bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on magnetic carbon nanotube for the determination of estrogens in milk
Authors: Ding Jun , Gao Qiang , Li Xiao‐Shui , Huang Wei , Shi Zhi‐Guo , Feng Yu‐Qi
Published: July 2011

In this work, a novel method for the fabrication of magnetic carbon nanotubes based on ‘aggregation wrap’ was proposed. When carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles were vortically mixed in a solvent, the magnetic nanoparticles were wrapped into the carbon nanotube bundles that formed during the aggregation process, leading to the formation of magnetic carbon nanotubes. Thus, the resultant material can be separated from the solvent rapidly and conveniently by a magnet. Our investigation demonstrated that the ‘aggregation wrap’ mechanism for the preparation of magnetic composite is also applicable to other self‐aggregated micro/nanomaterials, including graphene, graphite, C60, etc. To testify the feasibility of the magnetic composites in sample preparation, the resultant magnetic carbon nanotubes were applied as sorbents for magnetic solid‐phase extraction (MSPE) of estrogens in milk samples. Under optimized conditions, a rapid, convenient and efficient method for the determination of estrogens in milk samples was established by the combination of MSPE with high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. The linearity range of the proposed method was 5–2000 μg/L with correlation coefficients (R) of 0.9983–0.9994. The limit of detection (LOD) for three estrogens ranged from 1.21 to 2.35 μg/L. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were <9.3%. The reproducibility of the MSPE with different batches of magnetic carbon nanotubes was acceptable with RSD values <3.6%.
Behavioral and molecular genetics of dissociation: The role of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR)
Authors: Pieper Suzanne , Out Dorothée , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: July 2011

We evaluated the role of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) in the etiology of dissociation. Adult twin pairs (N = 184 pairs; mean age 33.0 years, SD = 10.8) completed measures for dissociation and trauma. The DNA samples were genotyped for 5‐HTTLPR adjusted for rs25531 alleles. Behavioral genetic analyses showed that genetic factors explained 45% of the variance in dissociative symptoms, while 55% of the variance was explained by unique environment and measurement error. Participants with the SS genotype of 5‐HTTLPR reported more dissociative symptoms compared to participants with the other genotypes (p = .02), and they showed more pathological dissociative symptoms than the other participants (p = .04) when they reported more depressive symptoms and when they had experienced trauma.
On the causes of pressure oscillations in low‐permeable and low‐compressible porous media
Authors: Haga Joachim Berdal , Osnes Harald , Langtangen Hans Petter
Published: July 2011

Nonphysical pressure oscillations are observed in finite element calculations of Biot's poroelastic equations in low‐permeable media. These pressure oscillations may be understood as a failure of compatibility between the finite element spaces, rather than elastic locking. We present evidence to support this view by comparing and contrasting the pressure oscillations in low‐permeable porous media with those in low‐compressible porous media. As a consequence, it is possible to use established families of stable mixed elements as candidates for choosing finite element spaces for Biot's equations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐mechanism elastoplastic model for shakedown of unbound granular materials and DEM simulations
Authors: Chazallon Cyrille , Koval Georg , Mouhoubi Saida
Published: July 2011

An elastoplastic model has been developed for the finite elements modelling of repeated load triaxial tests. This model is based on the shakedown theory established by Zarka for metallic structures. To the previous works, which were based on the Drucker–Prager yield surface and the plastic potential of Von Mises, a compression cap has been added to each one. The model straightforwardly determines the purely elastic state or the elastic shakedown state or the plastic shakedown state and calculates the deviatoric and the volumetric plastic strains. The calibration of the elastoplastic model has been carried out with DEM simulations and an unbound granular material for roads under repeated load triaxial tests using finite element method. The calculations underline the capabilities of the model to take into account, with a unique formalism, the accumulation of the deviatoric and volumetric plastic strains along the loading cycles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of ultimate capacity of driven piles in cohesionless soil: A Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline approach
Authors: Samui Pijush
Published: July 2011

The determination of ultimate capacity (Q) of driven piles in cohesionless soil is an important task in geotechnical engineering. This article adopts Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) for prediction Q of driven piles in cohesionless soil. MARS uses length (L), angle of shear resistance of the soil around the shaft (ϕshaft), angle of shear resistance of the soil at the tip of the pile (ϕtip), area (A), and effective vertical stress at the tip of the pile as input variables. Q is the output of MARS. The results of MARS are compared with that of the Generalized Regression Neural Network model. An equation has been also presented based on the developed MARS. The results show the strong potential of MARS to be applied to geotechnical engineering as a regression tool. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple route to prepare pomegranate‐like polystyrene‐based microspheres with high porosity
Authors: Liu Qingquan , Duan Yingxiang , Shen Shaohua , Zhou Zhihua
Published: July 2011

Pomegranate‐like polystyrene‐based microspheres with high porosity were successfully prepared via a simple route involving two steps. The first step was the preparation of polystyrene‐based microspheres with multi‐cores and a non‐porous shell via suspension polymerization of divinylbenzene and vinylbenzyl chloride. Nitrogen sorption failed to characterize the pore structure of the microspheres because of the non‐porous shell, but the results of Hg intrusion indicated that the pore volume of the microspheres was 0.36 cm3 g−1. The second step was post crosslinking of the microspheres derived from the first step. Extensive porosity was generated in the shell and the pomegranate‐like structure of the microspheres remained almost unchanged. The results showed that the pore volumes of the final products derived from N2 sorption and Hg intrusion were 0.54 cm3 g−1 and 0.66 cm3 g−1, respectively. Overall, this provides a simple and feasible route to biomimetic preparation of pomegranate‐like polystyrene‐based microspheres with high porosity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Smoothing of PV power fluctuations by geographical dispersion
Authors: Marcos Javier , Marroyo Luis , Lorenzo Eduardo , García Miguel
Published: July 2011

The quality and the reliability of the power generated by large grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) plants are negatively affected by the source characteristic variability. This paper deals with the smoothing of power fluctuations because of geographical dispersion of PV systems. The fluctuation frequency and the maximum fluctuation registered at a PV plant ensemble are analyzed to study these effects. We propose an empirical expression to compare the fluctuation attenuation because of both the size and the number of PV plants grouped. The convolution of single PV plants frequency distribution functions has turned out to be a successful tool to statistically describe the behavior of an ensemble of PV plants and determine their maximum output fluctuation. Our work is based on experimental 1‐s data collected throughout 2009 from seven PV plants, 20 MWp in total, separated between 6 and 360 km. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoimprinted Tio2 sol–gel passivating diffraction gratings for solar cell applications
Authors: Barbé Jérémy , Thomson Andrew Francis , Wang Er‐Chien , McIntosh Keith , Catchpole Kylie
Published: July 2011

We report the fabrication and characterization of TiO2 sol–gel diffraction gratings on silicon substrates by using nanoimprint lithography. The gratings are homogeneous and free of defects and cover an area of 25 cm2. Minority carrier lifetimes of up to 900 µs for imprinted samples under illumination are reported, which Kelvin probe measurements indicate is due to light‐generated negative charge in the films. The structures reported here are very promising as light‐trapping, passivating coatings for solar cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auditory processing disorder: School psychologist beware?
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J.
Published: July 2011

An increasing number of students are being diagnosed with auditory processing disorder (APD), but the school psychology literature has largely neglected this controversial condition. This article reviews research on APD, revealing substantial concerns with assessment tools and diagnostic practices, as well as insufficient research regarding many claims about APD, including claims about popular interventions for the condition. Also discussed are the relationships between APD and other high‐incidence disability conditions that school psychologists work with frequently. The article concludes with concrete recommendations for school psychologists when faced with students who are referred for symptoms of APD, as well as strategies for determining services for students who present with an APD diagnosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microstructural and compositional analyses of GaN‐based nanostructures
Authors: Pretorius Angelika , Schmidt Thomas , Aschenbrenner Timo , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Kübel Christian , Müller Knut , Dartsch Heiko , Hommel Detlef , Falta Jens , Rosenauer Andreas
Published: July 2011

Composition and microstructure of GaN‐based island structures and distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We analysed free‐standing InGaN islands and islands capped with GaN. Growth of the islands performed by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) resulted in different microstructures. The islands grown by MBE were plastically relaxed. Cap layer deposition resulted in a rapid dissolution of the islands already at early stages of cap layer growth. These findings are confirmed by grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD). In contrast, the islands grown by MOVPE relax only elastically.

Strain state analysis (SSA) revealed that the indium concentration increases towards the tips of the islands. For an application as quantum dots, the islands must be embedded into DBRs. Structure and composition of AlyGa1–yN/GaN Bragg reflectors on top of an AlGaN buffer layer and InxAl1–xN/GaN Bragg reflectors on top of a GaN buffer layer were investigated. Specifically, structural defects such as threading dislocations (TDs) and inversion domains (IDs) were studied, and we investigated thicknesses, interfaces and interface roughnesses of the layers. As the peak reflectivities of the investigated DBRs do not reach the theoretical predictions, possible reasons are discussed.
Online solution of nonlinear two‐player zero‐sum games using synchronous policy iteration
Authors: Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. , Lewis F.L.
Published: July 2011

The two‐player zero‐sum (ZS) game problem provides the solution to the bounded L2‐gain problem and so is important for robust control. However, its solution depends on solving a design Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs (HJI) equation, which is generally intractable for nonlinear systems. In this paper, we present an online adaptive learning algorithm based on policy iteration to solve the continuous‐time two‐player ZS game with infinite horizon cost for nonlinear systems with known dynamics. That is, the algorithm learns online in real time an approximate local solution to the game HJI equation. This method finds, in real time, suitable approximations of the optimal value and the saddle point feedback control policy and disturbance policy, while also guaranteeing closed‐loop stability. The adaptive algorithm is implemented as an actor/critic/disturbance structure that involves simultaneous continuous‐time adaptation of critic, actor, and disturbance neural networks. We call this online gaming algorithm ‘synchronous’ ZS game policy iteration. A persistence of excitation condition is shown to guarantee convergence of the critic to the actual optimal value function. Novel tuning algorithms are given for critic, actor, and disturbance networks. The convergence to the optimal saddle point solution is proven, and stability of the system is also guaranteed. Simulation examples show the effectiveness of the new algorithm in solving the HJI equation online for a linear system and a complex nonlinear system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent developments in laser therapy for BPH
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2011

A new generation of lasers for photoselective vaporisation of the prostate operating at 180 watts of power has been introduced for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The product was designed to speed up the lasering process and improve fibre durability, while maintaining the safety profile of previous generations. Roger Kirby reviews the history of laser therapy, and discusses whether the treatment can be considered a viable alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Erectile dysfunction as a predictor of coronary artery disease
Authors: Kirby Mike , Jackson Graham
Published: July 2011

The authors review the evidence suggesting that erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of more widespread vascular disease. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Gender issues in diabetes prevalence and outcome
Authors: Hackett Geoff
Published: July 2011

Geoff Hackett identifies gender differences in the provision of care for patients with diabetes and suggests ways in which these may be overcome. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Debating controversies in the management of advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Payne Heather A. , Dearnaley David , Troup Janis
Published: July 2011

In the previous issue of this journal, Heather Payne and colleagues discussed a debate on the management of locally advanced prostate cancer, which took place at the 7th Annual Meeting of the British Uro‐oncology Group.1 Here, they continue with a summary of discussions about the challenges of managing advanced prostate cancer. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Molpro: a general‐purpose quantum chemistry program package
Authors: Werner Hans‐Joachim , Knowles Peter J. , Knizia Gerald , Manby Frederick R. , Schütz Martin
Published: July 2011

Molpro (available at http://www.molpro.net) is a general‐purpose quantum chemical program. The original focus was on high‐accuracy wave function calculations for small molecules, but using local approximations combined with explicit correlation treatments, highly accurate coupled‐cluster calculations are now possible for molecules with up to approximately 100 atoms. Recently, multireference correlation treatments were also made applicable to larger molecules. Furthermore, an efficient implementation of density functional theory is available. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Multilevel Measurement of Dimensions of Collaborative Functioning in a Network of Collaboratives that Promote Child and Family Well‐Being
Authors: Barile John P. , Darnell Adam J. , Erickson Steve W. , Weaver Scott R.
Published: July 2011

Evaluating collaboration between community partners presents a series of methodological challenges (Roussos and Fawcett in Annu Rev Public Health 21:369–402, 2000; Yin and Kaftarian 1997), one of which is selection of the appropriate level of analysis. When data are collected from multiple members of multiple settings, multilevel analysis techniques should be used. Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) is an analytic approach that incorporates the advantages of latent variable measurement modeling and multilevel modeling for nested data. This study utilizes MCFA on data obtained from an evaluation survey of collaborative functioning provided to members of 157 community collaboratives in Georgia. This study presents a well‐fitting measurement model that includes five dimensions of collaborative functioning, and a structural component with individual‐ and collaborative‐level covariates. Findings suggest that members’ role and meeting attendance significantly predicted their assessment of collaboration at the individual level, and that tenure of collaborative leaders predicted the overall functioning of the collaborative at the collaborative level. Dimensionality of collaborative functioning and implications of potentially substantial measurement biases associated with selection of respondents are addressed.
Morphological asymmetry and behavioral laterality in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Tobo Shoko , Takeuchi Yuichi , Hori Michio
Published: July 2011

Lateral asymmetry is found widely among vertebrates, but is scarcely observed in invertebrates. Here, morphological asymmetry and behavioral laterality of a wild crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, was investigated. The carapace morphology of crayfish showed left–right differences; in some, the right side of the carapace was larger than the left side, while in others, the left side was larger. A bimodal distribution in the direction of escape behaviors induced by a tactile stimulus was also observed. Experimental crayfish were definitively divided into two groups: individuals that frequently jumped leftward (right type) and those that jumped rightward (left type). Moreover, carapace asymmetry and lateralized escape responses were significantly correlated. These results suggest that crayfish exhibit left–right dimorphism in natural populations. The ecological advantages and maintenance mechanisms underlying these behaviors are also discussed.
Impaired melanoma growth in VASP deficient mice
Authors: Kim Young Min , Renné Christoph , Seifert Stefanie , Schuh Kai , Renné Thomas
Published: July 2011

Progression of tumors depends on interactions of cancer cells with the host environment. Expression of the cytoskeleton protein VASP is upregulated in various cancer entities. We analyzed the role of VASP for melanoma growth in murine allograft models. Growth of VASP expressing melanomas was retarded in VASP−/− versus wild‐type animals. Over time tumor size was <50% in VASP−/− versus wild‐type animals and independent of expression levels of Ena/VASP protein family members. Histological analyses showed smaller cells with impaired nutrition status and less vascularization in melanomas derived from VASP−/− versus counterparts from wild‐type mice. Cumulatively, the data reveal a critical role of VASP in non‐tumor cells in the tumor environment for melanoma growth in vivo.
Revolutionary Rhetoric and Labour Unrest: Liège in 1886 and Seville in 1901
Authors: Velasco Mesa Custodio
Published: July 2011

This article explores the similarities and differences of the discourse used by the main figures from the labour unrest of Liège in 1886 and Seville in 1901 to articulate their experiences and protests. The comparison, focused on the analysis of the interpretative frameworks, that is, on the “construction of arguments”, highlights the role of the discourse as one of the cultural ingredients which encouraged and shaped both instances of collective action.
Migration Systems in Nineteenth-Century North-Western Portugal: The Case of Vila do Conde
Authors: Viegas de Andrade Cristiana
Published: July 2011

This article aims to identify migration systems in north-western nineteenth-century Portugal to contribute to the understanding of the puzzle that is Portuguese migration dynamics. Through the analysis of the passport and parish registers from theconcelhoof Vila do Conde, it was possible to determine three systems, the Atlantic, the Lisbon, and the local. The occurrence and characteristics of the systems varied according to socio-economic contexts, both in the sending and receiving areas, and also according to the emigrants’ life cycles.
Factors affecting the inactivation of the natural microbiota of milk processed by pulsed electric fields and cross-flow microfiltration
Authors: Rodríguez-González Oscar , Walkling-Ribeiro Markus , Jayaram Shesha , Griffiths Mansel W
Published: July 2011

Prior to processing milk and cream were standardised and homogenised. Skim milk was cross-flow microfiltered (CFMF) prior to treatment with pulsed electric fields (PEF) or high temperature short time (HTST) pasteurization. The effect of temperature of the skim milk and product composition on the efficacy of PEF treatment was determined. The electrical conductivity of the product was related to fat and solids content and increased 5% for every g/kg increase of solids and decreased by nearly 0·7% for every g/kg increase of fat. From the three microbial groups analyzed (mesophilic, coliform, and psychrotroph) in milks differences (P<0·05) in the inactivation of mesophilic microorganisms were observed between the counts following PEF treatment, while HTST pasteurization resulted in higher reductions in all different counts than those obtained after PEF. Increasing the skim milk temperature prior to PEF treatment to about 34°C showed equivalent reductions in microbial counts to skim milk treated at 6°C in half the time. The reductions achieved by a combination of CFMF and PEF treatments were comparable to those achieved when CFMF was combined with HTST pasteurization. A higher reduction in coliform counts was observed in homogenised products subjected to PEF than in products that were only standardised for fat content.
Effects of somatic cells on the protein profile of hard ovine cheese produced from different breeds
Authors: Revilla Isabel , Rodríguez-Nogales Jose M , Vivar-Quintana Ana M
Published: July 2011

Bulk tank ewe's milks with low (<500,000 ml−1), medium (1,000,000–1,500,000 ml−1) and high (>2,500,000 ml−1) somatic cell counts (SCC) from three breeds were used to manufacture hard ewes’-milk cheese. Physico-chemical analysis and capillary electrophoresis of fresh cheeses and cheeses that had been ripened for 1, 2, 3 and 6 months were carried out. The results showed that high SCC levels in milk affected the moisture content of only freshly made cheeses and the pH, fat content and fat acidity of ripened cheeses. Regarding proteolysis, the levels of all β-CNs in freshly made cheeses were significantly lower as the SCC values increased and the Castellana breed was the most affected by SCC levels because a significant decrease in all α-CNs was also observed as SCC levels rose. Analysis of the casein profile by principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that there were no clear differences according the SCC up to the third month. However in the third and sixth months cheeses with low levels of SC were closely grouped and characterised by the highest levels of intact caseins. Regarding the effect of breed, the results point to a more intense proteolytic activity in the Assaf breed, whose more matured cheeses showed the highest content of casein proteolytic fragments.
Effect of growth factors and lactogenic hormones on expression of plasminogen activator-related genes and cell proliferation in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line
Authors: Theodorou Georgios , Pecorini Chiara , Rebucci Raffaella , Saccone Francesca , Lecchi Christina , Politis Ioannis , Baldi Antonella
Published: July 2011

There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to whether up-regulation of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) expression is related to bovine mammary epithelial cell growth. The role of u-PA receptor (u-PAR) and that of the plasminogen activator inhibitors type 1 and type 2 (PAI-1 and PAI-2) in bovine mammary epithelial cell proliferation is not known. The effect of growth factors and various hormones known to affect mammary function on expression of u-PA, u-PAR, PAI-1, PAI-2 and cell proliferation using the BME-UV1 bovine mammary epithelial cell line was examined. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay and direct cell enumeration. Results showed that both IGF-1 and EGF increased cell proliferation but EGF was a more potent mitogen than IGF-1. Furthermore, IGF-1 increased by 2-fold expression of both u-PA and u-PAR while EGF increased by 3·8-fold the expression of only u-PAR. Both growth factors had no effect on expression of PAI-1 and PAI-2. In a manner consistent with changes in gene expression, EGF and to a lesser extent IGF-1 up-regulated total cell associated, membrane-bound and secreted u-PA activity. Thus, a strong correlation exists between u-PAR gene expression along with the activity of u-PA present on cell membranes and cell proliferation. Dexamethasone, prolactin and surprisingly insulin had no effect on cell proliferation. Dexamethasone alone and when combined with insulin or prolactin up-regulated gene expression of both PAI- and PAI-2 but not that of u-PA and u-PAR. Decreased total cell-associated, membrane-bound and secreted u-PA activity was detected in cells cultured in the presence of dexamethasone when combined with insulin or prolactin. However no such effect was observed in the presence of dexamethasone alone. Thus, dexamethasone acting synergistically with prolactin or insulin inhibits the activation of the plasmin-plasminogen system but this inhibition is not correlated with any changes in cell proliferation.
Post-operative nausea and vomiting following paediatric day-case tonsillectomy: audit of the Epsom protocol
Authors: Robb P J , Ewah B N
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To audit a protocol for elective, day-case, paediatric ENT surgery, previously reported as enabling an overall post-operative nausea and vomiting rate of 2 per cent and a discharge rate of 100 per cent on the day of surgery.

Method:

The audit included 91 children (45 boys and 46 girls) aged three to 14 years. Forty-seven children underwent tonsillectomy, 36 adenotonsillectomy and eight tonsillectomy with postnasal space examination; indications included recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillitis and nasal block, upper airway obstruction, and a combination of upper airway obstruction and recurrent tonsillitis.

Results:

No post-operative nausea or vomiting was recorded in any of the children on the day of surgery, and no discharges were delayed. The reactionary haemorrhage rate was 1 per cent and the secondary haemorrhage rate 3.3 per cent.

Conclusion:

These findings have implications for the safe same-day discharge of children following tonsillectomy.
Implant survival rate in bone-anchored hearing aid users: long-term results
Authors: Wallberg E , Granström G , Tjellström A , Stalfors J
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To investigate the long-term survival rate of bone-anchored hearing aid implants, and to assess the number of patients who stop using their bone-anchored hearing aid.

Method:

Patients who underwent bone-anchored hearing aid surgery between September 1977 and December 1986 were identified from a prospective database. Data were collected from patient records.

Results:

During the study period, 143 patients were fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid. Records from 132 patients were found, with a mean follow up of nine years. A total of 150 implants were installed in these patients. A total of 41 implants (27 per cent) were lost during follow up: 17 lost osseointegration, 16 were removed and eight were lost due to direct trauma. At the end of follow up, 119/132 (90 per cent) patients were still using their bone-anchored hearing aid.

Conclusion:

Despite a high incidence of implant loss over time, a large number of patients still continued to use their bone-anchored hearing aid.
Prognostic value of lymphangiogenesis in supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin J Y , Li X Y , Dong P , Nakashima T
Published: July 2011

Background:

Metastasis to regional lymph nodes via lymphatic microvessels plays a key role in cancer progression, and is an important prognostic factor in many cancers. Recent evidence suggests that tumour lymphangiogenesis promotes lymphatic metastasis.

Aims:

To investigate whether tumour lymphatic microvessel density correlates with clinicopathological factors and serves as a prognostic indicator of supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma progression.

Methods:

The lymphatics of 84 supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma cases were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for podoplanin (also termed D2-40). The relationships between (intra- and peritumoural) lymphatic microvessel density, clinicopathological parameters and clinical prognosis were analysed.

Results:

There was a significant relationship between high intratumoural lymphatic microvessel density and aggressive tumour node stage (p < 0.0001), distant metastasis (p = 0.037) and poor prognosis (p = 0.011), and between high peritumoural lymphatic microvessel density and node stage (p = 0.004) and poor prognosis (p = 0.029). Patients with high lymphatic microvessel density also had significantly worse disease-free survival (p = 0.003) and overall survival (p = 0.005). Intratumoural lymphatic microvessel density was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (p = 0.008) and disease-free survival (p = 0.005) (multivariate analysis).

Conclusion:

Lymphatic microvessel density (detected by podoplanin immunohistochemistry), especially intratumoural density, may be an independent predictor of lymphatic tumour spread and survival in supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma patients, and may be useful to guide decisions regarding additional surgery.
The Boltzmann relation and its validity in magnetized plasmas
Authors: FRANKLIN R. N.
Published: July 2011

This paper is concerned to give a definitive account of a physical situation of current practical interest by examining the plasma solution for a plasma in coaxial geometry with an applied axial magnetic field. It builds on earlier work concerned with plasma diamagnetism and concentrates on the parameters involved at low pressures and low collisionalities but can be extended to situations where the ions are magnetized.
Instability of electromagnetic waves with radial polarization in a rotating relativistic electron beam guided by ion channel
Authors: MIRZANEJHAD SAEED , SOHBATZADEH FARSHAD , HEIDARI ZAHRA
Published: July 2011

Dispersion characteristics of electromagnetic waves with radial and azimuthal polarization in a rotating relativistic electron beam guided by an ion channel are investigated. Ion-channel electrostatic field and self-fields of relativistic electron beam were included in the formalism. It is shown that the wave with radial polarization is unstable in two regions due to coupling with fast space charge wave. The behaviors of the instability magnitude and spread are analyzed as a function of equilibrium parameters. The introduced instability can be used for amplification and production of high-intensity laser pulse with radial polarization.
Design and analysis of CICABOT: a novel translational parallel manipulator based on two 5-bar mechanisms
Authors: Ruiz-Torres M. F. , Castillo-Castaneda E. , Briones-Leon J. A.
Published: July 2011

This work presents the CICABOT, a novel 3-DOF translational parallel manipulator (TPM) with large workspace. The manipulator consists of two 5-bar mechanisms connected by two prismatic joints; the moving platform is on the union of these prismatic joints; each 5-bar mechanism has two legs. The mobility of the proposed mechanism, based on Gogu approach, is also presented. The inverse and direct kinematics are solved from geometric analysis. The manipulator's Jacobian is developed from the vector equation of the robot legs; the singularities can be easily derived from Jacobian matrix. The manipulator workspace is determined from analysis of a 5-bar mechanism; the resulting workspace is the intersection of two hollow cylinders that is much larger than other TPM with similar dimensions.
Adaptive computed torque control for a parallel manipulator with redundant actuation
Authors: Shang Wei-Wei , Cong Shuang , Ge Yuan
Published: July 2011

An adaptive computed torque (ACT) controller in the task space is proposed for the trajectory tracking of a parallel manipulator with redundant actuation. The dynamic model, including the active joint friction, is established in the task space for the parallel manipulator, and the linear parameterization expression with respect to the dynamic and friction parameters is formulated. On the basis of the dynamic model, a new control law, which contains adaptive dynamics compensation, friction compensation, and tracking error elimination terms, is designed. After defining the state-space model of the error system, the parameter adaptation law is derived by using the Lyapunov method, and the convergence of the tracking error and the error rate is proved by using the Barbalat's lemma. The ACT controller is implemented in the trajectory tracking experiments of an actual 2-DOF parallel manipulator with redundant actuation, and the experiment results are compared with the computed torque controller.
A novel three degrees of freedom partially decoupled robot with linear actuators
Authors: Gallardo-Alvarado Jaime , Alici Gürsel , Rodríguez-Castro Ramón
Published: July 2011

In this work, a new translational robot formed with two different parallel manipulators with a common control point is introduced. An asymmetric parallel manipulator provides three translational degrees of freedom to the proposed robot while the orientation of the end-effector platform is kept constant by means of a Delta-like manipulator. An exact solution is easily derived to solve the forward displacement analysis while a semi-closed form solution is available for solving the inverse displacement analysis. The infinitesimal kinematics of the robot is approached by applying the theory of screws. Finally, a numerical example that consists of solving the inverse/forward displacement analysis as well as the forward acceleration analysis of the end-effector platform is presented. The example also includes the computation of the workspace and the direct/inverse singularities of the example.
ON THE VARIANCES OF SYSTEM SIZE AND SOJOURN TIME IN A DISCRETE-TIME DAR(1)/D/1 QUEUE
Authors: Miao Daniel Wei-Chung , Chen Hung
Published: July 2011

We consider a discrete-time DAR(1)/D/1 queue and provide an analysis on the variances of both its system size and sojourn time. Our approach is simple, but the results are nice, as these variances are found in closed form. We first establish the relation between these variances, based on which we then use the conditioning technique to analyze the expected cross terms that come from its system recurrence relation. The closed-form results allow us to explicitly examine the effect from the batch size distribution and the autocorrelation parameter p. It is observed that as p grows toward 1, the standard deviations of the two performance measures will blow up in same asymptotic order of O(1/(1−p)) as their means. These are demonstrated through numerical examples.
OPTIMALITY OF TRUNK RESERVATION FOR AN M/M/K/N QUEUE WITH SEVERAL CUSTOMER TYPES AND HOLDING COSTS
Authors: Feinberg Eugene A. , Yang Fenghsu
Published: July 2011

In this article we study optimal admission to an M/M/k/N queue with several customer types. The reward structure consists of revenues collected from admitted customers and holding costs, both of which depend on customer types. This article studies average rewards per unit time and describes the structures of stationary optimal, canonical, bias optimal, and Blackwell optimal policies. Similar to the case without holding costs, bias optimal and Blackwell optimal policies are unique, coincide, and have a trunk reservation form with the largest optimal control level for each customer type. Problems with one holding cost rate have been studied previously in the literature.
Toddlers learn words in a foreign language: the role of native vocabulary knowledge
Authors: KOENIG MELISSA , WOODWARD AMANDA L.
Published: July 2011

The current study examined monolingual English-speaking toddlers' (N=50) ability to learn word–referent links from native speakers of Dutch versus English, and second, whether children generalized or sequestered their extensions when terms were tested by a subsequent speaker of English. Overall, children performed better in the English than in the Dutch condition; however, children with high native vocabularies successfully selected the target object for terms trained in fluent Dutch. Furthermore, children with higher vocabularies did not indicate their comprehension of Dutch terms when subsequently tested by an English speaker whereas children with low vocabulary scores responded at chance levels to both the original Dutch speaker and the second English speaker. These findings demonstrate that monolingual toddlers with proficiency in their native language are capable of learning words outside of their conventional system and may be sensitive to the boundaries that exist between language systems.
Imperial Impotence: Treason in 1774 Massachusetts
Authors: York Neil L.
Published: July 2011

So contended Edmund Burke in the House of Commons, during a May 1770 speech that ridiculed the government's American policy. It was not the first time Burke raised the subject of this 1543 statute. He had asked—rhetorically—during debates two weeks before, “The Act of Henry VIII. Did you mean to execute that?” He then answered his own question, the scorn beneath it probably apparent to all. “You showed your ill will to America, at the same time you dared not execute it.” Burke hoped that by shaming the ministry he might be able to push through a set of resolutions condemning its policies, which could open the way for a new approach to imperial management. He failed, but that did not mean he had been wrong about the futility of threatening to resurrect an old statute to intimidate protesting Americans.
“The Terror of their Lives”: Irish Jurors' Experiences
Authors: Howlin Níamh
Published: July 2011

A commentator noted in 1881 that Irishmen regarded jury service as “the greatest burden that can be inflicted upon them … they would be delighted if trial by jury was suspended tomorrow.” He later added, “[o]f course an enormous outcry would be raised about it in the national press, and in public meetings; but jurors … would give anything in the world not to serve … because it is the terror of their lives.” Much has been written about the poor state of the nineteenth-century Irish jury system, and it is certainly true that for various social, economic and political reasons, in comparison with that in England, the Irish system appears to have operated in a way that fell somewhat short of ideal. This article seeks to provide an understanding of the realities facing the jurors themselves, and will examine their experiences of the justice system before, during, and after the trial.
“All for Keeping His Own Negro Wench”:Birch v. Benton(1858) and the Politics of Slander and Free Speech in Antebellum Missouri
Authors: Carroll Mark M.
Published: July 2011

In August 1849, outspoken proslavery Missouri Supreme Court Judge James H. Birch sued Unionist Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri for slander because he had publicly accused Birch of having kept “his own negro wench” and whipped his wife because she had dared to complain about it. On first impression, the lurid accusation and resulting lawsuit might seem merely colorful window dressing for the virulent sectional politics of the late antebellum period. Benton's objectionable utterances certainly exemplify the verbal pyrotechnics that, after the Mexican War, often accompanied public debate over the question of whether African-American bondage was to extend across the continental United States. But the vituperation that gave rise toBirch v. Benton, in fact, marked the beginning of one of the most widely-publicized episodes in the struggle pitting the champion of Jacksonian democracy in the trans-Mississippi Southwest against a powerful cadre of proslavery leaders who sought to end his thirty-year career in the United States Senate. According to legal historian Gerald T. Dunne, the politicized nature of the case and its contentious appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court provided the critical catalyst for lawmakers in the state to amend its constitution in 1850 to replace lifetime tenure for judges with periodic voter choice. The landmark constitutional revision both instituted popular election of judges and shook up the composition of the proslavery high court, including the removal of Judge Birch.
Trajectories of faithfulness in child-specific phonology
Authors: Becker Michael , Tessier Anne-Michelle
Published: July 2011

This paper provides new evidence and analysis of gradual and U-shaped phonological learning. Using a rich longitudinal corpus from Trevor (Compton & Streeter 1977, Pater 1997b) we demonstrate that some of Trevor's consonant harmony follows a statistically significant U-shaped trajectory, in contrast to the more typical S-shaped progression of his complex onsets. We then analyse these two developmental paths using an OT model of phonological acquisition (Hayes 2004, Prince & Tesar 2004, Tessier 2007, 2009), in which the learner's variation within and across stages is the effect of stored old productions rather than a variable grammar. The decrease in Trevor's faithfulness to place of articulation due to consonant harmony is attributed to the induction of a new constraint during the course of learning. Our analysis is paired with a computational implementation, showing how competition between old forms and the current grammar allows the model to derive both S-shaped and U-shaped patterns.
Explaining sonority projection effects
Authors: Daland Robert , Hayes Bruce , White James , Garellek Marc , Davis Andrea , Norrmann Ingrid
Published: July 2011

The termsonority projectionrefers to behavioural distinctions speakers make between unattested phonological sequences on the basis of sonority. For example, among onset clusters, the well-formedness relation [bn]>[lb] is observed in speech perception, speech production and non-word acceptability (Davidson 2006, 2007, Berentet al.2007, Albright, ms). We begin by replicating the sonority projection effects in a non-word acceptability study. Then we evaluate the extent to which sonority projection is predicted by existing computational models of phonotactics (Coleman & Pierrehumbert 1997, Hayes & Wilson 2008,inter alia). We show that a model based only on lexical statistics can explain sonority projection in English without a pre-existing sonority sequencing principle. To do this, a model must possess (i) a featural system supporting sonority-based generalisations, and (ii) a context representation including syllabification or equivalent information.
Migratory bird species in young tropical forest restoration sites: effects of vegetation height, planting design, and season
Authors: LINDELL CATHERINE A. , COLE REBECCA J. , HOLL KAREN D. , ZAHAWI RAKAN A.
Published: July 2011

Tropical land cover change has negatively affected numerous migratory bird populations. Forest restoration can augment migrant wintering habitat. However, almost no information exists about factors that influence migrant use of tropical restoration sites. We sampled migrant birds in young restoration sites in Costa Rica from February 2006 to April 2008 to determine how vegetation height, planting design, season, and landscape forest cover influenced capture rates of four declining species. We also documented total numbers of migratory species and individuals captured in each planting design treatment; each site had a control treatment where seedlings were not planted, an island treatment where seedlings were planted in patches, and a plantation treatment where seedlings were planted to cover the entire area. Sites varied in landscape forest cover within 500 m buffers. Three out of four focal species were captured significantly more often in plantation treatments than island or control treatments. Two of the four species showed seasonal patterns and one species was captured more often in high-vegetation sites. Greater numbers of species and individuals were captured in plantation treatments compared to island and control treatments. The plantation planting design increased migrant use more quickly than the island planting design. When resources are available, we recommend planting plantation-style to rapidly increase the value of restoration sites to a range of species, particularly those that use woody vegetation. When resources are more limited, planting islands may be a cost-effective, although not as ecologically effective, alternative that supports a diversity of migrant species compared to unplanted controls.
Serum and pulmonary vascular endothelial growth factor/receptors and haemodynamic measurements in cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow
Authors: Tolunay İlknur , Tunaoglu Sedef , Akyürek Nalan , Halid Velit , Olgunturk Rana , Kula Serdar
Published: July 2011

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Right-to-left shunt and infundibular pulmonary stenosis in this disease lead to a decrease in arterial O2 saturation. Hypoxia is a strong stimulus for angiogenesis; however, the reason for insufficiency in the pulmonary vascular growth in patients despite chronic arterial hypoxia is still not known. This study was planned considering that the impairment in vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor relationship or the vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor deficiency in the pulmonary vascular bed during development may cause insufficiency of pulmonary vascular growth. A total of 24 patients were grouped as cyanotic – including 13 patients with tetralogy of Fallot – and acyanotic – including 11 patients with left-to-right shunt lesions. During cardiac catheterisation, vascular endothelial growth factor measurements were performed; and oxygen saturations, pressures, and haemoglobin levels were measured. Perioperative lung biopsy for vascular endothelial growth factor receptors was performed in the cyanotic group. Vascular endothelial growth factor of the aorta was higher in the acyanotic group. There was a significant negative correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor levels and aortic O2 saturation in the cyanotic group (p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor tissue staining was negative in 11 out of 13 (84.6%) patients. KDR/Flk-1 receptor was positive in four out of 13 (30.7%) patients; Flt-1 receptor was positive in six out of 13 (46.1%) patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor values were found to be lower than those of the acyanotic patients in this study. Low serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels of the cyanotic group, in spite of the hypoxia, demonstrated the importance of studying vascular endothelial growth factor tissue levels and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in these patients.
d-Transposition of the great arteries in a 12-year-old child: is arterial switch still an option?
Authors: Mahima Jayaranganath , Shivanna Devananda Nijagal , Subramanian Anand
Published: July 2011

Arterial switch surgery for d-transposition of great arteries is usually performed in the first 2 weeks of life before the left ventricle regresses. The arterial switch surgery that helps achieve anatomic and physiologic correction of this condition has better long-term outcomes than other surgical approaches. The procedure may still be attempted at an older age where the left ventricle has not regressed. We report a rare case of a 12-year-old child with d-transposition of great arteries, a remote muscular ventricular septal defect and isolated valvar pulmonic stenosis, which was corrected by an arterial switch surgery.