bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moments of the transmission eigenvalues, proper delay times and random matrix theory II
Authors: Mezzadri F. , Simm N. J.
Published: May 2012

We systematically study the first three terms in the asymptotic expansions of the moments of the transmission eigenvalues and proper delay times as the number of quantum channels n in the leads goes to infinity. The computations are based on the assumption that the Landauer-Büttiker scattering matrix for chaotic ballistic cavities can be modelled by the circular ensembles of random matrix theory. The starting points are the finite-n formulae that we recently discovered [F. Mezzadri and N. J. Simm, “Moments of the transmission eigenvalues, proper delay times and random matrix theory,” J. Math. Phys. 52, 103511 (2011)]10.1063/1.3644378. Our analysis includes all the symmetry classes β ∈ {1, 2, 4}; in addition, it applies to the transmission eigenvalues of Andreev billiards, whose symmetry classes were classified by Zirnbauer [“Riemannian symmetric superspaces and their origin in random-matrix theory,” J. Math. Phys. 37(10), 4986 (1996)]10.1063/1.531675 and Altland and Zirnbauer [“Random matrix theory of a chaotic Andreev quantum dot,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 76(18), 3420 (1996)10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.3420; Altland and Zirnbauer “Nonstandard symmetry classes in mesoscopic normal-superconducting hybrid structures,” Phys. Rev. B 55(2), 1142 (1997)]10.1103/PhysRevB.55.1142. Where applicable, our results are in complete agreement with the semiclassical theory of mesoscopic systems developed by Berkolaiko et al. [“Full counting statistics of chaotic cavities from classical action correlations,” J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 41(36), 365102 (2008)]10.1088/1751-8113/41/36/365102 and Berkolaiko and Kuipers [“Moments of the Wigner delay times,” J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 43(3), 035101 (2010)10.1088/1751-8113/43/3/035101; Berkolaiko and Kuipers “Transport moments beyond the leading order,” New J. Phys. 13(6), 063020 (2011)]10.1088/1367-2630/13/6/063020. Our approach also applies to the Selberg-like integrals. We calculate the first two terms in their asymptotic expansion explicitly.
Spin densities from subsystem density-functional theory: Assessment and application to a photosynthetic reaction center complex model
Authors: Solovyeva Alisa , Pavanello Michele , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: May 2012

Subsystem density-functional theory (DFT) is a powerful and efficient alternative to Kohn–Sham DFT for large systems composed of several weakly interacting subunits. Here, we provide a systematic investigation of the spin-density distributions obtained in subsystem DFT calculations for radicals in explicit environments. This includes a small radical in a solvent shell, a π-stacked guanine–thymine radical cation, and a benchmark application to a model for the special pair radical cation, which is a dimer of bacteriochlorophyll pigments, from the photosynthetic reaction center of purple bacteria. We investigate the differences in the spin densities resulting from subsystem DFT and Kohn–Sham DFT calculations. In these comparisons, we focus on the problem of overdelocalization of spin densities due to the self-interaction error in DFT. It is demonstrated that subsystem DFT can reduce this problem, while it still allows to describe spin-polarization effects crossing the boundaries of the subsystems. In practical calculations of spin densities for radicals in a given environment, it may thus be a pragmatic alternative to Kohn–Sham DFT calculations. In our calculation on the special pair radical cation, we show that the coordinating histidine residues reduce the spin-density asymmetry between the two halves of this system, while inclusion of a larger binding pocket model increases this asymmetry. The unidirectional energy transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers is related to the asymmetry introduced by the protein environment.
Classification of bi-qutrit positive partial transpose entangled edge states by their ranks
Authors: Kye Seung-Hyeok , Osaka Hiroyuki
Published: May 2012

We construct 3 ⊗ 3 PPT entangled edge states with maximal ranks, to complete the classification of 3 ⊗ 3 PPT entangled edge states by their types. The ranks of the states and their partial transposes are 8 and 6, respectively. These examples also disprove claims in the literature.
In situ magnetic force microscope studies of magnetization reversal of interaction domains in hot deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets
Authors: Thielsch J. , Stopfel H. , Wolff U. , Neu V. , Woodcock T. G. , Güth K. , Schultz L. , Gutfleisch O.
Published: May 2012

A hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B sample has been chosen for the investigation of interaction domains by means of magnetic force microscopy. During the imaging process, a magnetic field of up to 6 T was applied in situ along the easy axis of magnetization. The thermally demagnetized state presents a regular pattern of interaction domains with an average width of about 1 μm but with a much larger length scale. Starting from the thermally demagnetized state, magnetization along the initial magnetization curve occurs via sequential switching of neighboring grain columns at the peripheries of the interaction domains. Demagnetization of a saturated sample takes place through the nucleation and expansion of a patchy domain pattern with a much larger extension and a substructure in the lateral range of the underlying grain size. Reversal processes under an applied magnetic field also take place at the borders of the domains.
Room temperature structural, morphological, and enhanced ferroelectromagnetic properties of xBa0.7Ca0.3TiO3−(1−x)BaFe0.2Ti0.8O3 multiferroic composites
Authors: Puli V. S. , Coondoo I. , Panwar N. , Srinivas A. , Katiyar R. S.
Published: May 2012

Iron substituted barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) has been found to exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature [Xu et al., Phys. Rev. B 79, 134109 (2009)]. However, ferroelectric properties of Fe-doped BT are not as pronounced as those of pure BT. It happens because iron doping causes hexagonal phase formation which inhibits ferroelectricity. We observed enhanced ferroelectric properties in x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3/(1−x)Ba(Fe0.2Ti0.8)O3 [(BCT-BFT) where x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20] composites while maintaining the ferromagnetic characteristics. Structural and morphological studies reveal that composite with low content of BCT possesses dominating hexagonal phase, whereas tetragonal phase is more prominent in composite with higher BCT concentration. Such composite systems with enhanced ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behavior may be useful for room temperature multiferroic devices.
Structural and magnetic properties of N doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Jindal Kajal , Tomar Monika , Katiyar R. S. , Gupta Vinay
Published: May 2012

Experimental investigations and first-principle calculations based on density functional theory are effectively combined to shed light on origin of room temperature ferromagnetism in nitrogen doped ZnO (ZnO:N) based intrinsic dilute magnetic semiconductors. ZnO:N thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition show a well defined M-H hysteresis loop at room temperature, reflecting ferromagnetic behavior in contrast to undoped ZnO thin films grown under the same processing condition. Isotropic behavior of magnetism in ZnO:N reveals the dominant contribution of N incorporation on the magnetism and is attributed to p-p interaction between nitrogen and neighboring oxygen atoms having potential for room temperature spintronic applications.
Formation and transformation of embedded GaN nanocrystals
Authors: Wood A. W. , Collino R. R. , Wang P. T. , Wang Y. Q. , Goldman R. S.
Published: May 2012

We have investigated the nucleation, growth and transformation of nitride nanostructures synthesized by nitrogen ion implantation into GaAs, followed by thermal annealing. High energy implantation into GaAs thin films results in the formation of a nitrogen-rich amorphous layer, with crystalline remnants. Subsequent annealing leads to the formation of polycrystalline zincblende and/or wurtzite GaN nanocrystals. We discuss the role of annealing time and temperature on nanocrystal nucleation and growth and present a time-temperature-transformation diagram that describes the nucleation of zincblende GaN and its subsequent transformation to wurtzite GaN.
Hybrid coupled cluster methods: Combining active space coupled cluster methods with coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples
Authors: Kou Zhuangfei , Shen Jun , Xu Enhua , Li Shuhua
Published: May 2012

Based on the coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and a hybrid treatment of triples (CCSD(T)-h) method developed by us [J. Shen, E. Xu, Z. Kou, and S. Li, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 114115 (2010)10.1063/1.3359851; J. Shen, E. Xu, Z. Kou, and S. Li, J. Chem. Phys. 133, 234106 (2010)10.1063/1.3518100; J. Shen, E. Xu, Z. Kou, and S. Li, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 044134 (2011)10.1063/1.3541250], we developed and implemented a new hybrid coupled cluster (CC) method, named CCSD(T)q-h, by combining CC singles and doubles, and active triples and quadruples (CCSDtq) with CCSD(T) to deal with the electronic structures of molecules with significant multireference character. These two hybrid CC methods can be solved with non-canonical and canonical MOs. With canonical MOs, the CCSD(T)-like equations in these two methods can be solved directly without iteration so that the storage of all triple excitation amplitudes can be avoided. A practical procedure to divide canonical MOs into active and inactive subsets is proposed. Numerical calculations demonstrated that CCSD(T)-h with canonical MOs can well reproduce the corresponding results obtained with non-canonical MOs. For three atom exchange reactions, we found that CCSD(T)-h can offer a significant improvement over the popular CCSD(T) method in describing the reaction barriers. For the bond-breaking processes in F2 and H2O, our calculations demonstrated that CCSD(T)q-h is a good approximation to CCSDTQ over the entire bond dissociation processes.
Auxiliary ECR heating system for the gas dynamic trap
Authors: Shalashov A. G. , Gospodchikov E. D. , Smolyakova O. B. , Bagryansky P. A. , Malygin V. I. , Thumm M.
Published: May 2012

Physics aspects of a new system for electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) at the magnetic mirror device Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT, Budker Institute, Novosibirsk) are discussed. This system based on two 400 kW/54.5 GHz gyrotrons is aimed at increasing the electron temperature up to the range 250–350 eV for improved energy confinement of hot ions. The key physical issue of the GDT magnetic field topology is that conventional ECRH geometries are not accessible. The proposed solution is based on a peculiar effect of radiation trapping in inhomogeneous magnetized plasma. Under specific conditions, oblique launch of gyrotron radiation results in generation of right-hand-polarized (R) electromagnetic waves propagating with high N|| in the vicinity of the cyclotron resonance layer, which leads to effective single-pass absorption of the injected microwave power. In the present paper, we investigate numerically an optimized ECRH scenario based on the proposed mechanism of wave propagation and discuss the design of the ECRH system, which is currently under construction at the Budker Institute.
High performance solution-deposited amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide thin film transistors by oxygen plasma treatment
Authors: Nayak Pradipta K. , Hedhili M. N. , Cha Dongkyu , Alshareef H. N.
Published: May 2012

Solution-deposited amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) with high performance were fabricated using O2-plasma treatment of the films prior to high temperature annealing. The O2-plasma treatment resulted in a decrease in oxygen vacancy and residual hydrocarbon concentration in the a-IGZO films, as well as an improvement in the dielectric/channel interfacial roughness. As a result, the TFTs with O2-plasma treated a-IGZO channel layers showed three times higher linear field-effect mobility compared to the untreated a-IGZO over a range of processing temperatures. The O2-plasma treatment effectively reduces the required processing temperature of solution-deposited a-IGZO films to achieve the required performance.
Temperature and concentration-dependent relaxation of ferrofluids characterized with a high-Tc SQUID-based nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
Authors: Yang Hong-Chang , Liu Chieh-Wen , Liao S. H. , Chen Hsin-Hsien , Chen M. J. , Chen K. L. , Horng Herng-Er , Yang S. Y. , Wang L. M.
Published: May 2012

We investigated the relaxation of protons in magnetic fluids using a high-Tc SQUID magnetometer. It was found that the longitudinal relaxation rate, 1/T1, is slower than the transverse relaxation rate, 1/T2, for ferrofluids in the same field. This is due to the fact that the 1/T1 process involves returning the magnetization to the z-direction, which automatically involves the loss of magnetization in the x-y plane governed by the 1/T2 process. Additionally, 1/T1 and 1/T2 at high temperatures are slower than the corresponding relaxation rates at low temperatures, which is due to the enhanced Brownian motion of nanoparticles at high temperatures.
Note: Response characteristics of the sensor based on LaF3 thin film to different humidified gases
Authors: Sun Guoliang , Wang Hairong , Jiang Zhuangde , Guan Cheng , Zhang Bike
Published: May 2012

Electromotive force (EMF) transient curves presented that the sensor showed good repeatable response in the humidity environments using ambient atmosphere as the carrier gas at different temperatures. The 90% response time and recovery time were within 40 s and 50 s, respectively. The sensor also presented stable response characteristics in 75.1% RH and 83.6% RH humidity environments using N2, 5% O2, and 50% O2 as the carrier gases, respectively. The EMF always increased with the partial pressure of oxygen in certain relative humidity. However, the ΔEMF was decreased with the increase of O2 content in the carrier gas under the condition of the variation of relative humidity from 75.1% to 83.6%. These phenomena revealed that the sensor was sensitive to water vapor without oxygen in the sample gas and too much water vapor had adverse effect on the response to oxygen. Non-Nernst behavior of the sensor was discussed in detail.
Equation of state of charged colloidal suspensions and its dependence on the thermodynamic route
Authors: Colla Thiago E. , dos Santos Alexandre P. , Levin Yan
Published: May 2012

The thermodynamic properties of highly charged colloidal suspensions in contact with a salt reservoir are investigated in the framework of the renormalized Jellium model (RJM). It is found that the equation of state is very sensitive to the particular thermodynamic route used to obtain it. Specifically, the osmotic pressure calculated within the RJM using the contact value theorem can be very different from the pressure calculated using the Kirkwood-Buff fluctuation relations. On the other hand, Monte Carlo simulations show that both the effective pair potentials and the correlation functions are accurately predicted by the RJM. It is suggested that the lack of self-consistency in the thermodynamics of the RJM is a result of neglected electrostatic correlations between the counterions and coions.
Shot noise suppression in InGaAs/InGaAsP quantum channels
Authors: Nishihara Yoshitaka , Nakamura Shuji , Kobayashi Kensuke , Ono Teruo , Kohda Makoto , Nitta Junsaku
Published: May 2012

We have measured the shot noise in a quantum point contact (QPC) fabricated by using InGaAs/InGaAsP heterostructure, whose conductance can be electrically tuned by the gate voltages. The reduced shot noise is observed when the QPC conductance equals to N(2e2/h) (N = 4, 5, and 6), which is the direct experimental evidence of the coherent quantized channel formation in the QPC. The deviation of the observed Fano factor from the theory is explained by the electron heating effect generated at the QPC.
Structural and optical properties of Cu-doped CdTe films with hexagonal phase grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: de Moure-Flores F. , Quiñones-Galván J. G. , Guillén-Cervantes A. , Santoyo-Salazar J. , Hernández-Hernández A. , Olvera M. de la L. , Zapata-Torres M. , Meléndez-Lira M.
Published: May 2012

Cu-doped CdTe thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on Corning glass substrates using powders as target. Films were deposited at substrate temperatures ranging from 100 to 300 °C. The X-ray diffraction shows that both the Cu-doping and the increase in the substrate temperature promote the presence of the hexagonal CdTe phase. For a substrate temperature of 300 °C a CdTe:Cu film with hexagonal phase was obtained. Raman and EDS analysis indicate that the films grew with an excess of Te, which indicates that CdTe:Cu films have p-type conductivity.
Recording supervision: Educational, therapeutic, and enhances the supervisory working alliance?
Authors: North Graham Joseph
Published: May 2012

Aims: To explore the impact of listening to an audio‐recording of their latest supervision session on supervisees. Method: Participants recorded a supervision session, listened to it and were interviewed about this experience of listening to it within seven days of listening to the recording. The phenomenological interviews informed by the researcher's knowledge were analysed using grounded theory. Participants: Fifteen participants with 0–20 years’ experience, representing person‐centred, CBT, psychodynamic and integrative approaches, and qualifications ranging from student to doctorate formed the theoretical sample. Findings: Listening to the audio‐recording allowed participants to re‐experience their thoughts and emotions. Participants recalled and re‐experienced events which had been forgotten, unnoticed or (arguably) repressed. This re‐experiencing was usually less emotive than in real‐time; but suppressed emotions could be more intense. As participants integrated both these noticed and unnoticed events, they were able to accept what had been unacceptable, gaining self‐awareness, which was potentially therapeutic. Noticing what had been unnoticed permitted insights into many aspects of therapy and supervision, which was more than just ‘reflection‐on‐action’. Conclusion: Listening to an audio‐recording of the latest supervision may be educational for any supervisee; it may be therapeutic by facilitating challenge of maladaptive beliefs and behaviours; and it also seems to strengthen the supervisory working alliance.
Acetylation of the SUN protein Mps3 by Eco1 regulates its function in nuclear organization
Authors: Ghosh Suman , Gardner Jennifer M. , Smoyer Christine J. , Friederichs Jennifer M. , Unruh Jay R. , Slaughter Brian D. , Alexander Richard , Chisholm Robert D. , Lee Kenneth K. , Workman Jerry L. , Jaspersen Sue L.
Published: May 2012

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUN-domain protein Mps3 is required for duplication of the yeast centrosome-equivalent organelle, the spindle pole body (SPB), and it is involved in multiple aspects of nuclear organization, including telomere tethering and gene silencing at the nuclear membrane, establishment of sister chromatid cohesion, and repair of certain types of persistent DNA double-stranded breaks. How these diverse SUN protein functions are regulated is unknown. Here we show that the Mps3 N-terminus is a substrate for the acetyltransferase Eco1/Ctf7 in vitro and in vivo and map the sites of acetylation to three lysine residues adjacent to the Mps3 transmembrane domain. Mutation of these residues shows that acetylation is not essential for growth, SPB duplication, or distribution in the nuclear membrane. However, analysis of nonacetylatable mps3 mutants shows that this modification is required for accurate sister chromatid cohesion and for chromosome recruitment to the nuclear membrane. Acetylation of Mps3 by Eco1 is one of the few regulatory mechanisms known to control nuclear organization.
The Msb3/Gyp3 GAP controls the activity of the Rab GTPases Vps21 and Ypt7 at endosomes and vacuoles
Authors: Lachmann Jens , Barr Francis A. , Ungermann Christian
Published: May 2012

Fusion of organelles in the endomembrane system depends on Rab GTPases that interact with tethering factors before lipid bilayer mixing. In yeast, the Rab5 GTPase Vps21 controls fusion and membrane dynamics between early and late endosomes. Here we identify Msb3/Gyp3 as a specific Vps21 GTPase-activating protein (GAP). Loss of Msb3 results in an accumulation of Vps21 and one of its effectors Vps8, a subunit of the CORVET complex, at the vacuole membrane in vivo. In agreement, Msb3 forms a specific transition complex with Vps21, has the highest activity of all recombinant GAPs for Vps21 in vitro, and is found at vacuoles despite its predominant localization to bud tips and bud necks at the plasma membrane. Surprisingly, Msb3 also inhibits vacuole fusion, which can be rescued by the Ypt7 GDP–GTP exchange factor (GEF), the Mon1–Ccz1 complex. Consistently, msb3∆ vacuoles fuse more efficiently than wild-type vacuoles in vitro, suggesting that GAP can also act on Ypt7. Our data indicate that GAPs such as Msb3 can act on multiple substrates in vivo at both ends of a trafficking pathway. This ensures specificity of the subsequent GEF-mediated activation of the Rab that initiates the next transport event.
Explaining the Evolution of Poverty: The Case of Mozambique
Authors: Arndt Channing , Hussain M. Azhar , Jones E. Samuel , Nhate Virgulino , Tarp Finn , Thurlow James
Published: May 2012

We provide a comprehensive approach for analyzing the evolution of poverty using Mozambique as a case study. Bringing together data from disparate sources, we develop a novel “back‐casting” framework that links a dynamic computable general equilibrium model to a micro‐simulation poverty module. This framework provides a new approach to explaining and decomposing the evolution of poverty, as well as to examining rigorously the coherence between poverty, economic growth, and inequality outcomes. Finally, various simple but useful and rarely‐applied approaches to considering regional changes in poverty rates are presented.
IRView: a database and viewer for protein interacting regions
Authors: Fujimori Shigeo , Hirai Naoya , Masuoka Kazuyo , Oshikubo Tomohiro , Yamashita Tatsuhiro , Washio Takanori , Saito Ayumu , Nagasaki Masao , Miyano Satoru , Miyamoto-Sato Etsuko
Published: May 2012

Summary: Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are mediated through specific regions on proteins. Some proteins have two or more protein interacting regions (IRs) and some IRs are competitively used for interactions with different proteins. IRView currently contains data for 3417 IRs in human and mouse proteins. The data were obtained from different sources and combined with annotated region data from InterPro. Information on non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism sites and variable regions owing to alternative mRNA splicing is also included. The IRView web interface displays all IR data, including user-uploaded data, on reference sequences so that the positional relationship between IRs can be easily understood. IRView should be useful for analyzing underlying relationships between the proteins behind the PPI networks.

Availability: IRView is publicly available on the web at http://ir.hgc.jp/.

Contact:  nekoneko@ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Regulation of the transforming growth factor β pathway by reversible ubiquitylation
Authors: Al-Salihi Mazin A. , Herhaus Lina , Sapkota Gopal P.
Published: May 2012

The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling pathway plays a central role during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. It regulates gene transcription through a signalling cascade from cell surface receptors to intracellular SMAD transcription factors and their nuclear cofactors. The extent, duration and potency of signalling in response to TGFβ cytokines are intricately regulated by complex biochemical processes. The corruption of these regulatory processes results in aberrant TGFβ signalling and leads to numerous human diseases, including cancer. Reversible ubiquitylation of pathway components is a key regulatory process that plays a critical role in ensuring a balanced response to TGFβ signals. Many studies have investigated the mechanisms by which various E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate the turnover and activity of TGFβ pathway components by ubiquitylation. Moreover, recent studies have shed new light into their regulation by deubiquitylating enzymes. In this report, we provide an overview of current understanding of the regulation of TGFβ signalling by E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitylases.
Local Delivery of Growth Factors Using Coated Suture Material
Authors: Fuchs T. F. , Surke C. , Stange R. , Quandte S. , Wildemann B. , Raschke M. J. , Schmidmaier G.
Published: May 2012

The optimization of healing processes in a wide range of tissues represents a central point for surgical research. One approach is to stimulate healing processes with growth factors. These substances have a short half-life and therefore it seems useful to administer these substances locally rather than systemically. One possible method of local delivery is to incorporate growth factors into a bioabsorbable poly (D, L-lactide) suspension (PDLLA) and coat suture material. The aim of the present study was to establish a procedure for the local delivery of growth factors using coated suture material. Sutures coated with growth factors were tested in an animal model. Anastomoses of the colon were created in a rat model using monofilament sutures. These were either untreated or coated with PDLLA coating alone or coated with PDLLA incorporating insulin—like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The anastomoses were subjected to biomechanical, histological, and immunohistochemical examination. After 3 days the treated groups showed a significantly greater capacity to withstand biomechanical stress than the control groups. This finding was supported by the results of the histomorphometric. The results of the study indicate that it is possible to deliver bioactive growth factors locally using PDLLA coated suture material. Healing processes can thus be stimulated locally without subjecting the whole organism to potentially damaging high systemic doses.
Activation ofβ-Adrenoceptors by Dobutamine May Induce a Higher Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorsδ(PPARδ) in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chou Ming-Ting , Lo Shih-Hsiang , Cheng Kai-Chun , Li Yin-Xiao , Chen Li-Jen , Cheng Juei-Tang
Published: May 2012

Recent evidence showed the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in cardiac function. Cardiac contraction induced by various agents is critical in restoring the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorsδ(PPARδ) in cardiac myopathy. Because dobutamine is an agent widely used to treat heart failure in emergency setting, this study is aimed to investigate the change of PPARδin response to dobutamine. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to examine the effects of dobutamine on PPARδexpression levels and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) phosphorylation via Western blotting analysis. We show that treatment with dobutamine increased PPARδexpression and cTnI phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. These increases were blocked by the antagonist ofβ1-adrenoceptors. Also, the action of dobutamine was related to the increase of calcium ions and diminished by chelating intracellular calcium. Additionally, dobutamine-induced action was reduced by the inhibition of downstream messengers involved in this calcium-related pathway. Moreover, deletion of PPARδusing siRNA generated the reduction of cTnI phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes treated with dobutamine. Thus, we concluded that PPARδis increased by dobutamine in cardiac cells.
Imaging Review of Skeletal Tumors of the Pelvis—Part I: Benign Tumors of the Pelvis
Authors: Girish Gandikota , Finlay Karen , Morag Yoav , Brandon Catherine , Jacobson Jon , Jamadar David
Published: May 2012

The osseous pelvis is a well-recognized site of origin of numerous primary and secondary musculoskeletal tumors. The radiologic evaluation of a pelvic lesion often begins with the plain film and proceeds to computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and possibly biopsy. Each of these modalities, with inherent advantages and disadvantages, has a role in the workup of pelvic osseous masses. Clinical history and imaging characteristics can significantly narrow the broad differential diagnosis for osseous pelvic lesions. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the radiologist with the presentation and appearance of some of the common benign neoplasms of the osseous pelvis and share our experience and approach in diagnosing these lesions.
Investigating Violence and Control Dyadically in a Help-Seeking Sample from Mozambique
Authors: Graham-Kevan Nicola , Zacarias Antonio Eugenio , Soares Joaquim J. F.
Published: May 2012

A sample of 1442 women attending a Forensic Healthcare Service provided information on their own and their partners' use of controlling behaviors, partner violence, and sexual abuse, as well as their own experiences of childhood abuse. Using Johnson's typology, the relationships were categorized as Nonviolent, Intimate Terrorism, or Situational Couple Violence. Findings suggest that help-seeking women’s experiences of intimate violence may be diverse, with their roles ranging from victim to perpetrator.
Post-acquisition release of glutamate and norepinephrine in the amygdala is involved in taste-aversion memory consolidation
Authors: Guzmán-Ramos Kioko , Osorio-Gómez Daniel , Moreno-Castilla Perla , Bermúdez-Rattoni Federico
Published: May 2012

Amygdala activity mediates the acquisition and consolidation of emotional experiences; we have recently shown that post-acquisition reactivation of this structure is necessary for the long-term storage of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). However, the specific neurotransmitters involved in such reactivation are not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate extracellular changes of glutamate, norepinephrine, and dopamine within the rat amygdala using in vivo microdialysis during the acquisition and 1-h post-acquisition of CTA paradigm. Microdialysis monitoring showed a significant norepinephrine increase related to novel taste exposure and a glutamate increase after gastric malaise induction by i.p. LiCl administration. Interestingly, we found a spontaneous concomitant increase of glutamate and norepinephrine, but not dopamine, 45 min after conditioning, suggesting the presence of aversive learning-dependent post-acquisition signals in the amygdala. These signals seem to be involved in CTA consolidation process, since post-trial blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate or β-adrenergic receptors impaired long- but not short-term memory. These data suggest that CTA long-term storage involves post-acquisition release of glutamate and norepinephrine in the amygdala.
Aripiprazole salts. II. Aripiprazole perchlorate
Authors: Freire Eleonora , Polla Griselda , Baggio Ricardo
Published: May 2012

The molecular structure of aripiprazole perchlorate (systematic name: 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-{4-[(2-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-7-yl)oxy]butyl}piperazin-1-ium perchlorate), C23H28Cl2N3O2+·ClO4−, does not differ substantially from the recently published structure of aripiprazole nitrate [Freire, Polla & Baggio (2012).Acta Cryst.C68, o170–o173]. Both compounds have almost identical bond distances, bond angles and torsion angles. The two different counter-ions occupy equivalent places in the two structures, giving rise to very similar first-order `packing motifs'. However, these elemental arrangements interact with each other in different ways in the two structures, leading to two-dimensional arrays with quite different organizations.
Irrigation but not N fertilization enhances seedhead density in plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii)
Authors: Palit R. , Cahill J. F. , Lamb E. G.
Published: May 2012

Plains rough fescue (
F

estuca hallii) is an important forage grass species in western Canada. Seed for use in pastures and ecological restoration is in high demand but supply is limited because F. hallii is an erratic seed producer. Seed producers require an understanding of the factors that influence flowering and seed set in this species. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the flowering and growth of F. hallii in a native rough fescue prairie in Alberta, Canada. Irrigation had a strong positive effect on seedhead density, whereas fertilization had limited effects on growth and reproduction of F. hallii. These results demonstrate that under field conditions, available moisture is likely to be a key factor driving flowering and seed production in F. hallii.
NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale Profiles Predict Developmental Outcomes in a Low‐Risk Sample
Authors: Sucharew Heidi , Khoury Jane C. , Xu Yingying , Succop Paul , Yolton Kimberly
Published: May 2012

Sucharew H, Khoury JC, Xu Y, Succop P, Yolton K. NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale profiles predict developmental outcomes in a low‐risk sample. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; ••: ••–••.

Background:  Latent profile analysis (LPA) has been used previously to classify neurobehavioral responses of infants prenatally exposed to cocaine and other drugs of abuse. The objective of this study was to define NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) profile response patterns in a cohort of infants with no known cocaine exposure or other risks for neurobehavior deficits, and determine whether these profiles predict neurobehavioral outcomes in these low‐risk infants.

Methods:  NNNS exams were performed on 355 low‐risk infants at approximately 5 weeks after birth. LPA was used to define discrete profiles based on the standard NNNS summary scales. Associations between the infant profiles and neurobehavioral outcomes at one to three years of age were examined.

Results:  Twelve of the 13 summary scales were used and three discrete NNNS profiles identified: social/easy going infants (44%), hypotonic infants (24%), and high arousal/difficult infants (32%). Statistically significant associations between NNNS profiles and later neurobehavioral outcomes were found for psychomotor development and externalizing behaviors. Hypotonic infants had both lower psychomotor development and lower externalizing scores compared to the other two profiles.

Conclusions:  Three distinct profiles of the NNNS summary scores were identifiable using LPA among infants with no known cocaine exposure. These profile patterns were associated with early childhood neurobehavioral outcome, similar to findings reported in a study of infants with substantial cocaine exposure, demonstrating the utility of this profiling technique in both exposed and unexposed populations.
The Relationship Between Maximal Exercise‐Induced Increases in Serum IL‐6, MPO and MMP‐9 Concentrations
Authors: Reihmane D. , Jurka A. , Tretjakovs P.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise would induce inflammatory response characterized by increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines – interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), adhesion molecule, matrix metalloprotease‐9 (MMP‐9) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional aim was to elucidate the possible source of maximal exercise‐induced increase in MMP‐9 concentration. To examine our hypothesis, 26 professional male ice hockey players [age 25 ± 1 (mean ± SEM) years; BMI 25.8 ± 0.4 kg/m2] performed an incremental bicycle test until exhaustion, when maximal oxygen consumption was recorded. Venous blood samples were collected 30 min before and 2 min after exercise. There was an increase in the count of leucocytes (8.7 ± 1.8 versus 5.7 ± 1.3 × 109 cells per l) and IL‐6 (1.24 ± 0.17 versus 0.69 ± 0.13 pg/ml), MPO (72 ± 7 versus 50 ± 4 ng/ml) and MPP‐9 (139 ± 9 versus 110 ± 6 ng/ml) concentrations (P < 0.05) comparing post‐ and pre‐exercise levels. Maximal exercise‐induced increase in MPO correlated with the increases in IL‐6 (P < 0.05, R = 0.54) and MMP‐9 (P < 0.01, R = 0.62) concentrations. Furthermore, increase in IL‐6 correlated with the increase in MMP‐9 concentrations (P < 0.05, R = 0.60). Maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by leucocytosis and increased IL‐6, MPO and MMP‐9 concentrations. Correlations between increased MPO (marker of neutrophils degranulation) and both increased IL‐6 and MMP‐9 concentrations may suggest that neutrophils could be the main source of these inflammatory biomarkers during maximal exercise. Furthermore, correlation between increases in serum IL‐6 and MMP‐9 concentrations may suggest that IL‐6 could exert modulatory effects on MMP‐9 release during maximal exercise.
Rainfall Harvesting and Mulches Combination for Corn Production in the Subhumid Areas Prone to Drought of China
Authors: Xiaoli C. , Pute W. , Xining Z. , Xiaolong R. , Zhikuan J.
Published: May 2012

A field study was conducted to determine the effect of a combination of the plastic‐covered ridge and furrow rainwater harvesting (PRFRH) with different mulching materials, namely, 0.08‐mm‐thick plastic film (T1), 10‐cm‐thick corn straw (T2), 8 % biodegradable film (T3), liquid film (T4), bare furrow (T5) and conventional flat (CF), on corn production, soil water storage and water use efficiency (WUE) in the subhumid areas prone to drought of China (SAPDC). The T1–T5plots at 0–100 cm depth had higher (P < 0.05) soil water storage than CF, while at 100–200 cm soil layer there was no difference (P > 0.05) among treatments. The T1–T4plots produced 209–1 107 kg ha−1more grain yields than the T5plots. Meanwhile, almost all treatments had WUE over 2 kg m−3. The order of WUE increase among different mulch treatments was as follows: T3 > T1 > T2 > T4. In the case of environmental and economic feasibility, a combination of the PRFRH system with biodegradable film and straw mulches would be an option with high potential to increase crop sustainability in dry land farming systems and can be adopted in many areas without irrigation capability.
Expression and activity of epithelial sodium channel in hyperoxia‐induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonatal rats
Authors: Ji Weihua , Fu Jianhua , Nie Hongguang , Xue Xindong
Published: May 2012

Background:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and activity of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in hyperoxia‐induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in neonatal rats.

Methods:  Neonatal rats were exposed to hyperoxia to establish BPD models (control group was exposed to air), lung water was measured and Western blot was applied to detect the expression of three homologous subunits: α‐, β‐ and γ‐ENaC in the lung tissues. Furthermore, ATII cells were isolated from neonatal rats, and primarily cultured under normoxic or hyperoxic conditions. The ENaC expression was also examined in these cells. In addition, the amiloride‐sensitive Na+ currents induced by hyperoxia were recorded using the whole‐cell patch clamp technique.

Results:  The α‐ENaC expression was increased after 5 days of hyperoxia in rat lung tissues, whereas not after 1, 3 and 7 days. ATII cells showed α‐ENaC expression was reduced after 1 and 2 days' hyperoxia, but no change after 3 days. In contrast, β‐ and γ‐ENaC expression was increased after hyperoxia in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The amiloride‐sensitive Na+ currents in hyperoxia‐exposed ATII cells were also increased, which was consistent with the upregulated expression of β‐ and γ‐ENaC.

Conclusion:  Hyperoxia upregulates the expression of ENaC, especially β‐ and γ‐ENaC subunits, in both neonatal rat lung tissues and ATII cells. Hyperoxia also enhanced the activity of ENaC in neonatal rat ATII cells. Dysfunctional transport of Na+ may not be a key factor involving pulmonary edema at the early stage of BPD.
Ferritin and hyperactivity ratings in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Oner Pinar , Oner Ozgur , Azik Fatih M. , Cop Esra , Munir Kerim M
Published: May 2012

Background:  Iron is a co‐factor of tyrosine hydroxylase which is a critical enzyme in dopamine synthesis. Dopamine has been implicated in the pathophysiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our objective was to investigate the association of ferritin level with parent and teacher ratings and cognitive measures after controlling for age, sex, ADHD subtype, comorbid conditions, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and reticulocyte distribution width in a large sample.

Methods:  The study included 713 children and adolescents with ADHD (613 boys; age 7–15 years). Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS) were obtained. In a subgroup of patients we conducted Digit Span, Digit Symbol, Trail‐making Tests as measures of attention and executive functioning.

Results:  Multiple regression analysis indicated that CPRS Hyperactivity score was significantly associated with ferritin level (B =−0.12; t =−3.1; P < 0.01). Other CPRS and CTRS scores as well as cognitive measures were not associated with ferritin level.

Conclusions:  Although it is not possible to make an inference on causality in cross‐sectional studies, the results of this largest‐scale cross‐sectional field study to date suggest that lower ferritin level might be associated with parent‐reported hyperactivity after controlling for important confounding factors.
Child psychiatric consultation to pediatric inpatient services in Thailand
Authors: Ularntinon Sirirat
Published: May 2012

Children with medical illnesses have significant levels of comorbid psychopathology. To understand the concern, and the area that needs to be addressed, the practice of child psychiatric inpatient consultation at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Thailand was examined and appraised. Evaluation of the current practice pattern of psychiatric consultation is a crucial process in determining the next step of improving the quality of mental health care for sick children.
Towards a definition: what does ‘health promotion’ mean to speech and language therapists?
Authors: Ferguson Morag , Spence William
Published: May 2012

Background: As UK healthcare moves towards the ideals of prevention and enablement, health promotion is more commonly cited as an area of practice. In comparison with its allied health profession peers, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, the speech and language therapy profession has little evidence to demonstrate that it has explored what its members understand health promotion to mean or how they describe their current and future practice in relation to it.

Aims: To explore how speech and language therapists define health promotion and how they describe their current and future practice in relation to it.

Methods & Procedures: Individual, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 community‐based speech and language therapists. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive coding.

Outcomes & Results: Participants viewed health promotion as a complex entity representing the processes of education and enablement in relation to responsibility for speech, language and communication skills. Participants viewed health promotion as a means of maximizing the scarce resource they represented. The vast majority of activities described as being illustrative of health promotion in a speech and language therapy context were examples of educational interventions, e.g. training, information provision. Participants believed that the speech and language therapist's role will continue to develop in relation to health promotion and that this will have implications for future workforce preparation.

Conclusions & Implications: Participants viewed health promotion as both an educational, enabling process and as a strategy that maximizes the potential of speech and language therapy resources. Further research is indicated to develop professional consensus regarding the meaning of health promotion and to support a cohesive approach to workforce development in this area.
The pain‐free ward: myth or reality
Authors: Morton Neil S.
Published: May 2012

Over the last 25 years, pediatric care has changed dramatically with increased survival after premature birth, more complex care, better outcomes, and reduced mortality. There is a better understanding of how pain pathways and receptor systems develop and also how to assess pain at different stages of development. The myth that children do not feel pain has been comprehensively dispelled. Safe analgesic dose regimens for neonates, infants, and children have been developed based upon a better understanding of developmental pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. It is a myth that pain in children cannot be prevented or treated safely and effectively because of the risks of adverse effects and addiction. Large‐scale prospective audits have clarified the safety profile and risk–benefit balance for different techniques. There is now a substantial evidence base supporting many techniques of postoperative and procedural pain management for all age‐groups of children. Guidelines based upon systematic review of this evidence have been published and updated, but the real challenge is in implementation of accurate pain assessment and safe, effective pain management comprehensively to all children whatever the procedure, clinical setting, developmental stage of the child, or comorbidities. In developed countries, these are core topics in the education of all doctors and nurses who care for children, and they are integrated into clinical practice by acute pediatric pain teams for most hospitals. However, it is disappointing that many country’s healthcare systems do not give pediatric pain management a priority and in many parts of the world there are no analgesics available. So pain‐free healthcare is sadly lacking in many hospitals. My hope is that the current knowledge can be used more effectively to relieve the unnecessary suffering of children in the 21st century.
The future of pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Davidson Andrew
Published: May 2012

The future of pediatric anesthesia can be thought of in terms of what will happen to the practice of anesthesia, or what will happen to the profession of pediatric anesthesia. The profession will change both under external forces, and by how pediatric anesthetists themselves decide to shape of the profession. The largest external force is likely to be cost. The profession will increasingly be expected to maintain efficiency without compromising quality. Other future issues include credentialing, training and the role of the anesthetists beyond the operating room. It’s harder to predict how the practice of pediatric anesthesia might change. New drugs may change practice, though perhaps it’s more likely that practice will change with better use of existing drugs. New technologies will have an impact in monitoring and in the gathering and dissemination of information. Practice will also change with changes in surgery. Perhaps the biggest changes will come in areas with the greatest unknowns; neonatal anesthesia is an area with many unknowns and thus great potential for change and improvement.