bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DAILY ARTIFICIAL DISPATCHER – THE OTHER HEAD
Authors: STEFANOV S. Z.
Published: September 2010

The paper suggests Daily Artificial Dispatcher (DAD), as an ambient intelligence that solves the problem for automatic predictive analysis of electric power system (EPS) security and efficiency, using EPS and weather summarized data. DAD is constructed as heading EPS, implementing common sense thinking a day ahead for EPS. DAD is verified, as it is shown that it is an intentional agent, a robot, and an intelligent system. DAD is validated, as it is shown that it is an EPS adequate security and efficiency computation.
ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS OF FUZZY SUBSET THEORY AND FUZZY LOGIC: A BRIEF SURVEY
Authors: SHIN C. Y. , WANG PAUL P.
Published: September 2010

Traditional mathematics is the language of precision. Statements are either true or false. But, in reality there are few things that are truly simply true or false. Life is full of shades of grey. Capturing these shades of grey has been problematic using traditional mathematics. Mathematics can model the uncertainty itself but rarely incorporates it into the model. However, an emerging area of mathematical inquiry known as the mathematics of uncertainty seeks to overcome some of these problems by integrating the uncertainly, the shades of grey, directly into the model. Fuzzy theory is one of those emerging ideas. This paper is simply an overview of some of the basic mechanics of fuzzy theory and recent economic applications in both micro and macro-economics.
Foreign Bodies in the Oesophagus: The Experience of the Buenos Aires Paediatric ORL Clinic
Authors: Chinski Alberto , Foltran Francesca , Gregori Dario , Ballali Simonetta , Passali Desiderio , Bellussi Luisa
Published: September 2010

The ingestion of foreign bodies causing esophageal injuries is a common event, mostly in children's population. The aim of the present paper is to present foreign body (FB) ingestion cases observed in a five-year period at the Children's Hospital Gutierrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina and to compare the main findings with data coming from other well-known case series, already published in scientific literature. A prospective study on 320 of esophageal foreign body was carried out , with regard to age and sex distributions, type, dimensions and consistency, location, clinical presentation, removal and complications. In the majority of cases injuries happened while children were playing and in 85.3% adults were present. Children most frequently ingested coins (83.8% cases). Removal was performed in all cases under general anaesthesia, in 34 by esophageal forceps and in 286 cases by Magill hypopharyngeal forceps. Just one case showed complications, presenting esophageal perforation. The final results of this study show that injuries usually happen under adults' supervision and highlight that FBs involved in the incident belong to classes of objects not conceived for children's use and not suitable for their age. Therefore, educational strategies regarding safe behaviours have a key role in FB injuries prevention.
Fabrication and Characterization of Copper System Compound Semiconductor Solar Cells
Authors: Motoyoshi Ryosuke , Oku Takeo , Suzuki Atsushi , Kikuchi Kenji , Kikuchi Shiomi , Jeyadevan Balachandran , Cuya Jhon
Published: September 2010

Copper system compound semiconductor solar cells were produced by a spin-coating method, and their cell performance and structures were investigated. Copper indium disulfide- (CIS-) based solar cells with titanium dioxide (TiO2) were produced on F-dopedSnO2(FTO). A device based on an FTO/CIS/TiO2structure provided better cell performance compared to that based on FTO/TiO2/CIS structure. Cupric oxide- (CuO-) and cuprous oxide- (Cu2O-) based solar cells with fullerene (C60) were also fabricated on FTO and indium tin oxide (ITO). The microstructure and cell performance of the CuO/C60heterojunction and theCu2O:C60bulk heterojunction structure were investigated. The photovoltaic devices based on FTO/CuO/C60and ITO/Cu2O:C60structures provided short-circuit current density of 0.015 mAcm−2and 0.11 mAcm−2, and open-circuit voltage of 0.045 V and 0.17 V under an Air Mass 1.5 illumination, respectively. The microstructures of the active layers were examined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
Modified T‐F Function Method for Finding Global Minimizer on Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Shang Youlin , Wang Weixiang , Zhang Liansheng
Published: September 2010

This paper indicates that the filled function which appeared in one of the papers by Y. L. Shang et al. (2007) is also a tunneling function; that is, we prove that
under some general assumptions this function has the characters of both tunneling
function and filled function. A solution algorithm based on this T‐F function is given
and numerical tests from test functions show that our T‐F function method is very
effective in finding better minima.
Pulmonary Embolism Revealing Idiopathic Membranous Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Hamzaoui A. , Harzallah O. , Klii R. , Njim L. , Mahjoub S.
Published: September 2010

We describe a case of a 55-year-old man who presented with pulmonary embolism and who was found to have nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy. There are no other signs of nephrotic syndrome such as edema.
Evaluation of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Toxicity Using Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Imaging in Lemna gibba
Authors: Perreault François , Oukarroum Abdallah , Pirastru Laura , Sirois Louka , Gerson Matias William , Popovic Radovan
Published: September 2010

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), used in antifouling paints of boats, are released in the environment and can induce toxicity to aquatic organisms. In this report, we used chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging to evaluate CuO NPs toxicity in Lemna gibba. This approach allowed to evaluate the differential effect of CuO NPs on photosynthesis of whole L. gibba plants. Exposure to 0.1 to 0.4 g/L CuO NPs during 48h induced strong inhibition of photosynthetic processes resulting in a decrease of plant growth. By using fluorescence imaging, different photosynthetic parameters were evaluated simultaneously in microplate conditions. Imaging of FO
fluorescence yield showed the decrease of leaf photosynthetic active surface for whole plants exposed to CuO NPs. This method showed that CuO NPs inhibited photosystem II maximal, photosystem II operational quantum yields, and photochemical quenching of fluorescence associated with electron transport. Nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching as an indicator of energy dissipation not used in photosynthesis was shown to be increased by the effect of CuO NPs. Such approach in microplate conditions provides synchronous high repetition measurements for numerous plants. This study may give a reliable methodological approach to evaluate toxicity risk of NPs in aquatic ecosystems.
Genetic Structure of the Invasive TreeAilanthus altissimain Eastern United States Cities
Authors: Aldrich Preston R. , Briguglio Joseph S. , Kapadia Shyam N. , Morker Minesh U. , Rawal Ankit , Kalra Preeti , Huebner Cynthia D. , Greer Gary K.
Published: September 2010

Ailanthus altissimais an invasive tree from Asia. It now occurs in most US states, and although primarily an urban weed, it has become a problem in forested areas especially in the eastern states. Little is known about its genetic structure. We explore its naturalized gene pool from 28 populations, mostly of the eastern US where infestations are especially severe. Five microsatellite markers were used to examine presumed neutral genetic variation. Results show a gene pool that is moderately diverse and sexually active and has significant but small genetic differences among populations and little correspondence between geographic and genetic distance. These findings are consistent with a model of multiple introductions followed by high rates of gene exchange between cities and regions. We propose movement along road and railway systems as the chief mode of range expansion.
Low Fat Loss Response after Medium-Term Supervised Exercise in Obese Is Associated with Exercise-Induced Increase in Food Reward
Authors: Finlayson Graham , Caudwell Phillipa , Gibbons Catherine , Hopkins Mark , King Neil , Blundell John
Published: September 2010

Objective. To examine exercise-induced changes in the reward value of food during medium-term supervised exercise in obese individuals. Subjects/Methods. The study was a 12-week supervised exercise intervention prescribed to expend 500 kcal/day, 5 d/week. 34 sedentary obese males and females were identified as responders (R) or non-responders (NR) to the intervention according to changes in body composition relative to measured energy expended during exercise. Food reward (ratings of liking and wanting, and relative preference by forced choice pairs) for an array of food images was assessed before and after an acute exercise bout.Results. 20 responders and 14 non-responders were identified. R lost 5.2 kg ± 2.4 of total fat mass and NR lost 1.7 kg ± 1.4. After acute exercise, liking for all foods increased in NR compared to no change in R. Furthermore, NR showed an increase in wanting and relative preference for high-fat sweet foods. These differences were independent of 12-weeks regular exercise and weight loss.Conclusion. Individuals who showed an immediate post-exercise increase in liking and increased wanting and preference for high-fat sweet foods displayed a smaller reduction in fat mass with exercise. For some individuals, exercise increases the reward value of food and diminishes the impact of exercise on fat loss.
A Model of Ischemic Isolated Acute Liver Failure in Pigs: Standardizing Monitoring and Treatment
Authors: Al-Chalabi A. , Matevossian E. , Preiβel A. , Perren A. , Yang Z. , Schuster T. , Schreiber C. , Schimmel P. , Nairz E. , Yan H. , Geiger A. , Kreymann B.
Published: September 2010

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) models in pigs have been widely used for evaluating newly developed liver support systems. But hardly any guidelines are available for the surgical methods and the clinical management. Methods: The study validated several standard operating procedures describing in detail the surgical method and intensive care monitoring and treatment (control of potassium, glucose and bicarbonate levels, cardiovascular and intracranial pressure monitoring, etc.). ALF was induced in animals with a mean of 56 kg. Two surgical methods were compared: ligation of hepatic arteries with either end-to-side portacaval shunt (ESPS) and bile duct ligation or side-to-side portacaval shunt (SSPS) without bile duct ligation. Results: During total portal vein clamping, the animals in the ESPS group developed severe hypotension, splanchnic congestion and metabolic acidosis. One animal died after approximately 1.5 h. This model therefore represents a multiorgan failure model rather than an isolated ALF model. In the SSPS group, none of these side effects were observed, while clinical, laboratory and histopathological signs of ALF were evident. Conclusions: A reproducible model in pigs representing ALF can be established with the help of the standardized monitoring and treatment procedures presented.
Midlife Smoking, Apolipoprotein E and Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Population-Based Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia Study
Authors: Rusanen M. , Rovio S. , Ngandu T. , Nissinen A. , Tuomilehto J. , Soininen H. , Kivipelto M.
Published: September 2010

Aim: To elucidate the effect of midlife smoking on the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and the possible modification of this relation by the apolipoprotein E (APOE) Ε4. Methods: Participants of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia study were randomly selected from population-based samples originally studied in midlife (1972, 1977, 1982 or 1988). After an average follow-up of 21 years, 1,449 persons (73%) aged 65–79 years took part in a reexamination in 1998. Results: Smoking in midlife increased the risk of dementia (odds ratio, OR: 4.93; 95% CI: 1.51–16.11) and AD (OR: 6.56; 95% CI: 1.80–23.94) among the APOE Ε4 carriers, but not among the APOE Ε4 noncarriers. Conclusion: Midlife smoking was associated with an increased risk of dementia and AD later in life only among those individuals carrying the APOE Ε4 allele. These results suggest that the association between smoking and AD may be complex and vary according to genotype.
Russia: A Part of the West or Apart from the West?
Authors: Kaempf Sebastian
Published: September 2010

Outlining the century-old debates about ‘What is Russia?’, this article — by drawing on a variety of sources such as fiction, culture, cartoons and identity — shows how Russian and Western answers to this question have impacted on each other. To do so, the article first examines the extent to which Russian society — ever since the Mongolian Yoke — has been culturally torn between Westerniser and anti-Westerniser positions. It then complements the insights into Russia’s self-reflective identity formation in two ways: by illustrating how Russia, in the West, has become portrayed as a caricature of the Western consciousness and by demonstrating how the Russian ‘Self’, in return, has been defined through the prism of Western expectations.
Warming to a Redefinition of International Security: The Consolidation of a Norm Concerning Climate Change
Authors: Garcia Denise
Published: September 2010

The fundamental idea of this article is that the enormity and nature of the challenges created by climate change are redefining the understanding and definition of international security. The threats posed by climate change have become considered security threats, especially since 2007. I also argue that an international norm concerning climate change started emerging and became consolidated around the same time. The norm building process occurred due to three elements: a basic international legal regime, constituted since the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its 1997 Kyoto Protocol (followed by ratification by the majority of states), and the 2009 political framework set out by the Copenhagen Accord. All this was guided by authoritative scientific evidence throughout. The consolidation of an international norm concerning climate change demonstrates that norm internalization processes in treaties do not automatically result in successful norm crystallization. It took a dramatic shift of position in the domestic arena in the United States and other recalcitrant states for the international norm to consolidate. This shift of mood was multilayered: i.e. it included the participation of many actors in society, especially local and state governments, as well as the private sector. Most importantly, the security aspects of climate change became known and this dimension of the debate gained enormous prominence.
Does single cortical spreading depression elicit pain behaviour in freely moving rats?
Authors: Akcali Didem , Sayin Aslihan , Sara Yildirim , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Behavioural animal studies are critical, particularly to translate results to human beings. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has been implicated in migraine pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of CSD on the behaviour of freely moving rats, since available CSD models do not include awake animals.

Materials and methods: We developed a new model to induce single CSD by applying topical N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and employed a combination of an automated behavioural analysis system, video camera and ultrasonic vocalisation (USV) calls for the first time. Electrocorticograms were also studied during CSD in freely moving rats. Behaviour associated with cephalic pain was assessed in a group of rats that received sumatriptan. Cortical c-fos immunoreactivity was performed in order to confirm CSD.

Results: NMDA induced single CSD in ipsilateral cortex, evoked freezing behaviour ( P < 0.01) and increased the number of wet dog shakes (WDS; P < 0.01). Grooming, locomotion, eating, drinking, and circling were not significantly altered among groups. Ultrasonic vocalisations compatible with pain calls (22–27 kHz) were only detected in 3 out of 25 rats. Sumatriptan did not significantly reduce the freezing behaviour. CSD induced significant c-fos expression in ipsilateral cerebral cortex and amygdala ( P < 0.01).

Conclusions: CSD induces freezing behaviour by invoking anxiety/fear via amygdala activation in freely-moving rats. Single CSD is unlikely to lead to severe pain in freely-moving rats, though the development of mild or vague pain cannot be excluded. The relevance of rat behavioural responses triggered by CSD to migraine symptoms in humans needs further evaluation.
Predictors of outcome of the treatment programme in a multidisciplinary headache centre
Authors: Jensen Rigmor , Zeeberg Peter , Dehlendorff Christian , Olesen Jes
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of headaches, multidisciplinary headache clinics are few and their efficacy still needs validation. The objective was to characterise patients and treatment results in a tertiary headache centre.

Subjects and methods: A systematic review of all referred patients in the Danish Headache Centre in a 2-year period. Outcome results were analysed with respect to diagnoses and sociodemographics.

Results: A total of 1326 patients with a mean age of 43.7 years and male : female ratio of 3 : 7 were included. In total, frequency and absence rate from work were reduced from 20 to 11 days ( P < 0.001) and 5 to 2 days/month ( P < 0.001), respectively. Predictors for good outcome were female gender, migraine, triptan overuse and a frequency of 10 days/month, whereas tension-type headache and overuse of simple analgesics predicted a poor outcome.

Conclusions: The present analysis provided support for a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary headache centre. Further evaluation of specific treatment strategies and outcome predictors are important for future planning.
Inhibition of nitric oxide synthases prevents and reverses α,β-meATP-induced neck muscle nociception in mice
Authors: Ellrich Jens , Fischer Andreas , Gilsbach Joachim M , Makowska Anna , Spangenberg Peter
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Tension-type headache (TTH) is associated with noxious input from neck muscles. Intravenous administration of the unspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NMMA in chronic TTH patients caused analgesia and reduction of neck muscle tenderness.

Methods: The unspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NMMA was applied in an experimental model for neck muscle nociception in anesthetized mice ( N = 25).

Results: Local injection of α,β-meATP into semispinal neck muscles induced sustained facilitation of brainstem nociception as monitored by the jaw-opening reflex. Preceding intraperitoneal administration of L-NMMA (0.05, 0.1, 1 mg/kg) prevented reflex facilitation evoked by α,β-meATP in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal injection of L-NMMA subsequent to intramuscular α,β-meATP application reversed established brainstem reflex facilitation back to baseline values.

Discussion: Both experiments with preceding and subsequent L-NMMA indicate the involvement of nitric oxide synthases in the induction and maintenance of facilitation. However, future experiments will have to address the involvement of various isoenzymes in order to provide for new therapeutic concepts in TTH.
Salient Features of the Nature of Growth Experienced by Teachers and Students of Rishi Valley School Set Up by the Krishnamurti Foundation of India (KFI)
Authors: Gandikota Sundar Kumar
Published: September 2010

The approach of looking at organizations from the perspective of Management Strategy, Structure, Systems and Style (4-S) has been considered to be one of the useful ways for understanding and managing them well. In schools, the educational intent or educational philosophy or vision, which may be likened to the term strategy used in other contexts, is one of the determinants of the organizational structure, systems and style. The way these four elements interact with each other and manifest in the various processes and functions of the school does influence the ambience and culture of school significantly. Management style appears to have the potential of actualizing the educational intent of the school by enabling the required scope for growth of teachers and students. The style also has a bearing on the extent to which the scope for growth brought about will be ‘utilized’ or realized by the teachers and students to actually learn and grow. The scope for growth and the growth experienced by students and teachers were studied and the correlation coefficient between the two tentatively determined.
The Divine Side of Enterprise
Authors: Danak Deepak
Published: September 2010

This article analyzes the past, the present, and the future of business institution in society in terms of its management approaches by using the framework of human evolution, and discovers a trend that explains three paradigms in business management that have been witnessed so far. Extending the trend, it projects another two paradigm shifts to take place in future, and establishes that the business management practice is going to evolve further where it will turn from its present status of ‘result-oriented management’to ‘process-oriented management’ in terms of its focus, or in other words, it will evolve from ‘professional management’ to ‘ethical management’ in terms of its underlying philosophy. As a result, the business enterprise will evolve from its present form of economic organization to a humane organization, and further up to a divine organization. Expressed the other way round, the business institution that had kicked off as an industrial organization has got transformed to a human organization by now; however, in the future, it will further evolve to its final level of a divine organization.
Scaling Up HIV Rapid Testing in Developing Countries
Authors: Parekh Bharat S. , Kalou Mireille B. , Alemnji George , Ou Chin-Yih , Gershy-Damet Guy-Michel , Nkengasong John N.
Published: September 2010

In the last few years, the use of HIV rapid testing has expanded worldwide in response to the call for universal access to prevention, care, and treatment by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization. HIV rapid testing is performed by people with varied skills in laboratory and nonlaboratory settings. Accurate HIV diagnostic testing is the first step to identifying infected persons for follow-up referral and care. However, there are several challenges related to test kit quality, test selection, testing algorithms, training, quality assurance (QA), quality of new lots, and postmarket performance. We highlight various issues that impact the quality of HIV rapid testing and provide solutions to monitor and improve test accuracy, especially in resource-limited settings. These include the use of validated kits, training with emphasis on QA, use of a standardized log book, dried-tube specimen–based proficiency testing, new kit lot verification, and postmarket surveillance. Systematic implementation of these tools should greatly enhance the quality of HIV rapid testing.
Fibrillins in Adult Human Ovary and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Is Fibrillin-3 Affected in PCOS?
Authors: Jordan C. Diana , Bohling Sandra D. , Charbonneau Noe L. , Sakai Lynn Y.
Published: September 2010

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Although genetic linkage analyses have demonstrated a susceptibility locus for PCOS mapping to the fibrillin-3 gene, the presence of fibrillin proteins in normal and polycystic ovaries has not been characterized. This study compared and contrasted fibrillin-1, −2, and −3 localization in normal and polycystic ovaries. Immunohistochemical stainings of ovaries from 21 controls and 9 patients with PCOS were performed. Fibrillin-1 was ubiquitous in ovarian connective tissue. Fibrillin-2 localized around antral follicles and in areas of folliculolysis. Fibrillin-3 was present in a restricted distribution within the specialized perifollicular stroma of follicles in morphological transition from primordial to primary type [transitional follicles (TFs)]. Fibrillin-1 and −2 stainings of PCOS ovaries were similar to those of the controls. However, in eight of the nine PCOS ovaries, there was a decrease in the number of TFs associated with fibrillin-3, including no staining in five PCOS samples; decreased number of fibrillin-3-associated TFs/mm 2 was confirmed by quantitative analysis. Our findings support a role for fibrillin-3 in the pathogenesis of PCOS and suggest fibrillin-3 may function in primordial to primary follicle transition. We propose that loss of fibrillin-3 during folliculogenesis may be an important factor in PCOS pathogenesis.
Lack of substrate inhibition in a monomeric form of human cytosolic SULT2A1
Authors: Cook Ian T. , Leyh Thomas S. , Kadlubar Susan A. , Falany Charles N.
Published: September 2010

Mammalian cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) frequently show substrate inhibition during the sulfation of increasing concentrations of substrates. SULT2A1, a major human liver isoform responsible for the conjugation of hydroxysteroids, bile acids and aliphatic hydroxyl groups in drugs and xenobiotics, is a homodimer and displays substrate inhibition during the conjugation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Maltose binding protein (MBP)-SULT2A1 fusion protein, produced as an intermediate step in the purification of the SULT2A1 homodimer, elutes during size exclusion chromatography as a monomer. The initial-rate parameters (KmandVmax) of the monomer (MBP-SULT2A1) and native SULT2A1 dimer for DHEA sulfation are extremely similar; however, the monomer is not inhibited by DHEA. Intrinsic fluorescence studies show that two DHEA molecules bind each SULT2A1 subunit, one in the catalytic site and one in an apparent allosteric site. Lack of dimerization in the MBP-SULT2A1 fusion protein decreased theKdfor binding of DHEA at the allosteric site. These results suggest that formation of the homodimer is associated with structural re-arrangements leading to increased DHEA binding at an allo-steric site that is associated with substrate inhibition.
Eine neue Philosophie der Neuen Musik  mit und nach Adorno. Über: Albrecht Wellmer: Versuch über Musik und Sprache
Authors: Mohr Georg
Published: September 2010

Albrecht Wellmer: Versuch über Musik und Sprache. Carl Hanser Verlag, München 2009, 324 S.
The Birds and the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees: Lessons from Genetic Mapping of Sex Determination in Plants and Animals
Authors: Charlesworth Deborah , Mank Judith E
Published: September 2010

The ability to identify genetic markers in nonmodel systems has allowed geneticists to construct linkage maps for a diversity of species, and the sex-determining locus is often among the first to be mapped. Sex determination is an important area of study in developmental and evolutionary biology, as well as ecology. Its importance for organisms might suggest that sex determination is highly conserved. However, genetic studies have shown that sex determination mechanisms, and the genes involved, are surprisingly labile. We review studies using genetic mapping and phylogenetic inferences, which can help reveal evolutionary pattern within this lability and potentially identify the changes that have occurred among different sex determination systems. We define some of the terminology, particularly where confusion arises in writing about such a diverse range of organisms, and highlight some major differences between plants and animals, and some important similarities. We stress the importance of studying taxa suitable for testing hypotheses, and the need for phylogenetic studies directed to taxa where the patterns of changes can be most reliably inferred, if the ultimate goal of testing hypotheses regarding the selective forces that have led to changes in such an essential trait is to become feasible.
Ninety Years of Drosophila melanogaster Hybrids
Authors: Barbash Daniel A
Published: September 2010

Within 10 years of the beginning of experimental genetic research on Drosophila melanogaster, in 1919, A. H. Sturtevant discovered its sibling species, D. simulans. He hybridized the two species and made fundamental discoveries about the genetic basis of hybrid incompatibility. The complete sterility of surviving F1 hybrids frustrated Sturtevant and his vision of comprehensively exploring the genetics of interspecific differences. But over the next 90 years, a combination of clever genetic tricks and close observation of natural variation has led to a wealth of discovery using these and other hybrids of D. melanogaster and D. simulans, resulting in an advanced understanding of speciation and the evolution of morphology, gene regulation, and behavior.
Hexathiapentacene Nanowires as Chemical Vapor Sensors
Authors: Gao Ting , Garcia-Berrios Edgardo , Briseno Alejandro L , Wang Jian , McConville Richard , Ellsworth Mark W , Dupon Ryan W , Lewis Nathan
Published: September 2010

Semiconducting hexathiapentacene (HTP) single–crystal nanowires were synthesized using a simple solution-phase route. Quartz Crystal Microbalance and complex resistance measurements were employed to investigate the sensing properties of an HTP nanowire to analytes including acid, amine, and hydrocarbon vapors. Cole-Cole plots (0.01Hz-4 MHz) of measured impedance spectra, modeled using equivalent circuits, were used to resolve the effects of adsorption and charge migration.
Hydration Effect Analysis of Ion-sensitive Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Jiao Lihong , Rybachek Mykhaylo
Published: September 2010

In this work, the drift of ISFET characteristics due to hydration effect was studied. The ISFETs were fabricated using the standard NMOS process. The AgCl reference electrode was fabricated with the electrolysis method. The ISFET modeling was carried out in MATLAB to study the time variation of surface potential and the drain-source current. In addition, the surface morphology and dielectric constant of silicon dioxide were tested to study the hydration effect in order to eliminate the drift. The dielectric constant of the gate oxide increases exponentially with hydration time. The surface morphology studied with the atomic force microscope (AFM) showed no significant change after immersion in water. It is believed that the main cause of the drift is the hydration effect, which is due to the change in dielectric constant of the sensing material and a small number of surface binding sites that react slowly to a change in pH.
Nanocomposite Route to Ultra-sensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates
Authors: Biswas Abhijit , Bayer Ilker , Biris Alexandru S.
Published: September 2010

We show a novel route to prepare SERS substrates, which is based on polymer–metal nanocomposites with a specific structure and composition just below the percolation threshold. The neighboring nanoparticles are still quite densely packed, but remain separated by narrow polymer gaps (<1 nm). Such a nanostructure allows the creation of densely packed hot spots where electromagnetic energy can be confined. The polymer–metal nanocomposites are fabricated by a simple and single-step method of electron-beam-assisted vapor-phase co-deposition. The preparation of the SERS substrates is based on a simple plasma-etching process, which removes the polymer structures that allow the formation of metal nanoparticle SERS nano-aggregates with very uniform and controllable inter-particle gaps. The method results in “ideal SERS hot spots” throughout the matrix. These hot spots can be created over very large areas. The prepared SERS substrates are promising candidates for the direct detection (label-free) and analysis of various biological and chemical samples.
Nanoimprint Lithography with UV-Curable Hyperbranched Polymer Nanocomposites for Optical Biosensing Applications
Authors: Geiser Valérie , Leterrier Yves , Månson Jan-Anders , Sanjines Rosendo , Voirin Guy , Wiki Max
Published: September 2010

Polymer nanocomposite gratings with a 363 nm period and a 12 nm step height were replicated using a glass master in a rapid, low-pressure imprint process. The composite materials were based on a UV-curable acrylated hyperbranched polymer and nanosized SiO2 particles. The influence of particle fraction up to 25 vol%, process pressure and UV intensity on the grating geometry was analyzed using atomic force microscopy. The period of the grating was found to be identical to that of the glass master for all investigated conditions. It was shown that the gel point of the nanocomposite was an important factor that determined the stability as well as the dimensions of the imprinted structure. However, a distortion of the grating was observed with increasing fraction of SiO2, which was correlated to the increased internal stress of the composite. Wavelength interrogated optical sensors were produced by depositing a high refractive index TiO2 layer on the composite gratings. The laser signal strength of the polymer sensors was equal to that of the reference high precision glass sensor with 10-12 g/mm2 sensitivity. The strength was lower for the nanocomposites due to propagation losses argued to result from residual porosity.
Silicon-based Micro Platforms for Characterization of Nanostructured Layers With Application in Intermediate Temperature Micro Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Garbayo Inigo , Tarancón Albert , Santiso José , Cavallaro Andrea , Gràcia Isabel , Cané Carles , Sabaté Neus
Published: September 2010

The present work is devoted to study the development of yttria-stabilized zirconia membranes self-supported on silicon-based microplatforms, to be used as electrolytes on micro solid oxide fuel cells. The microfabrication process to obtain yttria-stabilized zirconia membranes is detailed, and some key aspects for the integration of yttria-stabilized zirconia films deposited by pulsed laser deposition on the silicon-based microplatform are shown. Moreover, the effect on the thermomechanical stability of different fabrication parameters is presented, as well as the way to control the pinhole generation on the membranes. Finally, some electrical characterization guidelines are included, in order to study the effects of the platform and the membrane dimensions on the different measurements performed.
Factors Predicting the Recommendations of General Practitioners on Herbal Therapies and Dietary Supplements to Patients
Authors: Livingston Cat J , Krass Ines , Li George Q
Published: September 2010

The aims of the study were to determine the attitudes of General Practitioners (GPs) on herbal therapies and dietary supplements (H/DS) and to identify factors that predict their recommendations. A self-administered mailed survey was carried out in New South Wales, Australia in 2004. 288 GPs participated in the survey. Twenty percent of GPs had education in this topic, and less than one-third felt confident advising their patients. Forty-seven percent of GPs did not inquire about the use of H/DS regularly. The key factors that predicted GPs recommending H/DS were: belief that H/DS are useful for more than one condition, belief that most H/DS have some benefit, discussion of use of H/DS in the last 30 days, personal use of H/DS, and fewer years of clinical practice. GPs primary concerns about the use of H/DS were regarding potential side effects and the lack of an evidence-base. We came to the conclusion that GPs are infrequently discussing H/DS with their patients but are interested in learning more and obtaining better resources. The underlying predictive factors of GPs motivations and opinions for discussing and recommending H/DS offers a new perspective on the need for research and regulation on H/DS, education and training of GPs about H/DS.
Effects of Directional Uncertainty on Visually-Guided Joystick Pointing
Authors: Berryhill Marian , Kveraga Kestutis , Hughes Howard C.
Published: September 2010

Reaction times generally follow the predictions of Hick's law as stimulus-response uncertainty increases, although notable exceptions include the oculomotor system. Saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movement reaction times are independent of stimulus-response uncertainty. Previous research showed that joystick pointing to targets, a motor analog of saccadic eye movements, is only modestly affected by increased stimulus-response uncertainty; however, a no-uncertainty condition (simple reaction time to 1 possible target) was not included. Here, we re-evaluate manual joystick pointing including a no-uncertainty condition. Analysis indicated simple joystick pointing reaction times were significantly faster than choice reaction times. Choice reaction times (2, 4, or 8 possible target locations) only slightly increased as the number of possible targets increased. These data suggest that, as with joystick tracking (a motor analog of smooth pursuit eye movements), joystick pointing is more closely approximated by a simple/choice step function than the log function predicted by Hick's law.
Validation Study on Self-Reported Height, Weight, and Blood Pressure
Authors: Kawada Tomoyuki , Suzuki Shosuke
Published: September 2010

Self-report data were compared with actual recorded data on height, weight, and blood pressure during health examinations to check for validity. The subjects were 1,823 persons, ages 40–68 years. Pearson correlations for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, height, weight, and Body Mass Index between data reported in 1993 and measurements made in 1991 were .63, .60, .96, .96, and .92, respectively. Pearson correlations for the same variables between the data reported in 1993 and the measurements made in 1992 were .73, .67, .97, .97, and .94, respectively. Self-reported values for height, weight, and Body Mass Index appear to be valid over 2 years or so.
An 8-Item Test of Acrobatics and Balance
Authors: Robazza Claudio , Bortoli Laura
Published: September 2010

A 14-item test of Acrobatics and Balance was previously developed to assess gross motor skills of high school physical education students. This study examined the factor structure of an 8-item version of the test based on exploratory and confirmatory factor-analytic techniques. The 8-item short-form of the Acrobatics and Balance test was administered to 334 Italian boys, ages 14 to 16 yr. ( M = 15.0, SD = .8), during physical education lessons. The sample was then randomly split into two groups of equal size. Data from Group 1 were subjected to principal components analysis followed by oblimin rotation. Two factors emerged without overlapping items, accounting for 65.6% of variance. Factors included items of Acrobatics and Balance, matching the scales of the whole version of the 14-item test. Confirmatory factor analysis on data from Group 2 confirmed the two factor structure of the 8-item test. The test had a Cronbach coefficient alpha of .84. The Balance and Acrobatics scales had Cronbach alphas of .84 and .78 for Group 1 and of .84 and .77 for Group 2. Findings provided preliminary support for the use of the 8-item test, especially when there is a need to shorten assessment time.
Visual and Tactile Guidance of Dexterous Manipulation Tasks: An fMRI Study
Authors: Talati Ardesheer , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J. , Hirsch Joy
Published: September 2010

Models of motor guidance that dynamically adjust to the availability and quality of sensory information are based on the observation that dexterous tasks are routinely performed using various combinations of visual and tactile inputs. However, a dynamic neural system that acquires and processes relevant visual and tactile information remains relatively uncharacterized in humans. In this study, whole-brain functional magnetic resonance images were acquired during a dexterous manipulation task, compression of the end caps of a slender spring prone to buckling, to investigate the neural systems associated with motor guidance under four visual and tactile guidance conditions: (1) eyes closed (no visual input), smooth end caps, (2) eyes closed, rough end caps, (3) eyes open and watching hand, smooth end caps, and (4) eyes open and watching hand, rough end caps. Performance of the dexterous task remained constant in all conditions. Variations in the two levels of visual input resulted in modulation of activity in the middle and inferior occipital gyrii and inferior parietal lobule, and variation in the two levels of tactile input during the task resulted in modulation of activity in the precentral (primary motor) gyrus. Although significantly active in all conditions, cingulate gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and cerebellum activities were not modulated by levels of either visual or somatosensory input, and no interaction effects were observed. Together, these data indicate that a fine-tuned motor task guided by varying visual and tactile information engages a distributed and integrated neural complex consisting of control and executive functions and regions that process dynamic sensory information related to guidance functions.
A Case Study of Mediated Learning, Delayed Auditory Feedback, and Motor Repatterning to Reduce Stuttering
Authors: Radford Nola T. , Tanguma Jesus , Gonzalez Marcia , Nericcio Mary Anne , Newman Denis G.
Published: September 2010

A case study of DW, an 11-yr. old monolingual, English-speaking boy who exhibits stuttering, language delay, and ADHD is presented. DW experienced only limited improvement during stuttering therapy received in public schools, according to parents and the public school clinician. The purpose of this case study was to assess whether fluency treatment which incorporated Mediated Learning, Delayed Auditory Feedback, and Speech Motor Repatterning would enhance progress. Therapy was delivered in two treatments, with each treatment being 5 wk. of intense therapy, separated by one year. Treatment 1 of combined Mediated Learning and Delayed Auditory Feedback yielded improvement in fluency, judged by parents and the teacher to be clinically significant. The improved fluency was maintained for one year when DW was pretested for participation in Treatment 2, which combined Mediated Learning, Delayed Auditory Feedback, and Speech Motor Repatterning Exercises. As no conclusions are possible, further study is needed.
Effect of Stimulant Medication on Lower Extremity Response Time of Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Pedersen Scott J. , Surburg Paul R.
Published: September 2010

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been labeled as “inefficient movers”; however, little research has examined the effect of stimulant medication on lower extremity movements. 16 boys, 11 to 13 years old, with ADHD performed a lower-limb choice-response time task, both on and off medication. When nonmedicated, children had significantly slower reaction times to all three targets and significantly slower movement times for the contralateral and midline movements. For both conditions, children had significantly faster movement time when using the right leg than the left leg. These findings suggest that movement characteristics of children with ADHD are different under medicated and nonmedicated situations.
Sex Differences on Use of Associative and Dissociative Cognitive Strategies among Male and Female Athletes
Authors: Philippe Roberta Antonini , Seiler Roland
Published: September 2010

This study assessed whether men and women differed in using associative and dissociative cognitive strategies during athletic performance. Athletes (31 men, M age = 23.2 yr., SD = 3.9 and 29 women, M age = 22.9 yr., SD = 4.3) who practiced endurance activities (running, swimming, and cycling) were considered high-level performers because they participated in national or international competition. The athletes were interviewed, and Schomer's 1986 method of measurement was used to evaluate and quantify two cognitive strategies. Most specifically, categories of association concerned the way the athlete paid close attention to bodily signals, and categories of dissociation described how the athlete shunned sensory inputs. Analysis of variance and the t test showed that women tend to be more dissociative than men and men more associative than women. The results suggest that pain perception in these sports may be a function of sex.
Drm Paradigm for People's Name Lures and Effects of Delaying Conscious Thought of the Lure at Encoding
Authors: Mukai Akira
Published: September 2010

The experiment was conducted to test whether or not presentation order is an important factor to explain why Critical Lures of people's names are falsely recalled relatively rarely in the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm. For half of the participants, the most highly associated items were presented at the start of the list (Standard condition). For the other half, presentation of the most strongly associated items was delayed until the middle of the list (Delayed condition). This manipulation had no significant effect on the probability of falsely recalled Critical Lures or on that of veridical recall of list items, but in the Delayed condition the mean number of intrusions other than the Critical Lures was higher than that in the Standard condition.
Relationship of Personalized Jerseys and Aggression in Women's ICE Hockey
Authors: Blome Jamie , Waldron Jennifer J. , Mack Mick G.
Published: September 2010

The present study examined the relationship between aggression and players' names on uniforms in collegiate women's ice hockey. Aggression was defined as mean penalty minutes per game. Information, i.e., win/loss record, penalties, and names on uniforms, about the 2002–2003 season women's ice hockey team was obtained via e-mail from 53 of 72 (74% return rate) sports information directors (Division I = 23, Division II = 2, Division III = 28). Analysis indicated that teams with personalized jerseys had significantly more penalty minutes per game than teams without personalized jerseys. However, as the majority of the teams with personalized jerseys were Division I teams and the majority of the teams without personalized jerseys were Division III teams, it is unclear whether results were due to personalized jersey or competition level of play.
Pilot Study of Telephone Tutoring in Reading Skills
Authors: Strayhorn Joseph M.
Published: September 2010

This study tested the feasibility of tutoring children in reading via telephone sessions. 19 children received tutoring from any of 6 tutors for an average of 7.6 hr. per month. Initially, these children were an average of 10.4 yr. old, in average Grade 4.8, and averaged 2.9 grade levels behind their grade expectations on the Slosson Oral Reading Test. Before tutoring the children had progressed on the Slosson at an average of 0.44 grade levels per year (95% CI = 0.30 to 0.57). The children participated in telephone tutoring for an average of 1.5 yr. During tutoring the students progressed at an average of 2.0 grade levels per year (95% CI = 1.2 to 2.8). The rate of progress during tutoring was significantly greater than that before tutoring ( p < .001). The relations between tutors and students appeared to be positive and pleasant. Telephone tutoring seems to be a practical and feasible service delivery method which should be tested further.