bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface charging effects in ferroelectric ZnO–BaTiO3 field‐effect transistor heterostructures
Authors: Schwinkendorf Peter , Lorenz Michael , Hochmuth Holger , Zhang Zhipeng , Grundmann Marius
Published: November 2013

Ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) with n‐type ZnO channel and BaTiO3 gate oxide show an unexpected reversed switching behavior in terms of the polarity of the gate voltage. The device's source–drain current is reduced after applying an external gate voltage pulse which polarizes the BaTiO3 such that the device is meant to be in the on‐state. Subsequent switching to the off‐state with the opposite voltage does not influence the source–drain current. Furthermore, repeated switching cycles with increasing voltages result in a shift of the onset gate voltage in the transfer characteristics of the FeFETs. The observed switching behavior is explained by electron trapping at the ZnO/BaTiO3 interface. In addition the charge accumulation and time, temperature and illumination dependent discharging effects are demonstrated. From current–voltage measurements we derive the trapped electron sheet density in dependence of the gate voltage. The interface charge density is in the order of 1 C m−2.
Reactively magnetron sputtered Bi2O3 thin films: Analysis of structure, optoelectronic, interface, and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Morasch Jan , Li Shunyi , Brötz Joachim , Jaegermann Wolfram , Klein Andreas
Published: November 2013

Bi2O3 thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering have been studied in situ by using photoelectron spectroscopy. UV/VIS transmission spectroscopy and XRD measurements were carried out to determine the optical and structural properties of the films. Thin film solar cells were built up with ITO|Bi2O3|Au layer structures. These devices were characterized by current–voltage and capacitance–frequency measurements. Open‐circuit voltages up to 680 mV and short‐circuit current densities of about 0.3 mA cm−2 were observed. In addition, relative permittivities of approximately 45 have been measured. In order to determine the energy band alignment of Bi2O3 with different contact materials, interface experiments were carried out. With stepwise depositions of the contact material combined with in situ observation of the Fermi level shift via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is possible to measure the energy barrier height between a semiconductor and a metallic contact. The work functions of the different materials were determined by UV photoelectron spectroscopy.
Inter‐annual variability, risk and confidence intervals associated with propagation statistics. Part II: parameterization and applications
Authors: Boulanger Xavier , Jeannin Nicolas , Féral Laurent , Castanet Laurent , Lacoste Frédéric , Carvalho Françoise
Published: November 2013

This set of two companion papers aims at providing a model for the inter‐annual variability of earth‐space propagation statistics and for the inherent risk and CIs. In part I, it was proposed to model the yearly variance σ² of empirical complementary CDFs so that where is the variance of estimation, the inter‐annual climatic variance and p the long‐term probability. Particularly, an analytical formulation of was derived and parameterized from synthetic rain attenuation data. Considering the statistical framework developed in part I, this part II is specifically devoted to the parameterization of the variance of estimation from experimental data of rain attenuation and rainfall rate. Then, a methodology to model and parameterize worldwide the inter‐annual climatic variance is presented. The model of yearly variance of the empirical complementary CDFs is finally compared against yearly experimental variances derived from data collected worldwide. The knowledge of this variability is very useful for system design as it allows the risk on a required availability and associated with a given propagation margin to be quantified. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable selection for non‐parametric quantile regression via smoothing spline analysis of variance
Authors: Lin Chen‐Yen , Bondell Howard , Zhang Hao Helen , Zou Hui
Published: November 2013

Quantile regression provides a more thorough view of the effect of covariates on a response. Non‐parametric quantile regression has become a viable alternative to avoid restrictive parametric assumption. The problem of variable selection for quantile regression is challenging, as important variables can influence various quantiles in different ways. We tackle the problem via regularization in the context of smoothing spline analysis of variance models. The proposed sparse non‐parametric quantile regression can identify important variables and provide flexible estimates for quantiles. Our numerical study suggests the promising performance of the new procedure in variable selection and function estimation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Water, food, and energy security: scrambling for resources or solutions?
Authors: Perrone Debra , Hornberger George M.
Published: November 2013

Anthropogenic‐induced climate changes and population growth projected by 2050, combined with global economic growth driven by emerging markets, suggest that greater stress will be placed on water, food, and energy resources in the future. These resources are interdependent and are linked in a complex global network of trade. As pressures on the three resources grow, three‐way interactions arise so that a solution to address scarcity in one cannot be achieved without impact on the others. The water security, food security, and energy security trilemma creates a multidimensional web that is a structurally complex network with dynamic links among resources that vary in both weight and direction. Because structure affects function, characterizing the network anatomy that links the resources in three‐way interactions is helpful when setting goals to meet resource security. We argue that water plays a central role in shaping interactions and that the main scarcity issues occur with trade‐offs between thermoelectric power generation and agriculture, between hydroelectric power generation and agriculture, and between biofuel production and food production. Three illustrations—the Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint River Basin in the southeastern United States, the island nation of Sri Lanka, and Brazil—capture the main three‐way interactions that we have identified. Although the problems that strew the path to global sustainability are massive, we suggest alternatives along both technological and nontechnological paths to meet future needs.WIREs Water2014, 1:49–68. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1004

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water
Three Clinical Experiences with SNP Array Results Consistent with Parental Incest: A Narrative with Lessons Learned
Authors: Helm Benjamin M. , Langley Katherine , Spangler Brooke , Vergano Samantha
Published: November 2013

Single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays have the ability to reveal parental consanguinity which may or may not be known to healthcare providers. Consanguinity can have significant implications for the health of patients and for individual and family psychosocial well‐being. These results often present ethical and legal dilemmas that can have important ramifications. Unexpected consanguinity can be confounding to healthcare professionals who may be unprepared to handle these results or to communicate them to families or other appropriate representatives. There are few published accounts of experiences with consanguinity and SNP arrays. In this paper we discuss three cases where molecular evidence of parental incest was identified by SNP microarray. We hope to further highlight consanguinity as a potential incidental finding, how the cases were handled by the clinical team, and what resources were found to be most helpful. This paper aims to contribute further to professional discourse on incidental findings with genomic technology and how they were addressed clinically. These experiences may provide some guidance on how others can prepare for these findings and help improve practice. As genetic and genomic testing is utilized more by non‐genetics providers, we also hope to inform about the importance of engaging with geneticists and genetic counselors when addressing these findings.
Spray‐Dried Redispersible Emulsion to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Itraconazole
Authors: Rao Monica R. P. , Aghav Shital S.
Published: November 2013

Dry emulsions are powdery, lipid‐based formulations from which an o/w‐emulsion can be easily reconstituted in vivo or when exposed to water. The objective of this work was to prepare and characterize dry emulsion of itraconazole (ITZ) to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Dry emulsions were prepared by spray‐drying liquid o/w‐emulsions containing carriers like maltodextrin, sucrose, and lactose. Propylene glycol monocaprylate was selected as oil phase, and surfactant blends of vitamin E tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and triblock PEO–PPO–PEO copolymer as emulsifying agents. Several oil:water and carrier:water ratios were tested. An optimum formulation was selected using 32 full factorial design. The droplet size, rheological behavior, and drug release from o/w‐emulsion before and after reconstitution and the micromeritic properties of spray‐dried product were investigated. Maltodextrin was used as a carrier for preparing dry emulsions. The optimized dry emulsion was characterized using DSC, SEM, PXRD, and in vivo study. The SEM analysis showed that dry emulsion consisted of well‐separated particles with smooth surfaces. The DSC and XRD study showed that ITZ in the dry emulsion is in the molecular dispersion state. Globule size analysis showed that dry emulsion had good reconstitution properties. The emulsions were found to be thermodynamically stable when subjected to cyclical freeze–thaw cycles and centrifugation tests. The average globule size of emulsions ranged from 0.994 to 1.668 μm. A 71.35 % increase in Cmax and 114.78 % increase in AUC was evident for ITZ dry emulsion as compared to plain ITZ.
Synthesis of Ascorbyl Palmitate with Immobilized Lipase from Pseudomonas stutzeri
Authors: Santibáñez Luciana , Wilson Lorena , Illanes Andrés
Published: November 2013

Synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate by enzymatic esterification of palmitic acid and ascorbic acid was conducted in an organic medium with Pseudomonas stutzeri lipase TL immobilized in different supports and its performance was compared with commercial Novozym 435 lipase used as a reference. The enzyme was immobilized in different supports and the best catalyst was selected in terms of immobilization yield and mass specific activity to perform the reactions of synthesis. Synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate was optimized considering temperature, substrate molar ratio and enzyme to limiting substrate mass ratio as variables, and substrate conversion and specific productivity as evaluation parameters. The best reaction conditions for immobilized lipase TL were 55 °C, 1:5 ascorbic to palmitic acid molar ratio, and 1:10 lipase to ascorbic acid mass ratio, obtaining 57 % substrate conversion and a specific productivity of 0.013 [g ascorbic acid/(g enzyme × min)]; the best conditions for Novozym 435 were 70 °C, ascorbic to palmitic acid molar ratio 1:10, and 1:10 lipase to ascorbic acid mass ratio, obtaining 51 % substrate conversion and a specific productivity of 0.016 [g ascorbic acid/(g enzyme × min)].
Production of Human Milk Fat Substitutes Catalyzed by a Heterologous Rhizopus oryzae Lipase and Commercial Lipases
Authors: Simões Tiago , Valero Francisco , Tecelão Carla , Ferreira‐Dias Suzana
Published: November 2013

This study aims to produce human milk fat substitutes by an acidolysis reaction between lard and the free fatty acids (FFA) from a fish oil concentrate rich in docosahexaenoic acid, in solvent‐free media. The immobilized commercial lipases from (1) Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme RM IM), (2) Thermomyces lanuginosa (Lipozyme TL IM) and (3) Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) were tested as biocatalyst. Also, the heterologous Rhizopus oryzae lipase (rROL), immobilized in Accurel® MP 1000, was tested as a feasible alternative to the commercial lipases. After 24 h of reaction at 50 °C, similar incorporations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (c.a. 17 mol%) were attained with Novozym 435, Lipozyme RM IM and rROL. The lowest incorporation was achieved with Lipozyme TL IM (7.2 mol%). Modeling acidolysis catalyzed by rROL and optimization of reaction conditions were performed by response surface methodology, as a function of the molar ratio FFA/lard and the temperature. The highest acidolysis activity was achieved at 40 °C at a molar ratio of 3:1, decreasing with both temperature and molar ratio. Operational stability studies for rROL in seven consecutive 24‐h batches were carried out. After the fourth batch, the biocatalyst retained about 55 % of the original activity (half‐life of 112 h).
Adolescent peer aggression and its association with mental health and substance use in an Australian cohort
Authors: Moore Sophie E. , Norman Rosana E. , Sly Peter D. , Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Zubrick Stephen R. , Scott James
Published: November 2013

Prospective longitudinal birth cohort data was used to examine the association between peer aggression at 14 years and mental health and substance use at 17 years. A sample of 1590 participants from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) study were divided into mutually exclusive categories (victims, perpetrators, victim‐perpetrators and uninvolved). Involvement in any type of peer aggression as a victim (10.1%), perpetrator (21.4%), or a victim‐perpetrator (8.7%) was reported by 40.2% of participants. After adjusting for confounding factors, those who were a victim of peer aggression had increased odds of later depression and internalising symptoms whilst perpetrators of peer aggression were found to be at increased risk of depression and harmful alcohol use. Victim‐perpetrators of peer aggression were more likely to have externalising behaviours at 17 years. These results show an independent temporal relationship between peer aggression and later mental health and substance use problems in adolescence.
The relationship between coping, health competence and patient participation among patients with inactive inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gandhi Seema , Jedel S , Hood M M , Mutlu E , Swanson G , Keshavarzian A
Published: November 2013

Background

Coping is an integral part of adjustment for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease but has not been well described in the literature. This study explored the relationship between coping, perceived health competence, patient preference for involvement in their treatment, depression and quality of life, particularly among patients with inactive disease (in remission).

Methods

Subjects (n = 70) with active and inactive IBD completed questionnaires, including the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Health Competence Scale and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. The Harvey Bradshaw Index measured disease activity.

Results

Patients with inactive IBD demonstrated significantly more interest in participating in their treatment (p <.05), more perceived health competence (p =.001), less depressive symptoms (p <.001), more task oriented coping (p =.02), and better quality of life than those with active disease. Only Task Oriented Coping was significantly negatively associated with the number of flares among inactive patients (p <.001). Patient preference for participation in treatment was inversely associated with Avoidance (p =.005), Distraction (p =.008), and Social Diversion (p =.008) coping among inactive patients.

Conclusion

Among patients in remission, those who expressed a greater interest in treatment participation were also less likely to practice maladaptive coping. Our data demonstrate that a more active coping style may be associated with improved health outcome. Compared to patients with active disease, patients in remission are more likely to employ task oriented coping, demonstrate a higher interest in treatment participation, report greater perceived control of their health, and exhibit less depression symptoms. Our findings may increase awareness of the importance of identifying coping strategies for IBD patients, including those in remission.
Heterogeneity of koala retrovirus isolates
Authors: Shimode Sayumi , Nakagawa So , Yoshikawa Rokusuke , Shojima Takayuki , Miyazawa Takayuki
Published: November 2013

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is a gammaretrovirus which may induce immune suppression, leukemia and lymphoma in koalas. Currently three KoRV subgroups (A, B, and J) have been reported. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that KoRV‐B and KoRV‐J should be classified as the same subgroup. In long terminal repeat (LTR), a KoRV‐B isolate has four 17 bp tandem repeats named direct repeat (DR)‐1, while a KoRV‐J isolate (strain OJ‐4) has three 37 bp tandem repeats named DR‐2. We also found that the promoter activity of the KoRV‐J strain OJ‐4 is stronger than that of original KoRV‐A, suggesting that KoRV‐J may replicate more efficiently than KoRV‐A.
Erythroid differentiation is augmented in Reelin‐deficient K562 cells and homozygous reeler mice
Authors: Chu Hui-Chun , Lee Hsing-Ying , Huang Yen-Shu , Tseng Wei-Lien , Yen Ching-Ju , Cheng Ju-Chien , Tseng Ching-Ping
Published: November 2013

Reelin is an extracellular glycoprotein that is highly conserved in mammals. In addition to its expression in the nervous system, Reelin is present in erythroid cells but its function there is unknown. We report in this study that Reelin is up‐regulated during erythroid differentiation of human erythroleukemic K562 cells and is expressed in the erythroid progenitors of murine bone marrow. Reelin deficiency promotes erythroid differentiation of K562 cells and augments erythroid production in murine bone marrow. In accordance with these findings, Reelin deficiency attenuates AKT phosphorylation of the Ter119+CD71+ erythroid progenitors and alters the cell number and frequency of the progenitors at different erythroid differentiation stages. A regulatory role of Reelin in erythroid differentiation is thus defined.
Knowledge and provision practices regarding medical abortion among public providers in Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thoai D. , Free Caroline , Le Hoan T. , Edwards Phil , Pham Kiet H.T. , Nguyen Yen B.T. , Nguyen Thang H.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess public service providers’ knowledge of medical abortion (MA) and practices, and perspectives on expanding the use of MA to primary and secondary health facilities in Vietnam.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted via an interviewer‐administered questionnaire among abortion providers (n = 905) from public health facilities between August 2011 and January 2012.

Results

Overall, 31.1% of providers performed both surgical and medical abortions; 68.9% offered only surgical abortion. Providers were knowledgeable about the regimen/dosage of mifepristone plus misoprostol regimen; however, knowledge scores were low for gestational age limits for MA, adverse effects of the combined drug regimen, and safety and effectiveness of MA compared with surgical abortion. Knowledge scores were significantly lower among providers in rural areas than among those in urban settings. A large proportion of providers (82.9%) thought that MA should be expanded to primary and secondary health facilities. Perceived barriers to MA expansion included lack of knowledge and training, qualified staff, adequate drug supplies, equipment, or facilities, guidelines and protocols on MA, and patient awareness.

Conclusion

Provision of MA in Vietnam was found to be disproportionate to surgical abortion provision and to vary by region. Knowledge of MA was moderate, but poorer among providers in rural settings.
Autophagy and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric fat tissue of patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Leal Raquel Franco , Milanski Marciane , Coy Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues , Portovedo Mariana , Rodrigues Viviane Soares , Coope Andressa , Ayrizono Maria de Lourdes Setsuko , Fagundes João José , Velloso Lício Augusto
Published: November 2013

Background Recently, mesenteric fat has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiol- ogy of Crohn's disease (CD), as fat hypertrophy is detected close to the affected intestinal area; however, there are few studies regarding autophagy and creeping fat tissue in CD.

Objective Evaluate autophagy-related proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in intestinal mucosa and mesenteric fat in patients with CD and controls.

Patients and methods Ten patients with CD, eight with non-inflammatory disease who underwent surgery, and eight with normal ileocolonoscopy were studied. The expression of LC3-II, TNF-α and IL-23 was determined by immunoblot of protein extracts. In addition, total RNA of LC3 and Atg16-L1 were determined using RT-PCR.

Results The expression of LC3-II was significantly lower in the mesenteric tissue of CD when compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, the intestinal mucosa of the CD group had higher levels of LC3-II (p < 0.05). However, mRNA expression of autophagy-related pro- teins was similar when compared to mesenteric fat groups. TNF-α and IL-23 expressions were higher in intestinal mucosa of CD than in control (p < 0.05).

Conclusion These findings suggest a defect in the autophagic activity of the creeping fat tissue in CD, which could be involved with the maintenance of the inflammatory process in the intestinal mucosa.
Risk factors for recurrence of stage I/II (TNM) colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients undergoing surgery with curative intent
Authors: Rossoni Marssoni Deconto , Telles José Ederaldo Queiroz , Rossoni Andrea Maciel de Oliveira , Matias Jorge Eduardo Fouto
Published: November 2013

Objective Evaluate risk factors for colorectal cancer recurrence after surgical treatment.

Methods Sixty-five patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, stage I and II (TNM), undergoing curative-intent surgery and followed for five years were studied. Presence of adjuvant/neo adjuvant therapy, tumor differentiation degree, lymphatic and venous vascular infiltration, depth of tumor invasion, and disease staging was analyzed, using recurrence relative risk ratios for each parameter calculated at two years, after two years and five years of follow up.

Results At five years, recurrence was 21.4% (14/65), with equal incidence (10.7%) for the separated periods. Only lymphatic and venous vascular infiltration showed statistically significant association with recurrence during times analyzed. Relative risk (RR) of recurrence was significantly related to the presence of lymphatic infiltration [RR = 6 (1.3 – 28.5) p = 0.01] and venous infiltration [RR = 9.5 (2.6 – 34.9) p < 0.001] after two years of follow-up. At five years follow-up, only venous infiltration remained with significant relative risk for recurrence [RR = 3.9 (1.8 – 8.8) p < 0.001]. In a multivariate analysis, only venous vascular infiltration was associated with recurrence [accuracy 81.5% (p < 0.001)].

Conclusion In this series, the factors associated with risk of colorectal cancer recurrence were the presence of lymphatic and venous vascular infiltration.
Incidence and epidemiological features of synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer
Authors: Brambilla Eduardo , Sgarioni Augusto Cardoso , Finger Guilherme , Sartori Guilherme , Cimarosti Maicon Joel
Published: November 2013

Introduction patients with sporadic colorectal cancer or cases associated with syndromes are at risk of having synchronous or metachronous cancer. Although it is an important subject, Brazilian data on the subject are scarce.

Objective to evaluate the incidence and epidemiological features in patients with synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer in a reference service of proctology in the Rio Grande do Sul.

Methods cross-sectional observational study, performed between January and July 2012, analyzing all patients admitted in the service that met the inclusion criteria. A retrospective review of records was performed, noting demographic variables, comorbidities and tumor-related variables.

Results 150 records were analyzed, of which 53.3% were males and mean age was 63 (± 13.01) years old. The most frequently found tumor location was the sigmoid colon and high rectum (50.67%), followed by the lower rectum (36%). Adenocarcinomas were the most prevalent histological subtype (88%), followed by epidermoid tumors (1.33%). Hereditary syndromes were identified in five patients (3.33%), with four being Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and one hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Among the analyzed patients, four (2.67%) had synchronous and one (0.67%) had metachronous cancer.

Conclusion the incidence of synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer was, respectively, 2.67% and 0.67%, results that corroborate those reported in international literature.
Endoscopic management of anastomotic bleeding in the ileal pouch with staples removal and clipping
Authors: Wu Xian-rui , Lan Nan , Shen Bo
Published: November 2013

Objective Postoperative pouch bleeding is a rare but detrimental complication following ileal pouch surgery. It is usually self-limited, however continuous bleeding requires inter- vention. There is limited published data on its management.

Design Ileoscopy via stoma for loop ileostomy and pouchoscopy via anus for ileal pouch were performed under sedation for the purpose of diagnosis and management of postop- erative bleeding.

Results Ileoscopy demonstrated a large, long blood clot in the lumen of efferent limb, but no sign of active bleeding was identified. Pouchoscopy showed that lumen of pouch body as well as afferent limb was filled with maroon-colored liquid stool. Pouch and neo-terminal ileum mucosa was normal. Two dislodged staples at the anastomotic line with sharp tips towards the lumen were found, with activating bleeding at one site. The staples were re- moved by biopsy forceps, and active bleeding was successfully controlled by the deploy- ment of one endoclip.

Conclusions We reported the first case that postoperative pouch bleeding, which was caused by dislodged staples, was successfully managed by endoscopic removal of the staples com- bined with clipping.
Historical review of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Wolf Andrew I. , Buchanan Adam H. , Farkas Linda M.
Published: November 2013

Lynch syndrome was formerly known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer. Currently, these two nomenclatures each have their unique definitions and are no longer used interchangeably. The history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer was first recognized formally in the literature by Henry Lynch in 1967. With advances of molecular genetics, there has been a transformation from clinical phenotype to genotype diagnostics. This has led to the ability to diagnose affected patients before they manifest with cancer, and therefore allow preventative surveillance strategies. Genotype diagnostics has shown a difference in penetrance of different cancer risks dependent on the gene containing the mutation. Surgery is recommended as prevention for some cancers; for others they are reserved for once cancer is noted. Various surveillance strategies are recommended dependent on the relative risk of cancer and the ability to intervene with surgery to impact on survival. Risk reduction through aspirin has shown some recent promise, and continues to be studied.
Two-year experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a healthcare service in Salvador: a critical analysis
Authors: Mendes Carlos Ramon Silveira , Ferreira Luciano Santana de Miranda , Sapucaia Ricardo Aguiar , Lima Meyline Andrade
Published: November 2013

Introduction laparoscopic colorectal surgery has become a viable access route since the beginning of 1990, using Jacobs’ technique. Its outcomes are decrease in hospitalization length, early return to routine activities, better esthetic results and less postoperative pain.

Objective to report a series of patients treated by a team using videolaparoscopic access route in colorectal surgery.

Material and methods retrospective, descriptive study carried out in Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil, from April of 2010 to May 2012.

Results a total of 81 procedures were analyzed; 59.3% of cases were females, mean age was 58.3 years. Benign illness was treated in 48.1% to the patients. Rectosigmoidectomy was carried out in 41.5% and right colectomy in 21%. Intraoperative complications were observed in 3.7% and postoperative in 21% of cases, with a conversion rate of 6.2%.

Conclusion the laparoscopic procedure showed to be safe and the surgeon's training results in better outcomes in this series.
Gestational methyl donor deficiency alters key proteins involved in neurosteroidogenesis in the olfactory bulbs of newborn female rats and is associated with impaired olfactory performance
Authors: El Hajj Chehadeh Sarah , Pourié Grégory , Martin Nicolas , Alberto Jean-Marc , Daval Jean-Luc , Guéant Jean-Louis , Leininger-Muller Brigitte
Published: November 2013

Gestational methyl donor deficiency (MDD) leads to growth retardation as well as to cognitive and motor disorders in 21-d-old rat pups. These disorders are related to impaired neurogenesis in the cerebral neurogenic areas. Olfactory bulbs (OB), the main target of neuronal progenitors originating from the subventricular zone, play a critical role during the postnatal period by allowing the pups to identify maternal odour. We hypothesised that growth retardation could result from impaired suckling due to impaired olfactory discrimination through imbalanced apoptosis/neurogenesis in the OB. Since neurosteroidogenesis modulates neurogenesis in OB, in the present study, we investigated whether altered neurosteroidogenesis could explain some these effects. Pups born to dams fed a normal diet (n 24) and a MDD diet (n 27) were subjected to olfactory tests during the lactation and weaning periods (n 24 and 20, respectively). We studied the markers of apoptosis/neurogenesis and the expression levels of the key neurosteroidogenic enzyme aromatase, the cholesterol-transfer protein StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) and the ERα oestrogen receptor and the content of oestradiol in OB. The 21-d-old MDD female pups displayed lower body weight and impaired olfactory discrimination when compared with the control pups. MDD led to greater homocysteine accumulation and more pronounced apoptosis, along with impaired cell proliferation in the OB of female pups. The expression levels of aromatase, StAR and ERα as well as the content of oestradiol were lower in the OB of the MDD female pups than in those of the control female pups. In conclusion, gestational MDD may alter olfactory discrimination performances by affecting neurogenesis, apoptosis and neurosteroidogenesis in OB in a sex-dependent manner. It may be involved in growth retardation through impaired suckling.
Numerical simulations of unbounded cyclotron-maser emissions
Authors: SPEIRS DAVID C. , McCONVILLE S. L. , GILLESPIE K. M. , PHELPS A. D. R. , RONALD K.
Published: November 2013

Numerical simulations have been conducted to study the spatial growth rate and emission topology of the cyclotron-maser instability responsible for stellar/planetary auroral magnetospheric radio emission and intense non-thermal radio emission in other astrophysical contexts. These simulations were carried out in an unconstrained geometry, so that the conditions existing within the source region of some natural electron cyclotron masers could be more closely modelled. The results have significant bearing on the radiation propagation and coupling characteristics within the source region of such non-thermal radio emissions.
Psychodynamic therapy for adolescents suffering from co-morbid disorders of conduct and emotions in an in-patient setting: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salzer S. , Cropp C. , Jaeger U. , Masuhr O. , Streeck-Fischer A.
Published: November 2013

Background

Co-morbid disorders of conduct and emotions can be regarded as childhood antecedents of further negative developments (e.g. manifestation of personality disorders in adulthood). We evaluated a manualized psychodynamic therapy (PDT) for adolescents with these co-morbid disorders.

Method

In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 66 adolescents diagnosed with mixed disorders of conduct and emotions (F92 in ICD-10) were randomly assigned to a manualized in-patient PDT group or a waiting list/treatment-as-usual (WL/TAU) control condition. Diagnoses according to DSM-IV were also documented. Patients were compared using rates of remission as the primary outcome. The Global Severity Index (GSI) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used as secondary measures. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment and at the 6-month follow-up.

Results

The sample consisted of severely impaired adolescents with high rates of further co-morbid disorders and academic failure. Patients in the treatment group had a significantly higher rate of remission [odds ratio (OR) 26.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.42–108.55, p < 0.001]. Compared with the control group, the PDT group resulted in significantly better outcomes on the SDQ (p = 0.04) but not the GSI (p = 0.18), with small between-group effect sizes (SDQ: d = 0.38, GSI: d = 0.18). However, the scores of patients treated with PDT were post-treatment no longer significantly different from normative data on the GSI and within the normal range on the SDQ. The effects in the treatment group were stable at follow-up. Furthermore, most patients were reintegrated into educational processes.

Conclusion

PDT led to remarkable improvement and furthered necessary preconditions for long-term stabilization. In future, PDT should be compared to other strong active treatments.
Making Acoustic Computer Music: The Rumentarium project
Authors: Valle Andrea
Published: November 2013

The article describes the design, production and usage of the ‘Rumentarium’, a computer-based sound generating system involving physical objects as sound sources. The Rumentarium is a set of handmade resonators, acoustically excited by DC motors, interfaced to the computer by means of various microcontrollers. Following an ecological/anthropological approach, in the Rumentarium discarded materials are used as sound sources. Every instrument is ‘produced while designed’ in an improvisation-like manner, starting from available materials. In this way, hardware is ‘softened’: that is, it can be continuously modified as in software development. Analogously, the onsite setup is very light, so that components can be added or removed on the fly, even while the Rumentarium is at work. Differently from typical computer music, the Rumentarium, while entirely computationally controlled, is an acoustic sound generator. On one hand, the Rumentarium can be played like an instrument in conjunction with a MIDI controller, for use in live musical performance. On the other side, it can be driven by algorithmic strategies. In this way, the Rumentarium can be configured also as a sound installation, in a standalone mode. Some artistic works are discussed while introducing the various control modalities that have been specifically developed for the Rumentarium.
Workshopping Participation in Music
Authors: Jo Kazuhiro , Parkinson Adam , Tanaka Atau
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a process-based approach to considering workshops as a route to participation in collective creative musical practice. We evoke the notion of theMusic One Participates In, which focuses on a shift from the listener-as-consumer to participant-actor actively engaged in sound perception and production. We look at the range of different methods that make up the term ‘workshop’, as well as emergent relationships between facilitator and participant in creative do-it-yourself activities to frame our discussion of participatory music practice. We then examine the nature of participation across a range of disciplines from social and cognitive science through human computer interaction to radical and contemporary art, and identify possible contradictions in horizontal utopian organisational models. With this conceptual frame as a backdrop, we present four types of workshop that we have conducted across time at different sites with diverse groups of participants. We apply concepts from the participation literature to analyse our music workshops, and attempt to reconcile the potentially diverging agendas of facilitator and participant to arrive at a process-based view of ‘workshopping’.
Tactility, Traces and Codes: Reassessing timbre in electronic media
Authors: Paiuk Gabriel
Published: November 2013

This article starts by arguing that in diverse approaches to electronically produced sound in music of recent times a shift in focus has occurred, from the creation of novel sounds to the manipulation of sound materials inherent in a culture of electric and electronic devices of sound production.

Within these practices, the use of lo-fi devices, circuit-bending, cracked electronics and a resurfacing of older technologies is coupled with digital technology in a process which emphasises the devices characteristic modes of sound production and artefacts. Electronic sound becomes regarded as embedded on a reservoir of qualities, memories and registers of technologies that inhabit our sound environment.

From this starting point our apprehension of technologically produced sound is reassessed, constituted as the crossing of particular conditions of production and reception, cultural traces and codes inherent in the practices and characteristics of media.

This perspective lays the ground for a compositional approach that exposes and problematises the interaction of these multiple conditions.
Investigating nearby exoplanets via interstellar radar
Authors: Scheffer Louis K.
Published: November 2013

Interstellar radar is a potential intermediate step between passive observation of exoplanets and interstellar exploratory missions. Compared with passive observation, it has the traditional advantages of radar astronomy. It can measure surface characteristics, determine spin rates and axes, provide extremely accurate ranges, construct maps of planets, distinguish liquid from solid surfaces, find rings and moons, and penetrate clouds. It can do this even for planets close to the parent star. Compared with interstellar travel or probes, it also offers significant advantages. The technology required to build such a radar already exists, radar can return results within a human lifetime, and a single facility can investigate thousands of planetary systems. The cost, although too high for current implementation, is within the reach of Earth's economy.
How do people achieve and remain at a comfortable weight?: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Alsawy Sarah , Mansell Warren
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to examinehow people changein order to achieve and maintain a personally comfortable weight andwhat changesfor them as they change. Six students who changed to achieve and maintain a personally comfortable weight for a minimum of 1 year were recruited. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences of what changed and how they changed. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two superordinate themes emerged. The first was ‘awareness’ which contained the subthemes: unaware self, revelation, and conscious monitoring and maintenance of awareness. The second was ‘goals and needs’ which contained the subthemes: social-vs. self-acceptance, removing negative emotions, weight controlvs. other life goals, and idealvs. perceived health and appearance. The findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature on the development of eating problems, involving social acceptance, self-esteem, coping with negative moods, and weight control. Perceptual Control Theory was used to provide an explanation for how these participants changed and maintained their change.
Fifty years of progress in community mental health in US: the growth of evidence-based practices
Authors: Dixon L. B. , Schwarz E. C.
Published: November 2013

Fifty years have elapsed since the passage of the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) Act in 1963 that reflected the legislative peak of the community mental healthcare movement in the US Progress of the last 10 years is represented both by expansions of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and the development of emerging practices and fundamental shifts in the orientation of the system stimulated by the consumer-driven recovery movement. Established EBPs have accumulated expanded evidence, new EBPs have been developed and emerging EBPs are gaining increased acceptance. While the lack of widespread implementation of EBPs as well as the limitations of these technologies produces unnecessary suffering and disability, we believe that the growth of evidence for treatments and services justifies optimism for the future.
Validation of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) in an Italian Sample and Invariance Across Gender and Mode of Administration
Authors: Gremigni Paola , Mobilio Nicola , Casu Giulia , Catapano Santo
Published: November 2013

About 7–12% of individuals experience high dental anxiety and it represents a barrier to dental care. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) is a brief measure of dental anxiety which is widely used in clinical practice as well as in research. The principal aims of this study were to create and validate an Italian version of the MDAS and to determine whether its validity was influenced by gender and different methods of data collection (on paper or electronically). A secondary objective was to collect further evidence of criterion validity and reliability of the scale. A self-report battery of standardized psychological measures, including the Italian MDAS and other measures, was completed on paper by 126 patients attending a dental clinic and electronically by 108 respondents plus 40 dentists. Fifty-nine percent of all subjects were female. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor model for the Italian MDAS and measurement invariance across gender and method of administration. Both internal consistency and 4-week test-retest estimates of reliability were good. The Italian MDAS was shown to be differentially correlated in expected ways with other constructs. Women showed higher dental anxiety than men and online respondents reported higher dental anxiety than dental patients.
Do You Want to See the Tree? Ignore the Forest
Authors: Poirel Nicolas , Krakowski Claire Sara , Sayah Sabrina , Pineau Arlette , Houdé Olivier , Borst Grégoire
Published: November 2013

The visual environment consists of global structures (e.g., a forest) made up of local parts (e.g., trees). When compound stimuli are presented (e.g., large global letters composed of arrangements of small local letters), the global unattended information slows responses to local targets. Using a negative priming paradigm, we investigated whether inhibition is required to process hierarchical stimuli when information at the local level is in conflict with the one at the global level. The results show that when local and global information is in conflict, global information must be inhibited to process local information, but that the reverse is not true. This finding has potential direct implications for brain models of visual recognition, by suggesting that when local information is conflicting with global information, inhibitory control reduces feedback activity from global information (e.g., inhibits the forest) which allows the visual system to process local information (e.g., to focus attention on a particular tree).
Glucocorticoid‐mediated repression of T‐cell receptor signalling is impaired in glucocorticoid receptor exon 2‐disrupted mice
Authors: Liddicoat Douglas R , Purton Jared F , Cole Timothy J , Godfrey Dale I
Published: November 2013

Studies using glucocorticoid receptor exon 2‐disrupted knockout (GR2KO) mice provided strong evidence against an obligatory role for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling in T‐cell selection. These mice express a truncated form of the GR that is incapable of transmitting a range of glucocorticoid (GC)‐induced signals, including GC‐induced thymocyte death. However, one study that suggested that truncated GR function is preserved in the context of GR‐mediated repression of T‐cell activation‐induced genes, challenged earlier conclusions derived from the use of these mice. Because GR versus T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling cross‐talk is the means by which GCs are hypothesized to have a role in T‐cell selection, we reassessed the utility of GR2KO mice to study the role of the GR in this process. Here, we show that GR‐mediated repression of TCR signalling is impaired in GR2KO T cells in terms of TCR‐induced activation, proliferation and cytokine production. GC‐induced apoptosis was largely abolished in peripheral T cells, and induction of the GC‐responsive molecule, interleukin‐7 receptor, was also severely reduced in GR2KO thymocytes. Together, these data strongly re‐affirm conclusions derived from earlier studies of these mice that the GR is not obligatory for normal T‐cell selection.
An on-chip coupled resonator optical waveguide single-photon buffer
Authors: Takesue Hiroki , Matsuda Nobuyuki , Kuramochi Eiichi , Munro William J. , Notomi Masaya
Published: November 2013

Integrated quantum optical circuits are now seen as one of the most promising approaches with which to realize single-photon quantum information processing. Many of the core elements for such circuits have been realized, including sources, gates and detectors. However, a significant missing function necessary for photonic quantum information processing on-chip is a buffer, where single photons are stored for a short period of time to facilitate circuit synchronization. Here we report an on-chip single-photon buffer based on coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW) consisting of 400 high-Q photonic crystal line-defect nanocavities. By using the CROW, a pulsed single photon is successfully buffered for 150 ps with 50-ps tunability while maintaining its non-classical properties. Furthermore, we show that our buffer preserves entanglement by storing and retrieving one photon from a time-bin entangled state. This is a significant step towards an all-optical integrated quantum information processor.
Efficient Spin Injection into Silicon and the Role of the Schottky Barrier
Authors: Dankert André , Dulal Ravi S. , Dash Saroj P.
Published: November 2013

Implementing spin functionalities in Si and understanding the fundamental processes of spin injection and detection, are the main challenges in spintronics. Here we demonstrate large spin polarizations at room temperature, 34% in n-type and 10% in p-type degenerate Si bands, using a narrow Schottky and a SiO2 tunnel barrier in a direct tunneling regime. Furthermore, by increasing the width of the Schottky barrier in non-degenerate p-type Si, we observed a systematic sign reversal of the Hanle signal in the low bias regime. This dramatic change in the spin injection and detection processes with increased Schottky barrier resistance may be due to a decoupling of the spins in the interface states from the bulk band of Si, yielding a transition from a direct to a localized state assisted tunneling. Our study provides a deeper insight into the spin transport phenomenon, which should be considered for electrical spin injection into any semiconductor.