bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and dielectric properties of SrFexTi1-xO3 (x = 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01) ceramics
Authors: Yu Zhanwu , Shi Peng , Ren Wei , Wu Xiaoqing , Yao Xi
Published: April 2013

Three different SrFe x Ti 1-x O 3(x = 0.001, x = 0.005, x = 0.01) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The crystalline structure, surface morphology and dielectric properties were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Agilent 4294A impedance analyzer, respectively. It is shown that both the sintering temperature and doping concentration influence the lattice constant, grain size, dielectric constant and the dielectric loss. When the sintering temperature is higher than 1390°C, the lattice constant, grain size and dielectric constant all decrease with the increase of the doping concentration, except the dielectric loss tangent which shows the opposite trend. Leakage current tests show that the leakage current density falls down with the increase of Fe doping concentration in the given region.
Introduction to the special section on internet-scale human problem solving
Authors: Giunchiglia Fausto , Robertson David
Published: April 2013

This editorial introduction first outlines some of the research challenges raised by the emerging forms of internet-scale human problem solving. It then explains how the two articles in this special section can serve as illuminating complementary case studies, providing concrete examples embedded in general conceptual frameworks.
picoTrans
Authors: Song Wei , Finch Andrew , Tanaka-Ishii Kumiko , Yasuda Keiji , Sumita Eiichiro
Published: April 2013

picoTrans is a prototype system that introduces a novel icon-based paradigm for cross-lingual communication on mobile devices. Our approach marries a machine translation system with the popular picture book. Users interact with picoTrans by pointing at pictures as if it were a picture book; the system generates natural language from these icons and the user is able to interact with the icon sequence to refine the meaning of the words that are generated. When users are satisfied that the sentence generated represents what they wish to express, they tap a translate button and picoTrans displays the translation. Structuring the process of communication in this way has many advantages. First, tapping icons is a very natural method of user input on mobile devices; typing is cumbersome and speech input errorful. Second, the sequence of icons which is annotated both with pictures and bilingually with words is meaningful to both users, and it opens up a second channel of communication between them that conveys the gist of what is being expressed. We performed a number of evaluations of picoTrans to determine: its coverage of a corpus of in-domain sentences; the input efficiency in terms of the number of key presses required relative to text entry; and users' overall impressions of using the system compared to using a picture book. Our results show that we are able to cover 74% of the expressions in our test corpus using a 2000-icon set; we believe that this icon set size is realistic for a mobile device. We also found that picoTrans requires fewer key presses than typing the input and that the system is able to predict the correct, intended natural language sentence from the icon sequence most of the time, making user interaction with the icon sequence often unnecessary. In the user evaluation, we found that in general users prefer using picoTrans and are able to communicate more rapidly and expressively. Furthermore, users had more confidence that they were able to communicate effectively using picoTrans.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Samuel Hamman
Published: April 2013

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. Now in its third decade, SIGWEB has grown considerably and now sponsors five annual conferences of different sizes and covering a wide range of topics. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Public policy issues in augmentative and alternative communication technologies a comparison of the U.K. and the U.S.
Authors: Waller Annalu
Published: April 2013

Public policy increasingly plays a role in influencing the work that we do as HCI researchers, interaction designers, and practitioners. "Public policy" is a broad term that includes both government policy and policy within non-governmental organizations, such as standards bodies. The Interacting with Public Policy forum focuses on topics at the intersection of human-computer interaction and public policy.

Jonathan Lazar, Editor
Analytical Expressions of the Efficiency of Standard and High Contact Ratio Involute Spur Gears
Authors: Pleguezuelos Miguel , Pedrero José I. , Sánchez Miryam B.
Published: April 2013

Simple, traditional methods for computation of the efficiency of spur gears are based on the hypotheses of constant friction coefficient and uniform load sharing along the path of contact. However, none of them is accurate. The friction coefficient is variable along the path of contact, though average values can be often considered for preliminary calculations. Nevertheless, the nonuniform load sharing produced by the changing rigidity of the pair of teeth has significant influence on the friction losses, due to the different relative sliding at any contact point. In previous works, the authors obtained a nonuniform model of load distribution based on the minimum elastic potential criterion, which was applied to compute the efficiency of standard gears. In this work, this model of load sharing is applied to study the efficiency of both standard and high contact ratio involute spur gears (with contact ratio between 1 and 2 and greater than 2, resp.). Approximate expressions for the friction power losses and for the efficiency are presented assuming the friction coefficient to be constant along the path of contact. A study of the influence of some transmission parameters (as the gear ratio, pressure angle, etc.) on the efficiency is also presented.
Analytical Study of Some Important Generalized Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Alquran Marwan , Mohammad Mahmoud , Ababneh Ahmad
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper is to extend the use of homotopy perturbation method (HPM) to study the solutions for some important generalized nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) such as Fisher equation with convection term, Sharma-Tasso-Olver (STO) equation, and Fitzhugh-Nagumo (FN) equation.
A New Computational Technique for Common Solutions between Systems of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Kumam Poom
Published: April 2013

We introduce a new iterative algorithm for finding a common element of a fixed point problem of amenable semigroups of nonexpansive mappings, the set solutions of a system of a general system of generalized equilibria in a real Hilbert space. Then, we prove the strong convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm to a common element of the above three sets under some suitable conditions. As applications, at the end of the paper, we apply our results to find the minimum-norm solutions which solve some quadratic minimization problems. The results obtained in this paper extend and improve many recent ones announced by many others.
Wake Measurements behind an Oscillating Airfoil in Dynamic Stall Conditions
Authors: Zanotti A. , Gibertini G. , Grassi D. , Spreafico D.
Published: April 2013

The unsteady flow field in the wake of an NACA 23012 pitching airfoil was investigated by means of triple hot-wire probe measurements. Wind tunnel tests were carried out both in the light and deep dynamic stall regimes. The analysis of the wake velocity fields was supported by the measurements of unsteady flow fields and airloads. In particular, particle image velocimetry surveys were carried out on the airfoil upper surface, while the lift and pitching moments were evaluated integrating surface pressure measurements. In the light dynamic stall condition, the wake velocity profiles show a similar behaviour in upstroke and in downstroke motions as, in this condition, the flow on the airfoil upper surface is attached for almost the whole pitching cycle and the airloads show a small amount of hysteresis. The deep dynamic stall measurements in downstroke show a large extent of the wake and a high value of the turbulent kinetic energy due to the passage of strong vortical structures, typical of this dynamic stall regime. The comprehensive experimental database can be considered a reference for the development and validation of numerical tools for such peculiar flow conditions.
Reattachment of Coronal Tooth Fragment: Regaining Back to Normal
Authors: Vishwanath B. , Faizudin Umrana , Jayadev M. , Shravani Sushma
Published: April 2013

Dental trauma is such a situation wherein the patient is affected both socially and psychologically. During their first dental visit, these patients with trauma are in pain and need emergency treatment. Such patients are quite apprehensive because of impaired functions, esthetics, and phonetics. The prime objective while handling such cases is successful pain management with immediate restoration of function, esthetics, and phonetics. The advances in adhesive dentistry have allowed dentists to use the patient’s own fragment to restore the fractured tooth. Reattachment is such an ultraconservative technique which provides safe, fast, and esthetically pleasing results. This paper discusses fragment reattachment technique and presents a clinical case of complicated crown fracture.
Evaluation of Functional Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children: Are the Physicians Complying with the Current Guidelines?
Authors: Silay Mesrur Selcuk , Aslan Ahmet Ruknettin , Erdem Erim , Tandogdu Zafer , Tekgul Serdar
Published: April 2013

Objective. To elucidate whether the diagnostic and treatment approaches of the physicians for functional lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children is complying with the current guidelines. Material and Methods. We have conducted an internet‐based national survey for the physicians from different departments randomly sampled from the database of Turkish Paediatric Urology Society. Participants were asked to answer two‐page questionnaire consisting of 4 main sections: “demography,” “working conditions,” “daily practice,” and “scientific knowledge.” Kruskal Wallis and multiple logistic regression
were used for statistical analyses. Results. Of the 117 departments a total of 93 have completed the survey (n: 58 urology; n: 35 paediatric nephrology). Routine use of a questionnaire with validated symptom scoring system was found to be 13.9%. Of the participants, only 38.7% were asking all of the patients to fill the bladder diary. During treatment, only 24.7% were applying standard urotherapy for every patient. Almost half of the clinicians (45.1%) believed that they were personally insufficient during the evaluation of those children. Finally, 86% reported that children with LUTD were not adequately approached. Conclusions. Evaluation of LUTD in children is not complying with the current guidelines. General approach for those children needs to be revisited by the clinicians.
Chronic Leg Ulcers: Epidemiology, Aetiopathogenesis, and Management
Authors: Agale Shubhangi Vinayak
Published: April 2013

Chronic leg ulcer is defined as a defect in the skin below the level of knee persisting for more than six weeks and shows no tendency to heal after three or more months. Chronic ulceration of the lower legs is a relatively common condition amongst adults, one that causes pain and social distress. The condition affects 1% of the adult population and 3.6% of people older than 65 years. Leg ulcers are debilitating and greatly reduce patients' quality of life. The common causes are venous disease, arterial disease, and neuropathy. Less common causes are metabolic disorders, hematological disorders, and infective diseases. As many factors lead to chronic lower leg ulceration, an interdisciplinary approach to the systematic assessment of the patient is required, in order to ascertain the pathogenesis, definitive diagnosis, and optimal treatment. A correct diagnosis is essential to avoid inappropriate treatment that may cause deterioration of the wound, delay wound healing, or harm the patient. The researchers are inventing newer modalities of treatments for patients with chronic leg ulceration, so that they can have better quality life and reduction in personal financial burden.
HomoKinase: A Curated Database of Human Protein Kinases
Authors: Subramani Suresh , Jayapalan Saranya , Kalpana Raja , Natarajan Jeyakumar
Published: April 2013

HomoKinase database is a comprehensive collection of curated human protein kinases and their relevant biological information. The entries in the database are curated by three criteria: HGNC approval, gene ontology-based biological process (protein phosphorylation), and molecular function (ATP binding and kinase activity). For a given query protein kinase name, the database provides its official symbol, full name, other known aliases, amino acid sequences, functional domain, gene ontology, pathways assignments, and drug compounds. In addition, as a search tool, it enables the retrieval of similar protein kinases with specific family, subfamily, group, and domain combinations and tabulates the information. The present version contains 498 curated human protein kinases and links to other popular databases.
Effect of Propofol on Acid Reflux Measured with the Bravo pH Monitoring System
Authors: Chawla Anupama , Girda Eugenia , Walker Grace , Turcotte Benedict Frances , Tempel Mila , Morganstern Jeffrey
Published: April 2013

Background/Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of propofol on acid reflux as measured with the Bravo pH monitoring system. Methods. 48-hour pH tracings of 88 children were retrospectively evaluated after placement of the Bravo capsule under propofol. Comparisons between day 1 and day 2, as well as 6-hour corresponding segments from day 1 and day 2, were made. Results. The number of reflux episodes was significantly increased during the first six-hour period on day one as compared to day 2 . The fraction of time the pH was <4 was also increased during this period, though it did not reach statistical significance. When comparing full 24-hour periods, there was no difference noted in either the number of reflux episodes or the fraction of time pH < 4 between day one and day two. Conclusion. Our data suggest an increase in gastroesophageal reflux during the postanesthesia period. This could be a direct effect of propofol, or related to other factors. Regardless of the cause, monitoring of pH for the first 6 hours following propofol administration may not be reliable when assessing these patients. Monitoring pH over a prolonged 48-hour time period can overcome this obstacle.
Application of IgG-Derived Natural Treg Epitopes (IgG Tregitopes) to Antigen-Specific Tolerance Induction in a Murine Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cousens Leslie P. , Su Yan , McClaine Elizabeth , Li Xin , Terry Frances , Smith Robert , Lee Jinhee , Martin William , Scott David W. , De Groot Anne S.
Published: April 2013

HLA class II-restricted regulatory T cell (Treg) epitopes in IgG (also called “Tregitopes”) have been reported to suppress immune responses to coadministered antigens by stimulating the expansion of natural Tregs (nTregs). Here we evaluate their impact on human immune responses to islet cell antigensex vivoand on the modulation of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a murine modelin vivo. Co-administration of Tregitopes and T1D antigens delayed development of hyperglycemia and reduced the incidence of diabetes in NOD mice. Suppression of diabetes could be observed even following onset of disease. To measure the impact of Tregitope treatment on T cell responses, we evaluated the effect of Tregitope treatment in DO11.10 mice. Upregulation of FoxP3 in KJ1-26-stained OVA-specific CD4+T cells was observed following treatment of DO11.10 mice with Tregitopes, along with reductions in anti-OVA Ig and T effector responses. Inex vivostudies of human T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells’ (PBMC) responses to GAD65 epitopes in the presence and absence of Tregitope were variable. Suppression of immune responses to GAD65 epitopesex vivoby Tregitope appeared to be more effective in assays using PBMC from a newly diagnosed diabetic subject than for other more established diabetic subjects, and correlation of the degree of suppression with predicted HLA restriction of the Tregitopes was confirmed. Implementation of these defined regulatory T cell epitopes for therapy of T1D and other autoimmune diseases may lead to a paradigm shift in disease management.
Stay-in-Place Formwork of TRC Designed as Shear Reinforcement for Concrete Beams
Authors: Verbruggen S. , Remy O. , Wastiels J. , Tysmans T.
Published: April 2013

In order to reduce on-site building time, the construction industry shows an increasing interest in stay-in-place formwork with a reinforcement function after concrete hardening, such as CFRP formwork confinement for columns. The current combined systems however do not answer the demand of the building industry for a material system that is both lightweight and fire safe. High performance textile reinforced cement (TRC) composites can address this need. They can be particularly interesting for the shear reinforcement of concrete beams. This paper describes a preliminary analysis and feasibility study on structural stay-in-place formwork made of TRC. Comparative bending experiments demonstrate that a fully steel reinforced beam and an equivalent beam with shear reinforcement in TRC formwork show similar yielding behaviour, indicating that the TRC shear reinforcement system actually works. Moreover, the cracking moment of the concrete was more or less doubled, resulting in a much lower deflection in serviceability limit state than calculated. Digital image correlation measurements show that the latter is due to the crack bridging capacity of the external TRC shear reinforcement.
Quantitative Proteomics via High Resolution MS Quantification: Capabilities and Limitations
Authors: Higgs Richard E. , Butler Jon P. , Han Bomie , Knierman Michael D.
Published: April 2013

Recent improvements in the mass accuracy and resolution of mass spectrometers have led to renewed interest in label-free quantification using data from the primary mass spectrum (MS1) acquired from data-dependent proteomics experiments. The capacity for higher specificity quantification of peptides from samples enriched for proteins of biological interest offers distinct advantages for hypothesis generating experiments relative to immunoassay detection methods or prespecified peptide ions measured by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approaches. Here we describe an evaluation of different methods to post-process peptide level quantification information to support protein level inference. We characterize the methods by examining their ability to recover a known dilution of a standard protein in background matrices of varying complexity. Additionally, the MS1 quantification results are compared to a standard, targeted, MRM approach on the same samples under equivalent instrument conditions. We show the existence of multiple peptides with MS1 quantification sensitivity similar to the best MRM peptides for each of the background matrices studied. Based on these results we provide recommendations on preferred approaches to leveraging quantitative measurements of multiple peptides to improve protein level inference.
The Application of Shape Gradient for the Incompressible Fluid in Shape Optimization
Authors: Yan Wenjing , Wang Axia , Ma Yichen
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with the numerical simulation for shape optimization of the Stokes flow around a solid body. The shape gradient for the shape optimization problem in a viscous incompressible flow is evaluated by the velocity method. The flow is governed by the steady-state Stokes equations coupled with a thermal model. The structure of continuous shape gradient of the cost functional is derived by employing the differentiability of a minimax formulation involving a Lagrange functional with the function space parametrization technique. A gradient-type algorithm is applied to the shape optimization problem. Numerical examples show that our theory is useful for practical purpose, and the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective.
Tight Junction Proteins and Oxidative Stress in Heavy Metals-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Reyes José L. , Molina-Jijón Eduardo , Rodríguez-Muñoz Rafael , Bautista-García Pablo , Debray-García Yazmin , Namorado María del Carmen
Published: April 2013

Kidney is a target organ for heavy metals. They accumulate in several segments of the nephron and cause profound alterations in morphology and function. Acute intoxication frequently causes acute renal failure. The effects of chronic exposure have not been fully disclosed. In recent years increasing awareness of the consequences of their presence in the kidney has evolved. In this review we focus on the alterations induced by heavy metals on the intercellular junctions of the kidney. We describe that in addition to the proximal tubule, which has been recognized as the main site of accumulation and injury, other segments of the nephron, such as glomeruli, vessels, and distal nephron, show also deleterious effects. We also emphasize the participation of oxidative stress as a relevant component of the renal damage induced by heavy metals and the beneficial effect that some antioxidant drugs, such as vitamin A (all-trans-retinoic acid) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol), depict on the morphological and functional alterations induced by heavy metals.
Combustion Rate of Solid Carbon in the Axisymmetric Stagnation Flowfield Established over a Sphere and/or a Flat Plate
Authors: Makino Atsushi , Hojo Masahiro , Shintomi Masahito
Published: April 2013

Carbon combustion in the forward stagnation flowfield has been examined through experimental comparisons, by conducting aerothermochemical analyses, with the surface C-O2and C-CO2reactions and the gas-phase CO-O2reaction taken into account. By virtue of the generalized species-enthalpy coupling functions, close coupling of those reactions has been elucidated. Explicit combustion-rate expressions by use of the transfer number in terms of the natural logarithmic term, just like that for droplet combustion, have further been obtained for the combustion response in the limiting situations. It has been confirmed that before the establishment of CO flame, the combustion rate can fairly be represented by the expression in the frozen mode, that after its establishment by the expression in the flame-attached or flame-detached modes, and that the critical condition derived by the asymptotics can fairly predict the surface temperature for its establishment. The formulation has further been extended to include the surface C-H2O and gas-phase H2-O2reactions additionally, so as to evaluate the combustion rate in humid airflow. Since those expressions are explicit and have fair accuracy, they are anticipated to make various contributions not only for qualitative/quantitative studies, but also for various aerospace applications, including propulsion with high-energy-density fuels.
Effects of Reentry Plasma Sheath on GPS Patch Antenna Polarization Property
Authors: Zhao L. , Bai B. W. , Bao W. M. , Li X. P.
Published: April 2013

A plasma sheath enveloping a reentry vehicle would affect performances of on-board antenna greatly, especially the navigation antennas. This paper studies the effects of reentry plasma sheath on a GPS right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) patch antenna polarization property during a typical reentry process. Utilizing the algorithm of finite integration technique, the polarization characteristic of a GPS antenna coated by a plasma sheath is obtained. Results show that the GPS RHCP patch antenna radiation pattern distortions as well as polarization deteriorations exist during the entire reentry process, and the worst polarization mismatch loss between a GPS antenna and RHCP GPS signal is nearly 3 dB. This paper also indicates that measures should be taken to alleviate the plasma sheath for maintaining the GPS communication during the reentry process.
Changes of Substance P in the Crevicular Fluid in relation to Orthodontic Movement Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Levrini Luca , Sacerdote Paola , Moretti Sarah , Panzi Silvia , Caprioglio Alberto
Published: April 2013

Substance P (SP) is a tachykinin released from both the central and the peripheral endings of primary afferent neurons and functions as a neurotransmitter. As a transmitter signaling pain, substance P is involved in nociception and is an extremely potent vasodilator. We found several studies about this neuropeptide especially in relation to parodontology and a few orthodontic reviews. This is because in the past the importance of this neuropeptide in dental element undergoing periodontal inflammation was observed. The aims of the present pilot study was to investigate whether the substance P was present in gingival crevicular fluid in dental elements undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign technique compared to teeth belonging to the same series but not undergoing orthodontic movement. We analysed gengival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from four young subjects, using a paper cone for a time of 60 seconds. The results showed that SP is present in the gengival sulcus in elements undergoing orthodontic forces during treatment with Invisalign technique and not in the control teeth. During the literature analysis, we have found a lot of papers describing involvement of SP in periodontitis and inflammatory diseases, but further studies are needed in order to demonstrate the role of this neuropeptide during teeth movement.
Apparent Recurrence of Hyperparathyroidism following Quadruple Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Bell David S. H.
Published: April 2013

Recurrent hyperparathyroidism can occur following quadruple parathyroidectomy and during radical parathyroidectomy and so that future hypoparathyroidism is avoided autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue is often preformed. Herein, I describe a patient who was thought to have recurrent hyperparathyroidism following a quadruple parathyroidectomy based solely on a high intact parathyroid hormone level. The patient neither had clinical symptoms or signs of hyperparathyroidism nor did the laboratory data other than the increased intact PTH level suggest hyperparathyroidism. A more comprehensive history revealed the cause of the elevated intact PTH so that further expensive, invasive, and potentially dangerous investigations were avoided.
The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Hearing
Authors: Goodman Shawn S. , Bentler Ruth A. , Dittberner Andrew , Mertes Ian B.
Published: April 2013

One purported use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is to promote healing in damaged cells. The effects of LLLT on hearing loss and tinnitus have received some study, but results have been equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine if LLLT improved hearing, speech understanding, and/or cochlear function in adults with hearing loss. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, subjects were assigned to a treatment, placebo, or control group. The treatment group was given LLLT, which consisted of shining low-level lasers onto the outer ear, head, and neck. Each laser treatment lasted approximately five minutes. Three treatments were applied within the course of one week. A battery of auditory tests was administered immediately before the first treatment and immediately after the third treatment. The battery consisted of pure-tone audiometry, the Connected Speech Test, and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions. Data were analyzed by comparing pre- and posttest results. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for any of the auditory tests. Additionally, no clinically significant differences were found in any individual subjects. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01820416).
Dual-Band Integrated Antennas for DVB-T Receivers
Authors: D'alessandro Andrea , Caso Roberto , Pino Marcos R. , Nepa Paolo
Published: April 2013

An overview on compact Planar Inverted-F Antennas (PIFAs) that are suitable for monitor-equipped devices is presented. In particular, high efficiency PIFAs (without any dielectric layer) with a percentage bandwidth (%BW) greater than 59% (470–862 MHz DVB-T band) are considered. In this context, two PIFA configurations are reviewed, where a dual-band feature has been obtained, in the 3300–3800 MHz (14% percentage bandwidth) WiMAX and 2400–2484 MHz (2.7% percentage bandwidth) WLAN IEEE 802.11b,g frequency bands, respectively, to also guarantee web access to on-demand services. The two PIFAs fill an overall volume of  mm3and  mm3, respectively. They are composed of a series of branches, properly dimensioned and separated to generate the required resonances. Finally, to show the extreme flexibility of the previous two configurations, a novel dual-band L-shape PIFA has been designed. A reflection coefficient less than −6 dB and −10 dB and an antenna gain of around 2 dBi and 6.3 dBi have been obtained in the 470–862 MHz DVB-T band and the 2400–2484 MHz WLAN band, respectively. The L-shape PIFA prototype can be obtained by properly cutting and folding a single metal sheet, thus resulting in a relatively low-cost and mechanically robust antenna configuration.
The Major Reverse Transcriptase–Incompetent Splice Variant of the Human Telomerase Protein Inhibits Telomerase Activity but Protects from Apoptosis
Authors: Listerman Imke , Sun Jie , Gazzaniga Francesca S. , Lukas Jason L. , Blackburn Elizabeth H.
Published: April 2013

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT; the catalytic protein subunit of telomerase) is subjected to numerous alternative splicing events, but the regulation and function of these splice variants is obscure. Full-length hTERT includes conserved domains that encode reverse transcriptase activity, RNA binding, and other functions. The major splice variant termed α+β− or β-deletion is highly expressed in stem and cancer cells, where it codes for a truncated protein lacking most of the reverse transcriptase domain but retaining the known RNA-binding motifs. In a breast cancer cell panel, we found that β-deletion was the hTERT transcript that was most highly expressed. Splicing of this transcript was controlled by the splice regulators SRSF11, HNRNPH2, and HNRNPL, and the β-deletion transcript variant was associated with polyribosomes in cells. When ectopically overexpressed, β-deletion protein competed for binding to telomerase RNA (hTR/TERC), thereby inhibiting endogenous telomerase activity. Overexpressed β-deletion protein localized to the nucleus and mitochondria and protected breast cancer cells from cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Our results reveal that a major hTERT splice variant can confer a growth advantage to cancer cells independent of telomere maintenance, suggesting that hTERT makes multiple contributions to cancer pathophysiology. Cancer Res; 73(9); 2817–28. ©2013 AACR.
Notch3 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Controlling Cellular Senescence
Authors: Cui Hang , Kong Yahui , Xu Mei , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2013

Notch signaling regulates a broad spectrum of cell fate decisions and differentiation. Both oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions have been shown for Notch signaling. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of its tumor suppressor function. Here, we report that expression of Notch3, a member of Notch family transmembrane receptors, was elevated in human cells during senescence activated by various senescence-inducing stimuli. This upregulation of Notch3 was required for the induction of p21 expression in senescent cells. Downregulation of Notch3 led to a delayed onset of senescence and extended replicative lifespan, whereas adventitious expression of Notch3 was sufficient to activate senescence and p21 expression. The ability of Notch3 to induce senescence and p21 expression was dependent on the canonical Notch singling. Deletion of p21 in cells significantly attenuated Notch3-induced senescence. Furthermore, a significant decrease in Notch3 expression was observed in human tumor cell lines as well as primary human breast cancer and melanoma samples compared with normal tissues. Restoration of Notch3 expression in human tumor cells resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of senescence. Collectively, our results reveal a novel function of Notch3 in senescence regulation and tumor suppression. Cancer Res; 73(11); 3451–9. ©2013 AACR.
Redox-Sensitive Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy at Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Contribute to Hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chao Yung-Mei , Lai Ming-Derg , Chan Julie Y.H.
Published: April 2013

Perturbations of proper functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cause accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the cell, creating a condition known as ER stress. Prolonged ER stress has been implicated in hypertension. Oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where sympathetic premotor neurons for the maintenance of vasomotor tone reside, plays a pivotal role in neurogenic hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of ER stress in RVLM to oxidative stress–associated hypertension and delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa and the phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase–translation initiation factor α, 2 major protein markers of ER stress, were augmented in RVLM and preceded the development of hypertensive phenotype in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In RVLM of spontaneously hypertensive rats, stabilizing ER stress by salubrinal promoted antihypertension, and scavenging the reactive oxygen species by tempol reduced the augmented ER stress. Furthermore, induction of oxidative stress by angiotensin II induced ER stress in RVLM, and induction of ER stress by tunicamycin in RVLM induced pressor response in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Autophagy, as reflected by the expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), was significantly increased in RVLM of spontaneously hypertensive rats and was abrogated by salubrinal. In addition, inhibition of autophagy or silencing
LC3-II
gene in RVLM resulted in antihypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. These results suggest that redox-sensitive induction of ER stress and activation of autophagy in RVLM contribute to oxidative stress–associated neurogenic hypertension.
Frame-Semantic Parsing
Authors: Das Dipanjan , Chen Desai , Martins André F. T. , Schneider Nathan , Smith Noah A.
Published: April 2013

Frame semantics is a linguistic theory that has been instantiated for English in the FrameNet lexicon. We solve the problem of frame-semantic parsing using a two-stage statistical model that takes lexical targets (i.e., content words and phrases) in their sentential contexts and predicts frame-semantic structures. Given a target in context, the first stage disambiguates it to a semantic frame. This model uses latent variables and semi-supervised learning to improve frame disambiguation for targets unseen at training time. The second stage finds the target's locally expressed semantic arguments. At inference time, a fast exact dual decomposition algorithm collectively predicts all the arguments of a frame at once in order to respect declaratively stated linguistic constraints, resulting in qualitatively better structures than naïve local predictors. Both components are feature-based and discriminatively trained on a small set of annotated frame-semantic parses. On the SemEval 2007 benchmark data set, the approach, along with a heuristic identifier of frame-evoking targets, outperforms the prior state of the art by significant margins. Additionally, we present experiments on the much larger FrameNet 1.5 data set. We have released our frame-semantic parser as open-source software.
The Role of Extracellular Conductivity Profiles in Compartmental Models for Neurons: Particulars for Layer 5 Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Riera Jorge , Enjieu-Kadji Herve , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: April 2013

With the rapid increase in the number of technologies aimed at observing electric activity inside the brain, scientists have felt the urge to create proper links between intracellular- and extracellular-based experimental approaches. Biophysical models at both physical scales have been formalized under assumptions that impede the creation of such links. In this work, we address this issue by proposing a multicompartment model that allows the introduction of complex extracellular and intracellular resistivity profiles. This model accounts for the geometrical and electrotonic properties of any type of neuron through the combination of four devices: the integrator, the propagator, the 3D connector, and the collector. In particular, we applied this framework to model the tufted pyramidal cells of layer 5 (PCL5) in the neocortex. Our model was able to reproduce the decay and delay curves of backpropagating action potentials (APs) in this type of cell with better agreement with experimental data. We used the voltage drops of the extracellular resistances at each compartment to approximate the local field potentials generated by a PCL5 located in close proximity to linear microelectrode arrays. Based on the voltage drops produced by backpropagating APs, we were able to estimate the current multipolar moments generated by a PCL5. By adding external current sources in parallel to the extracellular resistances, we were able to create a sensitivity profile of PCL5 to electric current injections from nearby microelectrodes. In our model for PCL5, the kinetics and spatial profile of each ionic current were determined based on a literature survey, and the geometrical properties of these cells were evaluated experimentally. We concluded that the inclusion of the extracellular space in the compartmental models of neurons as an extra electrotonic medium is crucial for the accurate simulation of both the propagation of the electric potentials along the neuronal dendrites and the neuronal reactivity to an electrical stimulation using external microelectrodes.
Four new species of Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from Mexico
Authors: MYARTSEVA SVETLANA NIKOLAEVNA , RUÍZ-CANCINO ENRIQUE , CORONADO-BLANCO JUANA MARÍA
Published: April 2013

Four new species of Encarsia Förster (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) from Mexico are described—E. albata Myartseva sp. n. (State of Nuevo León), E. barracas Myartseva sp. n. (State of Baja California Sur), E. chichenitza Myartseva sp. n. (State of Yucatán) and E. elenae Myartseva sp. n. (State of Tamaulipas). A key to the species of Encarsia in Mexico pub-lished in 2012 is modified to include the newly described species.
New and little known Brachodidae from tropical Asia and Papua New Guinea (Lepidopera, Cossoidea)
Authors: KALLIES AXEL
Published: April 2013

In this study nine new species and a new genus of Brachodidae are described from tropical Asia and Papua New Guinea. Synechodes polias sp. nov. and Synechodes tamila sp. nov. are described from Sulawesi and southern India, respectively. A new genus, Saccocera gen. nov. (type species Miscera orpheus Kallies, 2004), is described to accommodate five species occurring from Taiwan and Sumatra across Melanesia to Papua New Guinea. It differs significantly from the related genera Miscera Walker, 1863 and Synechodes Turner, 1913 in morphological details of the head and the male and female genitalia. Two species of Saccocera are described here, Saccocera panaras sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea and Saccocera miangkabau sp. nov. from Sumatra. Furthermore, Miscera minahasa sp. nov. and Paranigilgia mariannae sp. nov. are described from Sulawesi, Paranigilgia brandti sp. nov. and Nigilgia atribractea sp. nov. from Papua, and Nigilgia browni sp. nov. is described from Christmas Island. Finally, Synechodes heppneri Kallies, 1998 syn. nov. is reverted to a junior synonym of Synechodes coniophora Turner, 1913. Nigilgia anactis Diakonoff, 1982 is figured for the first time and its distribution in Asia is discussed.
From a dwarf to a giant: Revalidation of Callulops valvifer (Barbour, 1910), (Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae)
Authors: GÜNTHER RAINER
Published: April 2013

According to the most recent revision of the subfamily Asterophryinae, the species Pomatops valvifera was considered to be a synonym of Phrynomantis (now Callulops) robusta. On the basis of recently collected material from near the type locality of Pomatops valvifera on the Bomberai Peninsula in western New Guinea, the invalidity of the genus name is confirmed but the species name is revalidated. Callulops valvifer (new combination) was hitherto unequivocally known from a single specimen of less than 30 mm snout-vent length. With a length of more than 70 mm for males and of more than 80 mm for females, this species is now among the largest of the currently known 22 species of the genus Callulops.
Viewing the Workload of Vigilance Through the Lenses of the NASA-TLX and the MRQ
Authors: Finomore Victor S. , Shaw Tyler H. , Warm Joel S. , Matthews Gerald , Boles David B.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a new index of perceived mental workload, the Multiple Resource Questionnaire (MRQ), with the standard measure of workload used in the study of vigilance, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX).

Background:

The NASA-TLX has been used extensively to demonstrate that vigilance tasks impose a high level of workload on observers. However, this instrument does not specify the information-processing resources needed for task performance. The MRQ offers a tool to measure the workload associated with vigilance assignments in which such resources can be identified.

Method:

Two experiments were performed in which factors known to influence task demand were varied. Included were the detection of stimulus presence or absence, detecting critical signals by means of successive-type (absolute judgment) and simultaneous-type (comparative judgment) discriminations, and operating under multitask vs. single-task conditions.

Results:

The MRQ paralleled the NASA-TLX in showing that vigilance tasks generally induce high levels of workload and that workload scores are greater in detecting stimulus absence than presence and in making successive as compared to simultaneous-type discriminations. Additionally, the MRQ was more effective than the NASA-TLX in reflecting higher workload in the context of multitask than in single-task conditions. The resource profiles obtained with MRQ fit well with the nature of the vigilance tasks employed, testifying to the scale’s content validity.

Conclusion:

The MRQ may be a meaningful addition to the NASA-TLX for measuring the workload of vigilance assignments.

Application:

By uncovering knowledge representation associated with different tasks, the MRQ may aid in designing operational vigilance displays.
When Limited Liability was (Still) an Issue: Mobilization and Politics of Signification in 19th-Century England
Authors: Djelic Marie-Laure
Published: April 2013

The corporation is a constitutive element of modern capitalism. In its contemporary form, the corporation comes with a striking legal feature: ownership is associated with limited liability. Today, we take for granted both the principle of limited liability and its association with the corporate form. Not so long ago, though, in the mid-19th century, the principle of limited liability was highly contentious, generating heated discussions and debates. This article explores the social movement dynamics that crystallized around the principle of limited liability in 19th-century England – intense framing strategies and politics of signification, collective articulation of resources and mobilization tactics as well as opportunistic use of dynamic opportunities. Interestingly, social movement dynamics did not imply in this case the structuration of a unitary social movement but involved instead a stunning ‘coalition of the unlikely’. Two strikingly different groups championed limited liability on distinct grounds – ‘enfranchisement of men’ against ‘enfranchisement of capital’. In the end, the latter framing imposed itself and debates found a resolution in the formal institutionalization of limited liability as a constitutive legal feature of incorporation. Altogether, these social movement dynamics proved highly consequential – marking a turning point in the history of capitalism, with profound implications for our contemporary understanding of responsibility in economic life.
The Health and Social Care Act for England 2012: The extension of ‘new professionalism’
Authors: Speed Ewen , Gabe Jonathan
Published: April 2013

The 2012 Health and Social Care Act, introduced by the coalition government, has been seen as fundamentally changing the form and content of publicly funded health care provision in England. The legislation was hugely controversial and widely criticized. Much of this criticism pointed to the ways in which the reforms undermined the funding of the National Health Service, and challenged the founding principle of free universal provision. In this commentary we take issue with the argument that the Act represented a radical break with the past and instead suggest that it was an extension of the previous Labour government’s neo-liberal reforms of the public sector. In particular, the Act invoked the principles of ‘new professionalism’ to undermine professional dominance, and attract private providers into statutory health care at the expense of public providers. In turn, this extension of new professionalism may encourage public distrust in the medical profession and absolve the state of much of its statutory health care obligation.
Diagnostic Exercise
Authors: Giannitti F. , Petrov R. , Parker J. , Booth M. , Anderson M.
Published: April 2013

A 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a 97-day history of poor performance and intermittent fever. Clinicopathologic changes included increased serum activity of γ-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, mild hyperbilirubinemia, and leukocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly with hyperechoic hepatic parenchyma and biliary distention. Pathologic findings included marked hepatomegaly (liver 3.6% of body weight), firm hepatic consistency with a diffuse enhanced reticular pattern, severe portal bridging and sinusoidal fibrosis, oval cell/bile duct hyperplasia, and bile stasis. The differential diagnoses and diagnostic workup to achieve the diagnosis are briefly discussed.