bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a 200 mm wafer-scale finite element model of contact pressure distribution in chemical mechanical polishing
Authors: Byrne G , Ahearne E , Timoney P
Published: October 2011

In the semiconductor industry, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is utilized to planarize the surface of silicon wafers following the lithography and deposition steps, preparing the surface for subsequent layers of interconnects. Stringent local and global planarity tolerances are imposed by the feature size decreases and wafer size increases dictated by Moore’s law. The introduction of fragile, porous, oxide materials for their low dielectric constant also increases the fragility of the wafers being processed. An issue that has received significant attention in the literature is the relationship between the pressure distributed on the backside of the wafer and the resulting interfacial pressure between the wafer and the polishing pad. The Preston relationship for polishing of glass asserted proportionality between the applied pressure and the relative velocity to the resulting material removal rate. However, the pressure distribution between the pad and the wafer is not so well understood and therefore requires a detailed investigation.

This paper presents results of a finite element model of CMP incorporating realistic boundary conditions for the wafer carrier and platen assemblies. The model predictions of interfacial contact pressure are validated by unique measurements of the contact pressure between the wafer and the pad using a static pressure measurement film and accompanying analysis software. The results demonstrate a close correlation between the model’s prediction and the measured values.
Ground motion isolation using a newly designed vibration absorber
Authors: Issa J S
Published: October 2011

A new vibration absorber setup for vibration attenuation in single degree of freedom systems subjected to harmonic base motion is proposed. The absorber is placed so as to separate between the vibrating ground and the main undamped system. It consists of a mas spring damper directly connected to the vibrating ground. The main system is modelled as a mass spring attached to the absorber's mass. The optimal absorber parameters are determined with the aim of reducing the steady-state amplitude of the main mass. It is shown that the amplitude of the main mass passes through three fixed points, two of which are used in the determination of the optimal shape of the transfer function. One of the fixed points is independent of the damping ratio and the second is independent of both the damping and tuning ratios. For this setup, the solution is not unique since the ultimate design is reached by a complete isolation of the main mass from the moving ground and is attained by removing the absorber's damper and stiffness. Since this solution is not physically achievable, for a given mass ratio of the system, the smallest tuning ratio which ensures structural integrity of the system is selected. The optimal damping ratio which yields the optimal shape of the objective function is determined analytically in terms of the mass and tuning ratios. A design flowchart is presented to be used for the design of such absorbers.
Structural analysis of a commercial vehicle disc brake caliper
Authors: Tirovic M , Sergent N , Campbell J , Roberts P , Vignjevic R
Published: October 2011

Disc brake calipers are subjected to significant mechanical loading, with design requirements being particularly stringent with respect to the stresses, the deflections, the installation envelope, the noise, vibration, and harshness, and the thermal aspects. Modern finite element (FE) techniques can successfully model caliper assemblies; however, the limitations in predicting the caliper behaviour are primarily related to accurate definition of the boundary conditions, because of complex interactions between the individual components. Traditionally, strain gauges and displacement transducers have been used for measuring the caliper strains and deflections. This approach is expensive and time consuming, requiring installation of numerous transducers and complex data processing, and has limited accuracy.

The application of digital image correlation (DIC) to a commercial vehicle disc brake caliper provided valuable strain results. In comparison with strain gauges, DIC proved to be exceptionally easy to use and enables straightforward comparison of measured strains with FE predicted values. Initial work dealt with the static actuating forces, and excellent correlation between the predicted and the measured strain values was achieved throughout the operating range of clamp forces. The present authors are confident that the addition of the dynamic frictional forces will give even more interesting results, providing insight into the interaction of different components within the brake assembly.
Palaeoenvironmental history of the São Francisco de Paula region in southern Brazil during the late Quaternary inferred from the Rincão das Cabritas core
Authors: Jeske-Pieruschka Vivian , Behling Hermann
Published: October 2011

We present new palaeoenvironmental data from a 281 cm long sediment core studied by means of pollen and charcoal analyses from Rincão das Cabritas of the São Francisco de Paula area, which lies in the wettest region of southern Brazil at the present time. The high-resolution record, dated with seven AMS dates, spans the last 16 700 cal. BP. The continuous presence of grassland vegetation (Campos) throughout the glacial period reflects cold and markedly drier climatic conditions than today. Nowadays, remote areas of Campos on the highlands represent remnants of an early and widely expanded vegetation of glacial times that was gradually replaced by forest ecosystems during the late Holocene. Araucaria forest began to develop after 3200 cal. BP, with its expansion over Campos starting at about 2950 cal. BP. This was probably due to the presence of a somewhat wetter climate after about 4600 cal. BP, which supported the initial development of forest ecosystems and allowed Atlantic rainforest to spread from the lower regions upwards to higher elevations. The maximum expansion of Araucaria forest took place during the last 1000 years, when it started to be the prevailing vegetation type. This vegetational change coincides with increased precipitation and continuously wetter climatic conditions since 1050 cal. BP. The reconstructed fire history indicates a presence of human-related fires on the highlands from the Late Pleistocene until the mid Holocene. Fire activity was markedly reduced after about 3000 cal. BP when forest expanded continuously under regional wetter climatic conditions.
Acute kidney injury in Chinese patients with lupus nephritis: a large cohort study from a single center
Authors: Zhu D , Qu Z , Tan Y , Yu F , Zhao M-h
Published: October 2011

Objective In this study we assess clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a large cohort of Chinese patients with lupus nephritis.

Methods The clinical, laboratory, renal histopathology, treatment and outcome data were retrospectively collected and compared between lupus nephritis patients with and without AKI. The impact of AKI on renal outcome was evaluated.

Results Among 322 patients with renal biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, 66 (20.5%) were identified as AKI. Male predominance was observed in patients with AKI ( p < 0.001). In comparison with the non-AKI group, patients with AKI had significantly higher proportions of serositis ( p < 0.001), neurologic disorder ( p = 0.026), anemia ( p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia ( p = 0.013) and nephrotic syndrome ( p = 0.011), but significant lower serum C3 ( p < 0.001). The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, renal pathological activity indices and chronicity indices were significantly higher in the AKI group ( p < 0.001 in all cases). Regarding outcome, the AKI group had a significantly poorer renal outcome compared with non-AKI group ( p < 0.001). In the AKI group, patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis and thrombotic microangiopathy had the worst renal outcome. AKI was an independent risk factor for renal outcome (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.819, 95% confidence interval 2.411–14.044 , p < 0.001).

Conclusions AKI is common in lupus nephritis and is an independent risk factor for renal outcome.
Experimental co-infection of pigs with Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and Porcine circovirus-2
Authors: Langohr Ingeborg M. , Stevenson Gregory W. , Nelson Eric A. , Lenz Stephen D. , Wei Huiling , Pogranichniy Roman M.
Published: October 2011

The role of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the development of Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2)-associated disease (PCVAD) was investigated in 2 experimental studies. In the first, separate groups of germ-free pigs were inoculated with filtered tissue homogenate (from diseased pigs) containing PCV-2b + BVDV-1–like virus (group 1), PCV-2a + BVDV-1–like virus (group 4), BVDV-1–like virus only (group 3), or PCV-2b + BVDV-1–like virus following a BVDV vaccination protocol (group 2). This last group was used to test if BVDV vaccination would prevent clinical PCVAD in this model. Many of the inoculated pigs had mild multisystemic inflammation consistent with classic PCVAD. One vaccinated, dually inoculated pig had acute respiratory distress followed by death at 21 days postinfection. Lesions in this pig resembled the severe form of PCVAD observed in the field since the fall of 2004, suggesting a role of ruminant pestiviruses and/or vaccination in the development of this disease. In the second study, cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived pigs were inoculated with PCV-2b and a cytopathic strain of BVDV-1 (cpBVDV-NADL) either alone or in combination. Clinical signs of PCVAD were seen in a single animal inoculated only with PCV-2b. This pig had growth retardation followed by acute respiratory distress leading to death 30 days postinfection. Pulmonary lesions in this animal were similar to those seen in the pig that died in the first study. Infection with cpBVDV-NADL did not enhance PCV-2b replication or lesion formation.
Spillover Effects of the ADA
Authors: Kelly Inas Rashad , Tennant Jennifer
Published: October 2011

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 has expanded employment opportunities of numerous persons with disabilities, although its effect on employment for disabled individuals has been mixed. With the strong correlation between disability and obesity, the ADA has likely had spillover effects through several court cases related to disability and obesity. The authors create a data set that combines state-level data on cases pertaining to the ADA with an individual-level health data set representative of the U.S. population: the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1993–2007. Controlling for state-level unemployment rates, the authors find little effect of these state-level disability policies on the probability of employment and the probability of being a student. Further analysis reveals that the occurrence of the court cases increases the probability that obese individuals report having a disability, perhaps paving the path for the creation of an environment in which obese individuals with disabilities are able to collect disability benefits.
Social Interaction in Games
Authors: Ekman Inger , Chanel Guillaume , Järvelä Simo , Kivikangas J.Matias , Salminen Mikko , Ravaja Niklas
Published: October 2011

Psychophysiological methodology has been successfully applied to investigate media responses, including the experience of playing digital games. The approach has many benefits for a player experience assessment—it can provide detailed, unbiased, and time-accurate data without interrupting the gameplay. However, gaming can be a highly social activity. This article extends the methodological focus from single player to include multiple simultaneous players. A physiological metric for investigating social experience within a shared gaming context is introduced: Physiological linkage is measured by gathering simultaneous psychophysiological measurements from several players. The authors review how physiological linkage may be associated with social presence among participants in various gaming situations or social contexts. These metrics provide such information about the interaction among participants that is not currently available by any other method. The authors discuss various measures used to calculate linkage, the related social processes, and how to use physiological linkage in game experience research.
The Process of Curriculum Development and Implementation for an Adolescent Health Project in Middle Schools
Authors: Bindler Ruth C. , Goetz Summer , Butkus Sue Nicholson , Power Thomas G. , Ullrich-French Sarah , Steele Michael
Published: October 2011

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries and is showing no signs of abating. The causes of obesity in adolescence are extremely complex, and therefore approaches to prevention and treatments must be multifaceted. Early adolescence is a developmental period when youth are becoming more independent, are influenced by peers, and are making more decisions related to their own health and lifestyles. The purpose of this article is to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a multilevel school-based intervention program for middle school students in the Teen Eating and Activity Mentoring in Schools (TEAMS) project. Critical components of success included an interdisciplinary approach, applying available curricula to meet contextual characteristics, and involvement of all stakeholders in planning, evaluating, and refining the program.
Biodistribution, Toxicology, and Radiation Dosimetry of 5-HT1A-Receptor Agonist Positron Emission Tomography Ligand [11C]CUMI-101
Authors: Kumar Dileep J. S. , Bai Bing , Ng Hanna H. , Mirsalis Jon C. , Erlandsson Kjell , Milak Matthew S. , Majo Vattoly J. , Prabhakaran Jaya , Mann J. J. , Parsey R. V.
Published: October 2011

Sprague Dawley rats (10/sex/group) were given a single intravenous (iv) dose of CUMI-101 to determine acute toxicity of CUMI-101 and radiation dosimetry estimations were conducted in baboons with [11C]CUMI-101. Intravenous administration of CUMI-101 did not produce overt biologically or toxicologically significant adverse effects except transient hypoactivity immediately after dose in the mid- and high-dose groups, which is not considered to be a dose-limiting toxic effect. No adverse effects were observed in the low-dose group. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is considered to be 44.05 µg/kg for a single iv dose administration in rats. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was estimated to be 881 µg/kg for a single iv dose administration. The Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRDOSE) estimates indicate the maximum permissible single-study dosage of [11C]CUMI-101 in humans is 52 mCi with testes and urinary bladder as the critical organ for males and females, respectively.
Single- and 14-Day Repeat-Dose Toxicity of Cross-Linked β-Cyclodextrin in Rats
Authors: Park Ju-Hyun , Choi Kyung-Hoon , Kwak Hae-Soo
Published: October 2011

The present study was carried out to investigate the oral single and repeat toxicity of cross-linked β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) made with adipic acid. Ten each of female and male rats were orally administered a 5000 mg/kg single dose. At this dose, mortality or macroscopic changes of internal organs were not observed. Dose levels 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg of β-CD were given daily to 5 each of female and male rats by oral gavage for 14 days. Body and organ weights were not significantly different during the study ( P < .05). Hematology and clinical chemistry did not show any toxicity from the cross-linked β-CD. Macroscopic or microscopic changes were not observed between the controls and the treated rats. Based on these results, the cross-linked β-CD did not produce any signs of toxicity or other adverse effects at dose levels up to 2000 mg/kg per d for 14 days.
Using musical agency as a lens: Researching music education from the angle of experience
Authors: Karlsen Sidsel
Published: October 2011

In this article, the author suggests a route for music education research in which the notion of musical agency is proposed as one possible lens for investigating music education practices from the angle of the learner’s experience. A review is made of how the notion of musical agency is used within music education and related fields. Moreover, the phenomenon is described as found within the sociology of music and even more particularly in the works of Small (1998), DeNora (2000), and Batt-Rawden and DeNora (2005). Next, the different aspects of musical agency as found within these works are categorized and explained in more detail. Finally, this sociologically-inspired understanding of musical agency is visualized as a lens and proposed as a tool for ethnographically-inspired music education research.
The standardization process of movement in the fitness industry: The experience design of Les Mills choreographies
Authors: Parviainen Jaana
Published: October 2011

This article explores processes of standardizing movement in the fitness industry, using the Les Mills Fitness programmes as a case study. With licensees in 70 countries, the company has gained widespread recognition as the world’s biggest producer of branded fitness classes. Based on participant observation in fitness classes, the article examines what kind of intangible touchpoints are hidden in the fitness services to make them attractive to clients. While the global delivery system of fitness services aims at transcending the body, the phenomenological description of the lived body becomes a key factor in revealing the nature of standardization. Outlining fitness products as experience design, the purpose is to reach behind the managerial rhetoric. Reflecting on the global delivery system of fitness services and its effects on interaction between instructors and fitness clients, the article analyses how the global industry of fitness services standardizes bodily movements to make profit from them.
Numerical Prediction Model for Fungal Growth Coupled with Hygrothermal Transfer in Building Materials
Authors: Ito Kazuhide
Published: October 2011

A mathematical model that reproduces fungal proliferation and morphological colony formation was developed on the basis of a reaction diffusion modelling approach. In this modelling, fungal life stage was separated into two, active and inactive stage, and it was assumed that active fungus moves by diffusion and reaction while generating and producing inactive fungus. The effects of temperature and humidity on fungal growth were explicitly incorporated in the reaction term of nutrient consumption/production of active fungus in this governing equation. The damping function, which reproduces the effects of temperature and humidity on fungal growth, was developed and explicitly based on the fungal index proposed by K. Abe. In order to estimate the sensitivity of the proposed numerical fungal growth model, fungal growth on the surface of building materials was analysed for four types of building materials, and the prediction results were compared with the results of WUFI-Bio and the fungal index.
Discrete-time survival trees and forests with time-varying covariates
Authors: Bou-Hamad Imad , Larocque Denis , Ben-Ameur Hatem
Published: October 2011

The aim of this paper is to propose a new survival tree method for discrete-time survival data with time-varying covariates. This method can accommodate simultaneously time-varying covariates and time-varying effects. The method is then used for bankruptcy analysis of US firms that conducted an Initial Public Offerings between 1990 and 1999 using accounting and financial ratios.
Estimation of stable CARMA models with an application to electricity spot prices
Authors: García Isabel , Klüppelberg Claudia , Müller Gernot
Published: October 2011

We discuss theoretical properties and estimation of continuous-time ARMA (CARMA) processes, which are driven by a stable Lévy process. Such processes are very useful in a continuous-time linear stationary setup: they have a similar structure as the widely used ARMA models and provide all advantages of a continuous-time model. As an application we consider data from a deregulated electricity market. Here, we fit a CARMA(2,1) model to spot prices from the Singapore New Electricity Market. The quality of the estimates is assessed in a simulation study. The continuous-time modelling aims at a new pricing methodology for energy derivatives.
Dietary habits and exercise behaviours in persons at risk for peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study
Authors: Collins Tracie C , Henderson Kimberly , Lunos Scott
Published: October 2011

Background

To determine dietary habits, exercise behaviours and knowledge of disease in a racially diverse group of patients at risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods

An ethnically diverse cohort of persons age ≥39 years with at least one traditional risk factor for PAD was recruited. We obtained data on ethnicity, exercise behaviour, eating patterns and PAD knowledge.

Results

Of the 50 participants who completed screening for PAD, the mean age was 64.4±11.5 years and 15 (30%) were African American, 12 (24%) were Latino, 13 (26%) were Native American, and 10 (20%) were white. The scores and standard errors for avoiding fried foods were 2.80 (0.11) for African Americans, 3.06 (0.13) for Latinos, 3.54 (0.13) for Native Americans (p=0.0002), and 3.31 (0.11) for whites. Mean minutes of weekly exercise were not significantly different by group. Traditional risk factors for PAD were identified by 28% of participants prior to video presentations as compared to 60% following the presentations.

Conclusion

African Americans were more likely to eat fried foods than other ethnicities. Efforts are needed to identify novel approaches to improve dietary habits and levels of physical activity in individuals at risk for PAD.
Increased serum C-reactive protein concentration is associated with body mass index but not with glycated haemoglobin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with body mass index within normal range
Authors: Zaciragic Asija , Mulabegovic Nedzad , Huskic Jasminko , Valjevac Amina , Avdagic Nesina , Hadzovic-Dzuvo Almira , Lepara Orhan , Dobraca Suada , Dinarevic–Mesihovic Senka
Published: October 2011

This study investigated whether serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is increased in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with a normal body mass index (BMI) and whether BMI, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and CRP are correlated in patients with type 1 diabetes. High-sensitivity CRP was determined by immunonephelometry and HbA1c by an immunoturbidimetric method in 30 patients with type 1 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals matched for age, sex and BMI. Median serum CRP concentration in patients with type 1 diabetes (1.34 mg/L) was significantly higher than healthy individuals (0.2 mg/L; p<0.0001). Positive correlation between CRP and BMI was observed (rho=0.598; p<0.0001), but no significant correlation was observed between CRP and HbA1c (rho=0.285; p=NS) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Increased CRP levels in type 1 diabetes patients do not appear to be associated with glycaemic control, and may reflect low-grade inflammation associated with atherosclerosis, as well as activation of innate immune activity.
Best Case Series Program Supportive Cases of Cordyceps militaris– and Panax notoginseng–Based Anticancer Herbal Formula
Authors: Yoo Hwa-Seung , Yoon Jeungwon , Lee Grace H. , Lee Yeon-Weol , Cho Chong-Kwan
Published: October 2011

Objective. The major aim of this study was to present 2 cancer cases treated with anticancer herbal formula Panax notoginseng and Cordyceps militaris. Methods. Two patients, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue type lymphoma, respectively, were treated with P notoginseng and C militaris herbal formula without conventional treatments. Their tumor masses were compared using computed tomography during early and later periods of herbal formula treatment. Results. On computed tomography, reduction in tumor mass in both patients after 17 and 13 months of herbal treatments was noted, and the patients maintained stable disease and good quality of life until the last contact in November 2008. Conclusion. C militaris and P notoginseng are potential anticancer herbal prescriptions for adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue type lymphoma.
Probability theory of capacity value of additional generation
Authors: Zachary S , Dent C J
Published: October 2011

This paper describes a new probability theory of the capacity value of additional generation in electrical power systems. A closed-form expression for the effective load carrying capability or equivalent firm capacity of a small additional capacity is derived. This depends on the mean and variance of the distribution of available additional generation capacity, and the shape of the distribution of the difference between available existing capacity and demand, near zero margin. The theory extends naturally to the case where the pre-existing background and additional resource are not statistically independent.

The theory may be used to explain and confirm the generality of various well-known properties of capacity value results, as is illustrated using Great Britain examples. Of particular note is the common observation that if the distribution for demand is shifted so as to increase the calculated risk, then the capacity value of additional generation increases. The new theory demonstrates that this is not true in general, but rather is a consequence of the shape near zero margin of the probability distribution of the margin of existing generating capacity over demand.
Value of stochastic reserve policies in low-carbon power systems
Authors: Sturt A , Strbac G
Published: October 2011

The intermittent nature of wind power and the high ratings of next-generation nuclear units mean that low-carbon power systems will have high short-term reserve requirements, if these requirements are determined using current methods. Meanwhile, the flexible fossil-fuel generators, which have been the traditional providers of reserve services, will run much less frequently. A fundamental review of the reserve requirement is therefore needed if power systems are to absorb high wind penetrations in an efficient manner. A fast Stochastic Unit Commitment algorithm is presented, which accounts for the uncertainties in demand, wind power and thermal generator outages, and schedules both frequency response (primary reserve) and longer-term reserves considering the costs and benefits of their provision. It is shown through multi-year simulations that stochastic scheduling can have substantial benefits at high wind penetrations, in terms of wind curtailment and efficient running of the flexible generators. Under the assumptions made, the cost reduction, compared with system operation under current reserve requirements, is about 4 per cent at a 50 per cent penetration.
High variability of TLR4 gene in different ethnic groups in Iran
Authors: Ioana Mihai , Ferwerda Bart , Farjadian Shirin , Ioana Luiza , Ghaderi Abbas , Oosting Marije , Joosten Leo AB , van der Meer Jos WM , Romeo Giovanni , Luiselli Donata , Dediu Dan , Netea Mihai G
Published: October 2011

Infectious diseases exert a constant evolutionary pressure on the innate immunity genes. TLR4, an important member of the TLR family, specifically recognizes conserved structures of various infectious pathogens. Two functional TLR4 polymorphisms, Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, modulate innate host defense against infections, and their prevalence between various populations has been proposed to be influenced by local infectious pressures. If this assumption is true, strong local infectious pressures would lead to a homogeneous pattern of these ancient TLR4 polymorphisms in geographically-close populations, while a weak selection or genetic drift may result in a diverse pattern. We evaluated TLR4 polymorphisms in 15 ethnic groups in Iran, to assess whether infections exerted selective pressures on different haplotypes containing these variants. The Iranian subpopulations displayed a heterogeneous pattern of TLR4 polymorphisms, comprising various percentages of Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, alone or in combination. The Iranian sample, as a whole, showed an intermediate mixed pattern when compared with commonly-found patterns in Africa, Europe, Eastern Asia and the Americas. These findings suggest a weak, or absent, selection pressure on TLR4 polymorphisms in the Middle-East that does not support the assumption of an important role of these polymorphisms in the host defense against local pathogens.
Endogenous Bcl-xL is essential for Myc-driven lymphomagenesis in mice
Authors: Kelly Priscilla N. , Grabow Stephanie , Delbridge Alex R. D. , Strasser Andreas , Adams Jerry M.
Published: October 2011

Impaired apoptosis is a cancer hallmark, and some types of lymphomas and other cancers harbor mutations that directly affect key cell death regulators, such as Bcl-2 family members. However, because the majority of tumors seem to lack such mutations, we are examining the hypothesis that tumorigenesis can be sustained at least initially by the normal expression of specific endogenous pro-survival Bcl-2 family members. We previously demonstrated that the lymphomagenesis in Εμ-myc transgenic mice, which constitutively overexpress the c-Myc oncoprotein in B-lymphoid cells and develop pre-B and B-cell lymphomas, does not require endogenous Bcl-2. In striking contrast, we report here that loss in these mice of its close relative Bcl-xL attenuated the pre-neoplastic expansion of pro-B and pre-B cells otherwise driven by c-Myc overexpression, sensitized these cells to apoptosis and ablated lymphoma formation. Remarkably, even loss of a single bcl-x allele delayed the lymphomagenesis. These findings identify Bcl-xL as a prerequisite for the emergence of c-Myc–driven pre-B/B lymphoma and suggest that BH3 mimetic drugs may provide a prophylactic strategy for c-Myc–driven tumors.
The Form of Liability in the Torts of Trespass
Authors: Beever Allan
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the form of liability found in the law of trespass. Though it is frequently held that liability in these torts is based on the intentional fault of the defendant, it is argued that the torts are in fact strict. The paper approaches this issue by examining the nature of intention in the law of trespass and the judgments in Letang v Cooper and Re F. The paper also explores the nature of the negligent trespass actions available in Australia.
Threats to the Presumption of Innocence in Irish Criminal Law: An Assessment
Authors: Hamilton Claire
Published: October 2011

The existence of four contemporary threats to the presumption of innocence in England and Wales has been posited by Ashworth. The aim of this article is to take stock of the law in the Republic of Ireland impacting upon this cornerstone principle of Irish criminal law. The article explores Ashworth's arguments in more detail and examines the justifications for the presumption of innocence generally and in an Irish context. The precise meaning and ambit of the presumption in Irish law is examined before proceeding to consider the case law and legislation which may have impacted on its scope and practical import for the accused. Several, albeit mixed, conclusions are drawn about the relative health of the presumption in Ireland.
Children's Ability to Estimate the Frequency of Single and Repeated Events
Authors: Sharman Stefanie J. , Powell Martine B. , Roberts Kim P.
Published: October 2011

Although it is extremely important when interviewing children about alleged abuse to determine whether the abuse was a single or a repeated occurrence, we have little information about how children judge the frequency of events. The aim of the current study was to examine children's accuracy in providing estimates of event frequency that were numerical (that is, 1, 2, 3, …) and qualitative (that is, once, a few times, or many times). Younger (4- to 5-year-old) and older (6- to 8-year-old) children took part in a single event or an event that was repeated 6 or 11 times. They were interviewed after a short or long delay; some were interviewed a second time. Overall, children were very accurate at judging the frequency of a single event, but much less so for repeated events. Based on our findings, we make two recommendations for professionals trying to establish the frequency of events when interviewing young children.
The Impact of Delayed Storage on the Measured Proteome and Metabolome of Human Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Rosenling Therese , Stoop Marcel P , Smolinska Agnieszka , Muilwijk Bas , Coulier Leon , Shi Shanna , Dane Adrie , Christin Christin , Suits Frank , Horvatovich Peter L , Wijmenga Sybren S , Buydens Lutgarde MC , Vreeken Rob , Hankemeier Thomas , van Gool Alain J , Luider Theo M , Bischoff Rainer
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND

Because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is in close contact with diseased areas in neurological disorders, it is an important source of material in the search for molecular biomarkers. However, sample handling for CSF collected from patients in a clinical setting might not always be adequate for use in proteomics and metabolomics studies.

METHODS

We left CSF for 0, 30, and 120 min at room temperature immediately after sample collection and centrifugation/removal of cells. At 2 laboratories CSF proteomes were subjected to tryptic digestion and analyzed by use of nano-liquid chromatography (LC) Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) and chipLC quadrupole TOF-MS. Metabolome analysis was performed at 3 laboratories by NMR, GC-MS, and LC-MS. Targeted analyses of cystatin C and albumin were performed by LC–tandem MS in the selected reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS

We did not find significant changes in the measured proteome and metabolome of CSF stored at room temperature after centrifugation, except for 2 peptides and 1 metabolite, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic (threonic) acid, of 5780 identified peptides and 93 identified metabolites. A sensitive protein stability marker, cystatin C, was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The measured proteome and metabolome of centrifuged human CSF is stable at room temperature for up to 2 hours. We cannot exclude, however, that changes undetectable with our current methodology, such as denaturation or proteolysis, might occur because of sample handling conditions. The stability we observed gives laboratory personnel at the collection site sufficient time to aliquot samples before freezing and storage at −80 °C.
Discontinuation of octreotide LAR after long term, successful treatment of patients with acromegaly: is it worth trying?
Authors: Ramírez Claudia , Vargas Guadalupe , González Baldomero , Grossman Ashley , Rábago Julia , Sosa Ernesto , Espinosa-de-Los-Monteros Ana Laura , Mercado Moisés
Published: October 2011

Background

Somatostatin analogs (SA) have been used for over 25 years in the treatment of acromegaly. A major disadvantage is the need to continue therapy indefinitely.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of discontinuing therapy in well-controlled patients with acromegaly treated chronically with SA.

Design and methods

Of the 205 subjects on octreotide LAR, we selected those who met the following criteria: two or more years of treatment, a stable dose and injection interval of 20 mg every 8 weeks or longer for the previous year, no history of radiation, no cabergoline for the previous 6 months, a GH <1.5 ng/ml, and an IGF1 <1.2×upper limit of normal (ULN). Octreotide LAR was stopped and both GH and IGF1 were measured monthly for 4 months; a glucose-suppressed GH value and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at the 4th month, thereafter, basal GH and IGF1 were measured q. 3 months, for 12–18 months. Patients were removed from the study if GH or IGF1 rose to 1.5 ng/ml or 1.2×ULN respectively.

Results

Twelve patients (ten women, mean age 48±13 years) were studied. Seven patients (58.3%) relapsed biochemically within 1 year of having stopped the SA; two patients relapsed by GH and IGF1 criteria, the remaining five patients kept GH levels within target. Five patients (41.7%) remain in remission after 12 months of follow-up. Non-recurring patients were on longer injection intervals but no other characteristic was associated with a successful withdrawal.

Conclusion

Withdrawal of SA is possible in a small but distinct subset of patients, particularly in those who are very well controlled on relatively low doses administered at long intervals.
Functional polymorphisms within the TNFRSF11B (osteoprotegerin) gene increase the risk for low bone mineral density
Authors: Vidal Christopher , Formosa Robert , Xuereb-Anastasi Angela
Published: October 2011

Polymorphisms within the TNFRSF11B gene have been studied and associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), the product of this gene, is a key negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis and is secreted by osteoblasts/stromal cells. A previous study in Maltese postmenopausal women showed positive association of low bone mineral density (BMD) with a polymorphism found within the promoter region of this gene (C950T). In this study, direct DNA sequencing revealed 12 variants with polymorphisms C950T, G1181C and rs4876869 observed to be in strong linkage disequilibrium. The constructed haplotype T-G-T was found to increase the risk for a low BMD, while C-G-T and C-C-C have a protective role; thus, we investigated the functional role of both C950T and rs4876869 in vitro. The promoter region, including the C950T alleles, was amplified by PCR, cloned into pGL3 enhancer vector and transfected into HeLa, COS-7 and RAW264.7 cell lines. After incubation, luciferase activity was measured. The T/C (rs4876869) change was tested for its possible effect on pre-mRNA splicing, using an exon-trapping vector. A statistical significant difference in gene expression was observed between the alleles for T950C, with the T allele showing a lower luciferase expression in all cell lines (P<0.01). For rs4876869, exon skipping was observed for the C allele, while only one transcript harbouring the whole exon was observed for the T allele. Our findings suggest that the T-G-T haplotype might be increasing the risk for osteoporosis due to lower quantities of the full OPG transcript being expressed resulting in a higher bone resorption.
Disparate consequences of heat stress exposure during meiotic maturation: embryo development after chemical activation vs fertilization of bovine oocytes
Authors: Rispoli L A , Lawrence J L , Payton R R , Saxton A M , Schrock G E , Schrick F N , Middlebrooks B W , Dunlap J R , Parrish J J , Edwards J L
Published: October 2011

Consequences of heat stress exposure during the first 12 h of meiotic maturation differed depending on how and when bovine oocytes were activated. If heat-stressed oocytes underwent IVF at ∼24 h, blastocyst development was less than for respective controls and similar to that obtained for nonheat-stressed oocytes undergoing IVF at 30 h (i.e. slightly aged). In contrast, if heat-stressed oocytes underwent chemical activation with ionomycin/6-dimethylaminopurine at 24 h, blastocyst development was not only higher than respective controls, but also equivalent to development obtained after activation of nonheat-stressed oocytes at 30 h. Developmental differences in chemically activated vs IVF-derived embryos were not related to fertilization failure or gross alterations in cytoskeletal components. Rather, ionomycin-induced calcium release and MAP kinase activity were less in heat-stressed oocytes. While underlying mechanisms are multifactorial, ability to obtain equivalent or higher development after parthenogenetic activation demonstrates that oocytes experiencing heat stress during the first 12 h of meiotic maturation have the necessary components to develop to the blastocyst stage, but fail to do so after fertilization.
Symptoms of Respiratory Disease and Lung Functional Impairment Associated with Occupational Inhalation Exposure to Carbon Black Dust
Authors: Neghab Masoud , Mohraz Majid Habibi , Hassanzadeh Jafar
Published: October 2011

Symptoms of Respiratory Disease and Lung Functional Impairment Associated with Occupational Inhalation Exposure to Carbon Black Dust: Masoud Neghab, et al. Department of Occupational Health, School of Health and Nutrition and Research Center for Health Sciences, Iran—Purpose: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether symptoms of respiratory disorders and lung functional impairments are associated with occupational inhalation exposure to carbon black (CB) in a group of rubber workers.

Methods

The study population consisted of 72 male workers with a past history of and current exposure to CB and 69, randomly selected, healthy unexposed male ofice workers that served as the referent group. Subjects were interviewed and given standardized respiratory symptom questionnaires to answer. Furthermore, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed before and after the work shift for exposed subjects and once during the work shift for referent subjects. Furthermore, to assess the extent to which workers were exposed to CB, using standard methods, inhalable and respirable dust fractions of CB were measured in different dusty worksites.

Results

The levels of exposure to inhalable and respirable CB dust were estimated to be 6.2 ± 1.7 and 2.3 ± 0.29 mg/ 3 mrespectively (mean ± SD). Respiratory symptom questionnaires revealed that regular cough, phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath were significantly (p<0.05) more prevalent among exposed workers. Furthermore, significant decreases in some preshift and postshift parameters of pulmonary function of exposed workers with a spirometric pattern consistent with restrictive ventilatory disorder were found. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide circumstantial evidence to support the notion that exposure to CB exceeding its current TLV is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms along with both acute, partially reversible and chronicirreversible significant decreases in some parameters of pulmonary function.
Dr Robert Hooke and the origins of engineering science
Authors: Chapman Allan
Published: October 2011

When John Aubrey described Hooke as the ‘Greatest Mechanick this day in the World', he acknowledged Hooke's genius as an experimentalist. To Hooke, the whole of nature was a great machine or engine in motion, the deepest truths of which could be uncovered by means of ingeniously contrived instruments. In the 1650s, the ‘ingeniosi' of the future Royal Society were beginning to revolutionise our sense of ‘natural knowledge' and coming to envisage ways of applying it to ‘the Relief of Man's Estate'. This paper describes Hooke's early life, his development of precision instruments such as the microscope, his Micrographia and its influence on engineering, his work on motion and elasticity, and his inventions, including the airpump, wheel barometer, hygrometer, spring watch, and various machine tools.
The Impact of Technology-Enhanced Student Teacher Supervision on Student Teacher Knowledge, Performance, and Self-Efficacy during the Field Experience
Authors: Kopcha Theodore J. , Alger Christianna
Published: October 2011

The eSupervision instructional program is a series of five online modules housed in a content management system that support triad members (student teachers, cooperating teachers, university supervisors) during the field experience. The program was designed on a cognitive apprenticeship framework and uses a variety of technology to support both novice and expert activities, including online discussion forums, guided observations, video reflection, and a lesson plan performance support system. Forty-one student teachers (19 eSupervision, 22 non-eSupervision) completed a statewide assessment of knowledge and performance at the conclusion of their student teaching. Seventeen (8 eSupervision, 9 non-eSupervision) also completed a pre- and post-efficacy measure. After accounting for their experiences with the cooperating teacher, the results indicate a non-significant difference in teaching knowledge and performance and a statistically significant interaction in self-efficacy favoring eSupervision students. Implications for teacher education and the practices that improve the supervision of student teachers are discussed.
An improved node localization algorithm based on DV-Hop for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Qian Qingji , Shen Xuanjing , Chen Haipeng
Published: October 2011

Sensor node localization is the basis for the entire wireless sensor
networks. Because of restricted energy of the sensor nodes, the location
error, costs of communication and computation should be considered in
localization algorithms. DV-Hop localization algorithm is a typical
positioning algorithm that has nothing to do with distance. In the isotropic
dense network, DV-Hop can achieve position more precisely, but in the random
distribution network, the node location error is great. This paper summed up
the main causes of error based on the analysis on the process of the DV-Hop
algorithm, aimed at the impact to the location error which is brought by the
anchor nodes of different position and different quantity, a novel
localization algorithm called NDVHop_Bon (New DV-Hop based on optimal
nodes) was put forward based on optimal nodes, and it was simulated on
Matlab. The results show that the new proposed location algorithm has a
higher accuracy on localization with a smaller communication radius in the
circumstances, and it has a wider range of applications.
Velocity adaptation for synchronizing a mobile agent network
Authors: Li Lijing , Yan Hui , Li Hui , Zhang Chunxi
Published: October 2011

This paper investigates the problem of synchronizing a mobile agent network
by means of a velocity adaptation strategy, where each agent is assigned
different moving velocities to establish a timevarying network topology, and
the velocity of each agent develops adaptively according to the local
property between itself and its neighbors. We show that our strategy is
effective in enhancing the synchronizability of the mobile agent network,
i.e., the region of power density for which the network can achieve
synchronization is enlarged as compared to the fast-switching case. In
addition, the influence of the controlling parameter on network evolution is
studied by assessing the convergence time.
Energy-efficient opportunistic localization with indoor wireless sensor networks
Authors: Xia Feng , Yang Xue , Liu Haifeng , Da Zhang , Zhao Wenhong
Published: October 2011

Localization challenges researchers for its contradictive goals, i.e., how to
tackle the problem of minimizing energy consumption as well as maintaining
localization precision, which are two essential trade-offs in wireless sensor
network systems. In this paper, we propose an Energy-Efficient Opportunistic
Localization (EEOL) scheme to satisfy the requirement of positional accuracy
and power consumption. We explore the idea of opportunistic wakeup
probability to wake up an appropriate numbers of sensor nodes, while ensuring
the high positional accuracy. Sensor nodes can be triggered by the
opportunistic wakeup probability sent from the user. Through utilizing this
method, the number of active sensors in the sensing range of the user is
decreased, and the power consumption is significantly reduced. Theoretical
analysis has been presented to evaluate the performance of EEOL. Simulation
results show that EEOL confirms our theoretical analysis.