bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REENTRY COURTS: PROVIDING A SECOND CHANCE FOR INCARCERATED MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN
Authors: McGrath Erin
Published: January 2012

Each year many incarcerated mothers are released from prison and must endure the difficult process of prisoner reentry. The rate of recidivism remains significantly high among this transitioning population, which negatively affects many children. The traditional parole system has not adequately addressed the complexities of a mother‐prisoner's reentry and reunification with her child. This Note proposes that states should expand or adopt the use of problem solving parole courts, or “Reentry Courts” to support a mother and her child through the transition from prison to home. Reentry Courts provide a multi‐agency coordinated solution, which utilizes judicial authority for women seeking to transform their lives and reunify with their children upon their release from prison.
A REVIEW OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO PREPARE PARENTS FOR CUSTODY AND VISITATION MEDIATION
Authors: Kitzmann Katherine M. , Parra Gilbert R. , Jobe‐Shields Lisa
Published: January 2012

Mediation orientation programs are an increasingly common resource for parents preparing to mediate custody and visitation disputes. In this paper, we review empirical studies on program effectiveness and describe a range of programs in the U.S. Most are brief and psychoeducational in nature, focusing on the mediation process and the effects of conflict on children. Programs typically provide information through reading materials, slides, and videos, either in a group setting or online. Few evaluate program effectiveness. We offer suggestions for program evaluation and introduce an assessment‐based framework for providing individualized services for parents.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Few Mediation Orientation programs have been empirically evaluated.

Useful research designs would include (1) assessing participants both before and after the program and (2) comparing program participants to non‐participants.

The psychoeducational components of Mediation Orientation programs may need to be tailored for low‐ and high‐conflict couples.
Mechanisms underlying in vivo polysaccharide‐specific immunoglobulin responses to intact extracellular bacteria
Authors: Snapper Clifford M.
Published: January 2012

Polysaccharides (PS) have historically been viewed as T cell–independent antigens. However, in this paper I propose a new concept, based on substantial data from my laboratory over the previous 10 years, that during infections with PS‐encapsulated extracellular bacteria, PS‐specific IgG responses are largely CD4+ T cell dependent. Thus, capsular PS is typically encountered by the immune system covalently attached to the underlying subcapsular bacterial domain. I speculate that noncovalent association of PS with immunogenic proteins within the bacterial particle leads to recruitment of protein‐specific CD4+ T cell help for the anti‐PS response. However, differences in the composition and/or structure of the subcapsular domain of different extracellular bacteria may result in distinct anti‐PS responses as well as differential effects on the immune response to coimmunizing soluble antigens. CD4+ T cell help for IgG anti‐PS responses during infections with extracellular bacteria is likely to promote opsonic clearance of these rapidly growing pathogens. However, the expression of immunosuppressive components by certain bacteria may also serve to dampen such responses.
T cell–B cell interactions in primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Tangye Stuart G. , Deenick Elissa K. , Palendira Umaimainthan , Ma Cindy S.
Published: January 2012

Regulated interactions between cells of the immune system facilitate the generation of successful immune responses, thereby enabling efficient neutralization and clearance of pathogens and the establishment of both cell‐ and humoral‐mediated immunological memory. The corollary of this is that impediments to efficient cell–cell interactions, normally necessary for differentiation and effector functions of immune cells, underly the clinical features and disease pathogenesis of primary immunodeficiencies. In affected individuals, these defects manifest as impaired long‐term humoral immunity and susceptibility to infection by specific pathogens. In this review, we discuss the importance of, and requirements for, effective interactions between B cells and T cells during the formation of CD4+ T follicular helper cells and the elicitation of cytotoxic function of virus‐specific CD8+ T cells, as well as how these processes are abrogated in primary immunodeficiencies due to loss‐of‐function mutations in defined genes.
Siglecs as sensors of self in innate and adaptive immune responses
Authors: Paulson James C. , Macauley Matthew S. , Kawasaki Norihito
Published: January 2012

Siglecs are expressed on most white blood cells of the immune system and are known to modulate the activity of cell signaling receptors via regulatory motifs in their cytoplasmic domains. This immunoglobulin subfamily of coreceptors recognize sialic acid containing glycans as ligands, which are found on glycoproteins and glycolipids of all mammalian cells. By virtue of their ability to recognize this common structural element, siglecs are increasingly recognized for their ability to help immune cells distinguish between self and nonself, and dampen autoimmune responses.
Aging and consumer decision making
Authors: Carpenter Stephanie M. , Yoon Carolyn
Published: January 2012

Research on consumer decision making and aging is especially important for fostering a better understanding of ways to maintain consumer satisfaction and high decision quality across the life span. We provide a review of extant research on the effects of normal aging on cognition and decision processes and how these age‐related processes are influenced by task environment, meaningfulness of the task, and consumer expertise. We consider how research centered on these topics generates insights about changes in consumption decisions that occur with aging and identify a number of gaps and directions for future research.
Changes in Urodynamics and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Prostatectomy: Implications of Preoperative Detrusor Contractility
Authors: MITSUI Takahiko , TANAKA Hiroshi , HARABAYASHI Toru , MORIYA Kimihiko , MARUYAMA Satoru , ABE Takashige , SAZAWA Ataru , SHINOHARA Nobuo , NONOMURA Katsuya
Published: January 2012

Objectives: Our goal was to identify changes in urodynamic parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men followed for1 year after radical prostatectomy (RP) compared to the preoperative measures with a specific focus on detrusor contractility.

Methods: This study enrolled 43 patients who received RP (laparoscopic 27, retropubic: 16) and pressure flow studies (PFS) pre‐RP as well as 12 months (M) after RP. No patients complained of urinary incontinence preoperatively. Urodynamic studies and questionnaires regarding LUTS and urinary continence were conducted before and 12 M after RP. Detrusor underactivity (DU) was defined as <10 (W/m2) in preoperative maximum watts factor value.

Results: Urodynamics demonstrated that RP improved urodynamic parameters by releasing bladder outlet obstruction without affecting overall detrusor contractility. Meanwhile, RP did not affect bladder capacity, bladder compliance, or detrusor contractility. LUTS in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), including the IPSS subscore, was not improved. The quality of life score was significantly better at 12 M after RP and continence rates were gradually improved to be at a satisfactory level in more than 80% of patients by 12 M after RP. DU was preoperatively identified in 21(49%) patients, influencing urodynamic parameters and LUTS preoperatively. However, DU did not affect urodynamic parameters and LUTS after RP.

Conclusion: Although RP improves urodynamic parameters, it does not significantly affect LUTS. Urinary continence gradually improves and is satisfactory within 1 year after RP. The status of preoperative detrusor contractility did not affect urodynamic parameters or LUTS after RP.
EBUS and EUS guided fine needle aspirations for molecular diagnostic analysis in lung cancer
Authors: van der Heijden Henricus F.M. , Looijen‐Salamon Monika G. , Schuurbiers Olga C.J. , Bussink Johan , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J.L.
Published: January 2012

In daily clinical practice the diagnosis of lung cancer is often based on cytological specimens. These cytological samples are increasingly obtained by ultrasound‐guided techniques with fine needle aspirations. Recent developments have shown that transesophageal ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) and endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial fine needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) are minimally invasive diagnostic and staging procedures that have shown to be highly sensitive and accurate. Although several studies have shown that these cytological samples allow for reliable diagnosis and sub classification of non‐small cell lung cancer, cytological samples for molecular analysis are not yet routinely used. In this paper we review the current literature regarding the results of molecular analysis of samples obtained by EUS‐FNA and/or EBUS‐TBNA, focusing on the targets for currently available treatments of non‐small cell lung cancer like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (KRAS) and Echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 gene anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene translocation (EML4‐ALK). We conclude that the cytological samples obtained by endosonography guided fine needle aspirations (EUS and EBUS) are highly accurate for molecular analysis. This analysis can be performed reliably in the vast majority of patients in daily practice.
Justice Sector Dynamics in Timor‐Leste: Institutions and Individuals
Authors: Marriott Andrew
Published: January 2012

Much attention has been directed to the creation of new institutions and processes in postconflict Timor‐Leste; less emphasis has yet been placed on the individuals who operate and navigate this still incomplete system. Justice sector institutions function with practical constraints of budget and logistics, but are also subject to indirect pressures from the political sphere. Legal professionals face an unenviable situation in various respects—due to linguistic and, increasingly, regulatory hurdles, many are unable to enter courtroom practice. Those who do find work in a tribunal setting are often faced with daunting casework backlogs and unclear responsibilities, which may produce insular and defensive professional cultures. Outside the courts, jurists are leveraging influence as political operators, and informally as conduits of state‐oriented information to their communities. This article, comprising research toward the author's doctorate, considers the interplay of process and personality in the Timorese justice sector and discusses implications for development.
Can Perceived Burdensomeness Explain the Relationship Between Suicide and Perfectionism?
Authors: Rasmussen Kathy A. , Slish Meredith L. , Wingate La Ricka R. , Davidson Collin L. , Grant De Mond M.
Published: January 2012

The perception of being a burden to others has been associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. Maladaptive aspects of perfectionism have also been associated with suicidal thinking and behavior. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether perceived burdensomeness would act as a mediator between maladaptive perfectionism and suicidal ideation. Results indicated that perceived burdensomeness mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and suicidal ideation, which suggest that the perception of burdensomeness may be one aspect of the mechanism by which perfectionism can lead to such psychological distress that it becomes a predictor of suicidal ideation. Clinical implications of this relationship are discussed.
Shifting Power? Assessing the Impact of Transparency and Accountability Initiatives
Authors: McGee Rosie , Gaventa John
Published: January 2012

Accountability and transparency initiatives have taken democratisation, governance, aid and development circles by storm since the turn of the century. Many actors involved with them – as donors, funders, programme managers, implementers and researchers – are now keen to know more about what these initiatives are achieving.

This paper arises from a review of the impact and effectiveness of transparency and accountability initiatives which gathered and analysed existing evidence, discussed how it could be improved, and evaluated how impact and effectiveness could be enhanced. This paper takes the discussion further, by delving into what lies behind the methodological and evaluative debates currently surrounding governance and accountability work. It illustrates how choices about methods are made in the context of impact assessment designs driven by different objectives and different ideological and epistemological underpinnings. We argue that these differences are articulated as methodological debates, obscuring vital issues underlying accountability work, which are about power and politics, not methodological technicalities.

In line with this argument, there is a need to re‐think what impact means in relation to accountability initiatives, and to governance and social change efforts more broadly. This represents a serious challenge to the prevailing impact paradigm, posed by the realities of unaccountable governance, unproven accountability programming and uncertain evidence of impact. A learning approach to evaluation and final impact assessment would give power and politics a central place in monitoring and evaluation systems, continually test and revise assumptions about theories of change and ensure the engagement of marginalised people in assessment processes. Such an approach is essential if donors and policy makers are to develop a reliable evidence base to demonstrate that transparency and accountability work is of real value to poor and vulnerable people.
The Impact of Armed Civil Conflict on Household Welfare and Policy
Authors: Justino Patricia
Published: January 2012

This paper offers a framework for analysing the effects of armed conflicts on households and the ways in which households in turn respond to and cope with the conflicts. It distinguishes between direct and indirect effects, and shows that the indirect effects are channelled through (i) markets, (ii) political institutions, and (iii) social networks. Drawing upon the recent empirical literature, the paper portrays the processes running along these various channels and offers policy suggestions to be adopted at both national and international levels.
Afghan Values or Women's Rights? Gendered Narratives about Continuity and Change in Urban Afghanistan
Authors: Kabeer Naila , Khan Ayesha , Adlparvar Naysan
Published: January 2012

There is considerable debate about the extent to which gender equality and womens' rights are universal values. This debate has been particularly heated in Afghanistan where the violation of women's rights by the Taliban regime was one justification used by the US and its allies for their invasion of the country. There is, however, very little research on how ordinary Afghan women view their lives and their place within a highly patriarchal society and how their views might fit into these debates. This paper explores these issues using in‐depth qualitative interviews with 12 Hazara women and their husbands in Kabul. These women are all associates of microfinance organisations and the paper also explores the extent to which access to microfinance has contributed to changes in their attitudes and relationships with others in their families and communities. The paper finds that microfinance is only one of the many changes that these women and their families have experienced in the course of their lives. While many of these changes have been extremely traumatic, they have also expanded women's horizons, opening up the possibility of new ways of organising gender relations within the family and community. The paper concludes that while the Afghan women in the study may not espouse the idea of individual rights, they would like to see a fairer gender distribution of rights and responsibilities.
Predicting Blade Leading Edge Erosion in an Axial Induced Draft Fan
Authors: Corsini Alessandro , Marchegiani Andrea , Rispoli Franco , Venturini Paolo , Sheard Anthony G.
Published: January 2012

Induced draft fans extract coal fired boiler combustion products, including particles of un-burnt coal and ash. As a consequence of the particles, the axial fan blades’ leading edges are subject to erosion. Erosion results in the loss of the blade leading edge aerodynamic profile and a reduction of blade chord and effective camber that together degrade aerodynamic performance. An experimental study demonstrated that while the degradation of aerodynamic performance begins gradually, it collapses as blade erosion reaches a critical limit. This paper presents a numerical study on the evolution of blade leading edge erosion patterns in an axial induced draft fan. The authors calculated particle trajectories using an in-house computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solver coupled with a trajectory predicting solver based on an original finite element interpolation scheme. The numerical study clarifies the influence of flow structure, initial blade geometry, particle size, and concentration on erosion pattern.
Stall Inception, Evolution and Control in a Low Speed Axial Fan With Variable Pitch in Motion
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Corsini Alessandro , Mazzucco Luca , Monteleone Lucilla , Sheard Anthony G.
Published: January 2012

Obtaining the right pitch in turbomachinery blading is crucial to efficient and successful operations. Engineers adjust the rotor’s pitch angle to control the production or absorption of power. Even for low speed fans this is a promising tool. This paper focuses on the inception and the evolution of the flow instabilities in the tip region which drive the stall onset in low speed axial fans. The authors conducted an experimental study to investigate the inception patterns of rotating stall evolution at different rotor blade stagger-angle settings with the aim of speculating on stable operating margin. The authors drove the fan to stall at the design stagger-angle setting and then operated the variable pitch mechanism in order to recover the unstable operation. They measured pressure fluctuations in the tip region of the low-speed axial-flow fan fitted with a variable pitch in motion mechanism, with flush mounted probes. The authors studied the flow mechanisms for spike and modal stall inceptions in this low-speed axial-flow fan which showed relatively small tip clearance. The authors cross-correlated the pressure fluctuations and analyzed the cross-spectra in order to clarify blade pitch, end wall flow, and tip-leakage flow influences on stall inception during the transient at the rotor blades’ different stagger-angle settings. The authors observed a rotating instability near the maximum pressure-rise point at both design and low stagger-angle settings. The stall inception patterns were a spike type at the design stagger-angle setting as a result of the interaction between the incoming flow, tip-leakage flow and end wall backflow.
Computational Modeling of Shear-Based Hemolysis Caused by Renal Obstruction
Authors: Segalova Polina A. , Venkateswara Rao K. T. , Zarins Christopher K. , Taylor Charles A.
Published: January 2012

As endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) gains popularity, it is becoming possible to treat certain challenging aneurysmal anatomies with endografts relying on suprarenal fixation. In such anatomies, the bare struts of the device may be placed across the renal artery ostia, causing partial obstruction to renal artery blood flow. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate blood flow from the aorta to the renal arteries, utilizing patient-specific boundary conditions, in three patient models and calculate the degree of shear-based blood damage (hemolysis). We used contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from three AAA patients who were treated with a novel endograft to build patient-specific models. For each of the three patients, we constructed a baseline model and endoframe model. The baseline model was a direct representation of the patient’s 30-day post-operative CTA data. This model was then altered to create the endoframe model, which included a ring of metallic struts across the renal artery ostia. CFD was used to simulate blood flow, utilizing patient-specific boundary conditions. Pressures, flows, shear stresses, and the normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) were quantified for all patients. The overall differences between the baseline and endoframe models for all three patients were minimal, as measured though pressure, volumetric flow, velocity, and shear stress. The average NIH across the three baseline and endoframe models was 0.002 and 0.004, respectively. Results of CFD modeling show that the overall disturbance to flow caused by the presence of the endoframe struts is minimal. The magnitude of the NIH in all models was well below the accepted design and safety threshold for implantable medical devices that interact with blood flow.
EFFECT OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK WITH THRESHOLD CONTROL ON STOCHASTIC RESONANCE OF BI-STABLE SYSTEMS
Authors: YANG RENHUAN , SONG AIGUO
Published: January 2012

It is important to magnify natural stochastic resonance of nonlinear systems. In this paper, positive feedback is proposed to enhance stochastic resonance of those nonlinear systems whose internal parameters are difficult or impossible to be adjusted. The method can be used to improve the response of these nonlinear systems to external stimulus or strengthen the effect of target manipulation. At first, theoretical analysis based on adiabatic approximation method is presented, and then numerical simulations for both hard potential system and soft potential system are conducted to demonstrate the proposed method. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation indicate that stochastic resonance of these systems can be magnified by positive feedback.
NONRECIPROCAL MULTIFERROIC SUPERLATTICES WITH BROKEN PARITY SYMMETRY
Authors: TANG ZHENGHUA , ZHANG WEIYI
Published: January 2012

Multiferroic materials are characterized by the coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic (or antiferromagnetic) orders, the coupling to lattice vibration can be invoked either through piezoelectric or piezomagnetic effects. In this paper, the polaritonic band structures of multiferroic superlattices composed of oppositely polarized domains are investigated using the generalized transfer matrix method. For the primitive cell with broken parity symmetry, the polaritonic band structure is asymmetrical with respect to the forward and backward propagation directions (nonreciprocality). In particular, the band extreme points move away from the Brillouin zone center. This asymmetry in band-gap positions and widths can be used to design compact one-way optical isolators, while the extremely slow light velocities near the asymmetrical upper edges of lower bands includes the essential ingredients for designing slow light devices.
SOUND SOURCE LOCALIZATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE IN REAL TIME WITH REDUNDANCY CHECKS
Authors: ZHU NA , WU SEAN F.
Published: January 2012

Triangulation is commonly used for source localization and most triangulation applications are based on intersection of the bearing direction to locate a source on a two-dimensional plane. In this paper, two new mathematical models (a basic model and an improved one) that expands the traditional triangulation concept to three-dimensional space are developed to locate multiple incoherent sound sources. The basic model uses four microphones and concentrates on solving a set of three quadratic equations simultaneously. The improved model requires more than four microphones and uses the solution from the basic model, as well as analyzing the intersection of bearing angles. Redundancy checks on the time differences of arrival are added to further reduce the source localization error in the improved model. Moreover, the input data are pre-processed and de-noised through filtering and windowing to enhance the effective signal to noise ratio. Various sound sources are tested, including transient, impulsive, continuous, broad-band, and narrow-band sounds. Numerical simulations and experimental validation using the real world sound sources are conducted. The impacts of the source direction/source detection range on the accuracy of source localization results are examined and discussed.
SHOT NOISE SUPPRESSION IN INDIVIDUAL AND SERIES ARRAYS OF MAGNETIC TUNNEL JUNCTIONS
Authors: GOKCE AISHA , STEARRETT RYAN , NOWAK E. R. , NORDMAN C.
Published: January 2012

Charge-current shot noise is investigated in single magnetic tunnel junctions and devices having multiple junctions that are connected in series. The ratio of the measured shot noise in single junctions to the expected Poisson value, namely the Fano factor, F, is observed to vary from 1 to well below 0.5. Deviations from F = 1 are attributed to localized states (defects) located in the tunnel barrier or at the interfaces with the magnetic electrodes. For series arrays of junctions, the Fano factor scales inversely with the number (1 ≤ N ≤ 30) of junctions in series, even for junctions exhibiting sub-Poissonian (F < 1) shot noise. The 1/N scaling is consistent with the incoherent tunneling of electrons across junctions and indicates that each junction behaves as an individual noise source. The advantages of incorporating series arrays of magnetic tunnel junctions into devices for magnetic field sensing are discussed.
COMPARISON OF 1/f NOISE IN JFETs AND MOSFETs WITH SEVERAL FIGURES OF MERIT
Authors: LEVINZON FELIX A. , VANDAMME L. K. J.
Published: January 2012

Measurement results are presented from 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz of 1/f and thermal noise in different n-JFETs, and n- and p-MOSFETs. The comparison of the 1/f noise is based on Hooge's empirical relation with the 1/f noise parameter α as figure of merit, without suggesting a physical origin. We find that the empirical relation for 1/f noise in MOSFETs and JFETs can be used as a tool to pinpoint the dominant noise source (either ΔN number fluctuations or Δμ mobility fluctuations) and its location, either in the channel or in the parasitic series resistance. Similar relations hold in JFETs and MOSFETs for the 1/f noise corner frequency fc, where thermal and 1/f noise are equal and the ratio fc/fT with fT the unity current gain frequency. The geometry independent parameter α and ratio fc/fT are compared from MOSFETs and JFETs with different channel width (W) and length (L). The results show that very low-noise n-JFETs have a corner frequency fc ≈ 40 Hz, and very low 1/f and thermal noise in agreement with the high W/L ratio and high area WL of the device. Specifically, the equivalent input noise voltage of the investigated JFET IF9030 was about 3.7 nV/√ Hz at 1 Hz, 1.3 nV/√Hz at 10 Hz, and about 0.6 nV/√ Hz (3.6 ×10-19 V2/Hz or Req th noise = 23 Ω) for f ≥ 100 Hz. The 1/f noise parameter α for that JFET is as low as α = 2 × 10-8. This α-value is among the lowest values ever observed. MOSFETs often have α, fc and fc/fT values that are a few decades higher than for JFETs.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTACT INTERFACE, FILM SHEET RESISTANCE AND 1/f NOISE WITH CIRCULAR CONTACTS
Authors: VANDAMME L. K. J.
Published: January 2012

The resistance and noise of films prepared with poor contacts are dominated by the contact interface and for perfect contacts holds that resistance and noise stem from outside the contact interface region. The proposed test pattern to study the different contributions uses one mask. It permits two- and four-point measurements enabling the detection of a weak contribution from outside the contact interface on top of a strong interface contribution. The resistance and noise for poor and perfect contacts are calculated between pairs of circular top electrodes of equal diameters 2r at distances L with L/2r = 10. The dependences of resistance and noise on the contact diameter are quite different for perfect and poor contacts.

1/f noise of films taken from literature are compared in the noise figure of merit K = Cus [ cm 2]/Rsh[Ω]. K is the ratio of 1/f noise normalized for bias, frequency and unit surface to sheet resistance. Materials can be classified based on K-values. Very high K-values point to inhomogeneous electric fields on a microscopic scale (percolation conduction). The contact interface 1/f noise and specific contact resistance are characterized by Cust [ cm 2] and ρct [Ω cm 2]. Reviews of K for films and Cust for interfaces show that 1/f noise is a more sensitive tool than merely the resistance parameters Rsh and ρct.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PALLADIUM NANOPARTICLES IMMOBILIZED ON TiO2 NANOTUBES AS A NEW HIGH ACTIVE ELECTRODE FOR METHANOL ELECTRO-OXIDATION
Authors: HOSSEINI M. G. , MOMENI M. M. , KHALILPUR H.
Published: January 2012

Self-organized TiO2 nanotubes/titanium substrate modified with palladium nanoparticles ( Pd/TiO2/Ti electrodes) were prepared by a two-step process consisting of anodizing of titanium plate followed by electroless plating of palladium on resulted TiO2 nanotubes. The morphology and surface analysis of Pd/TiO2/Ti electrodes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. The results indicated that palladium nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes. The electro-catalytic activity of Pd/TiO2/Ti electrodes in the methanol electro-oxidation was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The results indicate that Pd/TiO2/Ti electrode improve the electro-catalytic activity for methanol oxidation greatly and confirmed the better electro-catalytic activity and stability of these new electrodes. So, the Pd/TiO2/Ti electrodes have a good application potential to fuel cells.
In vitro insulin-mimetic activity and in vivo metallokinetic feature of oxovanadium(IV)porphyrin complexes in healthy rats
Authors: Saha Tapan K. , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Yasui Hirouki , Sakurai Hiromu
Published: January 2012

We prepared [meso-tetrakis(4-carboxylatophenyl)porphyrinato]oxovanadium(IV) tetrasodium, ([VO(tcpp)]Na4), and investigated its in vitro insulin-mimetic activity and in vivo metallokinetic feature in healthy rats. The results were compared with those of previously proposed insulin-mimetic oxovanadium(IV)porphyrin complexes and oxovanadium(IV) sulphate. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity and bioavailability of [VO(tcpp)]Na4 were considerably better than those of [meso-tetrakis (1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrinato]oxovanadium(IV)(4+) tetraperchlorate ([VO(tmpyp)](ClO4)4) and oxovanadium(IV) sulphate. On the other hand, [VO(tcpp)]Na4 and [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato]oxidovanadate(IV)(4-)([VO(tpps)]) showed very similar in vitro insulin-mimetic activity and in vivo metallokinetic feature in healthy rats. In particular, the order of in vitro insulin-mimetic activity of the complexes was determined to be: [VO(tcpp)]Na4 ≈ [VO(tpps)] > ([VO(tmpyp)](ClO4)4 > oxovanadium(IV) sulphate.
CERTAIN VALUES OF GAUSSIAN HYPERGEOMETRIC SERIES AND A FAMILY OF ALGEBRAIC CURVES
Authors: BARMAN RUPAM , KALITA GAUTAM
Published: January 2012

Let λ ∈ ℚ\{0, -1} and l ≥ 2. Denote by Cl, λ the nonsingular projective algebraic curve over ℚ with affine equation given by [Formula: see text] In this paper, we give a relation between the number of points on Cl, λ over a finite field and Gaussian hypergeometric series. We also give an alternate proof of a result of [D. McCarthy, 3F2 Hypergeometric series and periods of elliptic curves, Int. J. Number Theory6(3) (2010) 461–470]. We find some special values of 3F2 and 2F1 Gaussian hypergeometric series. Finally we evaluate the value of 3F2(4) which extends a result of [K. Ono, Values of Gaussian hypergeometric series, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.350(3) (1998) 1205–1223].
FOURIER SERIES OF A CLASS OF ETA QUOTIENTS
Authors: WILLIAMS KENNETH S.
Published: January 2012

The sum of divisors function σ(m) is defined by [Formula: see text] Let [Formula: see text] denote the upper half of the complex plane. Let η(z)[Formula: see text] be the Dedekind eta function. A class [Formula: see text] of eta quotients is given for which the Fourier series of each member of [Formula: see text] can be given explicitly. One example is [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]
THE NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIONS OF AN INTEGER AS A SUM INVOLVING GENERALIZED PENTAGONAL NUMBERS
Authors: YAO OLIVIA X. M. , XIA ERNEST X. W.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, using the (p, k)-parametrization of theta functions given by Alaca, Alaca and Williams, we establish some theta function identities. From these identities, we obtain some formulas for the number of representations of a natural number as a sum of quadratic polynomials involving generalized pentagonal numbers. In particular, we derive a formula for the number of representations of a natural number as a sum of twelve generalized pentagonal numbers.
PROOF OF A CONGRUENCE FOR HARMONIC NUMBERS CONJECTURED BY Z.-W. SUN
Authors: MEŠTROVIĆ ROMEO
Published: January 2012

For a positive integer n let [Formula: see text] be the nth harmonic number. In this paper, we prove that for any prime p ≥ 7, [Formula: see text] which confirms the conjecture recently proposed by Z.-W. Sun. Furthermore, we also prove two similar congruences modulo p2.
ON THE NUMBER OF RATIONAL POINTS OF GENERALIZED FERMAT CURVES OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: FANALI STEFANIA , GIULIETTI MASSIMO
Published: January 2012

The Stöhr–Voloch approach has been largely used to deal with the classical problem of estimating the number of rational points of a Fermat curve over a finite field. The same method actually applies to any curve admitting as an automorphism group the direct product of two cyclic groups C1and C2of the same size k, and such that the quotient curves with respect to both C1and C2are rational. In this paper such a curve is called a generalized Fermat curve. Our main achievement is that of extending some known results on Fermat curves to generalized Fermat curves.
Classes of Strongly Stabilizing Bandpass Controllers for Flexible Structures
Authors: Cavallo Alberto , De Maria Giuseppe , Natale Ciro , Pirozzi Salvatore
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes different design strategies of robust
controllers for high-order plants. The design is tailored on the
structure of the equations resulting from modeling flexible
structures by using modal coordinates. Moreover, the control laws
have some characteristics which make them specially suited for
active vibration reduction, such as strong stabilization property
and bandpass frequency shape. The approach is also targeted the case
of more sensors than actuators, which is very frequent in practical
applications. Indeed, actuators are often rather heavy and bulky,
while small and light sensors may be placed more freely. In such
cases, sensors can be usefully placed in the locations where the
primary force fields act on the structure, so as to provide the
controller with a direct information on the disturbance effects in
terms of structural vibrations. Eventually, this approach may lead
to uncolocated control strategies. The design problem is here solved
by resorting to a Linear Matrix Inequality technique, which allows
also to select the performance weights based on different design
requirements, for example, a suitable bandpass frequency shape.
Experimental results are presented for a vibration reduction problem
of a stiffened aeronautical panel controlled by piezoelectric
actuators.
Quality of Life Improvement with Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Prospective Study of Efficacy
Authors: Morris Mary S. , Lowery Amanda , Theodoropoulos Demetrios S. , Duquette R. Daniel , Morris David L.
Published: January 2012

Due to its excellent safety profile, ease of administration, and economic considerations, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is becoming a preferred form of allergen specific immunotherapy. The efficacy of SLIT is still debated. The purpose of this act of practice trial is to evaluate quality of life outcomes in patients treated with SLIT. Fifty one patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis demonstrated by skin testing completed the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) at initiation, at four months and at 10–12 months of SLIT. Significant improvement () on six of seven domain categories of the RQLQ questionnaire was noted. Total RQLQ scores also showed significant improvement. This study supports SLIT as a modality effective in controlling allergic symptoms.
Dynamical Models for Infectious Diseases with Varying Population Size and Vaccinations
Authors: Shi Peilin , Dong Lingzhen
Published: January 2012

We formulate and discuss models for the spread of infectious diseases with variable
population sizes and vaccinations on the susceptible individuals. First, we assume that the susceptible individuals are vaccinated
continuously. We establish the threshold‐like results for the existence and global stability of the disease‐free and the endemic
equilibriums for these systems. Especially, we prove the global stability of the endemic equilibriums by converting the systems into
integrodifferential equations. Second, we suppose that vaccinations occur once per time period. We obtain the existence and global
stability of the disease‐free periodic solutions for such systems with impulsive effects. By a useful bifurcation theorem, we acquire
the existence of the endemic periodic solutions when the disease‐related deaths do not occur. At last, we compare the
results with vaccinations and without vaccinations and illustrate our results by numerical simulations.
Neuropsychology in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Influences from Cognitive Neuroscience and Functional Neuroimaging
Authors: McAndrews Mary Pat , Cohn Melanie
Published: January 2012

Neuropsychologists assist in diagnosis (i.e., localization of dysfunction) and in prediction (i.e., how cognition may change following surgery) in individuals being considered for temporal lobe surgery. The current practice includes behavioural testing as well as mapping function via stimulation, inactivation, and (more recently) functional imaging. These methods have been providing valuable information in surgical planning for 60 years. Here, we discuss current assessment strategies and highlight how they are evolving, particularly with respect to integrating recent advances in cognitive neuroscience.
CD10 Is Inversely Associated with Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and Predicts Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Voutsadakis Ioannis A. , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Daliani Danai D. , Karasavvidou Foteini , Kakkas Grigorios , Moutzouris George , Melekos Michael D. , Papandreou Christos N.
Published: January 2012

Introduction: The cell surface endopeptidase CD10 (neutral endopeptidase) and nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) have been independently associated with prostate cancer (PC) progression. We investigated the correlations between these two factors and their prognostic relevance in terms of biochemical (prostate-specific antigen, PSA) relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PC. Patients and Methods: The immunohistochemical expression of CD10 and NF-ĸB in samples from 70 patients who underwent RP for localized PC was correlated with the preoperative PSA level, Gleason score, pathological stage and time to PSA failure. Results: CD10 expression was inversely associated with NF-ĸB expression (p < 0.001), stage (p = 0.03) and grade (p = 0.003), whereas NF-ĸB was directly related with stage (p = 0.006) and grade (p = 0.002). The median time to PSA failure was 56 months. CD10 and NF-ĸB were directly (p < 0.001) and inversely (p < 0.001) correlated with biochemical recurrence-free survival, respectively. CD10 expression (p = 0.022) and stage (p = 0.018) were independently associated with time to biochemical recurrence. Conclusion: Low CD10 expression is an adverse prognostic factor for biochemical relapse after RP in localized PC, which is also associated with high NF-ĸB expression. Decreased CD10 expression which would lead to increased neuropeptide signaling and NF-ĸB activity may be present in a subset of early PCs.
Dose-Response Effects of Zinc and Fluoride on Caries Lesion Remineralization
Authors: Lippert F.
Published: January 2012

The present mechanistic in vitro study aimed to investigate dose-response effects of zinc and fluoride on caries lesion remineralization and subsequent protection from demineralization. Artificial caries lesions were created using a methylcellulose acid gel system. Lesions were remineralized for 2 weeks using citrate-containing artificial saliva which was supplemented with zinc (0–153 µmol/l) and fluoride (1.1 or 52.6 µmol/l) in a 7 × 2 factorial design. Lesions were also remineralized in the absence of zinc and citrate, but in the presence of fluoride. After remineralization, all lesions were demineralized for 1 day under identical conditions. Changes in mineral distribution characteristics of caries lesions after remineralization and secondary demineralization were studied using transverse microradiography. At 1.1 µmol/l fluoride, zinc exhibited detrimental effects on remineralization in a dose-response manner and mainly by preventing remineralization near the lesion surface. At 52.6 µmol/l fluoride, zinc retarded remineralization only at the highest concentration tested. Zinc enhanced overall remineralization at 3.8–15.3 µmol/l. At 76.5 and less so at 153 µmol/l, zinc showed extensive remineralization of deeper parts within the lesions at the expense of remineralization near the surface. Citrate did not interfere with remineralization at 1.1 µmol/l fluoride, but enhanced remineralization at 52.6 µmol/l fluoride. Lesions exhibiting preferential remineralization in deeper parts showed higher mineral loss after secondary demineralization, suggesting the formation of more soluble mineral phases during remineralization. In summary, zinc and fluoride showed synergistic effects in enhancing lesion remineralization, however only at elevated fluoride concentrations.
Use of Tyramide-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization and Chromosome Microdissection for Ascertaining Homology Relationships and Chromosome Linkage Group Associations in Oats
Authors: Sanz M.J. , Loarce Y. , Ferrer E. , Fominaya A.
Published: January 2012

The physical mapping of single locus sequences by tyramide-fluorescence in situ hybridization (Tyr-FISH) and the analysis of sequences obtained from microdissected chromosomes were assayed as potential tools for (1) determining homology and homoeology among chromosome regions of Avena species, and (2) establishing associations between linkage groups and specific chromosomes. Low copy number probes, derived from resistance gene analogues (RGAs) and 2.8–4.5 kb long, successfully produced hybridization signals on specific chromosomes. Four sets of homoeologous chromosome regions were identified in the hexaploids using 3 probes that produced 4 single locus markers in A. strigosa and 2 in A. eriantha. Laser capture microdissection of metaphase I cells of A. sativa monosomic lines allowed the isolation of critical univalents. Sequences derived from 2 RGAs were successfully amplified in DNA extracted from univalents. In one instance, it was possible to map a nucleotide polymorphism specific for 1 chromosome. An association was established between this chromosome and its linkage groups in 2 hexaploid genetic maps. The results indicate that Tyr-FISH is useful in the characterization of homoeologous chromosome segments in hexaploids, whereas chromosome microdissection, as employed in this work, needs to be improved before it can routinely be used with meiotic chromosomes.
On the Linkages between the Tropospheric Isentropic Slope and Eddy Fluxes of Heat during Northern Hemisphere Winter
Authors: Thompson David W. J. , Birner Thomas
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated the key role of baroclinicity and thus the isentropic slope in determining the climatological-mean distribution of the tropospheric eddy fluxes of heat. Here the authors examine the role of variability in the isentropic slope in driving variations in the tropospheric eddy fluxes of heat about their long-term mean during Northern Hemisphere winter.

On month-to-month time scales, the lower-tropospheric isentropic slope and eddy fluxes of heat are not significantly correlated when all eddies are included in the analysis. But the isentropic slope and heat fluxes are closely linked when the data are filtered to isolate the fluxes due to synoptic (<10 days) and low-frequency (>10 days) time scale waves. Anomalously steep isentropic slopes are characterized by anomalously poleward heat fluxes by synoptic eddies but anomalously equatorward heat fluxes by low-frequency eddies. Lag regressions based on daily data reveal that 1) variations in the isentropic slope precede by several days variations in the heat fluxes by synoptic eddies and 2) variations in the heat fluxes due to both synoptic and low-frequency eddies precede by several days similarly signed variations in the momentum flux at the tropopause level.

The results suggest that seemingly modest changes in the tropospheric isentropic slope drive significant changes in the synoptic eddy heat fluxes and thus in the generation of baroclinic wave activity in the lower troposphere. The linkages have implications for understanding the extratropical tropospheric eddy response to a range of processes, including anthropogenic climate change, stratospheric variability, and extratropical sea surface temperature anomalies.
Surface Quasigeostrophic Solutions and Baroclinic Modes with Exponential Stratification
Authors: LaCasce J. H.
Published: January 2012

The author derives baroclinic modes and surface quasigeostrophic (SQG) solutions with exponential stratification and compares the results to those obtained with constant stratification. The SQG solutions with exponential stratification decay more rapidly in the vertical and have weaker near-surface velocities. This then compounds the previously noted problem that SQG underpredicts the velocities associated with a given surface density anomaly.

The author also examines how the SQG solutions project onto the baroclinic modes. With constant stratification, SQG waves larger than deformation scale project primarily onto the barotropic mode and to a lesser degree onto the first baroclinic mode. However, with exponential stratification, the largest projection is on the first baroclinic mode. The effect is even more pronounced over rough bottom topography. Therefore, large-scale SQG waves will look like the first baroclinic mode and vice versa, with realistic stratification.
Horizontal Density Structure and Restratification of the Arctic Ocean Surface Layer
Authors: Timmermans Mary-Louise , Cole Sylvia , Toole John
Published: January 2012

Ice-tethered profiler (ITP) measurements from the Arctic Ocean’s Canada Basin indicate an ocean surface layer beneath sea ice with significant horizontal density structure on scales of hundreds of kilometers to the order 1 km submesoscale. The observed horizontal gradients in density are dynamically important in that they are associated with restratification of the surface ocean when dense water flows under light water. Such restratification is prevalent in wintertime and competes with convective mixing upon buoyancy forcing (e.g., ice growth and brine rejection) and shear-driven mixing when the ice moves relative to the ocean. Frontal structure and estimates of the balanced Richardson number point to the likelihood of dynamical restratification by isopycnal tilt and submesoscale baroclinic instability. Based on the evidence here, it is likely that submesoscale processes play an important role in setting surface-layer properties and lateral density variability in the Arctic Ocean.