bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth size and dental arch dimensions: a stereophotogrammetric study in Southeast Asian Malays
Authors: Al‐Khatib AR , Rajion ZA , Masudi SM , Hassan R , Anderson PJ , Townsend GC
Published: October 2011

To cite this article:
 Al‐Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Anderson PJ, Townsend GC: Tooth size and dental arch dimensions: a stereophotogrammetric study in Southeast Asian Malays Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:243–253

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Al‐Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Anderson PJ, Townsend GC

Objective –  To investigate tooth size and dental arch dimensions in Malays using a stereophotogrammetric system.

Setting and Sample Population –  The sample consisted of 252 subjects with ages ranged from 13 to 30 years.

Materials and Methods –  Images of dental casts were captured by stereophotogrammetry and selected variables were measured using a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging system. Sex differences and changes associated with age were assessed, and interrelationships between different variables were explored within the study group.

Results –  Men had significantly larger mesio‐distal crown widths and dental arch dimensions than women (p < 0.05). None of the dental arch dimensions or mesio‐distal crown widths showed a significant change because of age except the widths of the upper canine, lower first molar and central incisor. Significant correlations of tooth size with dental arch dimensions were found, particularly with arch lengths and perimeters. A principal component analysis showed interrelationships between the majority of tooth size variables with inter‐canine width, arch length and perimeter distances.

Conclusion –  This study has established new reference data for tooth size and arch dimensions in Malays and demonstrated patterns of variation that are relevant to anthropologists interested in making comparisons within and between different populations and also to clinicians developing treatment plans for their patients. The study confirmed the accuracy of the 3D photogrammetric method for measuring dental casts.
Development of a New Implant Primary Stability Parameter: Insertion Torque Revisited
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: October 2011

Purpose: The aims of the study are to introduce a new parameter to measure primary stability and to evaluate the possible correlations between this parameter and bone density, initial bone‐to‐implant contact (IBIC), Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA), and peak insertion torque (IT).

Material and Methods: The study was performed on three different types of fresh humid bovine bone: type I, type II, and type III. A total of 90 XiVE implants (30 per bone type) were used; implant insertion was performed with a calibrated maximum torque of 70 Ncm at predetermined 30 rpm. The IT data were recorded and exported as a curve; using a trapezoidal integration technique, the area underlying the curve was calculated: this area represents the variable torque work (VTW). Furthermore, peak IT and RFA were recorded; finally IBIC was calculated from histological specimens.

Results: Spearman correlation analysis of the entire sample reveals that VTW presents a significant (p < .01) positive correlation with bone density; a significant (p < .05) positive correlation with IBIC, and a significant (p < .01) positive correlation with all the other primary stability parameters. Spearman correlation analysis of the three different groups show that VTW presents a significant positive correlation with IT in all three types of bone; on the other hand, VTW shows a negative not significant correlation with RFA in bone I, a positive significant correlation in bone II, and a positive not significant correlation in bone III. Furthermore, VTW shows a negative significant correlation with IBIC in bone I and a positive significant correlation in bone II and III.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of an in vitro study, the VTW seems to be a promising parameter to measure implant primary stability.
A Comparative Volumetric Study of Symphysis Donor Defects, Unfilled or Filled with Bone Substitute
Authors: Schwartz‐Arad Devorah , Toti Paolo , Levin Liran , Laviv Amir , Guidetti Franco , Sbordone Ludovico
Published: October 2011

Objectives: Background Intraoral autogenous bone grafts are a convenient source of bone in reconstruction of the residual ridge before dental implant placement.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate bone volume of symphysis donor defects filled with bone substitute compared with unfilled symphysis donor defects.

Patients, Materials and Methods: The study included 26 patients who underwent either alveolar ridge reconstruction or maxillary sinus elevation. Two groups were studied: symphyseal donor defects filled with bone substitute and unfilled symphyseal donor defects. Pre‐ and postoperative volumetric variables were determined using computed tomography scans and the software program SimPlant® (Materialise Dental Italia, Roma, Italy).

Results: At 6 months postsurgery, the filled donor defects exhibited a significant increase in bone volume compared with unfilled donor defects (97.7% and 73.4%, respectively). At 18 months postsurgery, volume of unfilled donor defects was reevaluated with no significant increase in bone volume.

Conclusions: Six months following block harvesting procedure, filled donor defects maintained bone volume, while unfilled donor sites generated defects that cannot achieve full regeneration; even not 18 months postblock harvesting.
“All‐on‐4” Immediate‐Function Concept for Completely Edentulous Maxillae: A Clinical Report on the Medium (3 Years) and Long‐Term (5 Years) Outcomes
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Lopes Armando , Francischone Carlos , Rigolizzo Mauricio
Published: October 2011

Background: Immediate implant function has become an accepted treatment modality for fixed restorations in totally edentulous mandibles, whereas experience from immediate function in the edentulous maxilla is limited.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report on the medium‐ and long‐term outcomes of a protocol for immediate function of four implants (All‐on‐4™, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) supporting a fixed prosthesis in the completely edentulous maxilla.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective clinical study included 242 patients with 968 immediately loaded implants (Brånemark System® TiUnite™, Nobelspeedy™, Nobel Biocare AB) supporting fixed complete‐arch maxillary all‐acrylic prostheses. A specially designed surgical guide was used to facilitate implant positioning and tilting of the posterior implants to achieve good bone anchorage and large interimplant distance for good prosthetic support. Follow‐up examinations were performed at 6 months, 1 year, and thereafter every 6 months. Radiographic assessment of the marginal bone level was performed after 3 and 5 years in function. Survival was estimated at patient level and implant level using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimation with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Nineteen immediately loaded implants were lost in seventeen patients, giving a 5‐year survival rate estimation of 93% and 98% at patient and implant level, respectively. The survival rate of the prosthesis was 100%. The marginal bone level was, on average, 1.52 mm (standard deviation [SD] 0.3 mm) and 1.95 mm (SD 0.4 mm) from the implant/abutment junction after 3 and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusion: The high survival rates at patient and implant level indicates that the immediate‐function concept for completely edentulous maxillae using the present protocol is viable in the medium‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Effects of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on meat quality at the late stage of the fattening period of Holstein steers
Authors: NADE Toshihiro , UCHIDA Kyouhei , OMORI Kouhei , MATSUBAYASHI Kenta , KIMURA Nobuhiro
Published: October 2011

Feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) during the late stage of the fattening period of Holstein steers was studied in regard to the influence on meat quality. Sixteen Holstein steers approximately 18 months old were used in this study. Eight animals were fed commercial concentrated feed for the entire fattening period. The other eight animals were fed 15% DDGS in the concentrated feed for 3 months before slaughtering. The moisture, ether extract and crude protein from both groups was approximately the same. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBA) value of storage for 7 days at 5°C from the animals fed DDGS showed a tendency to be lower (P = 0.059). The change in the TBA value during storage was also lower for the animals not fed DDGS (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the subcutaneous fat color between the two groups. The a*(measure of redness) and b*(measure of yellowness) of the M. longissimus from the animals fed DDGS showed a tendency to be lower (P = 0.051, 0.070). The fatty acid composition of the M. longissimus, subcutaneous and perirenal fat were not widely influenced by the feeding of DDGS. It is suggested that feeding 15% DDGS during the late stage of the fattening period for Holstein steers reduced the oxidation of the beef.
Effects of moisture content in quail litter on the physical characteristics after pelleting using a Siriwan Model machine
Authors: SUPPADIT Tawadchai , PONGPIACHAN Siwatt , PANOMSRI Siriwan
Published: October 2011

Quail litter (QL), a combination of accumulated quail manures, feathers, spilled feed and bedding materials, is a potential plant fertilizer, ruminant feed ingredient and other value‐added applications. In general, utilization of this litter has been limited to within a few kilometers of quail farms, because it has low density. Pelleting is one possible way to enhance storage, transportation and off‐site utilization. The purposes of this study were to show the procedures of pelleting and determine the effects of moisture content in fresh QL on the values of physical characteristics. Results obtained showed that bulk and particle densities of QL pellets decreased and increased, respectively, with an increase in moisture content. Porosity, durability, rupture force and decomposition were also affected by moisture content. Pelleting increased the bulk density of QL. Thus, this method more economically transported the litter from the quail farm to distant areas.
Expression analysis of an α‐1, 3‐galactosyltransferase, an enzyme that creates xenotransplantation‐related α–Gal epitope, in pig preimplantation embryos
Authors: CHI Haiying , SATO Masahiro , YOSHIDA Mitsutoshi , MIYOSHI Kazuchika
Published: October 2011

α‐1,3‐Galactosyltransferase (α‐GalT), an enzyme creating Galα1‐3Gal (α‐Gal) epitope on the cell surface in some mammalian species such as pigs, is known to be a key factor that causes hyperacute rejection upon transplantation from pigs to humans. To establish the RNA interference‐based suppression of endogenous α‐GalT messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis in porcine preimplantation embryos, we determined the suitable embryonic stage at which stage such approach is possible by using the semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and the cytochemical method using a fluorescence‐labeled Bandeiraea simplicifolia Isolectin B4 (BS‐I‐B4). Staining with BS‐I‐B4 demonstrated that α‐Gal epitope expression was first recognized at the 8‐cell stage, and increased up to the hatched blastocyst stage. Single embryo‐based qRT‐PCR also confirmed this pattern. These results indicate that creation of α‐Gal epitope is proceeded by de novo synthesis of α‐GalT mRNA in porcine preimplantation embryos with peaking at the blastocyst stage.
Individual and contextual factors associated with childhood stunting in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor T. , Kayode Gbenga A. , Uthman Olalekan A.
Published: October 2011

Stunting, a form of undernutrition, is the best measure of child health inequalities as it captures multiple dimensions of children's health, development and the environment where they live. The aim of this study was to quantify the predictors of childhood stunting in Nigeria. This study used data obtained from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A total of 28 647 children aged 0–59 months included in NDHS in 2008 were analysed in this study. We applied multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis in which individual‐level factors were at the first level and community‐level factors at the second level. The percentage change in variance of the full model accounted for about 46% in odds of stunting across the communities. The present study found that the following predictors increased the odds of childhood stunting: male gender, age above 11 months, multiple birth, low birthweight, low maternal education, low maternal body mass index, poor maternal health‐seeking behaviour, poor household wealth and short birth interval. The community‐level predictors found to have significant association with childhood stunting were: child residing in community with high illiteracy rate and North West and North East regions of the country. In conclusion, this study revealed that both individual‐ and community‐level factors are significant determinants of childhood stunting in Nigeria.
Poor Antioxidant Status Exacerbates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Jensen Peter Ø. , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Hougen Hans P. , Høiby Niels , Ciofu Oana
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Considerable evidence supports the presence of oxidative stress in cystic fibrosis (CF). The disease has long been associated with both increased production of reactive oxygen species and impaired antioxidant status, in particular during the chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in CF. Guinea pigs are unable to synthesize ascorbate (ASC) or vitamin C, a major antioxidant of the lung, and thus like human beings rely on its presence in the diet. On this basis, guinea pigs receiving ASC‐deficient diet have been used as a model of oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to investigate the consequences of a 7‐day biofilm‐grown P. aeruginosa lung infection in 3‐month‐old guinea pigs receiving either ASC‐sufficient or ASC‐deficient diet for at least 2 months. The animals receiving ASC‐deficient diet showed significantly higher mortality during infection and increased respiratory burst of peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) compared with the animals receiving ASC sufficient diet. The inflammatory response at the site of lung infection consisted of PMNs and mononuclear leucocytes (MN), and higher PMN/MN ratios were present in animals on ASC‐deficient diet compared with animals on ASC sufficient diet. Measurements of the ASC levels in the lung were significantly decreased in infected compared with non‐infected animals. Interestingly, the infection by itself decreased the antioxidant capacity of the plasma (measured as plasma oxidizability) more than the ASC‐deficient diet, suggesting a high consumption of the antioxidants during infection. Our data show that poor antioxidant status exacerbates the outcome of biofilm‐related infections.
The Value of Brand and Convenience Attributes in Highly Processed Food Products
Authors: Ahmad Waseem , Anders Sven
Published: October 2011

Researchers have long sought to better understand consumer preferences for various packaged foods and their attributes. Beyond price and taste, brand names, convenience, and increasingly diet‐health‐related cues are regarded as key attributes in attracting consumer demand. This paper applies a hedonic pricing model to a large panel of consumer packaged food products to estimate monetary value of brand, convenience, and other quality attributes in processed meat and seafood products using 2000–06 Nielsen aggregate weekly scanner data. We find evidence of consumer preferences for perceived “natural” and health attributes over products with higher degrees of processing. The results further indicate that the process of adding value to food products is intricate and dependent on multiple other indicators of product quality, not least health. As such, frozen natural chicken and seafood products may be considered by certain consumers as substitutes for fresh meat and seafood. This finding may carry further implications for the pricing and marketing of lower‐value products.

Les chercheurs tentent depuis longtemps de mieux comprendre les préférences des consommateurs pour divers aliments emballés et leurs attributs. Outre le prix et le goût, la marque, l’aspect pratique et les logos santé sont considérés comme d’importants attributs pour accroître la demande des consommateurs. Dans le présent article, à l’aide de données scanographiques agrégées hebdomadaires obtenues auprès de Nielsen pour la période de 2000 à 2006, nous avons appliqué un modèle hédonistique des prix à un large éventail de produits alimentaires de consommation courante pour estimer la valeur monétaire de la marque, de l’aspect pratique et d’autres attributs de qualité dans le cas de produits de viande et de la mer transformés. Les résultats indiquent que les consommateurs ont une préférence pour les produits dits « naturels » et « santé» par rapport aux produits hautement transformés. Les résultats indiquent également que le processus d’ajout de valeur aux produits alimentaires est complexe et tributaire de nombreux autres indicateurs de qualité, y compris la santé. Certains consommateurs considèrent même les produits de la mer et le poulet naturel surgelés comme des substituts de viande et de produits de la mer frais. Cette observation peut avoir des incidences sur l’établissement des prix et la commercialisation de produits de faible valeur.
Referral fees – the business of access to justice
Authors: Higgins Andrew
Published: October 2011

The paper examines the controversial issue of referral fees for personal injury claims. It looks at the function of referral fees in the civil justice system, their relationship to the guarantees of access to court and the right to seek legal assistance in ECHR Art 6, and the debate about promoting access to justice or a litigious society. It examines the experience of the referral fees market in England and Wales, where the costs of referrals have risen dramatically and there is concern that referrers are auctioning their customers to the highest bidder rather than helping them find competent lawyers. Sir Rupert Jackson recommended banning referral fees in his report on the costs of civil litigation, and the Government has announced it will implement this recommendation. The paper considers the potential effects of a ban on competition in the legal services market and its compatibility with UK and EU competition law. The paper argues that a combination of better regulation of the industry and proper regulation of costs rules is a better and more proportionate way of controlling legal costs and the quality of legal services than an outright ban. While referral fees have not delivered all the benefits one would expect from a for-profit independent referrals service, they can help people obtain information about their legal rights, and competent lawyers to enforce them. This service is particularly valuable given that the state has substantially cut public funding of the civil justice system in recent years.
Individual Differences in Third‐Party Interventions: How Justice Sensitivity Shapes Altruistic Punishment
Authors: Lotz Sebastian , Baumert Anna , Schlösser Thomas , Gresser Franz , Fetchenhauer Detlef
Published: October 2011

Altruistic punishment refers to the phenomenon that humans invest their own resources to redress norm violations without self‐interest involved. We address the question of who will intervene in situations that allow for altruistic punishment. We suggest that individual differences in a genuine concern for justice, as reflected by the personality trait of justice sensitivity, determine the experience of moral emotions in the face of injustice, which in turn trigger altruistic punishment. Results of two studies support the proposed mediation effect for other‐regarding justice sensitivity, even though an opportunity for compensation of the victim (Study 2) was offered as an alternative to punishment (Study 1). Furthermore, the mediation effect was observed when moral outrage was measured by means of quantified open statements (Study 1) and self‐report scales using discrete emotions (Study 2). The findings help to explain the psychological mechanisms underlying engagement in costly social sanctioning of norm violations.
Cross‐Cultural Difference in Reactions to Facework During Service Failures
Authors: Friedman Ray , Olekalns Mara , Oh Sehyung (David)
Published: October 2011

When companies have service failures, they need to not only fix the actual problem but also to communicate with customers in ways that do not damage the relationship. This study examines whether people with different cultural orientations react differently to the communications that attack or support community‐related face (positive face) versus autonomy‐related face (negative face). We predicted, and found, that Westerners (Americans) react more strongly than Asians (Koreans and Indians) to autonomy‐related facework. We also predicted, and found, that the emotional impact of community‐related face was stronger for Asians than for Westerners, and that the emotional impact of autonomy‐related face was stronger for Westerners than Asians. Theoretical and practical implications for managing service failures across cultures are discussed.
A taxonomic re‐assessment in the Chinese Bupleurum (Apiaceae): Insights from morphology, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, and chloroplast (trnH‐psbA, matK) sequences
Authors: WANG Chang‐Bao , MA Xiang‐Guang , HE Xing‐Jin
Published: October 2011

Abstract  As one of the big genera in Apiaceae, Bupleurum L. has received considerable attention from plant taxonomists. Nevertheless, there are still many gaps in our knowledge of this genus, especially of those species endemic to China that have often been excluded from previous studies. In spite of a few recent studies on the phylogeny and classification of the Chinese Bupleurum, the most essential problem of species delimitation still remains unresolved. We re‐evaluate the taxonomy of the Chinese Bupleurum using morphological and molecular evidence. Careful observations of living plants growing the field and herbarium specimens were made to understand the morphological variation and to ensure species identification for the molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on sequence data of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), trnH‐psbA, and matK, using parsimony and Bayesian approaches to evaluate species relationships. Analyses of both nrITS and combined datasets of the three regions revealed the following results: (i) the Chinese Bupleurum species were divided into two major lineages; and (ii) most species were well defined, but some traditional inter‐ and infraspecific relationships were not supported. Our results, along with the results of previous works support that the Chinese Bupleurum species were derived from two different lineages and should be placed in Neves and Watson's subgenus Bupleurum. Our detailed taxonomic re‐assessment of several Chinese species resulted in new taxonomic recombinations with rank changes for three species: Bupleurum tenerum, B. amplexicaule, and B. franchetii; new combination for one variety, B. smithii var. flaviflorum; and the description of one variety and one species, B. stenophyllum var. leiocarpum and B. sikangense.
Redefining the components of central CO2 chemosensitivity – towards a better understanding of mechanism
Authors: Huckstepp Robert T. R. , Dale Nicholas
Published: October 2011

Abstract  The field of CO2 chemosensitivity has developed considerably in recent years. There has been a mounting number of competing nuclei proposed as chemosensitive along with an ever increasing list of potential chemosensory transducing molecules. Is it really possible that all of these areas and candidate molecules are involved in the detection of chemosensory stimuli? How do we discriminate rigorously between molecules that are chemosensory transducers at the head of a physiological reflex versus those that just happen to display sensitivity to a chemosensory stimulus? Equally, how do we differentiate between nuclei that have a primary chemosensory function, versus those that are relays in the pathway? We have approached these questions by proposing rigorous definitions for the different components of the chemosensory reflex, going from the salient molecules and ions, through the components of transduction to the identity of chemosensitive cells and chemosensitive nuclei. Our definitions include practical and rigorous experimental tests that can be used to establish the identity of these components. We begin by describing the need for central CO2 chemosensitivity and the problems that the field has faced. By comparing chemosensory mechanisms to those in the visual system we suggest stricter definitions for the components of the chemosensory pathway. We then, considering these definitions, re‐evaluate current knowledge of chemosensory transduction, and propose the ‘multiple salient signal hypothesis’ as a framework for understanding the multiplicity of transduction mechanisms and brain areas seemingly involved in chemosensitivity.
Mechanical properties and neural control of human hand motor units
Authors: Fuglevand Andrew J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Motor units serve both as the mechanical apparatus and the final stage of neural processing through which motor behaviours are enacted. Therefore, knowledge about the contractile properties and organization of the neural inputs to motor units supplying finger muscles is essential for understanding the control strategies underlying the diverse motor functions of the human hand. In this brief review, basic contractile properties of motor units residing in human hand muscles are described. Hand motor units are not readily categorized into the classical physiological types as established in the cat gastrocnemius muscle. In addition, the distribution of descending synaptic inputs to motor nuclei supplying different hand muscles is outlined. Motor neurons innervating intrinsic muscles appear to have relatively independent lines of input from supraspinal centres whereas substantial divergence of descending input is seen across motor nuclei supplying extrinsic hand muscles. The functional significance of such differential organizations of descending inputs for the control of hand movements is discussed.
Effects of Dimensional Reduction Techniques on Structural Damage Assessment Under Uncertainty
Authors: Lopez Israel , Sarigul-Klijn Nesrin
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present a study of dimensional reduction techniques for structural damage assessment of time-varying structures under uncertainty. Discrete tracking of the frequency response and the mode shape curvature index method is employed to perform damage assessment. Assessment of spontaneous damage in deteriorating structures is important as it can have potential benefits in improving their safety and performance. Most of the available damage assessment techniques incorporate the usage of system identification and classification techniques for detecting damage, location, and/or severity; however, much work is needed in the area of dimensional reduction in order to compress the ever-increasing data and facilitate decision-making in damage assessment classification. A comparison of dimensional reduction techniques is presented and evaluated in terms of separating damaged from undamaged data sets under two types of uncertainty, structural deterioration and environmental uncertainties. The use of a recursive principal component analysis for detecting and tracking structural deterioration and spontaneous damage is evaluated via computational simulations. The results of this study reveal that dimensional reduction techniques can greatly enhance structural damage assessment under uncertainties. This paper compares multiple dimensional reduction techniques by identifying their weaknesses and strengths.
Band-Gap Tuned Direct Absorption for a Hybrid Concentrating Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal System
Authors: Otanicar Todd P. , Chowdhury Ihtesham , Prasher Ravi , Phelan Patrick E.
Published: October 2011

Two methods often proposed for harnessing renewable energy, photovoltaics and solar thermal, both utilize the power of the sun. Each of these systems independently presents unique engineering challenges but when coupled together the challenge intensifies due to competing operating requirements. Recent research has demonstrated these hybrid systems for low-temperature applications but there exists limited studies at higher concentration ratios, and thus higher temperatures. What these studies have shown is that keeping the photovoltaic (PV) cell temperature low keeps the overall system efficiency relatively high but results in low efficiencies from the thermal system. This study presents a unique design strategy for a hybrid PV/thermal system that only has mild thermal coupling which can lead to enhanced efficiency. By creating a fluid filter that absorbs energy directly in the fluid below the band-gap and a PV cell with an active cooling strategy combined efficiencies greater than 38% can be achieved.
Comprehensive Product Platform Planning (CP3) Framework
Authors: Chowdhury Souma , Messac Achille , Khire Ritesh A
Published: October 2011

Development of a family of products that satisfies different market niches introduces significant challenges to today’s manufacturing industries—from development time to aftermarket services. A product family with a common platform paradigm offers a powerful solution to these daunting challenges. This paper presents a new approach, the Comprehensive Product Platform Planning (CP3) framework, to design optimal product platforms. The CP3 framework formulates a generalized mathematical model for the complex platform planning process. This model (i) is independent of the solution strategy, (ii) allows the formation of sub-families of products, (iii) allows the simultaneous identification of platform design variables and the determination of the corresponding variable values, and (iv) seeks to avoid traditional distinctions between modular and scalable product families from the optimization standpoint. The CP3 model yields a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, which is carefully reformulated to allow for the application of continuous optimization using a novel Platform Segregating Mapping Function (PSMF). The PSMF can be employed using any standard global optimization methodology (hence not restrictive); particle swarm optimization has been used in this paper. A preliminary cost function is developed to represent the cost of a product family as a function of the number of products manufactured and the commonality among these products. The proposed CP3 framework is successfully implemented on a family of universal electric motors. Key observations are made regarding the sensitivity of the optimized product platform to the intended production volume.
Degree Distribution and Quality in Complex Engineered Systems
Authors: Sosa Manuel , Mihm Jürgen , Browning Tyson
Published: October 2011

Complex engineered systems tend to have architectures in which a small subset of components exhibits a disproportional number of linkages. Such components are known as hubs. This paper examines the degree distribution of systems to identify the presence of hubs and quantify the fraction of hub components. We examine how the presence and fraction of hubs relate to a system’s quality. We provide empirical evidence that the presence of hubs in a system’s architecture is associated with a low number of defects. Furthermore, we show that complex engineered systems may have an optimal fraction of hub components with respect to system quality. Our results suggest that architects and managers aiming to improve the quality of complex system designs must proactively identify and manage the use of hubs. Our paper provides a data-driven approach for identifying appropriate target levels of hub usage.
Towards an all-track 300 mm process for directed self-assembly
Authors: Liu Chi-Chun , Thode Christopher J. , Rincon Delgadillo Paulina A. , Craig Gordon S. W. , Nealey Paul F. , Gronheid Roel
Published: October 2011

This study modifies the authors’ previously reported directed self-assembly (DSA) process of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) in order to meet the throughput and material-related requirements of a semiconductor manufacturing environment. It is demonstrated that all of the bottleneck steps in the authors’ DSA process, including the deposition of the cross-linkable mat and the deposition of the brush layer, can be done in minutes on a hot plate in an N2 atmosphere, which simulates the processing environment of a lithography track module. A 25-nm-pitch pattern resulting from a 4:1 density multiplication was demonstrated with a manufacturing-compatible organic solvent. A preliminary uniformity study on 300 mm wafers was also presented. The modified DSA process presents a viable solution to some of the anticipated throughput-related challenges to DSA commercialization and thus, brings integration of DSA within reach of the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
PrMnO3 Prepared by the Citrate Gel Method, Studied by XPS
Authors: Glisenti Antonella , Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro
Published: October 2011

In the present work a praseodymium manganite powder synthesized by means of the citric acid method is investigated by means of XPS. Besides the wide scan spectra, detailed spectra for the Pr 3d, Pr 4d, Mn 2p and O 1s regions and related data are presented and discussed. The praseodymium peaks position and shape suggest the presence of Pr(III) in oxide systems; Mn 2p peak is consistent with the presence of Mn(III) and/or Mn(IV) in oxides. The Pr/Mn atomic ratio ranges around 1; the O/(Pr+Mn) atomic ratio is higher than the expected value confirming the surface hydroxylation and carbonation.
Computer-assisted experiments with an inductance coil
Authors: Kraftmakher Yaakov
Published: October 2011

Experiments with inductance coils become more convenient and informative when a data-acquisition system is used; some of these experiments are also excellent lecture demonstrations. The role of ferromagnetic cores in coils can be shown by performing all measurements twice, once with and once without the core.
A single molecule DNA flow stretching microscope for undergraduates
Authors: Williams Kelly , Grafe Brendan , Burke Kathryn M. , Tanner Nathan , van Oijen Antoine M. , Loparo Joseph , Price Allen C.
Published: October 2011

The design of a simple, safe, and inexpensive single molecule flow stretching instrument is presented. The instrument uses a low cost upright microscope coupled to a webcam for imaging single DNA molecules that are tethered in an easy to construct microfluidic flow cell. The system requires no special vibration isolation and is capable of measuring DNA replication at the single molecule level. We discuss two laboratory experiments suitable for advanced undergraduates using our microscope.
Student understanding of calorimetry in introductory calculus-based physics
Authors: Christensen Warren M. , Meltzer David E. , Nguyen Ngoc-Loan
Published: October 2011

We report on students’ thinking regarding calorimetry concepts in an introductory calculus-based physics course. We found that despite overall good performance, only about half of the students were able to provide correct answers with satisfactory explanations. A number of persistent student difficulties were found to affect approximately 40% of the students even after instruction, including apparent confusion about the meaning of specific heat and misunderstanding of the nature of thermal energy exchange. Student response patterns varied significantly depending on the context of the question and often reasoning did not appear to be consistent among contexts, instead favoring “rule-based” reasoning. Interviews with students suggest that difficulty with algebraic manipulations is a significant contributor to incorrect responses on calorimetry questions.
α-Synuclein Promotes Neuroprotection Through NF-κB–Mediated Transcriptional Regulation of Protein Kinase Cδ
Authors: Aoki Reina , Li Yun Rose
Published: October 2011

α-Synuclein may protect dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis by reducing the abundance of a kinase involved in cell death.
Two Ways to Breathe Easier Without iNOS
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2011

Inducible nitric oxide synthase in distinct cell types contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension.
In Vitro
Acquisition of Secondary Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates after Prolonged Exposure to Itraconazole: Presence of Heteroresistant Populations
Authors: Escribano Pilar , Recio Sandra , Peláez Teresa , González-Rivera Milagros , Bouza Emilio , Guinea Jesús
Published: October 2011

Secondary resistance to azoles in
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates from patients taking long-term itraconazole therapy has been described. We studied the acquisition of secondary azole resistance in 20
A. fumigatus
isolates with no mutations at codon 54, 98, 138, 220, 432, or 448 in the
cyp51A
gene. Adjusted conidium inocula (3 × 10
7
CFU/ml) of each isolate were prepared and progressively or directly exposed to increasing itraconazole concentrations, ranging from 0.5 μg/ml to 16 μg/ml. Itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole MICs were determined using the CLSI M38-A2 procedure before (MIC
initial
) and after (MIC
final
) exposure to itraconazole. In both procedures, the MIC
final
was significantly higher than the MIC
initial
. However, after progressive exposure to itraconazole, the MICs of the three azoles were higher than after direct exposure. No mutations were found at codon 54, 98, 138, 220, 432, or 448 in the
cyp51A
gene of isolates growing at the highest concentration of itraconazole. More concentrated conidium inocula (2 × 10
9
CFU/ml) plated in itraconazole at 4 μg/ml revealed the presence of heteroresistant populations in two initially wild-type isolates. These isolates became resistant to itraconazole and posaconazole only after use of the concentrated inoculum. These heteroresistant isolates harbored a mutation at codon G54, and the MICs of itraconazole and posaconazole were >16 μg/ml. In all procedures,
A. fumigatus
short tandem repeat (STR
Af
) typing was used to demonstrate that the genotype did not change before or after exposure to itraconazole.
Treatment of Early and Established Cryptococcus neoformans Infection with Radiolabeled Antibodies in Immunocompetent Mice
Authors: Jiang Zewei , Bryan Ruth A. , Morgenstern Alfred , Bruchertseifer Frank , Casadevall Arturo , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: October 2011

We investigated the utility of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) in early and established cryptococcal infection in immunocompetent mice. RIT with
213
Bi-18B7 antibody completely eliminated fungus from mouse lungs and brains for early infection, while
188
Re-18B7 significantly reduced CFU in the lungs or both lungs and brains during early and established infection, respectively. The results point to the independence of RIT of the immune status of the host, which is encouraging for translation of this strategy into the clinic.
A PBP 2 Mutant Devoid of the Transpeptidase Domain Abolishes Spermine–β-Lactam Synergy in Staphylococcus aureus Mu50
Authors: Yao Xiangyu , Lu Chung-Dar
Published: October 2011

Exogenous spermine was reported to enhance the killing of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) by β-lactams through a strong synergistic effect of unknown nature. Spermine alone also exerts an antimicrobial activity against
S. aureus
in a pH-dependent manner. MIC measurements revealed stronger effects of spermine under alkaline conditions, suggesting the nucleophilic property of spermine instead of its positive charge as the cause of adverse effects. A spontaneous suppressor mutant (MuM) of MRSA Mu50 was selected for spermine resistance and conferred complete abolishment of spermine–β-lactam synergy. In comparison to that in Mu50, the spermine MIC in MuM remained constant (64 mM) at pH 6 to 8; however, MuM, a heat-sensitive mutant, also grew in a very narrow pH range. Furthermore, MuM acquired a unique phenotype of vancomycin-spermine synergy. Genome resequencing revealed a 7-bp deletion in
pbpB
, which results in a truncated penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP 2) without the transpeptidase domain at the C terminus while the N-terminal transglycosidase domain remains intact. The results of fluorescent Bocillin labeling experiments confirmed the presence of this defective PBP 2 in MuM. All the aforementioned phenotypes of MuM were reverted to those of Mu50 after complementation by the wild-type
pbpB
carried on a recombinant plasmid. The anticipated changes in cell wall metabolism and composition in MuM were evidenced by observations that the cell wall of MuM was more susceptible to enzyme hydrolysis and that MuM exhibited a lower level of autolytic activities. Pleiotropic alterations in gene expression were revealed by microarray analysis, suggesting a remarkable flexibility of MuM to circumvent cell wall damage by triggering adaptations that are complex but completely different from that of the cell wall stress stimulon. In summary, these results reveal phenotypic changes and transcriptome adaptations in a unique
pbpB
mutant and provide evidence to support the idea that exogenous spermine may perturb normal cell wall formation through its interactions with PBP 2.
In Vitro
Pharmacodynamics of Vancomycin and Cefazolin Alone and in Combination against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hagihara Mao , Wiskirchen Dora E. , Kuti Joseph L. , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2011

Previous studies employing time-kill methods have observed synergistic effects against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) when a β-lactam is combined with vancomycin. However, these time-kill studies have neglected the importance of human-simulated exposures. We evaluated the effect of human simulated exposures of vancomycin at 1 g every 8 h (q8h) in combination with cefazolin at 1 g q8h against various MRSA isolates. Four clinical isolates (two MRSA isolates [vancomycin MICs, 0.5 and 2.0 μg/ml], a heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
[hVISA] isolate [MIC, 2.0 μg/ml], and a vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
[VISA] isolate [MIC, 8.0 μg/ml]) were evaluated in an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model with a starting inoculum of 10
6
or 10
8
CFU/ml. Bacterial density was measured over 48 to 72 h. Time-kill curves were constructed, and the area under the bacterial killing and regrowth curve (AUBC) was calculated. During 10
6
CFU/ml studies, combination therapy achieved greater log
10
CFU/ml changes than vancomycin alone at 12 h (−4.31 ± 0.58 versus −2.80 ± 0.59,
P
< 0.001), but not at 48 h. Combination therapy significantly reduced the AUBC from 0 to 48 h (122 ± 14) compared with vancomycin alone (148 ± 22,
P
= 0.017). Similar results were observed during 10
8
CFU/ml studies, where combination therapy achieved greater log
10
CFU/ml changes at 12 h than vancomycin alone (−4.00 ± 0.20 versus −1.10 ± 0.04,
P
< 0.001) and significantly reduced the AUBC (275 ± 30 versus 429 ± 37,
P
< 0.001) after 72 h of incubation. In this study, the combination of vancomycin and cefazolin at human-simulated exposures improved the rate of kill against these MRSA isolates and resulted in greater overall antibacterial effect, but no differences in bacterial density were observed by the end of the experiments.
Antibacterial Role for Natural Killer Cells in Host Defense to Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Gonzales Christine M. , Williams Courtney B. , Calderon Veronica E. , Huante Matthew B. , Moen Scott T. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Baze Wallace B. , Peterson Johnny W. , Endsley Janice J.
Published: October 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells have innate antibacterial activity that could be targeted for clinical interventions for infectious disease caused by naturally occurring or weaponized bacterial pathogens. To determine a potential role for NK cells in immunity toBacillus anthracis, we utilized primary human and murine NK cells,in vitroassays, andin vivoNK cell depletion in a murine model of inhalational anthrax. Our results demonstrate potent antibacterial activity by human NK cells againstB. anthracisbacilli within infected autologous monocytes. Surprisingly, NK cells also mediate moderate antibacterial effects on extracellular vegetative bacilli but do not have activity against extracellular or intracellular spores. The immunosuppressive anthrax lethal toxin impairs NK gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression, but neither lethal nor edema toxin significantly alters the viability or cytotoxic effector function of NK cells. Compared to human NK cells, murine NK cells have a similar, though less potent, activity against intracellular and extracellularB. anthracis. Thein vivodepletion of murine NK cells does not alter animal survival following intranasal infection withB. anthracisspores in our studies but significantly increases the bacterial load in the blood of infected animals. Our studies demonstrate that NK cells participate in the innate immune response againstB. anthracisand suggest that immune modulation to augment NK cell function in early stages of anthrax should be further explored in animal models as a clinical intervention strategy.
STABILITY CONDITIONS ON GENERIC COMPLEX TORI
Authors: MEINHARDT S.
Published: October 2011

In this paper we describe a simply connected component of the complex manifold Stab(X) of stability conditions on a generic complex torus X. A generic complex torus is a complex torus X with Hp,p(X) ∩ H2p(X, ℤ) = 0 for all 0 < p < dim X.
HERMITIAN–EINSTEIN CONNECTIONS ON PRINCIPAL BUNDLES OVER FLAT AFFINE MANIFOLDS
Authors: BISWAS INDRANIL , LOFTIN JOHN
Published: October 2011

Let M be a compact connected special flat affine manifold without boundary equipped with a Gauduchon metric g and a covariant constant volume form. Let G be either a connected reductive complex linear algebraic group or the real locus of a split real form of a complex reductive group. We prove that a flat principal G-bundle EG over M admits a Hermitian–Einstein structure if and only if EG is polystable. A polystable flat principal G-bundle over M admits a unique Hermitian–Einstein connection. We also prove the existence and uniqueness of a Harder–Narasimhan filtration for flat vector bundles over M. We prove a Bogomolov type inequality for semistable vector bundles under the assumption that the Gauduchon metric g is astheno-Kähler.
Forensic identification by computer-aided craniofacial superimposition
Authors: Damas Sergio , Cordón Oscar , Ibáñez Oscar , Santamaría Jose , Alemán Inmaculada , Botella Miguel , Navarro Fernando
Published: October 2011

Craniofacial superimposition is a forensic process in which a photograph of a missing person is compared with a skull found to determine its identity. After one century of development, craniofacial superimposition has become an interdisciplinary research field where computer sciences have acquired a key role as a complement of forensic sciences. Moreover, the availability of new digital equipment (such as computers and 3D scanners) has resulted in a significant advance in the applicability of this forensic identification technique. The purpose of this contribution is twofold. On the one hand, we aim to clearly define the different stages involved in the computer-aided craniofacial superimposition process. Besides, we aim to clarify the role played by computers in the methods considered.

In order to accomplish these objectives, an up-to-date review of the recent works is presented along with a discussion of advantages and drawbacks of the existing approaches, with an emphasis on the automatic ones. Future case studies will be easily categorized by identifying which stage is tackled and which kind of computer-aided approach is chosen to face the identification problem. Remaining challenges are indicated and some directions for future research are given.