bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu(TiWNx) Film as a Barrierless Buffer Layer for Metallization Applications
Authors: Lin Chon-Hsin , Chuang Hsin-Yi , Kao C. Robert
Published: January 2013

In this study, we explore the potential of replacing the wetting and diffusion barrier layers in a conventional under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure, underneath flip-chip solder joints, with a buffer TiWN
x
-bearing Cu film deposited via cosputtering, viz., barrierless Si metallization, to reduce manufacturing, including soldering, costs in microelectronic manufacture. The introduced Cu(TiWN
x
) films, after annealing at 700 °C for 1 h, exhibit an excellent thermal stability on, and adhesion strength to, barrierless Si substrates, without detectable Cu/Si interfacial interactions and also display a solderability comparable to that of pure Cu. At 200 °C, the Cu(TiWN
x
) film within an Sn/Cu(TiWN
x
)/Si structure shows a dissolution rate that is lower than that of pure Cu by at least one order of magnitude, comparable to that of Ni in common solder joints. The Cu(TiWN
x
) film thus seems to be a suitable candidate material for, at least, barrierless Si metallization and flip chip soldering.
Improvement of Si Adhesion and Reduction of Electron Recombination for Si Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Seo Hyunwoong , Wang Yuting , Sato Muneharu , Uchida Giichiro , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: January 2013

Quantum dots (QDs) based on multiple exciton generation have attracted much attention. They are capable of generating multiple electrons by single-photon absorption. Si is one of the good QD sources and its nontoxicity and abundance are advantageous for photovoltaics. In this work, Si QDs were fabricated by multihollow discharge plasma chemical vapor deposition, and they were applied to Si QD-sensitized solar cells. Their initial performance was poor because of the weak adhesion of Si and charge recombination. In this work, we solved these problems through the functionalization of Si QDs and a ZnO barrier. Functionalized Si QDs were more adsorbed on TiO2with strengthened adhesion and the ZnO barrier prevented the contact between TiO2and the redox electrolyte. Consequently, the improved adhesion and the reduced electron recombination led to the enhancement of overall photovoltaic characteristics.
Characterization and Application of Ru2+ Complex with Square-Planar Quadridentate Ligand Containing Arylamines for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Inomata Tomohiko , Yamamoto Kousuke , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Ozawa Tomohiro , Masuda Hideki
Published: January 2013

A square-planar quadridentate ligand with two N-arylamine groups, dimethyl-6,6'-bis(methyl-2-pyridylamino)-2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylate (L), and its Ru2+ complex [RuL(trans-NCS)2] (K1) were newly synthesized as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The ligand L enforces the trans coordination of two thiocyanate ligands to the Ru2+ center of K1, resulting in the extension of its absorption bands to the near-infrared region (∼900 nm). The energy conversion efficiency (η) of the DSSC based on K1 was 5.2%. This low η value in comparison with those of other dyes (N3 and N719) is explained by its self-aggregation and its low molar absorbance coefficient in the visible light region. The incident photo-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) spectrum of the DSSC based on K1 clearly indicated that this dye was able to utilize near-infrared-region light efficiently as compared with that of N719 dye.
Effects of Sintering Conditions on Mechanical Properties of Biomedical Porous Ti Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Hasebe Tatsuya , Kobayashi Equo , Tezuka Hiroyasu , Sato Tatsuo
Published: January 2013

Because of its excellent biocompatibility, good corrosion resistance and relatively lower Young's modulus, Ti was suitable for biomaterial. It, however, showed still bigger Young's modulus comparing to the living bone. It was necessary to decrease the Young's modulus in order to avoid adversely affect to the bone, such as stress sheilding. In this study, porous Ti were fablicated to decrease the Young's modulus by space holder method from Ti/NaCl composites sintered using spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. The sintering condition and the size of NaCl affected to the porous structure and mechanical properties. According to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and the relative density measurement of specimens sintered with several sintering conditions, the desirable sintering condition was concluded as 973 K of sintering temperature and 1.2 ks of sintering time. The specimens made from NaCl powder whose size were from 106 to 214 µm showed almost opened and connected pores. The Young's modulus was decreased with increasing the porosity.
Damage Analysis of n-GaN Crystal Etched with He and N2 Plasmas
Authors: Niibe Masahito , Kotaka Takuya , Kawakami Retsuo , Nakano Yoshitaka , Inaoka Takeshi , Tominaga Kikuo , Mukai Takashi
Published: January 2013

To understand the details of etching-induced damage on a GaN surface, n-GaN crystals were plasma-etched with He and N2 gases. The etched surfaces were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) methods. The composition of the surface etched with He plasma changed significantly to being Ga-rich with the N/Ga ratio nearly equaling 0.4–0.5. The ratio of the surface etched with N2 plasma was about 0.6. The shape of the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) of the N-K edge deformed with increasing gas pressure and processing time. The deformation can be explained by the increase in the band widths of a number of peaks in the NEXAFS spectra owing to the increase in the degree of structural disorder in the crystal. The increase in band width for the surface etched with N2 plasma was larger than that for the surface etched with He plasma. The above results can be explained with the model of the elastic energy transfer ratio of He+ and N2
+ ions incident on the solid surface.
Fabrication and Evaluation of GaN Layer Composed of m- and {1011} Facet Structure
Authors: Okada Narihito , Takami Masaki , Yamada Yoichi , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: January 2013

We grew a GaN layer on a -6.5°-off-angle n-plane patterned sapphire substrate (PSS) by selective-area growth from a sapphire sidewall. A uniform GaN layer with alternately arranged m- and {1011} facets on the surface was obtained on the PSS. Multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on the GaN template showed multicolor emission owing to their different structures. The peak wavelength of the MQWs on the {1011} facet of 440 nm was longer than that in the case of 405 nm on the m-facet.
Influence of Dry Recess Process on Enhancement-Mode GaN Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Qingpeng , Tamai Kentaro , Miyashita Takahiro , Motoyama Shin-ichi , Wang Dejun , Ao Jin-Ping , Ohno Yasuo
Published: January 2013

To gain a flat recess profile with uniform etching depth, dry recess experiment with different inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching conditions was done on an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. Trenching effect at the bottom near the sidewall was observed when positive photoresist was utilized and the ICP power was low. The recess profile was improved by adopting SiO2 as the etching mask and increasing the ICP power. GaN metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with different gate recess conditions were fabricated and characterized. The maximum field-effect mobility of 152.8 cm-2 V-1 s-1 and the minimum interface state density of 1.39×1011 cm-2 eV-1 were obtained from the optimized gate recess condition with ICP power of 100 W, bias power of 20 W and etching mask of SiO2.
Nucleation Control of Carbon Nanowalls Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Hiramatsu Mineo , Nihashi Yuki , Kondo Hiroki , Hori Masaru
Published: January 2013

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs), a self-organized network of vertically standing few-layer graphenes, were synthesized by inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) employing methane and argon mixtures. Significant interest exists in clarifying the nucleation mechanism of CNWs and controlling their nucleation. We have investigated the early growth stage of CNWs on the catalyst-free substrate and the titanium (Ti)-nanoparticle-catalyzed substrate. In the case of catalyst-free growth of CNWs, there was an induction period of 1–5 min before the onset of vertical nanographene growth and an interface layer exists between the vertical nanographenes and the surface of Si and SiO2 substrates. Meanwhile, in the case of the growth on the Ti nanoparticle-coated SiO2 substrates, the nanographenes were directly nucleated from the Ti nanoparticles without forming a base layer within 30 s, while no nucleation was observed on the SiO2 surface at this period. These results suggest the possibility of area-selective growth of CNWs by controlling the substrate biasing to suppress the nucleation selectively from the catalyst-free surface.
Structural Evolution of Fe Particles in Fe–Al2O3 Granular Films by Ar Ion Irradiations
Authors: Nakayama Hiro , Ishida Tomoya , Kinoshita Ryosuke , Purwanto Setyo , Sakamoto Isao , Honda Shigeo , Koike Masaki , Yasumoto Masato , Hayashi Nobuyuki , Toriyama Tamotsu
Published: January 2013

Fe–Al2O3 granular films were prepared by helicon plasma sputtering. Fe64(Al2O3)36 in volume percent of as-prepared films was irradiated with 400 keV Ar ions in the fluence range of 1×1015–5×1016 ions/cm2. The growth of Fe particles with increasing ion fluence was observed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, magnetization curves, and conversion electron Mössbauer (CEM) spectra. The magnetization curves and CEM spectra of as-prepared Fe–Al2O3 films indicated the superparamagnetic nature and the ferromagnetic nature with increasing ion fluence. In addition, the reduction of Fe3+ component to the Fe2+ and metallic Fe components by ion irradiation was observed from CEM spectra.
Growth of Nanocubic MgO on Silicon Substrate by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Kaneko Satoru , Ito Takeshi , Soga Masayasu , Motoizumi Yu , Yasui Manabu , Hirabayashi Yasuo , Ozawa Takeshi , Yoshimoto Mamoru
Published: January 2013

Magnesium oxide (MgO) prepared by both pulsed laser deposition and sputtering methods showed constriction of lattice constants. To emphasize the effect of the constriction of lattice constants, MgO prepared at high oxygen atmosphere and high substrate temperature, resulted in the growth of cubic-shaped magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on a Si substrate. In oxygen atmosphere, the nanocubic MgO was scattered on the substrate without the Si surface being covered by a MgO thin film. Interestingly, the growth of nanocubic MgO was restrained on the samples prepared in nitrogen atmosphere. The formation of nanocubic MgO is related to the deposition pressure as well as the etching effect provided by oxygen atmosphere.
Heterogeneous Nucleation of Pure Magnesium on Al3Ti, TiC, TiB2, and AlB2 Particles
Authors: Watanabe Yoshimi , Gao Yan Bing , Guo Jun Qing , Sato Hisashi , Miura Seiji , Miura Hiromi
Published: January 2013

In this study, experiments were performed to clarify the grain-refining mechanisms of pure Mg cast by adding some grain refiners containing Al3Ti, TiC, TiB2, and AlB2 particles as heterogeneous nucleation sites. It is found that Al–5 mass % Ti, Al–3 mass % Ti–0.15 mass % C, Al–5 mass % Ti–0.2 mass % B, and Al–5 mass % Ti–1 mass % B alloys are effective grain refiners for pure Mg, as well as for pure Al and Al alloys. The favourable heterogeneous nucleation sites in these refiners are considered to be TiC, TiB2, and AlB2 particles.
Effects of Plasma Irradiation in Arsenic Plasma Doping Using Overhang Test Structures
Authors: Kubota Masafumi , Hayashi Shigenori , Ogura Mototsugu , Sasaki Yuichiro , Okada Susumu , Yamabe Kikuo
Published: January 2013

The effects of plasma irradiation in arsenic plasma doping are studied by applying overhang masks (OHMs) to fin structures. The spread resistance at the fin sidewall is ∼5 times higher at the shadowed part beneath the OHM than at the part exposed to ion flux. A cross-sectional transmission electron microscope (TEM) image shows an amorphous layer of ∼2 nm thickness at the sidewall shaded by the OHM increases to ∼5 nm as it separates from the edge of the OHM shadow. Near the fin bottom, the thickness increases rapidly, which may be caused by the decrease in the slope of the fin sidewall. These features are understandable in the context of the ion-assisted doping mechanism.
Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction Approach for Multielectron System Confined in Two-Dimensional Quantum Dot
Authors: Okunishi Takuma , Clark Richard , Takeda Kyozaburo , Kusakabe Koichi , Tomita Norikazu
Published: January 2013

We extend the static multireference description (resonant unrestricted Hartree–Fock) to a dynamical system in order to include the correlation effect dynamically. The resulting time-dependent (TD) Schrödinger equation is simplified into the time-developed rate equation (TD-CI), where the TD external field \hatH
′(t) is taken into account directly in the Hamiltonian without any approximations. This TD-CI approach also has an advantage in that it takes into account the electron correlation by narrowing down the number of employed Slater determinants. We apply our TD-CI approach to the case of two electrons confined in the square quantum dot (QD) having the spin singlet multiplicity, and study theoretically the spatial and temporal fluctuation of the two-electron ground state under photon injection and pulse field application.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Optical Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Films Prepared by Sputtering with Radio Frequency Power Applied to Al Target
Authors: Tseng Chun-An , Lin Jing-Chie , Weng Wei-Heng , Lin Chen-Chun
Published: January 2013

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films were prepared on a glass substrate using a magnetron sputtering system. The metallic aluminum and ZnO targets were bombarded by radio frequency power source. The Al-dopant concentration of the films, analyzed by energy-dispersive spectroscopy, increased with increasing RF power. The electrical resistivity of the films, measured by four-point probe, revealed a decrease from 3.43 ×10-2 to 3.29 ×10-3 Ω cm with increasing Al-content from 0.85 to 4.34 at. %. The crystal structure analyzed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction indicated that all of the films prepared by sputtering with RF power preferred a stronger texture on (002) orientation than those with DC power applied to Al target. The optical transmittance, measured by UV–visible, indicated an average transmittance higher than 82% for all the films in visible region, and increased with Al-content; however, it reversed at 4.34 at. %. The band gap of the films increased from 3.39 to 3.58 eV with increasing RF power. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) analysis revealed that a characteristic peak at approximately 5–7 eV was found in the AZO films due to the O 2p valence electrons. Meanwhile, the work functions of the undoped ZnO film and various AZO films were measured by UPS decreased from 4.9 to 4.5 eV with increasing Al-content. The chemical composition of the films was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with Gaussian-resolved fitting. According to XPS analysis of O 1s for the films, we inferred that the decrease in electrical resistivity of the film with increasing Al-dopant concentration was predominated by the concentration of oxygen vacancies.
Assessment of diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer cases at two cancer centers in Egypt and Tunisia
Authors: Schairer Catherine , Soliman Amr S. , Omar Sherif , Khaled Hussein , Eissa Saad , Ayed Farhat Ben , Khalafallah Samir , Ayoub Wided Ben , Kantor Elizabeth D. , Merajver Sofia , Swain Sandra M. , Gail Mitchell , Brown Linda Morris
Published: January 2013

The diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is largely clinical and therefore inherently somewhat subjective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis of IBC at two centers in North Africa where a higher proportion of breast cancer is diagnosed as IBC than in the United States (U.S.). Physicians prospectively enrolled suspected IBC cases at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Cairo, Egypt, and the Institut Salah Azaiz (ISA), Tunisia, recorded extent and duration of signs/symptoms of IBC on standardized forms, and took digital photographs of the breast. After second‐level review at study hospitals, photographs and clinical information for confirmed IBC cases were reviewed by two U.S. oncologists. We calculated percent agreement between study hospital and U.S. oncologist diagnoses. Among cases confirmed by at least one U.S. oncologist, we calculated median extent and duration of signs and Spearman correlations. At least one U.S. oncologist confirmed the IBC diagnosis for 69% (39/50) of cases with photographs at the NCI‐Cairo and 88% (21/24) of cases at the ISA. All confirmed cases had at least one sign of IBC (erythema, edema, peau d'orange) that covered at least one‐third of the breast. The median duration of signs ranged from 1 to 3 months; extent and duration of signs were not statistically significantly correlated. From the above‐mentioned outcomes, it can be concluded that the diagnosis of a substantial proportion of IBC cases is unambiguous, but a subset is difficult to distinguish from other types of locally advanced breast cancer. Among confirmed cases, the extent of signs was not related to delay in diagnosis.
Flickr images: What & why museums share
Authors: Beaudoin Joan E. , Bosshard Cécile
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the results of a study which explored the use of Flickr by cultural heritage institutions. The study examined two aspects of museums' use of Flickr: the content of images posted by museums, and the reasons behind sharing their images to the social media site. Images were categorized by the researchers into nine classes based on their visible content, and a brief questionnaire was used to gather data about the image sharing process from museum personnel. The findings reveal that imagery of people visiting the museum and taking part in museum events predominated in the total number of images posted by museums (54% of the total). The images posted to Flickr were most often selected by a single individual at the institution. The particular images posted to Flickr were chosen for a variety of reasons, the most common of these being that they were newsworthy recent events at the museum (e.g. openings, exhibitions, lectures, etc.), or that the staff found the images to have strong affective characteristics. In the responses from museum staff regarding the motivations behind posting the images to Flickr two replies were most commonly given: to provide access to the images, and to take advantage of the technical benefits provided by the photo‐sharing service.
Identifying content and levels of representation in scientific data
Authors: Wickett Karen M. , Sacchi Simone , Dubin David , Renear Allen H.
Published: January 2013

Heterogeneous digital data that has been produced by different communities with varying practices and assumptions, and that is organized according to different representation schemes, encodings, and file formats, presents substantial obstacles to efficient integration, analysis, and preservation. This is a particular impediment to data reuse and interdisciplinary science. An underlying problem is that we have no shared formal conceptual model of information representation that is both accurate and sufficiently detailed to accommodate the management and analysis of real world digital data in varying formats. Developing such a model involves confronting extremely challenging foundational problems in information science. We present two complementary conceptual models for data representation, the Basic Representation Model and the Systematic Assertion Model. We show how these models work together to provide an analytical account of digitally encoded scientific data. These models will provide a better foundation for understanding and supporting a wide range of data curation activities, including format migration, data integration, data reuse, digital preservation strategies, and assessment of identity and scientific equivalence.
A Higher Glomerular Filtration Rate Predicts Low Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease in Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Tsai Shang‐Feng , Shu Kuo‐Hsiung , Wu Ming‐Ju , Ho Hao‐Chung , Wen Mei‐Chin , Su Chung‐Kwang , Lian Jong‐Da , Chen Cheng‐Hsu
Published: January 2013

Background

The risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) among living kidney donors (LKDs) is seldom included in evaluations of patients’ outcomes. Potential risk factors and new criteria for estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) indexed for body surface area (BSA) were investigated with a view to prevent the development of CKD in LKDs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of LKDs from May 1983 to March 2011. The Mann–Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to analyze the male versus female groups. Survival analysis was plotted as CKD‐free survival and analyzed separately by different eGFR index classifications. The Cox regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for development of CKD.

Results

A total of 105 LKDs with a mean age of 46.3 ± 12.5 years had a mean eGFR indexed for BSA of 88.9 ± 21.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2. After a mean duration of 5.4 ± 4.9 years’ follow‐up, eGFR dropped to 61.4 ± 16.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (p = 0.002). Median CKD‐free survival was only 5.7 years. The difference between eGFR ≥ 80 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and <80 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was not statistically significant (p = 0.980). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher eGFR at donation (HR = 0.952, p = 0.0199) could be a protective factor. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for initial eGFR with best sensitivity of 52.78 % and specificity of 81.40 % was obtained with a cutoff value of 90.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for preoperative eGFR. An eGFR of 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 yielded a significant survival curve (p = 0.0199) after 21 years of follow‐up. Further classifications of eGFR >90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 into 90–99 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 100–109 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and ≥110 ml/min per 1.73 m2 were examined, but this survival curve was not statistically significant (p = 0.1247).

Conclusions

Living kidney donors will develop CKD after a long duration of follow‐up if there is insufficiently high eGFR at donation. An eGFR above 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 before donation is the only factor that predicts prevention of CKD. Larger studies with longer duration of follow‐up are necessary to clarify the clinical outcome of this postoperative CKD group, especially for patients with eGFR between 80 and 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2.
Continuous Orthogonal Complement Functions and Distribution-Free Goodness of Fit Tests in Moment Structure Analysis
Authors: Jennrich Robert , Satorra Albert
Published: January 2013

It is shown that for any full column rank matrix X0 with more rows than columns there is a neighborhood \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$\mathcal{N}$\end{document}. This is used to derive a distribution free goodness of fit test for covariance structure analysis. This test was proposed some time ago and is extensively used. Unfortunately, there is an error in the proof that the proposed test statistic has an asymptotic χ2 distribution. This is a potentially serious problem, without a proof the test statistic may not, in fact, be asymptoticly χ2. The proof, however, is easily fixed using a continuous orthogonal complement function. Similar problems arise in other applications where orthogonal complements are used. These can also be resolved by using continuous orthogonal complement functions.
Hausarztzentrierte Versorgung aus Sicht der AOK Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Hermann Christopher , Graf Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Einleitung

Die AOK Baden-Württemberg startete für ihre Versicherten am 1. Oktober 2008 gemeinsam mit ihren Vertragspartnern Hausärzteverband und MEDI die deutschlandweite Premiere zur hausarztzentrierten Versorgung (HZV) mit Budgetbereinigung. Der mittlerweile evaluierte Vertrag mit 1,1 Millionen teilnehmenden Versicherten und 3.500 aktiven Hausärzten setzt Maßstäbe und bestätigt die Intention des Gesetzgebers zur Stärkung der hausärztlichen Versorgung in einer älter werdenden Gesellschaft.
Proust at the Ballet: Literature and Dance in Dialogue
Authors: Schmid Marion
Published: January 2013

This article examines French choreographer Roland Petit's ballet adaptation of
À la recherche du temps perdu
as an example of the little-researched interartistic relations between literature and dance. Drawing on translation theory and recent dance scholarship, it argues that Petit's ‘lecture dancée’,
Proust ou les intermittences du cœur
, offers a bold critical reading of the source text that challenges conservative public perceptions of Proust through its foregrounding of the darker side of human passions in the text and its focus on homosexuality as a major theme. By lifting the novel out of its traditional medium, the ballet brings to the fore aspects of the work that criticism tends to overlook: Proust's interest in the body in motion, the gestural and choreographic qualities of his writing, the marked theatricality of some of the text's most prominent scenes. Not bound by the strictures of faithfulness, Petit signs a performance that extracts Proustian ‘essences’ in the interstices between text and performance.
Automated Visual Inspection of Railroad Tracks
Authors: Resendiz Esther , Hart John , Ahuja Narendra
Published: January 2013

Thousands of miles of railroad track must be inspected twice weekly by a human inspector to maintain safety standards. A computer vision system, consisting of field-acquired video and subsequent analysis, could improve the efficiency of the current methods. Such a system is prototyped, and the following challenges are addressed: the detection, segmentation, and defect assessment of track components whose appearance vary across different tracks and the identification and inspection of special track areas such as track turnouts. An algorithm that utilizes the periodic manner in which track components repeat in an inspection video is developed. Spectral estimation and signal-processing methods are used to provide robust detection of the periodically occurring track components. Results are demonstrated on field-acquired images and video.
Phylogenetic Investigations on Ten Genera of Tintinnid Ciliates (Ciliophora: Spirotrichea: Tintinnida), Based on Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequences
Authors: Xu Dapeng , Sun Ping , Warren Alan , Hoon Noh Jae , Lim Choi Dong , Kyoon Shin Mann , Ok Kim Young
Published: January 2013

Tintinnida is a diverse taxon that accommodates over 1,500 morphospecies, which is an important component of marine planktonic food webs. However, evolutionary relationships of tintinnids are poorly known because molecular data of most groups within this order are lacking. In our study, the small subunit (SSU) rRNA genes representing 10 genera, 5 families of Tintinnida were sequenced, including the first SSU rRNA gene sequences for Coxliella, Dadayiella, Epiplocyloides, and Protorhabdonella, and phylogenetic trees were constructed to assess their intergeneric relationships. Phylogenies inferred from different methods showed that (1) Three newly sequenced Eutintinnus species fell into Eutintinnus clade forming a sister group to the clade containing Amphorides, Steenstrupiella, Amphorellopsis, and Salpingella; (2) Surprisingly, the genetic distances between Amphorides amphora and Amphorellopsis acuta population 1 was even smaller than that between the two populations of Amphorellopsis acuta, casting doubt on the validity of Amphorides and Amphorellopsis as presently defined; (3) The SSU rRNA sequences of Dadayiella ganymedes and Parundella aculeata were almost identical. Therefore, Parundella ganymedes novel combination is proposed; (4) Coxliella, which is currently assigned within Metacylididae, branched instead with some Tintinnopsis species. Furthermore, the validation of Coxliella, which was considered to be a “questionable” genus, was confirmed based on evidences from morphology, ecology, and molecular data; (5) Protorhabdonella and Rhabdonella showed rather low intergeneric distance and grouped together with strong support suggesting that Rhabdonellidae is a well‐defined taxon; and (6) Epiplocyloides branched with species in Cyttarocylididae indicating their close relationship.
CHILE: An Evidence‐Based Preschool Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head Start
Authors: Davis Sally M. , Sanders Sarah G. , FitzGerald Courtney A. , Keane Patricia C. , Canaca Glenda F. , Volker‐Rector Renee
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence‐based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.

METHODS

CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.

RESULTS

Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.
Characteristics of Condom and Lubricant Use Among a Nationally Representative Probability Sample of Adults Ages 18–59 in the United States
Authors: Herbenick Debby , Schick Vanessa , Reece Michael , Sanders Stephanie A. , Smith Nicole , Dodge Brian , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Although most Americans have used condoms and/or lubricant during sex, little is known about the context of sexual events that involve the use of such products outside of experimentally manipulated studies.

Aims

To assess, in a nationally representative study of men and women in the United States ages 18–59, the characteristics of condom and lubricant use during participants' most recent sexual event and the relationship of their condom and lubricant use to event-level ratings of sexual quality.

Methods

Data are from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative probability sample of the U.S. adults.

Main Outcome Measures

Sociodemographic items: event-level items related to sexual behavior, condom use, lubricant use, and participants' perceptions of their arousal, pleasure, ease of erection or lubrication, and pain associated with sex.

Results

During their most recent sexual experience, 27.5% of men (N = 237) and 22.3% of women (N = 175) reported using a condom. More than twice as many women as men were unsure whether the condom was lubricated (26.6% vs. 11.4%) and the material it was made of (23.6% vs. 8.9%). Participants consistently rated sex to be arousing and pleasurable whether or not they used condoms or lubricant. No significant differences were found in regard to men's ratings of the ease of their erections based on condom and lubricant use.

Conclusions

Although some have concerns about how condoms or lubricants may impact their enjoyment of sex, in a nationally representative sample of men and women ages 18–59, ratings of sex were largely quite high, with few differences based on condom and lubricant use. Women, more often than men, reported being unsure about the type of condom and lubricant used, which has implications for patient education.
Assessment of Brain Metabolites Change during Visual Sexual Stimulation in Healthy Women Using Functional MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kang Heoung-Keun , Jeong Gwang-Woo
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Numerous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies demonstrated the key brain areas associated with visual sexual arousal. However, the changes in brain metabolites involved in sexual stimuli have not been reported.

Aim

This study utilized functional MR spectroscopy (fMRS) to evaluate the changes in brain metabolites associated with sexual arousal induced by stimulation with erotic video clips in healthy women.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy, right-handed women (38.4 ± 10.0 years) participated in 1H-fMRS and fMRI studies. T1 and T2 MR images were used for voxel localization of the anterior cingulate gyrus, which is one of the most important key centers associated with sexual arousal.

Main Outcome Measures

The changes of brain metabolites were measured using 1H-fMRS during time-course activation: “before,” “during,” and “after” visual sexual stimulation. The time-course variation of the brain metabolites was analyzed by the repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

The CVmean of all the metabolites had <30% (range, 9–29%). The ICCs of α-glutamine-glutamate (Glx), choline (Cho), β·γ-Glx, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and lactate (Lac) all exceeded 0.6. However, myo-inositol (mI) and lipid (Lip) were <0.6. The concentration of brain metabolites including α-Glx, β·γ-Glx, Cho, and Lac comparatively increased significantly during visual sexual stimulation.

Conclusions

1H-fMRS, for the first time, was applied to assess the brain metabolic changes during visually-evoked sexual arousal. The fMRS outcomes in relation to functional MRI data will be useful to understand the neural mechanism associated with sexual arousal.
LOX-Mediated Collagen Crosslinking Is Responsible for Fibrosis-Enhanced Metastasis
Authors: Cox Thomas R. , Bird Demelza , Baker Ann-Marie , Barker Holly E. , Ho Melisa W-Y. , Lang Georgina , Erler Janine T.
Published: January 2013

Tumor metastasis is a highly complex, dynamic, and inefficient process involving multiple steps, yet it accounts for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. Although it has long been known that fibrotic signals enhance tumor progression and metastasis, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Identifying events involved in creating environments that promote metastatic colonization and growth are critical for the development of effective cancer therapies. Here, we show a critical role for lysyl oxidase (LOX) in establishing a milieu within fibrosing tissues that is favorable to growth of metastastic tumor cells. We show that LOX-dependent collagen crosslinking is involved in creating a growth-permissive fibrotic microenvironment capable of supporting metastatic growth by enhancing tumor cell persistence and survival. We show that therapeutic targeting of LOX abrogates not only the extent to which fibrosis manifests, but also prevents fibrosis-enhanced metastatic colonization. Finally, we show that the LOX-mediated collagen crosslinking directly increases tumor cell proliferation, enhancing metastatic colonization and growth manifesting in vivo as increased metastasis. This is the first time that crosslinking of collagen I has been shown to enhance metastatic growth. These findings provide an important link between ECM homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer with important clinical implications for both the treatment of fibrotic disease and cancer. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1721–32. ©2012 AACR.
Psychoanalysis and Empirical Research
Authors: Taylor Graeme J. , Bagby R. Michael
Published: January 2013

An extensive body of research on the alexithymia construct is reviewed to show how various empirical methodologies can be used to evaluate the validity and increase our understanding of theoretical and clinically derived psychoanalytic concepts. The historical background of alexithymia and the theoretical framework in which the construct was formulated are presented, after which measurement- and experiment-based approaches to construct validation are described. This is followed by a review of empirical investigations that have yielded evidence that alexithymia is a dimensional personality trait associated with several illnesses of interest to psychoanalysts. Empirical research also supports clinical observations and impressions that individuals with high degrees of alexithymia principally employ primitive defenses, have a limited capacity for empathy, exhibit deficits in mentalization, and do not respond well to traditional interpretive psychotherapies. Also reviewed is empirical research that implicates genetic and environmental/developmental factors in the etiology of alexithymia, in particular childhood trauma and insecure attachments, factors generally associated with deficits in affect development and affect regulation. The clinical relevance of the empirical research findings is discussed in the final section.
Tooth Eruption without Roots
Authors: Wang X.-P.
Published: January 2013

Root development and tooth eruption are very important topics in dentistry. However, they remain among the less-studied and -understood subjects. Root development accompanies rapid tooth eruption, but roots are required for the movement of teeth into the oral cavity. It has been shown that the dental follicle and bone remodeling are essential for tooth eruption. So far, only limited genes have been associated with root formation and tooth eruption. This may be due to the difficulties in studying late stages of tooth development and tooth movement and the lack of good model systems. Transgenic mice with eruption problems and short or no roots can be used as a powerful model for further deciphering of the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying root formation and tooth eruption. Better understanding of these processes can provide hints on delivering more efficient dental therapies in the future.
Rape and Consensual Sex in Male Israeli Prisons
Authors: Einat Tomer
Published: January 2013

Prisons deprive male inmates of heterosexual relationships and, thus, prevent them from asserting their masculinity via “traditional” means. Accordingly, many prisoners experience extreme emotional, psychological, and physical distress, which can lead to intimidation, aggression, and reestablishment of their sense of dominance through homosexual activities with consenting or coerced partners. This quantitative and qualitative study, based on research undertaken in a random sample of 30% of the male prisons in Israel, analyzes the neglected issue of homosexual relationships in Israeli prisons. The findings indicate that sexual harassment or homosexual rapes rarely take place in Israeli prisons and consensual homosexual relationships are rare. Furthermore, Israeli inmates view homosexual relationships in prison as disgusting and disgraceful and conceptualize them in highly negative emotional terms.
On the Emergence of Science and Justice
Authors: Reardon Jenny
Published: January 2013

In the last few years, justice has emerged as a matter of concern for the contemporary constitution of technoscience. Increasingly, both practicing scientists and engineers and scholars of science and technology cite justice as an organizing theme of their work. In this essay, I consider why “science and justice” might be arising now. I then ask after the opportunities, but also the dangers, of this formation. By way of example, I explore the openings and exclusions created by the recent conjugation of science and justice in the field of personal genomics. Finally, I conclude with reflections on what other forms “science and justice” might take, and what might be gained or lost in fostering them.
What’s Wrong With Max? Parenthood and the Portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Holton Avery E.
Published: January 2013

Disability scholars have long called for better representations of disability in popular culture, particularly in cinema and television. These pleas have resulted in a robust body of research across multiple disciplines critiquing the portrayal of mental and physical disabilities. Whether producers of popular culture have paid attention to these appeals remains uncertain. This study explores a salient topic in disability discourse, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), as presented through a popular television program in the U.S. The findings reveal disembodied portrayals of ASDs that focus on isolation and fear, with more emphasis on familial and societal concern than individual perspectives. These representations stress the anxiety of those perceived to be most affected by the diagnosis rather than the diagnosed individuals themselves and do little to improve upon on portrayals of disability in popular culture.
Enhancement of invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through lysophosphatidic acid receptor
Authors: Lou Lianqing , Chen Yong Xin , Jin Lingzhen , Li Xiaofei , Tao Xingfei , Zhu Jinhong , Chen Xiangyi , Wu Shuang , Ye Weiwei , He Jinke , Ding Guoqiang
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator involved in tumour progression, cell invasion and metastasis. The mechanism of action of LPA in the invasive and metastatic capacity of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of LPA on HCC cell invasion and induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) −2 and −9.

Methods

LPA receptor levels in HCC cell lines were detected by Western blot analysis; HCC cell invasion was analysed by the Transwell® system. The LPA receptor blocker Ki16425 was used to determine whether HCC cell invasion was LPA dependent. Expression of the MMP2 and MMP9 genes in HCC cells was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

LPA increased HCC cell invasion, which was LPA-receptor dependent. Real-time RT–qPCR showed that LPA increased MMP9, but not MMP2, expression in HCC cells. Pharmacological inhibition of LPA receptors with Ki16452 significantly attenuated LPA-induced HCC cell invasion.

Conclusions

HCC invasiveness is facilitated by LPA and may be relevant to tumour progression. Thus, LPA receptors may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Factors influencing delayed extubation after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a prospective cohort study of 800 patients in a Chinese neurosurgical centre
Authors: Cai Ye‐Hua , Zeng Heng-Yu , Shi Zhong-Hua , Shen Jing , Lei Yan-Ni , Chen Bi-Yao , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To investigate prospectively the rate of, and factors influencing, delayed extubation following infratentorial craniotomy in a Chinese neurosurgical centre.

Methods

Patients undergoing infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection were prospectively enrolled and stratified according to whether extubation was attempted in the operating theatre (early extubation) or not (delayed extubation). Pre- and intraoperative variables were collected and analysed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, to identify factors related to delayed extubation.

Results

The study included 800 patients, 398 (49.8%) of whom underwent delayed extubation. The overall rate of extubation failure was 3.6%. Independent factors related to delayed extubation were: preoperative lower cranial nerve dysfunction; hydrocephalus; tumour location; duration of surgery ≥6 h; estimated blood loss ≥1000 ml. Compared with patients in the early extubation group, those in the delayed extubation group had a higher rate of pneumonia, longer intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stays, and higher hospitalization costs.

Conclusions

Brain stem and lower cranial nerve function were the main factors affecting extubation decision-making. Further research is required, to establish criteria for delayed extubation following infratentorial craniotomy.
Getting Leukocytes to the Site of Inflammation
Authors: Muller W. A.
Published: January 2013

There is no “response” in either the innate or adaptive immune response unless leukocytes cross blood vessels. They do this through the process of diapedesis, in which the leukocyte moves in ameboid fashion through tightly apposed endothelial borders (paracellular transmigration) and in some cases through the endothelial cell itself (transcellular migration). This review summarizes the steps leading up to diapedesis, then focuses on the molecules and mechanisms responsible for transendothelial migration. Surprisingly, many of the same molecules and mechanisms that regulate paracellular migration also control transcellular migration, including a major role for membrane from the recently described lateral border recycling compartment. A hypothesis that integrates the various known mechanisms of transmigration is proposed.
Phytotoxicity evaluation and phytochemical analysis of three medicinally important plants from Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Nazif , Haq Ihsan-ul , Mirza Bushra
Published: January 2013

This work examines the crude methanolic extracts of three medicinally important plants native to Pakistan for potent phytotoxic activities and important phytochemicals. These plants include Euphorbia wallichii, Bergenia ciliata and Phytolacca latbenia. The phytotoxic effects were checked at 10,000, 1000, and 100 µg/ml against two economically important standard target species, Triticum aestivum (monocot representative) and Brassica napus (dicot representative). The phytotoxicity effects on seed germination, seedling growth and seedling weight were checked. A simple, cost-effective in vitro phytotoxicity assay (that uses petri plates) was used to evaluate the allelopathic properties of crude extracts. At highest concentration, extracts from all the three plants showed phytotoxic activities such that P. latbenia >  E. wallichii >  B. ciliata. In seedling growth, root length was affected more than shoot length, whereas among the target species B. napus was found to be more sensitive towards extracts when compared with T. aestivum. Phytochemical analysis showed that P. latbenia is rich in saponins and terpenoids, while E. wallichii and B. ciliata are rich in tannins, terpenoids and cardiac glycoside. P. latbenia also carries a moderate amount of cardiac glycosides.