bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Nanofilms for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sinibaldi Edoardo , Pensabene Virginia , Taccola Silvia , Palagi Stefano , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: May 2010

Polymeric ultrathin films, also called nanofilms or nanosheets, show peculiar properties making them potentially useful for several applications in biomedicine, e.g., as nanoplasters for localized drug release or as a new solution for closing endoluminal surgical wounds. In this sense, one of most challenging issues is film control in the working environment: the possibility of including magnetic components, such as magnetic nanoparticles or nanotubes, paves the way for the effective use of nanofilms in the human body, by allowing precise positioning by an external magnetic field. State of the art and new perspectives of magnetic nanofilms for biomedical applications are here presented, including fabrication, modeling, characterization and validation.
Electrochemical and antioxidant properties of rutin
Authors: Medvidović-Kosanović Martina , Šeruga Marijan , Jakobek Lidija , Novak Ivana
Published: May 2010

The mechanism of electrochemical oxidation of rutin on a glassy carbon electrode was studied at different pH by using several electrochemical techniques (cyclic, linear sweep, differential pulse and square-wave voltammetry) in order to give deeper insight into the mechanism of electrochemical oxidation of rutin and adsorption of its oxidation products on a glassy carbon electrode. It was determined that the rutin oxidation process on a glassy carbon electrode is reversible, pH dependent and includes the transfer of 2 e–and 2 H+. The products of electrochemical oxidation strongly adsorb on the electrode surface. Maximum surface coverage, Γmax, decreased with increasing scan rate from 3.4 × 10–9mol cm–2at scan rate 20 mV s–1to 1.5 × 10–9mol cm–2at scan rate 100 mV s–1and adsorption equilibrium constant was logK= 4.57 ± 0.05. Antioxidant properties of rutin were investigated by a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. It was found that the TEAC values of rutin depend on concentration and the EC50 value of rutin amounted 0.23.
ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNAL COMPLEXITY IN SITAR PERFORMANCES
Authors: SENGUPTA R. , DEY N. , DATTA A. K. , GHOSH D. , PATRANABIS A.
Published: May 2010

The sitar is perhaps the most well known of the Indian plucked string musical instruments. It has a varying number of strings but 16–20 is usual. When played by an expert, the sitar produces a melodious sound effect. The mode of attachment of strings and or the interaction of the large number of strings, some of them being playing strings, some drone and others sympathetic, create the total acoustic environment, which also includes the global resonance structure of the instrument. This creates a sound whose complexity is difficult to model by usual mathematical methods.

Fractal dimension is an effective tool for analysis in such cases. In the present paper D0(fractal dimension), D2(correlation dimension) and also the higher moments are studied for acoustic signals obtained from actual sitar performances. Four such performances are used for the present study. The obeying of power law indicates the presence of non-linearity in the production system. The presence of multifractality is noticed through an examination of relationship between q and Dqand the functional relationship between the Dq's. It was observed that fractal dimension might be used as a measure of signal complexity.
SCALE-FREE ANALYSIS AND THE PRIME NUMBER THEOREM
Authors: DATTA DHURJATI PRASAD , CHOUDHURI ANUJA ROY
Published: May 2010

We present an elementary proof of the prime number theorem. The relative error follows a golden ratio scaling law and respects the bound obtained from the Riemann's hypothesis. The proof is derived in the framework of a scale-free nonarchimedean extension of the real number system exploiting the concept of relative infinitesimals introduced recently in connection with ultramemtric models of Cantor sets. The extended real number system is realized as a completion of the field of rational numbers Q under a new non-archimedean absolute value, which treats arbitrarily small and large numbers separately from a finite real number.
Vibration Analysis of an Optical Fiber Coupler Using the Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hung
Published: May 2010

This study elucidates the dynamic characteristics of an optical fiber coupler via the differential quadrature simulations. A novel modeling scheme is suitable for developing an optical fiber coupler application. Exactly how the locations of bonding points, string tension, and spring stiffness of the rubber pad affect the dynamic behavior of the optical fiber coupler are investigated.
Determination of Lateral Modulation Apodization Functions Using a Regularized, Weighted Least Squares Estimation
Authors: Sumi Chikayoshi
Published: May 2010

Recently, work in this group has focused on the lateral cosine modulation method (LCM) which can be used for next‐generation ultrasound (US) echo imaging and tissue displacement vector/strain tensor measurements (blood, soft tissues, etc.). For instance, in US echo imaging, a high lateral spatial resolution as well as a high axial spatial resolution can be obtained, and in tissue displacement vector measurements, accurate measurements of lateral tissue displacements as well as of axial tissue displacements can be realized. For an optimal determination of an apodization function for the LCM method, the regularized, weighted minimum‐norm least squares (WMNLSs) estimation method is presented in this study. For designed Gaussian‐type point spread functions (PSFs) with lateral modulation as an example, the regularized WMNLS estimation in simulations yields better approximations of the designed PSFs having wider lateral bandwidths than a Fraunhofer approximation and a singular‐value decomposition (SVD). The usefulness of the regularized WMNLS estimation for the determination of apodization functions is demonstrated.
Experimental Evaluation of Optimal Rate Delay and Power Allocation Algorithm in Wireless Control Networks
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Mazumder S. K.
Published: May 2010

The network utility maximization (NUM) framework, widely used for wireless networks to achieve
optimal resource allocation, has led to both centralized as well as distributed algorithms. We compare the
convergence performance of centralized realization of the NUM framework with that of distributed realization
by implementing the algorithms using a hardware test‐bed. Experimental results show a superior convergence
performance for centralized implementation compared to the distributed implementation, which is attributed
to the dominance of communication delay over processing delay. The convergence results for the distributed
case also show a tradeoff between processing time and the associated communication overhead providing
an optimal termination criterion for the convergence of different subproblems.
Ventricle Boundary in CT: Partial Volume Effect and Local Thresholds
Authors: Volkau Ihar , Puspitasari Fiftarina , Nowinski Wieslaw L.
Published: May 2010

We present a mathematical frame to carry out segmentation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ventricular region in computed tomography (CT) images in the presence of partial volume effect (PVE). First, the image histogram is fitted using the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Analyzing the GMM, we find global threshold based on parameters of distributions for CSF, and for the combined white and grey matter (WGM). The parameters of distribution of PVE pixels on the boundary of ventricles are estimated by using a convolution operator. These parameters are used to calculate local thresholds for boundary pixels by the analysis of contribution of the neighbor pixels intensities into a PVE pixel. The method works even in the case of an almost unimodal histogram; it can be useful to analyze the parameters of PVE in the ground truth provided by the expert.
Eventually Periodic Points of Infra-Nil Endomorphisms
Authors: Ha KuYong , Kim HyunJung , Lee JongBum
Published: May 2010

Hyperbolic toral automorphisms provide important examples of chaotic dynamical systems. Generalizing automorphisms on tori, we study (infra-)nil endomorphisms defined on (infra-)nilmanifolds. In particular, we show that every infra-nil endomorphism has dense eventually periodic points.
MASTER Prompt and Follow‐Up GRB Observations
Authors: Tyurina Nataly , Lipunov Vladimir , Kornilov Victor , Gorbovskoy Evgeny , Shatskij Nikolaj , Kuvshinov Dmitry , Balanutsa Pavel , Belinski Alexander , Krushinsky Vadim , Zalozhnyh Ivan , Tlatov Andrey , Parkhomenko Alexander , Ivanov Kirill , Yazev Sergey , Kortunov Peter , Sankovich Anatoly , Kuznetsov Artem , Yurkov Vladimir
Published: May 2010

We presented the results of last years GRB observations obtained on the MASTER robotic telescope, which is the only telescope of its kind in Russia. These results include 5 prompt observations of GRB in 2008 and 2009, follow‐up observations of 15 other GRBs in 2008‐2009, the first observations in different polarization angles of optical emission from the gamma‐ray bursts GRB091020, and observations in different polarization angles for GRB091127 and GRB090820.
Asymptotic Stability for a Class of Nonlinear Difference Equations
Authors: Wang Chang-you , Wang Shu , Wang Zhi-wei , Gong Fei , Wang Rui-fang
Published: May 2010

We study the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point for the fractional difference equation xn+1 = (axn−lxn−k)/(α + bxn−s + cxn−t), n = 0,1, …, where the initial conditions x−r, x−r+1, …, x1, x0 are arbitrary positive real numbers of the interval (0, α/2a), l, k, s, t are nonnegative integers, r = max  {l, k, s, t} and α, a, b, c are positive constants. Moreover, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate our results.
The Effect of Chronic Candesartan Therapy on the Metabolic Profile and Renal Tissue Cytokine Levels in the Obese Zucker Rat
Authors: Ecelbarger Carolyn M. , Rash Arjun , Sinha Rajesh K. , Tiwari Swasti
Published: May 2010

The effect of candesartan, an angiotensin-II type-1 receptor antagonist, on the metabolic profile and renal inflammation is unclear. We evaluated this relationship by feeding male lean (LZ) and obese (OZ) Zucker rats chow or chow with candesartan (23.5 mg/kg⋅diet) for 14 weeks (n=6–8/treatment/body type). Candesartan reduced serum triglycerides, plasma creatinine, urine albumin, and renal cortical collagen and glycogen deposition in the OZ. An ELISA-based cytokine array revealed that candesartan normalized elevated renal interleukin (IL) 1-βand monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in OZ. Nonetheless, candesartan impaired glucose tolerance, and did not lower blood insulin or glucose levels. Moreover, renal IL-1α, -2, -4, -6 and -10 tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, were significantly reduced in OZ relative to LZ, and increased by candesartan. Furthermore, candesartan increased growth-regulated oncogene, transforming growth factor-β1 and IL-18 in OZ kidneys to a level higher than LZ or untreated OZ. Candesartan did not affect renal cytokine levels in LZ. Overall, candesartan attenuated renal disease and improved renal function in OZ, despite mixed effects on metabolic factors and cytokines. Reduced plasma triglycerides and/or renal MCP-1 and IL-1βmay have had a role in this protection. However, these effects were clearly independent of any improvement in glucose tolerance.
Localized Multistreams for P2P Streaming
Authors: Alhaisoni Majed , Ghanbari Mohammed , Liotta Antonio
Published: May 2010

Streaming video over the Internet, including cellular networks, has now become a commonplace. Network operators typically use multicasting or variants of multiple unicasting to deliver streams to the user terminal in a controlled fashion. P2P streaming is an emerging alternative, which is theoretically more scalable but suffers from other issues arising from the dynamic nature of the system. Users' terminals become streaming nodes but they are not constantly connected. Another issue is that they are based on logical overlays, which are not optimized for the physical underlay infrastructure. An important proposition is to find effective ways to increase the resilience of the overlay whilst at the same time not conflicting with the network. In this article we look at the combination of two techniques, redundant streaming and locality awareness, in the context of both live and video-on-demand streaming. We introduce a new technique and assess it via a comparative, simulation-based study. We find that redundancy affects network utilization only marginally if traffic is kept at the edges via localization techniques.
Antenna Evaluation for Ultra-Wideband Microwave Imaging
Authors: Bourqui Jeremie , Campbell Mark A. , Williams Trevor , Fear Elise C.
Published: May 2010

Numerous antenna designs have been proposed for microwave breast imaging utilizing an ultra-wideband frequency range. The antennas are typically compact, operate in an immersion medium, and have a band covering at least 2–10 GHz. We have developed 3 antennas for our UWB microwave breast imaging system. In this contribution, we compare the performance of the antennas in order to gain insight into the relationship between antenna performance metrics and image quality.
Generalizations of (∈, ∈∨q)‐Fuzzy Filters in R0‐Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Song Seok Zun , Zhan Jianming
Published: May 2010

Generalizations of a part of the paper (Ma et al., 2009) are considered. As a generalization of an (∈, ∈∨q)‐fuzzy filter, the notion of an (∈, ∈∨qk)‐fuzzy filter is introduced, and its characterizations are
provided. The implication‐based fuzzy filters of an R0‐algebra are discussed.
Arnold′s Projective Plane and r‐Matrices
Authors: Uchino K.
Published: May 2010

We will explain Arnold′s 2‐dimensional (shortly, 2D) projective geometry (Arnold, 2005) by means of lattice theory. It will be shown that the projection of the set of nontrivial triangular r‐matrices is the pencil of tangent lines of a quadratic curve on Arnold′s projective plane.
Pro/Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Imbalance in Postischemic Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Anna Laura Pasqui , Michela Di Renzo , Silvia Maffei , Marcello Pastorelli , Gerarda Pompella , Alberto Auteri , Luca Puccetti
Published: May 2010

Objectives. Cytokines play an important role in left ventricular remodeling consequent to myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to correlate cytokine production and lymphocyte apoptosis to post-ischemic left ventricular remodeling in patients affected by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary cutaneous angioplasty (PCI).Methods. In 40 patients, affected by AMI and undergoing PCI, we evaluated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interleukin 10 (IL10) production and apoptosis on day 1, day 3, day 7, 1 month and 6 months after PCI. Patients were divided into two subgroups of remodeling or not remodeling by echocardiographic criteria.Results. In the subgroup of remodeling patients, at each timepoint TNF- production was increased significantly in comparison with the subgroup of not remodeling patients. IL10 production was statistically lower in remodeling subjects than in not remodeling ones 1 and 6 months after reperfusion. There were no differences between the two groups as regards lymphomonocyte apoptosis.Conclusions. We found an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF- and a corresponding decrease of anti-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine IL10 in remodeling patients and we concluded that this cytokine imbalance resulted in pro-inflammatory effects which might contribute to the progression of left ventricular remodeling.
Determinants of Hepcidin in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: Role of Inflammation
Authors: Kuragano Takahiro , Shimonaka Yasushi , Kida Aritoshi , Furuta Minoru , Nanami Masayoshi , Otaki Yoshinaga , Hasuike Yukiko , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Nakanishi Takeshi
Published: May 2010

Background/Aim: Hepcidin could be one of the most important regulators for iron metabolism in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The factors affecting serum hepcidin levels were evaluated among indexes of anemia, iron metabolism, or inflammation, as well as the dose of erythropoietin. Methods: 198 MHD patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin were recruited and serum hepcidin-25 levels were specifically measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: In multivariate analysis, only transferrin and ferritin were selected as significant predictors of hepcidin in all patients. In the selected patients with highly sensitive C-reactive protein of >0.3 mg/dl, however, ferritin as well as the IL-6 level were found to be significant predictors for serum hepcidin. The serum ferritin/hepcidin ratio was very similar among MHD and healthy volunteers, suggesting that uremic conditions do not affect the ratio. Serum hepcidin levels decreased by only 27% after a single hemodialysis session, but returned to basal levels 1 h after and remained so until the next hemodialysis session. Conclusions: In the absence of apparent inflammation, the serum hepcidin level could be exclusively associated with ferritin in MHD patients and was independent of inflammatory cytokines. Only in the presence of microinflammation, however, might IL-6 also affect hepcidin expression.
Effet de l’accélération artificielle du signal de parole sur la perception des dysarthries cérébelleuses: à propos de deux cas
Authors: Woisard-Bassols Virginie , Espesser Robert , Ghio Alain , Nguyen Noël , Duez Danielle
Published: May 2010

Objectif: Dans les dysarthries cérébelleuses, la perte de la précision des mouvements articulatoires de la parole induit une dysrégulation temporelle avec un allongement irrégulier des durées contribuant globalement au ralentissement du débit de la parole. Ainsi, nous supposons que les distorsions du signal de parole sont largement influencées par le ralentissement et que la correction de ce ralentissement, par accélération du signal de parole, peut améliorer l’intelligibilité. Patientes et méthode: Deux patientes avec une dysarthrie ataxique ont été étudiées. L’intelligibilité de la parole a été évaluée subjectivement avec une échelle visuelle analogique et objectivement par la méthode des stimuli constants associée à une tâche d’identification d’un phonème cible en temps réel. L’accélération temporelle des stimuli est effectuée par l’algorithme SOLA. Un total de 144 stimuli a été créé à 3 vitesses différentes: 48 phrases à «vitesse naturelle» (sans accélération, VN), 48 phrases à «vitesse intermédiaire» (50% de l’accélération maximale, VI) et 48 phrases à «vitesse maximale» (vitesse moyenne des locuteurs témoins, VM). Les 144 phrases, dans les 3 présentations expérimentales, ont été réparties en 3 listes, chaque auditeur entendant une seule fois chaque phrase. Chaque liste est écoutée par 8 auditeurs. Les phrases sont présentées dans un ordre randomisé. Pour estimer l’effet de l’accélération, nous avons utilisé un modèle logit mixte pour le score de l’épreuve subjectif et les temps de réaction, un test de χ2 pour le nombre des erreurs. Résultats: Pour les 2 locutrices, la probabilité d’une meilleure intelligibilité à l’épreuve subjective est significativement plus grande pour la condition VI ou VM que pour la condition VN. Le passage de la condition VN à la condition VI augmente le taux de satisfaction des auditeurs quant à l’intelligibilité de 78 à 87% pour Mme B et de 46 à 63% pour Mme Z. Les erreurs sont moins fréquentes avec la compression pour Mme Z. L’effet de l’accélération n’est jamais significatif sur les temps de réaction (F2, 1024 = 2,14, p = 0,12). Conclusions: Cette étude est la première à analyser l’effet d’une accélération temporelle uniforme sur de la parole pathologique. Elle montre que chez 2 patientes présentant une dysarthrie ataxique, le niveau perçu de l’intelligibilité est amélioré.
Therapeutic Remedies Based on Aristolochia clematitis in the Main Foci of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy in Romania
Authors: Gluhovschi Gheorghe , Margineanu Florin , Kaycsa Adriana , Velciov Silvia , Gluhovschi Cristina , Bob Flaviu , Petrica Ligia , Bozdog Gheorghe , Dumitru Simona , Olosz Elisabeta , Modalca Mirela
Published: May 2010

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a disease found in Romania and neighboring countries in the Balkan area. In Romania, BEN is most prevalent in Mehedinti County, located in the South of Romania near the Danube River. The etiology of the disease is as yet unknown. One of the current hypotheses concerning BEN etiology is an involvement of aristolochic acid (AA). BEN bears many similarities to aristolochic nephropathy, which is developed due to the use of Chinese herbs as therapeutic remedies in slimming diets. This paper analyzes the involvement of therapeutic remedies based on AA in the BEN found in Mehedinti County, where these herbs have been traditionally used. The presence of AA in the plasma of BEN patients as well as of other subjects, including healthy relatives of these patients and other persons from the BEN-affected area, has been analyzed. No AA was detected in the plasma of the studied subjects. This proves the absence, at the current time, of an AA contribution in the analyzed subjects. Therapeutic remedies based on AA have been used in the BEN-affected area. We were not able to reveal direct relationships between these remedies and either the development of BEN in dialyzed patients or the development of urinary-tract tumors in dialyzed patients with urothelial tumors. Therapeutic remedies based on Aristolochiaclematitis may play a stimulating role in BEN with regard to its development and the development of urinary-tract tumors. There may be a relationship between BEN and cumulative previous exposure to low doses of AA due to the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs, which could add to any contributions by therapeutic remedies.
Comparative host suitability of common bean cultivars to the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, in Iran
Authors: Safaie Naser , Tanha Maafi Zahra , Pourjam Ebrahim , Heydari Ramin
Published: May 2010

The first occurrence of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, on beans in Iran was documented when a cyst-forming nematode was detected in a commercial common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) field in Iran and subsequently identified as H. glycines. The population was identified as HG Type 0. Host suitability of the 11 P. vulgaris cultivars most commonly grown in the country were evaluated with that population in pot and field trials. Pot assays were conducted in a growth chamber and nematode reproduction on the cultivars was compared. In the field trials, host suitability of the tested entries was evaluated in a field naturally infested with H. glycines. In both the pot and field experiments, most of the common bean cultivars were susceptible or moderately susceptible to the HG Type 0 populations of H. glycines. Common bean cvs Sayad and Dehghan were classified as moderately resistant in pot trials and were moderately resistant and moderately susceptible, respectively, in field trials. The occurrence of H. glycines in commercial bean production fields and lack of high levels of resistance of the commonly grown P. vulgaris cultivars could severely affect common bean and soybean production programmes in Iran.
Impact of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus goodeyi and mulch on the East African Highland banana crop performance in Kibuye, Western Rwanda
Authors: Gaidashova Svetlana , De Waele Dirk , Dochez Carine , Delvaux Bruno , van Asten Piet
Published: May 2010

The effect of nematode root injuries on banana crop yield is very poorly known in higher parts of the East African highlands. This study assessed the impact of the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus goodeyi, on growth and yield of three banana cultivars (Musa spp. AAA-EA) in a field experiment involving nematicide and mulch applications at conditions of high altitude (about 1500 m). Plant growth, yield, root damage and nematode population densities were observed over three production cycles. Low to medium levels (≤50%) of root necrosis were associated with improved plant growth, whilst higher root necrosis (>50%) had no effect on plant growth. No significant reduction in bunch weight was associated with high root necrosis in any cycle and any of the three cultivars. Mulch significantly reduced root necrosis and P. goodeyi population densities. Bunch weight significantly increased in all mulched plots irrespective of root necrosis intensity. These results agree with those of earlier surveys in Rwanda that suggested little impact of P. goodeyi on banana yields. However, they challenge general perceptions and previous findings on the negative impact of root lesion nematodes on banana crop performance.
Assessment of a three-stage sampling strategy to investigate the spatial distribution and population density of Aphelenchoides besseyi among Oryza sativa seeds
Authors: Togashi Katsumi , Hoshino Shigeru
Published: May 2010

This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution patterns of Aphelenchoides besseyi among Oryza sativa seeds on panicle, plant hill, and paddy field spatial scales and to present a three-stage sampling method for estimating the mean density per seed in paddy fields. Living and dead nematodes were extracted individually from 20 seeds sampled from each of five panicles, which were sampled from each of six rice plant hills in each of eight paddy fields, where all plants had leaves exhibiting the 'white tip' symptom. Nested ANOVA indicated that A. besseyi density per seed was significantly different among the eight paddy fields, among rice plant hills in paddy fields, and among panicles in rice plant hills. The proportion of nematode-infested seeds (prevalence) increased and reached an upper limit as the mean density per seed on the panicle scale increased, whereas linear relationships were observed between nematode prevalence and the mean density on plant hill and paddy field scales. Relationships between mean density and mean crowding of nematodes per seed indicated that the nematodes exhibited clumped distribution on each of panicle, plant hill and field scales. Using these relationships, a three-stage sampling plan for estimating nematode density per seed at a specified precision level is presented.
Guitartia tridentata n. gen., n. sp. (Monhysterida: Xyalidae) and Macrodontium gaspari n. gen., n. sp. (Chromadorida: Microlaimidae), free-living marine nematodes from the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Armenteros Maickel , Decraemer Wilfrida , Vincx Magda
Published: May 2010

Two new genera of free-living marine nematodes are described from the muddy bottom of Cienfuegos Bay, Caribbean Sea. Guitartia n. gen. (Xyalidae, Monhysterida) is characterised by three long tooth-like structures in the stegostom, second and third circle of anterior sensilla separate and posterior genital branch of the female restricted to a long post-vulvar sac. The type species is Guitartia tridentata n. gen., n. sp. Within the Xyalidae, Guitartia n. gen. is morphologically close to Amphimonhystrella, Cobbia, Elzalia, Scaptrella and Valvaelaimus, all being characterised by sclerotised structures in the stoma and transverse striation of the body cuticle. Main features for discrimination are the type of stoma structure, the shape and relative size of amphidial fovea, the presence of a post-vulvar sac and gubernacular apophyses and the absence of terminal setae on the tail. Macrodontium n. gen. (Microlaimidae, Chromadorida) is characterised by a heavily sclerotised stoma with one large dorsal tooth and two smaller subventral teeth, sexual dimorphism in size and position of the amphidial fovea and males with a single anterior testis. The type species is Macrodontium gaspari n. gen., n. sp. Within the Microlaimidae, Macrodontium n. gen. is similar to the genera Acanthomicrolaimus and Bolbolaimus due to sclerotised stoma and presence of large dorsal tooth. The new genus is similar to Aponema in sexual dimorphism in the size of the amphidial fovea, monorchic males, presence of a gubernacular apophysis and conico-cylindrical tail shape. Morphological characters of diagnostic value within the family are the ornamentation of the body cuticle, relative length of cephalic sensilla, stoma sclerotisation and number of testes.
Parameter Estimation With Small Sample Size A Higher-Order IRT Model Approach
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Yuan Hong
Published: May 2010

Sample size ranks as one of the most important factors that affect the item calibration task. However, due to practical concerns (e.g., item exposure) items are typically calibrated with much smaller samples than what is desired. To address the need for a more flexible framework that can be used in small sample item calibration, this article proposes an approach that accounts for the dimensionality of the assessments in the calibration process. This approach is based on the higher-order item response theory (HO-IRT) model. The HO-IRT model is a multi-unidimensional model that uses in-test collateral information and represents it in the correlational structure of the domains through a higher-order latent trait formulation. Using Markov chain Monte Carlo in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, the item parameters, the overall and domain-specific abilities, and their correlations are estimated simultaneously. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach are investigated under varied conditions in a simulation study and illustrated using actual assessment data.
Socio-emotional effects of the transition from sight to blindness
Authors: Thurston Mhairi , Thurston Allen , McLeod John
Published: May 2010

The research examined the socio-emotional impact of sight loss on a sample of 18 blind and partially sighted adults from the east coast of Scotland (average age 64). The impact of sight loss in four core areas (mood, self-concept, social connectedness and loss) was explored. Data were collected using the mental health and social functioning subscales of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 and semi-structured interviews. Data indicated that participants experienced reduced mental health and decreased social functioning as a result of sight loss. Data also showed that participants shared common socio-emotional issues during transition from sight to blindness, relating to diagnosis, coping with deterioration of sight, experiencing loss, experiencing changed perceptions of self in relation to society, experiencing others in a changed way and experiencing rehabilitation. A theoretical model describing the socio-emotional transition from sight to blindness is proposed. Implications for practice are explored.
The hands and reading
Authors: Ingraham Cynthia L. , Andrews Jean F.
Published: May 2010

Deafblind readers are heterogeneous in reading skill acquisition. This qualitative study uses in-depth interviews and protocol analyses and queries the three deafblind adult participants in describing their metacomprehension, metacognitive and metalinguistic strategies used when reading different types of text. Using retrospective analysis, the three adults describe and reflect on how they learned language and how they learned to read as children. The participants also describe the technology that assists them in reading print. Data suggest that deafblind adults use a variety of auditory, visual and tactilekinesthetic strategies (i.e. braille, large print, and raised print) in decoding English. Some also use ASL, Signed English and tactile ASL and tactile Signed English.
Avoiding Stroke During Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kellermann Kristine , Jungwirth Bettina
Published: May 2010

The life saving benefits of cardiac surgery are frequently accompanied by negative side effects such as stroke, that occurs with an incidence of 2%-13% dependent to type of surgery. The etiology is most likely multifactorial with embolic events considered as main contributor. Although stroke presents a common complication, no guidelines for any routine use of pharmacological substances or non-pharmacological strategies exist to date.

Non-pharmacological strategies include monitoring of brain oxygenation and perfusion with devices such as near infrared spectroscopy and Transcranial Doppler help. Epiaortic and transesophageal echocardiography visualize aorta pathology, enabling the surgeon to sidestep atheromatous segments. Additionally can the use of specially designed aortic cannulae and filters help to reduce embolization. Brain perfusion can be improved by using antero- or retrograde cerebral perfusion during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, by tightly monitoring mean arterial blood pressure and hemodilution. Controlling perioperative temperature and glucose levels may additionally help to ameliorate secondary damage.

Many pharmacological compounds have been shown to be neuroprotective in preclinical models, but clinical studies failed to confirm these results so far.

Remacemide, an NMDA-receptor-antagonist showed a significant drug-based neuroprotection during cardiac surgery. Other substances currently assessed in clinical trials whose results are still pending are acadesine, an adenosine-regulating substance, the free radical scavenger edaravone and the local anesthetic lidocaine.

Stroke remains as significant complication after cardiac surgery. Non-pharmacological strategies allow perioperative caregivers to detect injurious events and to ameliorate stroke and its sequelae. Considering the multi-factorial etiology though, stroke prevention will likely have to be addressed with an individualistic combination of different strategies and substances.
‘Going public’: constructing the personal in a television news interview
Authors: Thornborrow Joanna
Published: May 2010

In this article I examine how a ‘private’, inside story was constructed through an extended news interview ( ‘Tonight’ with Trevor Macdonald, ITV1) drawing on models of both the experiential and the accountable broadcast interview. The analysis, based on aspects of adjacency sequencing, question/ response design, and narrative organization, explores the ways in which a personal account is elicited about an event that had been highly prominent in the news. However, I also look at how ‘accountability’ emerges as an issue during the interview, and on how the tensions between these two types of interview are played out in its design and subsequent editing. Although the interview displays many of the characteristics identified by Montgomery (2007) as ‘experiential’, where the interviewee is positioned as ‘one of us’, with knowledge and experience of an event she is not to be held accountable for as a result of her high profile in the news coverage of the Iranian hostage crisis (in April 2007), Faye Turney had already become a public figure during the time she was held in Iran. Furthermore, she had already been positioned by the media as accountable for some of her actions during her captivity. I show that the personal dimensions of the interview as interaction are framed by the interview as documentary, thus producing a hybrid form in which both the experiential and the accountable can be managed.
Gastroschisis and the Use of Prenatal Ultrasound
Authors: Logghe Hilde
Published: May 2010

Gastroschisis is an anterior abdominal wall defect, usually to the right of the umbilicus. The defect results in herniation of fetal bowel into the amniotic cavity. The absence of a protective membrane around the bowel is the main difference with exomphalos, which is the other most common abdominal wall defect. It is usually an isolated abnormality and the prognosis is mainly determined by the condition of the bowel at birth.
Metric Cubes in Some Music of Brahms
Authors: Murphy Scott
Published: May 2010

The metric cube is a kind of graph of meters proposed as a complement to the types of metric spaces that have already been put forth in music-theoretic scholarship, particularly by Richard Cohn. Whereas Cohn's most recent kind of metric space (2001) can compare meters only if they interpret the same time span, metric cubes permit the comparison of meters that interpret different time spans. Furthermore, a metric cube posits a different kind of adjacency relation: while Cohn's most recent metric space connects two meters if their ordered pulse representations differ by only one pulse, a metric cube connects two meters if their ordered factor representations differ by only one factor. Metric cubes, and metric operations that act on the contents of a cube, reveal patterns of metric structure in three works by Brahms: the first movement of the Third Symphony op. 90, the third movement of the Second Symphony op. 73, and the last two movements of the Second String Quartet op. 51/2. These analyses also suggest correspondences in these movements between metric relationships and relationships of key, harmony, and form.
Banjo Transformations and Bluegrass Rhythm
Authors: Rockwell Joti
Published: May 2010

Drawing ideas from transformational theory and rhythm and meter theory, this study examines bluegrass banjo music in terms of rhythm and motions of the human hand. It begins by presenting a mathematical model of the five-string banjo characterizing the gestural permutations that give rise to the instrument's rhythmic complexity. Drawing upon these permutational relationships, this study analyzes excerpts from bluegrass banjo repertoire in terms of the connections among rhythmic patterns rendered as beat-class sets. Last, it examines the interaction between these sets and metric hierarchies typical of bluegrass music, relating this interaction to the idea of “drive” discussed by bluegrass performers and listeners. Ultimately, this study suggest how bluegrass music gets its distinctively propulsive rhythmic energy while also providing a perspective on transformational and beat-class approaches to noncanonical music.
One-step Conversion of CO32−LDH (Layered Double Hydroxide) into Anion-exchangeable LDHs Using an Acetate-buffer/Salt Method
Authors: Iyi Nobuo , Yamada Hirohisa
Published: May 2010

By carrying out decarbonation of CO32−-type MgAl-LDH (layered double hydroxide) using an acetate-buffer/salt solution under N2 flow, CO32−LDH was successfully converted into ClO4− and NO3−LDHs, which contain only a little residual CO32−, in one step under mild conditions. Due to the superior anion-exchangeability, they serve as suitable intermediates for the preparation of LDH hybrids.
A Notable Difference in Photoluminescent Efficiency between a Newly Synthesized Asymmetric Dinuclear Cu(I) Cyano Complex Building Unit [Cu2(CN)5]3− and a Symmetric Unit [Cu2(CN)6]4−
Authors: Fuchiwaki Junta , Nishikiori Shin-ichi
Published: May 2010

A new cyano-bridged Cu(I)/Cd(II) coordination polymer K[CdCu2(CN)5]·dce·3H2O (dce = 1,2-dicyanoethane) containing a novel asymmetric dinuclear Cu(I) building unit [Cu2(CN)5]3− was synthesized, and its emission intensity was very weak in contrast to very strong emission of CdCu(CN)3·hpn·2H2O (hpn = 3-hydroxypropionitrile) containing an already known symmetric building unit [Cu2(CN)6]4−.
Novel Multinuclear NiIIAuI2 and NiIIAuI3 Complexes Containing d-Penicillaminate and Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane: Rational Expansion of 8-Membered to 12-Membered Chelating Metalloring
Authors: Hashimoto Yuji , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Konno Takumi
Published: May 2010

A digold(I) complex, [Au2(d-Hpen-S)2(dppm)] ([1]), newly prepared from [Au2Cl2(dppm)] and d-H2pen, readily reacted with Ni2+ to give a S-bridged NiIIAuI2 trinuclear complex having an 8-membered chelating metalloring, [Au2(dppm){Ni(d-pen-N,O,S)2}] ([2]). Complex [2] was reversibly converted to a NiIIAuI3 tetranuclear complex having a 12-membered metalloring, [Au3(dppm)2{Ni(d-pen-N,O,S)2}]Cl ([3]Cl), retaining the coordination environment about a NiII center.
Surface Thiolation of MCMB to Support Sn Nanoparticles for Anode Materials of Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Yong-Tae
Published: May 2010

In this study, we suggest a unique approach with which it is possible to enhance the capacity and cycle performance of composite anode materials for lithium ion batteries. We introduced surface thiol groups onto mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), and these functional groups efficiently obstructed the agglomeration between Sn nanoparticles in the composite formation. This resulted in the high dispersion of Sn nanoparticles with very small size. Half-cell tests showed that highly dispersed Sn nanoparticles enabled us to enhance the capacity by improvement of mechanical stress tolerance in the charge/discharge process.
A Vanadium-based Chemical Oscillator
Authors: Kanamori Kan , Shirosaka Yuya , Sakai Yukie , Kanamori Toshiki , Mukai Yasuyo , Kubo Kenji , Nakajima Yu , Wada Naoki , Matsugo Seiichi , Miyashita Yoshitaro , Kustin Kenneth
Published: May 2010

Nature abounds with examples of aperiodic functions such as hormonal, daily, and seasonal cycles and cardiac rhythms, but establishing a chemical basis of these oscillations has been difficult. Efforts to provide chemical models for the study of oscillating phenomena have focused on halogen-, sulfur-, and manganese-based systems. We show here that a vanadium-based chemical system exhibits oscillatory behavior similar to circadian and other aperiodic rhythms.
Preparation of Semiconducting Graphene-based Carbon Films from Silylated Graphite Oxide and Covalent Attachment of Dye Molecules
Authors: Matsuo Yoshiaki , Mimura Taito , Sugie Yosohiro
Published: May 2010

Dye molecules were attached to the layers of semi-conducting graphene-based carbon film by reacting the reduced silylated graphite oxide containing amino groups with active ester of dye.
Fabrication and Photochromism of High-density Diarylethene Monolayer Immobilized on a Quartz-glass Substrate
Authors: Nishi Hiroyasu , Kobatake Seiya
Published: May 2010

Diarylethene monolayer was fabricated on a quartz-glass substrate using a silane coupling technique. The coupling agent was easily prepared from a diarylethene with a hydroxy group and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. It was found that the chromophore was introduced in high density on the substrate and still exhibited reversible photochromism with relatively high conversion upon photoirradiation despite being constrained on the quartz-glass surface.
"How could you do this to me?": How Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Latinas Negotiate Sexual Identity with Their Families
Authors: Acosta Katie
Published: May 2010

There is a growing body of research addressing issues of sexuality in Latina/o families. However, there is very little information on issues of non-normative sexualities in these families. This article uses forty in-depth interviews with lesbian, bisexual, and queer Latinas alongside fourteen months of participant observation to explore how sexually nonconforming Latinas negotiate their familial relationships. Using Goffman's presentation of self, this article explores how first- and second-generation lesbian, bisexual, and queer Latinas negotiate sexual disclosure with their families. It offers three different interactional strategies that the study participants utilized with their families: (1) erasure of nonconformity, (2) sexual silencing, or (3) avoidance after disclosure. I argue that age, economic autonomy, and migration are all factors in shaping the disclosure strategies that the respondents utilized with their families. These interactional strategies help lesbian, bisexual, and queer Latinas to minimize rejection from the family and preserve familial bonds.
Raza Womyn—Making it Safe to be Queer: Student Organizations as Retention Tools in Higher Education
Authors: Revilla Anita Tijerina
Published: May 2010

Latinas in higher education often encounter hostile or alienating campus climates. Many Latinas come from historically marginalized communities with limited access to the university, and they encounter various forms of discrimination on and off campus. Using a participatory action research paradigm, this article presents the experiences of Chicana/Latina student activists engaged in multidimensional struggle against homophobia, racism, classism, and sexism. This article illustrates that Raza Womyn, a Chicana/Latina student organization at UCLA, serves as a social and academic counterspace within the institution that provides a safe and supportive space for its members while also educating them and providing the skills they need to fight for social justice. In particular, the members create a queer-friendly environment that does not exist in several other spaces that they occupy. Overall, Raza Womyn is a retention tool for marginalized women in higher education and provides the support and resources needed to navigate through the university and society.
Black Lesbians and Racial Identity in Contemporary Cuba
Authors: Saunders Tanya L.
Published: May 2010

The Cuban revolutionary state is known for its successes in giving women greater financial independence and more control over their reproductive capabilities. In recent years, the Cuban state has received international attention for its support of Cuba's LGBT population, a population it once targeted for social exclusion. Despite increased rights for Afro-Cubans, women, and Cuba's LGBT community, lesbians, especially black lesbians, continue to be one of Cuba's most socially marginalized populations. I argue that there are several intersecting factors that produce this contradiction. These factors are culturally based discourses concerning race, gender, sexuality, the limitations of post-revolutionary citizenship discourse to address these forms of social inequality, and finally the economic downturn called the "Special Period." This essay addresses how several women make sense of and navigate these social issues in their everyday lives.
Our Bodies for Ourselves: Lithe Phenomenal Bodies in the Stand-up of Jackie "Moms" Mabley
Authors: Welcome H. Alexander
Published: May 2010

Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno, Simone de Beauvoir, and Frantz Fanon use well-developed notions of the body that repudiate the contingency that fetters subordinated beings. They prescribe mitsein (i.e., being with), but they fail to address the intersection of oppressions such as race and gender. The stand-up performances of Jackie "Moms" Mabley, the first great black female stand-up comedian in the United States, provide insight into the mitseins accomplished by multiply oppressed entities. Sigmund Freud's descriptions of comedy and laughter paint them as moments free from contingency. Mabley's comedy presents bodies that vacillate between the particularistic and the universal and emancipation and subordination. In doing so, Mabley replaces the harsh imposition of contingency with a mitsein based on fluidity and social responsibility. The key to this mitsein is a praxis of care. It is the means through which bodies are pulled out of the stagnation of contingency and ushered into liberating mitsein.
The New Woman, Portable Property and The Spoils of Poynton
Authors: Wynne Deborah
Published: May 2010

This essay argues that The Spoils of Poynton (1897) can usefully be read in relation to the emergence of the New Woman and her demands for social equality, particularly her demand for equal property rights. James's novel treats the theme of female property ownership in terms of the new legal rights women possessed following the passing of the Married Women's Property Acts in 1870 and 1882. He also engages with the notion of gender inversion associated with the New Woman.
The Imp of the Perverse: Metaphor in The Golden Bowl
Authors: Dryden Edgar
Published: May 2010

This essay argues that The Golden Bowl is marked by the perverse as such, by a constant turning from the direct, the accepted, expected, proper ways of being, acting, speaking and writing to the indirect, improper, incorrect and unexpected. This movement, which drives the narrative of James's fictional world and is the source of its remarkable energy as well as its theory of representation, is most apparent in metaphor with the locational uncertainty that it generates. The essay seeks to describe and uncover the implications of that uncertainty in James's text.