bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future visioning for sustainable household practices: spaces for sustainability learning?
Authors: Davies Anna R , Doyle Ruth , Pape Jessica
Published: October 2011

Despite widely articulated concerns about unsustainable production and consumption processes, governance interventions have led to only incremental shifts in routinised production and consumption behaviour, particularly within households of western, industrialised societies. In response, techniques of future visioning have been mooted as more ambitious governing mechanisms that could help to liberate policymakers and other stakeholders from current patterns of disjointed incrementalism in the field of sustainable production and consumption. At the heart of these claims is the assertion that visioning promotes learning that can lead to the emergence of innovative approaches to sustainability challenges from problem redefinition to practical action. This paper examines the extent to which participatory visioning creates spaces for sustainable learning using empirical evidence from workshops focused on transforming household consumption practices in Ireland. It is concluded that participatory visioning approaches do provide supportive physical places and intellectual spaces for personal and collaborative learning with regard to potential sustainability transformations. The bounded nature of the particular workshops examined, in terms of duration, focus and participants, means that embedding such learning within wider organisational structures and practices is likely to be a much less certain process that, if it does occur, will unfold over longer timescales and in unpredictable ways.
Soft Systems Thinking and Social Learning for Adaptive Management
Authors: CUNDILL G. , CUMMING G. S. , BIGGS D. , FABRICIUS C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract: The success of adaptive management in conservation has been questioned and the objective‐based management paradigm on which it is based has been heavily criticized. Soft systems thinking and social‐learning theory expose errors in the assumption that complex systems can be dispassionately managed by objective observers and highlight the fact that conservation is a social process in which objectives are contested and learning is context dependent. We used these insights to rethink adaptive management in a way that focuses on the social processes involved in management and decision making. Our approach to adaptive management is based on the following assumptions: action toward a common goal is an emergent property of complex social relationships; the introduction of new knowledge, alternative values, and new ways of understanding the world can become a stimulating force for learning, creativity, and change; learning is contextual and is fundamentally about practice; and defining the goal to be addressed is continuous and in principle never ends. We believe five key activities are crucial to defining the goal that is to be addressed in an adaptive‐management context and to determining the objectives that are desirable and feasible to the participants: situate the problem in its social and ecological context; raise awareness about alternative views of a problem and encourage enquiry and deconstruction of frames of reference; undertake collaborative actions; and reflect on learning.
The Pain Impact Inventory—Further Validation in Various Subgroups
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Kristensson Jimmie
Published: October 2011

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to further psychometrically evaluate the instrument “Pain Impact Inventory” (PII) in various subgroups.

Methods:  The sample comprised 384 persons (aged between 18 and 102 years) who reported chronic pain. The instrument PII was evaluated in terms of construct validity as well as reliability. The instrument’s validity was investigated through corrected item–total correlation, floor and ceiling effects, and item response rate. Reliability was assessed by means of test–retest (with a 2‐week interval) and Cronbach’s alpha. All analyses were performed in various subgroups, men and women, as well as in 6 different age‐groups and 5 primary pain location.

Results:  The result showed an item–total correlation above 0.30 for all items in all subgroups with exception for the 2 items in F5 in the age‐group, 30 to 44. In the test–retest analysis, all kappa coefficients in the test–retest analysis were significant (P < 0.001) and varied between 0.482 and 0.879. The alpha values for factor 1 to 4 ranged between 0.80 and 0.94. Alpha values below 0.7 were only found for F5.

Conclusion:  The PII showed satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of construct validity and reliability with regard to gender, age‐groups, and primary pain location.
Inadequate vitamin D status in pregnancy: evidence for supplementation
Authors: FINER SARAH , KHAN KHALID S. , HITMAN GRAHAM A. , GRIFFITHS CHRIS , MARTINEAU ADRIAN , MEADS CATHERINE
Published: October 2011

The role of vitamin D in maintaining a healthy pregnancy has seen emerging interest among clinicians and researchers in recent years. The functions of this hormone are widespread and complex, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding it facilitates crucial transfer of calcium from mother to child for skeletal development. Aside from the role of vitamin D in bone development and health, a myriad of other physiological actions are now known, and it is hypothesized that maternal deficiency may increase susceptibility to adverse pregnancy events during pregnancy such as pre‐eclampsia. The role of vitamin D in pregnancy and breastfeeding is summarized and applied to the knowledge from studies associating vitamin D deficiency with a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre‐eclampsia and childhood asthma. Current clinical guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy are discussed in the context of the available evidence. The need for robust randomized controlled trials to address areas of existing uncertainty is highlighted.
Neurochemical differences in two rat strains exposed to social isolation rearing
Authors: Trabace Luigia , Zotti Margherita , Colaianna Marilena , Morgese Maria G. , Schiavone Stefania , Tucci Paolo , Harvey Brian H. , Wegener Gregers , Cuomo Vincenzo
Published: October 2011

Objective: Isolation rearing of rats provides a non-pharmacological method of inducing behavioural changes in rodents that resemble schizophrenia or depression. Nevertheless, results are variable within different strains. We focused on neurochemical changes in several in vivo and post-mortem brain regions of Wistar (W) and Lister Hooded (LH) rats following post-weaning social separation.

Methods: Experiments were conducted after 6–8 weeks of isolation. For post-mortem studies, prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), hippocampus (Hipp) and striatum (St) were collected by tissue dissection. In vivo experiments were conducted by microdialysis in the PFC. Analyses of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) levels and relative turnover were performed by using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: We found significant strain-related differences in biogenic amine content. LH rats were characterised by markedly raised DA, along with its turnover reduction, in all the post-mortem brain regions examined as well as in microdialysis samples, while in W rats 5-HT tissue concentration was lower in PFC and St and higher in NAC and Hipp. Cortical extracellular 5-HT concentrations were increased in group housed and decreased in isolated W animals. Moreover, isolation increased DA concentrations in the PFC of LH rats, and decreased 5-HT in W rats in NAC and Hipp. Lately, 5-HT turnover was also affected by both strain and isolation conditions.

Conclusions: This study suggests that W and LH rats have markedly different neurochemical profiles in response to isolation, resulting in altered monoamine levels that vary according to brain area and rat strain. These findings highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate rat strain when considering isolation rearing to model symptoms of schizophrenia and/or depression.
Treatment for trichiasis through a combination of eyelash trephination and electrocautery
Authors: Han Jae‐Hyung , Doh Sang‐Hee
Published: October 2011

Purpose:  This article introduces 3‐mm‐deep eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery as a way to increase the success rate for treatment for trichiasis.

Method:  We have modified surgical instruments, ready‐made ophthalmic microtrephine and cautery tip for a 3‐mm‐deep eyelash trephination and electrocautery. After eyelash trephination with microtrephine, electrocautery was added with a bended cautery tip after embedding in the trephination site. The trephined eyelids were photographed biweekly and checked for recurrence until 8 weeks after operation.

Result:  Eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery was carried out on 20 Korean patients. The number of removed cilia was 109. Of these, the number of successfully removed hair follicles was 89. During 8 weeks, the total recurring rate of eyelash trephination combined with electorcautery was 17%. In the case of hair follicle removal success with electrocautery, the recurring rate was as low as 11%, but in the case of hair follicle removal failure with electrocautery, recurring rate is 45%. We checked the depth of removed eyelash follicles, and the mean depth was 2.03 ± 0.085 mm in this study. No serious complication was found during the period of this study.

Conclusion:  The eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery for trichiasis is a method with a low recurrence rate and few complications.
A phenotypic study of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) associated with mutations in the GRM6 gene
Authors: Sergouniotis Panagiotis I. , Robson Anthony G. , Li Zheng , Devery Sophie , Holder Graham E. , Moore Anthony T. , Webster Andrew R.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:  To describe the clinical phenotype and the molecular pathology in a group of patients with congenital stationary night blindness due to mutations in GRM6, a gene encoding the ON bipolar metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6).

Methods:  Nine patients from seven families (age range, 7–75; median, 10 years) with a clinical diagnosis of autosomal recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness were ascertained. Clinical examination, imaging and electrophysiological assessment were performed. The coding region and intron–exon boundaries of GRM6 were sequenced.

Results:  The median visual acuity for the cohort was 0.2 logMAR (range 0–3). Most patients had myopic astigmatism with the median spherical equivalent being −5.375 dioptres (−0.125 to −18.75). Fundoscopy was within normal limits in 15 eyes; there was severe myopic maculopathy in three eyes. Other secondary complications included face turn because of nystagmus and strabismic amblyopia. All patients had electronegative dark‐adapted bright white flash electroretinograms (ERGs) consistent with dysfunction occurring postphototransduction. In the two oldest subjects (aged 75 and 58 years), there was additional photoreceptor dysfunction in keeping with myopic degeneration. ON–OFF ERGs showed generalized cone ON bipolar system dysfunction in all five patients tested. Pattern ERG P50 was normal (Ν = 1), subnormal (N = 2) or undetectable (N = 2). Nine mutations in GRM6 were detected in all seven families; six of these changes were novel.

Conclusions:  The phenotype associated with GRM6 mutation is variable in terms of presentation, refractive error, visual acuity and macular function. ERGs are electronegative and suggest ON‐pathway dysfunction.
Phase Separation in Chalcogenide Glasses: The System AgAsSSe
Authors: Stehlik S. , Kolar J. , Haneda H. , Sakaguchi I. , Frumar M. , Wagner T.
Published: October 2011

We report on visualization of a phase separation in Agx(As0.33S0.67)100−x and Agx(As0.33S0.335Se0.335)100−x chalcogenide glasses by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Sufficient topographical contrast (~20 nm) was achieved by selective polishing of a phase‐separated sample (Ag‐poor, Ag‐rich regions) and phase separation occurred within 0.5–20 at.% Ag and 2–18 at.% Ag in Agx(As0.33S0.67)100−x and Agx(As0.33S0.335Se0.335)100−x systems, respectively. Homogenous regions were observed below and above the phase separation lower and upper limits. Direct comparison of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy sensitivity of phase separation detection is shown. In addition, concentration of silver in particular phases of AgAsS system was evaluated by NanoSIMS (secondary ion mass spectroscopy) and very similar concentration of silver was detected in the phases at boundaries of immiscibility region.
Failure Analysis of Type 304 Stainless Steel Tubes in an Energy Production Plant Heat Exchangers
Authors: Jahangiri M. R.
Published: October 2011

This work includes results of studies and experiments conducted on heat exchanger (heater) tubes of an energy production unit to determine the causes of their fractures. Experiments indicated that the main mechanism of such tube fractures is the simultaneous presence of relatively high vibrational bending stresses and corrosive agents. It was shown that the role of a vibrational bending stress due to high velocity of input steam is very impressive. The important point in this study was the branching of corrosion fatigue cracks during their growth in presence of NaOH and chloride ions. The use of impingement plates and water chemistry control were the most appropriate methods to prevent such failures.
Energy Based Modeling of Ultra High-Pressure Waterjet Surface Preparation Processes
Authors: Chillman A. , Hashish M. , Ramulu M.
Published: October 2011

Ultra high-pressure waterjets (UHP-WJ) have been emerging as a viable method for surface texturing, cleaning, and peening of metallic materials. Previous experimental studies have suggested that removal of material can be related to the energy density of the waterjet impinging upon the workpiece, rather than the net energy. The net energy transferred to the workpiece is a function of four key process parameters, namely, (i) orifice diameter, (ii) orifice geometry, (iii) supply pressure, and (iv) traverse rate. The energy density also incorporates jet spreading as well as flow rate and impulse pressure distributions within the waterjet. In this paper, a novel representation of the power distribution within the waterjet is presented, as well as a relationship governing jet-material interaction. Empirical validation on a Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy is presented, with good correlation noted between the predicted and experimental results.
Analysis of Multi-Layer Immiscible Fluid Flow in a Microchannel
Authors: Li Jie , Sheeran Paul S. , Kleinstreuer Clement
Published: October 2011

The development of microfluidics platforms in recent years has led to an increase in the number of applications involving the flow of multiple immiscible layers of viscous electrolyte fluids. In this study, numerical results as well as analytic equations for velocity and shear stress profiles were derived for N layers with known viscosities, assuming steady laminar flow in a microchannel driven by pressure and/or electro-static (Coulomb) forces. Numerical simulation results, using a commercial software package, match analytical results for fully-developed flow. Entrance flow effects with centered fluid-layer shrinking were studied as well. Specifically, cases with larger viscosities in the inner layers show a very good agreement with experimental correlations for the dimensionless entrance length as a function of inlet Reynolds number. However, significant deviations may occur for multilayer flows with smaller viscosities in the inner layers. A correlation was deduced for the two-layer electroosmotic flow and the pressure driven flow, both being more complex when compared with single-layer flows. The impact of using power-law fluids on resulting velocity profiles has also been explored and compared to Newtonian fluid flows. The present model readily allows for an exploration of the impact of design choices on velocity profiles, shear stress, and channel distribution in multilayer microchannel flows as a function of layered viscosity distribution and type of driving force.
The correlation of tissue motion within the lung: implications on fiducial based treatments
Authors: Smith Ryan L. , Yang Deshan , Lee Andrew , Mayse Martin L. , Low Dan A. , Parikh Parag J.
Published: October 2011

In radiation therapy many motion management and alignment techniques rely on the accuracy of an internal fiducial acting as a surrogate for target motion within the lung. Although fiducials are routinely used as surrogates for tumor motion, the extent to which varying spatial locations in the lung move similarly to other locations has yet to be quantitatively analyzed. In an attempt to analyze the motion correlation throughout the lung, ten primary lung cancer patients underwent IRB‐approved 4DCT scans in the supine position. Deformable registration produced motion vectors for each voxel between exhalation and inhalation. Modeling was performed for each vector and all surrounding vectors within the lung in order to determine the mean 3D Euclidean distance necessary for an implanted fiducial to correlate with surrounding tissue motion to within 3 mm (left lower: 1.7 cm, left upper: 2.1 cm, right lower 1.6 cm, and right upper 2.9 cm). No general implantation rule of where to position a fiducial with respect to the tumor was found as the motion is highly patient and lobe specific. Correlation maps are presented showcasing spatial anisotropy of the motion of tissue surrounding the tumor.
Physics for Animation Artists
Authors: Chai David , Garcia Alejandro L.
Published: October 2011

Animation has become enormously popular in feature films, television, and video games. Art departments and film schools at universities as well as animation programs at high schools have expanded in recent years to meet the growing demands for animation artists. Professional animators identify the technological facet as the most rapidly advancing (and now indispensable) component of their industry. Art students are keenly aware of these trends and understand that their future careers require them to have a broader exposure to science than in the past. Unfortunately, at present there is little overlap between art and science in the typical high school or college curriculum. This article describes our experience in bridging this gap at San Jose State University, with the hope that readers will find ideas that can be used in their own schools.
The Mayer-Joule Principle: The Foundation of the First Law of Thermodynamics
Authors: Newburgh Ronald , Leff Harvey S.
Published: October 2011

To most students today the mechanical equivalent of heat, called the Mayer-Joule principle, is simply a way to convert from calories to joules and vice versa. However, in linking work and heat—once thought to be disjointed concepts—it goes far beyond unit conversion. Heat had eluded understanding for two centuries after Galileo Galilei constructed an early thermometer. Independently, Julius Robert Mayer and James Prescott Joule found the connection between heat and work, the Mayer-Joule principle.
Online with Integers
Authors: Siegel Jonathan W. , Siegel P. B.
Published: October 2011

Integers are sometimes used in physics problems to simplify the mathematics so the arithmetic does not distract students from the physics concepts. This is particularly important in exams where students should not have to spend a lot of time using their calculators. Common uses of integers in physics problems include integer solutions to a2+b2=c2 for right triangles,1 and integer solutions to 1/z=1/x+1/y. The latter equation is relevant for resistors in parallel, capacitors in series, and geometrical optics.2 In this article we point out another way in which integers can enhance a physics course: integers in online problems. We first describe what we mean by integer online problems and how we set them up. Then we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their use.
Looking for radio waves with a simple radio wave detector
Authors: Sugimoto (Stray Cats) Norihiro
Published: October 2011

I created a simple device that can detect radio waves in a classroom. In physics classes I tell students that we live in a sea of radio waves. They come from TV, radio, and cell phone signals as well as other sources. Students don't realize this because those electromagnetic waves are invisible. So, I wondered if I could come up with a way to detect the waves and help students to understand them better. Electromagnetic wave meters, which measure intensity of radio waves quantitatively, are commercially available. However, to students most of these are black boxes, and at the introductory level it is more effective to detect radio waves in a simpler way. This paper describes my device and how I have used it in my classes.
A Small-Molecule Smoothened Agonist Prevents Glucocorticoid-Induced Neonatal Cerebellar Injury
Authors: Heine Vivi M. , Griveau Amelie , Chapin Cheryl , Ballard Philip L. , Chen James K. , Rowitch David H.
Published: October 2011

A Sonic hedgehog–Smoothened signaling agonist can protect against brain injury in mice caused by glucocorticoids, which are given to treat chronic lung disease in preterm infants.
Preterm Cerebellar Growth Impairment After Postnatal Exposure to Glucocorticoids
Authors: Tam Emily W. Y. , Chau Vann , Ferriero Donna M. , Barkovich A. James , Poskitt Kenneth J. , Studholme Colin , Fok Eric D.-Y. , Grunau Ruth E. , Glidden David V. , Miller Steven P.
Published: October 2011

Glucocorticoid exposure in preterm newborns is associated with impaired cerebellar development, pointing to a modifiable risk factor for improving motor and cognitive outcomes after premature birth.
A Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibody Protects African Green Monkeys from Hendra Virus Challenge
Authors: Bossart Katharine N. , Geisbert Thomas W. , Feldmann Heinz , Zhu Zhongyu , Feldmann Friederike , Geisbert Joan B. , Yan Lianying , Feng Yan-Ru , Brining Doug , Scott Dana , Wang Yanping , Dimitrov Antony S. , Callison Julie , Chan Yee-Peng , Hickey Andrew C. , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Broder Christopher C. , Rockx Barry
Published: October 2011

A neutralizing human monoclonal antibody can fully protect nonhuman primates from disease after a lethal Hendra virus challenge.
Hedgehog Rushes to the Rescue of the Developing Cerebellum
Authors: Baud Olivier , Gressens Pierre
Published: October 2011

A small molecule that targets the sonic hedgehog pathway tempers the thwarting of cerebellar growth by steroids in premature newborns.
Delving Deeper into the Persistent Mysteries of Tuberculosis
Authors: Nyendak Melissa
Published: October 2011

A study using deep sequencing to characterize transposon libraries demonstrates that cholesterol catabolism genes are essential for growth of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
Use of insulin glargine in dogs with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fracassi F. , Boretti F. S. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N. S. , Reusch C. E.
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of insulin glargine in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM). Twelve client‐owned dogs with DM were included. All dogs received insulin glargine every 12 hours for at least six months, re‐evaluations were performed after one, two, four, eight, 12 and 24 weeks and included clinical signs, blood glucose curves (BGCs) and measurement of serum fructosamine concentrations. Mean blood glucose concentrations were significantly lower after two weeks of treatment and remained significantly lower for the duration of the study. By week 24, polyuria/polydipsia had improved in 91 per cent of the dogs. No clinical signs that could have been caused by hypoglycaemia were observed. Based on BGCs and remission of the clinical signs for judging the success of the treatment, 58, 33 and 8 per cent of the dogs attained good, moderate and poor glycaemic control by week 24 of the study, respectively. Insulin glargine administered subcutaneously twice daily is a possible and safe method of treatment for dogs with naturally occurring DM. Although only a few studies are available on the use of other types of insulin in dogs, their success rate is somewhat greater than that with insulin glargine.
PARTIAL CLASSIFICATION RESULTS FOR POSITIVE QUATERNION KÄHLER MANIFOLDS
Authors: AMANN MANUEL
Published: October 2011

Positive Quaternion Kähler Manifolds are Riemannian manifolds with holonomy contained in Sp(n)Sp(1) and with positive scalar curvature. Conjecturally, they are symmetric spaces. We prove this conjecture in dimension 20 under additional assumptions and we provide recognition theorems for the real Grassmannian [Formula: see text] in almost all dimensions.
EMERGING CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF SCI JOURNALS AND ITS EFFICIENCY
Authors: CHANG YUNFENG , PING YUAN
Published: October 2011

Cluster analysis is an important way to ascertain whether or not a complex system consists of sub-clusters with different properties. On the basis of journal citation pattern, we clustered 1896 SCI journals in an emerging way (emerging clustering) in this paper. By this emerging clustering, the data to be checked for clustering is reduced from [Formula: see text] to O(NJ) (NJ is the total number of journals), this reduction could reduce the time complexity of clustering to a certain extent. During the clustering process, characteristic numbers of clusters are obtained, which correspond to various resolution scales for viewing the journals and might be helpful in understanding the mutual interactions among various knowledge domains. Its efficiency is further checked by comparisons between emerging clustering and hierarchical clustering with different inter-cluster linkage techniques. Statistical properties and comparisons of the clustering results show that this is an efficient clustering method for journal system. It could be a helpful improvement for traditional classification methods based on subjective analysis.
HETEROGENEOUS LINK WEIGHT PROMOTES THE COOPERATION IN SPATIAL PRISONER'S DILEMMA
Authors: MA ZHI-QIN , XIA CHENG-YI , SUN SHI-WEN , WANG LI , WANG HUAI-BIN , WANG JUAN
Published: October 2011

The spatial structure has often been identified as a prominent mechanism that substantially promotes the cooperation level in prisoner's dilemma game. In this paper we introduce a weighting mechanism into the spatial prisoner's dilemma game to explore the cooperative behaviors on the square lattice. Here, three types of weight distributions: exponential, power-law and uniform distributions are considered, and the weight is assigned to links between players. Through large-scale numerical simulations we find, compared with the traditional spatial game, that this mechanism can largely enhance the frequency of cooperators. For most ranges of b, we find that the power-law distribution enables the highest promotion of cooperation and the uniform one leads to the lowest enhancement, whereas the exponential one lies often between them. The great improvement of cooperation can be caused by the fact that the distributional link weight yields inhomogeneous interaction strength among individuals, which can facilitate the formation of cooperative clusters to resist the defector's invasion. In addition, the impact of amplitude of the undulation of weight distribution and noise strength on cooperation is also investigated for three kinds of weight distribution. Current researches can aid in the further understanding of evolutionary cooperation in biological and social science.
MARKET IMPACT AND ORDER BOOK CHARACTERISTICS IN THE KOREAN FUTURES MARKET
Authors: LEE JUNGHOON , YOUN JANGHYUK , CHANG WOOJIN
Published: October 2011

We have examined the order book characteristics and market impact on the Korean stock index futures market (KOSPI 200 index futures). The distribution of order volumes generally follows power-law distribution. The estimated exponents are 1.9 for market order, 2.5 for limit order, and 2.1 for cancel order. This result is different from the case of stocks where the exponent of market order is larger than that of limit order. The order likelihood is distinctively high in every 50's of order volume, which implies the behavioral characteristics of human preference on round-up numbers. The distributions of bid–ask spread and the best quotes volume provide the evidence of the liquidity of KOSPI 200 index futures market. We have obtained the concave relationship between market impact and transaction volume as well. Finally, the market response behavior is observed regarding various transaction sizes. The size of market response is estimated to be proportional to the size of transaction. Also, the larger the transaction size is, the longer it takes to recover the stability from the impact triggered by transaction.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING GRAPHENE GROWN BY CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
Authors: REN YUJIE , ZHU CHAOFU , CAI WEIWEI , LI HUIFENG , HAO YUFENG , WU YAPING , CHEN SHANSHAN , WU QINGZHI , PINER RICHARD D. , RUOFF RODNEY S.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we report an improved transfer of graphene by directly picking up the graphene with target substrates and the comparison of such transferred graphene samples with other graphene samples transferred by the commonly used "PMMA-based transfer" method. Raman spectroscopy studies show that this "direct transfer method" does not degrade the graphene structure and field effect transistor measurements show that it does not introduce any extra doping in graphene; in contrast, PMMA-based transfer samples have strong n-type doping. We also find that graphene samples achieved by this direct transfer method show higher mobility than graphene obtained from the PMMA-based transfer method.
THE FEASIBILITIES OF USING THE STATISTICAL, FRACTAL AND SINGULAR PROCESSING OF HOMINAL BLOOD PLASMA PHASE IMAGES DURING THE DIAGNOSTICS AND DIFFERENTIATION OF MAMMARY GLAND PATHOLOGICAL STATES
Authors: USHENKO YU. A.
Published: October 2011

Performed in this work are complex statistical, fractal and singular analyses of phase properties inherent to birefringence networks of protein crystals consisting of optically-thin layers prepared from blood plasma. Within the framework of a statistical approach, the authors have investigated values and ranges for changes of statistical moments of the first to the fourth orders that characterize coordinate distributions for phase shifts between orthogonal components of amplitudes inherent to laser radiation transformed by blood plasma with various pathologies. In the framework of the fractal approach, determined are the dimensions of self-similar coordinate phase distributions as well as features of transformation of logarithmic dependences for power spectra of these distributions for various types of hominal mammary gland pathologies.
THE STUDY ON NOVEL MICROELECTRODE ARRAY CHIPS FOR THE DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER POLLUTION
Authors: ZHAO HUI-XIN , CAI WEI , HA DA , WAN HAO , WANG PING
Published: October 2011

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace heavy metals in aqueous environment are rapidly assuming significance along with the rapid development of industry. In this paper, gold microelectrode array (MEA) plated with mercury film was used for simultaneous voltammetric detection of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper ions in water. The electrochemical behavior and the actual surface area of the MEA were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in K3[Fe(CN)6] . Electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) was utilized to examine the deposition of mercury on the electrode surface. Based on anodic stripping voltammetry, mercury film– Au MEA was applied to the detection of heavy metals in artificial analyte, where good calibrate linearity was obtained for cadmium, lead and copper ions, but with zinc exhibiting poor linearity.
AMPLITUDE OF LOW FREQUENCY FLUCTUATION AT DIFFERENT FREQUENCY BANDS IN EARLY AMNESTIC MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: RESULTS FROM ADNI
Authors: JING LONG-LONG , HUANG LI-YU , HUANG DENG-FENG , NIU JIE , ZHONG ZHENG
Published: October 2011

We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine whether there are any abnormalities in different frequency bands between amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF) and between 10 early amnestic mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) patients and eight normal controls participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We showed widespread difference in ALFF/fALFF between two frequency bands (slow-4: 0.027–0.073 Hz, slow-5: 0.01–0.027 Hz) in many brain areas including posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), suprasellar cistern (SC) and ambient cistern (AC). Compared to the normal controls, the EMCI patients showed increased ALFF values in PCu , cerebellum, occipital lobe and cerebellum posterior lobe in frequency band slow-4. While in frequency band slow-5, the EMCI patients showed decreased ALFF values in temporal lobe, left cerebrum and middle temporal gyrus5. Moreover, the EMCI patients showed increased fALFF values in frontal lobe and inferior frontal gyrus in band slow-5. While in frequency band slow-4, the EMCI patients showed decreased fALFF values in limbic lobe, cingulate gyrus and corpus callosum. These results demonstrated that EMCI patients had widespread abnormalities of amplitude of LFF in different frequency bands.
ANALYTICAL MODELS BASED DISCRETE-TIME QUEUEING FOR THE CONGESTED NETWORK
Authors: AL-DIABAT MOFLEH , ABDEL-JABER HUSSEIN , THABTAH FADI , ABOU-RABIA OSMAN , KISHTA MAHMOUD
Published: October 2011

Congestion is one of the well-studied problems in computer networks, which occurs when the request for network resources exceeds the buffer capacity. Many active queue management techniques such as BLUE and RED have been proposed in the literature to control congestions in early stages. In this paper, we propose two discrete-time queueing network analytical models to drop the arrival packets in preliminary stages when the network becomes congested. The first model is based on Lambda Decreasing and it drops packets from a probability value to another higher value according to the buffer length. Whereas the second proposed model drops packets linearly based on the current queue length. We compare the performance of both our models with the original BLUE in order to decide which of these methods offers better quality of service. The comparison is done in terms of packet dropping probability, average queue length, throughput ratio, average queueing delay, and packet loss rate.
Exercise with calorie restriction improves insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthase activity in obese postmenopausal women with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Ryan Alice S. , Ortmeyer Heidi K. , Sorkin John D.
Published: October 2011

Our objective was to compare the effects of in vivo insulin on skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GS) activity in normal (NGT) vs. impaired glucose-tolerant (IGT) obese postmenopausal women and to determine whether an increase in insulin activation of GS is associated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity (M) following calorie restriction (CR) and/or aerobic exercise plus calorie restriction (AEX + CR) in women with NGT and IGT. We did a longitudinal, clinical intervention study of CR compared with AEX + CR. Overweight and obese women, 49–76 yr old, completed 6 mo of CR ( n = 46) or AEX + CR ( n = 50) with V̇o2 max, body composition, and glucose tolerance testing. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic (80 mU·m−2·min−1) clamps ( n = 73) and skeletal muscle biopsies (before and during clamp) ( n = 58) were performed before and after the interventions ( n = 50). After 120 min of hyperinsulinemia during the clamp, GS fractional activity and insulin's effect to increase GS fractional activity (insulin − basal) were significantly lower in IGT vs. NGT ( P < 0.01) at baseline. GS total activity increased during the clamp in NGT ( P < 0.05), but not IGT, at baseline. CR and AEX + CR resulted in a significant 8% weight loss with reductions in total fat mass, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and intramuscular fat. Overall, M increased ( P < 0.01), and the change in M (postintervention − preintervention) was associated with the change in insulin-stimulated GS fractional activity (partial r = 0.44, P < 0.005). In IGT, the change (postintervention − preintervention) in insulin-stimulated GS total activity was greater following AEX + CR than CR alone ( P < 0.05). In IGT, insulin-stimulated GS-independent ( P < 0.005) and fractional activity ( P = 0.06) increased following AEX + CR. We conclude that the greatest benefits at the whole body and cellular level (insulin activation of GS) in older women at highest risk for diabetes are derived from a lifestyle intervention that includes exercise and diet.
Corticospinal contributions to lower limb muscle activity during cycling in humans
Authors: Sidhu Simranjit K. , Hoffman Ben W. , Cresswell Andrew G. , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the current study was to investigate corticospinal contributions to locomotor drive to leg muscles involved in cycling. We studied 1) if activation of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex via subthreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) caused a suppression of EMG and 2) how the responses to stimulation of the motor cortex via TMS and cervicomedullary stimulation (CMS) were modulated across the locomotor cycle. TMS at intensities subthreshold for activation of the corticospinal tract elicited suppression of EMG for approximately one-half of the subjects and muscles during cycling, and in matched static contractions in vastus lateralis. There was also significant modulation in the size of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by TMS across the locomotor cycle ( P < 0.001) that was strongly related to variation in background EMG in all muscles ( r > 0.86; P < 0.05). When MEP and CMEP amplitudes were normalized to background EMG, they were relatively larger prior to the main EMG burst and smaller when background EMG was maximum. Since the pattern of modulation of normalized MEP and CMEP responses was similar, the data suggest that phase-dependent modulation of corticospinal responses during cycling in humans is driven mainly by spinal mechanisms. However, there were subtle differences in the degree to which normalized MEP and CMEP responses were facilitated prior to EMG burst, which might reflect small increases in cortical excitability prior to maximum muscle activation. The data demonstrate that the motor cortex contributes actively to locomotor drive, and that spinal factors dominate phase-dependent modulation of corticospinal excitability during cycling in humans.
Driving With No Brakes: Molecular Pathophysiology of Kv7 Potassium Channels
Authors: Soldovieri Maria Virginia , Miceli Francesco , Taglialatela Maurizio
Published: October 2011

Kv7 potassium channels regulate excitability in neuronal, sensory, and muscular cells. Here, we describe their molecular architecture, physiological roles, and involvement in genetically determined channelopathies highlighting their relevance as targets for pharmacological treatment of several human disorders.
Framing Spatial Cognition: Neural Representations of Proximal and Distal Frames of Reference and Their Roles in Navigation
Authors: Knierim James J. , Hamilton Derek A.
Published: October 2011

The most common behavioral test of hippocampus-dependent, spatial learning and memory is the Morris water task, and the most commonly studied behavioral correlate of hippocampal neurons is the spatial specificity of place cells. Despite decades of intensive research, it is not completely understood how animals solve the water task and how place cells generate their spatially specific firing fields. Based on early work, it has become the accepted wisdom in the general neuroscience community that distal spatial cues are the primary sources of information used by animals to solve the water task (and similar spatial tasks) and by place cells to generate their spatial specificity. More recent research, along with earlier studies that were overshadowed by the emphasis on distal cues, put this common view into question by demonstrating primary influences of local cues and local boundaries on spatial behavior and place-cell firing. This paper first reviews the historical underpinnings of the “standard” view from a behavioral perspective, and then reviews newer results demonstrating that an animal's behavior in such spatial tasks is more strongly controlled by a local-apparatus frame of reference than by distal landmarks. The paper then reviews similar findings from the literature on the neurophysiological correlates of place cells and other spatially correlated cells from related brain areas. A model is proposed by which distal cues primarily set the orientation of the animal's internal spatial coordinate system, via the head direction cell system, whereas local cues and apparatus boundaries primarily set the translation and scale of that coordinate system.
Large Potentials of Small Heat Shock Proteins
Authors: Mymrikov Evgeny V. , Seit-Nebi Alim S. , Gusev Nikolai B.
Published: October 2011

Modern classification of the family of human small heat shock proteins (the so-called HSPB) is presented, and the structure and properties of three members of this family are analyzed in detail. Ubiquitously expressed HSPB1 (HSP27) is involved in the control of protein folding and, when mutated, plays a significant role in the development of certain neurodegenerative disorders. HSPB1 directly or indirectly participates in the regulation of apoptosis, protects the cell against oxidative stress, and is involved in the regulation of the cytoskeleton. HSPB6 (HSP20) also possesses chaperone-like activity, is involved in regulation of smooth muscle contraction, has pronounced cardioprotective activity, and seems to participate in insulin-dependent regulation of muscle metabolism. HSPB8 (HSP22) prevents accumulation of aggregated proteins in the cell and participates in the regulation of proteolysis of unfolded proteins. HSPB8 also seems to be directly or indirectly involved in regulation of apoptosis and carcinogenesis, contributes to cardiac cell hypertrophy and survival and, when mutated, might be involved in development of neurodegenerative diseases. All small heat shock proteins play important “housekeeping” roles and regulate many vital processes; therefore, they are considered as attractive therapeutic targets.
Brain Regeneration in Physiology and Pathology: The Immune Signature Driving Therapeutic Plasticity of Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Martino Gianvito , Pluchino Stefano , Bonfanti Luca , Schwartz Michal
Published: October 2011

Regenerative processes occurring under physiological (maintenance) and pathological (reparative) conditions are a fundamental part of life and vary greatly among different species, individuals, and tissues. Physiological regeneration occurs naturally as a consequence of normal cell erosion, or as an inevitable outcome of any biological process aiming at the restoration of homeostasis. Reparative regeneration occurs as a consequence of tissue damage. Although the central nervous system (CNS) has been considered for years as a “perennial” tissue, it has recently become clear that both physiological and reparative regeneration occur also within the CNS to sustain tissue homeostasis and repair. Proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) residing within the healthy CNS, or surviving injury, are considered crucial in sustaining these processes. Thus a large number of experimental stem cell-based transplantation systems for CNS repair have recently been established. The results suggest that transplanted NPCs promote tissue repair not only via cell replacement but also through their local contribution to changes in the diseased tissue milieu. This review focuses on the remarkable plasticity of endogenous and exogenous (transplanted) NPCs in promoting repair. Special attention will be given to the cross-talk existing between NPCs and CNS-resident microglia as well as CNS-infiltrating immune cells from the circulation, as a crucial event sustaining NPC-mediated neuroprotection. Finally, we will propose the concept of the context-dependent potency of transplanted NPCs (therapeutic plasticity) to exert multiple therapeutic actions, such as cell replacement, neurotrophic support, and immunomodulation, in CNS repair.
The Molecular Architecture for the Intermediate Filaments of Hardα-Keratin Based on the Superlattice Data Obtained from a Study of Mammals Using Synchrotron Fibre Diffraction
Authors: James Veronica
Published: October 2011

High- and low-angle X-ray diffraction studies of hardα-keratin have been studied, and various models have been proposed over the last 70 years. Most of these studies have been confined to one or two forms of alpha keratin. This high- and low-angle synchrotron fibre diffraction study extends the study to cover all available data for all known forms of hardα-keratin including hairs, fingernails, hooves, horn, and quills from mammals, marsupials, and a monotreme, and it confirms that the model proposed is universally acceptable for all mammals. A complete Bragg analysis of the meridional diffraction patterns, including multiple-time exposures to verify any weak reflections, verified the existence of a superlattice consisting of two infinite lattices and three finite lattices. An analysis of the equatorial patterns establishes the radii of the oligomeric levels of dimers, tetramers, and intermediate filaments (IFs) together with the centre to centre distance for the IFs, thus confirming the proposed helices within helices molecular architecture for hardα-keratin. The results verify that the structure proposed by Feughelman and James meets the criteria for a validα-keratin structure.
Nodular Fasciitis of the Orbit: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Riffle John E. , Prosser Andrea H. , Lee Jeffery R. , Lynn Julie J.
Published: October 2011

Nodular fasciitis is a benign, reactive, fibroblastic proliferation in which nodules most commonly develop in the subcutaneous or superficial fascia of the extremities. The occurrence of these growths in the orbital region is relatively rare. Our intent is to report another orbital case of this benign fibroproliferative tumor and to provide a brief review of the pertinent medical literature. The salient pathologic features of nodular fasciitis are summarized. The potential for the misdiagnosis of these benign mesenchymal tumors as a malignant sarcomatous neoplasm is discussed. It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of this pathologic entity and its pseudosarcomatous appearance.
Extensive Deep Venous Thrombosis in a Patient with Neurolept Malignant Syndrome despite Being on Prophylaxis
Authors: Mathew Jerrin C. , Pillai Unnikrishnan , Lacasse Alexander
Published: October 2011

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and those on antipsychotic medications is well established. We present here a case whereby the patient had NMS and developed extensive deep venous thrombosis (DVT) despite being on standard DVT Prophylaxis. Our case illustrates that empiric intravenous heparin for the initial few days after the onset of NMS may be considered in those with high risk of VTE, as in such patients standard DVT prophylaxis may not be sufficient. To standardize as to which patients with NMS would be at the highest risk of VTE while on standard DVT prophylaxis, the role of a standardized scoring system and a double-blind randomized trial in the future would probably be beneficial.