bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Electron‐Beam Writing of Highly Conductive Wires in Functionalized Fullerene Films
Authors: Gibbons Francis P. , Manickam Mayandithevar , Preece Jon A. , Palmer Richard E. , Robinson Alex P. G.
Published: August 2009

This work demonstrates the patterning of thin films (≈25 nm) of a newly synthesized fullerene derivative by direct‐write electron‐beam lithography to produce highly conducting carbon microstructures. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy are used to characterize the resulting microstructure morphology, whilst the resistivities of the structures are probed using four‐point probe electrodes deposited on the microstructures by lift‐off. The microstructures have a resistivity of ≈9.5 × 10−3 Ω cm after exposure to an electron dose of 0.1 C cm−2. The method may have applications in the generation and electrical contacting of organic electronics, organic photovoltaics, and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices.
Modulation of DNA Polymerases with Gold Nanoparticles and their Applications in Hot‐Start PCR
Authors: Mi Lijuan , Wen Yanqin , Pan Dun , Wang Yanhong , Fan Chunhai , Hu Jun
Published: August 2009

A new gold‐nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based strategy to dynamically modulate the activity of DNA polymerases and realize a hot‐start (HS)‐like effect in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is reported, which effectively prevents unwanted nonspecific amplification and improves the performance of PCRs. A high‐fidelity Pfu DNA polymerase is employed as the model system. Interestingly, AuNPs inactivate the polymerase activity of Pfu at low temperature, thus resembling an antibody‐based HS PCR. This inhibition effect of AuNPs is demonstrated for the preamplification polymerization activity of the PCR, which largely suppresses nonspecific amplification at temperatures between 30 and 60 °C and leads to highly specific and sensitive PCR amplification with Pfu. Significantly, the fidelity of Pfu is not sacrificed in the presence of AuNPs. Therefore, this AuNP‐based HS strategy provides a straightforward and potentially versatile approach to realize high‐performance PCR amplification.
Scientific literacy, PISA, and socioscientific discourse: Assessment for progressive aims of science education
Authors: Sadler Troy D. , Zeidler Dana L.
Published: September 2009

In this article, we explore the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) with a lens informed by the socioscientific issues (SSI) movement. We consider the PISA definition of scientific literacy and how it is situated with respect to broader discussions of the aims of science education. We also present an overview of the SSI framework that has emerged in the science education community as a guide for research and practice. We then use this framework to support analysis of the PISA approach to assessment. The PISA and SSI approaches are seemingly well aligned when considering general aims. Both approaches emphasize preparing students for life and citizenship, complex reasoning and reflective practices, and robust understandings of the nature of science particularly as it is practiced in society. However, as the focus of comparison moves from the conceptual to more specific, the connections between PISA and the SSI movement become more tenuous. For instance, many of the PISA test items, at least those that have been released publicly, seem quite removed from the intent of the SSI movement. The article concludes with a discussion of recent trends in research associated with SSI, which may provide alternative avenues for assessing progressive aims of science education. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 909–921, 2009
Context of teaching and learning school science in Finland: Reflections on PISA 2006 results
Authors: Lavonen Jari , Laaksonen Seppo
Published: August 2009

Finnish students' opinions about the frequency of learning activities and communication in the Finnish science classroom, their interest in science and science studies and careers, their sense of self‐efficacy, and their beliefs about their own competence as well as their performance in science are analyzed based on PISA 2006 Scientific Literacy Assessment data. Students' success on PISA is explained by these context variables and by the national education policy in Finland. The regression analysis revealed that positive student level predictors for PISA science performance were science‐related self‐efficacy and self‐concept, interest in physics and chemistry, and a view of the usefulness of science studies in preparing students for future jobs in science. From the point of view of science teaching, one of the most robust predictors of the high results in Finland were frequent use of teacher demonstrations, practical work in the classroom, and the possibility for students to draw conclusions. Knowledge based society, educational equality, and devolution of decision power at the local level, and teacher education are named as most important educational policy issues behind students' high performance in PISA 2006 science. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 922–944, 2009
Estimation of Dynamic Parameters of a Synchronous Generator using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Hassannia Amir , Darabi Ahmad , Alshamali Mustafa
Published: August 2009

Dynamic modeling of synchronous generators is of great importance in power system studies. Three‐phase sudden short circuit test is the basic conventional method applied for determining the parameters of synchronous generators. The conventional curve fitting yields to non‐unique and inaccurate solutions depending on the initial guesses and nature of the numerical methods. In this paper, a genetic algorithm based method is developed for curve fitting process and identifying uniquely the dynamic parameters through a new fitness function. Owing to the problems associated with sudden short circuit test and unavailability of experimental results, the test is performed on an exact model of the generator with harmonics content space dependent inductances gathered from finite elements analysis. The parameters of a 31.5 kVA alternator are evaluated by use of the proposed method and compared with measured parameters available for this machine by manufacturer showing a good approximation. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New Research on AC–AC Converters without Intermediate Storage and Their Applications in Power‐Electronic Transformers and AC Drives
Authors: Mohapatra Krushna Keshab , Gupta Ranjan , Thuta Satish , Somani Apurva , Umarikar Amod , Basu Kaushik , Mohan Ned
Published: August 2009

AC‐AC converters (e.g. matrix converters) are mostly semiconductor solutions for applications where intermediate energy storage is eliminated. This paper summarizes the research done and being carried out at the University of Minnesota for applications in motor drives and power‐electronic transformers with advanced features. This paper presents a carrier‐based modulation method for matrix converters and its application during for both input unbalance and output over‐modulation. Various topologies of matrix converter are described for both drives and power‐electronic transformers. These topologies have some inherent benefits like common‐mode voltage elimination across the bearings of the motor/generator and controllable power factor at the input side. Some of the described technologies require open‐ended machines as load and thereby some advantages like enhanced output voltage (1.5 times the output of normal three terminal load) are achieved. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Controller‐Switching Strategy for HDD Servo Systems with Measurement Errors and Constraints on State and Control Variables
Authors: Okuyama Atsushi , Kobayashi Masahito
Published: August 2009

The head‐positioning control system of a hard disk drive (HDD) must enable precise positioning and high‐speed access. Mode switching control (MSC) has widely been used to meet these control requirements. One of the issues with MSC is how to determine the controller‐switching strategy, which needs decisions on the controller's switching conditions and its initialization. We propose a method that utilizes initial value compensation (IVC) to determine the initial state of the controller. Although mode switching is non‐linear, transient responses can be improved if the control system takes the initial state response after mode switching into consideration. IVC, which is based on this, can improve the transient response after mode switching. We also propose a method, which is based on the concept of a maximal output admissible set, of determining the switching conditions. It takes pointwise‐in‐time constraints and measurement errors in the plant's initial state into consideration. Experimental evaluations of the switching‐control strategy we propose were undertaken with a 2.5‐inch form‐factor HDD. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electrical Insulation Performance of Paper–Ice Composite Insulation System at Cryogenic Temperature
Authors: Murakami Yoshinobu , Nagao Masayuki , Kosaki Masamitsu
Published: August 2009

In recent years, research on the development of high‐temperature superconducting cables has advanced. The application of a composite insulating system made of insulating paper‐liquid nitrogen has been studied as an electrical insulating system for high‐temperature superconducting cables. In paper‐liquid nitrogen composite insulating systems developed on the basis of conventional techniques, microscopic bubbles easily remain inside the paper, and the partial discharge are supposed to occur easily. In order to overcome this drawback, we formulated a paper‐ice composite insulating system as a substitute for the paper‐LN2 of the cryogenic electrical insulating system in high‐temperature superconducting cables. In this study, the breakdown strength, partial discharge, V‐t characteristics, effect of pressure on breakdown characteristics, and the self‐healing breakdown characteristics of a paper‐ice composite insulating system were investigated in order to understand the basic properties of new insulating materials for applications to high‐temperature superconducting cables. As a result, it was clarified that the AC breakdown strength of paper‐ice composite insulating system was higher than that of paper‐liquid nitrogen insulating system, and that of paper‐ice composite insulating system exhibited a self‐healing type. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modular Modeling of Turbo‐Expander Driven Generators for Power System Studies
Authors: Turkemani Mehdi Babaei , Rastegar Hassan
Published: August 2009

One application of turbo‐expanders is in the natural gas pressure reduction at city gates gas regulating stations, in place of mechanical valves. Besides, they can drive electrical generators, but, because of instantaneous varying of domestic consumptions, environment temperature and other effective parameters, turbo‐expander inlet gas pressure and mass flow‐rate vary with time and consequently extracted power has time variant specification. These variations are transferred by coupled generator to the power distribution network and cause some power quality issues such as voltage flicker, voltage sag, etc. So, we need to assess the amount of flicker and voltage sag at the point of common coupling (PCC). Moreover, it is essential to investigate turbo‐expander‐gearbox‐generator stability behavior when a fault has occurred in the power network. Thus, this paper presents a modular model for turbo‐expander driven generators in power system studies. Using this model, we show the produced power quality is dependant on inlet gas specifications. Also it is proven that proper modeling of shaft is critical to transient stability study of this system. In addition, the inlet mass flow‐rate and inlet pressure variation can produce torsional oscillation on the shaft. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
General Nature of Luminous Body Transition Produced by Pulsed Discharge on an Electrolyte Solution in the Atmosphere
Authors: Hayashi Noriyuki , Satomi Hiroko , Mohri Takahiro , Kajiwara Toshinori , Tanabe Tetsuo
Published: August 2009

A luminous body (LB) was produced by a pulsed electric discharge that initiated at the tip of the cathode and widely propagated on the surface of an electrolyte in the atmosphere. Entire images of the LB transition taken by a high‐speed camera are visually demonstrated for the first time. It is indicated that the entire phenomenon of the LB transition can be classified into three sequential processes, regardless of the experimental conditions. It is estimated that the bright and octopus‐like discharge, which may act as a source of high‐energy ions and atoms, plays an essential role to make the mechanism of LB phenomena clear. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploiting Context‐Awareness in Cluster‐Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Haque Md Enamul , Matsumoto Noriko , Yoshida Norihiko
Published: August 2009

Most of the wireless sensor network's (WSN's) applications require getting accurate information as well as uninterrupted, prolonged service life. Among the constituting elements of WSN, an efficient routing protocol plays a significant role in attaining such service requirements. In this article, an energy efficient routing protocol, context‐aware clustering hierarchy (CACH), is proposed where cluster formation is based on the context of the environment. Moreover, a technique is utilized to avoid similar data traffic across the network. The performance in the simulation shows energy saving which ensures prolonged service life. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A New Light‐Path Setup Scheme for Dynamic Traffic in Ring‐based Optical Networks
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Iwakawa Nobuyuki , Park Mirang , Okazaki Naonobu
Published: August 2009

A simple and fast ring management token (RMT) wavelength reservation method for dynamic traffic in multi‐ring wavelength‐routed networks is proposed. The RMT is an agent that can control and manage the used wavelength in the network efficiently. We show that the proposed scheme achieves a high performance in terms of setup delay and loss probability. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Running Test of VVVF Inverter Type Railcar Using Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Ogihara Takashi , Yamanaka Shigenobu
Published: August 2009

Lithium ion battery was applied to the running of variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) inverter‐type railcar. A 15 kWh of Mn‐type lithium ion battery was used. The relation between running time and voltage, current and integrating watt was investigated. The running test was also carried out using VVVF inverter‐type railcar to investigate charge performance due to regenerative energy. Lithium ion battery module was quickly charged for three times at rate of 4.68 C by regenerative braking system. It was estimated that the effect of energy saving was about 22% by the charge of lithium ion battery from regenerative energy. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structure and Properties of Hydrogenated Ca, Sr, Ba, and Eu Silicides
Authors: Armbruster Markus , Wörle Michael , Krumeich Frank , Nesper Reinhard
Published: August 2009

The binary metal silicides CaSi, BaSi, SrSi, and EuSi that crystallize in the CrB type absorb reversibly hydrogen. Hydrogen contents of the products were measured by the carrier gas hot extraction method (CaSiHx: 1.56 wt %, x ≈︁ 1.06; SrSiHx: 1.35 wt %, x ≈︁ 1.6; BaSiHx: 2.08 wt %, x ≈︁ 3.4; EuSiHx: 0.99 wt %, x ≈︁ 1.8). According to simultaneous thermogravimetric, DTA and mass‐spectroscopic analyses, the dehydrogenation for the different hydrides starts at 610 K for BaSiHx, at 675 K for CaSiHx and SrSiHx, and at 640 K for EuSiHx. BaSiHx releases further hydrogen at 765 K and 1000 K, respectively, CaSiHx at 760 K. Fundamental morphological and structural changes caused by the hydrogenation of the silicides were detected and comprehensively characterized by SEM and X‐ray diffraction. According to XRD results, the crystal structures of the phases MSiHx (M = Ca, Ba, Sr, Eu) are all orthorhombic (space group Pnma). The lattice parameters change from a = 4.559(1) Å, b = 10.731(1) Å, c = 3.890(1) Å (space group Cmcm, Z = 1) in CaSi to a = 14.4884(9) Å, b = 3.8247(1) Å, c = 11.2509(5) Å (Z = 3) in CaSiHx caused by the hydrogen uptake that induces the formation of a threefold superstructure along the a axis. In CaSiHx, the planes of the [Sin]2– zigzag chains are tilted and inter‐chain Si–Si contacts are formed formally corresponding to an oxidation to Si–. The hydrogen desorption process was investigated by in situ X‐ray diffraction studies which revealed the presence of two different hydrogen species in CaSiHx. The new phase SrSiHx crystallizes in a related structure comprising tilted [Sin]2– chains (a = 15.1051(5) Å, b = 3.95400(8) Å, c = 12.3431(3) Å, space group Pnma). The lattice parameters of BaSiHx are a = 15.7(2) Å, b = 4.13(3) Å, c = 13.43(8); that of EuSiHx a = 15.17 Å, b = 3.95 Å, c = 11.56 Å (Z = 3).
Ternary Rare Earth Rhodium Antimonides Ln6Rh30Sb19 with Ln = La–Nd, Sm, and Eu
Authors: Jeitschko Wolfgang , Altmeyer Rainer O. , Rodewald Ute Ch.
Published: August 2009

The six title compounds were prepared by annealing cold‐pressed pellets consisting of stoichiometric mixtures of binary rare earth and rhodium antimonides with additional elemental rhodium in evacuated silica tubes. Their crystal structure was determined from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data of a Eu6Rh30Sb19 single crystal, which was isolated from an arc‐melted sample annealed just below the melting temperature in a high‐frequency furnace. It is hexagonal: P63/m, a = 1693.2(2) pm, c = 408.11(4) pm, Z = 1. The least‐squares refinement resulted in a residual of R = 0.034 for 1259 structure factors and 62 variable parameters. The structure shows some disorder around the 63 axis but otherwise is very similar to the structures of Sc6Co30Si19 and Yb6Co30P19, but different from that of U6Co30Si19. The plot of the cell volumes of the new series Ln6Rh30Sb19 indicates the europium atoms in Eu6Rh30Sb19 to be at least partially divalent.
Stabilizing the Boat Conformation of Piperazines Coordinated to Iron(II): iso‐Butyl Substituents Lead to Robust Oxidation Catalysts via Hyperconjugation
Authors: Ostermeier Marc , Limberg Christian , Herwig Christian , Ziemer Burkhard
Published: August 2009

A known route to diastereomerically pure diketopiperazines starting from natural amino acids was utilized for the preparation of a chiral, 2,5‐di‐iso‐butyl‐substituted 1,4‐bis(2‐pyridyl‐methyl)piperazine, which can serve as a ligand in metal complexes. Whereas it should be possible to extend the procedure described also to derivatives with other amino acid‐derived substituents in the 2,5 positions, here two bulky iso‐butyl residues were chosen with the aim of stabilizing a tetradentate coordination mode at FeII atoms thus avoiding coordination polymers. Reaction of the corresponding ligand 2iBuBPMP with FeCl2 and Fe(OTf)2 indeed led to the desired complexes(2iBuBPMP)FeX2 (X = Cl, OTf) with the piperazine ring in a boat conformation, as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. However, unexpectedly the bulky iso‐butyl residues were found in the axial positions. To explain this phenomenon DFT calculations were carried out. The results showed that the most stable conformations of the free ligand contain the piperazine ring in a boat conformation with carbon atoms at the tips of the boat since repulsive interactions between the lone‐pairs at the nitrogen atoms are avoided thereby. This way the ligand is preorganized to adopt the observed conformation with the axial iso‐butyl residues after complexation with iron(II). Moreover, it turned out that the resulting complex structures are also favoured thermodynamically over the corresponding ones with the residues in equatorial positions. Having thus stabilized the tetrapodal binding of a BPMP ligand to single iron atoms, the potential of the complexes as catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons with H2O2 was tested employing cyclooctene as a representative example. It turned out that the two complexes mentioned above show similar (moderate) activities, which are comparable to those displayed by corresponding complexes of other polydentate pyridylmethyl‐amino ligands. Interestingly, the two complexes described herein are superior to an Fe(OTf)2 complex of the unsubstituted ligand.
An Unusual Linear Trinuclear NiII‐based MOF with an Unprecedented μ4‐κ2N1,N5:κ1N2:κ1N6 Binding Mode by 5‐(Pyrazinyl)tetrazolate Ligand
Authors: Feng Yan , Yang En‐Cui , Fu Min , Zhao Xiao‐Jun
Published: August 2009

A photofluorescent linear trinuclear NiII‐based three‐dimensional (3D) metal‐organic framework (MOF) with tfz‐d topology, {[Ni3(H2O)4(ptz)2(btec)]·4H2O}n (1) (ptz– = 5‐(pyrazinyl)tetrazolate, btec4– = 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylate), was achieved by in situ hydrothermal reaction of 2‐cyanopyrazine with NaN3 in the presence of Ni2+ as Lewis acid and aromatic H4btec as coligand. Interestingly, the ptz– ligand in 1 represents an unprecedented tetradentate μ4‐κ2N1,N5:κ1N2:κ1N6 chelating‐bridging mode and contributes to the extension of the 1D ribbons into a 3D framework.
Crystal Structures of Ternary Ruthenium Ferrites SrM2±xRu4∓xO11 with M = Fe, Co and Magnetic and Transport Properties of Al‐doped Single Crystals
Authors: Niewa Rainer , Shlyk Larysa , Schüpp‐Niewa Barbara , De Long Lance E.
Published: August 2009

Single crystals of SrM2±xRu4∓xO11 with M = Fe, Co with maximum width of 2 mm and a thickness around 0.05 mm were grown from a chloride flux. Sample compositions were determined from refinements of X‐ray diffraction data and microprobe analysis. The hexagonal crystal structure (space group P63/mmc, Z = 2) consists of basal‐plane layers of edge‐sharing octahedra (M,Ru)O6, which are connected along [001] by face‐sharing pairs of octahedra (M,Ru)2O9 and trigonal bipyramids MO5. A significant homogeneity range is generated by variable occupation of the octahedral sites by 3d and 4d elements. Aluminum is also found to substitute for transition elements in the octahedral sites. The title compounds are narrow‐gap semiconductors and soft ferromagnets with Curie temperatures that can substantially exceed room‐temperature, depending on composition. Aluminum doping significantly modifies the transport properties, but magnetic properties such as the Curie temperature, magnetization and anisotropy are less affected. Hall coefficient measurements reveal the predominant charge carriers are holes. The structural, electronic and magnetic properties suggest that these solid solutions are promising candidates for spin‐injection devices.
The influence of feeding, enrichment, and seasonal context on the behavior of Pacific Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)
Authors: Franks Becca , Lyn Heidi , Klein Lauren , Reiss Diana
Published: August 2009

Though some research exists concerning general behavior and activity patterns of Walruses in zoos or aquariums, less is known about how these patterns change in response to various environmental and temporal contexts. This study presents two studies assessing behavioral changes in relation to feeding period, object enrichment (OE), and season in a social group of four Pacific Walruses at the New York Aquarium. Study 1 examined behavior in relation to feeding context (nonfeed, prefeed, postfeed); data were collected over a three‐week period, resulting in 47 observation sessions for each feeding context. Study 2 examined behavior in relation to OE and season; data were collected in two phases resulting in 12 enrichment and 9 no‐enrichment (NE) observation sessions (Phase 1), and 21 enrichment and 18 NE observation sessions (Phase 2). Study 1 showed that after feeding, oral behavior increased while social behavior and total swim frequency decreased. In Study 2, both swim frequency and social behavior were found to interact with OE and phase, while oral behavior remained constant across all conditions. As in the wild, both studies found all animals to be swimming the majority of the time. Though every animal spent much of its swim time engaged in an Individual Swimming Pattern (ISP), both studies showed that the proportion of ISP (in relation to total time swimming) remained stable across all contexts, suggesting a potential functional role of the ISPs. These results are discussed in light of the ongoing debate over the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment. Zoo Biol 29:397–404, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body size development of captive and free‐ranging Leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis)
Authors: Ritz Julia , Hammer Catrin , Clauss Marcus
Published: August 2009

The growth and weight development of Leopard tortoise hatchings (Geochelone pardalis) kept at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, was observed for more than four years, and compared to data in literature for free‐ranging animals on body weight or carapace measurements. The results document a distinctively faster growth in the captive animals. Indications for the same phenomenon in other tortoise species (Galapagos giant tortoises, G. nigra; Spur‐thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca; Desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizi) were found in the literature. The cause of the high growth rate most likely is the constant provision with highly digestible food of low fiber content. Increased growth rates are suspected to have negative consequences such as obesity, high mortality, gastrointestinal illnesses, renal diseases, “pyramiding,” fibrous osteodystrophy or metabolic bone disease. The apparently widespread occurrence of high growth rates in intensively managed tortoises underlines how easily ectothermic animals can be oversupplemented with nutrients. Zoo Biol 29:517–525, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trainee Surgeons Do Not Cause More Conversions in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery if They Are Well Supervised
Authors: Maeda Takafumi , Tan Kok‐Yang , Konishi Fumio , Tsujinaka Shingo , Mizokami Ken , Sasaki Junichi , Kawamura Yutaka J.
Published: August 2009

Introduction

This study was designed to look at the conversion rates and morbidity associated with laparoscopic operations performed by trainee surgeons ascending the learning curve when they are well supervised by staff surgeons.

Methods

A review of 204 consecutive cases was performed. We defined experienced staff surgeons as those who have performed more than 300 laparoscopic resection cases. The trainee surgeons had less than 50 cases of experience during the study period. All operations were performed by the experienced staff surgeon or by the trainee surgeon with the staff surgeon as the first assistant and supervisor.

Results

A total of 204 laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer were studied. The dissection was D3 in 73% (n = 149) of cases with a mean lymph node harvest of 19.4 nodes (range 1–56). The staff surgeons performed 90 cases and trainees performed 114 cases. Twenty‐one cases (10.3%) required conversion. The overall morbidity rate was 17.6% and perioperative mortality rate was 1.5%. On bivariate analysis, trainee surgeons were not found to be significantly associated with a higher conversion risk. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the factor of T3 and above was an independent predictor of conversion (odds ratio (OR) 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–15.48). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for morbidity revealed that it was not conversion (OR 2.37; 95% CI, 0.86–6.76) but rectal surgery (OR 4.09; 95% CI 2.04–9.9) that was the independent risk factor of morbidity.

Conclusions

Inexperienced surgeons do not cause more conversions or postoperative morbidity in laparoscopic colorectal surgery if they are well supervised. Conversion is not independently associated with increased postoperative morbidity.
Impact of Parallel Anesthesia and Surgical Provider Training in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Model for a Resource‐poor Setting
Authors: Newton Mark , Bird Peter
Published: August 2009

Background

The lack of appropriate numbers of anesthesia and surgical care providers in many resource‐poor countries around the world, especially in rural populations, prevents adequate care of the large numbers of patients who require surgery in these settings.

Methods

This article provides a 10‐year review of a rural hospital located in East Africa which developed a training program based on parallel training of anesthesia and surgical care providers. We report the process of building the foundational aspects of a customized medical education program that addresses specific concerns related to the work in a rural African context, which may be very different from medical care provided in the urban settings of low income countries (LIC). We analyzed how the parallel training can provide the clinical tools needed to have a practical impact on the surgical burden in rural Africa.

Results

The parallel training program combining training of nurse‐anesthetists with the training of multiple levels of surgical care providers, from interns to fellows, led to a fourfold increase in the number of surgical cases. Surgical subspecialty training and the development of an anesthesia care team with anesthesia consultant(s) oversight can serve to maintain a high level of complex and expanding surgical case volume in a rural African hospital setting.

Conclusions

This model can be applied to other similar situations in LIC, where the anesthesia and surgical care can be coupled and then customized for the unique clinical rural setting.
Evolutionary ecology of learning: insights from fruit flies
Authors: Kawecki Tadeusz J.
Published: September 2009

Ecologically and evolutionarily oriented research on learning has traditionally been carried out on vertebrates and bees. While less sophisticated than those animals, fruit flies (Drosophila) are capable of several forms of learning, and have the advantage of a short generation time, which makes them an ideal system for experimental evolution studies. This review summarizes the insights into evolutionary questions about learning gained in the last decade from evolutionary experiments on Drosophila. These experiments demonstrate that Drosophila has the genetic potential to evolve a substantially improved learning performance in ecologically relevant learning tasks. In at least one set of selected populations, the improved learning generalized to a task other than that used to impose selection, involving a different behavior, different stimuli, and a different sensory channel for the aversive reinforcement. This improvement in learning ability was associated with reductions in other fitness‐related traits, such as larval competitive ability and lifespan, pointing to evolutionary trade‐offs for improved learning. These trade‐offs were confirmed by other evolutionary experiments where a reduction in learning performance was observed as a correlated response to selection for tolerance to larval nutritional stress or for delayed aging. Such trade‐offs could be one reason why fruit flies have not fully used up their evolutionary potential for learning. Finally, another evolutionary experiment with Drosophila provided the first direct evidence for the long‐standing idea that learning can under some circumstances accelerate and in others slow down genetically based evolutionary change. These results demonstrate the usefulness of fruit flies as a model system to address evolutionary questions about learning.
The Letter-Number Sequencing Test and its association with potential to work among people with psychotic illness
Authors: Murtagh A. , Hurley A.L. , Kinsella A. , Corvin A. , Donohoe G. , Gill M. , O’Callaghan E. , Murphy K.C.
Published: September 2009

Post hoc analysis of occupational attainment and performance on a standard neurocognitive battery suggests that performance on letter-number sequencing is strongly associated with work attainment. Letter-number sequencing may warrant further investigation as a clinically useful tool to inform decisions around vocational rehabilitation.
The organization of the psychiatric service and criminality committed by the mentally ill
Authors: Kramp P. , Gabrielsen G.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Over the past 40 years, a marked deinstitutionalisation in favour of social and community psychiatry has taken place in many countries. During this same period of time, there has been an increase in the number of mentally ill criminals. The purpose of this study is to analyse the correlations between the reorganization of the psychiatric treatment system, the growing number of forensic patients and the increase in serious crime, homicide, arson and violence associated with the mentally ill.

Materials and methods

Using registers and other data sources, we estimated the annual positive or negative growth rate of consumed psychiatric beds and in social and community psychiatry (explanatory variables) and in prevalence and incidence of forensic patients, homicide, arson and violence (response variables) from 1980 to 1997 for each of the Danish counties. We analysed the immediate effect of the changing treatment structure by relating response variables to explanatory variables. The long-term effect was analysed in the form of between county analysis with both single and multiple regressions.

Results

Bed closure had no immediate effect on either the number of forensic patients or serious criminality. The between county analysis shows, however, that over time the (negative) growth rate in number of consumed beds is significantly correlated with the (positive) growth rates for forensic patients, homicide and arson. Social and community psychiatry have little effect, if any.

Discussion

The study is based on historical data, but the results are still valid. We have used two sets of data firstly the number of forensic patients and, secondly the reported number of crimes associated with the mentally ill. The uniformity of the results leads us to consider them for certain: That the decreasing effort invested in inpatient treatment is causing an increase in the crime rate among the mentally ill.

Conclusion

Many forensic patients suffer from schizophrenia. These patients are not only offenders, but also the victims of an inadequate treatment system. Modern inpatient treatment facilities should be established.
Evolving systems of care: Individuals found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder in custody of civil and forensic psychiatric services
Authors: Crocker A.G. , Côté G.
Published: September 2009

Following psychiatric deinstitutionalization and changes in involuntary civil commitment laws, many individuals with severe mental disorders have been receiving mental health services through the back door, that is, the criminal justice system. Significant changes to the section of Criminal Code of Canada dealing with individuals with mental disorders have led to significant annual increases in the number of individuals declared Not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD), many of whom are directed to civil psychiatric settings. The goal of the present study was to describe the psychosociocriminological and risk characteristics of individuals found NCRMD remanded to civil psychiatric hospitals (CPH) compared to a forensic psychiatric hospital (FPH). This study was conducted between October 2004 and August 2006 in the sole FPH of the province of Québec and two large CPH in the Montréal metropolitan area. The final sample for the current study consisted of 96 men: 60 from the FPH and 36 from the two CPH. Results indicate that individuals in both settings have similar psychosociocriminal profiles, including PCL-R scores, but that individuals in CPH have higher scores in the Risk subscale of the HCR-20 than do their counterparts in the FPH. This difference is due to a higher score on two items: exposure to destabilizing factors and noncompliance with remediation attempts. Results are discussed in terms of the need for civil psychiatric settings to implement risk assessment and management programs into their services, and the need for further research into forensic mental health services.
Symposium 6: Young people, artificial nutrition and transitional care Transition in young people on home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Protheroe Susan
Published: September 2009

Pharmacological, surgical and technological advances have resulted in children now surviving through adolescence into adulthood with conditions that were previously unseen by adult services. Arranging transition for young people on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to the adult sector is one of greatest challenges for health services that care for young people. Transition is not only a key quality issue for health services, but is a multidimensional process covering psychosocial, educational and vocational aspects. Poorly-planned transition may result in difficulties when young people access adult specialist services. As a consequence, there may be increased risk of non-adherence or lack of follow-up, which carries dangers of morbidity and mortality as well as poor social and educational outcomes. Transition does not end at the exit from the paediatric clinic, but continues into the adult sector, which needs to provide developmentally-appropriate clinical care. Recent Department of Health initiatives are aimed at ensuring that young people do not miss out on healthcare during the transfer between paediatric and adult services. Transfer can be a major, often daunting, event for young people. Parents may also fear transfer and need to learn to ‘let go’ of some control, which may be particularly difficult with a young person on HPN.
Infant response in the still-face paradigm at 6 months predicts avoidant and secure attachment at 12 months
Authors: Cohn Jeffrey F. , Campbell Susan B. , Ross Shelley
Published: September 2009

We tested the hypothesis that attachment security at 12 months can be predicted from infant response to the mother's still-face interaction during the first half-year. Subjects were 66 primiparous mother-infant pairs drawn from the working- and middle-socioeconomic strata (SES). Half of the mothers had experienced a postpartum depression. Infants were observed longitudinally in the still-face paradigm at 2, 4, and 6 months and in the Strange Situation at 12 months. Positive expressions in response to the still-face at 6 months predicted secure attachment at 12 months. Absence of positive expressions predicted avoidant attachment. In infants of postpartum depressed mothers, hours of nonmaternal care positively correlated with secure attachment. Variables associated with infant proneness to distress and sociability were unrelated to attachment security. These results suggest that attachment formation is underway by 6 months of age and that indicators of 12-month attachment security can be detected as early as 6 months. Similar mechanisms of affect regulation and coping may underlie infant response in the still-face and Strange Situation procedures.
Disorganized attachment behavior in infancy: Short-term stability, maternal and infant correlates, and risk-related subtypes
Authors: Lyons-Ruth Karlen , Repacholi Betty , McLeod Sara , Silva Eugenia
Published: September 2009

This study of 71 low-income mothers and infants examined whether the disorganized/disoriented (D) infant attachment classification is best viewed as a single category or whether at least two subgroups exist, corresponding to the forced-secure and forced-insecure alternate classifications. Correlates of the D classification as a whole, and of the two subtypes of disorganized behavior, were examined in five domains, including 6-month stability, maternal childhood history of loss, severity of maternal psychosocial risk, maternal behavior toward the infant at home, and infant mental development. Results indicated that the two subtypes of disorganized infant attachment behavior differed in age of emergence, maternal childhood history, severity of associated family risk factors, and the extent of the mother's lack of involvement with the infant at home. Across both D subtypes, disorganization of attachment strategies was associated with less optimal maternal behavior at home and with decreased mental development scores at 18 months. Results are discussed in relation to Main and Hesse's (1990) theory of the role of fear-inducing parental behavior in the genesis of disorganized infant attachment behavior and in relation to Aber, Allen, Carlson, and Cicchetti's (1989) concept of secure readiness to learn.
Attachment organization in maltreated preschoolers
Authors: Cicchetti Dante , Barnett Douglas
Published: September 2009

Attachment theory predicts that maltreated children will form insecure patterns of attachment to their caregivers and that attachment relationships are open to change with development. In this cross-sectional/longitudinal investigation, we examined the attachment patterns of 125 maltreated and nonmaltreated preschoolers from the low socioeconomic strata (SES). Maltreated and demographically matched nonmaltreated comparison children were assessed in the Strange Situation at 30, 36, and 48 months of age, along with a subsample of children who were observed longitudinally across a 6- to 18-month period. Attachment relations were classified using a newly developed system for assessing attachment in the preschool years by Cassidy and Marvin (1991). Results revealed that, at each age, maltreated children were significantly more likely to evidence insecure patterns of attachment to their caregivers. The specific types of insecurity demonstrated by children varied with age. Longitudinally, the high percentage of nonmaltreated children who were classified as securely attached were likely to remain securely attached at subsequent assessments. In contrast, the small number of maltreated children who evidenced secure attachments were unlikely to be classified as secure at later assessments. These data provide new information on the patterns of attachment maltreated children exhibit in the preschool years.
Effects of peer influence on dietary intake and physical activity in schoolchildren
Authors: Finnerty Tara , Reeves Sue , Dabinett Jaqueline , Jeanes Yvonne M , Vögele Claus
Published: September 2009

Objective

To investigate the dietary intake and physical activity of boys and girls aged 9–13 years, and the influence of peers on these behaviours.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nine primary and secondary schools in south-west London.

Subjects

A total of 315 children wore sealed pedometers, provided self-report measures of dietary intake and answered a questionnaire relating to peer influence. Anthropometric measures of height and weight were also obtained.

Results

Obese children had the lowest reported energy intakes and the lowest step counts per day. Boys took significantly more steps per day than girls, however girls were closer to achieving their recommended cut-offs for physical activity. Girls had lower energy intakes per day and lower BMI Z-scores than boys, however both genders, across all age groups, had higher than recommended intakes of saturated fat. There were significant associations between peer influence and physical activity levels but not between peer influence and dietary intake.

Conclusions

Low energy intake and physical activity levels but high saturated fat intakes among boys and girls across all age groups highlight the importance of promoting both physical activity and healthy food choices. The finding that peers have a significant effect on physical activity levels but not on dietary intake offers an important approach for the design of health promotion interventions and obesity prevention programmes. Such designs may be particularly beneficial for obese youth, since the low physical activity levels found could be a major contributing factor to the maintenance of the condition.
Dyspnoe – Pathophysiologie und Differentialdiagnose
Authors: Russi Erich W.
Published: September 2009

Atemnot ist ein ausgesprochen häufiges Symptom und beschäftigt Ärztinnen und Ärzte praktisch aller Fachbereiche in Praxis und Spital. Die neurophysiologischen Mechanismen, welche der Dyspnoe zugrunde liegen werden seit Jahren intensiv erforscht, sind aber nach wie vor schlecht verstanden. Nach einem heute gängigen Konzept entsteht Dyspnoe dann, wenn eine Dissoziation oder ein Mismatch zwischen den efferenten motorischen Signalen zur Atemmuskulatur und den afferenten Feedbacks aus Rezeptoren der Lunge und der Thoraxwand, welche die Effektivität der motorischen Innervation signalisieren, auftritt. Im klinischen Alltag erleichtern einfache Konzepte die Differentialdiagnose der Atemnot. Sowohl der akuten wie der chronischen Formen von Dyspnoe liegt entweder eine erhöhte Beanspruchung oder durch eine gestörte Organfunktion, oder eine Kombination von beidem zugrunde.
Stellenwert der Natriuretischen Peptide in der Diagnostik der Dyspnoe
Authors: Müller Christian
Published: September 2009

Natriuretische Peptide (NP) sind kardiale Biomarker die schnell, einfach und nicht-invasiv den Schweregrad des hämodynamischen kardialen Stresses und damit der Herzinsuffizienz quantifizieren. Da die Herzinsuffizienz eine sehr häufige Ursache von Dyspnoe ist, kann eine Verbesserung der Diagnostik der Herzinsuffizienz durch die zusätzliche Verwendung von NP einen bedeutsamen Beitrag zur Verbesserung des Managements von Patienten mit Dyspnoe leisten. Die Verbesserung des Patientenmanagements durch NP ist mittlerweile durch vier randomisierte kontrollierte Studien klar belegt, daher sollte die Bestimmung von NP fester Bestandteil einer jeden Abklärung von Dyspnoe sein.
Structural variations of arc crusts and rifted margins in the southern Izu‐Ogasawara arc–back arc system
Authors: Takahashi Narumi , Kodaira Shuichi , Tatsumi Yoshiyuki , Yamashita Mikiya , Sato Takeshi , Kaiho Yuka , Miura Seiichi , No Tetsuo , Takizawa Kaoru , Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2009

We carried out a reflection/refraction seismic survey across the southern Izu‐Ogasawara arc–back arc system, covering three arcs with different crustal ages. The oldest Eocene arc has middle and lower crust with high velocities of 6.4–6.6 and 6.8–7.4 km/s, respectively, suggesting denser crustal materials. The current volcanic arc has middle and lower crust with lower velocities of 5.7–6.5 and 6.7–7.1 km/s, suggesting advanced crustal differentiation. The crust‐mantle transition layer, with a velocity of 7.5–8.0 km/s, is distributed beneath the current volcanic arc and the rear arc, suggesting a pool of dense materials emanating from the crust through the crustal growth. These structural differences between the Eocene arc and current arc indicate a difference of crustal growth based on basaltic and andesitic magmas according to known petrologic studies. Commonly, rifted crusts have lower crusts with high velocities of over 7.0 km/s, and the arc–back arc transition zone also has a thinner more reflective crust that may have been affected by postrifting magmatism.