bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH‐Responsive Supramolecular Polymerization in Aqueous Media Driven by Electrostatic Attraction‐Enhanced Crown Ether‐Based Molecular Recognition
Authors: Ji Xiaofan , Zhu Kelong , Yan Xuzhou , Ma Yingjie , Li Jinying , Hu Bingjie , Yu Yihua , Huang Feihe
Published: April 2012

All the previously reported supramolecular polymers based on crown ether‐based molecular recognition have been prepared in anhydrous organic solvents. This is mainly due to the weakness of crown ether‐based molecular recognition in the presence of water. Here we report a linear supramolecular polymer constructed from a heteroditopic monomer in an aqueous medium driven by crown ether‐based molecular recognition through the introduction of electrostatic attraction. In addition, the reversible transition between the linear supramolecular polymer and oligomers is achieved by adding acid and base. This study realizes the breakthrough of the solvent for supramolecular polymerization driven by crown ether‐based molecular recognition from anhydrous organic solvents to aqueous media. It is helpful for achieving supramolecular polymerization driven by crown ether‐based molecular recognition in a completely aqueous medium.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside upregulates hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase expression and reduces hypercholesterolemia in mice
Authors: Wang Dongliang , Xia Min , Gao Song , Li Dan , Zhang Yuan , Jin Tianru , Ling Wenhua
Published: April 2012

Scope

Although previous studies have shown that consumption of anthocyanin extract from plant foods reduces hypercholesterolemia and the severity of atherosclerosis in different animal models, the mechanisms of these actions remained unclear. This study investigated whether pure anthocyanin inhibit atherosclerosis development and reduce hypercholesterolemia in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐deficient mice through enhancement of fecal bile acid excretion, a critical pathway for eliminating circulation cholesterol from the body.

Methods and results

Five‐week‐old male ApoE‐deficient mice were fed the AIN‐93G diet supplemented with or without cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside (0.06% w/w) for 12 weeks. Results showed that cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside consumption inhibited the formation of aortic sinus plaque and reduced hypercholesterolemia, along with promoted fecal bile acid excretion and upregulated hepatic cholesterol 7a‐hydroxylase expression (CYP7A1). In mouse primary hepatocytes, cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside treatment increased bile acid synthesis and CYP7A1 expression in a liver X receptor alpha (LXRα)‐)‐dependent manner. Scintillation proximity and time‐resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays revealed that cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside functions as an agonist of LXRα.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the hypocholesterolemic activity of cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside was, at least in part, mediated by activating the potential LXRα‐CYP7A1‐bile acid excretion pathway, thus contributing to the antiatherogenic effect of cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside. Importantly, cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐glucoside could activate LXRα in an agonist‐dependent manner.
Regulation of colon gene expression by vitamin B6 supplementation
Authors: Toya Keigo , Hirata Atsuko , Ohata Tomomi , Sanada Yohei , Kato Norihisa , Yanaka Noriyuki
Published: April 2012

Scope

Previous studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplementation suppresses the development of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), precursor lesions of colon cancer, and cell proliferation in mice receiving the colonic carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM). This study investigated the molecular mechanism of these effects of dietary vitamin B6.

Methods and results

To date, the mechanism by which ACFs develop is not yet fully understood. In a search for factors that play a critical role during ACF development, we examined colon gene expression during early stage of ACF development in AOM‐treated mice using DNA microarray analysis. AOM treatment significantly upregulated mRNA closely related to mast cell and cytotoxic T‐cell activity. This study also investigated the effect of vitamin B6 supplementation on colon gene expression in AOM‐treated mice. We found that vitamin B6 supplementation downregulates Cd8a and Ccl8 mRNA expression, suggesting these candidate genes may play a protective role against colonic ACF development. Furthermore, we examined genomic affects of dietary vitamin B6, and showed that Reg3γ mRNA expression in colons is downregulated by vitamin B6.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into the genomic activities of dietary vitamin B6 that may be protective against colon tumor development.
Do cereal mixed‐linked β‐glucans possess immune‐modulating activities?
Authors: Rieder Anne , Samuelsen Anne Berit
Published: April 2012

β‐glucans are known for their immune‐modulating properties. However, the heterogeneity of these glucose polymers makes a distinction between the different sources and structures necessary—a fact that has been little allowed for in the literature. We have focused on β‐glucans from cereals as they are already used as functional food ingredients due to their established cholesterol lowering effect. Cereal β‐glucans have shown in vitro activity on cytokine secretion, phagocytic activity and cytotoxicity of isolated immune cells, and activation of the complement system. Animal studies suggest a possible protective effect against an intestinal parasite, against bacterial infection, and a synergistic effect in antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Animal studies have shown activity of orally applied cereal β‐glucans indicating uptake or interaction with cells of the gastrointestinal tract. However, uptake is still debated, interaction with intestinal epithelial cells has been suggested but not clarified, and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. So far, cereal β‐glucans have not shown immune modulation in the few conducted human studies and further studies are needed to clarify their effect.
NOrmalized MAgnetization Ratio (NOMAR) filtering for creation of tissue selective contrast maps
Authors: Liu Guanshu , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Song Xiaolei , Zhang Jiangyang , Gilad Assaf A. , Bulte Jeff W. M. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , McMahon Michael T.
Published: April 2012

An MRI segmentation technique based on collecting two additional saturation transfer images is proposed as an aid for improved detection of chemical exchange saturation transfer agents. In this approach, the additional images are acquired at saturation frequencies of −12.5 and −50 ppm. Use of the ratio of these images allows differentiation of voxels with low magnetization transfer contrast (such as fat, cerebrospinal fluid, edema, or blood) from target tissue voxels using a global threshold determined by histogram analysis. We demonstrate that this technique can reduce artifacts, in vitro, in a phantom containing tubes with chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast agent embedded in either crosslinked bovine serum albumin or buffer, and in vivo for detecting diamagnetic CEST (DIACEST) liposomes injected into mice. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrally selective 3D TSE imaging of phosphocreatine in the human calf muscle at 3 T
Authors: Parasoglou Prodromos , Xia Ding , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: April 2012

Quantitative information about concentrations of several metabolites in human skeletal muscle can be obtained through localized 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods. However, these methods have shortcomings: long acquisition times, limited volume coverage, and coarse resolution. Significantly higher spatial and temporal resolution of imaging of single metabolites can be achieved through spectrally selective three‐dimensional imaging methods. This study reports the implementation of a three‐dimensional spectrally selective turbo spin‐echo sequence, on a 3T clinical system, to map the concentration of phosphocreatine in the human calf muscle with significantly increased spatial resolution and in a clinically feasible scan time. Absolute phosphocreatine quantification was performed with the use of external phantoms after relaxation and flip angle correction of the turbo spin‐echo voxel signal. The mean ± standard deviation of the phosphocreatine concentration measured in five healthy volunteers was 29.4 ± 2.5 mM with signal‐to‐noise ratio of 14:1 and voxel size of 0.52 mL. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curing Diabetes With Transplantation?
Authors: Richter Anja , Lerner Susan M. , Schröppel Bernd
Published: April 2012

Type 1 diabetes affects >1 million people in the United States, where it accounts for up to 10% of all diabetes cases. Glycemic control via the use of exogenous insulin injections in diabetic patients is incomplete, resulting in multiple long‐term complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, vasculopathy, and nephropathy. The goal of beta‐cell replacement by whole‐pancreas or islet transplantation is to achieve long‐term insulin independence, and the proposed benefits are improved quality of life, prevention of recurrent diabetic nephropathy, stabilization or improvement in secondary complications, and improved mortality. No other regimen of insulin delivery can achieve this level of physiologic regulation. Mt Sinai J Med 79:267–275, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Surgical Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tabrizian Parissa , Schwartz Myron E.
Published: April 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and its incidence is rising in Western countries. Liver resection is the treatment of choice in noncirrhotic patients and in cirrhotic patients with well‐preserved liver function. Postresection survival rates are in the range of 41–74% at 5 years. Predictors of recurrence include tumor grade, vascular invasion, tumor size, number of tumors, presence of satellites, alpha‐fetoprotein level, transfusion, and positive surgical margin. Second hepatic resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma is applicable in about 15% of patients with recurrence. Liver transplantation has become an important element of the therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver transplantation provides excellent outcomes applying the Milan criteria with 5‐year survival rates of 70% and low recurrence rates. Intention‐to‐treat analysis has shown that wide extended indications lead to 25% 5‐year survival rates. Expansion of indications beyond the Milan Criteria and use of bridging/downstaging procedures, to convert intermediate advanced stages of hepatocellular cancer within the Milan criteria limits, are counterbalanced by graft shortage and increasing use of marginal donors. Living donor transplantation is an alternative that can eliminate the waiting time and the attendant risk of drop‐out. Mt Sinai J Med 79:223–231, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
An optimal control problem with nonlocal conditions for the weakly nonlinear hyperbolic equation
Authors: Guliyev H.F. , Tagiyev H.T.
Published: April 2012

Some problems in physics and engineering may be effectively described in terms of nonlocal problems for differential equations. These nonlocal conditions show that some data on the boundary cannot be measured, and therefore some averaged data of the problem are given. In the present paper, necessary conditions of optimality in the optimal control problem are derived for hyperbolic equations with nonlocal boundary conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degree of sialylation and fucosylation of plasma and amniotic immunoglobulin G changes progressively during normal pregnancy
Authors: Orczyk‐Pawiłowicz Magdalena , Augustyniak Daria , Hirnle Lidia , Kątnik‐Prastowska Iwona
Published: April 2012

Objective

Terminal‐located glycotopes on immunoglobulin G (IgG) are potential ligands engaged in the interactions that may modulate the biological activities of IgG. The expressions of sialic acid and fucose residues on amniotic IgG were evaluated here in relation to the progression of normal human pregnancy.

Methods

Sialyl‐glycotope and fucosyl‐glycotope expressions on maternal plasma and amniotic IgG were determined by lectin‐IgG‐ELISA.

Results

The amniotic and maternal plasma IgG concentrations and a degree of α2,6‐sialylation and α1,6‐fucosylation of maternal plasma IgG were almost unaltered during the normal pregnancy. The plasma IgG of pregnant and nonpregnant women did not contain α2,3‐linked sialic acid and α1,3‐linked and α1,2‐linked fucoses. In contrast, the amniotic IgG from the second trimester was decorated by α2,3‐linked sialic acids, α2,6‐linked sialic acids, and α1,6‐linked fucose, whereas the α1,3‐linked and α1,2‐linked fucoses were weakly expressed. During 35–37 weeks of gestation, all the parameters increased significantly, and they remained almost at the same levels throughout 35–42 weeks, including the delivery. However, they were significantly higher in the postdate pregnancy group.

Conclusion

The degree of sialylation and fucosylation of amniotic IgG was associated with the progression of normal pregnancy. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of cardiac defects: accuracy and benefit
Authors: Clur S. A. , Van Brussel P. M. , Ottenkamp J. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: April 2012

Objective

The prenatal diagnosis of cardiac defects can potentially reduce postnatal morbidity and mortality. We wanted to evaluate prenatal cardiac diagnosis accuracy in a population referred for echocardiography.

Methods

Single centre retrospective study of echocardiography referrals between April 1999 and December 2008. We compared the prenatal and postnatal cardiac diagnoses, the modified Aristotle and Wald scores. The final diagnosis Wald score was used to evaluate benefit.

Results

Six hundred fetuses were included. Diagnoses included: normal heart (312, 52%); congenital heart defect (CHD) (231, 38.5%); primary arrhythmia (39, 6.5%); or cardiomyopathy, myocarditis or cardiac tumor (18, 3%). The prenatal and postnatal Aristotle and Wald scores correlated in 81% and 86%, respectively, each with significant differences in 22 cases. Four significant CHDs were misdiagnosed, the surgical prediction was incorrect in 7 and 13 false positive diagnoses of aortic coarctation were made. In 76% (455/600) fetuses prenatal diagnosis was considered beneficial. The average CHD Aristotle score was 9.5 ± 5.0. In babies with CHDs and normal karyotype the score was either 6.5 ± 5.0, 12.9 ± 3.1 or 13.2 ± 2.9, in survivors, cases of postnatal demise and cases of pregnancy termination, respectively.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis was accurate and the counselling appropriate in most cases; however, a few errors were made. The diagnosis of aortic coarctation remains challenging. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Polish National Registry for Fetal Cardiac Pathology: organization, diagnoses, management, educational aspects and telemedicine endeavors
Authors: Slodki Maciej , Szymkiewicz‐Dangel Joanna , Tobota Zdzislaw , Seligman Neil S. , Weiner Stuart , Respondek‐Liberska Maria
Published: April 2012

Objective

We describe the National Registry for Fetal Cardiac Pathology, a program under the Polish Ministry of Health aimed at improving the prenatal diagnosis, care, and management of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

An online database was created to prospectively record diagnosis, prenatal care, delivery, follow‐up, and still images and video for fetuses with CHD. A certification program in fetal cardiac ultrasound was also implemented. Optimal screening and referral centers were identified by number of fetuses entered in the Registry yearly by each center.

Results

From 2004 to 2009, 2910 fetuses with CHD were registered (2473 structural, 437 functional anomalies). The most common reasons for referral for fetal echocardiography were abnormal four‐chamber view (56.0%) and extra‐cardiac anomalies (8.2% ), while the most common diagnoses were atrioventricular septal defects (10.2%) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (9.7%). Prenatal diagnosis increased yearly, from 10.0% of neonatal diagnoses in 2003 to 38.0% in 2008.

Conclusion

From inception of the registry up to 2009 there has been a fourfold increase in the number of neonates referred for cardiac surgery in whom the condition was prenatally diagnosed. Equally important achievements include the establishment of a certification program for fetal echocardiography and the organization of prenatal and neonatal management. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earth Hummocks in West Dartmoor, SW England: Characteristics, Age and Origin
Authors: Killingbeck James , Ballantyne Colin K.
Published: April 2012

Extensive fields of vegetated, dome‐shaped earth hummocks 5–35 cm high and typically 80–200 cm in diameter occur on slopes of up to 15° at elevations of 320–440 m asl on Dartmoor, SW England, but are limited to terrain underlain by metasedimentary rocks and dolerite, and absent from granite areas. Hummocks occur within archaeological sites, implying formation within the last ~ 3000 years and ruling out development over permafrost. The hummocks are composed of frost‐susceptible silty soil (modal grain size 10–100 µm) with occasional clasts, but exhibit no evidence for cryoturbation or diapirism. Hummock size and spacing are fairly consistent at particular sites but vary between sites. Hummock age, distribution and characteristics are incompatible with non‐frost action origins and most proposed frost action origins (cryostatic pressure, soil circulation, permafrost aggradation, soil injection), but regular spacing and granulometry favour initiation by differential frost heave under conditions of periodic shallow (0.2–0.4 m) seasonal ground freezing. We suggest that hummock growth may reflect migration of silt in advance of inclined freezing planes until equilibrium is achieved with soil loss down hummock sides. Our results confirm that hummock formation by frost action occurs on silty soils in humid cool temperate climates with only limited seasonal frost penetration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing the catalytic mechanism of a C‐3′‐methyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of D‐tetronitrose
Authors: Bruender Nathan A. , Holden Hazel M.
Published: April 2012

D‐Tetronitrose is a nitro‐containing tetradeoxysugar found attached to the antitumor and antibacterial agent tetrocarcin A. The biosynthesis of this highly unusual sugar in Micromonospora chalcea requires 10 enzymes. The fifth step in the pathway involves the transfer of a methyl group from S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) to the C‐3′ carbon of dTDP‐3‐amino‐2,3,6‐trideoxy‐4‐keto‐D‐glucose. The enzyme responsible for this transformation is referred to as TcaB9. It is a monomeric enzyme with a molecular architecture based around three domains. The N‐terminal motif contains a binding site for a structural zinc ion. The middle‐ and C‐terminal domains serve to anchor the SAM and dTDP–sugar ligands, respectively, to the protein, and the active site of TcaB9 is wedged between these two regions. For this investigation, the roles of Tyr 76, His 181, Tyr 222, Glu 224, and His 225, which form the active site of TcaB9, were probed by site‐directed mutagenesis, kinetic analyses, and X‐ray structural studies. In addition, two ternary complexes of the enzyme with bound S‐adenosyl‐L‐homocysteine and either dTDP‐3‐amino‐2,3,6‐trideoxy‐4‐keto‐D‐glucose or dTDP‐3‐amino‐2,3,6‐trideoxy‐D‐galactose were determined to 1.5 or 1.6 Å resolution, respectively. Taken together, these investigations highlight the important role of His 225 in methyl transfer. In addition, the structural data suggest that the methylation reaction occurs via retention of configuration about the C‐3′ carbon of the sugar.
Theory of direct capture from two‐and three‐dimensional reservoirs to quantum dot states
Authors: Wilms Alexander , Breddermann Deniz , Mathé Peter
Published: April 2012

We present a comparison of Coulomb scattering rates from a two‐dimensional carrier reservoir/three‐dimensional carrier reservoir and quantum dot states. The scattering rates are microscopically determined in the limit of Born‐Markov approximation.

The calculations highlight that, within the considered parameter range the scattering from a two‐dimensional carrier reservoir is more efficient than from a three‐dimensional carrier reservoir. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of InGaN/GaN quantum wells for polariton laser diodes
Authors: Glauser M. , Rossbach G. , Cosendey G. , Levrat J. , Cobet M. , Carlin J.‐F. , Besbas J. , Gallart M. , Gilliot P. , Butté R. , Grandjean N.
Published: April 2012

III‐nitride based microcavities (MCs) appear as one of the most promising candidates for the realization of room temperature (RT) polariton laser diodes. The present work focuses on the properties of low In content InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) in terms of inhomogeneous broadening, exciton localization energy, and plastic strain relaxation. For a small number of such QWs, an inhomogeneous line broadening of 41 meV is reported, which is compatible with strong coupling regime requirements. By contrast when considering an InGaN/GaN MQW set, a high density of defects is reported, which is ascribed to plastic strain relaxation. From the evolution of the inhomogeneous line broadening as a function of the number of QWs probed by microphotoluminescence measurements, it is concluded that for the realization of polariton light‐emitting devices the QW number should not go beyond 30 for MC structures grown on FS‐GaN substrate relying on InGaN/GaN QWs with an indium content ∼12‐15% and thicknesses of 1.5‐2 nm/3 nm for the wells and the barriers, respectively. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exploring qubit‐qubit entanglement mediated by one‐dimensional plasmonic nanowaveguides
Authors: Gonzalez‐Tudela A. , Martin‐Cano D. , Moreno E. , Martin‐Moreno L. , Garcia‐Vidal F. J. , Tejedor C.
Published: April 2012

We exploit the qubit‐qubit coupling induced by plasmon‐polariton modes in a one‐dimensional nanowaveguide to obtain various two‐qubit entanglement situations. Firstly, we observe three phenomena occurring when preparing the initial state of the system and leaving it freely relax: spontaneous formation of entanglement, sudden birth and revival.

Then, we show that plugging a laser to each of the qubit, the system arrives to an steady state which, depending on their inter‐qubit distance, can also be entangled. For this situation, we also characterize the quantum state of the system showing the entanglement‐purity‐diagram typical for two‐qubit systems. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Breakdown of hydrostatic balance at convective scales in the forecast errors in the Met Office Unified Model
Authors: Vetra‐Carvalho S. , Dixon M. , Migliorini S. , Nichols N. K. , Ballard S. P.
Published: April 2012

For data assimilation in numerical weather prediction, the initial forecast‐error covariance matrix Pf is required. For variational assimilation it is particularly important to prescribe an accurate initial matrix Pf, since Pf is either static (in the 3D‐Var case) or constant at the beginning of each assimilation window (in the 4D‐Var case). At large scales the atmospheric flow is well approximated by hydrostatic balance and this balance is strongly enforced in the initial matrix Pf used in operational variational assimilation systems such as that of the Met Office. However, at convective scales this balance does not necessarily hold any more. Here we examine the extent to which hydrostatic balance is valid in the vertical forecast‐error covariances for high‐resolution models in order to determine whether there is a need to relax this balance constraint in convective‐scale data assimilation. We use the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS) and a 1.5 km resolution version of the Unified Model for a case study characterized by the presence of convective activity. An ensemble of high‐resolution forecasts valid up to three hours after the onset of convection is produced. We show that at 1.5 km resolution hydrostatic balance does not hold for forecast errors in regions of convection. This indicates that in the presence of convection hydrostatic balance should not be enforced in the covariance matrix used for variational data assimilation at this scale. The results show the need to investigate covariance models that may be better suited for convective‐scale data assimilation. Finally, we give a measure of the balance present in the forecast perturbations as a function of the horizontal scale (from 3–90 km) using a set of diagnostics. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Amperometric sensor for nitrite using a glassy carbon electrode modified with thionine functionalized MWCNTs/Au nanorods/SDS nanohybrids
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yuan Ruo , Chai Yaqin , Zhong Xia , Zhong Huaan
Published: April 2012

A sensitive nitrite (NO2‐) biosensor was fabricated by using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Au nanorods, and thionine functionalized MWCNTs (TH‐f‐MWCNTs) nanohybrids modified glassy carbon electrode. TH was covalently immobilized on the MWCNTs via a carbodiimide reaction. Comparing with MWCNTs/GCE, TH‐f‐MWCNTs/GCE displays higher catalytic activity toward the oxidation of NO2‐, since TH not only promoted the electronic transmission but also could improve the concentration of NO2‐ at the surface of the modified electrode in acidic solutions. The Au nanorods (AuNRs) were prepared through a simple wet chemical method and were characterized by TEM. The extremely high surface‐to‐volume ratios associated with one dimension nanostructures make their electrical properties extremely sensitive to species adsorbed on surfaces and result in excellent sensitivity and selectivity. SDS displays excellent film forming ability, which made the electrode stable. Under optimal conditions, the linear range for the detection of nitrite was 0.26 to 51 μM, and the low detection limit was 20 nM. In addition, the modified electrode was successfully applied to determine nitrite in real water samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparations of iridium complexes containing phenanthroline ancillary ligands and electrical properties of cationic iridium‐based light‐emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Park Sujin , Sunesh Chozhidakath Damodharan , Kim Hyunsoo , Chae Hyunhee , Lee Jungrae , Choe Youngson
Published: April 2012

The preparation and electrical properties of ionic transition metal complex light‐emitting electrochemical cells using phenanthroline‐based ancillary ligands in metal complexes have been investigated. Luminous layer was prepared by the synthesis of tetrakis(2‐phenylpyridine‐C,N′)(μ‐dichloro)diiridium and two kinds of phenathroline ancillary ligands and the ion exchange of ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Two devices have been fabricated with structures of ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedixythionphene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)/[iridium(2‐phenylpyridine)2(5‐methyl‐1,10‐phenathroline)]PF6/Al and ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedixythionphene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/[iridium(2‐phenylpyridine)2(5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenathroline)]PF6/Al. Both devices presented yellow emission color and showed low turn‐on voltage, which were approximately 3 V and high luminance. The device based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/[iridium(2‐phenylpyridine)2(5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenathroline)]PF6/Al showed higher luminance than the other. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission electron microscopy application for the phenomena of hydroxyapatite precipitation in micropore‐structured Ti alloy
Authors: Lee Kang , Moon Byung‐Hak , Ko Yeong‐Mu , Choe Han‐Cheol
Published: April 2012

The phenomena of hydroxyapatite (HA) precipitation in micropore‐structured Ti alloy have been studied using transmission electron microscopy and field‐emission SEM (FE‐SEM). HA layer was grown on anodized Ti surface by electrochemical deposition process in modified simulated body fluid at 85 °C. The deposition process involved two steps: (i) porous TiO2 on Ti alloy was formed at high potential, and (ii) cyclic voltammetric method was carried out in modified simulated body fluid for HA electrodeposition on anodized Ti alloys.

Homogenized Ti‐30Nb alloy showed the equiaxed structure with β phase, whereas the Ti‐30Ta alloy showed the martensite structure with α″ phase. In case of anodized Ti binary alloys at applied 270 V, the anodized surface showed the uniform pore formation and Ca/P ratio was the range of 1.61 and 1.72.

HA was formed with plate and fiberlike shape on anodized Ti alloys. HA was precipitated densely in the pore and connected with each other in the TiO2 layer. The selected‐area diffraction patterns of the HA were composed of rings and intense spots with some crystallized precipitates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reuse module with an optical irradiation and a design tool
Authors: Pa P. S.
Published: April 2012

In this study, one presents the first design module using an excimer irradiation to assist in micro‐electroremoval process for the optical device of TFT‐LCDs offers a faster performance in removing the In2O3SnO2 (TCO) thin‐films nanostructure from the surface of the displays' color filter surface. The low yield of the TCO deposition is an important factor in optoelectronic semiconductor production. The TCO layers proved difficult to remove. During the micro‐electroremoval process, the use of a 172‐nm excimer irradiation can remove stubborn film residues, effectively improving the TCO removal rate. A long irradiation time corresponds to a higher removal rate for the TCO layers and provides higher efficiency in promoting the performance in stripping away the TCO nanostructure. A small width of the anode with a large length between two centers of the cathode takes less time for the same amount of TCO removed. The required machining time is shortened by irradiating with an excimer irradiation before removal processing TCO layers than that of without the excimer irradiating under similar processing conditions. After the electroremoval process, the use of a 172‐nm excimer light can remove stubborn film residues, effectively improving the quality of recycled color filters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NO2 gas sensing properties of ZnO sheathed CuO nanorods
Authors: Jin Changhyun , Kim Hyunsu , Park Sunghoon , Choi Sun‐Woo , Kim Sang Sub , Lee Chongmu
Published: April 2012

CuO‐core/ZnO‐shell one‐dimensional nanostructures have been fabricated by a two‐step process: thermal oxidation of a copper foil and atomic layer deposition of ZnO. The structure and gas sensing properties of the nanostructures have been investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and PL spectroscopy techniques. The nanostructures were found to have a form of nanorods with the diameters in a range from a few tens to a few hundreds of nanometers and the lengths of a few tens of micrometers. The CuO cores had a crystalline monoclinic structure, whereas the ZnO shells had an amorphous structure. The gas sensors fabricated from multiple networked CuO‐core/ZnO‐shell nanorods showed somewhat degraded electrical responses to NO2 at 300 °C. This degradation may be due to the opposite behaviors of the CuO core and ZnO shell. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thickness contrast of few‐layered graphene in SEM
Authors: Park Min‐Ho , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Yang Cheol‐Woong
Published: April 2012

We observed graphene flakes on a SiO2/Si substrate and confirmed the variation in the thickness of the flakes by optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We were able to clearly distinguish the thickness variation of the graphene provided a low primary electron acceleration voltage was used. It was found that different contrasts in SEM images at low acceleration voltages could be attributed to the fact that the generation of secondary electrons emitted from the graphene was affected by the different work functions that corresponded to the number of graphene layers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐situ observation of ion beam‐induced nanostructure formation on a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Surface
Authors: Lee Ji Yeong , Seong Won Kyung , Joe Minwoong , Lee Kwang‐Ryeol , Park Jong‐Ku , Moon Myoung‐Woon , Yang Cheol‐Woong
Published: April 2012

We report a phenomenological study of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) dots and their morphological transition into nano‐ridge shapes induced by application of a focused ion beam (IB) to CIGS film. Real‐time observations of nano‐structure evolution during IB irradiation were obtained by recording sequential images at various ion energies of 1 to 30 keV. We observed that as irradiation time increased, the dots became larger and developed elongated ridge structures under continuous sputtering. This transition process was induced by a combination of the Ostwald ripening processes and cluster diffusion. Compositional analysis revealed that the nano‐dots changed from pristine CIGS to Cu‐rich CIGS. The Ga content of the dots was also found to increase due to sputtered implantation, while levels of In and Se decreased. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Awareness of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among women in Jordan
Authors: Okour Abdelhakeem , Alkhateeb Monadel , Amarin Zouhair
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the level and determinants of awareness of the danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among pregnant Jordanian women aged 15 years and older.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study of 350 women attending prenatal care services was performed. Interviews were conducted at 4 public‐health centers in Zarqa, Jordan, using a structured questionnaire. Awareness was defined as “knowing at least 4 danger signs and symptoms”.

Results

Overall, 84.8% of the women interviewed were not aware of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication. Sociodemographic factors—including duration of education and current employment; husband's duration of education; family size; and whether women were given information about danger signs and symptoms—were associated with awareness in a binary analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that education level of study participants, their husbands' education level, and receiving information about danger signs and symptoms were all associated with awareness (P = 0.02 for all associations).

Conclusion

Awareness of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among women in Jordan is low. A need exists to provide prenatal care that includes sufficient information about pregnancy‐related danger signs and symptoms to meet the need for safe motherhood, as pointed out by the Millennium Development Goals.
In vitro fertilization at a public hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Orhue Augustine A. , Aziken Michael E. , Osemwenkha Abieyuwa P. , Ibadin Kennedy O. , Odoma Gabriel
Published: April 2012

Objective

To assess the results of an in vitro fertilization program newly established within a conventional infertility program at a university hospital in Nigeria.

Methods

From June 1, 2007, to June 30, 2011, following unsuccessful conventional treatments, 600 couples were offered in vitro fertilization with (if needed) intracytoplasmic sperm injection in batches of 30 couples. The outcomes measured were duration of ovarian stimulation and rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; numbers of follicles aspirated, oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, and embryos transferred; and clinical pregnancy rate.

Results

The mean duration of stimulation was 11.8 ± 1.6 days and 1% of the women had severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The mean number of follicles aspirated was 8 ± 2.8; of oocytes retrieved 6 ± 3.2; and fertilized 3 ± 1.8. The maximum number of embryos transferred per woman was 3. The rates of clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy were 30% and 6.0%. The rates of abortion and ectopic pregnancy were 6.6% and 0.6%. The preterm delivery rate was 2.5%.

Conclusion

Successfully conducting an assisted reproduction program at a public health facility is feasible in a low‐resource country. Treating couples in batches was cost effective, with a low complication rate.
A comparison of Trachway intubating stylet and Airway Scope for tracheal intubation by novice operators: A manikin study
Authors: Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Chau Siu‐Wah , Su Miao‐Pei , Shih Chih‐Kai , Lu I‐Cheng , Cheng Kuang‐I
Published: April 2012

The Trachway is a recently developed intubation device that resembles an illuminating stylet and incorporates a video‐assisted system. This study evaluated the use of this system for tracheal intubation by novice operators. This randomized cross‐over study compared the Trachway and the Airway Scope in simulated routine and difficult intubation scenarios. The difficult scenario was simulated by increasing the tongue volume of the manikin. The primary outcome measure in both airway scenarios was the time required for a successful tracheal intubation. For each scenario, the success rate, ease of intubation and operator preference were recorded for the two devices and compared. Average intubation time did not differ significantly between the Trachway and Airway Scope for the normal airway scenario (11.2 ± 6.5 vs. 9.8 ± 4.3 seconds, respectively; p = 0.07), but was significantly longer using the Trachway than with the Airway Scope on the difficult airway scenario (17.1 ± 11.1 vs. 9.5 ± 4.1 seconds, respectively; p < 0.001). The overall success rates of the Trachway and Airway Scope (96.3% and 98.6%, respectively) did not differ significantly (p = 0.13). Preference for the Airway Scope was greater in both scenarios, and particularly in the difficult airway scenario (p < 0.001). Although the devices are comparable in terms of ease of use and intubation time in normal scenarios, the ease of using the Airway Scope makes it more suitable for inexperienced operators in difficult intubation scenarios.
Primary care intervention programme to improve early detection of hearing loss in the elderly
Authors: Bentur N , Valinsky L , Lemberger J , Ben Moshe Y , Heymann A D
Published: April 2012

Objective:

To improve audiology screening in general practice, using an intervention programme aiming to empower older adults and their general practitioners.

Methods:

We conducted a quasi-experimental community study comparing 206 patients and two control groups (the first being 101 people registered with the same general practitioner, and the second 87 people registered with another general practitioner). Outcome measures were: rates of hearing tests in the six months before interview, and screening recommendation by the general practitioner.

Results:

Amongst patients, there was a significant increase in numbers undergoing a hearing test, from 19 per cent before the intervention to 49 per cent two years later, while in the two control groups there was little change. Twenty-two per cent of patients and 19 per cent of the first control group reported that their physicians suggested undergoing a hearing test; the second control group subjects (whose general practitioners received no specific educational intervention) showed no change.

Conclusion:

The two crucial factors for improving hearing screening uptake in the elderly are general practitioner education and patient empowerment.
Current status of near-total laryngectomy: review
Authors: D'Cruz A K , Sharma S , Pai P S
Published: April 2012

Concurrent chemoradiation is currently the accepted ‘standard of care’ for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. However, there is a subset of patients not suitable for chemoradiation, in whom primary surgery is the best option. Speech preservation is of prime importance in these patients. Near-total laryngectomy is a voice-preserving procedure which can be considered as an alternative to total laryngectomy for selected patients with lateralised, locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx. Although these patients are left with a permanent tracheostomy, lung-powered speech is maintained by way of a dynamic shunt created from the uninvolved tissues of the larynx. Since its first description in the early 1980s, the procedure has been shown by various authors to be oncologically sound, with high success rates. Unfortunately, the procedure has not gained wide acceptance due to perceived fears of surgical complexity. In this review, we discuss the various issues related to the procedure and we review the relevant literature.
Skull base meningiomas mimicking otitis media
Authors: Shihada R , Lurie M , Luntz M
Published: April 2012

Introduction:

Meningiomas are slow-growing, benign tumours originating from the arachnoid villi of the meninges. They account for 13 to 26 per cent of all intracranial neoplasms. Less than 1 per cent of all meningiomas are primary extracranial tumours of the ear and temporal bone. Intracranial meningiomas extending to the middle-ear cleft are uncommon, with fewer than 100 cases reported to date. Presenting symptoms of the latter condition may include hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo and facial palsy. Otitis media with effusion secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction has also been reported.

Aim:

To describe three patients in whom chronic otitis media was the presenting sign of skull base meningioma.

Method:

Case presentations.

Results:

Presentation of clinical and imaging findings as well as management considerations.

Conclusion:

Meningioma involving the middle ear is an extremely rare condition, and is diagnosed by computed tomography in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging. When biopsy is performed, the histological features, characteristic immunophenotype and ultrastructural analysis are valuable aids to definitive diagnosis. In patients with no neurological symptoms, ‘wait and scan’ is often the best management option.
The trend in sport participation among Dutch retirees, 1983–2007
Authors: COZIJNSEN RABINA , STEVENS NAN L. , VAN TILBURG THEO G.
Published: April 2012

This paper investigates the trend in sport participation among retirees between 1983 and 2007. Sport participation is important for retirees because of its health benefits and the opportunities it offers for social interaction. Factors that influence sport participation such as educational level, physical limitations, and occupational background have changed during the last decades, possibly accounting for changes in sport participation. Data are from the Amenities and Services Utilization Survey (AVO), a nationally representative Dutch survey with seven observations between 1983 and 2007. The trend in sport involvement, sports club membership, and competition was investigated in a sample of 2,497 male and 1,559 female retirees aged 58–67 years. Increases in participation were observed in sport involvement and sports club membership. This trend can partially be explained by increases in educational level, decreases in the number of retirees with physical limitations, and in those retiring from sedentary jobs. Yet, sport participation seems to have increased for all retirees, regardless of their socio-economic background and health status. Alternative explanations for the observed trend are discussed.
CAN COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS INTEGRATE CONCERNS FOR EQUITY? SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Johri Mira , Norheim Ole Frithjof
Published: April 2012

Objectives:The aim of this study was to promote approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) that are both evidence-based and values-based. We conducted a systematic review of published studies describing formal methods to consider equity in the context of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA).

Methods:Candidate studies were identified through an unrestricted search of the Pub Med and EMBASE databases. The search closed on January 20, 2011. We identified additional studies by consulting experts and checking article bibliographies. Two authors independently reviewed each candidate study to determine inclusion and extracted data from studies retained for review. In addition to documenting methods, data extraction identified implicit and explicit notions of fairness. Data were synthesized in narrative form. Study quality was not assessed.

Results:Of the 695 candidate articles, 51 were retained for review. We identified three broad methods to facilitate quantitative consideration of equity concerns in economic evaluation: integration of distributional concerns through equity weights and social welfare functions, exploration of the opportunity costs of alternative policy options through mathematical programming, and multi-criteria decision analysis.

Conclusions:Several viable techniques to integrate equity concerns within CEA now exist, ranging from descriptive approaches to the quantitative methods studied in this review. Two obstacles at the normative level have impeded their use in decision making to date: the multiplicity of concepts and values discussed under the rubric of equity, and the lack of a widely accepted normative source on which to ground controversial value choices. Clarification of equity concepts and attention to procedural fairness may strengthen use of these techniques in HTA decision making.
The impact of a locust plague on mangroves of the arid Western Australia coast
Authors: Reef Ruth , Ball Marilyn C. , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: April 2012

Mangroves generally grow in nutrient-poor environments and maintain high levels of productivity through unique adaptations for nutrient conservation (Reef et al. 2010). One such adaptation in mangroves is highly efficient resorption of limiting nutrients from senescing leaves prior to abscission (Feller et al. 2003). Thus processes that lead to loss of foliage prior to senescence and nutrient resorption (e.g. storms and herbivory) can be detrimental to tree growth and productivity (Bryant et al. 1983, May & Killingbeck 1992). Furthermore, decomposition of fallen leaves by soil microbial communities (Alongi 1994, Holguin et al. 2001) and crabs (Nagelkerken et al. 2008) is another important process contributing to the recycling of nutrients that are in short supply. Therefore, processes that lead to a substantial reduction in litterfall can have a strong negative effect on nutrient cycling and forest productivity. Mangroves have long been recognized as an important source of organic carbon (both particulate and dissolved) for the surrounding tropical coastal ecosystems (Bouillon et al. 2008, Kristensen et al. 2008). Thus, processes affecting litterfall in mangroves can affect the surrounding marine food webs.
Increased female reproduction favours the large-seeded palm Attalea humilis in small Atlantic Forest fragments
Authors: Andreazzi Cecilia S. , Pires Alexandra S. , Pimenta Clarissa S. , Fernandez Fernando A. S.
Published: April 2012

Palms are important components of tropical forest plant communities, due both to their abundance (Henderson et al. 2000) and to the network of interactions with their pollinators and dispersers (Henderson 2002, Zona & Henderson 1989). Forest fragmentation alters the biotic and abiotic conditions of habitats (Ewers & Didham 2006, Fahrig 2003) and it has been observed that Attalea palms increase their densities in disturbed sites (Aguiar & Tabarelli 2009, Andreazzi et al. 2012, Lorenzi et al. 2004). Increased light availability (Salm 2005, Souza & Martins 2004), changes in seed dispersal and predation patterns (Andreazzi et al. 2012, Pimentel & Tabarelli 2004, Wright et al. 2000), and ability to recover after disturbance (Souza & Martins 2004) are among the main mechanisms that have been proposed to explain enhanced palm densities. However, how altered conditions following disturbances influence the dynamics of flower and fruit production is still little understood.