bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El efecto redistributivo de programas sociales públicos y privados: un análisis empírico entre países
Authors: Goudswaard Kees , Caminada Koen
Published: March 2010

Una de las funciones de muchos sistemas nacionales de protección social consiste en redistribuir sustancialmente la renta. Sin embargo, la envergadura y las características de los programas de protección social están cambiando. En cierto número de países, se ha producido un cambio hacia regímenes privados de protección social, destinados a sustituir o complementar programas públicos. Basado en el desarrollo de un trabajo anterior, el presente artículo analiza el impacto redistributivo que han tenido sobre la renta los programas públicos de protección social en comparación con los privados. Utilizando datos recientes de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico, hallamos una consistente relación positiva entre los gastos sociales públicos y la redistribución de la renta entre países. En lo que a gastos sociales privados se refiere, hallamos una relación negativa débil, aunque estadísticamente significativa, con el nivel de redistribución. En países donde se ha convenido una cuota mayor de gasto social total para los regímenes privados, se produce una redistribuciónmenor de la renta. Hemos concluido que la elección entre el peso relativo de la provisión pública de protección social y el de la privada afecta el impacto redistributivo del Estado de bienestar.
La ratificación de los Convenios de la OIT y la provisión de prestaciones por desempleo: análisis empírico
Authors: Kim Wonik
Published: March 2010

En el presente artículo se analiza la relación entre la ratificación de los Convenios de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo y la provisión de prestaciones por desempleo. Las pruebas estadísticas se centran en dos cuestiones relacionadas entre sí: por qué los países ratifican los Convenios de la OIT sobre las prestaciones por desempleo y si la ratificación afecta o no al gasto de los gobiernos en prestaciones por desempleo. Las conclusiones principales son que la democracia, la región, los ingresos y la globalización son los factores que más influyen en por qué los países ratifican los Convenios de la OIT sobre las prestaciones por desempleo. A su vez, la ratificación de los Convenios de la OIT va sistemáticamente acompañada de mayor gasto cuando los países han ratificado más de dos Convenios.
Arlequin suite ver 3.5: a new series of programs to perform population genetics analyses under Linux and Windows
Authors: EXCOFFIER LAURENT , LISCHER HEIDI E. L.
Published: March 2010

We present here a new version of the Arlequin program available under three different forms: a Windows graphical version (Winarl35), a console version of Arlequin (arlecore), and a specific console version to compute summary statistics (arlsumstat). The command‐line versions run under both Linux and Windows. The main innovations of the new version include enhanced outputs in XML format, the possibility to embed graphics displaying computation results directly into output files, and the implementation of a new method to detect loci under selection from genome scans. Command‐line versions are designed to handle large series of files, and arlsumstat can be used to generate summary statistics from simulated data sets within an Approximate Bayesian Computation framework.
When should we use one‐tailed hypothesis testing?
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Neuhäuser Markus
Published: March 2010

1. Although one‐tailed hypothesis tests are commonly used, clear justification for why this approach is used is often missing from published papers.

2. Here we suggest explicit questions authors should ask of themselves when deciding whether or not to adopt one‐tailed tests.

3. First, we suggest that authors should only use a one‐tailed test if they can explain why they are more interested in an effect in one direction and not the other.

4. We suggest a further requirement that adoption of one‐tailed testing requires an explanation why the authors would treat a large observed difference in the unexpected direction no differently from a difference in the expected direction that was not strong enough to justify rejection of the null hypothesis.

5. These justifications should be included in published works that use one‐tailed tests, allowing editors, reviewers and readers the ability to evaluate the appropriateness of the adoption of one‐tailed testing.

6. We feel that adherence to our suggestions will allow authors to use one‐tailed tests more appropriately, and readers to form their own opinion about such appropriateness when one‐tailed tests are used.
Comparative study of native oxide impacts on low energy doping processes
Authors: Qin Shu , McTeer Allen , Zhuang Kent , Morinville Wendy , Lu Shifeng
Published: March 2010

The impacts of the native oxides and the impurity loss mechanisms of low energy doping process for both p-type and n-type implants have been quantitatively studied using secondary ion mass spectrometry/angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy method. The low energy doping processes include conventional beamline implant and plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). It has been found that the native oxides play very significant roles on the low energy implants, especially for PIII due to its unique impurity profiles. The results show very different behaviors on p-type and n-type implants because of the SiO2∕Si interface segregation mechanisms. p-type (boron-based) doping loses more impurities into the native oxide, but n-type (arsenic-based) doping does not lose impurities. These results can be used to optimize the semiconductor processes such as implant, strip, clean, and thermal-annealing process.
Advanced secondary ion mass spectroscopy quantification in the first few nanometer of B, P, and As ultrashallow implants
Authors: Merkulov A. , Peres P. , Choi S. , Horreard F. , Ehrke H.-U. , Loibl N. , Schuhmacher M.
Published: March 2010

This article presents investigation on secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) profile quantification for ultrashallow profiles. New configuration for the cesium and oxygen sources on the CAMECA IMS Wf tool-provides SIMS profiling capability at 150 eV impact energy with sputter rates of 1 and 2 nm/min for the Cs+ and O2+ primary beams, respectively. Results for as-implanted B, P, and As profiles using extremely low impact energy (EXLIE) sputtering conditions are reported. They are compared with high resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and elastic recoil detection analysis profiles. The overall results confirm that the use of EXLIE conditions minimizes near surface (depth <5 nm) artifacts but data quantification still requires dedicated postanalysis data treatment to take into account matrix effects between Si and SiO2.
Study of submelt laser induced junction nonuniformities using Therma-Probe
Authors: Rosseel Erik , Bogdanowicz Janusz , Clarysse Trudo , Vandervorst Wilfried , Ortolland Claude , Hoffmann Thomas , Salnik Alex , Nicolaides Lena , Han Sang-Hyun , Petersen Dirch H. , Lin Rong , Hansen Ole
Published: March 2010

Submelt laser annealing is a promising technique to achieve the required sheet resistance and junction depth specifications for the 32 nm technology node and beyond. In order to obtain a production worthy process, it is important to minimize possible nonuniformities caused by the annealing process both at macroscopic and microscopic levels. In this work, the authors present high resolution Therma-Probe® measurements to assess the junction nonuniformity on 0.5 keV boron junctions and zoom in on the effect of temperature variations and multiple subsequent laser scans. The results are compared to standard and micro-four-point probe sheet resistance data, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and Hall measurements obtained during earlier studies. Besides the impact of the nonuniformities on the “conventional” thermal wave signal, they found a strong correlation to the dc reflectance of the probe laser (λ = 675 nm). The dc probe reflectance is dominated by free carriers and is highly correlated to the sheet resistance both on blanket wafers and on real device wafers.
Deactivation of submelt laser annealed arsenic ultrashallow junctions in silicon during subsequent thermal treatment
Authors: Giubertoni Damiano , Pepponi Giancarlo , Sahiner Mehmet Alper , Kelty Stephen P. , Gennaro Salvatore , Bersani Massimo , Kah Max , Kirkby Karen J. , Doherty Roisin , Foad Majeed A. , Meirer F. , Streli C. , Woicik Joseph C. , Pianetta Piero
Published: March 2010

The use of nonequilibrium annealing approaches can produce very high levels of arsenic electrical activation in Si. However, subsequent thermal treatments between 500 and 800°C easily deactivate the dopant to a level one order of magnitude below the solid solubility. In this work, the authors study the deactivation of laser annealed (LA) ultrashallow arsenic distributions in silicon using Hall effect measurements, extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Single crystal Si (100) wafers implanted with As ions at 2keV energy and different doses were activated with a millisecond LA at 1300°C using a scanning diode laser annealing system under nonmelt conditions. The samples were then thermally treated in a furnace at 300–900°C in a N2 atmosphere for 10min. Electrical deactivation has been observed for all the implanted doses but for the lowest one. In particular, it was observed that the higher the As dose the easier the deactivation, in particular, after the 700°C post-LA treatment. At 900°C, in-depth diffusion and a resulting reactivation has been observed for samples implanted with 1×1015 and 3×1015cm−2.
Genesis of a regionally widespread celadonitic chert–ironstone bed overlying Upper Lias manganese deposits, Hungary
Authors: Polgári M. , Hein J.R. , Tóth M. , Brukner-Wein A. , Vigh T. , Bíró L. , Cserháti C.
Published: March 2010

Mineralogy and chemical composition are presented for a chert–ironstone bed that overlies the Úrkút Mn deposit. This bed is mottled green–brown in its lower and upper parts, which are composed of quartz, goethite and celadonite. These parts of the bed are interpreted to be strongly altered tuffs, reflecting oxidic, low-temperature alteration of a hydrated, Fe-rich, Al-poor tuff, and K and Mg uptake from seawater. The middle part of the bed is a mineralized bacterial mat (quartz, goethite). Textures resembling bacterial cells and colonies are common, with wavy, bulbous laminations composed of mounds overlying a mesh-work stromatolite-like texture constructed of micrometre-size Fe oxides. This bed is concordant with the underlying Mn deposit and marks the termination of Mn accumulation. Although no genetic connection exists between the two, the rocks adjacent to the contact record the oceanographic and bottom-water conditions extant when accumulation of one of the major Mn deposits of Europe ended, when the Transdanubian Range was located in the middle of the Adria–Apulian microcontinent between the Neotethys and Atlantic–Ligurian seaways. A pyroclastic origin for part of the bed has significance for the Toarcian of Central Europe because evidence of volcanism occurring at that time is otherwise sparse.
Dating the onset of Variscan crustal exhumation in the core of the Bohemian Massif: new U–Pb single zircon ages from the high-K calc-alkaline granodiorites of the Blatná suite, Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex
Authors: Janoušek Vojtĕch , Wiegand Bettina A. , Žák Jiří
Published: March 2010

The Variscan Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex crops out between the upper-crustal Teplá–Barrandian and the high-grade Moldanubian units (Bohemian Massif). Much of the complex is made up of calc-alkaline plutonic rocks: (1) the geochemically more primitive, Na-rich 354 ± 4 Ma Sázava suite, which was emplaced syntectonically during regional shortening; (2) the younger, more evolved, potassic Blatná suite, which records both the shortening along its NW contact and the onset of normal shearing related to exhumation of the Moldanubian Unit to the SE. New ion microprobe U–Pb zircon ages for the high-K calc-alkaline Blatná suite pinpoint this major switch in the tectonic regime. Both Blatná and Kozárovice granodiorites (346 ± 2 Ma and 347 ± 2 Ma (2σ)) were generated by melting of heterogeneous crust and were emplaced contemporaneously to form the Blatná composite pluton. From age spectra preserved in inherited zircons and whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope signatures, the likely crustal sources for the magmas were immature greywackes rich in Neoproterozoic (615 ± 10 Ma, Kozárovice) or Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician (492 ± 4 Ma, Blatná) volcanogenic detritus. An additional important petrogenetic process was variable mixing with enriched mantle-derived monzonitic magmas, which may also have supplied the extra heat for crustal anatexis.

Supplementary material:

Analytical techniques, selected whole-rock major- and trace-element geochemical analyses and U–Th–Pb data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18391
.
To what extent is the present seismicity of Norway driven by post-glacial rebound?
Authors: Bungum H. , Olesen O. , Pascal C. , Gibbons S. , Lindholm C. , VestØl O.
Published: March 2010

The seismicity of Scandinavia is low to intermediate in intensity and with magnitudes that rarely exceed 5.5. Even so, the seismicity is characterized by a great diversity in space and time, related to the fact that its driving forces, or sources of stress, are multiple and also diverse in nature. The dominant driving forces range from plate-related (such as ridge push) through regional to local ones (such as topography); all, however, are somehow related to lateral inhomogeneities in lithospheric structure. Whereas it was earlier assumed that the post-glacial uplift was the main cause for the seismicity of Scandinavia, we now conclude that the uplift may at most be playing a minor role. Along the coastal stretch of northern Norway there are still some indications that the seismicity, which is often shallow, normal faulting and swarm related, may be related to the still remaining glacial-isostatic adjustment. The flexuring that is needed to explain such behaviour could, however, also be related to erosion and sedimentation processes. It will take more work to separate these potential driving forces.
Evolution of Neogene volcanism and stress patterns in the glaciated West Antarctic Rift, Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica
Authors: Paulsen Timothy S. , Wilson Terry J.
Published: March 2010

The orientations and ages of polygenetic volcano chains, elongate volcano edifices, and elongate summit calderas in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica, are analysed to determine stress directions during volcanism and coeval glaciation across the West Antarctic Rift. Initiation of volcanismc. 36–34 Ma and major polygenetic volcanism beginningc. 14 Ma are broadly coeval with establishment of significant ice volumes in West Antarctica. Middle–Late Miocene volcanism occurred primarily along roughly north–south volcano chains, whereas latest Miocene–Pleistocene volcanism had a strong east–west preferred orientation across the spatial extent of the province. Anisotropic stress conditions controlled both phases of volcanism, and a rapid rotation in the maximum horizontal stress direction from north–south to east–west occurred as early asc. 6 Ma. Glacial loading and unloading appears to have facilitated volcanism in Marie Byrd Land, but ice margin reconstructions make it unlikely that stress field rotation is a result of flexural stresses imposed by glacial loading cycles. The east–west orientation of latest Miocene to Pleistocene maximum horizontal stress is parallel to the absolute motion of the Antarctic plate for the past 6 Ma, and the north–south to east–west stress field rotation coincides with changes in Antarctic–Pacific Ridge spreading and Pacific basin tectonic events associated with plate reorganization.
The generation and evolution of the continental crust
Authors: Hawkesworth C.J. , Dhuime B. , Pietranik A.B. , Cawood P.A. , Kemp A.I.S. , Storey C.D.
Published: March 2010

The continental crust is the archive of the geological history of the Earth. Only 7% of the crust is older than 2.5 Ga, and yet significantly more crust was generated before 2.5 Ga than subsequently. Zircons offer robust records of the magmatic and crust-forming events preserved in the continental crust. They yield marked peaks of ages of crystallization and of crust formation. The latter might reflect periods of high rates of crust generation, and as such be due to magmatism associated with deep-seated mantle plumes. Alternatively the peaks are artefacts of preservation, they mark the times of supercontinent formation, and magmas generated in some tectonic settings may be preferentially preserved. There is increasing evidence that depletion of the upper mantle was in response to early planetary differentiation events. Arguments in favour of large volumes of continental crust before the end of the Archaean, and the thickness of felsic and mafic crust, therefore rely on thermal models for the progressively cooling Earth. They are consistent with recent estimates that the rates of crust generation and destruction along modern subduction zones are strikingly similar. The implication is that the present volume of continental crust was established 2–3 Ga ago.
The Influence of Deposition Conditions on Structural Properties of PbI2
Authors: Mousa Ali M. , Al-rubaie Natheer J.
Published: March 2010

The effect of deposition environment conditions on the electrical and structural properties of deposited PbI2 layers were studied. The layers were deposited from solution under dark and room light illumination with and without applying magnetic field. XRD, electrical, and photo-electrical properties were measured at room temperature. An increase in the grain size versus the platelet area was noticed.The electrical properties revealed a dependence on deposition conditions. Dark conductivity increases from 1.7×10−10 to 5×10−9 (Ωcm)-1 when deposition was carried out in darkness. A gain factor (the ratio between photoconductivity and dark conductivity) of (23) was obtained. The results indicate that the increase in electrical conductivity is mainly due to the plane 001, where the average number of grain boundaries in this plane sharply decreases when deposition takes place in darkness. On the other hand, the increase in photoconductivity could be due to the decrease in the recombination of free carriers along the grain boundaries.
Molecular Characterization of the Tumor Suppressor Candidate 5 Gene: Regulation by PPARγ and Identification of TUSC5 Coding Variants in Lean and Obese Humans
Authors: Knotts Trina A. , Lee Hyun Woo , Kim Jae Bum , Oort Pieter J. , McPherson Ruth , Dent Robert , Tachibana Keisuke , Doi Takefumi , Yu Songtao , Reddy Janardan K. , Uno Kenji , Katagiri Hideki , Pasarica Magdalena , Smith Steven R. , Sears Dorothy D. , Grino Michel , Adams Sean H.
Published: March 2010

Tumor suppressor candidate 5 (TUSC5) is a gene expressed abundantly in white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and peripheral afferent neurons. Strong adipocyte expression and increased expression following peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist treatment of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes suggested a role for Tusc5 in fat cell proliferation and/or metabolism. However, the regulation of Tusc5 in WAT and its potential association with obesity phenotypes remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the TUSC5 gene is a bona fide PPARγ target and evaluated whether its WAT expression or single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TUSC5 coding region are associated with human obesity. Induction of Tusc5 mRNA levels in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by troglitazone and GW1929 followed a dose‐response consistent with these agents′ binding affinities for PPARγ. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments confirmed that PPARγ protein binds a ∼−1.1 kb promotor sequence of murine TUSC5 transiently during 3T3‐L1 adipogenesis, concurrent with histone H3 acetylation. No change in Tusc5 mRNA or protein levels was evident in type 2 diabetic patients treated with pioglitazone. Tusc5 expression was not induced appreciably in liver preparations overexpressing PPARs, suggesting that tissue‐specific factors regulate PPARγ responsiveness of the TUSC5 gene. Finally, we observed no differences in Tusc5 WAT expression or prevalence of coding region SNPs in lean versus obese human subjects. These studies firmly establish the murine TUSC5 gene locus as a PPARγ target, but the significance of Tusc5 in obesity phenotypes or in the pharmacologic actions of PPARγ agonists in humans remains equivocal.
Bioimaging of Nucleolin Aptamer-Containing 5-(N-benzylcarboxyamide)-2′-deoxyuridine More Capable of Specific Binding to Targets in Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Kyue Yim , Kang Hyungu , Ryu Sung Ho , Lee Dong Soo , Lee Jung Hwan , Kim Soonhag
Published: March 2010

Chemically modified nucleotides have been developed and applied into SELEX procedure to find a novel type of aptamers to fit with targets of interest. In this study, we directly performed chemical modification of 5-(N-benzylcarboxyamide)-2′-deoxyuridine (called 5-BzdU) in the AS1411 aptamer, which binds to the nucleolin protein expressed in cancer cells. Forty-seven compounds of AS1411-containing Cy3-labeled 5-BzdU (called Cy3-(5-BzdU)-modified-AS1411) were synthesized by randomly substituting thymidines one to twelve in AS1411 with Cy3-labeled 5-BzdU. Both statistically quantified fluorescence measurements and confocal imaging analysis demonstrated at least three potential compounds of interest: number 12, 29 and 41 that significantly increased the targeting affinity to cancer cells but no significant activity from normal healthy cells. These results suggest that the position and number of substituents in AS1411 are critical parameters to improve the aptamer function. In this study, we demonstrated that chemical modification of the existing aptamers enhanced the binding and targeting affinity to targets of interest without additional SELEX procedures.
A New Methodology for Multiscale Myocardial Deformation and Strain Analysis Based on Tagging MRI
Authors: Florack Luc , van Assen Hans
Published: March 2010

Myocardial deformation and strain can be investigated using suitably encoded
cine MRI that admits disambiguation of material motion. Practical limitations
currently restrict the analysis to in‐plane motion in cross‐sections of the heart
(2D + time), but the proposed method readily generalizes to 3D + time. We propose
a new, promising methodology, which departs from a multiscale algorithm that
exploits local scale selection so as to obtain a robust estimate for the velocity
gradient tensor field. Time evolution of the deformation tensor is governed by a
first‐order ordinary differential equation, which is completely determined by this
velocity gradient tensor field. We solve this matrix‐ODE analytically and present
results obtained from healthy volunteers as well as from patient data. The proposed
method requires only off‐the‐shelf algorithms and is readily applicable to planar or
volumetric tagging MRI sampled on arbitrary coordinate grids.
A Semantic Model to Study Neural Organization of Language in Bilingualism
Authors: Ursino M. , Cuppini C. , Magosso E.
Published: March 2010

A neural network model of object semantic representation is used to simulate learning of new words from a foreign language. The network consists of feature areas, devoted to description of object properties, and a lexical area, devoted to words representation. Neurons in the feature areas are implemented as Wilson-Cowan oscillators, to allow segmentation of different simultaneous objects via gamma-band synchronization. Excitatory synapses among neurons in the feature and lexical areas are learned, during a training phase, via a Hebbian rule. In this work, we first assume that some words in the first language (L1) and the corresponding object representations are initially learned during a preliminary training phase. Subsequently, second-language (L2) words are learned by simultaneously presenting the new word together with the L1 one. A competitive mechanism between the two words is also implemented by the use of inhibitory interneurons. Simulations show that, after a weak training, the L2 word allows retrieval of the object properties but requires engagement of the first language. Conversely, after a prolonged training, the L2 word becomes able to retrieve object per se. In this case, a conflict between words can occur, requiring a higher-level decision mechanism.
Simple Synthesis and Growth Mechanism of Core/Shell CdSe/SiOx Nanowires
Authors: Dai Guozhang , Yang Shengyi , Yan Min , Wan Qiang , Zhang Qinglin , Pan Anlian , Zou Bingsuo
Published: March 2010

Core‐shell‐structured CdSe/SiOx nanowires were synthesized on an equilateral triangle Si (111) substrate through a simple one‐step thermal evaporation process. SEM, TEM, and XRD investigations confirmed the core‐shell structure; that is, the core zone is single crystalline CdSe and the shell zone is SiOx amorphous layer and CdSe core was grown along (001) direction. Two‐stage growth process was present to explain the growth mechanism of the core/shell nanwires. The silicon substrate of designed equilateral triangle providing the silicon source is the key factor to form the core‐shell nanowires, which is significant for fabrication of nanowire‐core sheathed with a silica system. The PL of the product studied at room temperature showed two emission bands around 715 and 560 nm, which originate from the band‐band transition of CdSe cores and the amorphous SiOx shells, respectively.
Boundedness and Global Attractivity of a Higher‐Order Nonlinear Difference Equation
Authors: Jia Xiu-Mei , Li Wan-Tong
Published: March 2010

We investigate the local stability, prime period‐two
solutions, boundedness, invariant intervals, and global attractivity
of all positive solutions of the following difference equation: yn+1 = (r + pyn + yn−k)/(qyn + yn−k), n ∈ ℕ0, where the parameters p, q, r ∈ (0, ∞), k ∈ {1, 2, 3, …} and the initial conditions y−k, …, y0 ∈ (0, ∞). We show that the unique positive equilibrium of this equation is a global
attractor under certain conditions.
Design, Manufacturing, and Commissioning of BIRCAM (Bootes InfraRed CAMera)
Authors: Riva Alberto , Conconi Paolo , Castro-Tirado Alberto Javier , Zerbi Filippo , Cunniffe Ronan , Jelinek Martin , Vìtek Stanislav
Published: March 2010

This paper covers the various aspect of design, manufacturing and commissioning of the infrared camera BIRCAM, installed at BOOTES‐IR, the 60 cm robotic infrared telescope at Sierra Nevada Observatory (OSN, Granada, Spain). We describe how we achieved a quality astronomical image, moving from the scientific requirements.
Effective Scheme of Channel Tracking and Estimation for Mobile WiMAX DL-PUSC System
Authors: Pham Phuong Thi Thu , Wada Tomohisa
Published: March 2010

This paper introduces an effective joint scheme of channel estimation and tracking for downlink partial usage of subchannel (DL-PUSC) mode of mobile WiMAX system. Based on the pilot pattern of this particular system, some channel estimation methods including conventional interpolations and a more favorable least-squares line fitting (LSLF) technique are comparatively studied. Besides, channel estimation performance can be remarkably improved by taking advantage of channel tracking derived from the preamble symbol. System performances in terms of packet error rate (PER) and user link throughput are investigated in various channels adopted from the well-known ITU models for mobile environments. Simulation results show a significant performance enhancement when the proposed joint scheme is utilized, at least 5 dB, compared to only commonly used channel estimation approaches.
Anticancer Role of PPARγAgonists in Hematological Malignancies Found in the Vasculature, Marrow, and Eyes
Authors: Simpson-Haidaris P. J. , Pollock S. J. , Ramon S. , Guo N. , Woeller C. F. , Feldon S. E. , Phipps R. P.
Published: March 2010

The use of targeted cancer therapies in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiation treatment has increased overall survival of cancer patients. However, longer survival is accompanied by increased incidence of comorbidities due, in part, to drug side effects and toxicities. It is well accepted that inflammation and tumorigenesis are linked. Because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γagonists are potent mediators of anti-inflammatory responses, it was a logical extension to examine the role of PPARγagonists in the treatment and prevention of cancer. This paper has two objectives: first to highlight the potential uses for PPARγagonists in anticancer therapy with special emphasis on their role when used as adjuvant or combined therapy in the treatment of hematological malignancies found in the vasculature, marrow, and eyes, and second, to review the potential role PPARγand/or its ligands may have in modulating cancer-associated angiogenesis and tumor-stromal microenvironment crosstalk in bone marrow.
Flower Constancy in the Generalist PollinatorCeratina flavipes(Hymenoptera: Apidae): An Evaluation by Pollen Analysis
Authors: Kobayashi-Kidokoro Midori , Higashi Seigo
Published: March 2010

The food habits of the solitary beeCeratina flavipeswere studied by observation on foraging behavior and identifying the pollen grains that they collected. It appeared thatC. flavipestend to collect pollen from particular species; however, they visit multiple flowering species. We analyzed pollen sources from pollen loads of dried specimens from single foraging trips (SFT) and in pollen balls created from a single foraging day (SD). The pollen from all pollen balls in a nest represented the harvest from an entire breeding season (BP). This analysis showed that each bee on average collected pollen from 3.24 (SFTs), 2.02 (SD), and 3.12 (BP) flowering species. Bees collected pollen from a total of 14 flowering plant species. Furthermore, we calculated when pollen balls were created and found no significant interaction between seasonal pollen availability and bee preferences. Moreover, bees had consistent flower preferences, even if the preferred flower was not dominant at all times. These results indicate thatC. flavipesexhibits flower constancy, and therefore, the generalist pollinatorC. flavipescould function like a specialist pollinator.
A Pipelined and Parallel Architecture for Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations on FPGAs
Authors: Gothandaraman Akila , Peterson Gregory D. , Warren G. Lee , Hinde Robert J. , Harrison Robert J.
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology make reconfigurable computing using FPGAs an attractive platform for accelerating scientific applications. We develop a deeply pipelined and parallel architecture for Quantum Monte Carlo simulations using FPGAs. Quantum Monte Carlo simulations enable us to obtain the structural and energetic properties of atomic clusters. We experiment with different pipeline structures for each component of the design and develop a deeply pipelined architecture that provides the best performance in terms of achievable clock rate, while at the same time has a modest use of the FPGA resources. We discuss the details of the pipelined and generic architecture that is used to obtain the potential energy and wave function of a cluster of atoms.
Antidromically Evoked Facial Nerve Response in Guinea Pigs – A Long-Term Follow-Up after Nerve Injury
Authors: Tashima Kazuyuki , Takeda Taizo , Nakatani Hiroaki , Hamada Masashi , Kakigi Akinobu
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: The present animal experiment supported that the antidromically evoked facial nerve response (AFNR) was useful for the early diagnosis of facial palsy and for assessing its recovery course. Objective: Chronological changes of AFNR latencies after nerve damage were investigated to examine whether or not AFNR latency was suitable as a parameter for the assessment of facial nerve function. Materials and Methods: AFNR were recorded in guinea pigs with and without the total or partial transection of the facial nerve. Chronological changes of AFNR after facial nerve transection were investigated. Results: 48 h after the total transection, the responses almost completely disappeared, and reappeared after 3 weeks. The latencies of the recovered responses were prolonged then but shortened thereafter. Meanwhile, the partial transection did not result in a total loss of AFNR, but in a decrease of the amplitude and prolongation of the latency. One day after the partial transection, the latencies of the responses had already prolonged. From the 3rd to the 7th day, the latencies progressively prolonged, and then shortened by the 14th day.
Initial Lesions in Bell’s Palsy and Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome
Authors: Nakatani Hiroaki , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Hamada Masashi , Takeda Taizo , Kakigi Akinobu , Iwai Mitsuru
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: The antidromic facial nerve response (AFNR) revealed that the initial lesion in both Bell’s palsy and Hunt syndrome was mainly located around the geniculate ganglion within 1 week after onset of paralysis. The preoperative AFNR reflected the response near the initial lesion. Objectives: To review the initial lesion in Bell’s palsy and Ramsay-Hunt syndrome using intraoperative monitoring of the AFNR. Methods: 15 patients, including 8 with Bell’s palsy and 7 with Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, were checked for the AFNR before and during transmastoid decompression surgery within 1 week after onset of paralysis. The AFNR monitoring was performed at the posterosuperior part of the anulus tympanicus preoperatively and at 4 points of the facial nerve during surgery. The nerve conduction block sites were diagnosed by the AFNR waveform. Results: The monophasic wave revealing the block site was mainly observed at the geniculate ganglion in both diseases. The latencies of the preoperative responses corresponded to those recorded intraoperatively around the pyramidal segment of the facial nerve.
Bumetanide-Induced Enlargement of the Rat Intrastrial Space and Effects of a Vasopressin Type 2 Antagonist
Authors: Nishimura Masahiko , Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Taizo , Okada Teruhiko , Doi Katsumi
Published: March 2010

Objective:Water homeostasis is essential for the inner ear to maintain the function of hearing and equilibrium. Bumetanide inhibits Na+-K+-2Cl– co-transporter (NKCC), which is expressed in the basolateral membrane of stria vascularis marginal cell, and it causes the enlargement of intrastrial space. Aquaporin (AQP) 2 is expressed in the perilymph side of stria vascularis basal cell, and the vasopressin type 2 antagonist OPC-31260 produces downregulation of AQP2 mRNA levels in the inner ear. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of OPC-31260 on experimentally induced enlargement of the intrastrial space caused by bumetanide. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into two groups, a BUM group and an OPC-BUM group. The BUM group was exposed to bumetanide, and the OPC-BUM group was exposed to bumetanide after being premedicated with OPC-31260. The specimens of the stria vascularis were observed using transmission electron microscopy and analyzed quantitatively and statistically. Results: Morphological changes of intrastrial space enlargement occurred in both the BUM and OPC-BUM groups. The ratio of the areas of the intrastrial space area to the stria vascularis were calculated, and the OPC-BUM group mean showed a minimal difference from the BUM-group mean. However, there is no statistical difference. Conclusions: Premedication of rats with OPC-31260 tended to reduce bumetanide-induced enlargement of the intrastrial space. This may indicate that the effect of bumetanide on the stria vascularis is much stronger than that of OPC-31260.
Computer Simulation of Antidromic Facial Nerve Response Waveform
Authors: Iwai Mitsuru , Takeda Taizo , Nakatani Hiroaki , Kakigi Akinobu
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: An assessment of facial nerve (FN) damage on the basis of antidromic facial nerve response (AFNR) was established by computer simulation analysis. Computer simulation has the advantage of being able to assume any type of lesion. In the near future, computer analysis should provide another experimental method which displaces animal experiments, thus circumventing the ethical dilemma associated with animal experiments. Background: AFNR is a promising method to monitor intratemporal FN lesions. Clinical application of AFNR showed that waveform changes reflected the site and degree of the lesion. However, the association between the waveform changes and pathologic conditions of FN remains to be clarified. Objective: To analyze the association between waveform changes and the degree and site of nerve degeneration or blockade with the use of computer simulation, and to speculate the degree and involvement of the intratemporal FN lesions underlying the changes of AFNR waveforms. Methods: AFNR waveform, latency and amplitude changes in various types of nerve conduction block in the intratemporal FN were analyzed with the use of a computer simulation program based on the solid-angle approximation theory. Result: The present computer simulation revealed a temporal increase in the peak-to-peak amplitude between 1st and 2ndwaves, when the nerve blockade extends 1 mm distally from the recording site. Generally, AFNR in severe palsy cases gradually decreases in amplitude as the waveform change from biphasic to monophasic, ultimately falling into non-response. According to the computer simulation, the decay of AFNR reflects conduction blocking in 63% or more of FN fibers. The amplitude ratio of the first positive/negative wave was indicative of the site of the lesion in relation to the recording site. The ratios were <0.586 when the lesions were situated >1 mm proximal and they were >0.667 when the lesions were peripheral to the recording site.
Effect of Artificial Endolymph Injection into the Cochlear Duct on Perilymph Potassium
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Salt Alec N. , Takeda Taizo
Published: March 2010

Objective: To investigate the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops and perilymphatic potassium. Methods: 20 pigmented guinea pigs were used: 10 for scala vestibuli study and 10 for scala tympani study. Acute endolymphatic hydrops was produced by microinjection of an artificial endolymph into the scala media. Injections were performed in the second turn at rates up to 500 nl/min for a period of 10 min. The injection volume was up to 5 µl. Endocochlear potential (EP) was monitored during injections. Simultaneous with the injections, the potassium concentrations in scala vestibuli (KSV) or tympani (KST) perilymph were measured with ion-sensitive double-barreled microelectrodes sealed into in the scalae in the 3rd turn with cyanoacrylate glue. Results: For endolymphatic injections of ≤3 µl, perilymphatic KSV and KST changes were generally small. With larger volume injections, substantial increases in both KST and KSV were observed, with larger increases observed in KSV compared to KST. Conclusion: An increase of perilymph potassium ion concentration is associated with endolymphatic hydrops and the perilymphatic increase could contribute to the inner ear dysfunction of patients with Ménière’s disease. Although mild hydrops may not cause perilymphatic changes, extended hydrops may increase perilymphatic K which could contribute to vertigo and/or hearing loss during the attack.
Electrical Recording of Otoacoustic Emission
Authors: Takeda Taizo , Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Setsuko , Nakatani Hiroaki , Takebayashi Shinji , Ohono Satoshi
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) could be detectable as cochlear AC potentials. Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) were detected either electrically or acoustically, while evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) could be detected electrically but not acoustically. Objective: Many lines of evidence support the hypothesis that SOAEs are produced by spontaneous mechanical oscillation within the cochlea, and perhaps motile properties of the outer hair cells. If this is the case, SOAEs, emitted acoustically in the external auditory meatus, could also be recorded electrically as cochlear AC potential. EOAE is also thought to be produced by vibration of the basilar membrane, generated by the backward-traveling waves. EOAE thus seems to be detectable electrically as cochlear AC potential. In the present study, SOAE and EOAE were recorded both acoustically and electrically in the guinea pigs to examine the correlation between electrically recorded SOAE (ER-SOAE) and acoustically recorded SOAE (AR-SOAE). In addition, a microphonics response (MPR) to tone pip was recorded to analyze the characteristics of the non-linear component and linear component of the AC responses. Results: (1) In 4 out of 20 guinea pigs (20%), SOAE could be detected both acoustically and electrically. (2) Electrical signals of SOAE had a better S/N ratio than acoustical signals. Generally, only some ER-SOAE could be detected acoustically. (3) Almost without exception, the prominent frequencies of multiple ER-SOAEs corresponded to the intermodulation distortion product, or harmonics. (4) ER-SOAEs were suppressed by hypoxia or intense sound exposure and reappeared upon rebreathing or discontinuation of the external tone. During recovery, prominent frequencies showed a transient downward shift in frequency. (5) SOAEs were synchronized in phase with an external tone in the spectral neighborhood of SOAE. The averaged waveform of SOAE synchronized with the external tone was the same with either acoustic or electrical signals. (6) The MPR to tone pip is composed of two components with different frequency characteristics and input/output functions. (7) The non-linear component delayed to cochlear microphonics was markedly saturated at the intensity level of 40 dB peak equivalent SPL. This component was a phase-lock response, not a frequency-locked one. (8) The non-linear component could be separated with Probst’s non-linear differential extraction technique. In the MPR to a 4-kHz tone pip, high-cut filtration at 3.5 kHz produced a waveform similar to the non-linear component separated by Probst’s method.
Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors 1–4 in Human Chronic Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Uchida Aya , Nishimura Masahiko , Takeda Taizo , Takeda Setsuko , Nakatani Hiroaki
Published: March 2010

Objective: To locate fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) 1–4 in human chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. Methods: A sample of human chronic TM perforation was harvested during myringoplasty. The sample was immediately fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in OCT compound. Immunohistochemistry was performed with FGFR 1–4 polyclonal antibodies. Results: FGFRs 1–4 were strongly and weakly expressed in the epidermal and mucosal layer of the TM perforation, respectively. Conclusions: As it is impossible to perform quantitative analysis based on the fluorescence intensity of each immunoreactivity, the presence of FGFRs 1–4 in the human chronic TM perforation is shown. The expressions of FGFRs 1–4 indicated that the clinical use of bFGF agent is useful for myringoplasty.
Long-Term Courses of Hearing Loss in Young Children
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Nakatani Hiroaki , Takeda Taizo
Published: March 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the long-term prognosis of young children with congenital or acquired hearing loss. Patients: The subjects consisted of 9 young children (18 ears) in whom auditory training was performed in the Kochi Prefectural Center for Hearing Impaired Children, and the course of hearing could be observed until the age of at least 10 years. Methods: The annual course of hearing was evaluated based on the results of play audiometry and pure-tone audiometry that facilitated the differentiation of hearing between the left and right ears. In the first examination, stable values were obtained after some tests and used as reference values. As the representative value at each age, the arithmetic mean of the pure-tone averages obtained by all hearing tests performed during the year was used. Results: The course of hearing was observed from 2 to 24 years of age, and the observation period was 6–18 years (mean 13.2 years). Hearing was aggravated in 13 ears, of which 8 (4 patients) showed marked and 5 (3 patients) showed slight aggravation. Hearing was unchanged in 5 ears (3 patients). Conclusions: Hearing loss often progressed bilaterally. There were two progression patterns: rapid aggravation during early childhood, followed by gradual aggravation, and gradual aggravation over the entire course. The aggravation of hearing may be associated with the degree of impairment and vulnerability of the auditory organs.
A Totally Implanted Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy System for Advanced Maxillary Sinus Carcinoma
Authors: Nakatani Hiroaki , Hirose Kahori , Matsumoto Noboru , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Taizo , Ito Satoshi , Yamanishi Tomoaki , Nishioka Akihito , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Nakahira Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2010

Conclusion: Both reservoir systems for intra-arterial cisplatin and intravenous sodium thiosulfate infusions are low- invasive, safe and effective procedures for treatment of advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma. Objectives: To use our reservoir system for intra-arterial high-dose cisplatin infusion therapy in patients with advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Eight patients with advanced maxillary sinus carcinomas underwent treatment utilizing intra-arterial cisplatin (CDDP) infusion and radiation therapy followed by planned surgical resection. For intra-arterial infusion of high-dose cisplatin, both intra-arterial and intravenous reservoir systems were used. Results: CDDP was infused 4–6 times (mean 5.1) and the total dose of CDDP was between 690 and 910 mg (mean 771 mg). The response rate was 100 with 50% CR and 50% PR and all patients underwent medial maxillectomy. Only 1 T4 patient had local recurrence and 1 other patient had bilateral neck metastasis.