bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Thermoresponsive Films Deposited by an RF Plasma Reactor
Authors: Lucero Adrianne E. , Reed Jamie A. , Wu Xiaomei , Canavan Heather E.
Published: October 2010

Poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) undergoes a sharp property change in response to a moderate thermal stimulus at physiologic temperatures. In this work, we constructed a radio frequency (RF) plasma reactor for the plasma polymerization of pNIPAM. RF deposition is a method that coats surfaces of any geometry producing surfaces that are sterile and uniform, making this technique useful for forming biocompatible films. The films generated are characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angles, cell culture, and interferometry. We find that a plasma with a decreasing series of power settings (i.e., from 100 to 1 W) at a pressure of 140 mTorr yields the most favorable results.

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Cardiorespiratory measurements during field tests in CF: Use of an ambulatory monitoring system
Authors: Bradley Judy M. , Kent Lisa , O'Neill Brenda , Nevill Alan , Boyle Lesley , Elborn J. Stuart
Published: October 2010

Respiratory inductive plethysmography (e.g., LifeShirt) may offer in‐depth study of the cardiorespiratory responses during field exercise tests. The aims of this study were to assess the reliability, discriminate validity, and responsiveness of cardiorespiratory measurements recorded by the LifeShirt during field exercise tests in adults with CF. To assess reliability and discriminate validity, participants with CF and stable lung disease and healthy participants performed the 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Modified Shuttle Test (MST) on two occasions. To assess responsiveness, participants with CF experiencing an exacerbation performed the 6MWT at the start and end of an admission for intravenous antibiotics. The LifeShirt was worn during all exercise tests. Reliability and discriminate validity were assessed in 18 participants with CF (mean (SD) age: 26 (10) years; FEV1 %predicted: 69.2 (23)%) and 18 healthy participants (age: 24 (5) years, FEV1 %predicted: 92 (8)%). There was no difference in 6MWT and MST performance between days and reliability of cardiorespiratory measures was acceptable (bias: P > 0.05; CV < 10%). Participants with CF demonstrated a significantly greater response to exercise (e.g., ventilation, respiratory rate) compared to healthy participants indicating discriminate validity. Responsiveness was assessed in 12 participants with CF: clinical measurements and 6MWT performance improved (61 (81) min; P < 0.05) however, cardiorespiratory measurements recorded by the LifeShirt remained the same (bias: P > 0.05; CV < 10%). This study provides evidence that cardiorespiratory responses can be measured non‐invasively during field exercise tests in adults with CF. Reliability and discriminate validity of key cardiorespiratory measurements recorded by the LifeShirt were demonstrated. Some information on responsiveness is reported. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:253–260. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension with simvastatin: An observational study
Authors: King Wilson T. , Day Ronald W.
Published: October 2010

Background

Animal studies and an adult human case series suggest that statins may have a role in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. We reviewed the results of empirical therapy for children at Primary Children's Medical Center to determine whether simvastatin had a favorable effect on non‐invasive estimates of pulmonary arterial pressure.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of children with pulmonary hypertension who were treated with simvastatin were reviewed. Mean measurements of the gradient of tricuspid valve regurgitation before and after treatment were compared by a paired t‐test. A favorable response to simvastatin was defined as a 20% decrease in the average measurement of the gradient of tricuspid valve regurgitation or a 20% decrease in right ventricular anterior wall thickness when tricuspid valve regurgitation resolved during treatment. Potential factors associated with a favorable response to simvastatin were identified with a Fisher exact test.

Results

Twelve children, 4–15 years of age, had adequate Doppler velocity waveforms to reliably measure gradients of tricuspid valve regurgitation during a period of 1 year before treatment. Eleven patients had gradients of tricuspid valve regurgitation that could be measured during a period of 1 year after treatment. Patients were treated with simvastatin 0.09–0.28 mg/kg/day. Collectively, there was no difference between the average measurements of the gradient of tricuspid valve regurgitation before and after treatment (66 ± 21 mmHg vs. 63 ± 28 mmHg). Three of the five patients with clinical findings consistent with alveolar hypoxia and none of the seven patients without clinical findings consistent with alveolar hypoxia had a favorable response to treatment with simvastatin (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Simvastatin may decrease pulmonary arterial pressure in a subset of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:261–265. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastro‐esophageal reflux in early childhood wheezers
Authors: Patra Soumya , Singh Varinder , Chandra Jagdish , Kumar Praveen , Tripathi Madhvi
Published: October 2010

Wheezing is common among infants and young children due to peculiar anatomical and physiological properties of their lungs. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GER) has been incriminated as one of the cause of non‐asthmatic wheezing in this age group. The present study evaluates the magnitude of GER and its causal relationship with wheezing in early childhood. All recurrent and persistent wheezers (under two years) were investigated for GER and treated medically where tests were positive. The subjects were further profiled to identify any predictors for GER. Sixty‐seven children of less than 2 years age with recurrent or persistent wheezing were evaluated for GER. Mean age of the study subjects at enrolment was 10.8 months and at onset of wheezing was 7.1 (± 3.8 S.D) months. Asthma and wheeze associated lower respiratory tract infection (WALRI) was diagnosed in about 1/3 each of the patients studied. GER studies were positive in over one‐third (25/67) of cases. Forty‐two percent of children who wheezed by 1 year of age had a positive GER study. Interestingly, nearly half (12/25) of the patients with an abnormal study did not have any clinical suggestion of regurgitation (“silent” GERs). The severity of wheezing was higher among those who had GER versus those who did not (p ≤ 0.048; OR: 3.2). However, only 32% patients showed significant response to anti reflux treatment alone while others had partial response. GER, therefore, is an important cause for recurrent wheezing among children less than 2 years of age, either singularly or as a co‐morbidity. The study findings justify investigations for GER among early wheezers; particularly for those who have onset of symptoms by 12 months of age or those who have severe disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:272–277. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of age and gender on adherence to infection control guidelines and medical regimens in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Masterson Tracy Loye , Wildman Beth G. , Newberry Benjamin H. , Omlor Gregory J.
Published: October 2010

Rationale

The goal of the present research was to examine the impact of age and gender on adherence to both infection control (IC) guidelines and traditional medical treatments in a cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Adherence behaviors are consistently suboptimal in chronic illness populations, particularly pulmonary diseases; understanding the factors related to adherence behaviors in CF can aid in the development of interventions to promote adherence.

Method

Participants consisted of 74 individuals with CF ages 9 years and above. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires designed to assess demographic data, treatment adherence, and health beliefs.

Results

With respect to IC guidelines, chi‐square analyses revealed significant age differences in adherence behaviors such that the young adult subsample was least adherent to IC (χ2 = 15.10, df = 6, P = 0.020). Next, a 4 (age: child, adolescent, young adult, adult) × 2 (gender) completely between subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on medical treatment adherence. There was a significant main effect for age [F(3, 65) = 2.940, P = 0.040, ηP2 = 0.119] indicating that the adolescent subsample had the most adherence challenges. Gender was nonsignificant across both adherence types.

Conclusions

Study findings are suggestive of age‐related differences in adherence behaviors across both IC and medical regimens and support the use of developmentally sensitive approaches to assessment and interventions addressing adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:295–301. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children: A tale of inflammatory cascades
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rakesh , Kim Jinkwan , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Gozal David
Published: October 2010

Obesity has emerged as one of the most prevalent diseases in the western hemisphere, and its prevalence continues to increase. Obese children are at increased risk for several disorders, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. The mechanisms leading to obesity‐related morbidities are likely multifactorial, and include activation of inflammatory pathways ultimately leading to end‐organ injury. Furthermore, the concurrent presence of obesity and other diseases facilitated by increased fat deposition poses a theoretical risk of accentuating obesity‐related complications. One of the conditions whose prevalence is increased by obesity in childhood is the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). OSAS in non‐obese children may lead to co‐morbidities that are not only remarkably similar to those associated with obesity but recruit similar inflammatory mechanisms as those activated by obesity, suggesting that the two disorders may amplify each other and synergistically augment the magnitude of their respective adverse consequences. The objective of this review is to critically review the effects of both obesity and OSAS in inducing systemic inflammation in children and will examine the latest evidence pertaining to the up‐regulation of specific inflammatory mediators. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:313–323. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methacholine‐induced lung function changes measured with infant body plethysmography
Authors: Malmberg L. Pekka , von Wright Lauri , Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen Anne , Malmström Kristiina , Pelkonen Anna S. , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: October 2010

Several techniques have been applied to measure airway responsiveness (AR) in infants, but there are limited data on lung function changes measured by body plethysmography during induced bronchoconstriction. The aim of this study was to compare changes in maximum forced expiratory flow measured at functional residual capacity (V'maxFRC) by rapid thoracoabdominal compression (RTC) technique with plethysmographic measurements of specific airway conductance (sGaw), and to investigate whether changes in functional residual capacity (FRC) occur during methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in infants. We examined 94 infants with recurrent airway symptoms using methacholine airway challenge test including RTC and plethysmographic measurements. A significant association between changes in V'maxFRC and sGaw (r = 0.30; P = 0.004) was observed, but after adjustments with baseline variability the changes in V'maxFRC were greater and showed a closer association with changes in oxygen saturation. At the point of maximal airway obstruction, there was a poor agreement between V'maxFRC and sGaw to indicate a significant methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction. Airway challenge was also associated with a significant increase in FRC (P < 0.001), with decreasing V'maxFRC. We conclude that in infants undergoing airway challenge with methacholine, plethysmographic measurements of sGaw correlate with the changes in VmaxFRC, but the agreement is poor and the methods cannot be used interchangeably. VmaxFRC is also more sensitive to detect airway obstruction than sGaw. However, methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction was associated with significant increases in FRC, which may affect the validity of VmaxFRC measurements during the test. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:362–368. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomaly mediation in superstring theory
Authors: Conlon J.P. , Goodsell M. , Palti E.
Published: October 2010

We study anomaly mediated supersymmetry breaking in type IIB string theory and use our results to test the supergravity formula for anomaly mediated gaugino masses. We compute 1‐loop gaugino masses for models of D3‐branes on orbifold singularities with 3‐form fluxes by calculating the annulus correlator of 3‐form flux and two gauginos in the zero momentum limit. Consistent with supergravity expectations we find both anomalous and running contributions to 1‐loop gaugino masses. For background Neveu‐Schwarz H‐flux we find an exact match with the supergravity formula. For Ramond‐Ramond flux there is an off‐shell ambiguity that precludes a full matching. The anomaly mediated gaugino masses, while determined by the infrared spectrum, arise from an explicit sum over UV open string winding modes. We also calculate brane‐to‐brane tree‐level gravity mediated gaugino masses and show that there are two contributions coming from the dilaton and from the twisted modes, which are suppressed by the full T6 volume and the untwisted T2 volume respectively.
Critical approaches to transit migration
Authors: Collyer Michael , Düvell Franck , de Haas Hein
Published: October 2010

This article introduces the subject of this special issue and presents the papers that follow. It traces the origins of the label ‘transit migration’ to discussions of what was called the ‘new migration’ in the early 1990s. These migrations related to the particular geopolitical context at the end of the Cold War. Though they established the pre‐emptive rationale whereby concern is focused as much on potential migration as on actual movement, there have been four substantial changes since then. As the geopolitical context has changed, so has the geographies of migration, with a general shift of attention from east‐west to south‐north; the technological supports of migration have improved, allowing migrants easier, cheaper access to different routes; the categories of migrant have proliferated and finally similar movements may be observed all over the world though only those in the vicinity of Europe are labelled as ‘transit’. This leads us to a critical stance around the term ‘transit’ that is common to all papers in this special issue. Nevertheless, despite the problematic term, there is something worthy of attention amongst these new developments around the fringes of Europe. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing dynamic categorisations of transit migration
Authors: Collyer Michael , de Haas Hein
Published: October 2010

This paper considers the ways in which the dynamic nature of transit migration may be captured in categories that provide a basis for developing our understanding of the phenomenon but do not attempt to artificially pin it down. The first section re‐examines common ways of categorising migrants and the second turns to existing research and activism around subjects of immigration in North Africa. The final section applies the common categorisations of the first section with the developing research considered in the second to examine the data that is available to enhance our understanding and possibilities of developing categorisations of transit migration. The conclusion sets out ways of advancing the research agenda on transit migration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substrate effect on thickness‐dependent friction on graphene
Authors: Li Qunyang , Lee Changgu , Carpick Robert W. , Hone James
Published: October 2010

Using friction force microscopy, we have investigated the frictional behavior of graphene deposited on various substrates as well as over micro‐fabricated wells. Both graphene on SiO2/Si substrates and graphene freely suspended over the wells showed a trend of increasing friction with decreasing number of atomic layers of graphene. However, this trend with thickness was absent for graphene deposited on mica, where the graphene is strongly bonded to the substrate. Measurements together with a mechanics model suggest that mechanical confinement to the substrate plays an important role in the frictional behavior of these atomically thin graphite sheets. Loosely bound or suspended graphene sheets can pucker in the out‐of‐plane direction due to tip‐graphene adhesion. This increases contact area, and also allows further deformation of the graphene when sliding, leading to higher friction. Since thinner samples have lower bending stiffness, the puckering effect and frictional resistance are greater. However, if the graphene is strongly bound to the substrate, the puckering effect will be suppressed and no thickness dependence should be observed. The results can provide potentially useful guidelines in the rational design and use of graphene for nano‐mechanical applications, including nano‐lubricants and components in micro‐ and nano‐devices.
Determination of maximum negative Poisson's ratio for laminated fiber composites
Authors: Shokrieh M. M. , Assadi A.
Published: October 2010

Contrary to isotropic materials, composites always show complicated mechanical behavior under external loadings. In this article, an efficient algorithm is employed to obtain the maximum negative Poisson's ratio for laminated composite plates. We try to simplify the problem based on normalization of parameters and some manufacturing constraints to overlook the additional constraint of the optimization procedure. A genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal thickness of each lamina with a specified fiber direction. It is observed that the laminated composite with the configuration of (15/60/15) has the maximum negative Poisson's ratio.
The Meyer‐Neldel rule in ambipolar organic thin film transistors based on F16CuPc/α6T pn heterojunction
Authors: Ye Rongbin , Baba Mamoru , Ohta Koji , Suzuki Takanori , Mori Kunio
Published: October 2010

The temperature dependence of field‐effect mobility is investigated in ambipolar organic thin film transistors based on F16CuPc/α6T pn heterojunction. The results show that the thermally activated ambipolar mobilities obey the Meyer‐Neldel (MN) rule and activation energy (EA) steadily decreases with increasing gate voltage. At high temperatures (> 170 K), strong activated behaviour is observed, where higher EA are attributed to defects, disorder, and grain boundaries in the polycrystalline film since the transport has been described by a hopping transport process between localized trap states. Blow 170 K, much weaker activated behaviour is observed, where the charge transport is dominated by shallow traps with much lower EA. The MN energy and isokinetic temperature for both p‐channel and n‐channel are surprisingly similar to these of organic unipolar devices. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence properties of exciton‐exciton scattering in a dilute nitride GaAs1‐xNx epitaxial film
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki , Hashimoto Jun , Maeda Yuta
Published: October 2010

We report on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of a dilute nitride GaAs1‐xNx epitaxial film with x =0.008 grown on a (001) GaAs substrate under high‐density‐excitation conditions. The band‐gap energy of the GaAs0.992N0.008 film is 1.34 eV at 10 K, which was confirmed by photoreflectance spectroscopy; namely, GaAs0.992N0.008belongs to a category of narrow‐gap semiconductors. It has been found that a PL band appears with a threshold‐like nature. At the threshold excitation power for the appearance of the PL band, the PL‐peak energy is lower than the energy of the fundamental exciton by the exciton binding energy. The results described above indicate that the PL band originates from exciton‐exciton scattering, the so‐called P emission, which is typically observed in wide‐gap semiconductors with large exciton binding energies. Furthermore, we have confirmed the existence of optical gain in the energy region of the P band with use of a variable‐stripe‐length method. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design of a high‐Q H0 photonic crystal nanocavity for cavity QED
Authors: Nomura M. , Tanabe K. , Iwamoto S. , Arakawa Y.
Published: October 2010

High‐Q design for a zero‐cell photonic crystal nanocavity with a small mode volume is demonstrated and the aptitude for cavity QED experiments is investigated. The optimization of displacements of hexagonal‐lattice air holes in the Γ‐M direction, in addition to the Γ‐K direction, results in a cavity quality factor Q of 2.8 × 105 sustaining the small modal volume of 0.23(λ0/n)3. This high‐Q cavity design is applicable to Si and GaAs semiconductor materials. We define a figure of merit of cavities representing spectral clarity of polariton doublet for cavity QED experiments and show the proposed H0 cavity's advantage over an L3 type cavity used so far. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simple strategy for enhancing terahertz emission from coherent longitudinal optical phonons using undoped GaAs/n ‐type GaAs epitaxial layer structures
Authors: Takeuchi H. , Yanagisawa J. , Tsuruta S. , Yamada H. , Hata M. , Nakayama M.
Published: October 2010

We have explored the feasibility of enhancing terahertz (THz) emission from coherent longitudinal optical (LO) phonons using simple epitaxial layer structures: undoped GaAs/n ‐type GaAs (i ‐GaAs/n ‐GaAs) epitaxial layer structures. Initially, using a numerical simulation we have confirmed that a decrease in the i ‐GaAs layer thickness d increases the built‐in electric field in the i ‐GaAs layer. From the THz wave measurement, it is observed in the THz waveforms of the samples that the monocycle oscillation, the so‐called first burst, resulting from the surge current of the photogenerated carriers, accompanies with a clear oscillatory profile with a period of 113 fs corresponding to the GaAs LO phonon frequency (8.8 THz). The Fourier transform spectra show that the intensity of the LO phonon band remarkably increases with a decrease in d that causes the enhancement of the built‐in electric field in the i ‐GaAs layer. Thus, we conclude that the utilization of the i ‐GaAs/n ‐GaAs structure is a useful way to enhance the THz emission from the coherent LO phonon. We also performed the time‐partitioning Fourier transform in order to investigate the decay time of the THz wave from the coherent LO phonon. The decay time of each sample is almost the same: 2.0 ps. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Etch‐induced damage characteristics of n‐GaN surfaces by capacitively coupled radio frequency He and Ar plasmas
Authors: Kawakami Retsuo , Inaoka Takeshi , Tominaga Kikuo , Niibe Masahito , Mukai Takashi , Takeichi Atsushi , Fukudome Toshiaki
Published: October 2010

The surface morphology of n‐GaN etched by the He plasma is independent of gas pressure and etch time: it is observed to be as smooth as that of the as‐grown. This result is significantly different from that by the Ar plasma etch which causes surface defects at a high gas pressure (50∼100 mTorr) and long etch time (> 60 min) due to synergy effect of plasma ions and UV lights emitted. This difference would result from a difference between UV light spectra emitted: for the He plasma there is no UV light less than 380 nm in wavelength, whereas for the Ar plasma there is the UV light emission. The simulation shows that the N/Ga ratio at the surface etched by the He plasma at each gas pressure (Ga‐rich) is much lower than that by the Ar plasma. The results simulated for the He plasma are in disagreement with those measured by XPS, which would probably indicate additional removal of Ga from the Ga‐rich surface by volatilisation/evaporation due to thermal effect. For the Ar plasma, the experimental N/Ga ratio at a low gas pressure (10 mTorr) is reproduced by physical effect, whereas at the high gas pressure it is not reproduced, which would be closely related to occurrence of the surface defects. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anisotropic carrier transport properties of stretch‐oriented π‐conjugated polymers in organic field‐effect transistors
Authors: Yasuda Takeshi
Published: October 2010

This article reports a fabrication of stretch‐oriented π‐conjugated polymer films and anisotropic carrier transport properties in the stretch‐oriented regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (rr‐P3HT) film. The optical absorption spectra and the image of atomic force microscopy on the stretch‐oriented films indicate that π‐conjugated units such as thiophene, fluorene and phenylenevinylene chains are aligned in the stretching direction. The conductivities of the stretch‐oriented rr‐P3HT film doped with F4‐TCNQ and the field‐effect hole mobilities of the stretch‐oriented rr‐P3HT in a current flow parallel to the stretching direction are larger than those perpendicular to the stretching direction. These results indicate that charge transport via the π‐conjugated chains is advantageous in the stretch‐oriented rr‐P3HT film. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On covering by translates of a set
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Janson Svante , Riordan Oliver
Published: October 2010

In this paper we study the minimal number τ(S,G) of translates of an arbitrary subset S of a group G needed to cover the group, and related notions of the efficiency of such coverings. We focus mainly on finite subsets in discrete groups, reviewing the classical results in this area, and generalizing them to a much broader context. For example, the worst‐case efficiency when S has k elements is of order 1/log k. We show that if n(k) grows at a suitable rate with k, then almost every k‐subset of any given group with order n comes close to this worst‐case bound. In contrast, if n(k) grows very rapidly, or if k is fixed and n →∞, then almost every k‐subset of the cyclic group with order n comes close to the optimal efficiency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011
Graph diameter in long‐range percolation
Authors: Biskup Marek
Published: October 2010

We study the asymptotic growth of the diameter of a graph obtained by adding sparse “long” edges to a square box in
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document} ${\mathbb Z}^d$ \end{document}. We focus on the cases when an edge between x and y is added with probability decaying with the Euclidean distance as |x − y|−s+o(1) when |x − y| → ∞. For s ∈ (d, 2d) we show that the graph diameter for the graph reduced to a box of side L scales like (log L)Δ+o(1) where Δ−1 := log2(2d/s). In particular, the diameter grows about as fast as the typical graph distance between two vertices at distance L. We also show that a ball of radius r in the intrinsic metric on the (infinite) graph will roughly coincide with a ball of radius exp{r1/Δ+o(1)} in the Euclidean metric. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 39, 210‐227, 2011
Modeling as persuasion: the impact of group model building on attitudes and behavior
Authors: Rouwette Etiënne A. J. A. , Korzilius Hubert , Vennix Jac A. M. , Jacobs Eric
Published: October 2010

Client involvement in modeling is expected to change mental models and thereby foster implementation of conclusions. Leading authors have pointed out that a lack of knowledge on the crucial elements of modeling interventions hinders accumulation of research results. There is no clear evidence for the effectiveness of group model building, and a conceptual model linking elements of the modeling process to goals is missing. We propose an integrative conceptual model, drawing on theories of persuasion (mental model change) and the influence of beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on actions. Our study builds on standard operationalizations and a body of research in social psychology. Data from seven group model‐building cases indicate that group model building changes attitudes, subjective norms and intentions. Conclusions for group model‐building practice are that participants often do not recognize mental model changes and that strengthening of participants' feeling of control needs special attention. Copyright © 2010 System Dynamics Society.
Win the China IP war and gain globally
Authors: McHardy Reid David , MacKinnon Simon
Published: October 2010

The loss of intellectual property (IP) is a compelling problem for international companies developing their business positions in China. This article reports on a qualitative study that involved 20 face‐to‐face interviews with CEOs of major IP‐owning companies as well as IP lawyers, IP protection consultants, and security agents who track down offenders to provide case evidence to the Public Security Bureau. Our data analysis implies that a majority of companies were found to be lax in their IP protection measures, relying perhaps too much on legal redress rather than a priori preventatives. As a response, a strategic framework (BARD—best practice, audit, review, design) has been developed that, if applied, will deliver higher levels of IP protection. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How dangerous are measurement errors to homeland security?
Authors: Chambers Donald R. , Wernick David A. , Zdanowicz John S. , Ann Von Glinow Mary
Published: October 2010

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government instituted rigorous new rules and procedures for screening incoming cargo, with the aim of averting a future catastrophe delivered via the nation's global trade infrastructure. While the efficacy of these policies in curbing terrorism is difficult to assess, sophisticated statistical techniques can be used to help gauge the performance of homeland security policies in mitigating risks. Abnormal weight analysis is one such technique. This study examines the weight characteristics of import transactions processed by U.S. Customs before and after the terrorist attacks to identify patterns of abnormalities that could indicate foul play. Abnormalities are calculated by first determining average weights by commodity, and then estimating and analyzing dispersion among reported weights. Our results indicate that while the vast majority of import transactions are being reported more accurately since 9/11, a small percentage of extreme outliers exist, and this should be cause for concern for multinational managers, policymakers, and society at large. Based on these results, conclusions are drawn and recommendations for policy and practice are offered. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible strategy mix for central Europe: A process data analysis
Authors: Hatani Faith
Published: October 2010

This study investigates how a multinational supplier can devise a flexible strategy in emerging economies. Drawing on the concept of strategic flexibility, this article analyzes change mechanisms of generic strategy for changeable conditions in emerging markets. Based on a case study of a Japanese auto parts supplier and its different strategies for the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, this study exemplifies the alteration of these strategies between 1997 and 2005. A process flowchart is used to illustrate the meta‐level causality among the case firm, other business actors, and their activities at each operational unit. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From iconic business leader to Russian icon museum founder: Bridging business and the arts across cultures
Authors: Puffer Sheila M. , Banalieva Elitsa R.
Published: October 2010

This case study portrays Gordon Lankton, a highly successful U.S. executive who, drawing upon the relationships he had built during two decades of doing business in Russia, succeeded in having Moscow's renowned State Tretyakov Gallery lend priceless icons to his new museum in a small Massachusetts town. We demonstrate how a charismatic and gently determined executive‐turned‐museum founder exhibited transformational leadership while bridging business and the arts across cultures. The case study includes an interview with Gordon Lankton and is followed by a commentary that features an interview with Kent dur Russell (the Museum of Russian Icons curator) and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of Lankton's leadership style. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of New LnxBi2–xSe3 (Ln: Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+) Nanomaterials and Investigation of Their Optical Properties
Authors: Alemi Abdolali , Klein Axel , Meyer Gerd , Dolatyari Mahboubeh , Babalou Aliakbar
Published: October 2010

New LnxBi2–xSe3 (Ln: Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+) based nanomaterials were synthesized by a co‐reduction method. Powder XRD patterns indicate that the LnxBi2–xSe3 crystals (Ln = Sm3+, Eu3+, x = 0.00–0.44 and Ln = Gd3+, Tb3+, x = 0.00–0.50) are isostructural with Bi2Se3. The cell parameter c decreases for Ln = Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+ upon increasing the dopant content (x), while a slightly increases. Changes in lattice parameters could be related to the radii of cations. SEM images show that doping of the lanthanide ions in the lattice of Bi2Se3 generally results in nanoflowers. For the terbium compound two kinds of morphologies (nanoflowers and nanobelts) were observed. UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy reveals mainly electronic transitions of the Ln3+ ions. Emission spectra show intense transitions from the excited to the ground state of Ln3+ and energy transfer from the Bi2Se3 lattice. Emission spectra of europium‐doped materials, in addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Eu3+, show an intense blue emission band centered at 432 nm, originating from the 4f65d1 to 4f7 configuration in Eu2+. EPR measurements confirm the existence of Eu2+ in the materials. Interestingly, for all samples starting at low Ln3+ concentration, the emission intensity rises to a maximum at a Ln3+ concentration of x = 0.2 and falls again steadily to a minimum at x = 0.45.
Redefining Conversion in Laparoscopic Colectomy and Its Influence on Outcomes: Analysis of 418 Cases from a Single Institution
Authors: Chew Min‐Hoe , Ng Kheng‐Hong , Fook‐Chong M. C. Stephanie , Eu Kong‐Weng
Published: October 2010

Background

The reported rates of conversion in laparoscopic colectomy are varied. The incidence of conversion is not, however, well defined. The aim of the present study is to redefine conversion and to analyze differences in outcome.

Methods

Treatment parameters of a total of 418 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic colonic resection from 2005 to 2007 were analyzed. Treatment was classified as laparoscopic colonic resection, laparoscopy‐assisted colonic resection (lap‐assisted), and laparoscopic conversion.

Results

There were significant differences in median operating time between laparoscopic colonic resection, lap‐assisted, and laparoscopic conversion (125 min, 160 min, and 140 min; p = 0.0001); median hospital length of stay was significantly different (laparoscopic, 5.0 days, versus lap‐assisted, 6.0 days, versus laparoscopic conversion, 6.5 days; p = 0.0001); and median incision length was also noted to vary significantly (laparoscopic, 5.0 cm, lap‐assisted, 8.0 cm, and conversion, 12.0 cm; p = 0.00001). Multivariate analysis reveals that older age (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.02–1.12), higher Body Mass Index ([BMI], OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.29), and pT stage were significant factors affecting conversion. Disease‐free survival for cancers was not influenced by conversion (p = 0.653). The overall complication rate was 16.7% and was significanly increased in lap‐assisted cases and in conversion cases (26% versus 13%; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

A consistent definition for conversion in laparoscopic colonic resection is required. Our proposed definitions may provide a solution. The definition of lap‐assisted as a separate entity serves as a bridge between laparoscopy and full conversion. Risk factors of age, BMI, and advanced tumor stage are conversion predictors and are associated with increased hospital stay and postoperative morbidity.
Regulation of nuclear localization signal‐importin α interaction by Ca2+/S100A6
Authors: Takata Maki , Shimamoto Seiko , Yamaguchi Fuminori , Tokuda Masaaki , Tokumitsu Hiroshi , Kobayashi Ryoji
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8044951: Importin alpha (uniprotkb:P52292) and S100A2 (uniprotkb:P29034) bind (MI:0407) by electrophoretic mobility supershift assay (MI:0412)
Signaling microdomains in T cells
Authors: Choudhuri Kaushik , Dustin Michael L.
Published: October 2010

Sub‐micron scale signaling domains induced in the plasma membrane of cells are thought to play important roles in signal transduction. In T cells, agonist MHC‐peptide complexes induce small diffraction‐limited domains enriched in T cell receptor (TCR) and signaling molecules. These microclusters serve as transient platforms for signal initiation and are required for sustained signaling in T cells, although each microcluster functions for only a couple of minutes. How they are formed, and what mechanisms promote and regulate signaling within TCR microclusters is largely unknown, although it is clear that TCR engagement and dynamic reorganization of cortical actin are involved. Here, we review current understanding of signaling within microclusters in T cells, and speculate on how these structures may form, initiate biochemical signals, and serve as sites of both signal integration and amplification, while also facilitating appropriate termination of TCR and related signaling.
Hip2 interacts with cyclin B1 and promotes its degradation through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway
Authors: Bae Yoonhee , Choi Dongwon , Rhim Hyangshuk , Kang Seongman
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8045218, MINT‐8045231: Hip2 (uniprotkb:P61086) physically interacts (MI:0915) with cyclin‐B1 (uniprotkb:P14635) by pull down (MI:0096)
Determination of substrate binding energies in individual subsites of a family 18 chitinase
Authors: Norberg Anne Line , Karlsen Vigdis , Hoell Ingunn Alne , Bakke Ingrid , Eijsink Vincent G.H. , Sørlie Morten
Published: October 2010

Thermodynamic parameters for binding of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) oligomers to a family 18 chitinase, ChiB of Serratia marcescens, have been determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. Binding studies with oligomers of different lengths showed that binding to subsites −2 and +1 is driven by a favorable enthalpy change, while binding to the two other most important subsites, +2 and +3, is driven by entropy with unfavorable enthalpy. These remarkable unfavorable enthalpy changes are most likely due to favorable enzyme‐substrate interactions being offset by unfavorable enthalpic effects of the conformational changes that accompany substrate‐binding.
Hem‐1: Putting the “WAVE” into actin polymerization during an immune response
Authors: Park Heon , Chan Maia M. , Iritani Brian M.
Published: October 2010

Most active processes by immune cells including adhesion, migration, and phagocytosis require the coordinated polymerization and depolymerization of filamentous actin (F‐actin), which is an essential component of the actin cytoskeleton. This review focuses on a newly characterized hematopoietic cell‐specific actin regulatory protein called hematopoietic protein‐1 [Hem‐1, also known as Nck‐associated protein 1‐like (Nckap1l or Nap1l)]. Hem‐1 is a component of the “WAVE [WASP (Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein)‐family verprolin homologous protein]” complex, which signals downstream of activated Rac to stimulate F‐actin polymerization in response to immuno‐receptor signaling. Genetic studies in cell lines and in mice suggest that Hem‐1 regulates F‐actin polymerization in hematopoietic cells, and may be essential for most active processes dependent on reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in immune cells.
SKIP is required for TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial mesenchymal transition and migration in transformed keratinocytes
Authors: Villar Victor , Kocic Jelena , Bugarski Diana , Jovcic Gordana , Santibanez Juan F.
Published: October 2010

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) potently induces the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) during tumoral progression. Although Sky‐interacting protein (SKIP) regulates TGF‐β1‐induced Smad activation, its role in the induction of cell malignance remains uncertain. We found that TGF‐β1 increases SKIP expression in PDV cells. In cells stably transfected with SKIP antisense, AS‐S, Smad3 activation decreased, along with an inhibition of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT, and the cells were sensitized to the TGF‐β1‐dependent inhibition of proliferation. Also, AS‐S cells showed a weaker migration and invasion response. Moreover, TGF‐β1‐induced urokinase‐type plasminogen activator expression was inhibited, concomitantly with a TGF‐β1‐independent increment of the plasminogen‐activator inhibitor‐1 expression. Thus, these results suggest that SKIP is required for EMT and invasiveness induced by TGF‐β1 in transformed cells.
Molecular dynamics simulations of human and dog gastric lipases: Insights into domain movements
Authors: Selvan Anitha , Seniya Chandrabhan , Chandrasekaran Srinivas Niranj , Siddharth Nithyanand , Anishetty Sharmila , Pennathur Gautam
Published: October 2010

Mammalian gastric lipases are stable and active under acidic conditions and also in the duodenal lumen. There has been considerable interest in acid stable lipases owing to their potential application in the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. In order to gain insights into the domain movements of these enzymes, molecular dynamics simulations of human gastric lipase was performed at an acidic pH and under neutral conditions. For comparative studies, simulation of dog gastric lipase was also performed at an acidic pH. Analyses show, that in addition to the lid region, there is another region of high mobility in these lipases. The potential role of this novel region is discussed.
LIM domain protein FHL1B interacts with PP2A catalytic β subunit – A novel cell cycle regulatory pathway
Authors: Wong Chi-Hang , Fung Yin-Wan Wendy , Ng Enders Kai-On , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Waye Mary Miu-Yee , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8044769, MINT‐8044778: FHL1B (uniprotkb:Q13642‐2) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PP2Acbeta (uniprotkb:P62714) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Reduced Ran expression in Ran+/− fibroblasts increases cytokine‐stimulated nuclear abundance of the AP‐1 subunits c‐Fos and c‐Jun
Authors: Pham Diep Ngoc Thi , Luo Hongyu , Wu Jiangping
Published: October 2010

Ran (Ras‐related nuclear protein), a Ras family GTPase, is involved in multiple cellular functions, including the regulation of DNA replication, cell cycle progression, nuclear structure formation, RNA processing‐exportation, and nuclear protein importation. Ran+/− embryonic stem (ES) cells were produced in an attempt to generate Ran null mutant mice. Even after an extremely large number of blastocyst injections, no Ran+/− chimeric mice could be generated. Ran+/− ES cell‐derived fibroblasts showed reduced Ran protein expression, and manifested augmented nuclear abundance of AP‐1 factors (c‐Jun and c‐Fos) upon cytokine stimulation. Our experiments demonstrated that intracellular Ran protein levels controlled the nuclear presence of certain transcription factors, such as c‐Fos and c‐Jun.
NEMO stabilizes c‐Myc through direct interaction in the nucleus
Authors: Kim Bu-Yeon , Yang Ji-Sook , Kwak Seo-Young , Zhang Xiao-kun , Han Young-Hoon
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8045072, MINT‐8045101: c‐Myc (uniprotkb:P01106) physically interacts (MI:0915) with NEMO (uniprotkb:Q9Y6K9) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Menin stimulates homology‐directed DNA repair
Authors: Gallo A. , Agnese S. , Esposito I. , Galgani M. , Avvedimento V.E.
Published: October 2010

MINT‐8045469, MINT‐8045480: Menin (uniprotkb:O00255) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Chk1 (uniprotkb:O14757) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
The role of Smad4 in vestibular development in mice
Authors: Yang Shi‐ming , Deng An‐chun , Huang De‐liang , Sun Jian‐he , Yang Guan , Yu Ya‐ping , Hou Zhao‐hui , Guo Wei‐wei , Zhai Suo‐qiang , He David Z.Z. , Han Dong‐yi , Young Wie‐yen , Yang Xiao
Published: October 2010

The regulation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal transduction pathway is important in the development of the inner ear and vestibular system. We reported previously that small mothers against decapentaplegic homolog‐4 (Smad4) is required for inner ear cochlear development and normal auditory function in mammals; however, the distribution and functional mechanisms of Smad4 at various stages of vestibular development remained unclear. To investigate the relationship between the Smad4 gene and vestibular organ development, we measured changes in the expression of BMP4 and Smad4 during vestibular development in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, vestibular structures, pathologic changes, and the vestibular function of chondrocyte‐specific Smad4 knockout mice were compared to those of the control group. We found that the expression of Smad4 in the inner ear was delayed compared with that of BMP4. Moreover, chondrocyte‐specific Smad4 knockout homozygous mice showed stunted growth and partial vestibular deformities, but it showed less histologic changes in the vestibular end‐organs and saccule dysfunction. These results suggest that Smad4 participates in late‐stage shaping of the configuration of the vestibule and development of vestibular functional, but a Smad4‐independent pathway for the inner ear vestibular BMP4 signal transduction could not be rule out.
Neural progenitors proliferation is inhibited by EphB3 in the developing subventricular zone
Authors: del Valle Kara , Theus Michelle H. , Bethea John R. , Liebl Daniel J. , Ricard Jerome
Published: October 2010

The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the mammalian forebrain is a major source of multipotent stem cells during development, and contributes to neurogenesis throughout the lifespan of the organism. Several studies described molecules regulating adult neurogenesis, however, few of them have examined neurogenesis in the early postnatal period. Adult neurogenesis is regulated in part by ephrinB3 and its receptors, so we examined the role of EphB3 on neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) proliferation in early postnatal development in the SVZ. To examine NSPC proliferation, we used BrdU incorporation in both cultured NSPCs and neonatal gene‐targeted knockout mice, as well as Ki67 immunostaining in EphB3−/− mice. We observed a significant increase in proliferation in cultured NSPCs derived from EphB3−/− mice and in the SVZ of EphB3−/− mice. These studies support an anti‐proliferative role for EphB3 in regulating NSPC numbers in the developing SVZ.
Thyroid function in the third trimester of pregnancy and after delivery in an area of adequate iodine intake
Authors: Fister Petja , Gaberscek Simona , Zaletel Katja , Krhin Blaz , Hojker Sergej , Gersak Ksenija
Published: October 2010

Objective

To establish whether the higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and lower levels of the 2 free thyroid hormones noted toward the end of pregnancy are in relation with iodine supply.

Methods

We compared these hormones’ levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and 4 months after delivery in 116 consecutive women without thyroid disease and otherwise healthy. The study was conducted in Slovenia, an iodine‐sufficient area. The Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis rank test, and Spearman analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In the third trimester TSH was significantly higher and both free thyroid hormones were significantly lower than after delivery (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001), but the free thyroxine to free triiodothyronine ratios in the third trimester and 4 months after delivery did not significantly differ. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was significantly higher during pregnancy than after delivery (P = 0.044). We found no significant correlations between UIC and TSH or between UIC and both free thyroid hormones during pregnancy or after delivery.

Conclusion

The decrease of both free thyroid hormones in the third trimester of pregnancy is most likely due to reasons that are not related to iodine supply.