bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise syntheses of complex μ-oxo-linked heterochromophore arrays containing phthalocyanine, porphyrin and subphthalocyanine ligands
Authors: Cammidge Andrew N. , Nekelson Fabien , Hughes David L. , Zhao Zhixin , Cook Michael J.
Published: January 2011

The article reviews the exploitation of the serendipitous discovery that dihydroxysilicon 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octakis(hexyl)phthalocyanine 1 reacts at one face only to form a μ-oxo linked bond to dichlorosilicon phthalocyanine. Reaction of 1 with dihydroxysilicon octaethylporphyrin led to an unstable μ-oxo linked Pc-O-Pn heteroligand dyad that could not be isolated. However, reaction with dihydroxygermanium octaethylporphyrin gave a stable dyad that showed substantial broad band absorption attributable to exciton effects. A small amount of the μ-oxo linked homo dyad formed by self-condensation of dihydroxygermanium octaethylporphyrin was detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry but was not isolated. Reaction of 1 with chloroboron subphthalocyanine afforded the stable Pc-O-SubPc heterodyad as the main product and the SubPc-O-Pc-O-SubPc triad as a minor side product. Both gave absorption spectra that showed the main features of the ligands present, implying limited exciton coupling. A further reaction of 1 with axial-hydroxy, axial-methyl silicon phthalocyanine provided a key Pc-O-Pc′ dyad that proved to be an ideal intermediate for developing a synthetic strategy to access a series of hetero-metalloid/hetero-ligand Pc-O-Pc′-O-Pn triads. X-ray structural data for examples of these arrays are discussed. A feature of the triad compounds is their very broad band absorption spectra that extends from the UV through the visible region to near IR wavelengths.
Backexposure Effect in Chemically Amplified Resist Process upon Exposure to Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Kozawa Takahiro , Tagawa Seiichi , Ohnishi Ryuji , Endo Takafumi , Sakamoto Rikimaru
Published: January 2011

With the progress in the resist development toward the realization of 22 nm high volume production using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, practical issues such as defects, filtering, and etching durability have recently attracted much attention. The side wall profile of resist patterns is among such issues. Although EUV radiation is hardly reflected at the resist-underlayer boundary, secondary electrons generated in the underlayer sensitize acid generators in the resist. In this study, the backexposure effect on the side wall profile of line-and-space patterns was theoretically investigated. The potential difference between the resist and the underlayer and the absorption coefficient of the underlayer significantly affected the sidewall profile. The image quality at the bottom of the resist layer was also improved by increasing the absorption coefficient of the underlayer.
Comparison of Fringe Displacement in Moiré Deflection Tomography Diagnosis between Flame and Arc Plasma
Authors: Chen Yun-yun , Song Yang , Li Zhen-hua , He An-zhi
Published: January 2011

In this paper, an interesting optical phenomenon in flow fields' moiré deflection tomography diagnosis is presented. A flame and an arc plasma are chosen as two practical examples for comparative study, and 532 nm is chosen as the probe wavelength. The experimental results indicate that a higher temperature does not mean a larger moiré fringe displacement, which makes us realize that the refractive index gradient is not only determined by the temperature gradient of a flow field. The physical essence, that is, what determines a flow field's refractive index gradient, is proposed theoretically. The experimental phenomenon can be well explained using the theoretical analysis model, which implies the rationality of the physical essence proposed by us.
Wet Etching of TiO2-Based Precursor Amorphous Films for Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Ohkubo Junpei , Hirose Yasushi , Sakai Enju , Nakao Shoichiro , Hitosugi Taro , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: January 2011

We investigated wet etching of Nb-doped anatase TiO2 (TNO) transparent conducting thin films and their precursors in an amorphous phase deposited by rf sputtering on glass substrates. The polycrystalline TNO films showed a very low etching rate of less than 0.06 nm/min in concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) even at elevated temperatures up to 95 °C. In contrast, H2SO4 etched the precursor films at a rate of 1.4 nm/min at 95 °C. The etching rate of the amorphous films followed the Arrhenius equation, leading us to conjecture that a much higher etching rate of ∼230 nm/min can be achieved at 170 °C. These results indicate that wet-etching of precursor amorphous films prior to crystallization represents a practical and low-cost lithographic technique for patterning TiO2-based transparent electrodes.
Substrate Shape Effect on the Sn Whisker Growth in the Electroplating Matte Sn System
Authors: Yen Yee-Wen , Li Chao-Kang , Tsou Meng-Yu , Shao Pei-Sheng
Published: January 2011

In this study, the substrate shape effect on the Cu substrates for Sn whisker growth has been investigated. A Cu foil, as a substrate, was bent to 90° by a universal testing machine. The matte Sn layers were electroplated on the Cu substrate under various current densities. Then, the samples were given heat treatment under various temperatures for 250 h. The results indicate that Sn whisker growth was promoted by the compression stress on the concave side and was restrained by the tension stress on the convex side. The increase of plating thickness in electroplating process offered the extensive residual stress to mitigate the Sn whisker growth. Increasing the aging temperatures also enhanced the thickness of the oxide layer. Thick oxide layers can prevent Sn whisker growth.
Shape of glucose, insulin, C-peptide curves during a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test: any relationship with the degree of glucose tolerance?
Authors: Tura Andrea , Morbiducci Umberto , Sbrignadello Stefano , Winhofer Yvonne , Pacini Giovanni , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: January 2011

We aimed to analyze the shape of the glucose, insulin, and C-peptide curves during a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Another aim was defining an index of shape taking into account the whole OGTT pattern. Five-hundred ninety-two OGTT curves were analyzed, mainly from women with former gestational diabetes, with glycemic concentrations characterized by normal glucose tolerance ( n = 411), impaired glucose metabolism ( n = 134), and Type 2 diabetes ( n = 47). Glucose curves were classified according to their shape (monophasic, biphasic, triphasic, and 4/5-phases), and the metabolic condition of the subjects, divided according to the glucose shape stratification, was analyzed. Indices of shape based on the discrete second-order derivative of the curve patterns were also defined. We found that the majority of the glucose curves were monophasic ( n = 262). Complex shapes were less frequent but not rare ( n = 37 for the 4/5-phases shape, i.e., three peaks). There was a tendency toward the amelioration of the metabolic condition for increasing complexity of the shape, as indicated by lower glucose concentrations, improved insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. The shape index computed on C-peptide, WHOSHCP (WHole-Ogtt-SHape-index–C-peptide), showed a progressive increase [monophasic: 0.93 ± 0.04 (dimensionless); 4/5-phases: 1.35 ± 0.14], and it showed properties typical of β-cell function indices. We also found that the type of glucose shape is often associated to similar insulin and C-peptide shape. In conclusion, OGTT curves can be characterized by high variability, and complex OGTT shape is associated with better glucose tolerance. WHOSHCP (WHole-Ogtt-SHape-index) may be a powerful index of β-cell function much simpler than model-based indices.
Direct coupling through gap junctions is not involved in urethral neurotransmission
Authors: Sancho Maria , Triguero Domingo , Garcia-Pascual Angeles
Published: January 2011

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are believed to participate in urethral neurotransmission and it was proposed that direct coupling of ICC and smooth muscle cells (SMC) through gap junctions (GJ) is involved, although this still remains unclear. Hence, we investigated the distribution of different connexins (Cx 43, Cx40, and Cx37) in the sheep and rat urethra, as well as their possible role in neurotransmission. Conventional PCR confirmed that three Cxs are expressed in the urethra. Moreover, both Cx43 and Cx37-immunoreactivity (-ir) were present in SMC, ICC, and the urothelium, although Cx37-ir was significantly weaker and Cx40-ir was limited to the endothelium. While these results indicate that GJ intercellular communication could occur between SMC and ICC, neither the contractile (noradrenergic) nor the relaxant (nitrergic) responses of the rat and sheep urethra to electrical field stimulation were significantly modified by two different GJ inhibitors: 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid and a cocktail of Cx mimetic peptides (Cx43Gap 26,Cx37, Cx43Gap 27, andCx40Gap 27). By contrast, contractions induced by high K+were effectively reduced by both blockers, evidence that they effectively inhibit intercellular communication. These results indicate that GJ are not implicated in urethral neurotransmission, although the question of whether ICC modulate neurotransmission through some other mechanism remains to be determined.
Possible role of differential growth in airway wall remodeling in asthma
Authors: Moulton D. E. , Goriely A.
Published: January 2011

Airway remodeling in patients with chronic asthma is characterized by a thickening of the airway walls. It has been demonstrated in previous theoretical models that this change in thickness can have an important mechanical effect on the properties of the wall, in particular on the phenomenon of mucosal folding induced by smooth muscle contraction. In this paper, we present a model for mucosal folding of the airway in the context of growth. The airway is modeled as a bilayered cylindrical tube, with both geometric and material nonlinearities accounted for via the theory of finite elasticity. Growth is incorporated into the model through the theory of morphoelasticity. We explore a range of growth possibilities, allowing for anisotropic growth as well as different growth rates in each layer. Such nonuniform growth, referred to as differential growth, can change the properties of the material beyond geometrical changes through the generation of residual stresses. We demonstrate that differential growth can have a dramatic impact on mucosal folding, in particular on the critical pressure needed to induce folding, the buckling pattern, as well as airway narrowing. We conclude that growth may be an important component in airway remodeling.
Histopathological Effects of Gammalin 20 on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Ezemonye Lawrence , Ogbomida Temiotan Emmanuel
Published: January 2011

Clarias gariepinusfingerlings exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of Gammalin 20 were investigated in a renewal static bioassay with particular reference to behaviour, survival, and histopathological changes. Early symptoms of gammalin 20 lethal poisoning were, respiratory distress, increased physical activity, convulsions, erratic swimming, loss of equilibrium, and increased breathing activity. Behavioural response was dose dependent and decreased with decreased concentration. The 96-hour lethal concentration (LC50) value was 30 ppb. Histopathological changes of the gill, liver, and intestinal tissues of fish treated with sublethal concentration of gammalin 20 for twelve weeks showed gill distortion and fusion of adjacent secondary lamella as a result of hyperplasia and excessive mucus accumulation. The liver showed swelling of hepatocytes with mild necrosis, pyknosis, and vacuolation, while the intestine showed yellow bodies of the lamina propria at the tip of the mucosal fold.
Vision Autonomous Relative Positioning and Orientating Algorithm for Distributed Micro/Nanosatellite Earth Observation System Based on Dual Quaternion
Authors: Li Kezhao
Published: January 2011

It is a valid way to analyze the space object real-time movement by using distributed satellite earth observation system, which can provide the stereographic image through the collaboration of the satellites. That relative position and pose estimation is one of the key technologies for distributed micro/nanosatellite earth observation system (DMSEOS). In this paper, on the basis of the attitude dynamics of spacecrafts and the theory of machine vision, an autonomous positioning and orientating algorithm for distributed micro/nanosatellites based on dual quaternion and EKF (extended Kalman filtering) is proposed. Firstly, how to represent a line transform unit using dual quaternion is introduced. Then, the feature line point of the line transform unit is defined. And then, on the basis of the attitude dynamics of spacecrafts and the theory of EKF, we build the state and observation equations. Finally, the simulations show that this algorithm is an accurate valid method in positioning and orientating of distributed micro/nanosatellite earth observation system.
A Solid Pseudopapillary Tumour Arising from Mesocolon without Ectopic Pancreas
Authors: Tez Mesut , Özalp Necdet , Zülfikaroğlu Barış , Koç Mahmut
Published: January 2011

A solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT) is an uncommon pancreatic tumour. Very rarely it has also been described outside the pancreas, usually arising from heterotopic pancreatic tissue. In this paper, we described a case arising from the transverse mesocolon without heterotopic pancreatic tissue in an 18-year-old girl.
N-Aryl Arenedicarboximides as Tunable Panchromatic Dyes for Molecular Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Zhi , Nandhikonda Premchendar , Penuela Adriana , Nance Stephanie , Heagy Michael D.
Published: January 2011

Three organic dyes designed as molecular dyads were prepared that feature a common naphthalimide acceptor andN-aryl donors. One of these incorporated an additional cyanoacrylic acid linker and conjugated thiophene bridge inserted between donor and acceptor groups. Electrochemical and photochemical characterizations have been carried out on nanocrystalline TiO2dye-sensitized solar cells which were fabricated with these dyes as the sensitizing component. HOMO and LUMO energies were also calculated using TDDFT methods and validated by the cyclic voltammetry method. A key finding from this study indicates that computational methods can provide energy values in close agreement to experimental for theN-aryl-naphthalimide system. Relative to HOMO/LUMO energy levels ofN719, the dyes based on naphthalimide chromophore are promising candidates for metal-free DSSCs.
A Modified Fast Approximated Power Iteration Subspace Tracking Method for Space‐Time Adaptive Processing
Authors: Zhiwei Yang , Shun He , Guisheng Liao , Shan Ouyang
Published: January 2011

We propose a subspace‐tracking‐based space‐time adaptive processing technique for airborne radar applications. By applying a modified approximated power iteration subspace tracing algorithm, the principal subspace in which the clutter‐plus‐interference reside is estimated. Therefore, the moving targets are detected by projecting the data on the minor subspace which is orthogonal to the principal subspace. The proposed approach overcomes the shortcomings of the existing methods and has satisfactory performance. Simulation results confirm that the performance improvement is achieved at very small secondary sample support, a feature that is particularly attractive for applications in heterogeneous environments.
Strong Convergence of an Implicit Algorithm in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Fukhar-ud-din Hafiz , Domlo AbdulAziz , Khan AbdulRahim
Published: January 2011

We establish strong convergence of an implicit algorithm to a common fixed point of a finite family of generalized asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive maps in CAT"Equation missing" spaces. Our work improves and extends several recent results from the current literature.
Shedding Physical Synthesis Area Bloat
Authors: Zhou Ying , Alpert Charles J. , Li Zhuo , Sze Cliff , Trevillyan Louise H.
Published: January 2011

Area bloat in physical synthesis not only increases power dissipation, but also creates congestion problems, forces designers
to enlarge the die area, rerun the whole design flow, and postpone the design deadline. As a result, it is vital for physical synthesis tools to achieve timing closure and low power consumption with intelligent area control. The major sources of area increase in a typical physical synthesis flow are from buffer insertion and gate sizing, both of which have been discussed extensively in the last two decades, where the main focus is individual optimized algorithm. However, building a practical physical synthesis flow with buffering and gate sizing to achieve the best timing/area/runtime is rarely discussed in any previous literatures. In this paper, we present two simple yet efficient buffering and gate sizing techniques and achieve a physical synthesis flow with much smaller area bloat. Compared to a traditional timing-driven flow, our work achieves 12% logic area growth reduction, 5.8% total area reduction, 10.1% wirelength reduction, and 770 ps worst slack improvement on average on 20 industrial designs in 65 nm and 45 nm.
The Reorientation of T-Cell Polarity and Inhibition of Immunological Synapse Formation by CD46 Involves Its Recruitment to Lipid Rafts
Authors: Ludford-Menting Mandy J. , Crimeen-Irwin Blessing , Oliaro Jane , Pasam Anupama , Williamson David , Pedersen Natalie , Guillaumot Patricia , Christansen Dale , Manie Serge , Gaus Katharina , Russell Sarah M.
Published: January 2011

Many infectious agents utilize CD46 for infection of human cells, and therapeutic applications of CD46-binding viruses are now being explored. Besides mediating internalization to enable infection, binding to CD46 can directly alter immune function. In particular, ligation of CD46 by antibodies or by measles virus can prevent activation of T cells by altering T-cell polarity and consequently preventing the formation of an immunological synapse. Here, we define a mechanism by which CD46 reorients T-cell polarity to prevent T-cell receptor signaling in response to antigen presentation. We show that CD46 associates with lipid rafts upon ligation, and that this reduces recruitment of both lipid rafts and the microtubule organizing centre to the site of receptor cross-linking. These data combined indicate that polarization of T cells towards the site of CD46 ligation prevents formation of an immunological synapse, and this is associated with the ability of CD46 to recruit lipid rafts away from the site of TCR ligation.
Process Heating and Postannealing Effects on Microstructure and Hardness of the Sputtered Ni-P-Al Coatings
Authors: Su Yu-Ming , Wu Chia-Che , Wu Fan-Bean
Published: January 2011

Ternary Ni-P-Al alloy coating was fabricated by magnetron sputtering technique with a Ni-P/Al composite target source. The effects of thermal treatments, including deposition process heating and postannealing, on phase transformation phenomenon and related mechanical properties were investigated. The as-deposited coatings produced under process temperature below showed an amorphous/nanocrystalline microstructure. Significant crystallization of Ni matrix and precipitation of and compounds were observed for the coatings manufactured under high sputtering temperatures above . The amorphous Ni-P-Al coatings were postannealed from 500 to in vacuum environment for comparison. The amorphous feature of the Ni-P-Al coating remained unchanged under a high annealing temperature of , showing a superior thermal stability as compared to those fabricated under high process temperatures. Superior hardness was obtained for the post-annealed Ni-P-Al coatings due to volumetric constraint of crystallization and precipitation. On the other hand, the overaging phenomenon and subsequent degradation in hardness were found for the Ni-P-Al coatings fabricated under high-temperature deposition processes. The phase transformation mechanisms of the coatings through different thermal treatments were intensively discussed.
A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography:Chemiluminescence Method for Potential Determination of Vardenafil in Dietary Supplement
Authors: Di Youjun , Zhao Min , Nie Yingchun , Wang Fei , Lv Jiagen
Published: January 2011

A flow method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) seperation and chemiluminescence (CL) detection for sensitive vardenafil analysis in dietary supplements was developed. The vardenafil separation was achieved on a C18 column at 30∘C using ethanol-H3PO4and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) aqueous solution (25 : 75, v/v%) as mobile phase. The followed continuous CL detection was conducted based on the strong CL enhancement by the presence of vardenafil to luminol-K3Fe(CN)6reaction in alkaline medium. At the flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, the vardenafil retention time () was 6.4 min. Factors that affected the HPLC resolution and CL detection were studied and optimized. The calibration curve obtained for vardenafil standard was linear in concentration range of  mol/L. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of intraday and interday precision were less than 3.5%. The proposed method was applied to the vardenafil determination in oral liquid, wine, and capsule samples.
Phase I/II Trial of Cetuximab and Erlotinib in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma and Acquired Resistance to Erlotinib
Authors: Janjigian Yelena Y. , Azzoli Christopher G. , Krug Lee M. , Pereira Leanne K. , Rizvi Naiyer A. , Pietanza M Catherine , Kris Mark G. , Ginsberg Michelle S. , Pao William , Miller Vincent A. , Riely Gregory J.
Published: January 2011

Purpose: In patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung adenocarcinoma, treatment with erlotinib or gefitinib is associated with a 75% radiographic response rate and progression-free survival of approximately 12 months. The most common mechanism of acquired resistance to erlotinib is development of a secondary mutation in EGFR, suggesting that these tumors continue to depend on EGFR signaling. We hypothesized that combined EGFR blockade would overcome acquired resistance to erlotinib in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of cetuximab and erlotinib in patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib, we conducted this phase I/II clinical trial.

Experimental Design: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma and clinically defined acquired resistance to erlotinib were treated with erlotinib 100 mg daily, along with cetuximab every 2 weeks in three escalating dose cohorts (250 mg/m2, 375 mg/m2, and 500 mg/m2). The recommended phase II dose was then evaluated in a two-stage trial, with a primary end point of objective response rate.

Results: A total of 19 patients were enrolled. The most common toxicities for the combination of cetuximab and erlotinib were rash, fatigue, and hypomagnesemia. The recommended phase II dose identified was cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks and erlotinib 100 mg daily. At this dose and schedule, no radiographic responses were seen (0 of 13, 0%, 95% CI, 0–25).

Conclusions: Combined EGFR inhibition, with cetuximab 500 mg/m2 every 2 weeks and erlotinib 100 mg daily, had no significant activity in patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2521–7. ©2011 AACR.
Is Ultrasonography Useful in Predicting Thyroid Cancer in Children with Thyroid Nodules and Apparently Benign Cytopathologic Features?
Authors: Saavedra Jannette , Deladoëy Johnny , Saint-Vil Dickens , Boivin Yvan , Alos Nathalie , Deal Cheri , Van Vliet Guy , Huot Céline
Published: January 2011

Background/Aims: To assess whether the presence of certain findings on thyroid ultrasonography (US) correctly diagnoses malignancy even when a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) suggests a benign lesion. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 35 children and adolescents with a thyroid nodule who had had an US and a FNAB, and for whom final pathology was available. Results: The global accuracy of FNAB was 83%, with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 94%. 14 FNABs suggested malignancy (40%), only 1 of which was a false positive (7%). By contrast, 5 of the 21 FNABs suggesting benign lesions were false negatives (24%). These 5 cases had US findings suggestive of malignancy. When FNAB suggested a benign lesion, US had a good sensitivity (80%) but a poor specificity and accuracy (50 and 57%, respectively); its negative predictive value was 90% and its positive predictive value 36%. Conclusions: US complements FNAB in the evaluation of thyroid nodules in children. A more aggressive approach is warranted in children with a thyroid nodule and a benign FNAB if US findings suggest malignancy.
Vitamin B12-Responsive Pancytopenia Mimicking Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Kim Myungshin , Lee Sung-Eun , Park Joonhong , Lim Jihyang , Cho Byung-Sik , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hee-Je , Lee Seok , Min Chang-Ki , Kim Yonggoo , Cho Seok-Goo
Published: January 2011

This study presents 12 patients (7 women and 5 men) with vitamin B12-responsive pancytopenia who had discordant laboratory findings and were misdiagnosed as having myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The median hemoglobin level was 6.5 g/dl, and the leukocyte and platelet counts were 2.85 × 109/l and 55.5 × 109/l, respectively. The median serum lactate dehydrogenase level was high (3,204.5 IU/l). The serum vitamin B12 levels were within normal limits at the initial evaluation, but a serial follow-up of the vitamin B12 levels revealed either fluctuations or a gradual decrease. The patients were initially diagnosed with MDS and responded rapidly to a 7-day parenteral B12 treatment with normal complete blood counts (CBCs). We propose that patients suspected to have MDS may suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency and that this can be revealed by a normalization of CBCs following 7 days of treatment with parental vitamin B12.
The Art of MicroRNA Research
Authors: van Rooij Eva
Published: January 2011

Originally identified as moderate biological modifiers, microRNAs have recently emerged as powerful regulators of diverse cellular processes with especially important roles in disease and tissue remodeling. The rapid pace of studies on microRNA regulation and function necessitates the development of suitable techniques for measuring and modulating microRNAs in different model systems. This review summarizes experimental strategies for microRNA research and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. The development of more specific and sensitive assays will further illuminate the biology behind microRNAs and will advance opportunities to safely pursue them as therapeutic modalities.
Nouveau-ROUGE: A Novelty Metric for Update Summarization
Authors: Conroy John M. , Schlesinger Judith D. , O'Leary Dianne P.
Published: January 2011

An update summary should provide a fluent summarization of new information on a time-evolving topic, assuming that the reader has already reviewed older documents or summaries. In 2007 and 2008, an annual summarization evaluation included an update summarization task. Several participating systems produced update summaries indistinguishable from human-generated summaries when measured using ROUGE. However, no machine system performed near human-level performance in manual evaluations such as pyramid and overall responsiveness scoring.

We present a metric called Nouveau-ROUGE that improves correlation with manual evaluation metrics and can be used to predict both the pyramid score and overall responsiveness for update summaries. Nouveau-ROUGE can serve as a less expensive surrogate for manual evaluations when comparing existing systems and when developing new ones.
Hydro-Political Hyperbole: Examining Incentives for Overemphasizing the Risks of Water Wars
Authors: Katz David
Published: January 2011

Predictions of inevitable and imminent wars over scarce water are routinely made by prominent political figures, academics, journalists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These statements continue to occur despite both a questionable theoretical foundation and little empirical evidence to support them. This study demonstrates that several sets of actors—policymakers, academics, journalists, and NGO activists—each have different incentives to stress and even exaggerate the probability of war over water. This confluence of incentives has likely contributed to an overemphasis in public discourse of the likelihood of water wars.
Resolving the Adaptation Paradox: Exploring the Potential for Deliberative Adaptation Policy-Making in Bangladesh
Authors: Ayers Jessica
Published: January 2011

Climate change adaptation presents a paradox: climate change is a global risk, yet vulnerability is locally experienced. Effective adaptation therefore depends on understanding the local context of vulnerability, which requires deliberative and participatory approaches to adaptation policy-making. But, how can local inclusiveness be achieved in the context of global environmental risk, and what sorts of institutions are needed? This article examines one avenue for the participation of vulnerable groups in adaptation policy-making: National Adaptation Programmes of Actions (NAPAs). Drawing on the case study of Bangladesh, this article shows that the “adaptation paradox” creates a tension between local and global definitions of climate change risk, affecting the legitimacy of participatory processes under the NAPA. I propose that early analysis and engagement of existing local institutional frameworks as a starting point for national adaptation planning is one possible entry point for meaningful local deliberation in global climate change policy-making processes.
Dissecting the Role of the S1P/S1PR Axis in Health and Disease
Authors: Aarthi J.J. , Darendeliler M.A. , Pushparaj P.N.
Published: January 2011

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic sphingophospholipid generated from the phosphorylation of sphingosine by sphingosine kinases (SPHKs). S1P has been experimentally demonstrated to modulate an array of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, cell survival, cell invasion, vascular maturation, and angiogenesis by binding with any of the five known G-protein-coupled sphingosine 1 phosphate receptors (S1P1-5) on the cell surface in an autocrine as well as a paracrine manner. Recent studies have shown that the S1P receptors (S1PRs) and SPHKs are the key targets for modulating the pathophysiological consequences of various debilitating diseases, such as cancer, sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and other related illnesses. In this article, we recapitulate these novel discoveries relative to the S1P/S1PR axis, necessary for the proper maintenance of health, as well as the induction of tumorigenic, angiogenic, and inflammatory stimuli that are vital for the development of various diseases, and the novel therapeutic tools to modulate these responses in oral biology and medicine.
Angiogenic Biomarkers and Healing of Living Cellular Constructs
Authors: Morelli T. , Neiva R. , Nevins M.L. , McGuire M.K. , Scheyer E.T. , Oh T.-J. , Braun T.M. , Nör J.E. , Bates D. , Giannobile W.V.
Published: January 2011

The use of intra-oral soft-tissue-engineered devices has demonstrated potential for oral mucosa regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal expression of angiogenic biomarkers during wound healing of soft tissue reconstructive procedures comparing living cellular constructs (LCC) with autogenous free gingival grafts. Forty-four human participants bilaterally lacking sufficient zones of attached keratinized gingiva were randomly assigned to soft tissue surgery plus either LCC or autograft. Wound fluid samples were collected at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 post-operatively and analyzed for a panel of angiogenic biomarkers: angiogenin (ANG), angiostatin (ANT), PDGF-BB, VEGF, FGF-2, IL-8, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, GM-CSF, and IP-10. Results demonstrated a significant increase in expression of ANT, PDGF-BB, VEGF, FGF-2, and IL-8 for the LCC group over the autograft group at the early stages of wound repair. Although angiogenic biomarkers were modestly elevated for the LCC group, no clinical correlation with wound healing was found. This human investigation demonstrates that, during early wound-healing events, expression of angiogenic-related biomarkers is up-regulated in sites treated with LCC compared with autogenous free gingival grafts, which may provide a safe and effective alternative for regenerating intra-oral soft tissues (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01134081).
Cochrane Reviews on the Benefits/Risks of Fluoride Toothpastes
Authors: Wong M.C.M. , Clarkson J. , Glenny A.-M. , Lo E.C.M. , Marinho V.C.C. , Tsang B.W.K. , Walsh T. , Worthington H.V.
Published: January 2011

This concise review presents two Cochrane Reviews undertaken to determine: (1) the relative effectiveness of fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents; and (2) the relationship between the use of topical fluorides in young children and their risk of developing dental fluorosis. To determine the relative effectiveness of fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations, we undertook a network meta-analysis utilizing both direct and indirect comparisons from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review examining fluorosis included evidence from experimental and observational studies. The findings of the reviews confirm the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste, when compared with placebo, in preventing caries in children and adolescents, but only significantly for fluoride concentrations of 1000 ppm and above. The relative caries-preventive effects of fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations increase with higher fluoride concentration. However, there is weak, unreliable evidence that starting the use of fluoride toothpaste in children under 12 months of age may be associated with an increased risk of fluorosis. The decision of what fluoride levels to use for children under 6 years should be balanced between the risk of developing dental caries and that of mild fluorosis.
Attributions After a Group Failure
Authors: Bazarova Natalya N. , Hancock Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2011

Attributions have been studied extensively in groups, yet little is known about the effects attributions have on group communication and performance. This study examines how attributions for a group failure affect socioemotional communication, procedural changes, effort, and performance on the next task. Three-member computer-mediated groups worked on two decision-making tasks. All groups received bogus failure feedback for the first task and, dependent on the attributional condition, members were led to attribute the failure either to self, other members, the group as a whole, or situational constraints. The results demonstrate that the way group members explain previous performance influences subsequent group processes and performance. Specifically, attribution to situational constraints prompted groups to discuss and change communication procedures. Attributing failure to the self or group yielded the highest effort. Attributions to others increased the ratio of negative to positive socioemotional communication and decreased performance quality.
Determinants of female representation in the decision-making structures of trade unions
Authors: Blaschke Sabine
Published: January 2011

Starting from the assumption that both external and internal factors influence the structures and make-up of an organization, this article analyses the influence of several internal factors on the degree of women’s participation in Austrian and German trade unions. The analysis shows that the following factors have an effect: the size of a trade union, the female share in the membership, the competition for the leading role in the union movement, the activities of the women’s structure to promote female participation and the existence of a strict quota rule. Several hypotheses on the determinants of female representation in the decision-making structures of trade unions can be derived from the results.
Performing cohabitation: Secular individualism and communication skills among Israeli committed cohabiters
Authors: Benjamin Orly , Haze Rivka
Published: January 2011

Secular-individualist views and poor communication skills are commonly used to explain cohabitation instability. The present study sheds light on the process through which similarity of such views becomes salient to long-term (‘‘committed’’) cohabiters’ relationships. Based on a couple-level analysis of interview data collected from 20 Israeli committed cohabiters, we argue that value-based similarity (in the present case, a secular-individualist commonality), together with constant work on communication based on a sense of partner exceptionality, are central to couples’ ability to experience their disagreements as marginal and to take pride in their intimate communication. We found a cohabiting identity to consolidate in the course of this process, contributing to the couples’ conception of their cohabitation as better than marriage.
The effect of oxygenator choice on hypotension during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Mijovski G. , Colah S. , Sharples L. , Wheaton E. , Martinez G. , Klein A.A.
Published: January 2011

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) exposes blood to artificial surfaces, which induces a systemic inflammatory activation.This may contribute to hypotension during CPB. A perceived difference between two membrane oxygenators was noted. Data were collected on 222 consecutive patients; four were excluded from the analysis due to having emergency operations. One hundred and twelve (51%) patients received the Apex oxygenator whilst 106 (49%) received the Quadrox. There was no difference between the two groups in the primary outcome; 90/112 patients (80%) in the Apex group and 77/106 (73%) in the Quadrox group (p=0.18, OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.34, 1.22) received meteraminol due to marked hypotension during CPB. There was also no difference in the secondary outcomes, length of stay in ICU (22.8 versus 22.7 hours, (OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.48, p=0.16) and length of stay in hospital (8.5 days versus 8.0 days (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.48, 1.45; p=0.52). The choice of oxygenator between the Apex and Quadrox does not have an effect on hypotension in cardiac surgery.
Interethnic relations in Northern Iraq
Authors: Rydgren Jens , Sofi Dana
Published: January 2011

Ethnic relations in Iraq have been strained since the collapse of the Baath regime in 2003. Looking specifically at Kirkuk in northern Iraq, ethnic relations have been particularly uncooperative and violent. At the surface level, it is difficult to imagine interethnic reconciliation. The main conflict in the city, between Kurds and (settled) Arabs, goes back several decades. However, in this article it is argued that the situation is not necessary hopeless. Although ethnic groups in Kirkuk are largely separated by mutual distrust, they do not constitute entirely decoupled catnets. Despite residential segregation, there exists considerable room for social meetings across ethnic boundaries. Workplaces and, to some extent, voluntary organizations provide ethnically heterogeneous interaction spaces where interethnic brokerage may evolve. Many of these organizations are structurally constrained, making it likely that people will establish contacts with others sharing the same interaction space. In such settings, casual contacts have a potential to develop into true acquaintance contacts and, thus, into interethnic social capital.
Return home at the end of life: Patients’ vulnerability and risk factors
Authors: Vassal P , Le Coz P , Hervé C , Matillon Y , Chapuis F
Published: January 2011

Although most of the people in good health questioned about the subject said they would like to die at home, in the western world between 60 and 80% of deaths occur in hospital. Most authors consider that the indispensable conditions for a return home are the patient's desire and presence of the family and caregivers with the appropriate skills. The assessment of other factors predictive of a return home is inadequate. The aim of this study is to clarify how the return home is influenced by the vulnerability of the patient at the end of life, and by that of the family and caregivers. We carried out a multicentric, observational, prospective, exhaustive and longitudinal epidemiological study (three months follow-up), including 146 patients hospitalized at the end of their life and desiring to return home. For these patients the caregivers respected their freedom to choose to die at home in over half the cases (56%). Their overall vulnerability (personal, family context and caregivers) had a significant influence on the return home. This overall vulnerability was in fact identified as applying in 40% of the clinical situations, and made the possibility of a return home 50% less likely.
Trajectory Planning of a One-Legged Robot Performing a Stable Hop
Authors: Wu Ting-Ying , Yeh T.J. , Hsu Bing-Hung
Published: January 2011

In this paper, stable hopping of a one-legged, articulated robot with a flat foot is investigated. The robot has a special feature that before taking off, it goes through an underactuated phase in which the foot rotates about the unactuated toe on the ground. By having an underactuated phase, the robot can perform stable human-like hops with longer hopping distances. To devise a systematic trajectory design methodology for the robot, its dynamics was first derived, including the effects of ground-foot impact and hopping constraints. An optimization procedure is then proposed to plan the feasible actuated trajectories that not only meet performance requirements but also attain optimality with respect to the use of actuation energy. The hopping strategy and the planned trajectories are then verified by simulation and hardware implementation. Experiments indicate that the robot can perform stable hops with different hopping distances on level ground and can successfully hop up and down staircases.
Ambiguous Genitalia in a Fertile, Unilaterally Cryptorchid Male Miniature Schnauzer Dog
Authors: Breshears M. A. , Peters J. L.
Published: January 2011

A 7-year-old male miniature schnauzer dog with unilateral cryptorchidism was presented for elective orchiectomy. Surgery to remove the cryptorchid testis revealed a fully formed uterus with horns attached to both testis and the body and cervix terminating at the prostate gland. The gross and microscopic diagnosis for the genital tract was persistent Müllerian duct syndrome with unilateral cryptorchidism. Additional associated lesions included cystic endometrial hyperplasia and a solitary, intratubular seminoma within the undescended testis. Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is rare among domestic animals but is more common in miniature schnauzer dogs because of inheritance as an autosomal recessive trait.
Free-riding in international environmental agreements: A signaling approach to non-enforceable treaties
Authors: Espínola-Arredondo Ana , Muñoz-García Félix
Published: January 2011

This paper examines countries’ free-riding incentives in international environmental agreements (IEAs) when, first, the treaty is non-enforceable, and, second, countries do not have complete information about other countries’ non-compliance cost. We analyze a signaling model whereby the country leading the negotiations of the international agreement can reveal its own non-compliance costs through the commitment level it signs in the IEA. Our results show that countries’ probability of joining the IEA is increasing in the free-riding benefits they can obtain from other countries’ compliance, and decreasing in the cost of not complying with the initial terms of the agreement. This paper shows that, when free-riding incentives are strong enough, there is no equilibrium in which all countries join the IEA. Despite not joining the IEA, however, countries invest in clean technologies. Finally, we relate our results with some common observations in international negotiations.
Exercise for multiple sclerosis: a single-blind randomized trial comparing three exercise intensities
Authors: Collett Johnny , Dawes Helen , Meaney Andy , Sackley Cath , Barker Karen , Wade Derick , Izardi Hooshang , Bateman James , Duda Joan , Buckingham Elizabeth
Published: January 2011

Background: The most effective exercise dose has yet to be established for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different exercise intensities in people with MS.

Methods: We completed a randomized comparator study of three cycling exercise intensities, with blinded assessment, was carried out in Oxford. Sixty-one adults with MS who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomized at entry into the study, using a computer-generated list held by an exercise professional, into either: continuous (at 45% peak power, n = 20), intermittent (30 sec on, 30 sec off at 90% peak power, n = 21) or combined (10 min intermittent at 90% peak power then 10 min continuous at 45% peak power, n = 20) exercise for 20 min twice a week for 12 weeks in a leisure facility. Groups were assessed at: baseline, halfway (6 weeks), end intervention (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). Primary outcome measure was 2 min walk.

Results: Fifty-five participants were included in the analysis ( n = continuous 20, intermittent 18, combined 17). No differences were found between groups. After 6 weeks, considering all participants, 2 min walk distance increased by 6.96 ± 2.56 m (95% CI: 1.81 to 12.10, effect size (es): 0.25, p < 0.01). The continuous group increased by 4.71 ± 4.24 m (95% CI: −3.80 to 13.22, es : 0.06), intermittent by 12.94 ± 4.71 m (95% CI: 3.97 to 21.92, es: 0.28) and combined by 3.22 ± 4.60 m (95% CI: −6.01 to 12.46, es: 0.04) . Two minute walk did not significantly change between further assessments. Between 6 and 12 weeks there was a drop in attendance that seemed to be associated with the intermittent and combined groups; these groups also had a greater number of adverse events (leg pain during cycling most common) and dropouts ( n = continuous 1, intermittent 5, combined 10). Considering all participants, 6 weeks of cycling exercise produced benefits in mobility that were maintained with further sessions.

Conclusion: While no differences were found between groups, greater benefit may be associated with higher-intensity exercise, but this may be less well tolerated.CONSORT - trial registration number (ISRCTN89009719)
Take Me Out to the Yakyushiai
Authors: Leeds Michael A. , Sakata Sumi
Published: January 2011

The authors use data that are collected from the 2007 season to study attendance at Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) games. Like Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, Japanese teams set price in the inelastic portion of the demand curve, but standard explanations for low prices do not apply. The authors also find some evidence that the visiting team’s fans play a greater role in NPB than in MLB. Games in domed stadiums or between teams in different leagues also draw more fans. Finally, attendance is greater at games between better teams and games that the home team is more likely to win.