bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-step conversion of silathiogermylene to germaacid anhydrides: unusual reactivity
Authors: Karwasara Surendar , Yadav Dhirendra , Jha Chandan Kumar , Rajaraman Gopalan , Nagendran Selvarajan
Published: February 2015

Single-step conversion of germylene (2) to germaacid anhydrides (3 and 4) is achieved through oxidative-addition with S/Se that involves condensation for the first time.
The unexpected discovery of the Mg(HMDS)2/MgCl2 complex as a magnesium electrolyte for rechargeable magnesium batteries
Authors: Liao Chen , Sa Niya , Key Baris , Burrell Anthony K. , Cheng Lei , Curtiss Larry A. , Vaughey John T. , Woo Jung-Je , Hu Libo , Pan Baofei , Zhang Zhengcheng
Published: February 2015

We developed a unique class of non-Grignard, aluminum-free magnesium electrolytes based on a simple mixture of magnesium compounds: magnesium hexamethyldisilazide (Mg(HMDS)2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
Design of reconfigurable active integrated microstrip antenna with switchable low‐noise amplifier/power amplifier performances for wireless local area network and WiMAX applications
Authors: Valizade Arash , Rezaei Pejman , Orouji Ali Asghar
Published: February 2015

A novel design of reconfigurable monopole microstrip active integrated antenna (AIA) for wireless local area network (WLAN) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) applications is presented and discussed in this study. The primary designed reconfigurable passive antenna is capable of supporting switchable single/dual band performances while having a compact dimension of 12 × 18 mm2. The proposed reconfigurable passive antenna is integrated with an interdigital filter and a reconfigurable switchable power/low‐noise amplifier (LNA) (power amplifier – PA, LNA) forming a single‐port microstrip AIA which can be used as a full‐duplex switchable transceiver in which the need for additional filters is eliminated because of its reconfigurable structure. A 2.3–2.56 GHz (WLAN) with 12.3 dB (PA) gain improvement and 3.3–3.59 GHz (WiMAX) with 8.5 dB (LNA) gain improvement are supported at switchable performances of the fabricated reconfigurable AIA. Measured results show that the designed passive and active antennas have proper almost omnidirectional radiation characteristics at their desired operation frequencies which is suitable for WLAN and WiMAX applications.
Fabrication and optical properties of multishell InAs quantum dots on GaAs nanowires
Authors: Yan Xin , Zhang Xia , Li Junshuai , Cui Jiangong , Ren Xiaomin
Published: February 2015

Hybrid nanostructures combining nanowires with quantum dots promote the development of nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices with integrated functionalities. In this work, we present a complex nanostructure with multishell quantum dots grown on nanowires. 1–4 shells of Stranski-Krastanov InAs quantum dots are grown on the sidewalls of GaAs nanowires by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Different dot shells are separated by 8 nm GaAs spacer shells. With increasing the number of shells, the quantum dots become sparser and tend to align in one array, which is caused by the shrinkage of facets on which dots prefer to grow as well as the strain fields produced by the lower set of dots which influences the migration of In adatoms. The size of quantum dots increases with the increase of shell number due to enhanced strain fields coupling. The spectra of multishell dots exhibit multiwavelength emission, and each peak corresponds to a dot shell. This hybrid structure may serve as a promising element in nanowire intermediate band solar cells, infrared nanolasers, and photodetectors.
Control of threshold voltage in organic thin-film transistors by modifying gate electrode surface with MoOX aqueous solution and inverter circuit applications
Authors: Shiwaku Rei , Yoshimura Yudai , Takeda Yasunori , Fukuda Kenjiro , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: February 2015

We controlled the threshold voltage of organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) by treating only the gate electrode surface with a MoOX aqueous solution and used them to build inverter circuits. The threshold voltage was changed by varying the concentration of the MoOX aqueous solution. A strong correlation between the work function of the gate electrode and the threshold voltage was observed. The threshold voltage of one of the two organic TFT devices in the inverter circuit was selectively changed by +2.3 V by reducing the concentration of the MoOx solution. We controlled the switching voltage of p-type organic inverter circuits and obtained excellent inverter characteristics. These results indicate that using a MoOx aqueous solution to control the threshold voltage is very useful for integrated circuits applications.
A political economy of sub-Saharan African language press: the case of Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Salawu Abiodun
Published: February 2015

This paper attempts a typology of the models of managing local language press in sub-Saharan Africa. Two models are identified: the mainstream and the subsidiary. In the mainstream model are local language newspapers that exist as sole or main products of a media organisation. The subsidiary model consists of local language newspapers that exist as subsidiary products of a foreign (but dominant) language media organisation. The two models are essentially differentiated based on two major factors: Focus/Attention/Priority and Resources (Sharing) – Men, Materials, Machine and Marketing. Using critical political economy as a theoretical framework, the paper draws examples from local language press establishments in Africa to discuss this model. Irrespective of the model of management adopted, the survival of local language newspapers in sub-Saharan Africa remains precarious. Even though the general situation with local language press in sub-Saharan Africa is not exciting, there are however some success stories that can be situated within either of the two management models.
Protein kinase Gin4 negatively regulates flippase function and controls plasma membrane asymmetry
Authors: Roelants Françoise M. , Su Brooke M. , von Wulffen Joachim , Ramachandran Subramaniam , Sartorel Elodie , Trott Amy E. , Thorner Jeremy
Published: February 2015

Plasma membrane function requires distinct leaflet lipid compositions. Two of the P-type ATPases (flippases) in yeast, Dnf1 and Dnf2, translocate aminoglycerophospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet, stimulated via phosphorylation by cortically localized protein kinase Fpk1. By monitoring Fpk1 activity in vivo, we found that Fpk1 was hyperactive in cells lacking Gin4, a protein kinase previously implicated in septin collar assembly. Gin4 colocalized with Fpk1 at the cortical site of future bud emergence and phosphorylated Fpk1 at multiple sites, which we mapped. As judged by biochemical and phenotypic criteria, a mutant (Fpk111A), in which 11 sites were mutated to Ala, was hyperactive, causing increased inward transport of phosphatidylethanolamine. Thus, Gin4 is a negative regulator of Fpk1 and therefore an indirect negative regulator of flippase function. Moreover, we found that decreasing flippase function rescued the growth deficiency of four different cytokinesis mutants, which suggests that the primary function of Gin4 is highly localized control of membrane lipid asymmetry and is necessary for optimal cytokinesis.
Chromatin signatures of cancer
Authors: Morgan Marc A. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: February 2015

Changes in the pattern of gene expression play an important role in allowing cancer cells to acquire their hallmark characteristics, while genomic instability enables cells to acquire genetic alterations that promote oncogenesis. Chromatin plays central roles in both transcriptional regulation and the maintenance of genomic stability. Studies by cancer genome consortiums have identified frequent mutations in genes encoding chromatin regulatory factors and histone proteins in human cancer, implicating them as major mediators in the pathogenesis of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the role of chromatin in cancer, focusing on transcriptional regulatory complexes, enhancer-associated factors, histone point mutations, and alterations in heterochromatin-interacting factors.
Noninvasive Imaging of Tumor Burden and Molecular Pathways in Mouse Models of Cancer
Authors: Wang Yuchuan , Tseng Jen-Chieh , Sun Yanping , Beck Andrew H. , Kung Andrew L.
Published: February 2015

Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of cancer and the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in patients with cancer. Because macroscopic imaging is noninvasive and quantitative, the development of specialized instruments for small animals has spurred increasing utilization in preclinical cancer studies. Some small-animal imaging devices are miniaturized derivatives of clinical imaging modalities, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ultrasonography. Optical imaging, including bioluminescence imaging and fluorescence imaging, has evolved from microscopic cellular imaging technologies. Here, we review how current imaging modalities are enabling high-resolution structural imaging with micrometer-scale spatial resolution, thus allowing for the quantification of tumor burden in genetically engineered and orthotopic models of cancer, where tumors develop within organs not typically accessible to measurements with calipers. Beyond measuring tumor size, imaging is increasingly being used to assess the activity of molecular pathways within tumors and to reveal the pharmacodynamic efficacy of targeted therapies. Each imaging technology has particular strengths and limitations, and we discuss how studies should be carefully designed to match the imaging approach to the primary experimental question.
Structure of Pb-rich chabournéite from Jas Roux, France
Authors: Biagioni Cristian , Moëlo Yves , Favreau Georges , Bourgoin Vincent , Boulliard Jean-Claude
Published: February 2015

The crystal structure of a specimen of `Pb-rich' chabournéite from Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France, with the chemical formula obtained by electron microprobe analysis of Ag0.04 (1)Tl2.15 (2)Pb0.64 (1)Sb5.12 (1)As5.05 (1)S17.32 (5), has been solved by X-ray single-crystal diffraction on the basis of 36 550 observed reflections (withFo> 4σFo) with a finalR1= 0.074. Pb-rich chabournéite is triclinicP1, with unit-cell parametersa= 8.5197 (4),b= 42.461 (2),c= 16.293 (8) Å, α = 83.351 (2), β = 90.958 (2), γ = 84.275 (2)°,V= 5823 (3) Å3. Its structural formula is close to [Tl2(Pb0.8Tl0.1Sb1.1)](Sb4.1As4.9)S17, withZ= 8. Its crystal structure is formed by the alternation of two pairs of slabs along thebaxis, deriving from the SnS and PbS archetypes, respectively. 104 independent cation sites and 136 S sites occur in the unit cell. Slab interfaces show the alternation, alongc, of Tl sites, ninefold coordinated, with Pb, Sb or mixed/split (Pb,Sb) and (Pb,Tl) sites. Within the slabs, 72 independentM3+sites (M3+= As, Sb) occur. ConsideringM3+—S bond distances shorter than 2.70 Å,MS3triangular pyramidal groups are condensed according to variousMmSnchain fragments (`polymers'). The solution of the crystal structure of chabournéite allows its comparison with the closely related homeotypes protochabournéite and dalnegroite.
In-situlaser synthesis of Nd–Al–O coatings: the role of sublattice cations in eutectic formation
Authors: de Francisco Isabel , Bea Jose Antonio , Vegas Angel , Carda Juan Bautista , de la Fuente German Francisco
Published: February 2015

Neodymium aluminate coatings have been preparedin-situby the laser zone melting (LZM) method, using a CO2SLAB-type laser emitting at 10.6 µm. Polycrystalline Al2O3commercial plates have been used as substrates, and coatings were prepared from the corresponding mixtures of powdered neodymium and aluminium oxides as starting materials. Microstructure, studied by SEM and phase composition, studied by XRD, proved thein-situformation of a NdAlO3/NdAl11O18eutectic. As a result, a well integrated composite coating was formed. Nanoindentation tests are consistent with excellent integration between coating and substrate. Structural similarities between the eutectic components within the coating, as well as between these and the substrate, are consistent with the crystallographic concepts proposed by Vegas (Ramos-Gallardo & Vegas, 1997), where cation sub-arrays play an important role governing metal oxide structures. These structure sublattices are suggested as the driving force behind eutectic oxide formation.
Lipid changes throughout pregnancy according to pre‐pregnancy BMI: results from a prospective cohort
Authors: Farias DR , Franco‐Sena AB , Vilela AAF , Lepsch J , Mendes RH , Kac G
Published: February 2015

Objective

To evaluate the rate of change in serum lipids and the factors associated with their variations, stratifying for pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Public Health centre, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Population

Two hundred and twenty‐five healthy pregnant women recruited between 2009 and 2011.

Methods

Women were evaluated during the three trimesters of pregnancy (5th–13th, 20th–26th and 30th–36th gestational weeks). Pre‐pregnancy BMI (kg/m²) was classified as normal weight (NW = 18.5–24.9), overweight (OW = 25.0–29.9) or obese (OB ≥ 30.0). The independent variables included maternal socioeconomic, demographic, biochemical and lifestyle factors. We performed linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for gestational age and body weight, reporting coefficient (β) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Main outcome measures

Longitudinal total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐c), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐c) and triglyceride (TG) measurements.

Results

OW and OB women presented higher mean TG, TC and LDL‐c compared with their NW counterparts (P < 0.05). The mean HDL‐c concentrations were higher in NW than in OB women (P = 0.03). OW and OB women presented lower serum TC (βOW = −0.014; 95% CI = −0.026 to −0.002; P = 0.022; βOB = −0.015; 95% CI −0.015 to 0.001; P = 0.066) and LDL‐c (βOW = −0.012; 95% CI = −0.021 to −0.002; P = 0.017; βOB = −0.018; 95% CI = −0.031 to −0.005; P = 0.005) rates of change (mmol/l per gestational week) compared with the NW. Pre‐gestational BMI was the main factor associated with the rate of changes in TC and LDL‐c concentrations.

Conclusion

Pre‐pregnancy BMI was the main factor associated with the rate of change in TC and LDL‐c throughout pregnancy, and OW and OB women presented lower rates of change compared with NW controls.
Randomized controlled trial of motivational interviewing for reducing injection risk behaviours among people who inject drugs
Authors: Bertrand Karine , Roy Élise , Vaillancourt Éric , Vandermeerschen Jill , Berbiche Djamal , Boivin Jean‐François
Published: February 2015

Aim

We tested the efficacy of a brief intervention based on motivational interviewing (MI) to reduce high‐risk injection behaviours over a 6‐month period among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design

A single‐site two‐group parallel randomized controlled trial comparing MI with a brief educational intervention (EI).

Setting

A study office located in downtown Montréal, Canada, close to the community‐based harm reduction programmes where PWID were recruited.

Participants

PWID who had shared drug injection equipment or shared drugs by backloading or frontloading in the month prior to recruitment were randomized to either the MI (112) or EI (109) groups.

Intervention

The MI aimed to (1) encourage PWID to voice their desires, needs and reasons to change behaviours; (2) boost motivation to change behaviours; and (3) when the person was ready, support the plan he or she chose to reduce injection risk behaviours. The EI consisted of an individual session about safe injection behaviours.

Measurements

The primary outcome was defined as having any of these risk behaviours at 6 months: having shared syringes, containers, filters or water to inject drugs in the previous month and backloading/frontloading; each behaviour was examined separately, as secondary outcomes.

Findings

The probability of reporting a risk injection behaviour decreased in both the MI and the EI groups. At 6‐month follow‐up, participants who reported any risk behaviours were 50% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; confidence interval (CI) = 0.13–0.87] less likely to be in the MI group than in the EI group as well as those who reported sharing containers (OR = 0.50; CI = 0.09–0.90). PWID who reported sharing equipment excluding syringes were 53% less likely to be in the MI group (OR = 0.47; CI = 0.11–0.84).

Conclusions

A brief motivational interviewing intervention was more effective than a brief educational intervention in reducing some high risk injecting behaviours up in the subsequent 6 months.
Manometric measurement of the outflow facility in the living human eye and its dependence on intraocular pressure
Authors: Karyotakis Nikolaos G. , Ginis Harilaos S. , Dastiridou Anna I. , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K. , Pallikaris Ioannis G.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The intraocular pressure (IOP) is determined by a dynamic equilibrium between the production and outflow of the aqueous humour. The relationship between IOP and the outflow rate through the conventional and unconventional pathway is quantified by the outflow facility coefficient (C). The purpose of this study is to employ a direct (manometric) tonographic technique and determine C as well as its inverse, resistance (R), as a function of IOP in the living human eye.

Methods

Nineteen cataract patients were enrolled in the study. An intraoperative manometric device was used to measure IOP. After cannulation of the anterior chamber, the IOP was increased by infusion of controlled amounts of saline solution. At 40 mmHg, the infusion stopped, and a pressure sensor recorded the IOP. The measured pressure–volume relationship was considered in order to convert pressure changes to corresponding ocular volume changes. An appropriate mathematical model was applied to calculate C and (its inverse), R.

Results

The average C was 0.0672 ± 0.0296 μl/min/mmHg at 40 mmHg and 0.2652 ± 0.1164 μl/min/mmHg at 20 mmHg. There was a strong dependence of coefficient C on IOP in all subjects (p < 0.001). The corresponding values for R were 17.9 ± 11.17 min mmHg/μl at 40 mmHg and 4.51 ± 2.69 min mmHg/μl at 20 mmHg.

Conclusion

This study provides measurement of outflow facility and its dependence with pressure in healthy living human eyes. This relation is shown to be non‐linear, using a direct manometric method.
Corridors for aliens but not for natives: effects of marine urban sprawl at a regional scale
Authors: Airoldi Laura , Turon Xavier , Perkol‐Finkel Shimrit , Rius Marc
Published: February 2015

Aim

The global sprawl of marine hard infrastructure (e.g. breakwaters, sea walls and jetties) can extensively modify coastal seascapes, but the knowledge of such impacts remains limited to local scales. We examined the regional‐scale effects of marine artificial habitats on the distribution and abundance of assemblages of ascidians, a key group of ecosystem engineer species in benthic fouling systems.

Location

Five hundred kilometers of coastline in the North Adriatic Sea.

Methods

We sampled a variety of natural reefs, marine infrastructures and marinas, and tested hypotheses about the role of habitat type and location in influencing the relative distribution and abundance of both native and non‐indigenous species.

Results

Assemblages differed significantly between natural and artificial habitats and among different types of artificial habitats. Non‐indigenous species were 2–3 times more abundant on infrastructures built along sedimentary coastlines than on natural rocky reefs or infrastructures built close to rocky coastlines. Conversely, native species were twice as abundant on natural reefs than on nearby infrastructures and were scarce to virtually absent on infrastructures built along sedimentary coasts. The species composition of assemblages in artificial habitats was more similar to that of marinas than of natural reefs, independently of their location.

Main conclusions

Our results show that marine infrastructures along sandy shores disproportionally favour non‐indigenous over native hard bottom species, affecting their spread at regional scales. This is particularly concerning for coastal areas that have low natural densities of rocky reef habitats. We discuss design and management options to improve the quality as habitat of marine infrastructures and to favour their preferential use by native species over non‐indigenous ones.
Hematite‐coated microfossils: primary ecological fingerprint or taphonomic oddity of the Paleoproterozoic?
Authors: Shapiro R. S. , Konhauser K. O.
Published: February 2015

Microfossils belonging to the 1.88‐billion‐year‐old ‘Gunflint‐biota’ are preserved as carbonaceous and hematitic filaments and spheres that are believed to represent ancient chemolithoautotrophic Fe(II) oxidizing bacteria that grew above a chemocline where ferruginous seawater upwelled into shallow, oxygenated waters. This ‘biological’ model posits that hematite formed during burial from dewatering of the precursor ferric oxyhydroxides that encrusted Fe(II)‐oxidizing bacteria. Here, we present an alternate ‘taphonomic’ model in which iron‐rich groundwaters discharged into buried stromatolites; thus, the mineralization reactions are more informative of diagenetic processes than they are for primary marine conditions. We sampled centimeter‐scale columnar stromatolites from both the lower and upper stromatolite horizons of the Biwabik and Gunflint formations, across a range of metamorphic gradients including unaltered to prehnite‐pumpellyite taconite, supergene altered ore, and amphibolite‐pyroxene grade contact‐metamorphic zones. Fossils are rare to very rare and comprise curved filaments that exist in clusters with similar orientations. The filaments from throughout the Biwabik are similar to well‐preserved carbonaceous Gunflintia from Ontario. Spheres of Huroniospora are also found in both formations. Microfossils from the least altered sections are preserved as carbon. Prehnite‐pumpellyite samples are composed of either carbon or hematite (Fe2O3). Within the contact aureole, filaments are densely coated by magnetite (Fe3O4); the highest grade samples are secondarily oxidized to martite. The consistency in stromatolite microstructure and lithofacies throughout the metamorphic grades suggests they formed under similar environmental conditions. Post‐depositional alteration led to replacement of the carbon by iron oxide. The facies association, filament distribution, and lack of branching and attached spherical cells argue against Gunflintia being a direct analogue to common marine, chemolithoautotrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizing bacteria. Instead, we propose that the presence of hematite‐coated microfossils is a reflection of taphonomic processes and does not necessarily reflect the byproduct of an original microbial ecosystem.
Biogenicity of an Early Quaternary iron formation, Milos Island, Greece
Authors: Chi Fru E. , Ivarsson M. , Kilias S. P. , Frings P. J. , Hemmingsson C. , Broman C. , Bengtson S. , Chatzitheodoridis E.
Published: February 2015

A ~2.0‐million‐year‐old shallow‐submarine sedimentary deposit on Milos Island, Greece, harbours an unmetamorphosed fossiliferous iron formation (IF) comparable to Precambrian banded iron formations (BIFs). This Milos IF holds the potential to provide clues to the origin of Precambrian BIFs, relative to biotic and abiotic processes. Here, we combine field stratigraphic observations, stable isotopes of C, S and Si, rock petrography and microfossil evidence from a ~5‐m‐thick outcrop to track potential biogeochemical processes that may have contributed to the formation of the BIF‐type rocks and the abrupt transition to an overlying conglomerate‐hosted IF (CIF). Bulk δ13C isotopic compositions lower than ‐25‰ provide evidence for biological contribution by the Calvin and reductive acetyl–CoA carbon fixation cycles to the origin of both the BIF‐type and CIF strata. Low S levels of ~0.04 wt.% combined with δ34S estimates of up to ~18‰ point to a non‐sulphidic depository. Positive δ30Si records of up to +0.53‰ in the finely laminated BIF‐type rocks indicate chemical deposition on the seafloor during weak periods of arc magmatism. Negative δ30Si data are consistent with geological observations suggesting a sudden change to intense arc volcanism potentially terminated the deposition of the BIF‐type layer. The typical Precambrian rhythmic rocks of alternating Fe‐ and Si‐rich bands are associated with abundant and spatially distinct microbial fossil assemblages. Together with previously proposed anoxygenic photoferrotrophic iron cycling and low sedimentary N and C potentially connected to diagenetic denitrification, the Milos IF is a biogenic submarine volcano‐sedimentary IF showing depositional conditions analogous to Archaean Algoma‐type BIFs.
Importance of core and linear marsh elements for wetland arthropod diversity in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Decleer Kris , Maes Dirk , Van Calster Hans , Jansen Ivy , Pollet Marc , Dekoninck Wouter , Baert Léon , Grootaert Patrick , Van Diggelen Rudy , Bonte Dries
Published: February 2015

The importance of linear habitat elements connecting core habitat patches for biodiversity conservation is still poorly understood. We surveyed reed strips along drainage ditches and reed marshes in an agricultural landscape to assess how both the density of linear habitat elements and the area of core habitat affect diversity and community composition of spiders, ground beetles, and long‐legged flies.

For each taxonomic group, species composition of both ‘all’ and ‘typical wetland’ species, but not species richness was different between ditches and marshes. Overall local species richness and richness of species of conservation interest were affected at a landscape scale both by the density of ditches and by the area of core wetland.

Strength and direction of these effects differed among groups. An increase in the density of reed ditches positively affected the total species richness of spiders and ground beetles and the species richness of typical wetland ground beetles, but not for long‐legged flies and typical wetland spiders. The positive effects were explained by improved network functionality, rather than by increase in available habitat area at landscape level. The number of red list spiders and long‐legged flies increased only with increasing core wetland area, while no significant effects were found for the number of red list ground beetles.

Our study revealed that preserving or increasing the density of habitat corridors (more reed ditches) can be beneficial for the species richness of particular predatory arthropods, including species of conservation concern (especially ground beetles). Other groups react indifferently or are only positively impacted by an increase of core wetland area.
What influences the progression of employment rights disputes?
Authors: Walker Bernard , Hamilton R.T.
Published: February 2015

This study of employment rights disputes in New Zealand accessed all parties to 14 disputes. Despite a legislative requirement to preserve relationships, only three survived. Dispute type, interaction mode and the parties' relative influence affected outcomes. These findings have implications for managers and policy makers regarding alternative dispute resolution systems.
Which information source is best? Concordance between patient report, clinician report and medical records of patient co‐morbidity and adjuvant therapy health information
Authors: De‐loyde Katie J. , Harrison James D. , Durcinoska Ivana , Shepherd Heather L. , Solomon Michael J. , Young Jane M.
Published: February 2015

Rationale, aim and objectives

Previous studies investigating agreement between data sources for co‐morbidity and adjuvant therapy information have suggested agreement varies depending on how the information is collected. The aim of this study was to compare agreement among three data sources: patient report, clinician report and medical record.

Method

Data were collected as part of a nurse‐delivered telephone intervention (the CONNECT programme). Patient report was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Clinician report was collected from the patient's treating surgeon. Medical record information was extracted by a member of the research team. The proportion of specific agreement [positive (PA) and negative agreement (NA)] and Kappa statistics were calculated.

Results

The study sample comprised 756 surgical patients with colorectal cancer. For the majority of co‐morbidities the lowest level of agreement was found between the patient and clinician (PA 0.29–0.64, Kappa values ranged from 0.22 to 0.58). The highest agreement and Kappa values for co‐morbidities were generally found between the patient report and medical record (PA 0.36–0.80 and NA 0.92–0.99; Kappa 0.34–0.77).

There was good agreement between patient and clinician reports for receipt adjuvant therapy {Kappa 0.78 [confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.84] and 0.84 [CI 0.80–0.88], respectively; PA 0.87 and 0.92, respectively}. No consistent pattern in the predictors of non‐agreement was found.

Conclusion

Given there was higher agreement between patient report and medical record review, the use of patient self‐report questionnaires to ascertain co‐morbid conditions remains a valid method for health services research.
Beliefs About Parents' Right to Know: Domain Differences and Associations With Change in Concealment
Authors: Rote Wendy M. , Smetana Judith G.
Published: February 2015

Parent and adolescent (M = 15.7 years) beliefs regarding parents' right to know (RTK) about adolescents' activities were examined in 174 middle‐class U.S. families. Mean differences and associations with latent changes in teens' concealment were assessed. RTK was greatest about risky prudential activities, least for personal activities for parents and romantic activities for teens, and higher for mothers' ratings of girls' than boys' romantic behavior. Adolescents' stronger RTK beliefs predicted lower concealment 6 months later and less increase in concealment over time, although less so for romantic issues. In contrast, mothers' stronger RTK beliefs predicted more concealment over time. For personal issues, greater teen RTK beliefs slowed increases in concealment only when parents' RTK beliefs were low.
Assessment of an Expert Committee as a Referral Process Within Health and Social Services
Authors: Tremblay Audrée , Morin Diane
Published: February 2015

In Québec, Canada, health and social services available to persons with intellectual disability are hierarchically organized into three levels of care: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The referral processes through which persons gain access to services at each level vary across facilities. As a result, persons with intellectual disability may not receive the appropriate level of care and the responsibilities of facilities at each level overlap, creating an undue burden on the public healthcare system. This study sought to propose a structured assessment and referral method within the network of public services. Specifically, it evaluated the correspondence between the currently received level of care and an expert committee's determination. Furthermore, it examined client‐related variables that were associated with the level of services. An expert committee evaluated the level of specialization of services required by 30 persons with intellectual disability. The committee's determination was based on participants' files and presentations by their primary case worker. It was found that 10 out of the 30 participants were not receiving the level of care determined to be necessary by the expert committee. Challenging behaviors were most strongly associated with the committee's determination. This study underscores the primacy of clinical judgment, rather than a predetermined list of participant characteristics, in order to refer persons with intellectual disability toward services that best meet their specific needs. It also highlights the importance of taking into account challenging behaviors.
Acute Hemodynamic Effects of Single‐ and Dual‐Site Left Ventricular Pacing Employing a Dual Cathodal Coronary Sinus Lead
Authors: VAN GELDER BERRY M. , BRACKE FRANK A.
Published: February 2015

Background

We studied the acute hemodynamic effect of left ventricular (LV) pacing from a dual cathodal coronary sinus (CS) lead in a both single‐ and dual‐site electrode configuration.

Methods

In 17 patients who underwent implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator system with dual cathodal CS leads, LV stimulation was performed from the distal and proximal electrode separately and from both electrodes simultaneously. The acute hemodynamic response was evaluated by invasive measurement of LVdP/dtmax. Timing of LV electrical activation time measured from onset QRS to LV sense during intrinsic rhythm at both electrodes were determined from simultaneous intracardiac recordings. The latter results were compared to those of an additional group of 26 patients in whom no hemodynamic effects were evaluated.

Results

Baseline LVdP/dtmax was 897 ± 222 mm Hg/s. Single‐site LV pacing resulted in a rise of LVdP/dtmax to 1,053 ± 266 mm Hg/s (+17.4%) taking the best of the two sites and 1,020 ± 254 mm Hg (+13.7%) at the worst site (P = 0.0001). In the dual‐site pacing configuration LVdP/dtmax was 1,026 ± 243 mm Hg/s (+14.1%). P value for single best versus dual site was 0.005, and for dual site versus worst single site was 0.18 (n.s.).

Conclusion

Even with a relatively small distance of 20–21 mm between stimulation electrodes, there is a significant difference in acute hemodynamic effect from the single best and worst site. Dual‐site LV pacing offers no hemodynamic benefit over the best single pacing site. The short electrode distance may have been a limitation and results may not be applicable to other forms of multisite pacing.
Efficacy and safety of pilocarpine mouthwash in elderly patients with xerostomia
Authors: Tanigawa Tohru , Yamashita Jun‐ichi , Sato Takashi , Shinohara Atsushi , Shibata Rei , Ueda Hiromi , Sasaki Hirokazu
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Xerostomia is a common condition and can impair quality of life. Pilocarpine tablet ingestion can relieve dry mouth symptoms, but produces numerous adverse effects. We investigated the safety and efficacy of pilocarpine mouthwash.

Methods:

Forty elderly patients were randomly divided into a pilocarpine mouthwash or water rinse (control) group. Outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) scores and stimulated salivary flow rate before and 1 month after treatment. Patients recorded all adverse effects.

Results:

In the pilocarpine group, we evaluated safety in 24 patients and efficacy in 19 patients. In the water rinse group, we evaluated safety and efficacy in 14 patients. VAS scores were significantly reduced after pilocarpine mouthwash treatment (70 ± 12.9 to 47.9 ± 13.1, p < 0.05). Overall improvement was observed in 47% of the pilocarpine group compared to 14% of the controls (p < 0.05). Stimulated salivary flow rate significantly increased (0.71 ± 0.14 to 0.83 ± 0.12 mL/minute, p < 0.05) after pilocarpine mouthwash treatment. Five of 24 patients reported side effects after pilocarpine mouthwash use, predominantly limited to oral discomfort.

Conclusions:

Pilocarpine mouthwash relieved dry mouth symptoms and improved saliva production with minor side effects.
CURVED CHIMERIC PALEA 1 encoding an EMF1‐like protein maintains epigenetic repression of OsMADS58 in rice palea development
Authors: Yan Dawei , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Lin , Ye Shenghai , Zeng Longjun , Liu Jiyun , Li Qun , He Zuhua
Published: February 2015

Floral organ specification is controlled by various MADS‐box genes in both dicots and monocots, whose expression is often subjected to both genetic and epigenetic regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little information is known about the role of epigenetic modification of MADS‐box genes during rice flower development. Here, we report the characterization of a rice gene, CURVED CHIMERIC PALEA 1 (CCP1) that functions in palea development. Mutation in CCP1 resulted in abnormal palea with ectopic stigmatic tissues and other pleiotropic phenotypes. We found that OsMADS58, a C‐class gene responsible for carpel morphogenesis, was ectopically expressed in the ccp1 palea, indicating that the ccp1 palea was misspecified and partially acquired carpel‐like identity. Constitutive expression of OsMADS58 in the wild‐type rice plants caused morphological abnormality of palea similar to that of ccp1, whereas OsMADS58 knockdown by RNAi in ccp1 could rescue the abnormal phenotype of mutant palea, suggesting that the repression of OsMADS58 expression by CCP1 is critical for palea development. Map‐based cloning revealed that CCP1 encodes a putative plant‐specific EMBRYONIC FLOWER1 (EMF1)‐like protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that the level of the H3K27me3 at the OsMADS58 locus was greatly reduced in ccp1 compared with that in the wild‐type. Taken together, our results show that CCP1 plays an important role in palea development through maintaining H3K27me3‐mediated epigenetic silence of the carpel identity‐specifying gene OsMADS58, shedding light on the epigenetic mechanism in floral organ development.
In situ process monitoring during multistage coevaporation of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films
Authors: Mise Takahiro , Tajima Shin , Fukano Tatsuo , Higuchi Kazuo , Katagiri Hironori
Published: February 2015

A multistage coevaporation process for the direct growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films without additional atmospheric sulfurization was investigated. To obtain reproducible CZTS films, in situ process monitoring of the film growth was developed by measuring the apparent substrate temperature (Tpyro) using a pyrometer. After CZTS depositions terminated at various endpoints, ex situ characterization of the film properties was performed to clarify the growth mechanism of the films. The results provided clear evidence that CZTS phase formation was significantly delayed via re-evaporation of Sn–S-based compounds in the early part of the first stage, leading to the initial formation of a dominant (CuS + ZnS) structure that coexisted with a small amount of CZTS. CZTS phase formation was then facilitated by the (CuS + ZnS) precursor via a Cu-rich to Cu-poor sequence with an apparent variation in Tpyro during the second stage, and the slightly segregated CuS phase was nearly consumed under (Zn + Sn + S) fluxes. Consequently, CZTS thin films containing close-packed grains with a single kesterite structure were successfully grown under excess Sn and S fluxes, even at moderate Tsub below 500 °C. The best solar cell with a Glass/Mo/CZTS[Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.71, Zn/Sn = 1.6]/CdS/ZnO:Ga structure and a NaF precursor layer yielded an active area (0.170 cm2) efficiency of 3.84% (Voc = 567 mV, Jsc = 11.3 mA/cm2, and FF = 0.603). The diode properties under dark and light conditions were also evaluated.
Equations of motion for rays in a Snell's law medium
Authors: Ben-Benjamin Jonathan S. , Cohen Leon
Published: February 2015

The equations of motion for a ray in a Snell's law medium with a varying index of refraction are derived. A stratified medium is considered. Explicit expressions are given for the velocity and acceleration components of the ray. These are derived directly from Snell's law. It is further shown that the propagation of a ray can be modeled in terms of Newtonian-like equations of motion and that momentum is conserved along the interface. It is shown that Snell's law follows from this conservation law. Properties of the motion are studied and an example is given.
Childhood Physical Activity May or May Not Provide Sustained Effects to Protect Adults From Osteoporosis
Authors: Janz Kathleen F. , Francis Shelby L.
Published: February 2015

Although there is strong and consistent evidence that childhood and adolescent physical activity is osteogenic, the evidence concerning its sustained effects to adult bone health is not conclusive. Therefore the value of interventions, in addition to beneficial bone adaptation, could be exposure to activities children enjoy and therefore continue. As such, interventions should provide skills, pleasure, and supportive environments to ensure continued bone-strengthening physical activity with age. Until the dose-response as well as timing of physical activity to bone health is more fully understood, it is sensible to assume that physical activity is needed throughout the lifespan to improve and maintain skeletal health. Current federal guidelines for health-related physical activity, which explicitly recommend bone-strengthening physical activities for youth, should also apply to adults.
Physical activity as medicine among family health teams: an environmental scan of physical activity services in an interdisciplinary primary care setting
Authors: Moore Cameron , Lee Joseph , Milligan James , Giangregorio Lora
Published: February 2015

A Family Health Team (FHT) is a multi-disciplinary primary healthcare model that may be an ideal setting to engage patients in physical activity. An environmental scan was conducted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of physical activity services offered by FHTs in Ontario. Of the 186 FHTs, 102 (55%) completed the survey. Almost 60% of responding FHTs offered a physical activity service; however, the availability, duration, size, and target population of the services varied depending on the individual FHT.
Ideal structure of crossed products by endomorphisms via reversible extensions of C*-dynamical systems
Authors: Kwaśniewski Bartosz Kosma
Published: February 2015

We consider an extendible endomorphism α of a C*-algebra A. We associate to it a canonical C*-dynamical system (B, β) that extends (A, α) and is "reversible" in the sense that the endomorphism β admits a unique regular transfer operator β⁎. The theory for (B, β) is analogous to the theory of classic crossed products by automorphisms, and the key idea is to describe the counterparts of classic notions for (B, β) in terms of the initial system (A, α). We apply this idea to study the ideal structure of a non-unital version of the crossed product C*(A, α, J) introduced recently by the author and A. V. Lebedev. This crossed product depends on the choice of an ideal J in (ker α)⊥, and if J = ( ker α)⊥it is a modification of Stacey's crossed product that works well with non-injective α's. We provide descriptions of the lattices of ideals in C*(A, α, J) consisting of gauge-invariant ideals and ideals generated by their intersection with A. We investigate conditions under which these lattices coincide with the set of all ideals in C*(A, α, J). In particular, we obtain simplicity criteria that besides minimality of the action require either outerness of powers of α or pointwise quasinilpotence of α.
Gallery of Chaotic Attractors Generated by Fractal Network
Authors: Bouallegue Kais
Published: February 2015

During the last decade, fractal processes and chaotic systems were widely studied in many areas of research. Chaotic systems are highly dependent on initial conditions. Small changes in initial conditions can generate widely diverging or converging outcomes for both bifurcation or attraction in chaotic systems. In this work, we present a new method on how to generate a new family of chaotic attractors by combining these with a network of fractal processes. The proposed approach in this article is based upon the construction of a new system of fractal processes.
Periodic Motions and Bifurcation Trees in a Buckled, Nonlinear Jeffcott Rotor System
Authors: Huang Jianzhe , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, analytical solutions for period-m motions in a buckled, nonlinear Jeffcott rotor system are obtained. This nonlinear Jeffcott rotor system with two-degrees of freedom is excited periodically from the rotor eccentricity. The analytical solutions of period-m solutions are developed, and the corresponding stability and bifurcation are also analyzed by eigenvalue analysis. Analytical bifurcation trees of period-1 motions to chaos are presented. The Hopf bifurcations of periodic motions cause not only the bifurcation tree but quasi-periodic motions. The quasi-periodic motion can be stable or unstable. Displacement orbits of periodic motions in the buckled, nonlinear Jeffcott rotor systems are illustrated, and harmonic amplitude spectrums are presented for harmonic effects on periodic motions of the nonlinear rotor. Coexisting periodic motions exist in such a buckled nonlinear Jeffcott rotor.
Testing for Linear and Nonlinear Gaussian Processes in Nonstationary Time Series
Authors: Rios Ricardo Araújo , Small Michael , de Mello Rodrigo Fernandes
Published: February 2015

Surrogate data methods have been widely applied to produce synthetic data, while maintaining the same statistical properties as the original. By using such methods, one can analyze certain properties of time series. In this context, Theiler's surrogate data methods are the most commonly considered approaches. These are based on the Fourier transform, limiting them to be applied only on stationary time series. Consequently, time series including nonstationary behavior, such as trend, produces spurious high frequencies with Theiler's methods, resulting in inconsistent surrogates. To solve this problem, we present two new methods that combine time series decomposition techniques and surrogate data methods. These new methods initially decompose time series into a set of monocomponents and the trend. Afterwards, traditional surrogate methods are applied on those individual monocomponents and a set of surrogates is obtained. Finally, all individual surrogates plus the trend signal are combined in order to create a single surrogate series. Using this method, one can investigate linear and nonlinear Gaussian processes in time series, irrespective of the presence of nonstationary behavior.
On the component number of links from plane graphs
Authors: Silver Daniel S. , Williams Susan G.
Published: February 2015

A short, elementary proof is given of the result that the number of components of a link arising from a medial graph M(Γ) by resolving vertices is equal to the nullity of the mod-2 Laplacian matrix of Γ.
FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL Fe–Ni ALLOY COATED CARBON FIBERS FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHIELDING MATERIALS
Authors: HE FANG , LI JUNJIAO , CHEN LIANG , CHEN LIXIA , HUANG YUAN
Published: February 2015

Novel Fe – Ni alloy coated carbon fibers ( Fe – Ni – CFs ) were prepared via two-step electrodeposition with an initial synthesis of Fe coatings on the activated carbon fibers and followed by the co-deposition of Fe and Ni. The effect of annealing treatment on structure and properties of Fe – Ni – CFs was studied through SEM, TEM, XRD and VSM. The results indicated that the Fe – Ni alloy coatings with the thickness of only 0.25 um are highly wrapped on the surface of carbon fibers. The un-annealed coatings showed high saturation magnetization values with 52 dB from 300–1200 MHz, which mainly due to Fe content (18.4 wt.%) of the coatings meets the requirements of high magnetic perm-alloy. The surface quality, crystallinity and conductivity of the Fe – Ni – CFs were obviously improved despite of the reduction of the saturation magnetization resulted from the bigger grains after annealing. Based on the above aspects, annealing at 400∘C was preferred for the Fe – Ni – CFs to obtain good comprehensive performance. Importantly, the Fe – Ni – CFs filled ABS resin composites showed better Electromagnetic Interference shielding effectiveness than the CFs reinforced ABS composites.