bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetik und Epigenetik des Silver-Russell-Syndroms
Authors: Spengler S. , Begemann M. , Binder G. , Eggermann T.
Published: November 2010

Das Silver-Russell-Syndrom (SRS) ist eine angeborene Imprintingerkrankung, die in erster Linie durch eine schwere intrauterine und postnatale Wachstumsretardierung, eine relative Makrozephalie, eine dreieckige Gesichtsform und/oder Asymmetrien des Körpers gekennzeichnet ist. Ein Nachweis (epi)genetischer Veränderungen ist mittlerweile bei etwa 50% der SRS-Patienten möglich: Bei 7–10% liegt eine maternale uniparentale Disomie des Chromosoms 7 (upd(7)mat) vor, bei weiteren etwa 40% der Patienten sind (epi)genetische Veränderungen in der chromosomalen Region 11p15 nachweisbar. In Ergänzung zu konventionell-zytogenetisch erhobenen Befunden erlaubt die molekulare Karyotypisierung zunehmend den Nachweis von submikroskopischen Chromosomenstörungen bei SRS-Patienten. Da es keine klare (Epi)genotyp-Phänotyp-Korrelation gibt und die variable Ausprägung der Symptome eine sichere Diagnosestellung erschwert, sollte auch bei Patienten, die nur eine Teilsymptomatik aufweisen, eine genetische Testung in Erwägung gezogen werden.
Adolescent disc dysplasia and back pain
Authors: Anakwenze Okechukwu A. , Kancherla Vamsi , Rendon Norma , Drummond Denis S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Adolescent disc dysplasia can be a cause of significant back pain and functional impairment in patients. We present a case series of patients inflicted with adolescent disc dysplasia (ADD).

Methods

A retrospective search was performed identifying patients presenting with ADD. Radiographic studies and advanced imaging were described. We documented presenting symptoms and clinical course.

Results

Six patients were identified. All patients presented with mechanical back pain, which worsened with flexion and extension. Magnetic resonance imaging was most accurate imaging modality.

Conclusion

Among our patient cohort, treatment for adolescent disc dysplasia consisted of a combination of physical therapy and bracing. Neither approach proved to be very effective, with only one patient asymptomatic at follow-up.
Pre‐ and/or postnatal protein restriction in rats impairs learning and motivation in male offspring
Authors: Reyes‐Castro L.A. , Rodriguez J.S. , Rodríguez‐González G.L. , Wimmer R.D. , McDonald T.J. , Larrea F. , Nathanielsz P.W. , Zambrano E.
Published: November 2010

Suboptimal developmental environments program offspring to lifelong health complications including affective and cognitive disorders. Little is known about the effects of suboptimal intra‐uterine environments on associative learning and motivational behavior. We hypothesized that maternal isocaloric low protein diet during pregnancy and lactation would impair offspring associative learning and motivation as measured by operant conditioning and the progressive ratio task, respectively. Control mothers were fed 20% casein (C) and restricted mothers (R) 10% casein to provide four groups: CC, RR, CR, and RC (first letter pregnancy diet and second letter lactation diet), to evaluate effects of maternal diet on male offspring behavior. Impaired learning was observed during fixed ratio − 1 operant conditioning in RC offspring that required more sessions to learn vs. the CC offspring (9.4 ± 0.8 and 3.8 ± 0.3 sessions, respectively, p < 0.05). Performance in fixed ratio − 5 conditioning showed the RR (5.4 ± 1.1), CR (4.0 ± 0.8), and RC (5.0 ± 0.8) offspring required more sessions to reach performance criterion than CC offspring (2.5 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). Furthermore, motivational effects during the progressive ratio test revealed less responding in the RR (48.1 ± 17), CR (74.7 ± 8.4), and RC (65.9 ± 11.2) for positive reinforcement vs. the CC offspring (131.5 ± 7.5, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate negative developmental programming effects due to perinatal isocaloric low protein diet on learning and motivation behavior with the nutritional challenge in the prenatal period showing more vulnerability in offspring behavior.
Third-party Privacy Certification as an Online Advertising Strategy: An Investigation of the Factors Affecting the Relationship between Third-party Certification and Initial Trust
Authors: Kim Kyongseok , Kim Jooyoung
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study is to assess the possibility of implementing an online advertising strategy using a well-known third-party privacy seal located on the order page of an unfamiliar online retailer. An online experiment was conducted with 223 participants using a 2 (third-party seal: present vs. absent) × 2 (purchase-decision involvement: low vs. high) × 2 (disposition to trust: low vs. high) × 2 (privacy-protection self-efficacy: low vs. high) between-subjects design. The results provide evidence of trust transference from a well-known third-party seal to an unfamiliar retailer website, indicating that seal presence raised initial trust in the website and that the effects of seal presence were mediated by perceived privacy empowerment. Results also indicate that the seal effects were moderated by the level of purchase-decision involvement, disposition to trust, and self-efficacy. Theoretical explanations and managerial implications are discussed.
What Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latinos say when they talk about Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karlawish Jason , Barg Frances K. , Augsburger Deborah , Beaver James , Ferguson Allison , Nunez Jessica
Published: November 2010

Background

To discover whether Latino Puerto Rican and non‐Latino communities differ in the words they use to talk about Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Four groups of 30 persons per group defined by self‐identified ethnicity and caregiver status: Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites, who were either caregivers or non‐caregivers completed free‐listing exercises to identify the words they use when they describe AD causes, symptoms, caregiving, and research risks and benefits.

Results

Both Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites recognize AD as a disease of memory loss and other cognitive problems. Although both groups used the term “sadness” to describe AD, non‐Latino Whites did not feature emotional, behavioral, or psychological problems as among the causes of AD. Although all the groups' descriptions of a person who lives with and cares for a person with AD shared the word “loving,” Latino Puerto Ricans focused on a good spouse who exercises intelligence, patience, and attention on behalf of the person with AD and did not use the term “caregiver.” In contrast, non‐Latino Whites typically used the term “caregiver.” Both groups' lists shared words that describe research as presenting harms to an AD patient and requiring a commitment of time. Latino Puerto Ricans' lists suggested an understanding of research benefits akin to clinical care.

Conclusions

Notable differences exist in how Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites talk about AD and AD research. Clinicians, clinical investigators, and patient educators need to consider these differences when they conduct clinical care and research and design outreach and educational materials.
Late Quaternary crustal shortening rate across the Shinjo basin, northeast Japan
Authors: Matsu'ura Tabito , Kimura Haruo
Published: November 2010

The active fault and fold belt in the eastern Shinjo basin has contributed to late Quaternary crustal shortening of the northeastern Japan arc. The geometries of several deformed strata and geomorphic surfaces recorded different rates of cumulative shortening. Fluvial terraces as old as 290 ka were dated by 14C and fission track dating and tephrochronology. We used published seismic profiles to constrain the deep structure of the belt. Vertical offsets of different terrace surfaces show that the slip rate of the Chojahara fault in the innermost basin has increased through time. On the basis of its seismic profile, this fault was interpreted to dip at a high angle. The Funagata anticline between the Chojahara fault and the Ou ranges was probably caused by a low‐angle blind thrust at about a 2 km depth. The different geometries between the basin sediments and fluvial terraces caused by the blind thrust indicate downward propagation of the thrust through time. Synchronous development of the Chojahara fault (increased slip rate) and the blind thrust beneath the Funagata anticline (downward propagation) suggests that these faults form a piggyback fault system connecting to the deep part of the basin‐bounding Kyodanbara fault. Estimated crustal shortening rates are averaged to be 0.65–1.05 and 0.79–1.42 m/kyr over the last 200–260 and 12–28 ka, respectively, accounting for about 0.7–1.6% of the convergence between the Pacific and Eurasian plates. Estimated strain rates are 0.07–0.11 and 0.08–0.14 ppm/yr for the last 200–260 and 12–28 ka, respectively.
Flood fatalities in Africa: From diagnosis to mitigation
Authors: Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Montanari Alberto , Lins Harry , Koutsoyiannis Demetris , Brandimarte Luigia , Blöschl Günter
Published: November 2010

Flood‐related fatalities in Africa, as well as associated economic losses, have increased dramatically over the past half‐century. There is a growing global concern about the need to identify the causes for such increased flood damages. To this end, we analyze a large, consistent and reliable dataset of floods in Africa. Identification of causes is not easy given the diverse economic settings, demographic distribution and hydro‐climatic conditions of the African continent. On the other hand, many African river basins have a relatively low level of human disturbance and, therefore, provide a unique opportunity to analyze climatic effects on floods. We find that intensive and unplanned human settlements in flood‐prone areas appears to be playing a major role in increasing flood risk. Timely and economically sustainable actions, such as the discouragement of human settlements in flood‐prone areas and the introduction of early warning systems are, therefore, urgently needed.
A method for improving plasma temperature estimates from incoherent scatter analysis during artificial ionospheric modification experiments
Authors: Vickers H. , Robinson T. , McCrea I. W.
Published: November 2010

Spectral features in incoherent scatter data, such as those caused by the purely growing mode (PGM), can often be strongly enhanced during the first few seconds of artificial ionospheric heating experiments, such as those carried out using the high‐power European Incoherent Scatter HF heater at Tromsø. These features, often referred to as “overshoot” effects, are indicators of turbulent non‐Maxwellian plasma, and the analysis of these spectra using standard incoherent scatter data analysis software leads to a poor estimation of the plasma parameters (particularly electron and ion temperature) during RF heating experiments. In this study, a procedure is developed to derive a more reliable estimate of plasma temperature during periods when the incoherent scatter spectrum is affected by contamination from the PGM. This is achieved by removing the PGM from the measured spectrum and then analyzing the modified spectrum using standard software. The results are compared to those obtained from the analysis of the original, contaminated spectra. It is found that the differences between the results obtained from the corrected and uncorrected spectra are strongly proportional to the magnitude of the PGM feature. We also show that the bulk temperatures during the remainder of the “heater on” period after the overshoot can generally be estimated reliably by the standard analysis software, though with some important exceptions. These results are important since the plasma temperatures play a crucial role in governing thermal conduction processes, and their correct estimation is thus very important to understanding the underlying physical processes which occur during ionospheric heating.
Statistical study of the quasi‐perpendicular shock ramp widths
Authors: Hobara Y. , Balikhin M. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Gedalin M. , Yamagishi H.
Published: November 2010

The width of the collisionless shock front is one of the key shock parameters. The width of the main shock transition layer is related to the nature of the collisionless process that balances nonlinearity and therefore leads to the formation of the shock itself. The shock width determines how the incoming plasma particles interact with the macroscopic fields within the front and, therefore, the processes that result in the energy redistribution at the front. Cluster and Themis measurements at the quasi‐perpendicular part of the terrestrial bow shock are used to study the spatial scale of the magnetic ramp. It is shown that statistically the ramp spatial scale decreases with the increase of the shock Mach number. This decrease of the shock scale together with previously observed whistler packets in the foot of supercritical quasi‐perpendicular shock indicates that it is the dispersion that determines the size of magnetic ramp even for supercritical shocks.
Latitudinal variations in Saturn's ionosphere: Cassini measurements and model comparisons
Authors: Moore Luke , Mueller‐Wodarg Ingo , Galand Marina , Kliore Arvydas , Mendillo Michael
Published: November 2010

We present a study of latitudinal variations in Saturn's ionosphere using Cassini Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) measurements and Saturn‐Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Model (STIM) simulations. On the basis of Cassini RSS observations, the peak electron density (NMAX) and the total electron content (TEC) both exhibit a clear increase with latitude, with a minimum at Saturn's equator. When compared with these RSS trends, current model simulations overestimate NMAX and TEC at low latitudes and underestimate those parameters at middle and high latitudes. STIM is able to reproduce the RSS values for NMAX and TEC at low latitude when an additional low‐latitude loss process, such as a water influx, is introduced near Saturn's equator. The lack of auroral precipitation processes in the model likely explains some model/data discrepancies at high latitude; however, most of the high‐latitude RSS data are from latitudes outside of Saturn's typical main auroral oval. Using Cassini RSS electron density altitude profiles combined with ion density fractions and neutral background parameters calculated in STIM, we also present estimates of the latitudinal variations of Saturn's Pedersen conductance, ΣP. We find ΣP to be driven by ion densities in Saturn's lower ionosphere and to exhibit a latitudinal trend with a peak at mid‐latitude. Model calculations are able to reproduce low‐latitude conductances when an additional loss process is introduced, as before, but consistently underestimate most of the mid‐ and high‐latitude conductances derived from Cassini observations, perhaps indicating a missing ionization source within the model.
Constraints on ripple migration at Meridiani Planum from Opportunity and HiRISE observations of fresh craters
Authors: Golombek M. , Robinson K. , McEwen A. , Bridges N. , Ivanov B. , Tornabene L. , Sullivan R.
Published: November 2010

Observations of fresh impact craters by the Opportunity rover and in high‐resolution orbital images constrain the latest phase of granule ripple migration at Meridiani Planum to have occurred between ∼50 ka and ∼200 ka. Opportunity explored the fresh Resolution crater cluster and Concepción crater that are superposed on and thus younger than the ripples. These fresh craters have small dark pebbles scattered across their surfaces, which are most likely fragments of the impactor, suggesting that the dark pebbles and cobbles observed by Opportunity at Meridiani Planum are a lag of impactor‐derived material (either meteoritic or secondary impactors from elsewhere on Mars). Two larger, fresh‐rayed craters in Meridiani Planum bracket ripple migration; secondaries from Ada crater are clearly superposed on and secondaries from an unnamed 0.84 km diameter crater have been modified and overprinted by the ripples. Three methods were used to estimate the age of these craters and thus when the latest phase of ripple migration occurred. The inactivity of the ripples over the past ∼50 ka at Meridiani is also consistent with other evidence for the stability of the ripples, the lack of observed eolian bed forms in craters that formed in the past 20 years, and little evidence for much dune motion in the past 30 yr on Mars. Observations of crater morphology and their interaction with the ripples allow the development of a general time scale for craters in Meridiani Planum over the past million years.
Ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus encephalitis in a bone marrow transplant recipient
Authors: Julin J.E. , Van Burik J.H. , Krivit W. , Webb C. , Holman C.J. , Clark H.B. , Balfour Jr. H.H.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: A 20‐year‐old patient, who received a bone marrow transplant in order to treat metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), succumbed to cytomegalovirus (CMV) encephalitis. After CMV viremia developed, the patient received ganciclovir, but he was switched to foscarnet when ganciclovir resistance was suspected. Foscarnet was discontinued because of concern about its potential central nervous system toxicity. Autopsy samples of brain and cerebrospinal fluid contained CMV DNA with a UL97 mutation (M460V) known to confer ganciclovir resistance. No foscarnet resistance mutations were found.
Disseminated Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum) infection in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Campagnaro E.L. , Woodside K.J. , Early M.G. , Gugliuzza K.K. , Colomé‐Grimmer M.I. , Lopez F.A. , Daller J.A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Transplant recipients receive a number of immunosuppressive medications that result in an increased risk of infection, including infections with microbes that are normally not pathogenic. We describe a patient with end‐stage renal disease who underwent kidney transplantation. Six months postoperatively, he presented with a lesion on his ankle, multiple thigh nodules, and right testicular pain. Biopsy of the ankle lesion demonstrated Pseudallescheria boydii (Scedosporium apiospermum), a common environmental fungus. Following orchiectomy, multiple fungal elements were found that were initially described as Aspergillus species, but later identified as P. boydii. In addition, multiple brain abscesses were found on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite treatment with multiple antifungal medications, the patient died of cardiac dysrhythmia. Current diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for P. boydii are reviewed.
Modulation of Membrane Curvature by Phosphatidic Acid and Lysophosphatidic Acid
Authors: Kooijman Edgar E. , Chupin Vladimir , de Kruijff Ben , Burger Koert N. J.
Published: November 2010

The local generation of phosphatidic acid plays a key role in the regulation of intracellular membrane transport through mechanisms which are largely unknown. Phosphatidic acid may recruit and activate downstream effectors, or change the biophysical properties of the membrane and directly induce membrane bending and/or destabilization. To evaluate these possibilities, we determined the phase properties of phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid at physiological conditions of pH and ion concentrations. In single‐lipid systems, unsaturated phosphatidic acid behaved as a cylindrical, bilayer‐preferring lipid at cytosolic conditions (37 °C, pH 7.2, 0.5 mm free Mg2+), but acquired a type‐II shape at typical intra‐Golgi conditions, a mildly acidic pH and submillimolar free Ca2+ (pH 6.6–5.9, 0.3 mm Ca2+). Lysophosphatidic acid formed type‐I lipid micelles in the absence of divalent cations, but anhydrous cation‐lysophosphatidic acid bilayer complexes in their presence. These data suggest a similar molecular shape for phosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidic acid at cytosolic conditions; however, experiments in mixed‐lipid systems indicate that their shape is not identical. Lysophosphatidic acid stabilized the bilayer phase of unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine, while the opposite effect was observed in the presence of phosphatidic acid. These results support the hypothesis that a conversion of lysophosphatidic acid into phosphatidic acid by endophilin or BARS (50 kDa brefeldin A ribosylated substrate) may induce negative spontaneous monolayer curvature and regulate endocytic and Golgi membrane fission. Alternative models for the regulation of membrane fission based on the strong dependence of the molecular shape of (lyso)phosphatidic acid on pH and divalent cations are also discussed.
Golgin‐84 is a rab1 Binding Partner Involved in Golgi Structure
Authors: Satoh Ayano , Wang Yanzhuang , Malsam Jörg , Beard Matthew B. , Warren Graham
Published: November 2010

Members of the golgin family of coiled‐coil proteins have been implicated in the tethering of vesicles to Golgi membranes and cisternal membranes to each other. Many also bind to rab GTPases. Golgin‐84 is a membrane‐anchored golgin that we now show binds preferentially to the GTP form of the rab1 GTPase. It is also present throughout the Golgi stack by immuno‐EM. Antibodies to golgin‐84 inhibit stacking of cisternal membranes in a cell‐free assay for Golgi reassembly, whereas the cytoplasmic domain of golgin‐84 stimulates stacking and increases the length of re‐assembled stacks. Transient expression of golgin‐84 in NRK cells helps prevent the disassembly of the Golgi apparatus normally triggered by treatment with brefeldin A. Together these data suggest that golgin‐84 is involved in generating and maintaining the architecture of the Golgi apparatus.
Nucleocytoplasmic Transport: Navigating the Channel
Authors: Bednenko Janna , Cingolani Gino , Gerace Larry
Published: November 2010

Nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by shuttling receptors that recognize specific signals on protein or RNA cargoes and translocate the cargoes through the nuclear pore complex. Transport receptors appear to move through the nuclear pore complex by facilitated diffusion, involving repeated cycles of binding to and dissociation from nucleoporins with phenylalanine‐glycine motifs. We discuss recent experimental approaches and results that have begun to provide molecular insight into the mechanisms by which transport complexes traverse the nuclear pore complex, and point out the significant gaps in understanding that remain.
Evaluation of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis
Authors: Blaser Martin , Methe Barbara , Strober Bruce , Perez Perez Guillermo , Brown Stuart , Alekseyenko Alexander
Published: November 2010

Psoriasis, a highly prevalent disease of humans of unknown cause, is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily involving skin, with distinctive clinical characteristics. With the newly developed tools that facilitate microbiome research, it now is possible to assess whether the cutaneous microbiome plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Preliminary data from our studies suggest that the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis is complex and possibly different from normal. To deal with this complexity, we propose to examine the cutaneous microbiome in relation to psoriasis with explorations at several taxonomic and informatic levels. Our overall objective is to examine how changes in the normal cutaneous microbiome contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Since causality is complex and often difficult to prove, our overall hypothesis is that there are alterations in the cutaneous microbiome in areas of skin affected by psoriasis in comparison with the range observed in clinically unaffected areas, or in healthy persons. We also hypothesize that the characteristics of the microbiome may affect clinical responses to the immunomodulatory agents used to treat psoriasis. An alternative hypothesis is that effective treatment of psoriasis with systemic immunomodulatory agents will not substantially affect the disordered microbial ecosystem. Such observations would provide evidence for the roles of the microbiota in this disorder. Since an important consideration in microbiome research is the optimal level (e.g. phylum, genus, species, strain, gene) at which to examine a scientific question, and we are not yet certain what are the optimal levels for psoriasis, this also will be examined. Our studies of psoriasis should allow development of both approaches and tools that will have general utility for microbiome research. To test our hypothesis, we propose the following specific aims: 1. To understand the cutaneous microbiome species composition overlaying psoriatic lesions; 2. To investigate differences in metagenome content for psoriatic lesions compared to normal skin; 3. To identify differences in the transcriptional profiles of the microbiome and the host between normal skin and psoriatic lesions using high-throughput sequencing; and 4. To estimate the effects of systemic immunomodulatory therapy for psoriasis on microbiome composition. In total, these studies should help us understand the role of the microbiome in psoriasis pathogenesis.
The characterization of human adenylate kinases 7 and 8 demonstrates differences in kinetic parameters and structural organization among the family of adenylate kinase isoenzymes
Authors: Panayiotou Christakis , Solaroli Nicola , Xu Yunjian , Johansson Magnus , Karlsson Anna
Published: November 2010

Differences in expression profiles, substrate specificities, kinetic properties and subcellular localization among the AK (adenylate kinase) isoenzymes have been shown to be important for maintaining a proper adenine nucleotide composition for many different cell functions. In the present study, human AK7 was characterized and its substrate specificity, kinetic properties and subcellular localization determined. In addition, a novel member of the human AK family, with two functional domains, was identified and characterized and assigned the name AK8. AK8 is the second known human AK with two complete and active AK domains within its polypeptide chain, a feature that has previously been shown for AK5. The full-length AK8, as well as its two domains AK8p1 and AK8p2, all showed similar AK enzyme activity. AK7, full-length AK8, AK8p1 and AK8p2 phosphorylated AMP, CMP, dAMP and dCMP with ATP as the phosphate donor, and also AMP, CMP and dCMP with GTP as the phosphate donor. Both AK7 and full-length AK8 showed highest affinity for AMP with ATP as the phosphate donor, and proved to be more efficient in AMP phosphorylation as compared with the major cytosolic isoform AK1. Expression of the proteins fused with green fluorescent protein demonstrated a cytosolic localization for both AK7 and AK8.
Theoretical analysis of initial adsorption of high-κ metal oxides on InxGa1−xAs(  1)-(4×2) surfaces
Authors: Bishop Sarah R. , Clemens Jonathon B. , Chagarov Evgueni A. , Shen Jian , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: November 2010

Ordered, low coverage to monolayer, high-κ oxide adsorption on group III rich InAs(0 0 1)-(4×2) and In0.53Ga0.47As(0 0 1)-(4×2) was modeled via density functional theory (DFT). Initial adsorption of HfO2 and ZrO2 was found to remove dangling bonds on the clean surface. At full monolayer coverage, the oxide-semiconductor bonds restore the substrate surface atoms to a more bulklike bonding structure via covalent bonding, with the potential for an unpinned interface. DFT models of ordered HfO2/In0.53Ga0.47As(0 0 1)-(4×2) show it fully unpins the Fermi level.
Behavior of ion affecting image sticking on liquid crystal displays under application of direct current voltage
Authors: Mizusaki Masanobu , Miyashita Tetsuya , Uchida Tatsuo
Published: November 2010

Image sticking can be observed in some cases and it degrades the image quality of liquid crystal (LC) display. The image sticking is considered to be induced by generation of residual direct current voltage (Vrdc), which would be caused by the presence of ion in a LC cell. We clarified the generation mechanism of Vrdc based on a model of adsorption and desorption of the ion to and from the surface of an alignment layer at various temperatures. The experimental results indicate that these processes can be explained by the Boltzmann distribution. The analysis based on Arrehnius plots shows that the ion adsorbs to the surface of the alignment layer with weak binding such as van der Waals interaction or hydrogen bonding. This finding is effective for development of high image quality LC displays.
Control of the local devitrification on oxyfluoride glass doped with Er3+ ions under diode laser irradiation
Authors: González-Pérez S. , Martín I. R. , Jaque D. , Haro-González P. , Capuj N.
Published: November 2010

Temperature control of the devitrification process in an erbium doped oxyfluoride glass under laser irradiation is reported. The green upconversion emissions around 525 and 545 nm originated from the thermalized H211/2 and S43/2 levels were studied when the glass structure changes to glass ceramic during irradiation with a laser beam. Power dependence of the fluorescence intensity ratio was used to determine the temperature of the irradiated zone. The transition from glass to glass ceramic takes place under 2300 mW of laser power with an estimated temperature around 783 K. This result agrees with the one obtained in the samples devitrified under conventional furnace treatment. Therefore, the estimation of the temperature of the irradiated zone through the fluorescence intensity ratio method allows a controlled devitrification. Moreover, an irradiated line has been written in the glass showing an important diffusion of the Pb2+ and F− ions. These results confirm that nanocrystals have been created due to the laser action.
Effect of impurity strength and impurity domain on excitation of doped quantum dot induced by discontinuously reversing pulsed field
Authors: Datta Nirmal Kumar , Ghosh Subhasree , Ghosh Manas
Published: November 2010

We explore the excitation profile of a repulsive impurity doped quantum dot. The quantum dot is subject to a discontinuously reversing static electric field. The dopant impurity potential chosen assumes Gaussian form. The investigation reveals how impurity strength and impurity domain can influence the excitation rate in conjunction with the number of pulses offered by the external field. Time-dependent Hellmann–Feynman theorem has been invoked to understand the extent of external field-to-dot energy transfer.
Modeling and performance analysis of GaN nanowire field-effect transistors and band-to-band tunneling field-effect transistors
Authors: Khayer M. Abul , Lake Roger K.
Published: November 2010

The real and imaginary bandstructures of deeply scaled GaN nanowire (NW) field-effect transistors (FETs) are calculated with an eight-band k⋅p model. Analysis of the transport properties of both GaN NW FETs and NW band-to-band tunneling FETs (TFETs) is presented. Deeply scaled n-type GaN NW FETs operate in the classical capacitance limit (CCL) in stead of operating in the quantum capacitance limit. This is a result of the high electron effective mass and high density of states. We discuss how the CCL operation of these devices affect the device performance. For the GaN NW FETs, within a source Fermi level of 0.2 eV, the current density varies from 5 to 8.5 A/mm. For the GaN TFETs, we present analysis on the effect of NW diameter on the on-currents, the off-currents, and the required electric fields. We show that a drive current of ∼0.05 A/mm can be achieved for the GaN NW TFETs. These devices show potential for high-speed and high-power applications.
Sequential tunneling transport characteristics of GaN/AlGaN coupled-quantum-well structures
Authors: Sudradjat Faisal , Zhang Wei , Driscoll Kristina , Liao Yitao , Bhattacharyya Anirban , Thomidis Christos , Zhou Lin , Smith David J. , Moustakas Theodore D. , Paiella Roberto
Published: November 2010

Vertical electronic transport in periodic GaN/AlGaN multiple-quantum-well structures grown on free-standing GaN substrates is investigated. Highly nonlinear current-voltage characteristics are measured, displaying a clear transition from a high-resistance state near zero applied bias to a low-resistance state as the voltage is increased. The measurement results, including their temperature dependence and the variations in turn-on voltage with subband structure and bias polarity are in full agreement with a picture of sequential tunneling through the ground-state subbands of adjacent coupled quantum wells. Scattering-assisted tunneling due to interface roughness or structural defects appears to be the dominant transport mechanism. The potential role of photon-assisted tunneling is also investigated.
Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy study of ultrathin Al2O3–TiO2 dielectric stack on Si
Authors: Liu Zuoguang , Cui Sharon , Kornblum Lior , Eizenberg Moshe , Chang Ming-Feng , Ma T. P.
Published: November 2010

We report the properties of an ultrathin Al2O3–TiO2 dielectric stack with the equivalent-oxide thickness =1.0 nm. The stack exhibits nondiscernable interfacial layer on Si, and absence of serious Al2O3–TiO2 intermixing. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) has been used to provide a wealth of information concerning the phonons, bonding vibration modes, and traps in the Al2O3–TiO2 gate dielectric stack as well as its interfaces in a metal-oxide-Si structure. The IETS spectra before and after forming gas annealing suggest that the reduction of traps is related to the formation of Si–H bonds at the oxide-Si interface.
Multilayered optical bit storage in Sm(DBM)3Phen-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) read out by fluorescence and reflection modes
Authors: Nie Z G , Lim K S , Jang W Y , Lee H Y , Lee M K , Kabayashi T
Published: November 2010

We report on multilayer optical data storage using Sm(DBM)3Phen-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) and a tightly focused 800 nm, 1 kHz, 100 fs pulsed laser. After pulsed femtosecond laser irradiation, refractive-index change and a visible fluorescent bit were formed at the irradiated position inside the bulk sample. The photoluminescence should result from the ligands peeled from the central Sm3+ ions via bond scission induced by laser irradiation. Multilayer patterns recorded by tightly focusing the pulsed laser beam were read out by a reflection-type fluorescence confocal microscope, which can detect the scattered signal and also the fluorescent signal of the stored bits. The dependence of fluorescence and scattering signals on recording pulse energy was examined. The signal-to-noise ratios via two retrieval modes were compared as a function of recording depth. The detection of the fluorescence signal enables retrieval of the stored bits with a higher S/N ratio.
Interplay effects of temperature and injection power on photoluminescence of InAs/GaAs quantum dot with high and low areal density
Authors: Zhou X L , Chen Y H , Jia C H , Ye X L , Xu Bo , Wang Z G
Published: November 2010

In this report, we have investigated the temperature and injection power dependent photoluminescence in self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) systems with low and high areal density, respectively. It was found that, for the high-density samples, state filling effect and abnormal temperature dependence were interacting. In particular, the injection power-induced variations were most obvious at the temperature interval where carriers transfer from small quantum dots (SQDs) to large quantum dots (LQDs). Such interplay effects could be explained by carrier population of SQDs relative to LQDs, which could be fitted well using a thermal carrier rate equation model. On the other hand, for the low density sample, an abnormal broadening of full width at half maximum (FWHM) was observed at the 15–100 K interval. In addition, the FWHM also broadened with increasing injection power at the whole measured temperature interval. Such peculiarities of low density QDs could be attributed to the exciton dephasing processes, which is similar to the characteristic of a single quantum dot. The compared interplay effects of high- and low-density QDs reflect the difference between an interacting and isolated QDs system.
Hydrophobic coatings deposited with an atmospheric pressure microplasma jet
Authors: Vogelsang Andreas , Ohl Andreas , Foest Rüdiger , Schröder Karsten , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter
Published: November 2010

Successful plasma polymerization of a fluorocarbon compound (c-C4F8) using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet is described. The source is operated with argon as working gas at a flow rate of 6 slm and 10–100 sccm admixtures of c-C4F8. Deposition is limited to a discharge regime with strong localization and was observed for conductive substrates only (Al and Si). The deposition process is characterized by a high local growth rate (40 nm s−1) and produces films which show a Teflon-like chemical structure and hydrophobicity. The coatings are characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Changing the ambient atmosphere from protective N2 to normal air only reduces the deposition rate but does not change the chemistry of the film.

Based on the results of parameter variations and the electrical relations of the jet setup, the special form of the deposition regime of the jet is discussed and considered to be a γ-mode discharge dependent on the choice of substrate material.
Prevalence of comorbid disorders in problem and pathological gambling: systematic review and meta‐analysis of population surveys
Authors: Lorains Felicity K. , Cowlishaw Sean , Thomas Shane A.
Published: November 2010

Aims  This paper reviews evidence pertaining to the prevalence of common comorbid disorders, including alcohol use disorder, depression, substance use disorders, nicotine dependence, anxiety disorders and antisocial personality disorder, in population‐representative samples of problem and pathological gamblers.

Methods  A systematic search was conducted for peer‐reviewed and unpublished articles reported between 1 January 1998 and 20 September 2010. Only studies which examined the prevalence of comorbid conditions in problem and/or pathological gamblers from a general population sample using randomized sampling methods and standardized measurement tools were included. Meta‐analysis techniques were then performed to synthesize the included studies and estimate the weighted mean effect size and heterogeneity across studies.

Results  Eleven eligible studies were identified from the literature. Results from across the studies indicated that problem and pathological gamblers had high rates of other comorbid disorders. The highest mean prevalence was for nicotine dependence (60.1%), followed by a substance use disorder (57.5%), any type of mood disorder (37.9%) and any type of anxiety disorder (37.4%). However, there was evidence of moderate heterogeneity across studies, suggesting that rate estimates do not necessarily converge around a single population figure, and that weighted means should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions  Problem and pathological gamblers experience high levels of other comorbid mental health disorders and screening for comorbid disorders upon entering treatment for gambling problems is recommended. Further research is required to explore the underlying causes of variability observed in the prevalence estimates.
A multicentre, prospective, randomized trial: comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones with renal colic
Authors: Ye Zhangqun , Yang Huan , Li Hong , Zhang Xiaochun , Deng Yaoliang , Zeng Guohua , Chen Lingwu , Cheng Yue , Yang Jianggen , Mi Qiwu , Zhang Yonghai , Chen Zhong , Guo Hui , He Wei , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

α‐blocker tamsulosin in medical expusion therapy was determined to be safe and effective for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.

This trial further demonstrates that the tamsulosin in MET is more efficative and more safer than nifedipine for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET in a prospective randomized trial of 3189 outpatients from 10 centres in China.

Eligible patients randomly received tamsulosin or nifedipine. Efficacies of the two agents in MET were compared at 4 weeks.

The primary endpoint was overall stone‐expulsion rate.

Secondary endpoints were stone‐expulsion time, rate of pain relief therapy, mean analgesic consumption for renal colic recurrence, and side‐effects incidence.

RESULTS

Stone‐expulsion rates in the tamsulosin group (group 1) were greater than those in the nifedipine group (group 2; P < 0.01).

There was a significant variation in stone‐expulsion rates and times between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.01); with improvements in stone‐expulsion rate and time significantly better in group 1 than in group 2.

There was a significant variation in the rate of pain relief therapy for renal colic recurrence between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.01); patients in group 1 required significantly less analgesics than those in group 2 (P < 0.01).

There were no statistically significant differences in side‐effects incidence between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET was determined to be safe and effective for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.

Tamsulosin was significantly better than nifedipine in relieving renal colic and facilitating ureteric stone expulsion.
A Complementary Systems Account of Word Learning in L1 and L2
Authors: Lindsay Shane , Gaskell M. Gareth
Published: November 2010

We review a body of behavioral and neuroimaging research relating to the acquisition and integration of novel words. An important outcome from this research is that different aspects of knowledge associated with learning a new word become established over different time scales. We suggest that the temporal dissociations found in word learning are due to the application of and interaction between complementary learning systems in the brain, with rapidly acquired episodic representations stored via the medial temporal lobes and slower learning supported by neocortical systems. We discuss the implications of this model for understanding the earliest stages of learning a novel word and for learning words in a second language.
Expert system design for credit risk evaluation using neuro‐fuzzy logic
Authors: Sreekantha D. K. , Kulkarni R. V.
Published: November 2010

Over the past few years, the credit risk evaluation of micro‐, small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises by banks and financial institutions has been an active area of research under the joint pressure of regulators and shareholders. The credit rating assessment forms an important part of credit risk assessment, involving risk parameters such as financial, business, industry and management areas. The mathematical models of evaluation are at the core of modern credit risk management systems. This paper focuses on the use of fuzzy logic and neural network techniques to design a methodology for evaluating the credit worthiness of the entrepreneur. The neuro‐fuzzy logic approach takes into account the minute details of credit rating expert's thought process to arrive at the final decision. A flexible credit rating framework (CRF) has been designed to organize all the facts of the client in a hierarchical fashion. The neural networks provide self‐learning capability to the CRF. The CRF can be customized to suit different business and industrial interests.
Elective Cesarean Delivery: Does It Have a Negative Effect on Breastfeeding?
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Svegliado Giorgia , Cavallin Francesco , Giustardi Arturo , Cosmi Erich , Litta Pietro , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Cesarean delivery has negative effects on breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate breastfeeding rates, defined in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, from delivery to 6 months postpartum in infants born by elective and emergency cesarean section and in infants born vaginally.

Methods:  Delivery modalities were assessed in relation to breastfeeding patterns in 2,137 term infants delivered at a tertiary center, the Padua University School of Medicine in northeastern Italy, from January to December 2007. The study population included 677 (31.1%) newborns delivered by cesarean section, 398 (18.3%) by elective cesarean, 279 (12.8%) by emergency cesarean section, and 1,496 (68.8%) delivered vaginally.

Results:  Breastfeeding prevalence in the delivery room was significantly higher after vaginal delivery compared with that after cesarean delivery (71.5% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001), and a longer interval occurred between birth and first breastfeeding in the newborns delivered by cesarean section (mean ± SD, hours, 3.1 ± 5 vs 10.4 ± 9, p < 0.05). No difference was found in breastfeeding rates between the elective and emergency cesarean groups. Compared with elective cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery was associated with a higher breastfeeding rate at discharge and at the subsequent follow‐up steps (7 days, 3 mo, and 6 mo of life).

Conclusions:  Emergency and elective cesarean deliveries are similarly associated with a decreased rate of exclusive breastfeeding compared with vaginal delivery. The inability of women who have undergone a cesarean section to breastfeed comfortably in the delivery room and in the immediate postpartum period seems to be the most likely explanation for this association. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
Long‐Term Disability Claims Rates and the Consumption‐to‐Wealth Ratio
Authors: Smoluk H. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract

A framework for linking long‐term disability (LTD) claims rates to the macro‐economy using the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio is developed from financial economic and option theories. Financial economic theory suggests that the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio reflects consumption smoothing and reveals expectations about future wealth. For individuals contemplating submitting an LTD claim, the expected payoff to exercising this insurance option is a function of their expectations about their future wealth. The lower (higher) their expectations about future wealth, the higher (lower) the expected payoff, and the higher (lower) claims rates are likely to be. Using cointegration analysis, we find that LTD claims rates and the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio are linked in a long‐run equilibrium. When the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio is high (low), LTD claims rates are low (high).
The Effects of Tort Reform on Medical Malpractice Insurers' Ultimate Losses
Authors: Born Patricia , Viscusi W. Kip , Baker Tom
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Whereas the literature evaluating the effect of tort reforms has focused on the impact of reforms on insurers' reported incurred losses, this article examines the ultimate effects of reforms using the developed losses from a comprehensive sample of insurers writing medical malpractice insurance from 1984 to 2003. Noneconomic damages caps are particularly influential in reducing medical malpractice losses and increasing insurer profitability. The long‐run effects of these reforms are greater than insurers' expected effects; for example, 5‐ and 7‐year developed loss ratios are below the initially reported incurred loss ratios for those years following the enactment of noneconomic damages caps. Analyses of reported losses consequently understate the ultimate effects of tort reforms. The quantile regressions show that reforms have the greatest effects for the firms that are at the high end of the loss distribution.
What a Rational Parser Would Do
Authors: Hale John T.
Published: November 2010

This article examines cognitive process models of human sentence comprehension based on the idea of informed search. These models arerationalin the sense that they strive to find a good syntactic analysis quickly. Informed search derives a new account of garden pathing that handles traditional counterexamples. It supports a symbolic explanation for local coherence as well as an algorithmic account of entropy reduction. The models are expressed in a broad framework for theories of human sentence comprehension.