed to elucidate the relationship between distress and inflammation in young adults and its significance for later disease states.
The interface between bilingual development and specific language impairment
Authors: PARADIS JOHANNE
Published: March 2010

Research at the interface of bilingual development and child language disorders has increased greatly in the past decade. The purpose of this article is to highlight the theoretical and clinical implications of this research. Studies examining the similarities in linguistic characteristics between typically developing sequential bilingual children and monolingual children with specific language impairment (SLI) the same age are reviewed in light of predictions from a maturational model of SLI. Studies examining the linguistic characteristics of bilingual children with SLI compared to monolinguals with SLI and their bilingual peers with typical development are reviewed in light of predictions of limited processing capacity theories of SLI. It is shown that data from bilingual children pose interesting challenges to both theoretical perspectives, although in different ways. Finally, the findings from this research are discussed in terms of their relevance for assessment of SLI in bilingual children.
Instructive bilingualism: Can bilingual children with specific language impairment rely on one language in learning a second one?
Authors: Armon-Lotem Sharon
Published: March 2010

Only a decade ago, a very few researchers considered the study of language disorders in bilingual population worth pursuing. It was mostly argued that there were enough challenges in studying bilingualism, and even more challenges in the study of specific language impairment (SLI). So why complicate things and combine the two domains?
Mapping at the interface
Authors: Chiat Shula
Published: March 2010

The cross-overs between monolingual–bilingual and typically atypically developing children are a goldmine for research on language development. The four permutations of language exposure and language abilities create “natural experimental conditions” for investigating the nature of the language capacity and how this is shaped by input in typical development, and importantly, in specific language impairment (SLI). Paradis has played a prominent part in identifying and exploring this rich source of evidence. Her Keynote Article provides a valuable review of findings from her own and others' research, a carefully considered evaluation of their compatibility with competing theories of language development, and an excellent catalyst for debate.
Summing up problems in bilingual specific language impairment: Why multiple influences may not be additive
Authors: Conti-Ramsden Gina
Published: March 2010

The Keynote Article is a very welcomed, timely, and incisive review article that examines theoretical and clinical implications of research on bilingual development and specific language impairment (SLI). Paradis provides a considered examination of the available evidence and takes into account a number of potential influencing factors. In particular, I want to commend her discussion of potential compensatory mechanisms that may play a role in bilingual development in SLI. This is often a neglected area in discussions concerning SLI. I also want to highlight that I agree wholeheartedly with her conclusion that the evidence to date “leans toward a positive attitude toward dual language learning for children with SLI who are in a supportive context for bilingualism.” This message is by no means universally accepted, nor is it put into action in therapeutic contexts across the United Kingdom and Europe. There is still much debate as to what type of advice should be given to parents and what the target language or languages of therapy should be (Harulow, 2008). This review article has therefore the potential not only to make a significant contribution to theory but also to practice.
Notes on the nature of bilingual specific language impairment
Authors: de Jong Jan
Published: March 2010

Johanne Paradis' Keynote Article can be read as a concise critical review of the research that focuses on the sometimes strained relationship between bilingualism and specific language impairment (SLI). In my comments I will add some thoughts based on our own research on the learning of Dutch as a second language (L2) by children with SLI.
Bilingualism as a kind of therapy?
Authors: Hulk Aafke , Unsworth Sharon
Published: March 2010

In her very interesting Keynote Article, Johanne Paradis gives a clear overview of recent research at the interface of bilingual development and child language disorders, and highlights its theoretical and clinical implications. She raises the challenging question of “whether bilingualism can be viewed as a kind of ‘therapy’ for SLI.” At first sight, this is perhaps a surprising question, because one of the predominant views in the literature is that bilingual children with specific language impairment (SLI) will exhibit difficulties and perhaps a “double delay.” It is this challenging question that we consider in more detail here.
An integrated approach to the study of specific language impairment and bilingualism
Authors: Peets Kathleen F. , Bialystok Ellen
Published: March 2010

The debate over the characterization of specific language impairment (SLI) is fundamental to theoretical linguistics and, more broadly, to the whole of cognitive science. It is built directly out of the pervasive question regarding the extent to which language ability is best considered as a domain-specific set of skills or as the outcome of various domain-general processes. Therefore, an examination of this issue in conjunction with bilingual language acquisition, a situation that naturally entangles both linguistic and cognitive systems, is a powerful forum for exploring these basic theoretical questions. Paradis' Keynote Article is a substantial contribution to this enterprise: it provides a thorough review of the literature on bilingualism and SLI, and in so doing, evaluates the evidence in terms of its consistency with the maturational model that follows from the tradition of domain-specific language acquisition and the limited processing capacity (LPC) theory, a more domain-general approach. Her extensive review of the literature shows that both second language (L2) learning and bilingualism produce language proficiency profiles that are not identical to those found in SLI, and therefore support neither approach. In our view, the problem is in the attempt to dichotomize language ability as being controlled by either domain-specific or domain-general factors. A more inclusive approach to language ability, especially regarding bilingualism and L2 learning, would set out different criteria for evaluating language development other than the strictly linguistic features used in Paradis' analyses. Such an analysis may lead to a clearer identification of how these experiences uniquely affect language outcomes.
Multipliers of periodic orbits in spaces of rational maps
Authors: LEVIN GENADI
Published: March 2010

Given a polynomial or a rational function f we include it in a space of maps. We introduce local coordinates in this space, which are essentially the set of critical values of the map. Then we consider an arbitrary periodic orbit of f with multiplier ρ⁄=1 as a function of the local coordinates, and establish a simple connection between the dynamical plane of f and the function ρ in the space associated to f. The proof is based on the theory of quasiconformal deformations of rational maps. As a corollary, we show that multipliers of non-repelling periodic orbits are also local coordinates in the space.
Impact of grazing restrictions on livestock composition and husbandry practices in Madi Valley, Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: GURUNG BHIM , NELSON KRISTEN C. , SMITH JAMES L.D.
Published: March 2010

Livestock grazing restrictions are a common practice in the protected areas of developing countries. Understanding the influence of these restrictions on livestock husbandry is critical because local people's livelihoods often depend on access to grazing lands and biodiversity conservation may be affected by grazing activities. Household surveys and government records were used to examine impacts of grazing restrictions on livestock composition and use of available forage resources in the Madi Valley of Chitwan National Park (Nepal) during early (1997) and late (2006) restriction policy periods. Households responded to grazing restrictions by reducing numbers of less productive cattle and high maintenance buffalo to offset forage demands, but there was no decrease in the number of goats. In 2006, average household fodder biomass (3.4 t yr−1) available from agricultural land was adequate for the average household livestock units (3.3 t yr−1) requirement. Although most households ‘stall fed’ livestock as an adjustment to the new policy, about 30% still depended on community forests and parklands for livestock rearing. Higher ‘stall feeding’ reduced grazing pressure and increased forest cover but demanded more fodder cutting, which has the potential to increase human/wildlife interactions, particularly with tigers in the buffer zone community forests.
A second medial mode Palestinian chant in Old Roman, Beneventan and Frankish sources
Authors: MORAN NEIL
Published: March 2010

Chants based on Crucem tuam in the second medial mode are examined in Greek, Slavonic and Latin sources. Central to the discussion is the role of Jerusalem in the dissemination of the modal system. On the Latin side, the emphasis is on Old Roman melodies, showing how they reproduce the prototypes more faithfully than Beneventan or Frankish melodies. The analysis does not support certain conclusions regarding the origins of the modal system and the relationship of Old Roman and Gregorian melodies advanced by Robert Snow, Helmut Hucke and Leo Treitler.
A study of the physiological consequences of sympathetic denervation of the heart caused by the arterial switch procedure
Authors: Falkenberg Cecilia , Hallhagen Stefan , Nilsson Krister , Nilsson Boris , Östman-Smith Ingegerd
Published: March 2010

Background

The arterial switch operation is the corrective operation for transposition of the great arteries, defined as the combination of concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo–arterial connections, but there have been concerns about silent subendocardial ischaemia on exercise and coronary artery growth. The arterial switch divides the majority of the sympathetic nerves entering the heart; we have studied the effects of coronary flow and sensitivity to catecholamine stimulation in an animal model.

Methods

A total of 10 piglets were operated on cardiopulmonary bypass with section and resuturing of aortic trunk, pulmonary artery and both coronary arteries, with 13 sham-operated controls. After 5–7 weeks of recovery, seven simulated switch survivors and 13 controls were studied.

Results

Basal heart rate was significantly higher in switch piglets: in vivo mean (standard deviation) 112 (12) versus sham 100 (10) beats per minute, (p = 0.042); in vitro (Langendorff preparation): 89 (9) versus sham 73 (8) beats per minute (p = 0.0056). In vivo maximal heart rate in response to epinephrine was increased in switch piglets, 209 (13) versus 190 (17) beats per minute (p = 0.044). In vitro dose–response curves to norepinephrine were shifted leftward and upwards (p = 0.0014), with an 80% increase in heart rate induced by 0.095 (0.053) norepinephrine micromole per litre perfusate in switch hearts versus 0.180 (0.035) norepinephrine micromole per litre (p = 0.023). Increase in coronary flow on norepinephrine stimulation and maximal coronary flow were significantly reduced in switch hearts: 0.3 (0.2) versus 0.8 (0.4) millilitre per gram heart weight (p = 0.045) and 2.5 (0.4) versus 3.1 (0.4) millilitre per gram heart (p = 0.030), respectively.

Conclusions

A combination of increased intrinsic heart rate, increased sensitivity to chronotropic actions of norepinephrine, and a decreased maximal coronary flow creates potential for a mismatch between perfusion and energy demands.