bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-Genome Sequence of Cupriavidus sp. Strain BIS7, a Heavy-Metal-Resistant Bacterium
Authors: Hong Kar Wai , Thinagaran Dinaiz a/l , Gan Han Ming , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: October 2012

Cupriavidus
sp. strain BIS7 is a Malaysian tropical soil bacterium that exhibits broad heavy-metal resistance [Co(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Se(IV), Cu(II), chromate, Co(III), Fe(II), and Fe(III)]. It is particularly resistant to Fe(II), Fe(III), and Zn(II). Here we present the assembly and annotation of its genome.
Genome Sequence of Oscillibacter ruminantium Strain GH1, Isolated from Rumen of Korean Native Cattle
Authors: Lee Gun-Hye , Kumar Sanjay , Lee Jong-Hwan , Chang Dong-Ho , Kim Dae-Soo , Choi Sang-Haeng , Rhee Moon-Soo , Lee Dong-Woo , Yoon Min-Ho , Kim Byoung-Chan
Published: October 2012

Oscillibacter ruminantium
strain GH1 was isolated from the rumen of Korean native cattle (HanWoo;
Bos taurus coreanae
). Here, we present the 3.07-Mb draft genome of this strain, which could reveal the presence of certain fiber-specific glycoside hydrolases and butyric acid-producing genes.
Heavy-Metal Resistance of a France Vineyard Soil Bacterium, Pseudomonas mendocina Strain S5.2, Revealed by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Chong Teik Min , Yin Wai-Fong , Mondy Samuel , Grandclément Catherine , Dessaux Yves , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: October 2012

Here we present the draft genome of
Pseudomonas mendocina
strain S5.2, possessing tolerance to a high concentration of copper. In addition to being copper resistant, the genome of
P. mendocina
strain S5.2 contains a number of heavy-metal-resistant genes known to confer resistance to multiple heavy-metal ions.
A Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses Alongside Randomised Controlled Trials of Acupuncture
Authors: Kim Song-Yi , Lee Hyangsook , Chae Younbyoung , Park Hi-Joon , Lee Hyejung
Published: October 2012

Objective

To summarise the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture.

Methods

We identified full economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-utility analysis (CUA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the consequences and costs of acupuncture for any medical condition. Eleven electronic databases were searched up to March 2011 without language restrictions. Eligible RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane criteria for risk of bias and a modified version of the checklist for economic evaluation. The general characteristics and the results of each economic analysis such as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted.

Results

Of 17 included studies, nine were CUAs that measured quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and eight were CEAs that assessed effectiveness of acupuncture based on improvements in clinical symptoms. All CUAs showed that acupuncture with or without usual care was cost-effective compared with waiting list control or usual care alone, with ICERs ranging from ¢3011/QALY (dysmenorrhoea) to ¢22 298/QALY (allergic rhinitis) in German studies, and from £3855/QALY (osteoarthritis) to £9951/QALY (headache) in UK studies. In the CEAs, acupuncture was beneficial at a relatively low cost in six European and Asian studies. All CUAs were well-designed with a low risk of bias, but this was not the case for CEAs.

Conclusions

Overall, this review demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. Despite such promising results, any generalisation of these results needs to be made with caution given the diversity of diseases and the different status of acupuncture in the various countries.
Usefulness of parental response to questions about adherence to prescribed inhaled corticosteroids in young children
Authors: Schultz André , Sly Peter D , Zhang Guicheng , Venter André , Devadason Sunalene G , le Souëf Peter Niels
Published: October 2012

Background

Adherence to prescribed inhaled medication is often low in young children. Poor adherence to medication may contribute to lack of symptom control. Doctors are not good at predicting the adherence rates of their patients, and parental report of adherence does not correlate with objective measures of adherence. The objective of this study was to investigate whether parental admission of non-adherence and reasons given for non-adherence correlated with objectively measured adherence.

Methods

Adherence to prescribed inhaled corticosteroid treatment was monitored electronically in 132 children aged 2–6 years who were participating in a randomised controlled trial comparing different inhaler devices. Follow-up was carried out every 3 months for a year. Parental answers to simple questions about adherence were compared to electronically measured adherence.

Results

Mean adherence ranged from zero to 100%. Intra-participant adherence varied throughout the year-long study period (mean variance for individual children between quarterly periods was 28.5%). Parents who reported missed doses, generally missed at least half of the prescribed doses. Parents who reported that not a single prescribed dose was missed, still missed 20% of doses on average. Adherence was particularly low when parents cited initiating their own trial off medication as a reason for missing doses.

Conclusions

By examining parental response to questions enquiring whether any doses were missed, healthcare providers can gain a modest degree of insight into their patients’ true adherence to prescribed medication. Adherence to prescribed asthma medication is extremely variable in young children.

Trial registration number

Data from this study were derived from a randomised controlled trial (ACTRN12608000294358).
No pain, no pathology?
Authors: Sharma Devesh , Govind Abha
Published: October 2012

A 22-year-old girl who had a background of reflux nephropathy and urinary tact infection presented during the night with renal angle pain and vomiting. She was treated on the emergency department (ED) pyelonephritis protocol and admitted to the short stay ward. When reviewed the next morning she was aymptomatic and feeling better. It seemed likely that she would be discharged but an ED ultrasound showed right-sided hydronephrosis and some fluid between the liver and the right kidney. CT examination confirmed the suspicion of renal tract obstruction and ruptured calyx. An 8 mm calculus was found to be the cause of the pathology. Urgent urological review was organised and the system formally decompressed with a J–J stent inserted cystoscopically later that day.
Massively enlarged styloid process presenting as a submandibular mass
Authors: Langstaff Lorna Elizabeth , Abed Tarik , Philpott Jonathan
Published: October 2012

A 47-year-old man is investigated in the ear, nose and throat department for a 6-month history of left submandibular swelling and pain. He underwent several investigations, before a large styloid process was found on CT imaging of the neck. The patient underwent surgical excision of the enlarged styloid process and stylohyoid ligament. He recovered well with no long-term complications and his symptoms were fully resolved.
Number and burden of cardiovascular diseases in relation to health-related quality of life in a cross-sectional population-based cohort study
Authors: Djärv Therese , Wikman Anna , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To clarify whether a greater number of cardiovascular diseases or a larger burden of disease are associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an unselected general population.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional postal survey.

Settings

A random sample of the Swedish general population aged 40–79 years matched for national distributions of age, gender and region.

Participants

Out of 6969 eligible individuals, 4910 (70.5%) participated.

Primary and secondary measures

To create a reference database for HRQoL outcomes in the general population. To assess certain diseases and their relation to HRQoL.

Methods

Predefined cardiovascular diseases and HRQoL were assessed from validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30). Aspects of HRQoL included in the analyses were global quality of life, physical function, role function, emotional function, fatigue and dyspnoea. Individuals were categorised into: ‘good function’ versus ‘poor function’ and ‘no or minor symptoms’ versus ‘symptomatic’. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for poor HRQoL. The exposures were the number of cardiovascular diseases and the subjective disease burden.

Results

Out of the 4910 participants, 1358 (28%) reported having a cardiovascular disease and hypertension was most common. Reporting a greater number of cardiovascular diseases was associated with an increased risk of poor HRQoL, especially regarding dyspnoea. The OR for symptomatic dyspnoea was 1.37 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.74) for participants with one cardiovascular disease, 4.81 (95% CI 3.24 to 7.13) for two diseases and 4.18 (95% CI 2.24 to 7.80) for those with three or more cardiovascular diseases. Among the 271 participants who assessed their cardiovascular disease burden as major, the highest risk for poor HRQoL was found for physical function (OR 6.18, 95% CI 3.72 to 10.30).

Conclusions

Increased number of cardiovascular diseases and a greater burden of disease are generally associated with poorer HRQoL in people with cardiovascular disease from an unselected population.
Ankle-Brachial Index determination and peripheral arterial disease diagnosis by an oscillometric blood pressure device in primary care: validation and diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Nelson Mark R , Quinn Stephen , Winzenberg Tania M , Howes Faline , Shiel Louise , Reid Christopher M
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To determine the level of agreement between a ‘conventional’ Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement (using Doppler and mercury sphygmomanometer taken by a research nurse) and a ‘pragmatic’ ABI measure (using an oscillometric device taken by a practice nurse) in primary care. To ascertain the utility of a pragmatic ABI measure for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in primary care.

Design

Cross-sectional validation and diagnostic accuracy study. Descriptive analyses were used to investigate the agreement between the two procedures using the Bland and Altman method to determine whether the correlation between ABI readings varied systematically. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed via sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, with ABI readings dichotomised and Receiver Operating Curve analysis using both univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Setting

Primary care in metropolitan and rural Victoria, Australia between October 2009 and November 2010.

Participants

250 persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at high risk (three or more risk factors) of CVD.

Results

Despite a strong association between the two method's measurements of ABI there was poor agreement with 95% of readings within ±0.4 of the 0.9 ABI cut point. The multivariable C statistic of diagnosis of PAD was 0.89. Other diagnostic measures were sensitivity 62%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 67%, negative predictive value 90%, accuracy 85%, positive likelihood ratio 7.3 and the negative likelihood ratio 0.42.

Conclusions

Oscillometric ABI measures by primary care nurses on a population with a 22% prevalence of PAD lacked sufficient agreement with conventional measures to be recommended for routine diagnosis of PAD. This pragmatic method may however be used as a screening tool high-risk and overt CVD patients in primary care as it can reliably exclude the condition.
Conducting a multicentre and multinational qualitative study on patient transitions
Authors: Johnson Julie K , Barach Paul , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra ,   on behalf of the HANDOVER Research Collaborative
Published: October 2012

Background

A multicentre, multinational research study requires careful planning and coordination to accomplish the aims of the study and to ensure systematic and rigorous examination of all project methods and data collected.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to describe the approach we used during the HANDOVER Project to develop a multicentre, multinational research project for studying transitions of patient care while creating a community of practice for the researchers.

Method

We highlight the process used to assure the quality of a multicentre qualitative study and to create a codebook for data analysis as examples of attending to the community of practice while conducting rigorous qualitative research.

Findings

Essential elements for the success of this multinational, multilanguage research project included recruiting a strong research team, explicit planning for decision-making processes to be used throughout the project, acknowledging the differences among the study settings and planning the protocols to capitalise upon those differences.

Conclusions

Although not commonly discussed in reports of large research projects, there is an underlying, concurrent stream of activities to develop a cohesive team that trusts and respects one another's skills and that engage independent researchers in a group process that contributes to achieving study goals. We discuss other lessons learned and offer recommendations for other teams planning multicentre research.
Relational mechanisms and psychological outcomes in couples affected by breast cancer: a systematic narrative analysis of the literature
Authors: Hubbard Gill , Menzies Sandra , Flynn Pamela , Adams Sally , Haseen Farhana , Thomas Ian , Scanlon Karen , Reed Liz , Forbat Liz
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Relationships are a significant dimension of illness experience. At the couple level, partners will respond to illness as an interpersonal unit rather than individuals in isolation. Research adopting a relational perspective have focused on communication, relational coping and relationship functioning and satisfaction. To our knowledge, there is no published systematic review of literature that reports associations between a couple's relationship and psychological outcomes of patients and partners affected by breast cancer.

Aim

To review studies that examine the impact of relational mechanisms on psychological outcomes in couples affected by breast cancer and thereby improve understanding of the connections between patient, disease and family.

Methods

A systematic search for literature was conducted, which was followed by a thematic analysis of study findings and a narrative synthesis.

Results

Sixteen papers were included. Papers were published relatively recently between 1988 and 2010. Three relational components were identified: (i) couple coping, (ii) relationship functioning and satisfaction, (iii) communication. While the literature indicates associations between relational and psychological variables, with such a small evidence base, the use of different terminology and different theoretical frameworks makes it almost impossible to draw definitive conclusions about which relational component holds greatest potential for effecting change on psychological well-being.

Conclusions

While there remain many opportunities for contributing to the theoretical and empirical work in this field, there is sufficient evidence to propose a relational approach to supporting people affected by cancer.
‘I'm going to learn how to run quick’: exploring violence directed towards staff in the Emergency Department
Authors: Knowles Emma , Mason Suzanne M , Moriarty Faye
Published: October 2012

Background

The National Health Service (NHS) depends on a highly skilled workforce. Anything threatening the well-being of that workforce threatens the delivery of healthcare. Violence and aggression directed towards healthcare professionals is a longstanding problem within the NHS, and is particularly acute in the Emergency Department (ED). This study examined ED staff perceptions and experiences of violent behaviour directed towards them within the ED.

Methods

Four EDs were selected to take part in the study. A period of up to 3 days was spent in each ED in order to collect data. Mixed methods were utilised to capture data: incident report forms were examined to establish the reported incidence of violence/aggression, ethnographic observations were noted, and staff interviews were undertaken.

Results

Staff defined violence as having both verbal and physical dimensions, and felt that verbal aggression was a regular occurrence. Staff communicated a number of reasons, which went beyond excessive alcohol consumption, as to why EDs are particularly susceptible to aggression/violence.

There was variation in reporting behaviour between departments and individuals. This appeared to be linked to the presence of security staff within the hospital, staff disillusionment with the reporting process, and issues with the incident report form itself.

Conclusions

This study adds to current evidence regarding how staff perceive and experience violence in the ED. Given the variation in reporting behaviour, national figures on violence within the NHS are likely to be underestimated. More research is needed to understand the true prevalence of violence occurring in the ED.
A proposal for field-level medical assistance in an international humanitarian response to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear events
Authors: Malich Gregor , Coupland Robin , Donnelly Steve , Baker David
Published: October 2012

A capacity for field-level medical assistance for people exposed to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) agents or medical support for people potentially exposed to these agents is intrinsically linked to the overall risk management approach adopted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for an international humanitarian response to a CBRN event. This medical assistance articulates:

▸ the characteristics of the agent concerned (if known)

▸ the need for immediate care particularly for people exposed to agents with high toxicity and short latency

▸ the imperative for those responding to be protected from exposure to the same agents.

This article proposes two distinct capacities for medical assistance—CBRN field medical care and CBRN first aid—that take the above into account and the realities of a CBRN event including the likelihood that qualified medical staff may not be present with the right equipment. These capacities are equally pertinent whether in support of ICRC staff or for assistance of victims of a CBRN event.

Training of those who will undertake CBRN field medical care and CBRN first aid must include:

▸ knowledge of CBRN agents, their impact on health and the corresponding toxidromes

▸ skills to use appropriate equipment

▸ use of appropriate means of self-protection

▸ an understanding of the additional complexities brought by the need for and interaction of triage, transfer and decontamination.

The development of CBRN field medical care and CBRN first aid continues within the ICRC while acknowledging that the opportunities for learning in real situations are extremely limited. Comments from others who work in this domain are welcome.
Housing and respiratory health at older ages
Authors: Webb E , Blane D , de Vries Robert
Published: October 2012

Background

A large proportion of the population of England live in substandard housing. Previous research has suggested that poor-quality housing, particularly in terms of cold temperatures, mould, and damp, poses a health risk, particularly for older people. The present study aimed to examine the association between housing conditions and objectively measured respiratory health in a large general population sample of older people in England.

Data and methods

Data on housing conditions, respiratory health and relevant covariates were obtained from the second wave of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Multivariate regression methods were used to test the association between contemporary housing conditions and respiratory health while accounting for the potential effect of other factors; including social class, previous life-course housing conditions and childhood respiratory health.

Results

Older people who were in fuel poverty or who did not live in a home they owned had significantly worse respiratory health as measured by peak expiratory flow rates. After accounting for covariates, these factors had no effect on any other measures of respiratory health. Self-reported housing problems were not consistently associated with respiratory health.

Conclusions

The housing conditions of older people in England, particularly those associated with fuel poverty and living in rented accommodation, may be harmful to some aspects of respiratory health. This has implications for upcoming UK government housing and energy policy decisions.
A premeal snack of raisins decreases mealtime food intake more than grapes in young children
Authors: Patel Barkha P. , Luhovyy Bohdan , Mollard Rebecca , Painter James E. , Anderson G. Harvey
Published: October 2012

The effect of a premeal snack of grapes, raisins, or a mix of almonds and raisins, compared with a water control, on food intake (FI) was examined in 8- to 11-year-old normal-weight (15th to 85th percentile) children. Children randomly received 1 of 4 ad libitum (Experiment 1: 13 boys, 13 girls) or fixed-calorie (150 kcal; Experiment 2: 13 boys, 13 girls) treatments, followed by an ad libitum pizza meal 30 min later. Appetite was measured throughout the study, and FI was measured at 30 min. The ad libitum consumption (Experiment 1) of raisins reduced pizza intake (p < 0.037), compared with water (26%), grapes (22%), and the mixed snack (15%). Cumulative energy intake (in kcal: snack + pizza) was lower after water and raisins than after either grapes or the mixed snack (p < 0.031). As a fixed-calorie (150 kcal) snack (Experiment 2), raisins reduced pizza intake, compared with water (∼11%, p = 0.005), and resulted in a cumulative intake similar to water; however, both grapes and the mixed snack resulted in higher cumulative intakes (p < 0.015). Appetite was lower after all caloric ad libitum snacks (p < 0.003) and after fixed amounts of grapes and the mixed snack (p < 0.037), compared with water. In conclusion, consumption of a premeal snack of raisins, but not grapes or a mix of raisins and almonds, reduces meal-time energy intake and does not lead to increased cumulative energy intake in children.
Scientific dimensions of cumulative effects assessment: toward improvements in guidance for practice
Authors: Duinker Peter N. , Burbidge Erin L. , Boardley Samantha R. , Greig Lorne A.
Published: October 2012

Cumulative effects assessment (CEA) became an increasingly important component of environmental impact assessment (EIA; or simply environment assessment (EA)) shortly after formal processes for EIA were established in North America in the 1970s. Despite a growing body of literature addressing science requirements of exemplary EIA and CEA, practice remains contested. Our mission in preparing this review was to provide a critical update on progress in scientific developments associated with CEA and also to guide practitioners to a broad selection of the recent relevant peer-reviewed formal literature on CEA. In addition, we point to ways in which guidance for CEA practice could be improved. The study canvassed widely for refereed papers in journals and edited books as far back as 2000. On the matter of key concepts related to CEA, the paper addresses the definition of other activities to be assessed, establishment of time and space bounds, impact thresholds, methods for impact prediction, and stressor-based versus effect-based approaches. Definitions of cumulative effect are reviewed, with encouragement for continued work to elaborate the concept. Contributions from science to CEA practice are identified as follows: retrospective and prospective investigative protocols; basic ecological knowledge; effects knowledge; tools and methods; ecological grounds for threshold establishment; and analytically competent practitioners. We observe that the plethora of CEA frameworks populating the scientific literature offer practitioners helpful ways to think about the CEA process. CEA methods are then reviewed, with specific emphasis on geographic information systems, scenario-building, thresholds, indicators, simulation, and public engagement. Several case examples of CEA in practice are summarized, with the observation that none of the published case studies arises from work done to support CEA that is part of the regulated EIA process. The paper reflects on the role of CEA in project-specific EIA (or project EA) as well as class EA, strategic EA, and regional EA. CEA is needed in all forms of EA, but it seems to be particularly difficult to implement well in project-specific EIAs. Recommendations for improvements in guidance materials for practitioners address definitions, scenarios, analytical methods, collaborative methods, thresholds, knowledge accumulation, accidents and malfunctions, project scale, and knowledge integration. We conclude that competent CEA is a vital requirement for securing the sustainability of valued ecosystems and their components.
The Einstein–Maxwell-particle system in the York canonical basis of ADM tetrad gravity. Part 2. The weak field approximation in the 3-orthogonal gauges and Hamiltonian post-minkowskian gravity: the N-body problem and gravitational waves with asymptotic background 1This paper is one of three companion papers published in the same issue of Can. J. Phys.
Authors: Alba David , Lusanna Luca
Published: October 2012

In this second paper we define a post-minkowskian (PM) weak field approximation leading to a linearization of the Hamilton equations of Arnowitt–Deser–Misner (ADM) tetrad gravity in the York canonical basis in a family of nonharmonic 3-orthogonal Schwinger time gauges. The York time 3K (the relativistic inertial gauge variable, not existing in newtonian gravity, parametrizing the family, and connected to the freedom in clock synchronization, i.e., to the definition of the the shape of the instantaneous 3-spaces) is set equal to an arbitrary numerical function. The matter are considered point particles, with a Grassmann regularization of self-energies, and the electromagnetic field in the radiation gauge: an ultraviolet cutoff allows a consistent linearization, which is shown to be the lowest order of a hamiltonian PM expansion. We solve the constraints and the Hamilton equations for the tidal variables and we find PM gravitational waves with asymptotic background (and the correct quadrupole emission formula) propagating on dynamically determined non-euclidean 3-spaces. The conserved ADM energy and the Grassmann regularization of self-energies imply the correct energy balance. A generalized transverse–traceless gauge can be identified and the main tools for the detection of gravitational waves are reproduced in these nonharmonic gauges. In conclusion, we get a PM solution for the gravitational field and we identify a class of PM Einstein space–times, which will be studied in more detail in a third paper together with the PM equations of motion for the particles and their post-newtonian expansion (but in the absence of the electromagnetic field). Finally we make a discussion on the gauge problem in general relativity to understand which type of experimental observations may lead to a preferred choice for the inertial gauge variable 3K in PM space–times. In the third paper we will show that this choice is connected with the problem of dark matter.
Bias-Dependent Radio Frequency Performance for 40 nm InAs High-Electron-Mobility Transistor with a Cutoff Frequency Higher than 600 GHz
Authors: Fatah Faiz , Kuo Chien-I , Hsu Heng-Tung , Chiang Che-Yang , Hsu Ching-Yi , Miyamoto Yasuyuki , Chang Edward Yi
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we present the fabrication and characterization of 40 nm InAs-channel high-electron-mobility-transistor (HEMT) devices. Both DC and RF measurements were performed under various bias conditions. We have also extracted bias-dependent intrinsic device parameters to determine the optimum conditions of operation. It is concluded that a high current-gain cutoff frequency (f
T) of 615 GHz can be achieved when the device is biased near the occurrence of impact ionization.
Decomposition of Pentacene Molecules by Heated Tungsten Mesh
Authors: Heya Akira , Matsuo Naoto
Published: October 2012

The mechanism of pentacene molecule decomposition by a heated tungsten (W) mesh in H2 atmosphere is investigated for the development of an organic-thin-film deposition method. In this method, pentacene molecules come in contact with a heated W mesh before reaching the substrate in H2 atmosphere. The decomposition reaction occurs notably above 1300 °C. The decomposed precursors were identified to be dihydropentacene, p-distrylbenzene, and 2,2'-dimethyl-1,1'-binaphthalene. On the other hand, the pentacene molecules did not decompose at 1400 °C in He atmosphere. It is found that H2 affects the decomposition reaction of pentacene molecules. These decomposed precursors are expected as a source of large graphene sheets and graphene nanoribbons.
Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Si-Rich Silicon Nitride Films Optimized for Waveguide-Based Sensing Applications in the Visible Range
Authors: Zermatten Pierre-Jean , Jaouad Abdelatif , Blais Sonia , Gorin Arnaud , Aimez Vincent , Charette Paul G.
Published: October 2012

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN
x
:H) films were deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), an attractive process for integrated optical device fabrication owing to the low temperatures involved (typically 200–400 °C). Two regimes of plasma radio frequency (380 kHz and 13.56 MHz) and a range of plasma powers were studied. Through physical and chemical analyses, we demonstrate the relationship between film optical properties and chemical composition. Films with refractive index close to that of stoichiometric Si3N4 and with very low absorption coefficients owing to the small number of Si–Si bonds, are obtained by low-frequency (LF) PECVD at low powers.
Higher-Order Effect of Source–Drain Series Resistance on Saturation Drain Current in Sub-20 nm Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Yoon JongChul , Hiroki Akira , Kobayashi Kazutoshi
Published: October 2012

The saturation drain current including a higher-order effect of series resistance is investigated in sub-20 nm metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The reduction in current by the resistance is calculated using a derived analytical current model. As a result, the reduction rate increases from 15.8 to 24.0% as the gate length decreases from 32 to 18 nm. Ratios of the Nth-order term to the sum of all absolute order terms are calculated. As the gate length decreases, the effect of higher-order terms becomes important for analyzing the effect of the series resistance. Normalized expansion components of the higher-order resistance-effect are compared with the reduction rate to determine the physical reasons for the reduction increase. We find that the ratio of the source resistance to the channel resistance is the dominant factor in device design and development for sub-20 nm MOSFETs.
Oxide Structure Dependence of SiO2/SiOx/3C-SiC/n-Type Si Nonvolatile Resistive Memory on Memory Operation Characteristics
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuichiro , Shouji Masatsugu , Suda Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2012

We have investigated the dependence of the oxide layer structure of our previously proposed metal/SiO2/SiO
x
/3C-SiC/n-Si/metal metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) resistive memory device on the memory operation characteristics. The current–voltage (I–V) measurement and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy results suggest that SiO
x
defect states mainly caused by the oxidation of 3C-SiC at temperatures below 1000 °C are related to the hysteresis memory behavior in the I–V curve. By restricting the SiO
x
interface region, the number of switching cycles and the on/off current ratio are more enhanced. Compared with a memory device formed by one-step or two-step oxidation of 3C-SiC, a memory device formed by one-step oxidation of Si/3C-SiC exhibits a more restrictive SiO
x
interface with a more definitive SiO2 layer and higher memory performances for both the endurance switching cycle and on/off current ratio.
Necessary Conditions for Two-Lobe Patterns in Field Emission Microscopy
Authors: Neo Yoichiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Tomita Makoto , Sasaki Masahiro , Mimura Hidenori
Published: October 2012

We investigate the mechanism by which small organic molecules adsorbed on a field emission tip form cloverleaf patterns. This phenomenon was discovered by Müller in 1950. Many theories have been subsequently proposed for the formation of these patterns. However, their formation mechanism is not well understood. In a previous study, we obtained images of emission sites by field ion microscopy that contained the same shapes as cloverleaf patterns. In the present study, we experimentally determine the necessary conditions for obtaining cloverleaf patterns. Experiments using simple gas and liquid molecules with σ- or π-bonds clearly revealed that there are two main conditions for obtaining cloverleaf patterns: molecules must contain π-bonds and their adsorption state must be modulated by the electron current.
Fluid Modeling of a Nitrogen Atmospheric-Pressure Planar Dielectric Barrier Discharge Driven by a Realistic Distorted Sinusoidal Alternating Current Power Source
Authors: Cheng Kai-Wen , Hung Chieh-Tsan , Lin Kun-Mo , Chiu Yuan-Ming , Wu Jong-Shinn , Yu Jen-Perng
Published: October 2012

One-dimensional self-consistent simulations of a parallel-plate atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) are presented. The DBD was driven by a realistic distorted-sinusoidal voltage power source with a frequency of 60 kHz. The simulated discharge currents are in quantitative agreement with experimental measurements. N4+ions gain more of the input electric power than electrons, which is unlike most glow discharges. The densities of all charged and neutral species increase exponentially with increasing applied peak voltage in the range of 6.2–8.6 kV. The higher the permittivity of the dielectric material, the larger the discharge current and the longer the period of gas breakdown. In addition, the quantity of accumulated charges at each electrode increases with increasing permittivity of the dielectric material. Finally, the increase in dielectric thickness from 1.0 to 2.0 mm greatly reduces the densities of all species and also the plasma absorbed by the power.
Preparation of Aqueous Dispersion of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles using Plasma on Liquid Surface
Authors: Ito Michiko , Hayakawa Masahiro , Takashima Seigo , Asami Etsuo , Aoki Takeshi , Oka Masato , Asano Hiroyuki , Kitahara Michiro , Nakata Satoru , Yamaguchi Koichi , Murase Yoshiaki
Published: October 2012

A method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles by generating plasma on the liquid surface was developed. The plasma was generated between the tip of a needle electrode in the gas phase and the liquid surface. A 0.01 wt % aqueous dispersion of TiO2was prepared by plasma treatment with ultrasonication. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the average TiO2nanoparticle sizes in the dispersions with plasma treatment in air and Ar atmosphere were approximately 150 and 180 nm, respectively. Although the pH of the dispersion prepared by Ar plasma treatment was fairly close to the isoelectric point of TiO2, the dispersion maintained a finely dispersed state. The surface potentials of TiO2nanoparticles in the dispersions treated with plasma were confirmed to be positively charged. This suggests that the dispersions formed by plasma treatment were stabilized by electrostatic repulsion between the particles.
Imaging buddhist art with a digital large-format camera
Authors: Lu Zheng , Luo Wei , Sun Zhijun , Ben-Ezra Moshe , Brown Michael S.
Published: October 2012

This article describes recent field work undertaken by Microsoft Research Asia and the Dunhuang Academy to capture high-resolution images of Buddhist art at the UNESCO world heritage site, the
Mogao Caves
. This project is intended as a feasibility study examining the use of a digital large-format gigapixel camera to capture high-resolution images in a cultural heritage setting. In particular, we report on the current challenges faced by the Dunhuang Academy in their imaging efforts and how the use of a digital large-format camera can improve the quality of the imaging process while reducing time and effort. We also describe lessons learned from this field study as well as remaining challenges inherent to such projects.
A folksonomy-based recommender system for personalized access to digital artworks
Authors: Semeraro Giovanni , Lops Pasquale , De Gemmis Marco , Musto Cataldo , Narducci Fedelucio
Published: October 2012

Museums have recognized the need for supporting visitors in fulfilling a personalized experience when visiting artwork collections, and they have started to adopt recommender systems as a way to meet this requirement. Content-based recommender systems analyze features of artworks previously rated by a visitor and build a visitor model or profile, in which preferences and interests are stored, based on those features. For example, the profile of a visitor might store the names of his or her favorite painters or painting techniques, extracted from short textual descriptions associated with artworks. The user profile is then matched against the attributes of new items in order to provide personalized suggestions. The Web 2.0 (r)evolution has changed the game for personalization from “elitist” Web 1.0, written by few and read by many, to Web content potentially generated by everyone (
user-generated content
- UGC). One of the forms of UGC that has drawn most attention from the research community is
folksonomy
, a taxonomy generated by users who collaboratively annotate and categorize resources of interests with freely chosen keywords called tags.

In this work, we investigate the problem of deciding whether folksonomies might be a valuable source of information about user interests in the context of recommending digital artworks. We present FIRSt (
F
olksonomy-based
I
tem
R
ecommender sy
St
em), a content-based recommender system which integrates UGC through social tagging in a classic content-based model, letting users express their preferences for items by entering a numerical rating as well as by annotating items with free tags. Experiments show that the accuracy of recommendations increases when tags are exploited in the recommendation process to enrich user profiles, provided that tags are not used as a surrogate for the item descriptions, but in conjunction with them. FIRSt has been developed within the CHAT project “Cultural Heritage fruition & e-learning applications of new Advanced (multimodal) Technologies”, and it is the core of a bouquet of Web services designed for personalized museum tours.
Emotion and the Law
Authors: Bandes Susan A. , Blumenthal Jeremy A.
Published: October 2012

The field of law and emotion draws from a range of disciplines in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to shed light on the emotions that pervade the legal system. It utilizes insights from these disciplines to illuminate and assess the implicit and explicit assumptions about emotion that animate legal reasoning, legal doctrine, the behavior of legal actors, and the structure of legal institutions. In light of law's focus on influencing social norms and on structuring effective and just institutions, one development that holds enormous promise is the growing interdisciplinary interest in collective decision making and in the emotional dynamics of groups. Work in the affective sciences on how emotion and cognition interact is another rich vein for legal scholars interested in the assessment of responsibility and blame, the role of morality in law, and a host of other areas. Another important frontier is exploration of concrete solutions to the problems identified by law and emotion scholars.
Apical vacuole formation by gastric parietal cells in primary culture: effect of low extracellular Ca2+
Authors: Nakada Stephanie L. , Crothers James M. , Machen Terry E. , Forte John G.
Published: October 2012

In primary culture, the gastric parietal cell's deeply invaginated apical membrane, seen in microscopy by phalloidin binding to F-actin (concentrated in microvilli and a subapical web), is engulfed into the cell, separated from the basolateral membrane (which then becomes the complete plasma membrane), and converted, from a lacy interconnected system of canaliculi, into several separate vacuoles. In this study, vacuolar morphology was achieved by 71% of parietal cells 8 h after typical collagenase digestion of rabbit gastric mucosa, but the tight-junctional protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) was completely delocalized after ∼2 h, when cells were ready for culturing. Use of low-Ca2+ medium (4 mM EGTA) to release cells quickly from gastric glands yielded parietal cells in which ZO-1 was seen in a small spot or ring, a localization quickly lost if these cells were then cultured in normal Ca2+ but remaining up to 20 h if they were cultured in low Ca2+. The cells in low Ca2+ mostly retained, at 20 h, an intermediate morphology of many bulbous canalicular expansions (“prevacuoles”), seemingly with narrow interconnections. Histamine stimulation of 20-h cells with intermediate morphology caused colocalization of proton-pumping H-K-ATPase with canaliculi and prevacuoles but little swelling of those structures, consistent with a remaining apical pore through which secreted acid could escape. Apparent canalicular interconnections, lack of stimulated swelling, and lingering ZO-1 staining indicate inhibition of membrane fission processes that separate apical from basolateral membrane and vacuoles from each other, suggesting an important role for extracellular Ca2+ in these, and possibly other, endocytotic processes.
Sensorimotor feedback based on task-relevant error robustly predicts temporal recruitment and multidirectional tuning of muscle synergies
Authors: Safavynia Seyed A. , Ting Lena H.
Published: October 2012

We hypothesized that motor outputs are hierarchically organized such that descending temporal commands based on desired task-level goals flexibly recruit muscle synergies that specify the spatial patterns of muscle coordination that allow the task to be achieved. According to this hypothesis, it should be possible to predict the patterns of muscle synergy recruitment based on task-level goals. We demonstrated that the temporal recruitment of muscle synergies during standing balance control was robustly predicted across multiple perturbation directions based on delayed sensorimotor feedback of center of mass (CoM) kinematics (displacement, velocity, and acceleration). The modulation of a muscle synergy's recruitment amplitude across perturbation directions was predicted by the projection of CoM kinematic variables along the preferred tuning direction(s), generating cosine tuning functions. Moreover, these findings were robust in biphasic perturbations that initially imposed a perturbation in the sagittal plane and then, before sagittal balance was recovered, perturbed the body in multiple directions. Therefore, biphasic perturbations caused the initial state of the CoM to differ from the desired state, and muscle synergy recruitment was predicted based on the error between the actual and desired upright state of the CoM. These results demonstrate that that temporal motor commands to muscle synergies reflect task-relevant error as opposed to sensory inflow. The proposed hierarchical framework may represent a common principle of motor control across motor tasks and levels of the nervous system, allowing motor intentions to be transformed into motor actions.
Critical Role for the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EPHB4 in Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Hasina Rifat , Mollberg Nathan , Kawada Ichiro , Mutreja Karun , Kanade Geetanjali , Yala Soheil , Surati Mosmi , Liu Ren , Li Xiuqing , Zhou Yue , Ferguson Benjamin D. , Nallasura Vidya , Cohen Kenneth S. , Hyjek Elizabeth , Mueller Jeffery , Kanteti Rajani , El Hashani Essam , Kane Dorothy , Shimada Yutaka , Lingen Mark W. , Husain Aliya N. , Posner Mitchell C. , Waxman Irving , Villaflor Victoria M. , Ferguson Mark K. , Varticovski Lyuba , Vokes Everett E. , Gill Parkash , Salgia Ravi
Published: October 2012

Esophageal cancer incidence is increasing and has few treatment options. In studying receptor tyrosine kinases associated with esophageal cancers, we have identified EPHB4 to be robustly overexpressed in cell lines and primary tumor tissues. In total, 94 squamous cell carcinoma, 82 adenocarcinoma, 25 dysplasia, 13 Barrett esophagus, and 25 adjacent or unrelated normal esophageal tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. EPHB4 expression was significantly higher in all the different histologic categories than in adjacent normal tissues. In 13 esophageal cancer cell lines, 3 of the 9 SCC cell lines and 2 of the 4 adenocarcinomas expressed very high levels of EPHB4. An increased gene copy number ranging from 4 to 20 copies was identified in a subset of the overexpressing patient samples and cell lines. We have developed a novel 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-induced mouse model of esophageal cancer that recapitulates the EPHB4 expression in humans. A specific small-molecule inhibitor of EPHB4 decreased cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner in 3 of the 4 cell lines tested. The small-molecule inhibitor and an EPHB4 siRNA also decreased cell migration (12%–40% closure in treated vs. 60%–80% in untreated), with decreased phosphorylation of various tyrosyl-containing proteins, EphB4, and its downstream target p125FAK. Finally, in a xenograft tumor model, an EPHB4 inhibitor abrogated tumor growth by approximately 60% compared with untreated control. EphB4 is robustly expressed and potentially serves as a novel biomarker for targeted therapy in esophageal cancers. Cancer Res; 73(1); 184–94. ©2012 AACR.
Novel DNA Damage Checkpoints Mediating Cell Death Induced by the NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor MLN4924
Authors: Blank Jonathan L. , Liu Xiaozhen J. , Cosmopoulos Katherine , Bouck David C. , Garcia Khristofer , Bernard Hugues , Tayber Olga , Hather Greg , Liu Ray , Narayanan Usha , Milhollen Michael A. , Lightcap Eric S.
Published: October 2012

MLN4924 is an investigational small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) in phase I clinical trials. NAE inhibition prevents the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of substrates for cullin-RING ubiquitin E3 ligases that support cancer pathophysiology, but the genetic determinants conferring sensitivity to NAE inhibition are unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a genome-wide siRNA screen to identify genes and pathways that affect the lethality of MLN4924 in melanoma cells. Of the 154 genes identified, approximately one-half interfered with components of the cell cycle, apoptotic machinery, ubiquitin system, and DNA damage response pathways. In particular, genes involved in DNA replication, p53, BRCA1/BRCA2, transcription-coupled repair, and base excision repair seemed to be important for MLN4924 lethality. In contrast, genes within the G2–M checkpoint affected sensitivity to MLN4924 in colon cancer cells. Cell-cycle analysis in melanoma cells by flow cytometry following RNAi-mediated silencing showed that MLN4924 prevented the transition of cells from S–G2 phase after induction of rereplication stress. Our analysis suggested an important role for the p21-dependent intra-S-phase checkpoint and extensive rereplication, whereas the ATR-dependent intra-S-phase checkpoint seemed to play a less dominant role. Unexpectedly, induction of the p21-dependent intra-S-phase checkpoint seemed to be independent of both Cdt1 stabilization and ATR signaling. Collectively, these data enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which inhibition of NEDD8-dependent ubiquitination causes cell death, informing clinical development of MLN4924. Cancer Res; 73(1); 225–34. ©2012 AACR.