bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Arabidopsis salt acclimation induced by up‐regulation of HY1 and the regulatory role of RbohD‐derived reactive oxygen species synthesis
Authors: Xie Yan‐Jie , Xu Sheng , Han Bin , Wu Ming‐Zhu , Yuan Xing‐Xing , Han Yi , Gu Quan , Xu Dao‐Kun , Yang Qing , Shen Wen‐Biao
Published: January 2011

In Arabidopsis thaliana, a family of four genes (HY1, HO2, HO3 and HO4) encode haem oxygenase (HO), and play a major role in phytochrome chromophore biosynthesis. To characterize the contribution of the various haem oxygenase isoforms involved in salt acclimation, the effects of NaCl on seed germination and primary root growth in Arabidopsis wild‐type and four HO mutants (hy1‐100, ho2, ho3 and ho4) were compared. Among the four HO mutants, hy1‐100 displayed maximal sensitivity to salinity and showed no acclimation response, whereas plants over‐expressing HY1 (35S:HY1) exhibited tolerance characteristics. Mild salt stress stimulated biphasic increases in RbohD transcripts and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (peaks I and II) in wild‐type. ROS peak I‐mediated HY1 induction and subsequent salt acclimation were observed, but only ROS peak I was seen in the hy1‐100 mutant. A subsequent test confirmed the causal relationship of salt acclimation with haemin‐induced HY1 expression and RbohD‐derived ROS peak II formation. In atrbohD mutants, haemin pre‐treatment resulted in induction of HY1 expression, but no similar response was seen in hy1‐100, and no ROS peak II or subsequent salt acclimatory responses were observed. Together, the above findings suggest that HY1 plays an important role in salt acclimation signalling, and requires participation of RbohD‐derived ROS peak II.
Gender differences in cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide during sevoflurane anesthesia in children: preliminary findings
Authors: Siriussawakul Arunotai , Sharma Deepak , Sookplung Pimwan , Armstead William , Vavilala Monica S.
Published: January 2011

Background:  Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CO2R) is affected by age, gender and anesthetic agents. While gender differences in CO2R are described in adults, there are no such data in children.

Aim:  To examine the gender differences in CO2R in children during sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods:  Five girls and five boys <15 years of age and ASA physical status I, undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled. Under steady‐state anesthesia with <1.0 MAC sevoflurane, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity changes were monitored using Transcranial Doppler ultrasound while endtidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was adjusted from 40 to 30 mmHg (hypocapnia) and then from 40 to 50 mmHg (hypercapnia). CO2R was calculated between EtCO2 ranges 30–40 and 40–50 mmHg. Cerebrovascular resistance (eCVR) was estimated as MAP/Vmca and the change in eCVR (ΔeCVR) between EtCO2 30 and 40 mmHg and between EtCO2 40 and 50 mmHg was calculated.

Results:  There was no gender difference in CO2R. However, both CO2R and ΔeCVR were lower in the EtCO2 40–50 mmHg range compared to EtCO2 30–40 mmHg range only in girls (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). Vmca increased significantly with increase in CO2 (P < 0.001) for both boys and girls. The coefficient of nonlinear correlation (r) between Vmca and EtCO2 was 0.88 in girls vs 0.66 in boys.

Conclusion:  While there were no gender differences in CO2R within the individual EtCO2 ranges examined, girls but not boys had a significantly lower CO2R and ΔeCVR in the higher EtCO2 range during <1.0 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia.
Unit versus Ad Valorem Taxes in Multiproduct Cournot Oligopoly
Authors: LAPAN HARVEY E. , HENNESSY DAVID A.
Published: January 2011

The welfare dominance of ad valorem taxes over unit taxes in a single‐market Cournot oligopoly is well known. This article extends the analysis to multimarket oligopoly. Provided all ad valorem taxes are equal and positive, unit costs are constant, firms are active in all considered markets, and a representative consumer has convex preferences, ad valorem taxes are shown to dominate in multiproduct equilibrium. Conditions exist, however, under which economic efficiency declines upon replacing specific taxes with ad valorem taxes that preserve output levels. We discuss the roles of unit cost covariances across multiproduct firms, and also of complementarity in demand, in determining the extent of cost efficiencies arising under ad valorem taxation. For goods that are complementary or independent in demand, conditions are found such that industry profits decline upon use of ad valorem taxes.
Regulation of the NPC2 protein‐mediated cholesterol trafficking by membrane lipids
Authors: Gallala Hichem D. , Breiden Bernadette , Sandhoff Konrad
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 702–707.

Recycling and turnover of cell membranes play a critical role in cell metabolism. The internalization of membranes through the different processes of endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy deliver a considerable amount of membranes and lipids to the endosomal and lysosomal system which is tasked with its degradation. Its failure to do so leads to severe fatal neurodegenerative diseases. In order to better understand how membranes are degraded, we have to investigate the complex interactions that take place in this compartment between complex membrane lipids, enzymes and lipid binding and transfer proteins involved. To this end, we developed lipid transfer and fusion assays which allow us to quantify these interactions and assess their specificity. The published results of these investigations are summarized in this article. One of our main conclusions is that we have provided evidence for the hypothesis that acid sphingomyelinase stimulates Niemann pick disease protein type 2‐mediated cholesterol export substantially by converting sphingomyelin to ceramide in the inner membranes of late endosomes.
Antibodies against ganglioside complexes in Guillain‐Barré syndrome and related disorders
Authors: Kusunoki Susumu , Kaida Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 828–832.

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is acute autoimmune neuropathy, often subsequent to an infection. Serum anti‐ganglioside antibodies are frequently elevated in titer. Those antibodies are useful diagnostic markers and possible pathogenetic factors. Recent data demonstrated that sera from some patients with GBS react with ganglioside complexes (GSCs) consisting of two different gangliosides, but not with each constituent ganglioside. Those antibodies may specifically recognize a new conformational epitope formed by two gangliosides. In particular, the antibodies against GD1a/GD1b and/or GD1b/GT1b complexes are associated with severe GBS requiring artificial ventilation. The antibodies to GM1/GalNAc–GD1a and those to GSCs containing GQ1b or GT1a are associated with pure motor GBS and Fisher syndrome, respectively. In contrast, the binding activities of the antibodies highly specific to GD1b are strongly inhibited by the addition of GD1a to GD1b. Gangliosides along with other components as cholesterol are known to form lipid rafts, in which two different gangliosides may form a new conformational epitope. Future investigation is necessary to elucidate the roles of GSCs in the plasma membrane and of the clinical relevance of the anti‐GSCs antibodies.
Membrane targeting, shedding and protein interactions of brain acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Hicks David , John Danielle , Makova Natalia Z. , Henderson Zaineb , Nalivaeva Natalia N. , Turner Anthony J.
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 742–746.

The early stages of Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by cholinergic deficits and the preservation of cholinergic function through the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is the basis for current treatments of the disease. Understanding the causes for the loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in neurodegeneration is therefore a key to developing new therapeutics. In this study, we review novel aspects of cholinesterase membrane localization in brain and propose mechanisms for its lipid domain targeting, secretion and protein‐protein interactions. In erythrocytes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is localized to lipid rafts through a GPI anchor. However, the main splice form of AChE in brain lacks a transmembrane peptide anchor region and is bound to the ‘proline‐rich membrane anchor’, PRiMA, in lipid rafts. Furthermore, AChE is secreted (‘shed’) from membranes and this shedding is stimulated by cholinergic agonists. Immunocytochemical studies on rat brain have shown that membrane‐associated PRiMA immunofluorescence is located selectively at cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain and striatum. A strong association of AChE with the membrane via PRiMA seems therefore to be a specific requirement of forebrain cholinergic neurons. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are also associated with lipid rafts where they undergo rapid internalisation on stimulation. We are currently probing the mechanism(s) of AChE shedding, and whether this process and its apparent association with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and metabolism of the Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein is determined by its association with lipid raft domains either in normal or pathological situations.
Membrane organization and dynamics of the serotonin1A receptor in live cells
Authors: Saxena Roopali , Chattopadhyay Amitabha
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 726–733.

The G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is one of the largest classes of molecules involved in signal transduction across the plasma membrane. The serotonin1A receptor is a representative member of the GPCR superfamily and serves as an important target in the development of therapeutic agents for neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the context of the pharmacological relevance of the serotonin1A receptor, the membrane organization and dynamics of this receptor in the cellular environment assume relevance. We have highlighted results, obtained from fluorescence microscopy‐based approaches, related to domain organization and dynamics of the serotonin1A receptor. A fraction of serotonin1A receptors displays detergent insolubility, monitored using green fluorescent protein, that increases upon depletion of membrane cholesterol. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements with varying bleach spot sizes show that lateral diffusion parameters of serotonin1A receptors in normal cells are consistent with models describing diffusion of molecules in a homogenous membrane. Interestingly, these characteristics are altered in cholesterol‐depleted cells. Taken together, we conclude that the serotonin1A receptor exhibits dynamic confinement in the cellular plasma membranes. Progress in understanding GPCR organization and dynamics would result in better insight into our overall understanding of GPCR function in health and disease.
Assembly of nicotinic and other Cys‐loop receptors
Authors: Tsetlin Victor , Kuzmin Dmitry , Kasheverov Igor
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 734–741.

The Cys‐loop receptor family consists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), glycine receptor, GABA‐A and some other receptors. They fulfill a plethora of functions, whereas their malfunctioning is associated with many diseases. All three domains – extracellular ligand‐binding, membrane and cytoplasmic – of these ligand‐gated ion channels play important roles in the receptor assembly, delivery to the membrane surface and functional activity. In this study, we discuss the role of these domains in the assembly of the Cys‐loop receptors, most comprehensively for the nAChRs. Heterologous expression and mutations of large N‐terminal fragments of various subunits demonstrated their leading role in the assembly, although getting an isolated well‐structured pentameric ligand‐binding domain is still a problem. The long intracellular loop between transmembrane fragments M3 and M4 participates in modulating the receptor function and in clusterization of the receptor complexes because of interactions with the intracellular proteins. The transmembrane fragments play different functional roles: M2 fragments outline the channel, M4 fragments, the most remote from the channel, modulate the channel function and contact the lipid environment. The interactions of aromatic residues in the M1 and M3 fragments with those of M4 are important for the correct assembly of glycine receptor α1 subunit and for the formation of functional pentaoligomer. The role of the three receptor domains is discussed in the light of electron microscopy structure of theTorpedonAChR, X‐ray structures of agonist and antagonist complexes with the acetylcholine‐binding proteins and the X‐ray structures of the prokaryotic Cys‐loop receptors.
New findings on nuclear gangliosides: overview on metabolism and function
Authors: Ledeen Robert , Wu Gusheng
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 714–720.

GM1 and GD1a gangliosides occur in both membranes of the nuclear envelope (NE) together with two isoforms of neuraminidase. The Neu3 isoform of neuraminidase occurs in the inner membrane of the NE and Neu1 in the outer membrane. Both isoforms convert GD1a to GM1 within the respective membranes. GM1 in the inner membrane is tightly associated with a Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCX) and potentiates the latter’s activity. The NCX/GM1 complex mediates transfer of nucleoplasmic Ca2+to the NE lumen and hence to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with which it is continuous. Since cytoplasmic‐ and nucleoplasmic Ca2+are in homeostatic equilibrium (via nuclear pores), the nuclear NCX/GM1 complex acts to gate Ca2+transfer from cytosol to ER via nucleoplasm and NE. This constitutes an alternate route to the SERCA pump, indicating the influence of nuclear NCX/GM1 on whole cell Ca2+homeostasis. Use of cameleon‐fluorescent Ca2+indicators (R. Tsien) demonstrated no Ca2+transfer from cytosol/nucleoplasm to ER in cells lacking nuclear NCX (Jurkat), and significantly reduced Ca2+transfer in cells lacking nuclear GM1 (NG‐CR72). NCX/GM1 appears in the NE of neurons as they differentiate and serves a cytoprotective function, as seen in the high susceptibility of GalNAcT−/− knockout mice to kainate‐induced seizure activity. This was alleviated by intraperitoneal injections of LIGA‐20 a derivative of GM1 that is able (unlike GM1 itself) to traverse the blood brain barrier and neuronal plasma membrane and insert into the NE where it restores NCX exchanger activity. Absence or loss of nuclear GM1 renders cells vulnerable to apoptotic elimination.
Key Concepts of Migraine Postdrome: A Qualitative Study to Develop a Post‐Migraine Questionnaire
Authors: Ng‐Mak Daisy S. , Fitzgerald Kristina A. , Norquist Josephine M. , Banderas Benjamin F. , Nelsen Linda M. , Evans Christopher J. , Healy Cynthia G. , Ho Tony W. , Bigal Marcelo
Published: January 2011

(Headache 2011;51:105‐117)

Objective.— To understand migraine postdrome by directly interviewing migraine patients with postdrome symptoms. To document these symptoms, as well as impacts, as a prelude to developing a postdrome migraine questionnaire.

Background.— Migraine attacks are traditionally divided into 4 phases. Of these, the postdrome is the least studied, and no patient‐reported outcomes to assess symptoms and impacts of this migraine phase have been published.

Methods.— Qualitative concept elicitation focus groups were conducted with 34 patients in 3 geographically diverse US cities to elicit the symptoms and burden of migraine postdrome. Data elicited from focus groups were coded using Atlas.ti software to facilitate identification of concepts and terminologies of migraine postdrome. A draft questionnaire was developed based on the symptoms and impacts of migraine postdrome described by patients. Cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with 15 patients in Connecticut and Chicago to confirm content validity, relevance, and comprehension.

Results.— Patients defined the onset of postdrome as when they no longer experienced the migraine pain. Postdrome was often described as “[being] or [feeling] wiped out” and “headache hangover.” The symptoms most frequently reported by the patients who participated in the focus groups and included in the draft post‐migraine questionnaire were: tiredness, difficulty concentrating, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and decreased energy. Patients also reported decreased activity level as a result of experiencing postdrome symptoms. Postdrome symptoms were reported to impact the ability to work, to affect family interactions and social life, and to cause cognitive impairment. A preliminary questionnaire measuring severity and duration of symptoms and severity of impacts of the post‐migraine experience, with an 11‐point (0 to 10) response scale, was developed. This preliminary questionnaire was tested for content validity, relevance, and comprehension using cognitive debriefing interviews. All patients reported that the questionnaire was relevant to their condition. Irrelevant and redundant items such as body tension and annoyance were eliminated.

Conclusions.— Migraine postdrome is debilitating for those who experience it. Concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing research support the relevance of the items in the post‐migraine questionnaire. Future research will provide evidence of the post‐migraine questionnaire's psychometric properties and interpretation guidelines.
“Mixing Triptans”: Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Rothrock John F. , Morey Veronica
Published: January 2011

(Headache 2011;51:135‐140)

Background.— Although some patients may prefer using an oral triptan other than sumatriptan and injectable sumatriptan to treat an attack of persistent migraine, administration of 2 different triptans within a 24‐hour period currently is contradicted.

Objective.— We sought to determine patient satisfaction with an acute migraine treatment regimen wherein patients were permitted to administer an oral triptan other than sumatriptan and injectable sumatriptan within 24 hours of one another

Methods.— We evaluated a consecutive series of migraine patients who either had tried and failed oral sumatriptan or were using another oral triptan and were satisfied with it. We advised subjects that they could administer their oral triptan and injectable sumatriptan within a single 24‐hour period (but not within 2 hours of one another); we termed such treatment “mixing triptans.” We asked all subjects to keep detailed written headache diaries for the 6‐month treatment period, and at the 6‐month end‐of‐study visit we asked subjects who had treated at least 3 migraine attacks by mixing triptans to rate their satisfaction with that treatment according to a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results.— Of the 200 subjects enrolled, 132 (66%) used an oral triptan other than sumatriptan and injectable sumatriptan within a 24‐hour period on at least 3 occasions. At their final follow‐up visits, 117 (89%) of the 132 reported themselves “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with this specific treatment regimen. No serious adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion.— The option of sequentially using an oral triptan other than sumatriptan and injectable sumatriptan to treat a given attack of migraine appears to correlate with a high rate of patient satisfaction. While in our subject population this treatment regimen was well tolerated, our study results do not suffice to establish the safety of “mixing triptans.”
Epilepsy as a spectrum disorder: Implications from novel clinical and basic neuroscience
Authors: Jensen Frances E.
Published: January 2011

Epilepsy is increasingly recognized as a disease that reaches well beyond seizures. Cognitive and psychiatric impairment affect half of all epilepsy patients, and to date there are no specific treatments for these symptoms. It is unclear which of these comorbidities are directly due to seizures and which are due to separable mechanisms that are parallel to those underlying ictal activity. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic modulation are central to both the ictal and nonictal changes in epilepsy. Current diagnostic methods are rapidly advancing to better delineate the nature and extent of ictal activity, and could soon be critical in identifying patterns unique to the cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities.
A perfect storm: Converging paths of epilepsy and Alzheimer’s dementia intersect in the hippocampal formation
Authors: Noebels Jeffrey
Published: January 2011

Seizures in the human temporal lobe transiently impair cognition and steadily damage hippocampal circuitry, leading to progressive memory loss. Similarly, the toxic accumulation of Aβ peptides underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) triggers synaptic degeneration, circuit remodeling, and abnormal synchronization within the same networks. Because neuronal hyperexcitability amplifies the synaptic release of Aβ, seizures create a vicious spiral that accelerates cell death and cognitive decline in the AD brain. The confluence of hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity, combined with the challenge of seizure detection in the human hippocampus, make epilepsy in these individuals extremely important to correctly diagnose and treat. Emerging clinical evidence reveals an elevated comorbidity of epilepsy in AD, particularly when linked to mutations in the APP/Aβ gene pathway. Experimental models in genetically engineered mice confirm and extend these findings, highlighting the presence of subclinical seizures and overlapping pathophysiologic cascades. There is an urgent need for more clinical and basic investigation to improve the early recognition of hippocampal seizures arising during the course of dementing disorders, and to validate molecular blockers of Aβ‐induced aberrant excitability that can slow and potentially reverse the progression of cognitive decline.
Trends in incidence of borderline ovarian tumors in Denmark 1978–2006
Authors: HANNIBAL CHARLOTTE GERD , HUUSOM LENE DRASBEK , KJAERBYE‐THYGESEN ANETTE , TABOR ANN , KJAER SUSANNE K.
Published: January 2011

Objective. To examine period‐, age‐ and histology‐specific trends in the incidence rate of borderline ovarian tumors in Denmark in 1978–2006. Design. Register‐based cohort study. Setting. Denmark 1978–2006. Population. 5 079 women diagnosed with a borderline ovarian tumor in at least one of two nationwide registries (4 312 epithelial tumors and 767 non‐epithelial/unspecified tumors). Methods. Estimation of overall incidence rates and period‐, age‐ and histology‐specific incidence rates. Age‐adjustment was done using the World Standard Population. To evaluate incidence trends over time, we estimated average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using log‐linear Poisson models. Main Outcome Measures. Age‐standardized and age‐specific incidence rates and average annual percentage change. Results. The incidence of epithelial borderline ovarian tumors increased from 2.6 to 5.5 per 100 000 women‐years between 1978 and 2006, with an average annual percentage change of 2.6% (95% CI: 2.2–3.0). The median age at diagnosis was 52 years. Women 40 years or older had a higher average annual percentage change than women younger than 40 years. Most tumors were mucinous (49.9%) and serous tumors (44.4%). Women with mucinous tumors were younger at diagnosis (50 years) compared with women with serous tumors (53 years). Women with serous tumors had a higher average annual percentage incidence change than women with mucinous tumors. Conclusions. The incidence rate of borderline ovarian tumors increased significantly in Denmark in 1978–2006. In line with results for ovarian cancer, Denmark had a higher incidence rate of borderline ovarian tumors compared with the other Nordic countries in 1978–2006.
The impact of insulin resistance on the outcome of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: AMER SAAD , LI TIN‐CHIU , SAMUELSON CLARE , LEDGER WILLIAM
Published: January 2011

Objective. Insulin resistance (IR), which is common in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may adversely affect the outcome of ovulation induction due to its detrimental effect on ovarian function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IR on the outcome of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD). Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Tertiary fertility centre. Population. Forty‐four anovulatory women with PCOS undergoing LOD. Methods. Fasting serum concentrations of insulin and glucose were measured before and after LOD. Insulin sensitivity was determined using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Values of HOMA index ≥2.1 were considered abnormal, indicating IR. Main Outcome Measures. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were compared between women with and without IR using χ2 test and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. Eighteen women (41%) had elevated HOMA index (≥2.1). There was no change of HOMA index after LOD (median 1.89, range 0.53–8.48 vs. 1.92, range 0.53–8.46). The ovulation rate in women with IR (12 of 18, 67%) was significantly (p=0.013, OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.74) lower than that (25 of 26, 96%) of women without IR. Likewise, the pregnancy rate (six of 18, 33%) was significantly (p=0.037, OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.07–0.94) lower in women with IR than that of women without IR (17 of 26, 65%). Using a receiver operating characteristics curve, the HOMA index was useful in predicting no ovulation after LOD (area under the curve 0.826). Conclusions. Insulin resistance appears to have an adverse effect on the outcome of LOD and seems to be a useful prognostic factor.
To treat or not to treat; the clinical dilemma of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US)
Authors: DE BIE ROOSMARIE P. , MASSUGER LEON F.A.G. , VAN DONGEN ROEL A.J.M. , SNIJDERS MARC P.M.L. , BULTEN JOHAN , MELCHERS WILLEM J.G. , BEKKERS RUUD L.M.
Published: January 2011

Objective. Management of patients diagnosed on cervical smears with twice consecutively atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) remains a clinical dilemma. We describe a follow‐up of aggressive vs. less aggressive colposcopic treatment in order to determine which treatment is preferable. Design. Retrospective cohort study with a follow‐up of 10 years. Setting. Two hospitals in The Netherlands. Population. Women referred for primary colposcopy with two consecutive ASC‐US smears (n=230) to either one of the two hospitals. Methods. In one hospital, patients underwent direct loop excision of all colposcopically detected abnormalities, even if not suspected for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN; aggressive strategy; n=118). In the other hospital, a less aggressive policy was followed when low‐grade CIN lesions were suspected at colposcopy (less aggressive strategy; n=112). Main Outcome Measures. The number of loop excisions, detection of CIN lesions and cytological follow‐up of both groups. Results. Less aggressive management resulted in less loop excisions (p<0.001). At initial colposcopy, the aggressive group showed a 10‐fold incidence of histologically detected CIN lesions compared with the less aggressive group (1.8 vs. 19.5%). During 10 years of follow‐up, both groups showed the same percentages of CIN lesions (8.1 vs. 8.4%). Aggressive management resulted in faster normalization of cervical smears (p<0.001). However, at final follow‐up, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of normalization of cervical smears between both groups. Conclusions. Aggressive and less aggressive colposcopic strategies are equally safe and show good clinical outcomes. Treatment decisions, however, must be adjusted to women's individual demands.
Dependence of hemoglobin mass estimation with the optimized CO‐rebreathing method on different spectrophotometers
Authors: Ulrich G , Strunz J , Frese F , Bärtsch P , Friedmann‐Bette B
Published: January 2011

The assessment of total hemoglobin mass (tHb‐mass) with the optimized carbon monoxide‐rebreathing procedure (oCOR) is discussed as a promising method to detect blood doping. The method requires repeated measurements of the carboxyhemoglobin fraction (%HbCO) using spectrophotometers (CO oximeters). In order to determine whether %HbCO measurements with different spectrophotometers yield similar tHb‐masses, the results of 57 tHb‐mass calculations from simultaneous %HbCO measurements with two different spectrophotometers (RapidLab, OSM3) were analyzed. For the comparison of longitudinal tHb‐mass alterations (ΔtHb‐mass), 3 tHb‐mass measurements were obtained at 6‐month intervals (33–37 subjects). Because of significant differences in %HbCO measurements, the limits of agreement for tHb‐massOSM3 and tHb‐massRapidLab were 11.2% (95% reference range −6.8 to +15.6%) and the correlation of ΔtHb‐masses as determined with the two spectrophotometers over two time intervals was weak (r: 0.28–0.66). In only about 70% of all ΔtHb‐mass estimations did ΔtHb‐massOSM3 and ΔtHb‐massRapidLab show the same direction of change. Apparently, the analytical variation in tHb‐mass determination with oCOR increases considerably with the use of different spectrophotometers. Therefore, agreement on the use of one spectrophotometer that accurately measures low %HbCO values is needed if oCOR should be used in an anti‐doping setting.
African Elephants Loxodonta africana Amplify Browse Heterogeneity in African Savanna
Authors: Kohi Edward M. , de Boer Willem F. , Peel Mike J. S. , Slotow Rob , van der Waal Cornelis , Heitkönig Ignas M. A. , Skidmore Andrew , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: January 2011

There is a growing concern that the feeding habits of the African elephant, which include pushing over, uprooting and snapping trees, may have a negative impact on other herbivores. Browsed trees are known to respond by either increasing production (shoots and leaves) or defence (secondary compounds). It is not clear, however, what proportion of the browsed biomass can be made available at lower feeding heights after a tree is pushed over or snapped; thus, it is also unclear how the forage quality is affected. In a field survey in Kruger National Park, South Africa, 708 Mopane trees were measured over four elephant utilization categories: snapped trees, pushed‐over trees, uprooted trees and control trees. The elephants' impact on the leaf biomass distribution was quantified, and the forage quality (Ca, P, K and Mg, N, digestibility and condensed tannin [CT] concentrations) were analyzed. Pushed‐over and uprooted trees had the maximum leaf biomass at lower heights (<1 m), snapped trees at medium heights (1–2 m) and control trees at higher heights (>2 m). In all three utilization categories, the minimum leaf biomass was seven times higher than it was for control trees at a height of below 1 m. Leaf nitrogen content increased in all three categories and was significantly higher in snapped trees. CT concentrations increased slightly in all trees that were utilized by elephants, especially on granitic soils in the dry season. The results provide the insight that elephants facilitate the redistribution and availability of browse and improve the quality, which may positively affect small browsing herbivores.
Association Between Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease as Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography
Authors: Mitsutake Ryoko , Miura Shin‐ichiro , Shiga Yuhei , Uehara Yoshinari , Saku Keijiro
Published: January 2011

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) enables the accurate noninvasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis and plaque imaging. The characteristics of patients who have coronary artery disease (CAD) as assessed by MDCT coronary computed tomography (CT) are not well known. Participants consisted of 513 consecutive patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary CT. The authors quantified patient characteristics, including the prevalence of hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus (DM), visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area using CT, and plasma levels of metabolic factors, including adiponectin and leptin. Although plasma levels of adiponectin in men and leptin in women were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease, there were no differences in these levels between patients with and without CAD. HTN was most significantly associated with the presence of CAD by multivariate logistic regression analysis (men, P=.002; women, P=.048). Finally, the percentage of CAD significantly increased as systolic blood pressure increased (trend, P=.0002) in men but not women. In conclusion, hypertension was significantly associated with CAD as assessed by coronary CT. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:198–204. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Political Dissent of a Senior General: Tamogami Toshio's Nationalist Thought and a History Controversy
Authors: Willcock Hiroko
Published: January 2011

Confronted with a period of socioeconomic and political stagnation and the volatility of territorial disputes, contemporary Japanese conservative nationalists are dismayed by the deterioration of national consciousness and waning of traditional values. The policymakers' recent East Asian unity campaign accelerated their concern over the “marginalization” of the value of the sovereign state and consequent apathy over the danger of losing their national identity. In this context, this article explores the thought of General Tamogami Toshio through an examination of his political dissent in 2008, which elevated him into a torchbearer for the popular conservative nationalists' agenda. The article sheds light on his popular nationalist cause that, on the one hand, accentuated the ideological divide between conservative nationalists and skeptical and caustic ideologues, and on the other, galvanized previously politically uninterested citizens to demand rigorous epistemic investigation of national history.
Public Perceptions of Police Performance in Taiwan: A Historical Review (1945–2009)
Authors: Gingerich Terry E. , Chu Doris C. , Chang Charles K. M.
Published: January 2011

This study offers a historical review and analysis of public perceptions of police performance in Taiwan spanning the 64‐year history of Taiwan's National Police Agency (NPA). Data for the study were drawn from several sources, including selected waves of the Taiwan Social Change Survey, Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, the World Values Survey, the Taiwan Public Safety and Police Service Survey, a Gallup survey, and a survey conducted by the authors. The findings indicate that there has been a gradual but steady improvement in public perceptions of police performance in three perceptual areas: perceptions of police officers in general, perceptions of police service, and perceptions of police corruption. Additionally, the increasingly positive opinion of the police parallels Taiwan's political transition from authoritarian rule to full democracy and the subsequent professionalization of the NPA. However, despite the positive trend, three issues continue to concern the public: service attitudes, investigative effectiveness, and police corruption. Policy implications for law enforcement administration are discussed.
Textile Disputes and Two‐Level Games: The Case of China and South Africa
Authors: Herman Fanie
Published: January 2011

After the establishment of Sino–South African trade relations in 1998, China gained access to the South African clothing, footwear, and textile markets. By 2002, however, the domestic constituency in South Africa had started to accuse China of flooding the markets with inexpensive textile goods and engaging in unfair trade practices. As a result, a call was made for the implementation of quotas on Chinese textile products. A two‐level game commenced, with the domestic constituencies on the one side and the governments of both countries on the other side. The factors that contributed to double‐edged diplomacy, the process of both domestic and international negotiations, and the outcomes are discussed in this article. It is further important to comment on the strategic and policy implications for both countries, as well as the influence of the textile issue on the immediate region.
Surface‐ and deep‐level dissimilarity effects on social integration and individual effectiveness related outcomes in work groups: A meta‐analytic integration
Authors: Guillaume Yves R. F. , Brodbeck Felix C. , Riketta Michael
Published: January 2011

Prior research linking demographic (e.g., age, ethnicity/race, gender, and tenure) and underlying psychological (e.g., personality, attitudes, and values) dissimilarity variables to individual group member's work‐related outcomes produced mixed and contradictory results. To account for these findings, this study develops a contingency framework and tests it using meta‐analytic and structural equation modelling techniques. In line with this framework, results showed different effects of surface‐level (i.e., demographic) dissimilarity and deep‐level (i.e., underlying psychological) dissimilarity on social integration, and ultimately on individual effectiveness related outcomes (i.e., turnover, task, and contextual performance). Specifically, surface‐level dissimilarity had a negative effect on social integration under low but not under high team interdependence. In return, social integration fully mediated the negative relationship between surface‐level dissimilarity and individual effectiveness related outcomes under low interdependence. In contrast, deep‐level dissimilarity had a negative effect on social integration, which was stronger under high and weaker under low team interdependence. Contrary to our predictions, social integration did not mediate the negative relationship between deep‐level dissimilarity and individual effectiveness related outcomes but suppressed positive direct effects of deep‐level dissimilarity on individual effectiveness related outcomes. Possible explanations for these counterintuitive findings are discussed.
Lightweight Actuator Structure With SMA Honeycomb Core and CFRP Skins
Authors: Okabe Yoji , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Inayoshi Toru
Published: January 2011

The authors proposed a sandwich structure that consists of a shape memory alloy (SMA) honeycomb core and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) skins as a shape-controllable structure. The proposed lightweight actuator structure can be bent by heating even though it has a moderate bending stiffness. First, unidirectional CFRP skins were bonded to the SMA honeycomb core made of thin SMA foils, and residual shear strain was applied to the SMA core. Then, the ends of the upper and lower skins were fixed to other cores. The length, thickness, and width of the sandwich beam specimen were 180 mm, 16 mm, and 13 mm, respectively, and its weight was 9.6 g. Hence, the effective density of the entire beam was only 0.26 g/cm3. When the specimen was heated, the beam either bent upward, taking the form of a sigmoid curve, or generated a moderate blocking force. When the specimen was cooled to room temperature, the beam regained its initial straight shape. Therefore, a two-way actuation is possible. This method has a better ability to bend skins with high in-plane stiffness because the recovery shear force has an out-of-plane stress component and is applied uniformly to all the skins from the inner core. In addition, the microscopic mechanism of this bending deformation can be clarified by a numerical simulation with a finite element method. Furthermore, the proposed actuator structure can possibly be used as a member that suppresses resonance since the natural frequency of the beam can be controlled by increasing the elastic moduli of SMA on heating.
An Active Gear Balancer for Torque Compensation
Authors: Sun Jing , Yao Yan-An
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a new concept of torque balancer for reducing the input torque fluctuation of a mechanism. The proposed active gear balancer consists of a differential gear train and a servomotor. By adjusting the control function of the servomotor, the input torque of the working mechanism can be balanced. Just like a gear reducer, the active gear balancer can be assembled and disassembled easily. An exact control function, which can completely eliminate the input torque fluctuation of the mechanism, is derived for the servomotor by an analytical method. Furthermore, both sequential and integrated optimization methods are developed for obtaining satisfactory trade-offs between the input torque fluctuations of the original motor and the servomotor. Additionally, learning control theory is validated to be a feasible and effective approach in controlling the servomotor to minimize the input torque fluctuation and to compensate the phase difference between the two input members. By taking a slider-crank mechanism as the working mechanism, four examples are given to illustrate the design procedures and to show their feasibilities.
Electromigration Damage Mechanics of Interconnects
Authors: Basaran Cemal , Lin Minghui
Published: January 2011

Current density levels are expected to increase by orders of magnitude in nanoelectronics. Electromigration which occur under high current density is the major concern for the nanoelectronics industry. Using a general purpose computational model, which is capable of simulating coupled electromigration and thermo-mechanical stress evolution, several dual damascene copper interconnect structures have been investigated for electromigration damage. Different diffusion boundary conditions including blocking and non blocking boundary conditions, current crowding effects, interface diffusion effects and material plasticity have been considered. Different damage criteria are used for quantifying material degradation. The computational simulation results match the experimental findings; therefore the model proves to be a useful tool for quantifying damage in nanoelectronics interconnects.
Cooling Fan Model for Thermal Design of Compact Electronic Equipment: Improvement of Modeling Using PQ Curve
Authors: Nakamura Hajime
Published: January 2011

In order to hasten the thermal design for forced convection electronic devices, cooling fans should be modeled to reduce a computational load. A fan-curve-model, which generates volumetric flow rate versus the characteristics pressure difference of a fan, is very simple and usually incorporated into commercial CFD codes. However, this model often results in an erroneous flow rate. In this work, both the experiments and the CFD simulation were performed around small axial-flow-fans of 30 and 40 mm in diameter. The measured PQ curve was applied to the fan model, and compared the result of the simulation to the experimental data. It was clarified that the major reason behind the disagreement was the difference in the pressure definition of the fan model from the PQ curve measured using a chamber. Based on this, a simple method was proposed to correct this definition. Also, the system effect, which is the impact of obstacles on the fan delivery curve, was investigated by setting a cylindrical obstacle at upstream or downstream proximity of the fan.
Larger Array Fine Pitch Wafer Level Package Drop Test Reliability
Authors: Zhou Tiao , Derk Robert , Rahim Kaysar , Fan Xuejun
Published: January 2011

In this study, drop test reliabilities of wafer level packages (WLP) are investigated. Failure mechanism, crack map and crack initiation location are presented. Failure rates of six groups defined by JEDEC are examined through both drop test experiment and finite element (FE) analysis with ANSYS software. Effects of component placement, PCB design, WLP structures, array size, pitch, and solder alloy are studied through drop test experiment per JESD22-B111 and finite element modeling. It is found that the primary failure mechanism of WLP drop test failures is fracture of intermetallic compound (IMC) at WLP side. During the drop test, solder joints at outer columns experience most stress and will fracture first. And the corner balls always fail first. The crack initiates at inner side of solder joint and propagates to the opposite side. When JEDEC recommended PCB is used for WLP drop test, the corner components fail first. This is different from the findings from BGA packages. It is confirmed that the dominant failure rate of corner WLP components is mainly due to the effect of mounting screws, rather than the intrinsic drop test reliability of WLP. Therefore, it is not appropriate to judge the drop test reliability of WLP with the drop test data for the corner components. Instead, middle component drop test data represent intrinsic shock resistance of WLP, and they should be used to represent the drop test performance of WLP. Drop test DOE results showed that WLP structure and material make visible difference. Non-soldermask defined (NSMD) PCB pad designs result in better drop reliability than SMD pads. With a given ball array, WLP with smaller pitch has worse drop reliability. As array size increases from 6×6 to 10×10 and 12×12, the drop test performance drops significantly. In addition, choice of solder alloy makes visible difference for WLP.
Reflow Process Simulation for Dispersion Evaluation of Solder Joint Shape on Chip Component
Authors: Takagi Kanji , Yu Qiang , Shibutani Tadahiro , Miyauchi Hiroki
Published: January 2011

The miniaturization and high reliability for automotive electronic components has been strongly requested. Generally, electronic component and printed wiring board are connected using solder joint. The reliability of solder joint has widely dispersion. For the dispersion reduction of solder joint reliability, not only design factors but manufacturing factors should be optimized. The evaluation of manufacturing factors for solder joint reliability was very difficult by experimental evaluation alone. Therefore, the reflow process simulation was established. The simulation was reenacted soldering process on chip component, which was the most severe reliability in automotive electronic components. The novelty of simulation was the coupled analysis of flow and rigid for simulating self-alignment of chip component. In this simulation, contact angle and surface tension was very important factor. So, these characteristics were measured based on Spread test and Wetting balance tests using the specimens. In the result, the solder joint shape of analysis was agree with the one of specimens using the measured contact angle and surface tension. Next, the effect of manufacturing process dispersion for solder joint shape was evaluated. The factors were mount offset and length unbalance of electrodes on chip component. As a result, the mount offset was not affected solder joint shape of chip component until a certain level. Also, the unbalance of electrode of chip component was not almost affected for solder joint shape of chip component because a part was moved to the center of part by surface tension of solder joint. Finally, the relation between the estimated solder joint shape and fatigue life of solder joints is evaluated using crack propagation analysis based on Manson-Coffin’s law and Miner’s rule. When the value of mount offset was large, the crack propagation mode was changed and the fatigue life of solder joint was decreased. As mentioned above, it was able to evaluate the relation between manufacturing factors and solder joint reliability. Accordingly, this simulation was very useful for consideration on the miniaturization, high reliability and appropriate margin for design of electronic components.
Solder Joint Electromigration Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Pilin , Ouyang Fan-yi , Ou Shenquan , Fu Zezhong , Deepak Goyal
Published: January 2011

Electromigation behavior of solder joints with thick Cu column was studied. The failure mechanisms for both SnPb and SnAg solder joints were discussed. To better understand the mechanisms, voids nucleation and propagation were also studied through Kelvin structure resistant monitoring and cross-sectional in-situ SEM observation. It was observed that package substrate process may play a role on how much portion of the life time that void nucleation and propagation could take respectively. Package warpage also played an important role on electromigration performance.