bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diurnal Cortisol Profile in Williams Syndrome in Novel and Familiar Settings
Authors: Lense Miriam Diane , Tomarken Andrew J. , Dykens Elisabeth M.
Published: June 2013

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder associated with high rates of anxiety and social issues. We examined diurnal cortisol, a biomarker of the stress response, in adults with WS in novel and familiar settings, and compared these profiles to typically developing (TD) adults. WS and TD participants had similar profiles in a familiar setting, while participants with WS had elevated cortisol late in the day in the novel setting when social demands were higher. The cortisol awakening response in WS was associated with parent-reported levels of somatic complaints and social difficulties. Results suggest that adults with WS have a typical diurnal cortisol profile that may be sensitive to social and activity transitions throughout the day.
Structural Study of Photodegraded Acrylic-Coated Lime Wood Using Fourier Transform Infrared and Two-Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Popescu Carmen-Mihaela , Simionescu Bogdan C.
Published: June 2013

The weathering of acrylic films and acrylic-coated lime wood ( Tillia cordata Mill.) were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy. The obtained results showed chemical changes induced by exposure to weathering conditions, in both films and coated wood. The observed spectral changes of the acrylic films refer to the absorption band assigned to the C–O stretching, which progressively decreases with increasing exposure time. In the spectra of treated wood samples the main signal indicating the advance of oxidation during the photodegradation exposure is the gradual increase and broadening of the band in the carbonyl region. This is due to the formation of the non-hydrogen bonded aliphatic carboxylic acids and γ-lactone structures in the acrylic resin and of the nonconjugated ketones, carboxyl groups, and lactones in wood. As a consequence, the increase of the 1734 cm−1 band is due to the degradation of lignin from wood surface. These observations are also supported by the decreased intensities of the bands at 1598 and 1505 cm−1, assigned to C=C of aromatic skeletal (lignin). The relative intensity of the characteristic aromatic lignin band at 1505 cm−1 decreases up to 25% of its original value after weathering, being less than half of the value obtained for uncoated wood.

Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) correlation spectroscopy was used to identify the sequence of the modifications of the different stretching vibrations bands under the weathering conditions, the method allowing the prediction of the order of degradation reactions. The acrylic resin degradation starts with the formation of radicals by abstraction of the tertiary hydrogen atoms of the methyl acrylate units and the α–CH3 groups from the ethyl methacrylate units. The subsequent decomposition and oxidation led to the formation of alcohol groups, hydroperoxides, ketones, and/or carboxylic acid groups. The 2D IR correlation spectra of weathered impregnated wood also revealed the elimination of low molecular weight compounds following the degradation of lignin and carbohydrates components from wood.
Taxonomic Classification of Phytoplankton with Multivariate Optical Computing, Part I: Design and Theoretical Performance of Multivariate Optical Elements
Authors: Swanstrom Joseph A. , Bruckman Laura S. , Pearl Megan R. , Simcock Michael N. , Donaldson Kathleen A. , Richardson Tammi L. , Shaw Timothy J. , Myrick Michael L.
Published: June 2013

Phytoplankton are single-celled, photosynthetic algae and cyanobacteria found in all aquatic environments. Differential pigmentation between phytoplankton taxa allows use of fluorescence excitation spectroscopy for discrimination and classification. For this work, we applied multivariate optical computing (MOC) to emulate linear discriminant vectors of phytoplankton fluorescence excitation spectra by using a simple filter-fluorometer arrangement. We grew nutrient-replete cultures of three differently pigmented species: the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi, the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, and the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to determine a suitable set of linear discriminant functions for classification of these species over an optimal wavelength range. Multivariate optical elements (MOEs) were then designed to predict the linear discriminant scores for the same calibration spectra. The theoretical performance specifications of these MOEs are described.
Taxonomic Classification of Phytoplankton with Multivariate Optical Computing, Part III: Demonstration
Authors: Pearl Megan R. , Swanstrom Joseph A. , Bruckman Laura S. , Richardson Tammi L. , Shaw Timothy J. , Sosik Heidi M. , Myrick Michael L.
Published: June 2013

We describe the automatic analysis of fluorescence tracks of phytoplankton recorded with a fluorescence imaging photometer. The optical components and construction of the photometer were described in Part I and Part II of this series in this issue. An algorithm first isolates tracks corresponding to a single phytoplankter transit in the nominal focal plane of a flow cell. Then, the fluorescence streaks in the track that correspond to individual optical elements on the filter wheel are identified. The fluorescence intensity of each streak is integrated and used to calculate ratios. This approach was tested using 853 fluorescence measurements of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi and the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Average intensity ratios for the two classes closely follow those predicted in Part I of this series, with a distribution of ratios in each class that is consistent with the signal-to-noise ratio calculations in Part II for single cells. No overlap of the two class ratios was observed, yielding perfect classification.
Investigation of the Interaction of Pepsin with Ionic Liquids by Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Fan Yunchang , Zhang Sheli , Wang Qiang , Li Junhai , Fan Haotian , Shan Dongkai
Published: June 2013

The molecular mechanism of the interaction between pepsin and two typical ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C8mim]Cl), was investigated with fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption, and circular dichroism spectroscopy at a pH value of 1.6. The results suggest that ILs could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of pepsin, probably via a dynamic quenching mechanism. The fluorescence quenching constants were determined by employing the classic Stern-Volmer equation. The constant values are very small, indicating that only a very weak interaction between ILs and pepsin exists. The Gibbs free-energy change, enthalpy change (ΔH), and entropy change (ΔS) during the interaction of pepsin and ILs were estimated. Positive values of Δ H and ΔS indicate that the interaction between ILs and pepsin is mainly driven by hydrophobic interaction. Synchronous and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra demonstrate that the addition of ILs (0–0.20 mol L−1 for each IL) does not bring apparent changes to the microenvironments of tyrosine and tryptophan residues. Activity experiments show that the activity of pepsin is concentration dependent; higher concentrations of ILs (>0.22 mol L−1 for [C8mim]Cl and >0.30 mol L−1 for [C4mim]Cl) cause the remarkable reduction of enzyme activity. The presence of ILs also does not improve the thermal stability of pepsin.
Real-Time Monitoring of Lycopene Content in Tomato-Derived Products during Processing: Implementation of a Novel Double-Slit Raman Spectrometer
Authors: Køcks Morten , Banke Stefan Ovesen , Madsen Bjørn , Vaz Tiago , Carvalheira Mara , Pandega Nuno , Sousa Isabel , Nygaard Sune Dowler
Published: June 2013

Lycopene is a very attractive antioxidant associated with cancer prevention in humans. Therefore, it is important to develop new analytical methods that allow for differentiation of food production streams that contain various antioxidant concentrations. The lycopene content in tomato juice, an intermediate between raw tomatoes and the final tomato paste product, was monitored on-line for 46 days at a production plant with a novel, patented double-channel Raman setup. The setup comprises a double-channel mini spectrometer placed in a fixed optical setup, and for each measurement there are two slightly shifted Raman spectra on the x-axis that opens up for additional data processing. The prototype was constructed specifically for 532 nm excitation with no moving parts, and it was designed to optimize each part for the rest of the system. That was the first step toward an integrated optical in-line process analytical solution for industry. As proof of concept, the developed prototype was able to perform a real-time differentiation of the normal and medium to high lycopene content in tomato juice. A correlation factor for double-channel measurements was compared with a correlation factor for background-corrected single-channel measurements by correlating with high performance liquid chromatography reference measurements (1–20 mg of lycopene per 100 g of wet sample). The latter gave a slightly better correlation for the specific application ( R 2 = 0.76), acceptable for proof of concept. Real-time information is extremely valuable for the tomato processing plant, mainly because it can be used for improved differentiation of high lycopene content tomato paste to ensure a higher product price. In addition, the developed process analytical technology solution allows for differentiated payment of the tomato farmers based on the lycopene content in their crops.
Reduction of Artifacts in Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Due to Sample Adsorption on Optical Glass Surfaces
Authors: Turner Daniel K. , Wayman Ashley E. , Rolando Chelsey N. , Dande Prasad , Carter Phillip W. , Remsen Edward E.
Published: June 2013

The preparation of glass cell surfaces that are chemically functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains to reduce sample adsorption and their use in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is described. Optical glass coverslips were acid etched and reacted with either 750 Mr PEG (PEG-750) or 5000 Mr PEG (PEG-5000) to produce adsorption-resistant optical surfaces. FCS data for Nile red-loaded Triton X-100 micelles (NR-TX-100) and Alexa Fluor 555-labeled proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA-A555), lipidized BSA (lipid-BSA-A555), and three low molecular weight dyes deposited on PEGylated coverslips were evaluated. Measurement artifacts due to sample adsorption on the PEG-5000 functionalized coverslips were reduced significantly for the majority of test materials. Calculations of translational diffusion coefficients and Stokes radii confirmed the effectiveness of this approach. PEG-5000 functionalized coverslips were demonstrated as more effective in inhibiting adsorption than PEG-750 functionalized coverslips. Neither of the functionalized coverslips inhibited the adsorption of one test compound, rhodamine B, a dye that adsorbs strongly on glass surfaces. The use of longer PEG chains in conjunction with chemical cross-linking is proposed for producing a denser, less porous PEG layer for the prevention of strongly glass-adsorbing fluorophores that do not interact with the PEG layer.
Time-Resolved Principal Component Imaging Analysis of Chlorophyll Fluorescence Induction for Monitoring Leaf Water Stress
Authors: Kobori Hikaru , Tsuchikawa Satoru
Published: June 2013

Chlorophyll fluorescence induction is widely applied to investigate plant growth conditions by calculating the ratio of its intensity at oxidized and reduced states. We examined the applicability of a time-resolved profile of chlorophyll fluorescence induction with the aid of multivariate analysis to monitor the leaf water stress. Principal component (PC) analysis of time-resolved images of chlorophyll fluorescence induction and their score images were reconstructed. Control leaves (non-stressed leaves) and water-stressed leaves could be classified by normalized PC3 score images. This technique has the potential to monitor the water stress condition of plants by using a simple device.
Stress Transfer of a Kevlar 49 Fiber Pullout Test Studied by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Lei Zhenkun , Wang Quan , Qiu Wei
Published: June 2013

The interfacial stress transfer behavior of a Kevlar 49 aramid fiber–epoxy matrix was studied with fiber pullout tests, the fibers of which were stretched by a homemade microloading device. Raman spectra on the embedded fiber were recorded by micro-Raman spectroscopy, under different strain levels. Then, the fiber axial stress was obtained by the relationship between the stress and Raman shift of the aramid fiber. Experimental results revealed that the fiber axial stress increased significantly with the load. The shear stress concentration occurred at the fiber entry to the epoxy resin. Thus, interfacial friction stages exist in the debonded fiber segment, and the interfacial friction shear stress is constant within one stage. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical model predictions.
Use of Total Internal Reflection Raman (TIR) and Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared (ATR-IR) Spectroscopy to Analyze Component Separation in Thin Offset Ink Films after Setting on Coated Paper Surfaces
Authors: Kivioja Antti , Hartus Timo , Vuorinen Tapani , Gane Patrick , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina
Published: June 2013

The interactive behavior of ink constituents with porous substrates during and after the offset print process has an important effect on the quality of printed products. To help elucidate the distribution of ink components between the retained ink layer and the substrate, a variety of spectroscopic and microscopic analysis techniques have been developed. This paper describes for the first time the use of total internal reflection (TIR) Raman spectroscopy to analyze the penetration behavior of separated offset ink components (linseed oil, solid color pigment) in coated papers providing chemically intrinsic information rapidly, nondestructively, and with minimal sample preparation. In addition, the already widely applied technique of attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) was evaluated in parallel and compared. The results of the ATR-IR Raman clearly revealed an improvement in uppermost depth resolution compared with values previously published from other nondestructive techniques, and the method is shown to be capable of providing new knowledge of the setting of thin (0.25–2 μm) offset ink films, allowing the spreading and the penetration behavior on physically different paper coating surfaces to be studied.
Facile Characterization of the Immobilization of Streptavidin on Magnetic Submicron Particles with a Fluorescent Probe of Streptavidin
Authors: Long Gaobo , Zhang Yi , Yang Xiaolan , Pu Jun , Qin Jialin , Liu Lin , Liao Fei
Published: June 2013

To characterize streptavidin immobilization on magnetic submicron particles (MSPs), residual streptavidin after magnetic removal of immobilized streptavidin was quantified with N-biotinyl- N′-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine (BNEDA) based on Forster resonance energy transfer. Residual BNEDA after magnetic removal of bound BNEDA was measured by its own fluorescence. Streptavidin was immobilized at about 12 mg per gram of MSPs and easily retained over 50% of its original activity. These assays facilitated optimized streptavidin immobilization on MSPs.
Why is type 1 diabetes increasing?
Authors: Egro Francesco Maria
Published: June 2013

A series of studies have reported a constant global rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes. Epidemiological and immunological studies have demonstrated that environmental factors may influence the pathogenesis, leading to a cell-mediated pancreatic β-cell destruction associated with humoral immunity. The search for the triggering factor(s) has been going on for the past century, and yet they are still unknown. This review provides an overview of some of the most well-known theories found in the literature: hygiene, viral, vitamin D deficiency, breast milk and cow's milk hypotheses. Although the hygiene hypothesis appears to be the most promising, positive evidence from animal, human and epidemiological studies precludes us from completely discarding any of the other hypotheses. Moreover, due to contrasting evidence in the literature, a single factor is unlikely to cause an increase in the incidence of diabetes all over the world, which suggests that a multifactorial process might be involved. Although the immunological mechanisms are still unclear, there seems to be some overlap between the various hypotheses. It is thought that the emphasis should be shifted from a single to a multifactorial process and that perhaps the ‘balance shift’ model should be considered as a possible explanation for the rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes.
Analysis of the vascular responses in a murine model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Labruijere Sieneke , van Houten E Leonie A F , de Vries René , Musterd-Bagghoe Usha M , Garrelds Ingrid M , Kramer Piet , Jan Danser A H , Villalón Carlos M , Visser Jenny A , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette
Published: June 2013

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of the reproductive age, but the exact pathophysiological mechanisms involved remain unclear. Cardiovascular disease risk is increased in PCOS patients and endothelial damage has been observed. We recently developed a mouse model of PCOS with reproductive and metabolic characteristics resembling those observed in women with PCOS. In this model we studied vascular function with particular emphasis on markers of vascular endothelial function. Animals were treated for 90 days with dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 27.5 μg/day) or placebo using subcutaneous continuous-release pellets. Aortas were isolated for isometric force recordings in organ baths to investigate endothelial and vascular smooth muscle characteristics. Lungs were used to analyze endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and phosphorylation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were investigated in serum to assess endothelial damage. Expression of androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA was studied in aortas. DHT treatment (compared with placebo) induced i) a significant decrease in acetylcholine-induced aortic relaxations, with no change in calcitonin gene-related peptide- or sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxations, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions; ii) no change in eNOS expression/phosphorylation in lungs or in plasma ADMA levels; and iii) a twofold increase in aortic AR expression. Our results suggest that, in DHT-exposed mice, hyperandrogenemia specifically decreases endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation without deterioration of smooth muscle function. This study may initiate further investigations to elucidate underlying mechanism for the phenotype that is present in these animals, as well as in PCOS patients.
Plastic Bags for Prevention of Hypothermia in Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Leadford Alicia E. , Warren Jamie B. , Manasyan Albert , Chomba Elwyn , Salas Ariel A. , Schelonka Robert , Carlo Waldemar A.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Hypothermia contributes to neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in preterm and low birth weight infants in developing countries. Plastic bags covering the trunk and extremities of very low birth weight infants reduces hypothermia. This technique has not been studied in larger infants or in many resource-limited settings. The objective was to determine if placing preterm and low birth weight infants inside a plastic bag at birth maintains normothermia.

METHODS:

Infants at 26 to 36 weeks’ gestational age and/or with a birth weight of 1000 to 2500 g born at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, were randomized by using a 1:1 allocation and parallel design to standard thermoregulation (blanket or radiant warmer) care or to standard thermoregulation care plus placement inside a plastic bag at birth. The primary outcome measure was axillary temperature in the World Health Organization–defined normal range (36.5–37.5°C) at 1 hour after birth.

RESULTS:

A total of 104 infants were randomized. At 1 hour after birth, infants randomized to plastic bag (n = 49) were more likely to have a temperature in the normal range as compared with infants in the standard thermoregulation care group (n = 55; 59.2% vs 32.7%; relative risk 1.81; 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.81; P = .007). The temperature at 1 hour after birth in the infants randomized to plastic bag was 36.5 ± 0.5°C compared with 36.1 ± 0.6°C in standard care infants (P < .001). Hyperthermia (>38.0°C) did not occur in any infant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Placement of preterm/low birth weight infants inside a plastic bag at birth compared with standard thermoregulation care reduced hypothermia without resulting in hyperthermia, and is a low-cost, low-technology tool for resource-limited settings.
Short-Course Prophylactic Zinc Supplementation for Diarrhea Morbidity in Infants of 6 to 11 Months
Authors: Malik Akash , Taneja Davendra K. , Devasenapathy Niveditha , Rajeshwari K.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND:

Zinc supplementation during diarrhea substantially reduces the incidence and severity of diarrhea. However, the effect of short-course zinc prophylaxis has been observed only in children >12 months of age. Because the incidence of diarrhea is comparatively high in children aged 6 to 11 months, we assessed the prophylactic effect of zinc on incidence and duration of diarrhea in this age group.

METHODS:

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled infants aged 6 to 11 months from an urban resettlement colony in Delhi, India, between January 1, 2011, and January 15, 2012. We randomly assigned 272 infants to receive either 20 mg of zinc or a placebo suspension orally every day for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the incidence of diarrhea per child-year. All analyses were done by intention-to-treat.

RESULTS:

A total of 134 infants in the zinc and 124 in the placebo groups were assessed for the incidence of diarrhea. There was a 39% reduction (crude incident rate ratio [IRR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.71) in episodes of diarrhea, 39% (adjusted IRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.54–0.69) in the total number of days that a child suffered from diarrhea, and reduction of 36% in duration per episode of diarrhea (IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.56–0.74) during the 5 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Short-course prophylactic zinc supplementation for 2 weeks may reduce diarrhea morbidity in infants of 6 to 11 months for up to 5 months, in populations with high prevalence of wasting and stunting.
Discharge Timing, Outpatient Follow-up, and Home Care of Late-Preterm and Early-Term Infants
Authors: Hwang Sunah S. , Barfield Wanda D. , Smith Ruben A. , Morrow Brian , Shapiro-Mendoza Carrie K. , Prince Cheryl B. , Smith Vincent C. , McCormick Marie C.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the timing of hospital discharge, time to outpatient follow-up, and home care practices (breastfeeding initiation and continuation, tobacco smoke exposure, supine sleep position) for late-preterm (LPT; 34 0/7–36 6/7 weeks) and early-term (ET; 37 0/7–38/6/7 weeks) infants with term infants.

METHODS:

We analyzed 2000–2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. χ2 Analyses were used to measure differences in maternal and infant characteristics, hospital discharge, outpatient care, and home care among LPT, ET, and term infants. We calculated adjusted risk ratios for the risk of adverse care outcomes among LPT and ET infants compared with term infants.

RESULTS:

In the adjusted analysis, LPT infants were less likely to be discharged early compared with term infants, whereas there was no difference for ET infants (odds ratio [OR; 95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.65 [0.54–0.79]; 0.95 [0.88–1.02]). LPT and ET infants were more likely to have timely outpatient follow-up (1.07 [1.06–1.08]; 1.02 [1.02–1.03]), more likely to experience maternal tobacco smoke exposure (1.09 [1.05–1.14]; 1.08 [1.06–1.11]), less likely to be initially breastfed (0.95 [0.94–0.97]; 0.98 [0.97–0.98]), less likely to be breastfed for ≥10 weeks (0.88 [0.86–0.90]; 0.94 [0.93–0.96]), and less likely to be placed in a supine sleep position (0.95 [0.93–0.97]; 0.97 [0.96–0.98]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Given that LPT and ET infants bear an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, greater efforts are needed to ensure safe and healthy posthospitalization and home care practices for these vulnerable infants.
Fabrication of a p-NiO/n-Si Heterojunction Diode by UV Oxidation of Ni Deposited on n-Si
Authors: Zhang Dongyuan , Uchida Kazuo , Nozaki Shinji
Published: June 2013

The metallic nickel (Ni) deposited on an n-Si substrate with resistivity of 4 – 6 Ω∙cm was oxidized by the ultra-violet (UV) oxidation technique to form a p-NiO/n-Si heterojunction diode. The rectifying current-voltage (I-V) characteristic confirmed formation of a pn junction. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristic further identified an abrupt p+n junction between NiO and n-Si. The photocurrent increased with the increased wavelength of laser under illumination of the diode. The voltage-dependent photocurrent suggests that the carriers generated in the depletion region of Si was effectively collected but not outside the depletion region. A low diffusion length of holes was attributed to Ni diffusion in Si caused by the substrate heating during the UV oxidation.
Using Hydrothermal Method to Prepare Reduced Graphene-Hemin Electrochemical Biosensor for Tyrosine Detection
Authors: Wei Junhua , Qiu Jenny
Published: June 2013

Hemin immobilized reduced graphene(HGN) has been investigated to be an outstanding enzymatic catalysis in detection important molecular recently. In this work, two "clean" methods to prepare HGN through π-π stack were charactered by UV-vis spectra, TEM images, and δ-potential. The enzymatic catalysis of both materials was compared by catalytic hydrogen peroxide to oxidize pyrogallol. The colorimetric result shows HGN attached before reduction has stronger catalytic ability than the one after reduction. The optimized HGN was then used as an electrochemical biosensor to determine L-tyrosine levels. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests were carried out for the bare glass carbon electrode (GCE), and the optimized hemin-reduced graphene electrode (HGN1/GCE). The HGN1/GCE based biosensor exhibits a Tyrosine detection linear range from 5×10-7 M to 4×10-5 M with a detection limitation of 7.5×10-8 M at signal noise ratio (S/N) of 3. In comparison with other biosensor, electrochemical biosensors are easy-fabricated, easy-controlled, and cost-effective. Compared with other materials, the hemin-reduced graphene based biosensors demonstrate higher stability, a broader detection linear range, and better detection sensitivity. The study of oxidation scheme reveals that reduced graphene enhanced the electron transfer between electrode and hemin. Meanwhile, the hemin groups effectively electrocatalyzed the oxidation of tyrosine. This study contributes to a widespread clinical application of nanomaterial based biosensor devices with a broader detection linear range, improved stability, enhanced sensitivity, and reduced costs.
Anti-bacterial property of Hydrogen-free amorphous carbon coatings on Ar plasma-pretreated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a-C:H:F interlayer
Authors: Umemoto Hironari , Hasebe Terumitsu , Kasai Rumiko , Yoshimoto Yukihiro , Nagashima So , Hotta Atsushi , Suzuki Tetsuya
Published: June 2013

Amorphous carbon (a-C) films have a growing interest in the biological and medical field, as a coating material, due to their biocompatibility and antibacterial property. However, a-C films deposited directly on polymers often show adhesion failure.

In this paper, two types of a-C films, amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) film and hydrogen-free a-C (H-free a-C) film were deposited on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) using a plasma deposition method. Prior to a-C film coating, the PTFE substrates were treated with Ar and O2 plasma and an appropriate interlayer was chosen to enhance the adhesion strength. The effect of the plasma pretreatment on the chemical composition of the PTFE was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A T-peel test was carried out to evaluate the adhesion strength of the a-C coated PTFE. In the T-peel test, Ar plasma pretreatment improved the adhesion strength more effectively than that of O2 plasma pretreatment, because of the substantial defluorination and oxygen bonding occurred by Ar plasma pretreatment. Moreover, H-free a-C film reduced the numbers of Escherichia coli (E. coli) colonies dramatically, compared with original PTFE and a-C:H coated PTFE. Consequently, H-free a-C film coating can be a promising method to inhibit the increase of bacteria.
Fiber-matrix interface reinforcement using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Katz Sari , Carmiel Yacov , Gouzman Irina , Sukenik Chaim N. , Wagner Hanoch D. , Grossman Eitan
Published: June 2013

The interface between a matrix and its reinforcement is critical to the final composite properties. There are different ways to enhance bonding between the reinforcing fiber and the matrix, based mainly on surface plasma treatments which usually decrease the fiber tensile strength. In this research, atomic layer deposition (ALD) was tested as a possible way to enhance the chemical bonding between the fiber and matrix in the hope that it would not effect the fiber tensile strength. Microbond tests were carried out to measure the effect of an ALD aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coating on the fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength, and the fiber tensile strength was measured in order to assess whether this treatment harms the fiber strength. The ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that were coated by ALD with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) showed a significant increase in the interfacial shear strength without reducing the fibers’ ultimate tensile strength.
Multipodal and Multilayer TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Hierarchical Structures for Energy Harvesting and Sensing
Authors: Mohammadpour Arash , Farsinezhad Samira , Hsieh Ling-Hsuan , Shankar Karthik
Published: June 2013

Our ability to fabricate multipodal and multilayer TiO2 nanotube arrays enables us to increase performance and functionality in light harvesting devices such as excitonic solar cells and photocatalysts. Using a combination of simulations and experiments, we show that multilayer nanotube arrays enable photon management in the active toward enhancing the absorption and utilization of incident light. We show that the simultaneous utilization of TiO2 nanotubes with large (∼450 nm) and small (∼80 nm) diameters in stacked multilayer films increased light absorption and photocurrent in solar cells. Such enhanced light absorption is particularly desirable in the near-infrared region of the solar spectrum in which most excitonic solar cells suffer from poor quantum efficiencies and for blue photons at the TiO2 band-edge where significant room exists for improvement of photocatalytic quantum yields. Under AM 1.5 one sun illumination, multilayer nanotube arrays afforded us an approximately 20% improvement in photocurrent over single layer nanotube array films of the same thickness for N-719 sensitized liquid junction solar cells. Also, the possibility of multipodal TiO2 nanotube growth with different electrolyte recipes is presented.
Hybrid III-V-on-Silicon Microring Lasers
Authors: Liang Di , Kurczveil Géza , Fiorentino Marco , Srinivasan Sudharsanan , Fattal David A. , Huang Zhihong , Bowers John E. , Beausoleil Raymond G.
Published: June 2013

Hybrid silicon laser is a promising solution to enable high-performance light source on large-scale, silicon-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs). As a compact laser cavity design, hybrid microring lasers are attractive for their intrinsic advantages of small footprint, low power consumption and flexibility in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), etc. Here we review recent progress in unidirectional microring lasers and device thermal management. Unidirectional emission is achieved by integrating a passive reflector that feeds laser emission back into laser cavity to introduce extra unidirectional gain. Up to 4X of device heating reduction is simulated by adding a metal thermal shunt to the laser to “short” heat to the silicon substrate through buried oxide layer (BOX) in the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. Obvious device heating reduction is also observed in experiment.
Nursing intervention/activity mapping at a Chemotherapy Center: an instrument for workload assessment
Authors: Souza Célia Alves de , Jericó Marli de Carvalho , Perroca Márcia Galan
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES: identify the interventions/activities nurses develop at a Chemotherapy Center (CTC) using standardized language and validate their contents. METHOD: data triangulation was used through the combination of three information sources: semistructured interview, document analysis and questionnaire. The instrument, constructed in accordance with the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) taxonomy, was submitted to content validation through meetings with the participants. RESULTS: Thirty-five interventions and 48 activities were mapped and validated, organized in five domains (physiological: basic and physiological: complex, behavioral, safety and health system) and 11 classes. CONCLUSION: The identification of nurses' interventions/activities at CTC supports the determination of the time consumed and permits measuring the workload. It also helps to define these professionals' role, which permits the redesign of the work process and optimizes productivity.
Social and environmental factors associated with the hospitalization of tuberculosis patients
Authors: Oliveira Nathália França de , Gonçalves Maria Jacirema Ferreira
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify social and environmental factors associated with hospitalization of tuberculosis (TB) patients in Manaus, Amazonas, during 2010. METHODS: this is a quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological study, with primary data collection and analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), based on seropositive status. RESULTS: Among social factors for TB-HIV co-infection, the association between alcohol use and dependence was significant for employed workers; among non-co-infections, the association between income less than one minimum wage (U.S. $200) and retired people, Bolsa Família Program [Family Allowance]/other social benefits was significant. Regarding environmental factors, the association was significant for TB-HIV co-infection among those not having their own house, having masonry housing and daily garbage collection; and among non-co-infection, owning their own house, no masonry housing and lack of daily garbage collection was significant. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that not only social factors, but also environmental ones are associated with hospitalization of tuberculosis patients, and such associations differ according to TB-HIV co-infection. Findings revealed that the non-biological factors associated with hospitalization of tuberculosis patients should be considered when caring patients with this disease.
Validation of the Brazilian version of the Attentional Function Index
Authors: Dutra Carla Klava dos Reis , Guirardello Edinêis de Brito
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the Attentional Function Index. METHOD: Methodological study. The sample was made up of 138 students from an undergraduate nursing course. The psychometric properties were assessed through the convergent construct validity, using the Brazilian version of the Attentional Function Index and the Portuguese-language version of the Profile of Mood States instrument, while the reliability was measured by its internal consistency, expressed by the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. RESULTS: The Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was 0.86 for the total score, and varied from 0.64 to 0.86 in the three subscales. A strong significant negative correlation (r=-0.64; p<0.0001) was obtained for the convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the Attentional Function Index resulted in satisfactory levels of validity and reliability, demonstrating its viability for use in practice and in undertaking further research.
Bipolar disorder and medication: adherence, patients' knowledge and serum monitoring of lithium carbonate
Authors: Souza Camila de , Vedana Kelly Graziani Giacchero , Mercedes Bruna Paiva do Carmo , Miasso Adriana Inocenti
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES: this study featured patients with affective bipolar disorder who were making use of lithium and received care at an outpatient care center located in a country town in the state of Sao Paulo in 2009; it assessed the adherence and knowledge of these patients in relation to the medication prescribed to them and verified the proportion of blood tests performed per year in the service, for each individual, to measure lithium levels in the blood. METHOD: descriptive study with quantitative approach, involving 36 participants. Structured interviews and review of medical records were used for data collection and descriptive statistics for data analysis. RESULTS: difficulties in reporting the dosage of the medication prescribed and a high rate of non-adherence were identified among the participants. None of the participants in the study was submitted to two tests a year to measure lithium levels in the blood, which is the minimum proportion of tests recommended by the literature for maintenance treatment using lithium carbonate. CONCLUSION: this study highlights the critical factors for the promotion of patients' safety in monitoring lithium drug therapy.
The effects of waste concrete properties on recycled aggregate concrete properties
Authors: Gökçe H. Süleyman , Şimşek Osman
Published: June 2013

The effects of waste concrete (WC) properties (compressive strength of the concrete and its aggregate) on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) were investigated in two parts: WC and RAC. WCs, the first part of the study, cover three different strength limestone aggregate types and concrete mixtures with five different water/concrete ratios (0·69, 0·54, 0·42, 0·37, 0·32) in each aggregate type. RACs, the second part of the study, were prepared with three different w/c ratios (0·30, 0·35, 0·40), and 100% coarse recycled aggregates supplied from each WC. Some tests – compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, Schmidt rebound hammer, specific gravity and water absorption – were performed on the hardened WC and RAC samples. It was found that the compressive strength of RAC was mainly dependent on the strength of limestone aggregate and w/c ratio, while WC strength affected the strength to a lesser extent. The correlation coefficients of RAC for the ultrasonic pulse velocity, Schmidt rebound number, specific gravity and water absorption values against uniaxial compressive strength were found to be significantly lower than those of WC.
Behaviour of double prestress system in prestressed concrete girders
Authors: Kim Choong Eon , Kim Jae Kwan , Kim Jin Kook
Published: June 2013

Prestress generally refers to the compressive prestress that is introduced by a compressive force beforehand to prevent tensile stress on the lower fibre of the bending member, and is often used in concrete girders. In girders with a smaller height compared to span length, compressive stress, which has a harmful impact on structural behaviour, is applied excessively to the girder's upper edge, limiting the reduction in girder height of the prestressed concrete girder. In this study, a prestress system integrating a tendon and two bars to support the compressive force in the girder's side ends was devised to offset the compressive force generated in the girder as a result of the introduction of prestress. To manage the jacking force of this system, formulae are proposed by theoretically clarifying the behaviour manifested during jacking in relation to the friction coefficient of the tendon and bars. A 10-m long rectangle-shaped girder is fabricated to check the friction coefficient of the bar and to verify the moment prestress method using the proposed double prestress system. Applicability to real structures is validated by measuring the behaviour manifested during the jacking of 35-m long real bridge girders.
Life‐history plasticity and sustainable exploitation: a theory of growth compensation applied to walleye management
Authors: Lester Nigel P. , Shuter Brian J. , Venturelli Paul , Nadeau Daniel
Published: June 2013

A simple population model was developed to evaluate the role of plastic and evolutionary life‐history changes on sustainable exploitation rates. Plastic changes are embodied in density‐dependent compensatory adjustments to somatic growth rate and larval/juvenile survival, which can compensate for the reductions in reproductive lifetime and mean population fecundity that accompany the higher adult mortality imposed by exploitation. Evolutionary changes are embodied in the selective pressures that higher adult mortality imposes on age at maturity, length at maturity, and reproductive investment. Analytical development, based on a biphasic growth model, led to simple equations that show explicitly how sustainable exploitation rates are bounded by each of these effects. We show that density‐dependent growth combined with a fixed length at maturity and fixed reproductive investment can support exploitation‐driven mortality that is 80% of the level supported by evolutionary changes in maturation and reproductive investment. Sustainable fishing mortality is proportional to natural mortality (M) times the degree of density‐dependent growth, as modified by both the degree of density‐dependent early survival and the minimum harvestable length. We applied this model to estimate sustainable exploitation rates for North American walleye populations (Sander vitreus). Our analysis of demographic data from walleye populations spread across a broad latitudinal range indicates that density‐dependent variation in growth rate can vary by a factor of 2. Implications of this growth response are generally consistent with empirical studies suggesting that optimal fishing mortality is approximately 0.75Mfor teleosts. This approach can be adapted to the management of other species, particularly when significant exploitation is imposed on many, widely distributed, but geographically isolated populations.
Transitional Care: Looking for the Right Shoes to Fit Older Adult Patients
Authors: Golden Adam G. , Ortiz Judith , Wan Thomas T.H.
Published: June 2013

Potentially avoidable hospitalizations are associated with high costs and an increased risk for iatrogenic conditions in older adult patients. Although care managers may be aware of the common potential pitfalls that may arise in the transfer of patients to and from the hospital, defining best practice models has been difficult. Many current models of geriatric care have had little or no impact on lowering the rates of hospitalizations and rehospitalizations when formally studied. Health care reform legislation mandates initiatives involving new models of coordinated or guided care such as the medical home model and the accountable care organization. These new models too will face significant challenges in their attempt to provide the financial incentives and systematic changes needed to successfully address transitional care in older adults.
Inheritance and Allelic Relationships of Resistance Genes for Soybean mosaic virus in ‘Corsica’ and ‘Beeson’ Soybean
Authors: Shakiba Ehsan , Chen Pengyin , Shi Ainong , Li Dexiao , Dong Dekun , Brye Kris
Published: June 2013

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is an important viral disease of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and causes a drastic reduction of seed yield and quality. Soybean mosaic virus isolates can be classified into one of seven strain groups, G1 through G7. Three loci with SMV resistance alleles Rsv1, Rsv3, and Rsv4 have been reported so far. Each locus contains multiple alleles: nine alleles at Rsv1, three alleles at Rsv3, and two alleles at Rsv4. Soybean cultivars Corsica (PI 559931) and Beeson (PI 548510) exhibit different patterns of response to SMV strains than differential cultivars with known genes. The objective of this study was to investigate the inheritance and allelism of resistance genes in Corsica and Beeson. To examine the inheritance of SMV resistance, Corsica and Beeson were crossed with the susceptible cultivar Essex, and the F2 and F3 progenies were inoculated with a G7 isolate. To identify the allelic relationship of genes in Corsica and Beeson with known SMV resistance loci, they were crossed with PI 96983 (Rsv1), ‘L29’ (Rsv3), and V94‐5152 (Rsv4), and their F2 plants and F2:3 lines were inoculated with G7. A serological tissue blotting immunoassay (TBIA) was used to confirm the presence or absence of the virus in the inoculated plants. Molecular markers were used to confirm the phenotypic data. The results showed a monogenic dominant resistance in Corsica, with the resistant gene located at the Rsv1 locus. Beeson also contains a single dominant gene for SMV resistance, but the gene is located at the Rsv4 locus. Both genes in Corsica and Beeson confer a different SMV reaction pattern than other reported alleles at the same loci. Therefore, we propose the new symbols of Rsv1‐c for the resistant gene in Corsica and Rsv4‐b for the resistant gene in Beeson. The results from the genetic study were confirmed by the molecular markers and TBIA. The information from this study can be used for parent selection by breeders in cross breeding and gene pyramiding.
Updated Empirical Model of Genetically Modified Maize Grain Production Practices to Achieve European Union Labeling Thresholds
Authors: Marceau A. , Gustafson D. I. , Brants I. O. , Leprince F. , Foueillassar X. , Riesgo L. , Areal F.‐J. , Sowa S. , Kraic J. , Badea E. M.
Published: June 2013

An updated empirical approach is proposed for specifying coexistence requirements for genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) production to ensure compliance with the 0.9% labeling threshold for food and feed in the European Union. The model improves on a previously published (Gustafson et al., 2006) empirical model by adding recent data sources to supplement the original database and including the following additional cases: (i) more than one GM maize source field adjacent to the conventional or organic field, (ii) the possibility of so‐called “stacked” varieties with more than one GM trait, and (iii) lower pollen shed in the non‐GM receptor field. These additional factors lead to the possibility for somewhat wider combinations of isolation distance and border rows than required in the original version of the empirical model. For instance, in the very conservative case of a 1‐ha square non‐GM maize field surrounded on all four sides by homozygous GM maize with 12 m isolation (the effective isolation distance for a single GM field), non‐GM border rows of 12 m are required to be 95% confident of gene flow less than 0.9% in the non‐GM field (with adventitious presence of 0.3%). Stacked traits of higher GM mass fraction and receptor fields of lower pollen shed would require a greater number of border rows to comply with the 0.9% threshold, and an updated extension to the model is provided to quantify these effects.