bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Excimer Irradiation Treatment on Thermocompression Au–Au Bonding
Authors: Unami Naoko , Sakuma Katsuyuki , Mizuno Jun , Shoji Shuichi
Published: June 2010

We studied the feasibility of using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) treatment as a surface improvement technique with Au–Au flip-chip bonding. For fine-pitch electrical interconnections in three-dimensional (3D) stack applications, robust and reliable bonding is desirable; in this case, surface modification treatment is needed before the bonding process. A VUV surface treatment was used to remove organic contaminants. Samples of electroplated Au pads were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate the chemical composition of the Au surfaces. The XPS results revealed that the carbon-based contaminants on the surface were removed by the VUV treatment. The shear strength of the bonded sample was also improved. The average shear strength of a bump with VUV treatment is 1.6 times larger than that of a bump without VUV treatment. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the bonded samples confirmed the absence of voids and cracks. The results show that VUV treatment has clear effects on Au–Au flip-chip bonding.
Evaluation of Resonance Characteristics Change of Silicon Resonators Due to Surface Treatment
Authors: Shimizu Hiroki , Delaunay Jean-Jacques , Kometani Reo , Warisawa Shin'ichi , Ishihara Sunao
Published: June 2010

Mechanical resonators are applicable to sensors owing to their vibration characteristics. When a mechanical resonator is used as a sensor, the Q factor of resonance is a very important characteristic for achieving a high sensitivity of the resonator. Several trials have been reported to improve the Q factor by surface treatment. However, how the physical or chemical state of the resonator surface affects the Q factor has not yet been clarified. In this study, we examined the effect of the surface state on the Q factor. From experiments for examining surface-treated samples, we found that the Q factor increases with reactive ion etching (RIE) with CF4 gas, and decreases with Ar or O2 gas. To evaluate the effect of the surface state on the Q factor, the surface free energy and chemical bond state changes of the resonator surface were measured. From the result of the experiments, it was proved that lower surface free energies result in larger Q factors.
Effects of Aspect Ratio of Photoresist Patterns on Adhesive Strength between Microsized SU-8 Columns and Silicon Substrate under Bend Loading Condition
Authors: Ishiyama Chiemi , Shibata Akinobu , Sone Masato , Higo Yakichi
Published: June 2010

The adhesive strength between microsized SU-8 columns and a silicon substrate under the bend loading condition has been studied to clarify effects of the columnar aspect ratio. The maximum tensile stresses at the root are almost the same within the range of high aspect ratios (1.4–2.1) of the SU-8 columns, in which delamination cracks are opened by bend loading (mode I). This result shows that the delamination is induced by the maximum tensile stress at the root. On the other hand, the maximum tensile stress irregularly changes within the range of low aspect ratios (0.8–1.1) of the specimens and features of the delamination surfaces differ from those within the range of high aspect ratios. This result suggests that the delamination mode must change from mode I to mode II or the complex mode. All the results show that the adhesive strength of a SU-8 column with the range of high aspect ratios of 1.4 and more obtained from the adhesive bend test can be analyzed as the maximum tensile stress at the root (the adhesive bend strength) in this study.
Comparing Tibet-Himalayan and Caledonian crustal architecture, evolution and mountain building processes
Authors: Streule M. J. , Strachan R. A. , Searle M. P. , Law R. D.
Published: June 2010

The Himalaya-Tibet and Caledonide orogens are comparable in scale and are similar in various aspects. Regional suture zones are recognizable in both, although their identification is more problematic in the deeply eroded Caledonide orogen. Crustal-scale thrust belts, regional Barrovian metamorphism characterized by clockwise
P
–
T
paths, and migmatitic cores with crustally-derived leucogranite complexes are the dominant structural feature of both orogens. Both orogens also record calc-alkaline magmatism attributed to subduction activity prior to collision. Syn-orogenic extension accompanied crustal thickening in both orogens, however, the Caledonides also have a protracted record of late- to post-orogenic extension that is attributed to lithospheric delamination in combination with oblique plate divergence. The oblique nature of the Caledonian collision is also reflected in the development of regionally significant sinistral strike-slip faults and shear zones, whereas such structures are apparently not as significant within the Himalayan orogen. The major difference between the two orogens relates to their contrasting gross structure: the Caledonides has bivergent geometry with thrust belts developed in the pro- and retro-wedges, whereas the Himalaya has a thrust belt located only in the pro-wedge segment. These differing geometries are probably explicable with reference to pre-collision contrasts in rheology and/or inherited structures. As such, there is no reason to suggest that either example should be viewed as being a ‘typical’ product of collisional orogenesis – they likely represent end-members of a range of possible orogenic profiles.
Microstructures and crystal fabrics of the Moine Thrust zone and Moine Nappe: history of research and changing tectonic interpretations
Authors: Law R. D. , Johnson M. R. W.
Published: June 2010

In this paper we review microstructural and petrofabric work carried out on the Moine Thrust zone and overlying thrust nappes. Our review is primarily historical, and starts with contributions made by both ‘amateur’ and ‘professional’ geologists from the 1880s through to the early 1920s during, and immediately following, the original field-mapping of the Moine Thrust zone by the Geological Survey. From the 1920s to the early 1950s contributions were first dominated by Geological Survey work on the microstructural and metamorphic transition between the thrust zone mylonites and the overlying Moine metasedimentary rocks. Subsequent university-based quartz petrofabric work, primarily focused on the Moines, would ultimately lead to the ‘Moine Petrofabric Controversy’ that ran from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. The later stages of this controversy overlapped, from the early 1950s–mid 1960s, with a phase of microstructural and quartz petrofabric work that concentrated on the thrust zone mylonites and immediately overlying Moine Schists. Our review concludes with an overview of microstructural, petrofabric and related strain analyses undertaken since the early 1970s, both within the Moine Thrust zone and its immediate foreland and in the overlying higher grade thrust sheets. Throughout our review we emphasize and track the changing tectonic interpretations that have been placed on available microstructural and petrofabric data.
Moine Thrust zone mylonites at the Stack of Glencoul: I – microstructures, strain and influence of recrystallization on quartz crystal fabric development
Authors: Law R. D. , Mainprice D. , Casey M. , Lloyd G. E. , Knipe R. J. , Cook B. , Thigpen J. R.
Published: June 2010

Since the early descriptions published by Callaway in 1884, the gently dipping mylonites exposed along the Moine Thrust at the Stack of Glencoul have drawn generations of geologists to the northern part of the Assynt district. These mylonites, derived from Cambrian quartzites (footwall) and Moine pelites and psammites (hanging wall), have figured prominently in: a) early research into the influence of crystal plastic deformation and recrystallization on microstructural and crystal fabric evolution; b) debates on the kinematic interpretation of macro- and micro-structures and crystal fabrics; and c) debates on the tectonic significance of such kinematic data. In this paper first we briefly review the historical aspects of this research and then, using both previously published and unpublished data, document the finite strain and quartz fabric development at this classic mylonite locality. A tectonic interpretation of these data, together with quantitative estimates of flow vorticities associated with mylonite formation at the Stack of Glencoul, are presented in a companion paper by
Law (2010)
.
Nanotextures of aragonite in stromatolites from the quasi-marine Satonda crater lake, Indonesia
Authors: Benzerara Karim , Meibom Anders , Gautier Quentin , Kaźmierczak Józef , Stolarski Jarosław , Menguy Nicolas , Brown Gordon E.
Published: June 2010

Stromatolites have been extensively used as indicators of ancient life on Earth. Although much work has been done on modern stromatolites, the extent to which biological processes control their structure, and the respective contributions of biological and abiotic processes in their formation are, however, still poorly constrained. A better description of the mineralogical textures of these formations at the submicrometre scale may help improve our understanding of how carbonates nucleate and grow in stromatolites. Here, we used a combination of microscopy and microspectroscopy techniques to study the chemical composition and the texture of aragonite in lacustrine stromatolites from the alkaline crator lake in Satonda, Indonesia. Several textural features are described, including morphological variations of aragonite from nanosized grains to micrometre-sized fibres, the presence of striations in the aragonite laminae showing a striking similarity with growth bands in corals, and clusters of small aragonite crystals sharing a common crystallographic orientation. These nanotextural features are compared with those observed in scleractinian corals, and possible processes involved in their formation are discussed.
Repetitive intratracheal bleomycin models several features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Degryse Amber L. , Tanjore Harikrishna , Xu Xiaochuan C. , Polosukhin Vasiliy V. , Jones Brittany R. , McMahon Frank B. , Gleaves Linda A. , Blackwell Timothy S. , Lawson William E.
Published: June 2010

Single-dose intratracheal bleomycin has been instrumental for understanding fibrotic lung remodeling, but fails to recapitulate several features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Since IPF is thought to result from recurrent alveolar injury, we aimed to develop a repetitive bleomycin model that results in lung fibrosis with key characteristics of human disease, including alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) hyperplasia. Wild-type and cell fate reporter mice expressing β-galactosidase in cells of lung epithelial lineage were given intratracheal bleomycin after intubation, and lungs were harvested 2 wk after a single or eighth biweekly dose. Lungs were evaluated for fibrosis and collagen content. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for cell counts. TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry were performed for pro-surfactant protein C (pro-SP-C), Clara cell 10 (CC-10), β-galactosidase, S100A4, and α-smooth muscle actin. Lungs from repetitive bleomycin mice had marked fibrosis with prominent AEC hyperplasia, similar to usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Compared with single dosing, repetitive bleomycin mice had greater fibrosis by scoring, morphometry, and collagen content; increased TUNEL+ AECs; and reduced inflammatory cells in BAL. Sixty-four percent of pro-SP-C+ cells in areas of fibrosis expressed CC-10 in the repetitive model, suggesting expansion of a bronchoalveolar stem cell-like population. In reporter mice, 50% of S100A4+ lung fibroblasts were derived from epithelial mesenchymal transition compared with 33% in the single-dose model. With repetitive bleomycin, fibrotic remodeling persisted 10 wk after the eighth dose. Repetitive intratracheal bleomycin results in marked lung fibrosis with prominent AEC hyperplasia, features reminiscent of UIP.
Ambient ultrafine particles provide a strong adjuvant effect in the secondary immune response: implication for traffic-related asthma flares
Authors: Li Ning , Harkema Jack R. , Lewandowski Ryan P. , Wang Meiying , Bramble Lori A. , Gookin Glenn R. , Ning Zhi , Kleinman Michael T. , Sioutas Constantinos , Nel Andre E.
Published: June 2010

We have previously demonstrated that intranasal administration of ambient ultrafine particles (UFP) acts as an adjuvant for primary allergic sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) in Balb/c mice. It is important to find out whether inhaled UFP exert the same effect on the secondary immune response as a way of explaining asthma flares in already-sensitized individuals due to traffic exposure near a freeway. The objective of this study is to determine whether inhalation exposure to ambient UFP near an urban freeway could enhance the secondary immune response to OVA in already-sensitized mice. Prior OVA-sensitized animals were exposed to concentrated ambient UFP at the time of secondary OVA challenge in our mobile animal laboratory in Los Angeles. OVA-specific antibody production, airway morphometry, allergic airway inflammation, cytokine gene expression, and oxidative stress marker were assessed. As few as five ambient UFP exposures were sufficient to promote the OVA recall immune response, including generating allergic airway inflammation in smaller and more distal airways compared with the adjuvant effect of intranasally instilled UFP on the primary immune response. The secondary immune response was characterized by the T helper 2 and IL-17 cytokine gene expression in the lung. In summary, our results demonstrated that inhalation of prooxidative ambient UFP could effectively boost the secondary immune response to an experimental allergen, indicating that vehicular traffic exposure could exacerbate allergic inflammation in already-sensitized subjects.
Impact of Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Transduction on the Tightness of a Polarized Model of Airway Epithelium and Effect of Cationic Polymer Polyethylenimine
Authors: Castellani Stefano , Di Gioia Sante , Trotta Teresa , Maffione Angela Bruna , Conese Massimo
Published: June 2010

Lentiviral (LV) vectors are promising agents for efficient and long-lasting gene transfer into the lung and for gene therapy of genetically determined pulmonary diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, however, they have not been evaluated for cytotoxicity and impact on the tightness of the airway epithelium. In this study, we evaluated the transduction efficiency of a last-generation LV vector bearing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene as well as cytotoxicity and tight junction (TJ) integrity in a polarized model of airway epithelial cells. High multiplicities of infection (MOI) showed to be cytotoxic, as assessed by increase in propidium iodide staining and decrease in cell viability, and harmful for the epithelial tightness, as demonstrated by the decrease of transepithelial resistance (TER) and delocalization of occludin from the TJs. To increase LV efficiency at low LV:cell ratio, we employed noncovalent association with the polycation branched 25ߙkDa polyethylenimine (PEI). Transduction of cells with PEI/LV particles resulted in 2.5–3.6-fold increase of percentage of GFP-positive cells only at the highest PEI:LV ratios (1×107 PEI molecules/transducing units with 50 MOI LV) as compared to plain LV. At this dose PEI/LV transduction resulted in6.5±2.4% of propidium iodide-positive cells. On the other hand, PEI/LV particles did not determine any alteration of TER and occludin localization. We conclude that PEI may be useful for improving the efficiency of gene transfer mediated by LV vectors in airway epithelial cells, in the absence of high acute cytotoxicity and alteration in epithelial tightness.
Assessment of the Genetic Diversity ofMycobacterium tuberculosis esxA, esxH, andfbpBGenes among Clinical Isolates and Its Implication for the Future Immunization by New Tuberculosis Subunit Vaccines Ag85B-ESAT-6 and Ag85B-TB10.4
Authors: Davila Jose , Zhang Lixin , Marrs Carl F. , Durmaz Riza , Yang Zhenhua
Published: June 2010

The effort to develop a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine more effective than the widely used Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has led to the development of two novel fusion protein subunit vaccines: Ag85B-ESAT-6 and Ag85B-TB10.4. Studies of these vaccines in animal models have revealed their ability to generate protective immune responses. Yet, previous work on TB fusion subunit vaccine candidate, Mtb72f, has suggested that genetic diversity amongM. tuberculosisstrains may compromise vaccine efficacy. In this study, we sequenced theesxA, esxH,andfbpBgenes ofM. tuberculosisencoding ESAT-6, TB10.4, and Ag85B proteins, respectively, in a sample of 88 clinical isolates representing 57 strains from Ark, USA, and 31 strains from Turkey, to assess the genetic diversity of the two vaccine candidates. We found no DNA polymorphism inesxAandesxHgenes in the study sample and only one synonymous single nucleotide change (C to A) infbpBgene among 39 (44.3%) of the 88 strains sequenced. These data suggest that it is unlikely that the efficacy of Ag85B-ESAT-6 and Ag85B-TB10.4 vaccines will be affected by the genetic diversity ofM. tuberculosispopulation. Future studies should include a broader pool ofM. tuberculosisstrains to validate the current conclusion.
Positive Solutions for System of First‐Order Dynamic Equations
Authors: Wang Da-Bin , Sun Jian-Ping , Li Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2010

We study the existence of positive solutions to the system of nonlinear first‐order periodic boundary value problems on time scales xΔ(t) + P(t)x(σ(t)) = F(t, x(σ(t))), t ∈ [0, T] T, x(0) = x(σ(T)), by using a well‐known fixed point theorem in cones. Moreover, we characterize the eigenvalue intervals for xΔ(t) + P(t)x(σ(t)) = λH(t)G(x(σ(t))), t ∈ [0, T] T, x(0) = x(σ(T)).
An Existence and Uniqueness Result for a Bending Beam Equation without Growth Restriction
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Yang He
Published: June 2010

We discuss the solvability of the fourth‐order boundary value problem u(4) = f(t, u, u′′), 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, u(0) = u(1) = u′′(0) = u′′(1) = 0, which models a statically bending elastic beam whose two ends are simply supported, where f : [0,1] × ℝ2 → ℝ is continuous. Under a condition allowing that f(t, u, v) is superlinear in u and v, we obtain an existence and uniqueness result. Our discussion is based on the Leray‐Schauder fixed point theorem.
IL-10 and TNFαGenotypes in SLE
Authors: López Patricia , Gutiérrez Carmen , Suárez Ana
Published: June 2010

The production of two regulators of the inflammatory response, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα), has been found to be deeply deregulated in SLE patients, suggesting that these cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Genetic polymorphisms at the promoter regions of IL-10 and TNFαgenes have been associated with different constitutive and induced cytokine production. Given that individual steady-state levels of these molecules may deviate an initial immune response towards different forms of lymphocyte activation, functional genetic variants in their promoters could influence the development of SLE. The present review summarizes the information previously reported about the involvement of IL-10 and TNFαgenetic variants on SLE appearance, clinical phenotype, and outcome. We show that, in spite of the heterogeneity of the populations studied, the existing knowledge points towards a relevant role of IL-10 and TNFαgenotypes in SLE.
Exploring the Nature of Desmosomal Cadherin Associations in 3D
Authors: Owen Gethin R. , Stokes David L.
Published: June 2010

Desmosomes are a complex assembly of protein molecules that mediate adhesion between adjacent cells. Desmosome composition is well established and spatial relationships between components have been identified. Intercellular cell‐cell adhesion is created by the interaction of extracellular domains of desmosomal cadherins, namely, desmocollins and desmogleins. High‐resolution methods have provided insight into the structural interactions between cadherins. However, there is a lack of understanding about the architecture of the intact desmosomes and the physical principles behind their adhesive strength are unclear. Electron Tomography (ET) studies have offered three‐dimensional visual data of desmosomal cadherin associations at molecular resolution. This review discusses the merits of two cadherin association models represented using ET. We discuss the possible role of sample preparation on the structural differences seen between models and the possibility of adaptive changes in the structure as a direct consequence of mechanical stress and stratification.
Robust Exponential Converge Controller Design for a Unified Chaotic System with Structured Uncertainties via LMI
Authors: Pai Neng-Sheng , Yau Her-Terng
Published: June 2010

This paper focuses on the chaos control problem of the unified chaotic systems with structured uncertainties. Applying Schur‐complement and some matrix manipulation techniques, the controlled uncertain unified chaotic system is then transformed into the linear matrix inequality (LMI) form. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation, a simple linear feedback control law is obtained to enforce the prespecified exponential decay dynamics of the uncertain unified chaotic system. Numerical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed robust control scheme.
Plasma Bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 Are Not Protective Factors Against First-Time Myocardial Infarction in a Prospective, Nested Case–Referent Setting
Authors: Ekblom Kim , Marklund Stefan L. , Jansson Jan-Håkan , Osterman Pia , Hallmans Göran , Weinehall Lars , Hultdin Johan
Published: June 2010

Background—

Bilirubin, an effective antioxidant, shows a large variation in levels between individuals and has been positively associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A major reason for the variability is a common promoter polymorphism, UGT1A1*28, which reduces the transcription of the enzyme that conjugates bilirubin, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible protective effect of plasma bilirubin and the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against myocardial infarction in a prospective case-referent setting.

Methods and Results—

Subjects (n=618) with a first-ever myocardial infarction (median event age, 60.5 years; median lag time, 3.5 years) and 1184 matched referents were studied. Plasma bilirubin was lower in cases versus referents. Despite a strong gene-dosage effect on bilirubin levels in both cases and referents, the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism did not influence the risk of myocardial infarction. Among multiple other variables, serum iron showed one of the strongest associations with bilirubin levels.

Conclusions—

We found no evidence for a protective effect of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against myocardial infarction and consequently neither for bilirubin. The lower bilirubin levels in cases might be caused by decreased production, increased degradation, or increased elimination.
A Comprehensive Genetic Study on Left Atrium Size in Caribbean Hispanics Identifies Potential Candidate Genes in 17p10
Authors: Wang Liyong , Di Tullio Marco R. , Beecham Ashley , Slifer Susan , Rundek Tatjana , Homma Shunichi , Blanton Susan H. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Genetic factors contributing to the LA dimension are poorly understood. We sought to map susceptibility genes for LA size in a large Dominican family data set and an independent population-based sample from the Northern Manhattan Study.

Methods and Results—

One hundred Dominican families comprising 1350 individuals were studied to estimate heritability and map quantitative trait loci for LA size using variance components analysis. LA dimension was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. A polygenic covariate screening was used to identify significant covariates. LA size had a moderate estimate of heritability (h
2
=0.42) after adjusting for significant covariates. Linkage analysis revealed suggestive evidence on chromosome 10p19 (D10S1423, MLOD=2.00) and 17p10 (D17S974, MLOD=2.05). Ordered subset analysis found significantly enhanced (
P
<0.05 for increase of LOD score) evidence for linkage at 17p10 (MLOD=2.9) in families with lower LDL level. Single nucleotide polymophisms (n=2233)were used to perform a peak-wide association mapping across 17p10 in 825 NOMAS individuals. Evidence for association were found in
NTN1
,
MYH10
,
COX10
, and
MYOCD
genes (
P
=0.00005 to 0.005).

Conclusions—

Using nonbiased genome-wide linkage followed by peak-wide association analysis, we identified several possible susceptibility genes affecting LA size. Among them, MYOCD has been shown to serve as a key transducer of hypertrophic signals in cardiomyocytes. Our data support that polymorphisms in
MYOCD
modify LA size.
Influence of the Graphical Levels of Detail of a Virtual Thrower on the Perception of the Movement
Authors: Vignais Nicolas , Kulpa Richard , Craig Cathy , Brault Sébastien , Multon Franck , Bideau Benoit
Published: June 2010

Virtual reality has a number of advantages for analyzing sports interactions such as the standardization of experimental conditions, stereoscopic vision, and complete control of animated humanoid movement. Nevertheless, in order to be useful for sports applications, accurate perception of simulated movement in the virtual sports environment is essential. This perception depends on parameters of the synthetic character such as the number of degrees of freedom of its skeleton or the levels of detail (LOD) of its graphical representation. This study focuses on the influence of this latter parameter on the perception of the movement. In order to evaluate it, this study analyzes the judgments of immersed handball goalkeepers that play against a graphically modified virtual thrower. Five graphical representations of the throwing action were defined: a textured reference level (L0), a nontextured level (L1), a wire-frame level (L2), a moving point light display (MLD) level with a normal-sized ball (L3), and a MLD level where the ball is represented by a point of light (L4). The results show that judgments made by goalkeepers in the L4 condition are significantly less accurate than in all the other conditions (p < .001). This finding means that the goalkeepers' perception of the movement is influenced more by the size of the ball during the judgment task than the graphical LOD of the throwing action. The MLD representation of the movement thus appears to be sufficient for a sports duel analysis in virtual environments.
The Visibilization of Religious Minorities in Spain
Authors: Díez De Velasco Francisco
Published: June 2010

The author presents the increasing visibilization of the multitude of religious possibilities that are currently on offer in Spain and that form such a clear counterpoint to what for centuries was the one and only religion in this country: Catholicism. He proposes a presentation divided into three parts, which analyse the following visibilization factors:

1) The heritage factor, as seen in the multiplication of visible alternatives of all kinds that minority religions put forward;

2) The legal factor, which in Spain divides religious groups into five categories, characterized by differences, inequalities and privileges;

3) The numerical factor, a problematic aspect that relates to the difficulties of religious quantification in Spain, reflective of the complexity of religious identity in this country and the struggle to obtain reliable statistical data.
L’Amérique et la France face à “l’esprit de religion”. Retour sur une comparaison tocquevillienne
Authors: Portier Philippe
Published: June 2010

L’auteur propose une variation autour de deux articles de cette livraison, celui de Nancy Ammerman, qui analyse la situation du religieux aux États-Unis, et celui de Corinne Valasik, qui explore la société française. Il reprend l’exercice tocquevillien de la comparaison des deux nations atlantiques. L’auteur de “La Démocratie en Amérique” avait pointé toute la distance qui séparait les deux sociétés sur la question de l’“esprit de religion”. Près de deux cents ans après son voyage, on décrit une situation plus nuancée. Certes, l’histoire n’a pas aboli les différences: aux États-Unis, le religieux demeure, dans les rhétoriques publiques tout autant que dans les pratiques privées, bien plus présent qu’en France. Cette structure pérenne n’empêche pas des rapprochements. Sous l’effet de l’individualisation du rapport au monde, les deux sociétés se sont engagées dans des processus analogues de “corporatisation” des Églises et de subjectivation des croyances. Sans doute faut-il les approcher désormais, ensemble, comme des “sociétés post-séculières”.
Climate change: What do we know about the IPCC?
Authors: Hulme Mike , Mahony Martin
Published: June 2010

This is the first of a series of three biennial reviews of research on the subject of climate change. This review is concerned with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): its origins and mandate; its disciplinary and geographical expertise; its governance and organizational learning; consensus and its representation of uncertainty; and its wider impact and influence on knowledge production, public discourse and policy development. The research that has been conducted on the IPCC as an institution has come mostly from science and technology studies scholars and a small number of critical social scientists. The IPCC’s influence on the construction, mobilization and consumption of climate change knowledge is considerable. The review therefore ends by encouraging geographers of science to turn their research and scholarship to understanding the roles played by the IPCC, and equivalent institutional processes of climate change knowledge assessment, in the contemporary world.
The Impact of Controlling Families and Family CEOs on Earnings Management
Authors: Yang Mei-Ling
Published: June 2010

This study explores the relationships between insider ownership and earnings management in family firms and the impact of family versus nonfamily CEOs on earnings management. The results show that the larger the level of insider ownership, the greater the extent of earnings management, supporting an entrenchment effect of family ownership. Furthermore, consistent with traditional agency analyses, nonfamily CEOs exhibit a greater tendency to manage earnings than do family CEOs.The study suggests that family firms should promote information transparency and quality of accounting reporting to avoid a negative image that suggests that family firms expropriate the interests of outside shareholders.
Does the Addition of Writing Into a Pharmacy Communication Skills Course Significantly Impact Student Communicative Learning Outcomes? A Pilot Study
Authors: Lonie John M. , Rahim Hamid
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of a reflective writing component in a fourth year (P-2) pharmacy communication skills course would significantly affect 2 measures of learning: (1) objective multiple choice examination questions and (2) a patient counseling Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) score. Using a nonequivalent group quasi-experimental retrospective comparison design, 98 randomly selected final examination scores from students taking a nonwriting intensive (NWI) communication skills course were compared with 112 randomly selected final examination scores from students that took a communication skills course in which students engaged in several reflective writing assignments. In addition, 91 randomly selected patient counseling OSCE scores from a NWI course were statistically compared with 112 scores from students that took the writing intensive (WI) course. There were statistically significant improvements in multiple choice examination scores in the group that took the reflective writing communication skills course. There was not a statistically significant difference in patient counseling OSCE scores after students completed the WI course. Studying the effects of using reflective writing assignments in communication skills courses may improve the retention and retrieval of information presented within the course.
Review: Optimizing the Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Current Guidelines and the Impact of New Agents on Future Recommendations
Authors: Naccarelli Gerald V. , Curtis Anne B.
Published: June 2010

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in everyday clinical practice. It affects ~2.3 million individuals in the United States, and the prevalence is expected to increase ~2.5-fold over the next 40 years. Atrial fibrillation accounts for more than 2 million hospitalizations each year and contributes to nearly 67 000 deaths. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of AF has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Recent treatment guidelines have heightened our awareness of the challenges involved in the treatment of AF and provided useful recommendations for its diagnosis and management. Because AF is usually associated with multiple comorbid conditions, greater emphasis must be placed on individualizing treatment. This review focuses on current treatment guidelines for patients with AF, assessing the benefits and shortcomings of current pharmacologic options and discussing new agents and trials that may provide better opportunities to improve and individualize patient management.
Late Adolescent and Young Adult Outcomes of Girls Diagnosed With ADHD in Childhood: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Babinski Dara E. , Pelham William E. , Molina Brooke S.G. , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Waschbusch Daniel A. , Yu Jihnhee , MacLean Michael G. , Wymbs Brian T. , Sibley Margaret H. , Biswas Aparajita , Robb Jessica A. , Karch Kathryn M.
Published: June 2010

Objective: To characterize the late adolescent and young adult outcomes of girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Method: The study included 58 women from a larger longitudinal study of ADHD. A total of 34 ( M = 19.97 years old) met DSM criteria for ADHD in childhood, whereas the remaining 24 ( M = 19.83 years old) did not. Self- and parent-reports of psychopathology, delinquency, interpersonal relationships, academic achievement, job performance, and substance use were collected. Results: The findings suggest that girls with ADHD experience difficulties in late adolescence and young adulthood, such as more conflict with their mothers, being involved in fewer romantic relationships, and experiencing more depressive symptoms than comparison women. However, differences did not emerge in all domains, such as job performance, substance use, and self-reported ADHD symptomatology. Conclusion: The findings of this study add to the literature on the negative late adolescent and young adult outcomes associated with childhood ADHD in women. ( J. of Att. Dis. 2011; 15(3) 204-214)
Treating Food and Liquid Refusal in an Adolescent With Asperger’s Disorder
Authors: Roth Michael P. , Williams Keith E. , Paul Candace M.
Published: June 2010

Food refusal is a complicated condition that has both medical and social implications. In this study, a 16-year-old boy with Asperger’s disorder, dependent on gastrostromy tube feedings for 9 years, is treated with a behavioral intervention. The intervention consists of several components, including stimulus fading for both solids and liquids, a token economy for solids, and an escape prevention component for liquids. Before treatment, the participant consumes three different foods and water. After treatment, the participant is consuming 78 foods and 13 beverages. At the end of 14 days of treatment, all of the participant’s intakes are received orally, tube feedings are eliminated, and the patient has gained more than 1 pound on oral feedings. The intervention is generalized to both home and school settings, and maintenance of treatment gains is reported by parents 3 months after the end of treatment.
Kinetics of transient liquid phase diffusion bonding process for joining aluminium metal matrix composite
Authors: Barman S C , Pal T K , Maity J
Published: June 2010

The mechanism and kinetics of the transient liquid phase diffusion bonding process in a 6061–15 wt-SiCp composite at 570°C, 0·2 MPa, with 200 μm thick copper foil interlayer, has been investigated by microstructural characterisation of the bond region using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The kinetics of isothermal solidification, representing the displacement of the solid/liquid interface y (in micrometres) as a function of time t (in seconds), followed a power law relationship y = 157 t0·07. According to this kinetic equation, the effective diffusivity of copper in the composite system was found to be ∼106 times higher than the lattice diffusivity, indicating the dominance of short circuit diffusion through the defect rich particle/matrix interface.
The atypical chemokine receptor CCX-CKR scavenges homeostatic chemokines in circulation and tissues and suppresses Th17 responses
Authors: Comerford Iain , Nibbs Robert J. B. , Litchfield Wendel , Bunting Mark , Harata-Lee Yuka , Haylock-Jacobs Sarah , Forrow Steve , Korner Heinrich , McColl Shaun R.
Published: June 2010

Our previous in vitro studies led to proposals that the atypical chemokine receptor CCX-CKR is a scavenger of CCR7 ligand homeostatic chemokines. In the present study, we generated CCX-CKR−/− mice and confirm this scavenger function in vivo. Compared with wild-type mice, CCX-CKR−/− have a 5-fold increase in the level of CCL21 protein in blood, and 2- to 3-fold increases in CCL19 and CCL21 in peripheral lymph nodes. The effect of these protein increases on immunity was investigated after immunization with MOG35-55 peptide emulsified in complete Freund adjuvant (CFA). The subsequent characteristic paralysis develops with enhanced kinetics and severity in CCX-CKR−/− versus wild-type mice. Despite this effect, antigen-specific immune responses in the draining lymph nodes are diminished in CCX-CKR−/− mice. Instead, the earlier onset of disease is associated with enhanced T-cell priming in the CCX-CKR−/− spleen and a skewing of CD4+ T-cell responses toward Th17 rather than Th1. This observation correlates with increased expression of IL-23 in the CCX-CKR−/− spleen and increased CCL21 levels in the central nervous system postimmunization. The early onset of disease in CCX-CKR−/− mice is reversed by systemic administration of neutralizing anti-CCL21 antibodies. Thus, by regulating homeostatic chemokine bioavailability, CCX-CKR influences the localization, kinetics, and nature of adaptive immune responses in vivo.
Targeting of DEC-205 on human dendritic cells results in efficient MHC class II–restricted antigen presentation
Authors: Birkholz Katrin , Schwenkert Michael , Kellner Christian , Gross Stefanie , Fey Georg , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Schuler Gerold , Schaft Niels , Dörrie Jan
Published: June 2010

The use of dendritic cells (DCs) in therapeutic cancer vaccination requires their loading with tumor-specific antigen(s). DEC-205, a phagocytosis receptor mediating antigen uptake, is associated with CD8+ T-cell responses in mice. Here we fused an anti–DEC-205scFv to an HLA-DP4–restricted epitope from the tumor antigen MAGE-A3, and examined the suitability and efficacy of DEC-205 to deliver a helper epitope to human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). The construct specifically bound DEC-205 on human moDCs without negative impact on DC phenotype and function. We measured antigen presentation with specific autologous CD4+ T cells, generated by TCR-RNA transfection. DEC-205 targeting resulted in significant major histocompatibility complex class II–restricted antigen presentation, and was superior to loading DCs by electroporation of mRNA encoding endosome-targeted MAGE-A3-DCLAMP or by direct peptide pulsing. Anti–DEC-205scFv-MAGE-A3 was presented 100 times more efficiently than the control constructs. DC maturation before or during incubation with anti–DEC-205scFv-MAGE-A3 reduced the interleukin-10/interleukin-2 ratio. Moreover, we successfully applied the DEC-205 targeting strategy to moDCs from malignant melanoma patients. Again, DEC-205–targeted mature DCs (mDCs) presented the antigen more efficiently than peptide-pulsed DCs and maintained their stimulatory capacity after cryoconservation. Thus, DEC-205 targeting represents a feasible and effective method to deliver helper epitopes to DCs in anticancer vaccine strategies, which may also be suitable for DC targeting in vivo.
Osteopontin expression and relation to disease severity in human asthma
Authors: Samitas K. , Zervas E. , Vittorakis S. , Semitekolou M. , Alissafi T. , Bossios A. , Gogos H. , Economidou E. , Lötvall J. , Xanthou G. , Panoutsakopoulou V. , Gaga M.
Published: June 2010

Recent studies have associated osteopontin (OPN) with allergic inflammation; however, its role in human asthma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to measure OPN levels in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and bronchial tissue of healthy controls and asthmatics, identify cellular sources of OPN and examine possible correlations between OPN expression, disease severity and airway remodelling.

Serum samples were obtained from 35 mild-to-moderate asthmatics, 19 severe asthmatics and 17 healthy controls in the steady state and in cases of exacerbation. Of these subjects, 29 asthmatics and nine controls underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy and BALF collection. OPN expression was determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Reticular basement membrane thickness and goblet cell hyperplasia were also determined.

Serum and BALF OPN levels were significantly increased in all asthmatics in the steady state, whereas serum levels decreased during exacerbations. OPN was upregulated in the bronchial tissue of all patients, and expressed by epithelial, airway and vascular smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, T-lymphocytes and mast cells. OPN expression correlated with reticular basement membrane thickness and was more prominent in subepithelial inflammatory cells in severe compared to mild-to-moderate asthma.

OPN expression is upregulated in human asthma and associated with remodelling changes, and its subepithelial expression correlates with disease severity.
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Using Microwave-induced Plasma in Liquid
Authors: Yonezawa Tetsu , Hyono Atsushi , Sato Susumu , Ariyada Osamu
Published: June 2010

As a rapid and easy liquid process for preparation of ZnO nanoparticles, we propose here a microwave-induced plasma in water. Generation of plasma in liquid has been achieved at atmospheric pressure without external gas bubbling. After only several minutes of microwave irradiation, about 0.3 g of ZnO nanoparticles was obtained from an aqueous solution of zinc(II) acetate under alkaline conditions.
Conductance of Single Triangular Dehydrobenzo[12]annulene Derivative Bridged between Au Electrodes
Authors: Kiguchi Manabu , Tahara Kazukuni , Takahashi Yuuta , Hasui Kensuke , Tobe Yoshito
Published: June 2010

A triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (DBA) molecule bridged between Au electrodes was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy break junction technique. The conductance of the single DBA molecule was determined to be 2.5 × 10−5  G0 (G0 = 2e2/h). Though the DBA has three anchor units which can bind to metal electrodes, the conductance measurement revealed that two of three anchor units per molecule are most likely to bind to the Au electrodes to form a single molecular junction.
The paradox of culture
Authors: Bouchet Dominique
Published: June 2010

The most fundamental communication paradox is that of the society communicating with itself. Culture's paradox is that in establishing itself as a culture, society has to create an impossible distance to itself in order to be able to remain within itself. Thus, society finds its bearings
by putting itself into perspective, by giving itself a project which naturally takes its starting point in the culture but which always considers what is outside society itself. It is not necessary to be aware of the paradox in order to be able to work with it. Still it is paradoxical that
the very society which declares itself ready to work with itself is not capable of doing so.
Book Reviews
Authors: Chen Jin-Shiow , Zimmerman Enid
Published: June 2010

Art, Community and Environment: Educational Perspectives, Glen Coutts and Timo Jokela (Eds) (2008) Bristol, UK and Chicago, USA: Intellect Books, 304 pp., ISBN 9781841501895 (hbk), 24.95

Research in Art & Design Education: Issues and Exemplars, Richard
Hickman (Ed.) (2008) Bristol, UK and Portland, OR: Intellect Books, for the National Society for Art and Design, 206 pp., ISBN 9781841501994 (hbk), 24.95
Lunar New Year in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Mei-Yen
Published: June 2010

Because research into elementary schooling has shown that Taiwanese students do not have much insight into their surroundings and their knowledge of Taiwanese traditions is limited, I designed a curriculum about the Lunar New Year Festival. The curriculum focused especially on oral
expression and art making. This article describes the journey of making some Lunar New Year posters. The curriculum was implemented with 35 fourth grade students in an elementary school in Tainan over a period of four weeks from December to January 2007, right before the Lunar New Year season.
I adopted the role of a teacher-researcher. Through implementing this curriculum, I gained new insights into peer collaboration and ways of expanding students' cultural understanding, observation, critical-thinking and problem solving skills. Hopefully these students are more aware of their
surroundings now, understand their cultural traditions better and can apply what they learned to their daily lives.
Digital television policy and regulatory neutrality in small western states: Ireland, Greece, Finland, Austria and New Zealand
Authors: Murphy Kenneth
Published: June 2010

This article evaluates the particular difficulties presented by market-led platforms and the regulatory-neutral policy approach to the switch to digital television in small western media states. The key argument is that market realities have presented difficulties for the concept of regulatory neutrality and a competitive platform approach in the digital switchover. In larger states this policy approach has led to the emergence of differentiated platform competition (i.e. platforms competing on the basis of different technological and revenue models). However, in smaller media states, because of the small market size, the potential of the market to support differentiated platforms is limited and regulatory neutrality will not necessarily produce the same results as in the larger states. In public policy terms this presents potential difficulties for the achievement of digital switchover and poses a challenge to the overall appropriateness of technological and regulatory neutrality in smaller media states. The article will employ a case study of digital television development in Ireland and a comparative analysis of adaptation strategies in four other small media states: Finland, Austria, Greece and New Zealand. It will propose that the policy of platform/regulatory neutrality in small media states needs to be reassessed, as it is potentially detrimental to digital switchover policies.