bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is a Common Currency Area Feasible for East Asia? A Multivariate Structural Vector Autoregression Approach
Authors: Hsu Hsiu‐Fen
Published: November 2010

In this paper the feasibility of forming a common currency area in East Asia is investigated. A three‐variable structural vector autoregression model is used to identify three types of shocks: global, regional and domestic shocks. The empirical results show that in the post‐crisis period the importance of asymmetric domestic shocks has declined sharply, whereas that of symmetric global and regional shocks has increased. Furthermore, although a ‘prevalent shock’ cannot be uniquely defined, most East Asian economies respond to global and regional shocks in a symmetric way. Although the findings do not provide strong support for forming a common currency area in this region at the current stage, they suggest that most East Asian economies have become relatively symmetric in terms of economic shocks and adjustments, implying that a common currency area might become viable through deepening regional integration.
Estimating the Value of Undergrounding Electricity and Telecommunications Networks
Authors: McNair Ben , Abelson Peter
Published: November 2010

Underground low‐voltage electricity and telecommunications networks have a number of advantages over overhead networks, including reliability of supply, safety and improved visual amenity. This article investigates the value of these benefits to households by estimating the relationship between house prices and type of network service in three suburbs in Canberra, Australia. Holding other house and neighbourhood characteristics constant, we find that underground networks increase house prices by 2.9 per cent. Although the electricity network in Canberra has some unusual features, this approach can provide valuable information to policy‐makers considering undergrounding programs in residential areas.
Expanding Prosperity by Becoming an Eco‐Municipality
Authors: SILBERSTEIN JANE
Published: November 2010

Much of rural America has unique qualities that, when guided by the Eco‐Municipality model, can strengthen local community and assist in the movement toward sustainability. The Eco‐Municipality model, originating in Sweden and guided by ecological and social justice values and The Natural Step, is sweeping across the United States and has been adopted by many communities, ranging in size from 300 to 80,000. These communities have better positioned themselves for long‐term, economic, social and environmental well‐being by, for example, retaining sense of place, capitalizing on existing assets, diversifying the local economy, minimizing economic leaks—in part by nurturing local entrepreneurs—making improvements to the local inventory of housing and access to health care, and most importantly, establishing a consistent systems approach to community development.
Single Point Gradient Blow‐Up and Nonuniqueness for a Third‐Order Nonlinear Dispersion Equation
Authors: Galaktionov Victor A.
Published: November 2010

A basic mechanism of a formation of shocks via gradient blow‐up from analytic solutions for the third‐order nonlinear dispersion PDE from compacton theoryimageis studied. Various self‐similar solutions exhibiting single point gradient blow‐up in finite time, as t → T−< ∞, with locally bounded final time profiles u(x, T−), are constructed. These are shown to admit infinitely many discontinuous shock‐type similarity extensions for t > T, all of them satisfying generalized Rankine–Hugoniot's condition at shocks. As a consequence, the nonuniqueness of solutions of the Cauchy problem after blow‐up is detected. This is in striking difference with general uniqueness‐entropy theory for the 1D conservation laws such as (a partial differential equation, PDE, Euler's equation from gas dynamics)imagecreated by Oleinik in the middle of the 1950s. Contrary to(1)and not surprisingly, self‐similar gradient blow‐up for(2)is shown to admit a unique continuation.

Bearing in mind the classic form(2), the NDE(1)can be written asimagewith the standard linear integral operator (−D2x)−1> 0. However, because(3)is a nonlocal equation, no standard entropy and/or BV‐approaches apply (moreover, the x‐variations of solutions of(3)is increasing for BV data u0(x)).
On the Distribution of Runs Scored and Batting Strategy in Test Cricket
Authors: Scarf Philip , Shi Xin , Akhtar Sohail
Published: November 2010

Negative binomial distributions are fitted to partnership scores and innings scores in test cricket. For partnership scores, we use a parametric model that allows us to consider run rate as a covariate in the distribution of runs scored and hence to use run rate as a surrogate for batting strategy. Then we describe the implied influence of run rate on match outcome probabilities given the state of the match at some point during the third innings; we refer to such a point in the match as the current position. Match outcome probabilities are calculated by using a model for the outcome given the end of the third-innings position, and a model for transitions from the current position to the end of the third-innings position, with transition probabilities considered as a function of run rate. Although the run rate is not wholly in the control of the batting side, our approach at least allows a captain or team analyst to consider the match outcome probability if the team can bat towards a target at a particular run rate. This will then at least indicate whether an aggressive or defensive batting strategy is desirable.
The Use of Propensity Scores to Assess the Generalizability of Results from Randomized Trials
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth A. , Cole Stephen R. , Bradshaw Catherine P. , Leaf Philip J.
Published: November 2010

Randomized trials remain the most accepted design for estimating the effects of interventions, but they do not necessarily answer a question of primary interest: will the programme be effective in a target population in which it may be implemented? In other words, are the results generalizable? There has been very little statistical research on how to assess the generalizability, or ‘external validity’, of randomized trials. We propose the use of propensity-score-based metrics to quantify the similarity of the participants in a randomized trial and a target population. In this setting the propensity score model predicts participation in the randomized trial, given a set of covariates. The resulting propensity scores are used first to quantify the difference between the trial participants and the target population, and then to match, subclassify or weight the control group outcomes to the population, assessing how well the propensity-score-adjusted outcomes track the outcomes that are actually observed in the population. These metrics can serve as a first step in assessing the generalizability of results from randomized trials to target populations. The paper lays out these ideas, discusses the assumptions underlying the approach and illustrates the metrics by using data on the evaluation of a schoolwide prevention programme called ‘Positive behavioral interventions and supports’.
Latent Class Profile Analysis: An Application to Stage Sequential Processes in Early Onset Drinking Behaviours
Authors: Chung Hwan , Anthony James C. , Schafer Joseph L.
Published: November 2010

In longitudinal research on early onset drinkers, much attention has been paid to the identification of subgroups of individuals who follow similar sequential patterns of drinking behaviours. However, research on the sequential development of drinking behaviour can be challenging in part because it may not be possible to observe the particular drinking behaviour stage at a given point in time directly. To address this difficulty, we can use a latent class analysis, which provides a set of principles for the systematic identification of homogeneous subgroups of individuals. In this work, we apply a latent class analysis in an investigation of stage sequential patterns of drinking behaviours among early onset drinkers, using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. A latent class analysis approach is used to sort different patterns of drinking behaviours into a small number of classes at each measurement occasion; and the class sequencing of early onset drinkers over the entire set of time points is evaluated to identify two or more homogeneous early onset drinkers who exhibit a similar sequence of class memberships over time. This approach uncovers four common drinking behaviours in early onset drinkers over three measurements from early to late adolescence. The sequences of drinking behaviours can be grouped into three sequential patterns representing the most probable progression of early onset drinking behaviours.
Communication as Commodity: Should the Media be on the Market?
Authors: CLAASSEN RUTGER
Published: November 2010

abstract

Should media communication be left to the market, or rather (partly) removed from the market? This question is discussed by reconstructing an often‐found ‘standard argument’ in the literature on the subject. This standard argument states that some form of market‐independent media provision is required since markets will fail to deliver a specific kind of high‐quality content conducive to the democratic process. This paper argues that the standard argument is defective in several respects. By doing so, it reevaluates the way we think about the contribution of the media towards democracy and the role that the market is to play in this respect. First, the paper argues that the standard argument's normative premise should not be couched in a welfarist theory but in terms of the capabilities that the media should strive to realise. Second, it sets the normative expectations of the media's contribution towards the public sphere and democracy at too high a level. Third, the standard argument's diagnosis of the market's failure incorrectly assumes that the market can never generate the demand for high‐quality content. An alternative, more circumscribed claim about the market's failure is presented, resting on two more contingent types of demand failure.
INCIDENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHEESE
Authors: ÜNLÜ TEOMAN , KOLUMAN AHMET , BURKAN ZEYNEP T. , TEZEL ATANUR , AKÇELIK E. NAZAN , ÇALIM H. DUYGU , ATA ZAFER
Published: November 2010

Cheese is one of the major protein sources consumed in Turkey. In this study, 120 samples of white cheese, cheddar cheese, Cypriot Halloumi, braid cheese and cream cheese were evaluated for Escherichia coli contamination, and also, antibiotic resistance patterns of strains were examined. For this purpose, totally 600 cheese samples were analyzed and 67 of those (11.16%) were found to be contaminated with E. coli. On the other hand, the survey was designed for veterinarians who work in dairy cattle farms. The survey was not only questioning antibiotic administration, but it was also determining the usage of antimicrobials both in prophylaxis and in treatment of mastitis. Erythromycin and gentamycin are mostly preferred antibiotic with a ratio of 100% by veterinarians. These two antibiotics were followed by cephapirin, neomycin, cephalosporin, penicillin G, amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, pirlimycin with a ratio of 92, 87, 85, 85, 79, 78 and 68, respectively. Data acquired from this study indicate that there is a significant relation between field applications of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli in cheese. The results of this study underline the effect of a massive administration of antimicrobials for both in prophylaxis and in treatment of mastitis which may also trigger an antimicrobial resistance in E. coli strains. This is not only important for antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from cheese, but also for a possibility of plasmid resistance that can lead to conjugation with other bacteria. In case the above mentioned case occurs, this may cause a significant public health problem.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This paper represents data about the incidence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains isolated from different cheese types in Turkey. The results of the survey underline a strong correlation between antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and reckless massive administration of antimicrobial agents. The aim of this paper is to help trigger different surveys which will be designed to determine antimicrobial administration by veterinarians working at farm level. The design of this study shows that further studies are needed to contribute and strengthen the laboratory data that we have found. The results of this study underline practical application of field surveys which will help strengthen the meaning of antimicrobial resistance data. The antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli strains that we have evaluated will provide useful information for the development of public health policy in the use of antimicrobial agents in food animal production.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CRONOBACTER SPECIES (ENTEROBACTER SAKAZAKII) ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD SOURCES
Authors: MOFOKENG LUCAS , CAWTHORN DONNA‐MAREE , WITTHUHN R. CORLI , ANELICH LUCIA E.C.M. , JOOSTE PIET J.
Published: November 2010

Cronobacter spp. are opportunistic foodborne pathogens associated with infections in neonates and infants, particularly those that are premature or immunocompromised. Outbreaks of Cronobacter infections in infants have been epidemiologically linked to the consumption of contaminated powdered infant formulae. Since the designation of Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) as a unique species in 1980, a number of methods have been proposed for its detection and identification. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare different tools used for the identification of presumptive Cronobacter isolates. The bioMérieux API 20E biochemical bacterial identification kit (Omnimed (Pty), Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa) was shown not to be a reliable identification tool for the Cronobacter strains examined in the current study, since it gave false‐positive results. The API 50CHE biochemical kit was shown to be more reliable giving similar results to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and DNA sequence data. The primer pair Esakf/Esakr proved to be the most reliable PCR identification tool. Additional differentiating traits and antibiotic patterns were demonstrated for Cronobacter species in the current study.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Since the designation of Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) as a unique species, a number of methods have been proposed for its detection and identification. In this study, different phenotypic and genetic tools used for the identification of a range of presumptive Cronobacter isolates from food sources were evaluated and compared. The API 50CHE biochemical kit gave similar results to the genetic typing results. The primer pair Esakf/Esakr proved to be the most reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification tool, while the other two primer pairs tested, namely EsAgf/EsAgr and Saka‐1/Saka‐2b, could not successfully identify all Cronobacter strains tested. The results of this study emphasize the importance of using molecular methods, such as PCR with the 16S rDNA‐targeting primers Esakf/Esakr to confirm the identity of Cronobacter isolates identified using biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility methods.
Development of Australian portion size photographs to enhance self‐administered online dietary assessments for adults
Authors: PROBST Yasmine , JONES Holley , SAMPSON Gemma , SMITH Kimberley
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Technology is being used increasingly for dietary assessment, to streamline and improve the efficiency. These technologies allow for the inclusion of visual food portion images within the assessments rather than in addition to them as previously required. This paper describes the methodology for creating these food portion images using an online dietary assessment website (DietAdvice) as an example technology. The images include country‐specific Australian food items, not previously available.

Methods:  Foods contained in the DietAdvice website were assessed to determine the number requiring food portion images. Preparation methods, recipes and portion sizes were determined for the foods, which varied from single foods through to cooked dishes and beverages. Foods were photographed by a professional photographer against a white background on a standard dinner plate or bowl with a standard of reference in each frame.

Results:  Approximately 200 food items required images, with varying portion sizes ranging from two to eight images per food item. Six hundred and thirty‐one photographs were taken. Food such as ice‐cream, burritos and fruit needed to be photographed quickly to prevent deterioration and ensure a quality real‐to‐life photographs.

Conclusion:  The art of photographing food portions itself is a difficult task. Inappropriate angles or lighting can make the food appear larger or smaller than it actually is. Timing is critical as the food can melt, wilt, collapse or discolour if the photo is not taken promptly. Clear labelling and a standard of reference for all photographs was necessary. The developed food portion images will allow users of the DietAdvice website to estimate portion sizes more accurately than text‐based sizes alone, although validation is required.
Going rural but not staying long: Recruitment and retention issues for the rural dietetic workforce in Australia
Authors: BROWN Leanne , WILLIAMS Lauren , CAPRA Sandra
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To determine the recruitment and retention issues for rural based dietetic services.

Methods:  A sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was used to examine six case study sites of dietetic practice, in a geographical area covering 30 000 km2 in rural New South Wales, Australia. Quantitative data were obtained from document searches of human resource records between 1991 and 2006. Data were tabulated and counts and proportions used. Qualitative data were obtained from in‐depth semistructured individual interviews conducted with 40 key informants including past and present dietitians (n = 28), dietetic managers (n = 3), health service managers (n = 6) and other key influencers (n = 3). The interviews were thematically analysed using the NVivo 7 program. Themes were coded into common categories, using a constant comparison inductive approach.

Results:  Ninety individual dietitians (94% female) were employed across the six sites over 15 years. The majority were new graduates with less than 1 year of experience. Approximately one‐third remained in their position for less than 6 months while 32% remained for 2 years or longer. Key themes emerged from the qualitative data around the characteristics of a rural role, line management of dietitians in a rural site and establishing and maintaining rural staff.

Conclusion:  Recruitment and retention in rural areas may be improved in the future through strategies to reduce perceived professional isolation, improve management support, access to continuing education and the development of career pathways.
Design and NMR Studies of Cyclic Peptides Targeting the N‐Terminal Domain of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase YopH
Authors: Leone Marilisa , Barile Elisa , Dahl Russell , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: November 2010

We report on the design and evaluation of novel cyclic peptides targeting the N‐terminal domain of the protein tyrosine phosphatase YopH from Yersinia. Cyclic peptides have been designed based on a short sequence from the protein SKAP‐HOM [DE(pY)DDPF (pY = phosphotyrosine)], and they all contain the motif DEZXDPfK (where Z is a phosphotyrosine or a non‐hydrolyzable phosphotyrosine mimetic, X is an aspartic acid or a leucine and f is a d‐phenylalanine). These peptides present a ‘head to tail’ architecture, enabling cyclization through formation of an amide bond in between the side chains of the first aspartic acid and the lysine residues. Chemical shift perturbation studies have been carried out to monitor the binding of these peptides to the N‐terminal domain of YopH. Peptides containing a phosphotyrosine moiety exhibit binding affinities in the low micromolar range; substitution of the phosphotyrosine with one of its non‐hydrolyzable derivatives dramatically reduces the binding affinities. These preliminary studies may pave the way for the discovery of more potent and selective peptide‐based ligands of the YopH N‐terminal domain which could be further investigated for their ability to inhibit Yersiniae infections.
The Economic Rehabilitation of North Korea: Prospects after Kim Jong‐il
Authors: Grinter Lawrence E.
Published: November 2010

Despite having signed or agreed to four formal weapon denuclearization agreements, the Kim Jong‐il family regime in Pyongyang shows no fundamental willingness to give up its nuclear weapons. Therefore this article looks past the denuclearization issue, and examines the potential for a future rehabilitation of North Korea's economy in a post‐Kim era. Four economic sectors or challenges are analyzed within the context of badly needed North Korean macroeconomic reform: energy utilization and the potential for a new natural gas arrangement with Russia; personal income growth tied to major labor reorientations focused on manufacturing for export; expanding capitalist projects like the Kaesong Industrial Complex; and expanding DPRK foreign trade with South Korea, China, Russia and other countries. This paper's thesis is that once the Kim family legacy of autarchy, corruption, and militarism can be buried, and if a reformist North Korean regime comes forward and institutionalizes state‐directed capitalism (as occurred in China and Vietnam), North Korea already has the clear potential to economically develop, shed its tragic legacy, and be welcomed by the international community.
Engaging both the Eagle and the Dragon: The Philippines' Precarious and Futile Attempt in Equi‐balancing
Authors: De Castro Renato Cruz
Published: November 2010

The article examines the limits and challenges small powers face when they adjust to systemic changes. Specifically, this article discusses the Philippines' conduct of a diplomatic strategy of equi‐balancing between the USA and China. In this strategy, the Philippines enhances and deepens its security relations with its strategic ally, the USA and at the same time, obtains economic assistance and politico‐diplomatic concessions from East Asia's emergent power, China. The Philippines' diplomatic gambit, however, is restrained by its formal alliance with the USA and its chronic territorial dispute with China over the Spratly Islands. At present, several developments are undermining Manila's efforts in playing this balancing game with Washington and Beijing. These are: the Philippines' passive role in this triangular relation; its status as Washington's formal treaty; its volatile domestic politics; and the tension in Philippine–China relations generated by the two countries' territorial dispute. In conclusion, the article warns that current dynamics in both Philippine–US and Sino–US relations can transform the Philippine role in this triangle from a passive and opportunistic balancer to a pawn, or a spoil, or a perpetual weak/buffer state – a tragic victim of 21st century big power realpolitik.
Modulation of contractile apparatus Ca2+ sensitivity and disruption of excitation–contraction coupling by S‐nitrosoglutathione in rat muscle fibres
Authors: Dutka T. L. , Mollica J. P. , Posterino G. S. , Lamb G. D.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary  Repeated activity of muscle fibres generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and these may affect many intracellular processes, possibly modifying force production both in the short‐term and the long‐term. ROS applied to muscle fibres can cause increased or decreased force responses, but the mechanisms and sites involved are not well understood. In the experiments here, the surface membrane was removed from individual muscle fibres and various ROS applied. In this way it was possible to determine the effects on each of the steps involved in muscle contraction. The various ROS were found to affect force responses primarily by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity of the contractile proteins to calcium ions. The ROS did not appreciably affect electrical excitability, calcium release from the internal stores or the maximum force producing capacity of the contractile proteins unless applied at very high concentration for a prolonged period. Interestingly, one particular ROS known to be generated inside muscle fibres did disrupt signalling and contraction, and this might account for the ability of ROS to cause long‐lasting muscle fatigue in certain circumstances.
Power Generation Properties of Microtubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Bundle Under Pressurized Conditions
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Liu Y. , Asano K. , Yoshiba F. , Mori M. , Funahashi Y. , Fujishiro Y.
Published: November 2010

A microtubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) bundle was developed based on a new design. Anode-supported microtubular SOFCs with the cell configuration, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF)-Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (CGO) cathode/CGO electrolyte/Ni-CGO anode were fabricated and bundled in a porous LSCF current-collecting cube with sides of 1 cm. The power generation of the fabricated SOFC bundle was measured under pressurized conditions. Using humidified 30% H2/N2 mixture gas and air, the cubic power density of the bundle at 500°C under atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) was 0.47 W cm−3 at 0.4 A cm−2. With increasing operating pressure, the performance increased, and the cubic power density reached 0.66 W cm−3 at 0.6 MPa. The power enhancement brought about by pressurization was due to increased open circuit voltage and reduced polarization resistance. After comparing the power gain of the pressurized SOFC and the power consumption gain of the air compressor used for pressurization, it was found that pressurized cell operation exhibited the highest actual power gain at around 0.3 MPa.
Axisymmetric Optical-Trap Measurement of Red Blood Cell Membrane Elasticity
Authors: Lewalle Alexandre , Parker Kim H.
Published: November 2010

The elastic properties of the cell membrane play a crucial role in determining the equilibrium shape of the cell, as well as its response to the external forces it experiences in its physiological environment. Red blood cells are a favored system for studying membrane properties because of their simple structure: a lipid bilayer coupled to a membrane cytoskeleton and no cytoplasmic cytoskeleton. An optical trap is used to stretch a red blood cell, fixed to a glass surface, along its symmetry axis by pulling on a micron-sized latex bead that is bound at the center of the exposed cell dimple. The system, at equilibrium, shows Hookean behavior with a spring constant of 1.5×10−6 N/m over a 1–2 μm range of extension. This choice of simple experimental geometry preserves the axial symmetry of the native cell throughout the stretch, probes membrane deformations in the small-extension regime, and facilitates theoretical analysis. The axisymmetry makes the experiment amenable to simulation using a simple model that makes no a priori assumption on the relative importance of shear and bending in membrane deformations. We use an iterative relaxation algorithm to solve for the geometrical configuration of the membrane at mechanical equilibrium for a range of applied forces. We obtain estimates for the out-of-plane membrane bending modulus B≈1×10−19 Nm and an upper limit to the in-plane shear modulus H<2×10−6 N/m. The partial agreement of these results with other published values may serve to highlight the dependence of the cell’s resistance to deformation on the scale and geometry of the deformation.
Micro-Brillouin Scattering Measurements in Mature and Newly Formed Bone Tissue Surrounding an Implant
Authors: Mathieu Vincent , Fukui Kenji , Matsukawa Mami , Kawabe Masahiko , Vayron Romain , Soffer Emmanuel , Anagnostou Fani , Haiat Guillaume
Published: November 2010

The evolution of implant stability in bone tissue remains difficult to assess because remodeling phenomena at the bone-implant interface are still poorly understood. The characterization of the biomechanical properties of newly formed bone tissue in the vicinity of implants at the microscopic scale is of importance in order to better understand the osseointegration process. The objective of this study is to investigate the potentiality of micro-Brillouin scattering techniques to differentiate mature and newly formed bone elastic properties following a multimodality approach using histological analysis. Coin-shaped Ti–6Al–4V implants were placed in vivo at a distance of 200 μm from rabbit tibia leveled cortical bone surface, leading to an initially empty cavity of 200 μm×4.4 mm. After 7 weeks of implantation, the bone samples were removed, fixed, dehydrated, embedded in methyl methacrylate, and sliced into 190 μm thick sections. Ultrasonic velocity measurements were performed using a micro-Brillouin scattering device within regions of interest (ROIs) of 10 μm diameter. The ROIs were located in newly formed bone tissue (within the 200 μm gap) and in mature bone tissue (in the cortical layer of the bone sample). The same section was then stained for histological analysis of the mineral content of the bone sample. The mean values of the ultrasonic velocities were equal to 4.97×10−3 m/s in newly formed bone tissue and 5.31×10−3 m/s in mature bone. Analysis of variance (p=2.42×10−4) tests revealed significant differences between the two groups of measurements. The standard deviation of the velocities was significantly higher in newly formed bone than in mature bone. Histological observations allow to confirm the accurate locations of the velocity measurements and showed a lower degree of mineralization in newly formed bone than in the mature cortical bone. The higher ultrasonic velocity measured in newly formed bone tissue compared with mature bone might be explained by the higher mineral content in mature bone, which was confirmed by histology. The heterogeneity of biomechanical properties of newly formed bone at the micrometer scale may explain the higher standard deviation of velocity measurements in newly formed bone compared with mature bone. The results demonstrate the feasibility of micro-Brillouin scattering technique to investigate the elastic properties of newly formed bone tissue.
Pure Passive Hyperextension of the Human Cadaver Knee Generates Simultaneous Bicruciate Ligament Rupture
Authors: Meyer Eric G. , Baumer Timothy G. , Haut Roger C.
Published: November 2010

Knee hyperextension has been described as a mechanism of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, but clinical and experimental studies have produced contradictory results for the ligament injuries and the injury sequence caused by the hyperextension loading mechanism. The hypothesis of this study was that bicruciate ligament injuries would occur as a result of knee hyperextension by producing high tibio-femoral (TF) compressive forces that would cause anterior translation of the tibia to rupture the ACL, while joint extension would simultaneously induce rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Six human knees were loaded in hyperextension until gross injury, while bending moments and motions were recorded. Pressure sensitive film documented the magnitude and location of TF compressive forces. The peak bending moment at failure was 108 N m±46 N m at a total extension angle of 33.6 deg±11 deg. All joints failed by simultaneous ACL and PCL damages at the time of a sudden drop in the bending moment. High compressive forces were measured in the anterior compartments of the knee and likely produced the anterior tibial subluxation, which contributed to excessive tension in the ACL. The injury to the PCL at the same time may have been due to excessive extension of the joint. These data, and the comparisons with previous experimental studies, may help explain the mechanisms of knee ligament injury during hyperextension. Knowledge of forces and constraints that occur clinically could then help diagnose primary and secondary joint injuries following hyperextension of the human knee.
Integration of block copolymer directed assembly with 193 immersion lithography
Authors: Liu Chi-Chun , Nealey Paul F. , Raub Alex K. , Hakeem Philip J. , Brueck Steve R. J. , Han Eungnak , Gopalan Padma
Published: November 2010

An integration scheme of block copolymer directed assembly with 193 nm immersion lithography is presented. It is experimentally shown that a thin silicon nitride film can be used as an antireflective coating (ARC). With such an ARC, directed assembly of a block copolymer (BCP) to triple the feature density of a chemical pattern was demonstrated. A high quality of assembly was obtained over a large area, and pattern transfer feasibility was illustrated. The integration of feature density multiplication via directed assembly of a BCP with 193 nm immersion lithography provided a pattern quality that was comparable with existing double patterning techniques, suggesting that the process could be a promising candidate for extending the use of current 193 immersion lithography tools to higher pattern densities.
High transmission pellicles for extreme ultraviolet lithography reticle protection
Authors: Shroff Yashesh A. , Leeson Michael , Yan Pei-Yang , Gullikson Eric , Salmassi Farhad
Published: November 2010

The authors present the results of a full-field extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pellicle for reticle protection and defect mitigation. Based on novel microelectromechanical systems based fabrication, it comprises a 50 nm Si membrane attached to a wire-grid. Two types of pellicle fabrication techniques are described. The authors present the first actinic results of extreme ultraviolet lithography reticle with pellicle exposed on IMEC Advanced Demo Tool. The impact of different pellicle types on imaging is evaluated as a function of pellicle standoff distance and mesh geometry. A new prototype pellicle has been developed with a measured transmission of 82% in EUV. Actinic exposures are complemented with aerial image modeling, thermal analysis, vacuum cycling, resist outgas tests, and >5 g repeated scan cycle robustness tests.
Single-walled carbon nanotube alignment by grating-guided electrostatic self-assembly
Authors: Li Huifeng , Sun Dazhi , Sue Hung-Jue , Cheng Xing
Published: November 2010

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) has attracted widespread attention due to their exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Many applications require SWNT alignment and placement with good controllability to achieve the expected performance. The authors report here a simple but effective approach for SWNT alignment, which is based on grating-guided electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) in a polymer template patterned by nanoimprint. SWNT stripes can be obtained by removing the polymer template after ESA. The SWNT stripes on the substrate show strong polarized Raman signal, which is indicative of a high-level alignment of the SWNTs in the stripes. The effect of surfactants on the guided ESA process is discussed. The advantages of this SWNT alignment technique are flexibility and scalability. As an easy-to-process approach, the SWNT alignment by grating-guided ESA may advance the practical applications of SWNTs in integrated microelectronic systems.
Shape control and density multiplication of cylinder-forming ternary block copolymer-homopolymer blend thin films on chemical patterns
Authors: Kang Huiman , Detcheverry Francois , Stuen Karl O. , Craig Gordon S. W. , de Pablo Juan J. , Gopalan Padma , Nealey Paul F.
Published: November 2010

The effect of the chemical pattern spot size, the spacing on the size, and the shape of the cylindrical domains in thin films of a ternary block copolymer/homopolymer/homopolymer blend was investigated over a range of homopolymer volume fractions. Cylinder-forming ternary blends were composed of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA), and the corresponding PS and PMMA homopolymers were directed to assemble on chemical patterns that had density multiplication ratios ranging from 1:1 to 4:1. By increasing the homopolymer fraction in the blends, the dimensions of the domains were expanded. When the size of the spots on the chemical pattern was not matched with the size of the domain of the blend in the bulk, the dimensions of the domains at the free surface of the assembled films differed from those at the interface with the chemical pattern.
Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Dose-Ranging Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, Population Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of Oral Torezolid Phosphate in Patients with Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Authors: Prokocimer P. , Bien P. , Surber J. , Mehra P. , DeAnda C. , Bulitta J. B. , Corey G. R.
Published: November 2010

Torezolid (TR-700) is the active moiety of the prodrug torezolid phosphate ([TP] TR-701), a second-generation oxazolidinone with 4- to 16-fold greater potency than linezolid against Gram-positive species including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). A double-blind phase 2 study evaluated three levels (200, 300, or 400 mg) of oral, once-daily TP over 5 to 7 days for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). Patients 18 to 75 years old with cSSSI caused by suspected or confirmed Gram-positive pathogens were randomized 1:1:1. Of 188 treated patients, 76.6% had abscesses, 17.6% had extensive cellulitis, and 5.9% had wound infections.
S. aureus
, the most common pathogen, was isolated in 90.3% of patients (139/154) with a baseline pathogen; 80.6% were MRSA. Cure rates in clinically evaluable patients were 98.2% at 200 mg, 94.4% at 300 mg, and 94.4% at 400 mg. Cure rates were consistent across diagnoses, regardless of lesion size or the presence of systemic signs of infection. Clinical cure rates in patients with
S. aureus
isolated at baseline were 96.6% overall and 96.8% for MRSA. TP was safe and well tolerated at all dose levels. No patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. Three-stage hierarchical population pharmacokinetic modeling yielded a geometric mean clearance of 8.28 liters/h (between-patient variability, 32.3%), a volume of the central compartment of 71.4 liters (24.0%), and a volume of the peripheral compartment of 27.9 liters (35.7%). Results of this study show a high degree of efficacy at all three dose levels without significant differences in the safety profile and support the continued evaluation of TP for the treatment of cSSSI in phase 3 trials.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Piperacillin-Tazobactam Using Spent Dialysate Effluent in Patients Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis
Authors: Connor Michael J. , Salem Charbel , Bauer Seth R. , Hofmann Christina L. , Groszek Joseph , Butler Robert , Rehm Susan J. , Fissell William H.
Published: November 2010

Sepsis and multisystem organ failure are common diagnoses affecting nearly three-quarters of a million Americans annually. Infection is the leading cause of death in acute kidney injury, and the majority of critically ill patients who receive continuous dialysis also receive antibiotics. Dialysis equipment and prescriptions have gradually changed over time, raising concern that current drug dosing recommendations in the literature may result in underdosing of antibiotics. Our research group directed its attention toward antibiotic dosing strategies in patients with acute renal failure (ARF), and we sought data confirming that patients receiving continuous dialysis and antibiotics actually were achieving therapeutic plasma drug levels during treatment. In the course of those investigations, we explored “fast-track” strategies to estimate plasma drug concentrations. As most antimicrobial antibiotics are small molecules and should pass freely through modern high-flux hemodialyzer filters, we hypothesized that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) effluent could be used as the medium for drug concentration measurement by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Here we present the first data demonstrating this approach for piperacillin-tazobactam. Paired blood and dialysate trough-peak-trough samples were drawn from 19 patients receiving piperacillin-tazobactam and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). Total, free, and dialysate drug concentrations were measured by HPLC. Dialysate drug levels predicted plasma free drug levels well (
r
2
= 0.91 and 0.92 for piperacillin and tazobactam, respectively) in all patients. These data suggest a strategy for therapeutic drug monitoring that minimizes blood loss from phlebotomy and simplifies analytic procedures.
Use of an
In
Vitro
Pharmacodynamic Model To Derive a Moxifloxacin Regimen That Optimizes Kill of
Yersinia pestis
and Prevents Emergence of Resistance
Authors: Louie A. , Heine H. S. , VanScoy B. , Eichas A. , Files K. , Fikes S. , Brown D. L. , Liu W. , Kinzig-Schippers M. , Sörgel F. , Drusano G. L.
Published: November 2010

Yersinia pestis
, the causative agent of bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague, is classified as a CDC category A bioterrorism pathogen. Streptomycin and doxycycline are the “gold standards” for the treatment of plague. However, streptomycin is not available in many countries, and
Y. pestis
isolates resistant to streptomycin and doxycycline occur naturally and have been generated in laboratories. Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that demonstrates potent activity against
Y. pestis
in
in vitro
and animal infection models. However, the dose and frequency of administration of moxifloxacin that would be predicted to optimize treatment efficacy in humans while preventing the emergence of resistance are unknown. Therefore, dose range and dose fractionation studies for moxifloxacin were conducted for
Y. pestis
in an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model in which the half-lives of moxifloxacin in human serum were simulated so as to identify the lowest drug exposure and the schedule of administration that are linked with killing of
Y. pestis
and with the suppression of resistance. In the dose range studies, simulated moxifloxacin regimens of ≥175 mg/day killed drug-susceptible bacteria without resistance amplification. Dose fractionation studies demonstrated that the AUC (area under the concentration-time curve)/MIC ratio predicted kill of drug-susceptible
Y. pestis
, while the
C
max
(maximum concentration of the drug in serum)/MIC ratio was linked to resistance prevention. Monte Carlo simulations predicted that moxifloxacin at 400 mg/day would successfully treat human infection due to
Y. pestis
in 99.8% of subjects and would prevent resistance amplification. We conclude that in an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model, the clinically prescribed moxifloxacin regimen of 400 mg/day is predicted to be highly effective for the treatment of
Y. pestis
infections in humans. Studies of moxifloxacin in animal models of plague are warranted.
Sustained Viral Response in a Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Chimpanzee via a Combination of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Olsen David B. , Davies Mary-Ellen , Handt Larry , Koeplinger Kenneth , Zhang Nanyan Rena , Ludmerer Steven W. , Graham Donald , Liverton Nigel , MacCoss Malcolm , Hazuda Daria , Carroll Steven S.
Published: November 2010

Efforts to develop novel, interferon-sparing therapies for treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection are contingent on the ability of combination therapies consisting of direct antiviral inhibitors to achieve a sustained virologic response. This work demonstrates a proof of concept that coadministration of the nucleoside analogue MK-0608 with the protease inhibitor MK-7009, both of which produced robust viral load declines as monotherapy, to an HCV-infected chimpanzee can achieve a cure of infection.
Outbreak of Colistin-Resistant, Carbapenem-Resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Marchaim Dror , Chopra Teena , Pogue Jason M. , Perez Federico , Hujer Andrea M. , Rudin Susan , Endimiani Andrea , Navon-Venezia Shiri , Hothi Jatinder , Slim Jessica , Blunden Christopher , Shango Maryann , Lephart Paul R. , Salimnia Hossein , Reid Deborah , Moshos Judy , Hafeez Wasif , Bheemreddy Suchitha , Chen Ting-Yi , Dhar Sorabh , Bonomo Robert A. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: November 2010

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has spread worldwide and throughout the United States. Colistin is used extensively to treat infections with this organism. We describe a cluster of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
infection cases involving three institutions in Detroit, MI. A cluster of five cases of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
was identified at Detroit Medical Center (DMC) from 27 July to 22 August 2009. Epidemiologic data were collected, and transmission opportunities were analyzed. Isolates were genotyped by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR. Data regarding the use of colistin were obtained from pharmacy records. The index case of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
was followed 20 days later by four additional cases occurring in a 6-day interval. All of the patients, at some point, had stayed at one particular institution. The mean number of opportunities for transmission between patients was 2.3 ± 0.5, and each patient had at least one opportunity for transmission with one of the other patients. Compared to 60 colistin-susceptible, carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
controls isolated in the previous year at DMC, case patients were significantly older (
P
= 0.05) and the carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
organisms isolated from them displayed much higher MICs to imipenem (
P
< 0.001). Colistin use was not enhanced in the months preceding the outbreak. Genotyping revealed two closely related clones. This report of a colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
outbreak is strongly linked to patient-to-patient transmission. Controlling the spread and novel emergence of bacteria with this phenotype is of paramount importance.
Candida
Bloodstream Infections: Comparison of Species Distributions and Antifungal Resistance Patterns in Community-Onset and Nosocomial Isolates in the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 2008-2009
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Moet Gary J. , Messer Shawn A. , Jones Ronald N. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: November 2010

Community-onset (CO) candidemia, defined as a positive blood culture taken at or within 2 days of hospital admission, represents a distinct clinical entity associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Reference MIC results from the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (2008-2009) were analyzed to compare the antifungal resistance patterns and species distributions from patients with CO and nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI) in 79 medical centers. Among 1,354 episodes of BSI, 494 (36.5%) were classified as CO and 860 (63.5%) as nosocomial in origin. More than 95% of the isolates from both BSI types were contributed by
Candida albicans
(48.4%),
C. glabrata
(18.2%),
C. parapsilosis
(17.1%),
C. tropicalis
(10.6%), and
C. krusei
(2.0%).
C. albicans
was more common in CO BSI (51.0%) than nosocomial BSI (46.9%), whereas
C. parapsilosis
and
C. krusei
were more common in nosocomial BSIs (18.1 and 2.7%, respectively) than in CO BSIs (15.4 and 0.8%, respectively).
C. glabrata
and
C. tropicalis
were comparable in both CO (18.4 and 10.5%, respectively) and nosocomial (18.1 and 10.6%, respectively) episodes. Resistance to azoles (fluconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole) and echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin) was uncommon (<5%) in CO BSI using recently established Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoint criteria. Resistance to echinocandins (anidulafungin [3.8%], caspofungin [5.1%], and micafungin [3.2%]) and azoles (fluconazole [7.7%], posaconazole [5.1%], and voriconazole [6.4%]) was most prevalent among nosocomial BSI isolates of
C. glabrata
. CO candidemia is not uncommon and appears to be increasing worldwide due to changing health care practices. Although resistance to the azoles and echinocandins remains uncommon among CO isolates, we demonstrate the emergence of nosocomial occurrences of
C. glabrata
expressing resistance to both monitored classes of antifungal agents.