bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climbing fiber synapse elimination in cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Watanabe Masahiko , Kano Masanobu
Published: November 2011

Innervation of Purkinje cells (PCs) by multiple climbing fibers (CFs) is refined into mono‐innervation during the first three postnatal weeks of rodents’ lives. In this review article, we will integrate the current knowledge on developmental process and mechanisms of CF synapse elimination. In the ‘creeper’ stage of CF innervation (postnatal day 0 (P0)∼), CFs creep among PC somata to form transient synapses on immature dendrites. In the ‘pericellular nest’ stage (P5∼), CFs densely surround and innervate PC somata. CF innervation is then displaced to the apical portion of PC somata in the ‘capuchon’ stage (P9∼), and translocate to dendrites in the ‘dendritic’ (P12∼) stage. Along with the developmental changes in CF wiring, functional and morphological distinctions become larger among CF inputs. PCs are initially innervated by more than five CFs with similar strengths (∼P3). During P3–7 only a single CF is selectively strengthened (functional differentiation), and it undergoes dendritic translocation from P9 on (dendritic translocation). Following the functional differentiation, perisomatic CF synapses are eliminated nonselectively; this proceeds in two distinct phases. The early phase (P7–11) is conducted independently of parallel fiber (PF)–PC synapse formation, while the late phase (P12–17) critically depends on it. The P/Q‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel in PCs triggers selective strengthening of single CF inputs, promotes dendritic translocation of the strengthened CFs, and drives the early phase of CF synapse elimination. In contrast, the late phase is mediated by the mGluR1–Gαq–PLCβ4–PKCγ signaling cascade in PCs driven at PF–PC synapses, whose structural connectivity is stabilized and maintained by the GluRδ2–Cbln1–neurexin system.
Near‐infrared laparoscopy for real‐time intra‐operative arterial and lymphatic perfusion imaging
Authors: Cahill R. A. , Ris F. , Mortensen N. J.
Published: November 2011

Multimodal laparoscopic imaging systems possessing the capability for extended spectrum irradiation and visualization within a unified camera system are now available to provide enhanced intracorporeal operative anatomic and dynamic perfusion assessment and potentially augmented patient outcome. While ultraviolet‐range energies have limited penetration and hence are probably more useful for endoscopic mucosal interrogation, the near‐infrared (NIR) spectrum is of greater potential utility for the purposes of examining inducible fluorescence in abdominopelvic tissue that can be achieved by administration of specific tracer agents, either directly into the circulation (e.g. for anastomotic perfusion assessment at the time of stapling) or into the lymphatic system (e.g. for lymph basin road‐mapping and/or focussed target nodal assessment). This technology is also capable of supplementing anatomic recognition of the biliary system while implantable fibres can also be inserted intraoperatively for the purpose of safeguarding vital structures such as the oesphagus and ureters especially in difficult reoperations. It is likely that this technological capability will find a clear and common indication in colorectal specialist and general surgical departments worldwide in the near future.
Can mesorectal lymph node excision be avoided in rectal cancer surgery?
Authors: Rullier E. , Vendrely V.
Published: November 2011

Rectal excision is the standard in rectal cancer treatment. The morbidity of rectal excision, together with the low rate of positive lymph nodes in patients with a good response after radiochemotherapy, raises the challenging concept of organ preservation. Patients with a complete response can benefit from a nonoperative strategy based on a strict follow up. Those with a complete or subcomplete response can be treated by local excision. Limitations in accurately assessing a complete response by conventional and modern imaging modalities suggest that local excision is more appropriate for the majority of patients when organ preservation is being considered. The encouraging results of retrospective series of local excision in downstaged clinical T2/T3 low rectal cancer after radiochemotherapy, however, need to be confirmed by the ongoing multicentre phase II United States and phase III French trials before routinely proposing organ preservation in patients with a good response.
Individualization of surgical management for early‐stage colonic cancer
Authors: Brigic A. , Fraser C. , Sibbons P. , Cahill R. A. , Kennedy R. H.
Published: November 2011

A significant number of patients each year undergo radical segmental colectomy for node‐negative colonic cancer in the UK. They are likely to represent 50% of our colonic cancer population in the future due to the implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Short‐term morbidity rates of up to 40% are associated with the current surgical treatment and need serious consideration. In this article, we discuss a combination of two techniques that will allow minimally invasive treatment in an increasing number of patients with early colonic cancer.
Robotic platforms for general and colorectal surgery
Authors: Jayne D. G. , Culmer P. R. , Barrie J. , Hewson R. , Neville A.
Published: November 2011

Surgeons are increasingly turning to new technologies to help them overcome the barriers imposed by minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Robotics is an enabling technology with obvious applications to MIS. This manuscript looks at robotic platforms for general surgical application and explores the advantages, limitations and possible future roles.
Smooth Plug‐in Inverse Estimators in the Current Status Continuous Mark Model
Authors: GROENEBOOM PIET , JONGBLOED GEURT , WITTE BIRGIT I.
Published: November 2011

Abstract.  We consider the problem of estimating the joint distribution function of the event time and a continuous mark variable when the event time is subject to interval censoring case 1 and the continuous mark variable is only observed in case the event occurred before the time of inspection. The non‐parametric maximum likelihood estimator in this model is known to be inconsistent. We study two alternative smooth estimators, based on the explicit (inverse) expression of the distribution function of interest in terms of the density of the observable vector. We derive the pointwise asymptotic distribution of both estimators.
Courtesy stigma: a hidden health concern among front‐line service providers to sex workers
Authors: Phillips Rachel , Benoit Cecilia , Hallgrimsdottir Helga , Vallance Kate
Published: November 2011

Courtesy stigma, also referred to as ‘stigma by association’, involves public disapproval evoked as a consequence of associating with a stigmatised individual or group. While a small number of sociological studies have shown how courtesy stigma limits the social support and social opportunities available to family members of stigmatised individuals, there is a paucity of research examining courtesy stigma among the large network of people who provide health and social services to stigmatised groups. This article presents results from a mixed methods study of the workplace experiences of a purposive sample of workers in a non‐profit organisation providing services to sex workers in Canada. The findings demonstrate that courtesy stigma plays a role in workplace health as it shapes both the workplace environment, including the range of resources made available to staff to carry out their work activities, as well as staff perceptions of others’ support. At the same time, it was evident that some workers were more vulnerable to courtesy stigma than others depending on their social location. We discuss these results in light of the existing literature on courtesy stigma and conclude that it is an under‐studied determinant of workplace health among care providers serving socially denigrated groups.
A Profile of Obesity in Ireland, 2002–2007
Authors: Madden David
Published: November 2011

Using the nationally representative Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland data set we take several approaches to profile the change in obesity in Ireland over the 2002–2007 period. There is no evidence of either first- or second-order stochastic dominance between the two years. There is evidence that obesity and overweight are relatively more concentrated among males, the old and those with lower educational achievement. Although obesity fell marginally over the period this was due to a change in the shape of the distribution of body mass index rather than a rise in the average level. Finally a semiparametric decomposition of the change in the distribution over time indicates that the change in obesity arose not because of changes in population characteristics but rather in the effect of these characteristics on body mass index.
The Cursed Virtue: Government Infrastructural Investment and Household Consumption in Chinese Provinces*
Authors: Chen Binkai , Yao Yang
Published: November 2011

Using Chinese provincial panel data for the period 1978–2006, this article studies the relationship between government infrastructural investment and household consumption. In our baseline reduced‐form regression, we find that a 1% point increase of infrastructural investment in the government budget leads to a 0.31% point reduction of the share of household consumption in GDP. This result holds qualitatively in a variety of specifications and using different estimation methods. In contrast, private investment is not found to have any significant impact on the share of household consumption. Our structural estimations establish two channels for government investment's negative effects, one by encouraging the development of the secondary sector that is more capital‐intensive than agriculture and services, and the other by increasing the profit rate in the industrial sector.
Synergistic stressors and the dilemma of conservation in a multivariate world: a case study in Allegheny woodrats
Authors: Smyser T. J. , Johnson S. A. , Page L. K. , Rhodes O. E.
Published: November 2011

Contemporary patterns of species decline frequently stem from multiple, synergistic pressures, which much like the genetic concept of lethal equivalents, must be interpreted in sum rather than as independent deleterious entities. For example, the recent, range‐wide decline of the Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) is likely a result of numerous, minor, human‐mediated stressors including habitat fragmentation and disruption of metapopulation dynamics, reduced hard mast availability associated with the functional extirpation of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and recent shifts in forest composition, and expansion of a human‐adapted species, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the parasites it carries (Baylisascaris procyonis). To evaluate the assertion that range‐wide woodrat declines have been caused by a concatenate of stressors, we used principal component (PC) analysis to identify latent relationships among a suite of biological and ecological factors (reflecting those stressors listed above) and evaluated PC scores relative to the three conservation states of woodrat populations in Indiana (stable, diminished and extirpated). Populations of differing conservation states segregated along each of the three retained PCs, providing support for the assertion that a combination of stressors has contributed to the range‐wide decline of woodrat metapopulations, although intriguingly, independent stressors appeared to cause the decline of individual populations. These results suggest specific, minimal site attributes must be met for each of the habitat attributes evaluated to support stable woodrat populations. Our findings further suggest that variation in relative pressures exerted by individual stressors across populations will require site‐specific management actions if woodrat populations are to be recovered throughout their range. Our case study of Indiana woodrats exemplifies the first step in identifying site‐specific causes for species’ declines, necessary to guide subsequent management and recovery actions when a combination of interwoven factors likely are contributing to metapopulation degeneration.
Oomycete and fungal effector entry, a microbial Trojan horse
Authors: Kale Shiv D.
Published: November 2011

Oomycete and fungal symbionts have significant impacts on most commercially important crop and forest species, and on natural ecosystems, both negatively as pathogens and positively as mutualists. Symbiosis may be facilitated through the secretion of effector proteins, some of which modulate a variety of host defense mechanisms. A subset of these secreted proteins are able to translocate into host cells. In the oomycete pathogens, two conserved N‐terminal motifs, RXLR and dEER, mediate translocation of effector proteins into host cells independent of any pathogen‐encoded machinery. An expanded ‘RXLR‐like’ motif [R/K/H]X[L/M/I/F/Y/W]X has been used to identify functional translocation motifs in host‐cell‐entering fungal effector proteins from pathogens and a mutualist. The RXLR‐like translocation motifs were required for the fungal effectors to enter host cells in the absence of any pathogen‐encoded machinery. Oomycete and fungal effectors with RXLR and RXLR‐like motifs can bind phospholipids, specifically phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PtdIns‐3‐P). Effector‐PtdIns‐3‐P binding appears to mediate cell entry via lipid raft‐mediated endocytosis, and could be blocked by sequestering cell surface PtdIns‐3‐P or by utilizing inositides that competitively inhibit effector binding to PtdIns‐3‐P. These findings suggest that effector blocking technologies could be developed and utilized in a variety of important crop species against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens.
Comparison of tissue oxygen saturation in ovariohysterectomized dogs recovering on room air versus nasal oxygen insufflation
Authors: Sullivan Lauren A. , Campbell Vicki L. , Radecki Steven V. , Webb Craig B.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To compare tissue oxygen saturation in ovariohysterectomized dogs recovering postoperatively on room air versus nasal oxygen insufflation.

Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Interventions

Dogs were randomized to breathe either room air or 100 mL/kg/min of nasal oxygen insufflation for 2 hours postoperatively. Tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) was evaluated at 2 mm and 20 mm lateral to the surgical incision, as well as in the inguinal region using a noninvasive tissue oximeter.

Measurements and Main Results

In dogs recovered on nasal oxygen insufflation (n = 10), tissue oxygen saturation was significantly higher—20 mm from the surgical site (88.44 ± 2.50%, P = 0.02) and in the inguinal region (83.56 ± 1.91%, P = 0.032)— compared to dogs recovered on room air (n = 10, 79.11% ± 2.50 and 77.12% ± 1.91, respectively).

Conclusions

In ovariohysterectomized dogs, oxygen supplementation for 2 hours postoperatively improves tissue oxygen saturation 20 mm adjacent to the linea alba and in the inguinal region. Oxygen supplementation in postoperative dogs is an inexpensive and easily applicable method to improve tissue oxygen saturation.
Dronedarone prevents microcirculatory abnormalities in the left ventricle during atrial tachypacing in pigs
Authors: Bukowska A , Hammwöhner M , Sixdorf A , Schild L , Wiswedel I , Röhl F‐W , Wolke C , Lendeckel U , Aderkast C , Bochmann S , Chilukoti RK , Mostertz J , Bramlage P , Goette A
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation induces ischaemic microcirculatory flow abnormalities in the ventricle, contributing to the risk for acute coronary syndromes. We evaluated the effect of dronedarone on ventricular perfusion during rapid atrial pacing (RAP).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Coronary and fractional flow reserve (CFR/FFR) were measured in the left anterior descending artery in 29 pigs. Six received RAP, six received RAP with dronedarone (RAP/D), seven received dronedarone alone, four received RAP with amiodarone (RAP/A), and six received neither (sham). In ventricular tissue, oxidative stress/ischaemia‐related gene and protein expression was evaluated by RT‐PCR and Western blotting; Isoprostanes were measured by GC‐MS procedures.

KEY RESULTS

CFR was decreased in the RAP group, compared with other groups. FFR was not different between groups. Effective refractory period was reduced in RAP compared with RAP/D. RAP‐activated PKC phosphorylation tended to be decreased by dronedarone (P= 0.055) RAP induced NOX‐1 and NOX‐2 protein and the mRNA for hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). Dronedarone reduced the pacing‐dependent increase in the expression of NOX‐2 protein and of HIF‐1α mRNA. The oxidative stress marker, F2‐isoprostane, was increased by RAP and this increase was attenuated by dronedarone. Other oxidative stress/ischaemia‐related genes were induced by RAP compared with sham and were decreased by dronedarone treatment. In HL1 cells, dronedarone significantly inhibited the increased phosphorylation of PKCα after oxidative stress, with an almost significant effect (P= 0.059) on that after RAP.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Dronedarone abolished RAP‐induced ventricular microcirculatory abnormalities by decreasing oxidative stress/ischaemia‐related gene and protein expression in the ventricle.
Deriving Daily Purpose Through Daily Events and Role Fulfillment AmongAsianAmerican Youth
Authors: Kiang Lisa
Published: November 2011

Establishing life purpose is a key developmental task; however, how it is linked to adolescents’ everyday family, school, extracurricular, and leisure experiences remains unclear. Using daily diary data from 180AsianAmerican ninth and tenth graders (50% ninth; 58% female; 25% first generation), daily purpose was positively related to daily family assistance. Leisure time was negatively associated with purpose, especially for first‐generation adolescents. Social role fulfillment (e.g., feeling like a good son or daughter) also contributed to daily purpose. Implications extended into daily affect, with positive associations with happiness, and negative associations with distress and anxiety. Results suggest that promoting social connectedness and activities that allow adolescents to feel like a valued family member may best foster youth purpose development.
Arytenoid Lateralization for Management of Combined Laryngeal Paralysis and Laryngeal Collapse in Small Dogs
Authors: Nelissen Pieter , White Richard A.S.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To identify combined laryngeal paralysis and collapse in small dogs and describe postoperative outcome after arytenoid lateralization.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Small nonbrachycephalic breed dogs with laryngeal paralysis and collapse (n = 6).

Methods

Medical records of small breed dogs with airway problems and undergoing laryngeal surgery (January–December 2008) were reviewed. Dogs with combined laryngeal paralysis and laryngeal collapse (LPLC) had arytenoid lateralization. The immediate, 4 week and 6 month postoperative outcomes were described.

Results

Direct visual laryngeal exam under a light plane of anesthesia revealed bilateral failure of arytenoid and vocal fold movement and concurrent bilateral medial folding with contact of the cuneiform processes in all dogs. None of the dogs had intra‐ or immediate postoperative complications after arytenoid lateralization. Two dogs required a 2nd contralateral procedure. Follow‐up after 6 months revealed marked improvement in clinical signs related to upper airway obstruction, but all dogs continued to have mild respiratory noise.

Conclusion

Concurrent laryngeal paralysis and collapse should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for small, nonbrachycephalic dogs with upper airway disease. Arytenoid lateralization resulted in improvement of clinical signs related to obstructive airway disease.
The Rise and Decline of Turnout in Congressional Elections: Electoral Institutions, Competition, and Strategic Mobilization
Authors: Engstrom Erik J.
Published: November 2011

Considerable debate exists over the impact of electoral institutions on turnout in U.S. national elections. To address this debate, I exploit the rich variation in electoral rules present throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Using a newly constructed dataset of district‐level turnout results for the U.S. House from 1840 to 1940, I find that electoral institutions and political competition jointly provided incentives, and by the turn‐of‐the‐century disincentives, for political leaders to mobilize the electorate. The results demonstrate that changes in electoral institutions and varying levels of political competition help explain congressional turnout across districts and over time.
Implications of caries diagnostic strategies for clinical management decisions
Authors: Baelum Vibeke , Hintze Hanne , Wenzel Ann , Danielsen Bo , Nyvad Bente
Published: November 2011

Baelum V, Hintze H, Wenzel A, Danielsen B, Nyvad B. Implications of caries diagnostic strategies for clinical management decisions. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  In clinical practice, a visual–tactile caries examination is frequently supplemented by bitewing radiography. This study evaluated strategies for combining visual–tactile and radiographic caries detection methods and determined their implications for clinical management decisions in a low‐caries population.

Methods:  Each of four examiners independently examined preselected contacting interproximal surfaces in 53 dental students aged 20–37 years using a visual–tactile examination and bitewing radiography. The visual–tactile examination distinguished between noncavitated and cavitated lesions while the radiographic examination determined lesion depth. Direct inspection of the surfaces following tooth separation for the presence of cavitated or noncavitated lesions was the validation method. The true‐positive rate (i.e. the sensitivity) and the false‐positive rate (i.e. 1‐specificity) were calculated for each diagnostic strategy.

Results:  Visual–tactile examination provided a true‐positive rate of 34.2% and a false‐positive rate of 1.5% for the detection of a cavity. The combination of a visual–tactile and a radiographic examination using the lesion in dentin threshold for assuming cavitation had a true‐positive rate of 76.3% and a false‐positive rate of 8.2%. When diagnostic observations were translated into clinical management decisions using the rule that a noncavitated lesion should be treated nonoperatively and a cavitated lesion operatively, our results showed that the visual–tactile method alone was the superior strategy, resulting in most correct clinical management decisions and most correct decisions regarding the choice of treatment.
Effect of denture adhesive on the micro‐organisms in vivo
Authors: Ozkan Yasemin Kulak , Uçankale Mert , Özcan Mutlu , Üner Nurver
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00381.x

Effect of denture adhesive on the micro‐organisms in vivo

Background:  Denture adhesives increase the retention and stability of dentures in edentulous patients, especially in cases where salivary flow is impaired or in the management of traumatised oral mucosa.

Objectives:  The effect of a denture adhesive on the oral flora at different time intervals.

Method:  Thirty denture‐wearing patients were involved in this study. While half of the group received a denture adhesive, the other half did not. At baseline, 1 and 2 months after delivering the dentures, smear samples were obtained from the saliva, palate and the dentures. Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, α‐haemolytic streptococci, β‐haemolytic streptococci, Pneumococcus aureus, S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S. constellatus, S. sanguis, S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. salivarius, and yeasts were investigated. The data were statistically analysed using anova and repeated measures.

Results:  Most types of the micro‐organisms were not seen and could not be analysed statistically except α‐haemolytic streptococci and C. albicans. No statistically significant difference was found for α‐haemolytic streptococci and C. albicans in saliva, palate and the denture at all time intervals.

Conclusions:  Prolonged use of the denture adhesive tested up to 2 months did not yield to increase in micro‐organisms of the oral flora.
Effect of toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures on the surface microroughness of denture base acrylic resins
Authors: Lira Andréa F. , Consani Rafael L. X. , Mesquita Marcelo F. , Nóbilo Mauro A. A. , Henriques Guilherme E. P.
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00582.x

Effect of toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures on the surface microroughness of denture base acrylic resins

Objective:  This study verified the surface microroughness of denture acrylic resins submitted to toothbrushing, chemical disinfection and thermocycling procedures.

Material and methods:  Samples were prepared according to conventional, microwaved and boiled resins and submitted to microroughness measurements before and after procedures using a profilometer (Ra). Data were subjected to anova and Tukey’s test (5%).

Results:  Before thermocycling, a difference was found among treatments for microwaved and boiled resins, with greater values for toothbrushing and lower values for Efferdent and hypochlorite; control was intermediate. Differences among resins were observed for treatments, with higher values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and microwaved resins. After thermocycling, differences were found for microwaved resin, with a higher value for toothbrushing and a lower value for Efferdent and hypochlorite; control was intermediate. Tooth‐brushed boiled resin presented higher values and hypochlorite lower values; control and Efferdent were intermediates. Differences among resins were seen for treatments, with higher values for boiled resin and lower values for conventional and microwaved resins. Boiled resin presented differences for toothbrushing and hypochlorite, before and after thermocycling procedures were compared.

Conclusions:  For microwaved and boiled resins, toothbrushing and chemical disinfection promoted different levels of surface microroughness when associated or not with thermocycling.
Specific domains of nucleolin interact with Hdm2 and antagonize Hdm2‐mediated p53 ubiquitination
Authors: Bhatt Purvi , d’Avout Claire , Kane Naomi S. , Borowiec James A. , Saxena Anjana
Published: November 2011

Nucleolin is an abundant multifunctional nucleolar protein with defined roles in ribosomal RNA processing, RNA polymerase I catalyzed transcription and the regulation of apoptosis. Earlier we reported that human nucleolin binds to the p53 antagonist human double minute 2 (Hdm2) as determined by reciprocal co‐immunoprecipitation assays using cell lysates. We also demonstrated that nucleolin antagonizes Hdm2‐mediated degradation of p53. Here, we identify specific domains of nucleolin and Hdm2 proteins that support mutual interaction and investigate the implications of complex formation on p53 ubiquitination and protein levels. Our data indicate that the nucleolin N‐terminus as well as the central RNA‐binding domain (RBD) are predominantly involved in binding to Hdm2. The nucleolin RBD robustly bound to the NLS/NES (nuclear localization and export signals) domain of Hdm2 in vitro, while the N‐terminus of nucleolin preferentially associated with the Hdm2 RING (really interesting new gene) domain expressed in cells. We further demonstrate that the C‐terminal glycine‐arginine rich domain of nucleolin serves as the predominant binding domain for direct interaction with p53. While overexpression of nucleolin or its various domains had no significant effect on Hdm2 auto‐ubiquitination, the nucleolin RBD antagonized the Hdm2 E3 ligase activity against p53, leading to p53 stabilization. Conversely, the adjacent glycine‐arginine rich domain of nucleolin interacted with p53 causing a modest stimulatory effect on p53 ubiquitination. These data suggest that changes in nucleolin conformation can alter the availabilities of such domains in vivo to modulate the overall impact of nucleolin on Hdm2 activity and hence on p53 stability.
DEVELOPING EXECUTIVE LEADERS: THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF COGNITIVE ABILITY, PERSONALITY, AND THE ACCUMULATION OF WORK EXPERIENCE IN PREDICTING STRATEGIC THINKING COMPETENCY
Authors: DRAGONI LISA , OH IN‐SUE , VANKATWYK PAUL , TESLUK PAUL E.
Published: November 2011

We conceptually define and empirically investigate the accumulation of work experience—a concept that refers to the extent to which executives have amassed varied levels of roles and responsibilities (i.e., contributor, manager, lead strategist) in each of the key work activities that they have encountered over the course of their careers. In studying executives’ work experience accumulation, we consider key antecedents such as executives’ cognitive ability and personality traits, namely Extraversion and Openness to Experience, and examine the value of work experience accumulation on executives’ strategic thinking competency. Analyses of multisource data from 703 executives revealed 3 key findings: (a) accumulated work experience positively relates to executives’ strategic thinking competency after controlling for individual characteristics and other measures of work experience; (b) executives’ cognitive ability demonstrates the strongest and most positive relationship to executives’ strategic thinking competency; and (c) extraverted executives tend to achieve higher levels of work experience accumulation. Relative weight analyses also indicated that cognitive ability and accumulated work experience are the 2 most important predictors for executives’ strategic thinking competency among the other predictors. These findings are discussed in light of their practical implications.
EMBRYONIC FACTOR 19 Encodes a Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein that is Essential for the Initiation of Zygotic Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Dali , Jiang Li , Gong Huaqin , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: November 2011

Early embryogenesis is the most fundamental developmental process in biology. Screening of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐mutagenized populations of Arabidopsis thaliana led to the identification of a zygote‐lethal mutant embryonic factor 19 (fac19) in which embryo development was arrested at the elongated zygote to octant stage. The number of endosperm nuclei decreased significantly in fac19 embryos. Genetic analysis showed fac19 was caused by a single recessive mutation with typical mendelian segregation, suggesting equal maternal and paternal contributions of FAC19 towards zygotic embryogenesis. Positional cloning showed that FAC19 encodes a putative mitochondrial protein with 16 conserved pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motifs. The fac19 mutation caused a conversion from hydrophilic serine located in a previously unknown domain to hydrophobic leucine. Crosses between FAC19/fac19 and the T‐DNA insertion mutants in the same gene failed to complement the fac19 defects, confirming the identity of the gene. This study revealed the critical importance of a PPR protein‐mediated mitochondrial function in early embryogenesis.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on reproductive diapause in Ophraella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a potential biocontrol agent against Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Authors: Zhu Dao‐Hong , Zhu Jing , Peng Zhao‐Pu , Wan Fang‐Hao
Published: November 2011

Abstract  To investigate the seasonal adaptation strategies of Ophraella communa to new habitats, the effects and regulation mechanisms of photoperiod and temperature on the reproductive diapause in a population collected from Changsha, Hunan were examined. Adults showed obvious reproductive diapause, which was regulated by photoperiod and temperature. At 30°C, there was no adult diapause occurring under either long‐day or short‐day conditions; at 25°C the pre‐oviposition period was short and fecundity was high in adult females under L : D 16 : 8 h, whereas under L : D 12 : 12 h, a few females entered reproductive diapause; at 20°C under short‐day conditions, all female adults entered diapause. The pre‐oviposition period was significantly prolonged when the pupae and adults were transferred from long‐days to short‐days, but the day length influence was not obvious when they were transferred only in the adult stage. However, the fecundity dropped greatly no matter whether the photoperiod shifted to short‐days only in the adult stage or whether the shift occurred in both the pupal and adult stage. The fecundity was extremely low when photoperiod shifted from long‐days to short‐days in both pupal and adult stages. This was an indication that the pupal and adult stages were the photoperiod‐sensitive stage for adult reproductive diapause. This was especially true for the photoperiod in the pupal stage, which has a distinctly significant regulative effect on reproductive diapause. Additionally, this article also addresses the reason for different photoperiodic response patterns in reproductive diapause induction between the Changsha strain and the Tsukuba strain (Japan) of O. communa.
Measurement of Temperatures Associated With Bubbles in Subcooled Pool Boiling
Authors: Jacobs J. D. , Shade A. H.
Published: November 2011

High-speed motion pictures were taken of initial pool boiling of carbon tetrachloride using a schlieren optical system and associated temperature instrumentation. Many bubbles leaving the heat source were found to be superheated regardless of the degree of subcooling of the liquid. Individual bubbles rising from the heater surface carried a thin laminar layer of hot liquid on their upper surface and trailed a wake of warm liquid. An idealized model of the surrounding warm liquid was empirically developed and accounts for a significant portion of the heat transfer in pool boiling of highly subcooled liquid.
Effect of Variation of Local Film Coefficients on Fin Performance
Authors: Stachiewicz J. W.
Published: November 2011

Local heat-transfer coefficients on the surface of a longitudinal, constant area fin were measured experimentally. Turbulent flow was maintained in all tests and the range of fin spacing-to-height ratios from 0.25 to 0.5 was covered. The film coefficients do not increase monotonically from the base of the fin as suggested by an earlier investigation, but increase to a maximum at about 50 percent of fin height, then dip, and then increase again near the tip. The distribution of local coefficients along the height of the fin was similar at all Reynolds numbers and fin spacings investigated. This distribution yields lower fin efficiencies than those computed assuming a constant film coefficient, but, taking advantage of the fact that the distribution is remarkably similar at all fin spacings and all Reynolds numbers, a simple correction factor can be applied to the conventional, constant “h” efficiency to allow for the effect of variation of h. The integrated average heat-transfer coefficients on the surface of the fin were correlated at all fin spacings by a single equation. The coefficients along the base surface between fins were also measured.
Experiments on Two-Component Stratified Flow in a Horizontal Duct
Authors: Yu H. S. , Sparrow E. M.
Published: November 2011

Two-component stratified flow in a horizontal rectangular duct has been investigated experimentally. The working fluids were a transparent white mineral oil and water, the viscosity ratio being approximately 30. The tests encompassed a variety of flow regimes including laminar-laminar, laminar-turbulent, and turbulent-turbulent. In addition, a variety of conditions at the interface between the component flows was encountered and investigated. The experimental results for flow and pressure drop are found to be quite insensitive to the shape of the interface and even to the presence of very small waves, when both flow components are laminar. This finding extends the range of validity of flat-interface laminar flow theory. The conditions for the existence of various flow regimes are quantitatively characterized. It was demonstrated that interfacial waves could occur even when both component flows were laminar, and that laminar and turbulent flows could coexist in the separate layers. Results from depth-probe surveys and photographic visualization of the flow are also presented.
The Transient Temperature Distribution in One-Dimensional Heat-Conduction Problems With Nonlinear Boundary Conditions
Authors: Z˙yszkowski W.
Published: November 2011

The transient, one-dimensional temperature distribution is determined for bodies with internal heat generation and nonlinear boundary condition in the form: k·e·gradθ+ε(θn−T0n)+ε1(θ−T0)=0 Approximate analytical solutions are derived with the aid of Biot’s variational method. The additional boundary condition introduced by Lardner is modified, and this modification makes it possible to solve the problem. The solution has been obtained assuming a parabolic profile of temperature distribution. Formulas are given for plates, cylinders, and spheres. Some results are illustrated with the graphs, and compared with the exact solution for the case of convective heat transfer.
Surface plasmon waveguide devices with Tg-bonded Cytop claddings
Authors: Chiu Charles , Lisicka-Skrzek Ewa , Niall Tait R. , Berini Pierre
Published: November 2011

Surface plasmon waveguide devices were fabricated in symmetric Cytop claddings by bonding the claddings with Au waveguides and microfluidic channels at the interface. Au features were patterned and deposited on the bottom wafer and microfluidic channels were patterned and etched into the top wafer. Aligned wafer bonding and annealing were performed at temperatures slightly above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of Cytop. The bond strength is high, allowing dicing, ultrasonic cleaning, and polishing of facets. The bond is also of good hermiticity as assessed by fluid injection, and of reasonable optical quality as verified by measurements of long-range surface plasmon propagation at λ = 1310 and 1550 nm.
Use of radiation protraction to escalate biologically effective dose to the treatment target
Authors: Kuperman V. Y. , Spradlin G. S.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

: The aim of this study is to evaluate howsimultaneously increasing fraction time and dose per fraction affect biologically effective dose for the target () while biologically effective dose for the normal tissue () is fixed.

Methods

: In this investigation, and were studied by assuming mono‐exponential repair of sublethal damage with tissue dependent repair half‐time.

Results

: Our results demonstrate that under certain conditions simultaneously increasing fraction time and dose per fraction result in increased while is fixed. The dependence of biologically effective dose on fraction time is influenced by the dose rate. In this investigation we analytically determined time‐varying dose rate which minimizes . Changes in with fraction time were compared for constant dose rate and for .

Conclusions

: A number of recent experimental and theoretical studies have demonstrated that slow delivery of radiation (known as radiation protraction) leads to reduced therapeutic effect because of increased repair of sublethal damage. In contrast, our analysis shows that under certain conditions simultaneously increasing fraction time and dose per fraction are radiobiologically advantageous.
GEOMETRY OF HERMITIAN MANIFOLDS
Authors: LIU KE-FENG , YANG XIAO-KUI
Published: November 2011

On Hermitian manifolds, the second Ricci curvature tensors of various metric connections are closely related to the geometry of Hermitian manifolds. By refining the Bochner formulas for any Hermitian complex vector bundle (and Riemannian real vector bundle) with an arbitrary metric connection over a compact Hermitian manifold, we can derive various vanishing theorems for Hermitian manifolds and complex vector bundles by the second Ricci curvature tensors. We will also introduce a natural geometric flow on Hermitian manifolds by using the second Ricci curvature tensor.
GENERALIZED ULAM–HYERS STABILITY FOR FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: IBRAHIM RABHA W.
Published: November 2011

In the present paper, we consider the generalized Hyers–Ulam stability for fractional differential equations of the form: [Formula: see text] in a complex Banach space. Furthermore, applications are illustrated.
ADAPTIVE AND DOUBLY-EXPEDITED ONE-STEP CONSENSUS IN BYZANTINE ASYNCHRONOUS SYSTEMS
Authors: BANU NAZREEN , IZUMI TAISUKE , WADA KOICHI
Published: November 2011

It is known that Byzantine consensus algorithms guarantee a one-step decision only in favorable situations, for instance when all processes propose the same value. Also, no one-step algorithm can support a two-step decision. In this paper, we present a novel generic one-step Byzantine algorithm, called DEX, that circumvents these impossibilities using the condition-based approach. Algorithm DEX has two distinguished features, adaptiveness and double-expedition property. Adaptiveness makes the algorithm sensitive only to the actual number of failures so that it provides fast termination for a large number of inputs when there are fewer failures (a common case in practice). The feature double-expedition property facilitates the two-step decision in addition to the one-step decision. To the best of our knowledge, the double-expedition property is a new concept introduced by this paper, and DEX is the first algorithm having such a feature. Besides, we show that our algorithm is optimal in terms of the number of processes for one-step consensus.
ON THE TORSION HOMOLOGY OF NON-ARITHMETIC HYPERBOLIC TETRAHEDRAL GROUPS
Authors: ŞENGÜN MEHMET HALUK
Published: November 2011

Numerical data concerning the growth of torsion in the first homology of congruence subgroups of non-arithmetic hyperbolic tetrahedral groups are collected. The data provide support the speculations of Bergeron and Venkatesh on the growth of torsion homology and the regulators for lattices in SL 2(ℂ).
PARITY OF THE PARTITION FUNCTION AND TRACES OF SINGULAR MODULI
Authors: LEE PAK-HIN , ZAMORZAEV ALEXANDR
Published: November 2011

We prove that the parity of the partition function is given by the "trace" of the Hauptmodul [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] at points of complex multiplication. Using Hecke operators, we generalize this to relate the Hecke traces of [Formula: see text] to the partition function modulo 2. We then prove that the generating function for these Hecke traces is equal to the logarithmic derivative of the level 6 Hilbert class polynomial. Finally, we give a procedure involving Hilbert class polynomials for computing the parity of the partition function, and make some speculations about the distribution of these universal polynomials modulo class polynomials.
THE SECOND p-CLASS GROUP OF A NUMBER FIELD
Authors: MAYER DANIEL C.
Published: November 2011

For a prime p ≥ 2 and a number field K with p-class group of type (p, p) it is shown that the class, coclass, and further invariants of the metabelian Galois group [Formula: see text] of the second Hilbert p-class field [Formula: see text] of K are determined by the p-class numbers of the unramified cyclic extensions Ni|K, 1 ≤ i ≤ p + 1, of relative degree p. In the case of a quadratic field [Formula: see text] and an odd prime p ≥ 3, the invariants of G are derived from the p-class numbers of the non-Galois subfields Li|ℚ of absolute degree p of the dihedral fields Ni. As an application, the structure of the automorphism group [Formula: see text] of the second Hilbert 3-class field [Formula: see text] is analyzed for all quadratic fields K with discriminant -106< D < 107and 3-class group of type (3, 3) by computing their principalization types. The distribution of these metabelian 3-groups G on the coclass graphs [Formula: see text], 1 ≤ r ≤ 6, in the sense of Eick and Leedham-Green is investigated.
GLAISHER-TYPE PRODUCTS OVER THE PRIMES
Authors: VAN GORDER ROBERT A.
Published: November 2011

In this short paper, we demonstrate the computation of certain Glaisher-type products over the primes by differentiation of the Euler product identity. We are able to give a formula for the logarithmic derivative of ζ(x) in terms of this product, in addition to some other interesting identities.
SYNTHESIS OF ELECTROSPRAYED CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG SUSTAINED RELEASE
Authors: THIEN DOAN VAN HONG , HSIAO SHENG WEN , HO MING HUA
Published: November 2011

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for drug delivery were fabricated by an electrospraying method. The effects of CS molecular weight on electrospraying were investigated. The size and morphology of CS particles were strongly influenced by CS molecular weight. Besides, CS concentration, electrical field, acetic acid concentration, and solution feeding rate in the electrospraying process were also studied. To evaluate the potential of electrosprayed CS nanoparticles in drug delivery, indomethacin (ID) was used as a model drug, where the encapsulation efficiency, the loading capacity, and the releasing profiles were identified. The CS-ID spherical nanoparticles were fabricated by the electrospraying technique, with the average diameter of 340 nm. Zeta potential of the ID-CS particles indicated that the particles were stable in the suspension. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of ID were higher for 150-kDa CS than for 310-kDa CS. The EE of ID in electrosprayed CS particles was higher than that in particles prepared by other methods. The release profiles revealed that there were two stages for releasing and the long-term delivery could be obtained in the second stage. In summary, this research optimized the electrospraying process for the fabrication of CS nanoparticles and demonstrated the potential of electrosprayed CS nanoparticles as a drug carrier.
Development of Ultrafast Laser Flash Methods for Measuring Thermophysical Properties of Thin Films and Boundary Thermal Resistances
Authors: Baba Tetsuya , Taketoshi Naoyuki , Yagi Takashi
Published: November 2011

Reliable thermophysical property values of thin films are important to develop advanced industrial technologies such as highly integrated electronic devices, phase-change memories, magneto-optical disks, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), semiconductor lasers (LDs), flat-panel displays, and power electronic devices. In order to meet these requirements, the National Metrology Institute of Japan of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST) has developed ultrafast laser flash methods heated by picosecond pulse or nanosecond pulse with the same geometrical configuration as the laser flash method, which is the standard method to measure the thermal diffusivity of bulk materials. Since these pulsed light heating methods induce one-dimensional heat diffusion across a well-defined length of the specimen thickness, the absolute value of thermal diffusivity across thin films can be measured reliably. Using these ultrafast laser flash methods, the thermal diffusivity of each layer of multilayered thin films and the boundary thermal resistance between the layers can be determined from the observed transient temperature curves based on the response function method. The thermophysical properties of various thin films important for modern industries such as the transparent conductive films used for flat-panel displays, hard coating films, and multilayered films of next-generation phase-change optical disks have been measured by these methods.