bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles study of shear behavior of Al, TiN, and coherent Al/TiN interfaces
Authors: Yadav S. K. , Ramprasad R. , Misra A. , Liu X.-Y.
Published: April 2012

In this ab initio work, density functional theory was used to calculate the ideal shear strengths of pure Al, pure TiN, the Al/TiN interfacial region, and Al/TiN multilayers. The ideal shear strength of the Al/TiN interface was found to vary from very low (on the order of the ideal shear strength of Al) to very high (on the order of the ideal shear strength of TiN), depending on whether the TiN at the interface was Ti- or N-terminated, respectively. The results suggest that the shear properties of Al/TiN depend strongly on the chemistry of the interface, Al:N versus Al:Ti terminations. Nevertheless, for the Al/TiN multilayers, the ideal shear strength was limited by shear in the Al layer away from the interface, even when the individual layer thickness is less than a nanometer.
Electronic, vibrational, and rotational structures in the S 1A1 and S1 1A1 states of phenanthrene
Authors: Kowaka Yasuyuki , Yamanaka Takaya , Baba Masaaki
Published: April 2012

Electronic and vibrational structures in the S0 1A1 and S1 1A1 states of jet-cooled phenanthrene-h10 and phenanthrene-d10 were analyzed by high-resolution spectroscopy using a tunable nanosecond pulsed laser. The normal vibrational energies and molecular structures were estimated by ab initio calculations with geometry optimization in order to carry out a normal-mode analysis of observed vibronic bands. The rotational structure was analyzed by ultrahigh-resolution spectroscopy using a continuous-wave single-mode laser. It has been demonstrated that the stable geometrical structure is markedly changed upon the S1 ← S0 electronic excitation. Nonradiative internal conversion in the S1 state is expected to be enhanced by this structural change. The observed fluorescence lifetime has been found to be much shorter than the calculated radiative lifetime, indicating that the fluorescence quantum yield is low. The lifetime of phenanthrene-d10 is longer than that of phenanthrene-h10 (normal deuterium effect). This fact is in contrast with anthracene, which is a structural isomer of phenanthrene. The lifetime at the S1 zero-vibrational level of anthracene-d10 is much shorter than that of anthracene-h10 (inverse deuterium effect). In phenanthrene, the lifetime becomes monotonically shorter as the vibrational energy increases for both isotopical molecules without marked vibrational dependence. The vibrational structure of the S0 state is considered to be homogeneous and quasi-continuous (statistical limit) in the S1 energy region.
Quadratic electro-optic effect in GaN-based materials
Authors: Chen P. , Zhao D. G. , Zuo Y. H. , Jiang D. S. , Liu Z. S. , Wang Q. M.
Published: April 2012

The mechanism and influence of quadratic electro-optic effect in GaN-based materials is investigated. It is found that the peaks appearing in the measured electro-optic signal strongly depend on the modulation frequency of external electric field, which is attributed to the vibration frequency resonance effect. The intrinsic vibration frequency of the investigated samples is estimated to be around 21.95 kHz and is assigned to be the base frequency of the resonance.
An electrostatic micromechanical biosensor for electrical detection of label-free DNA
Authors: Choi Ji-Min , Hwang Sung-Up , Kim Chang-Hoon , Yang Hyun-Ho , Jung Cheulhee , Gyu Park Hyun , Yoon Jun-Bo , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: April 2012

An electrostatic micromechanical biosensor is demonstrated for the label-free electrical detection of DNA, based on electrostatic actuation of a double-clamped micromechanical cantilever by driving gate electrodes to establish a current path through drain and source electrodes. Intrinsic charges in DNA alter surface charges on the gate by pre-charging concept and change the pull-in voltage (VPI), the voltage required to bring the suspended cantilever into contact with the drain electrode by induced electrostatic force. Its operation principle is verified by a numerical simulation and a capacitive model. The proposed biosensor represents a breakthrough for practical exploitation of electro-mechanical based sensors.
Ion doping effects in multiferroic MnWO4
Authors: Bahoosh Safa Golrokh , Wesselinowa J. M.
Published: April 2012

We have studied the ion doping effects in multiferroic MnWO4 proposing a microscopic model. It is shown that the exchange interaction constants can be changed due to the different ion doping radii. This leads to reduction of the magnetic phase transition temperature TN by doping with non-magnetic ions, such as Zn, Mg, whereas TN is enhanced by doping with transition metal ions, such as Fe, Co. The different behavior of the temperature T1 (where up-up-down-down collinear spin structure appears) by Fe and Co doping could be explained taking into account the single-ion anisotropy.
First-principles study of temperature-dependent optical properties of semiconductors from ultraviolet to infrared regions
Authors: Liu J. , Liu L. H.
Published: April 2012

We present a first-principles approach to take into account lattice vibration in calculating the ultraviolet-to-infrared optical response of semiconductors, without using any empirical parameters. Electron−phonon interactions are shown to be the main contributions to thermal corrections in the electronic band structure, whereas phonon−phonon interactions affect the infrared absorption spectra of polar semiconductors. Ranging from room temperature on up, the temperature-dependent dielectric functions of silicon for the ultraviolet-visible regions are calculated through combining the Allen-Heine-Cardona method with the Bethe-Salpeter equation. Temperature effects of the infrared optical spectra of gallium arsenide are also discussed; we use first-principles method to take into account anharmonic contributions. By introducing electron−phonon and phonon−phonon interactions, the calculated optical spectra show clear temperature dependence that is in good agreement with experimental data. Thermal expansion contributions are verified to be negligible compared to contribution from lattice vibration.
In-situ small-angle x-ray scattering study of nanoparticles in the plasma plume induced by pulsed laser irradiation of metallic targets
Authors: Lavisse L. , Le Garrec J.-L. , Hallo L. , Jouvard J.-M. , Carles S. , Perez J. , Mitchell J. B. A. , Decloux J. , Girault M. , Potin V. , Andrzejewski H. , Marco de Lucas M. C. , Bourgeois S.
Published: April 2012

Small angle x-ray scattering was used to probe in-situ the formation of nanoparticles in the plasma plume generated by pulsed laser irradiation of a titanium metal surface under atmospheric conditions. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized as function of laser irradiance. Two families of nanoparticles were identified with sizes on the order of 10 and 70 nm, respectively. These results were confirmed by ex-situ transmission electron microscopy experiments.
Stability of spinmotive force in perpendicularly magnetized nanowires under high magnetic fields
Authors: Yamane Y. , Ieda J. , Maekawa S.
Published: April 2012

Spinmotive force induced by domain wall motion in perpendicularly magnetized nanowires is numerically demonstrated. We show that using nanowires with large magnetic anisotropy can lead to a high stability of spinmotive force under strong magnetic fields. We observe spinmotive force in the order of tens of μV in a multilayered Co/Ni nanowire and several hundreds of μV in a L10-ordered FePt nanowire; the latter is two orders of magnitude greater than that in permalloy nanowires reported previously. The narrow structure and low mobility of a domain wall under magnetic fields in perpendicularly magnetized nanowires permits downsizing of spinmotive force devices.
Electrothermal phenomena in zinc oxide nanowires and contacts
Authors: LeBlanc Saniya , Phadke Sujay , Kodama Takashi , Salleo Alberto , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: April 2012

Heat generation along nanowires and near their electrical contacts influences the feasibility of energy conversion devices. This work presents ZnO nanowire electrical resistivity data and models electrothermal transport accounting for heat generation at metal-semiconductor contacts, axial thermal conduction, and substrate heat losses. The current-voltage relationships and electron microscopy indicate that sample degradation is caused by the interplay of heat generation at contacts and within the nanowire volume. The model is used to interpret literature data for Si, GaN, and ZnO nanowires. This work assists with electrothermal nanowire measurements and highlights practical implications of utilizing solution-synthesized nanowires.
Attachment and exploration in adulthood: The mediating effect of social support
Authors: Wu Chia‐huei , Yang Cheng‐Ta
Published: April 2012

Research examining the relationship between adult attachment styles and exploratory behavior has shown that anxious and avoidant attachment styles are negatively related to exploration. However, little research has been conducted on the mediation process between adult attachment styles and exploration. Given that perceived social support has been shown to be the basis for secure attachment and may be related to exploration behavior, the current study examines whether perceived social support mediates the relationship between adult attachment and exploration. University students in Taiwan (N = 168) completed questionnaires that assessed attachment styles; perceived social support from their father, mother, and best friend; and their intellectual, social, and environmental exploration. Our results revealed that perceived social support mediates the relationship between avoidant attachment and exploration behavior.
Personalised learning: lessons to be learnt
Authors: Prain Vaughan , Cox Peter , Deed Craig , Dorman Jeffrey , Edwards Debra , Farrelly Cathleen , Keeffe Mary , Lovejoy Valerie , Mow Lucy , Sellings Peter , Waldrip Bruce , Yager Zali
Published: April 2012

Personalised learning is now broadly endorsed as a key strategy to improve student curricular engagement and academic attainment, but there is also strong critique of this construct. We review claims made for this approach, as well as concerns about its conceptual coherence and effects on different learner cohorts. Drawing on literature around differentiation of the curriculum, self‐regulated learning, and ‘relational agency’ we propose a framework for conceptualising and enacting this construct. We then report on an attempt to introduce personalised learning as one strategy, among several, to improve student academic performance and wellbeing in four low SES regional secondary schools in Australia. We report on a survey of 2407 students’ perceptions of the extent to which their school provided a personalised learning environment, and a case study of a programme within one school that aimed to apply a personalised approach to the mathematics curriculum. We found that while there were ongoing challenges in this approach, there was also evidence of success in the mathematics case.
Human telomeres replicate using chromosome-specific, rather than universal, replication programs
Authors: Drosopoulos William C. , Kosiyatrakul Settapong T. , Yan Zi , Calderano Simone G. , Schildkraut Carl L.
Published: April 2012

Telomeric and adjacent subtelomeric heterochromatin pose significant challenges to the DNA replication machinery. Little is known about how replication progresses through these regions in human cells. Using single molecule analysis of replicated DNA (SMARD), we delineate the replication programs—i.e., origin distribution, termination site location, and fork rate and direction—of specific telomeres/subtelomeres of individual human chromosomes in two embryonic stem (ES) cell lines and two primary somatic cell types. We observe that replication can initiate within human telomere repeats but was most frequently accomplished by replisomes originating in the subtelomere. No major delay or pausing in fork progression was detected that might lead to telomere/subtelomere fragility. In addition, telomeres from different chromosomes from the same cell type displayed chromosome-specific replication programs rather than a universal program. Importantly, although there was some variation in the replication program of the same telomere in different cell types, the basic features of the program of a specific chromosome end appear to be conserved.
Finite volume schemes for the biharmonic problem on general meshes
Authors: Eymard R. , Gallouët T. , Herbin R. , Linke A.
Published: April 2012

During the development of a convergence theory for Nicolaides’ extension of the classical MAC scheme for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations to unstructured triangle meshes, it became clear that a convergence theory for a new kind of finite volume discretizations for the biharmonic problem would be a very useful tool in the convergence analysis of the generalized MAC scheme. Therefore, we present and analyze new finite volume schemes for the approximation of a biharmonic problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions on grids which satisfy an orthogonality condition. We prove that a piecewise constant approximate solution of the biharmonic problem converges in

L
2

(
Ω
)

L^2(\Omega )

to the exact solution. Similar results are shown for the discrete approximate of the gradient and the discrete approximate of the Laplacian of the exact solution. Error estimates are also derived. This part of the paper is a first, significant step towards a convergence theory of Nicolaides’ extension of the classical MAC scheme. Further, we show that finite volume discretizations for the biharmonic problem can also be defined on very general, nonconforming meshes, such that the same convergence results hold. The possibility to construct a converging lowest order finite volume method for the

H
2

H^2

-regular biharmonic problem on general meshes seems to be an interesting result for itself and clarifies the necessary ingredients for converging discretizations of the biharmonic problem. All these results are confirmed by numerical results.
Modeling, Measuring, and Distinguishing Path Dependence, Outcome Dependence, and Outcome Independence
Authors: Jackson John E. , Kollman Ken
Published: April 2012

Path dependence is commonly used to describe processes where “history matters,” which encompasses many different kinds of temporal dynamics. This essay distinguishes path-, or equilibrium-, dependent processes where early conditions continue to matter, from outcome-dependent processes where recent history matters and from outcome-independent processes where history does not matter. Others have argued for a precise and restrictive definition of path dependence. We build on this and distinguish among different types of outcome-dependent processes when these conditions for path dependence are not fully satisfied.
Biofouling: lessons from nature
Authors: Bixler Gregory D. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: April 2012

Biofouling is generally undesirable for many applications. An overview of the medical, marine and industrial fields susceptible to fouling is presented. Two types of fouling include biofouling from organism colonization and inorganic fouling from non-living particles. Nature offers many solutions to control fouling through various physical and chemical control mechanisms. Examples include low drag, low adhesion, wettability (water repellency and attraction), microtexture, grooming, sloughing, various miscellaneous behaviours and chemical secretions. A survey of nature's flora and fauna was taken in order to discover new antifouling methods that could be mimicked for engineering applications. Antifouling methods currently employed, ranging from coatings to cleaning techniques, are described. New antifouling methods will presumably incorporate a combination of physical and chemical controls.
RNAi in fission yeast finds new targets and new ways of targeting at the nuclear periphery: Figure 1.
Authors: Holoch Daniel , Moazed Danesh
Published: April 2012

RNAi in Schizosaccharomyces pombe is critical for centromeric heterochromatin formation. It has remained unclear, however, whether RNAi also regulates the expression of protein-coding loci. In the April 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, Woolcock and colleagues (pp. 683–667) reported an elegant mechanism for the conditional RNAi-mediated repression of stress response genes involving association with Dcr1 at the nuclear pore. Unexpectedly, the initial targeting of RNAi components to these genes does not require small RNA guides.
Developing S-phase control
Authors: Duronio Robert J.
Published: April 2012

The duration of S phase in early embryos is often short, and then increases as development proceeds because of the appearance of late-replicating regions of the genome. In the April 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, Farrell and colleagues (pp. 714–725) demonstrate that the down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) activity triggers the onset of late-replicating DNA and an increase in S-phase length in Drosophila embryos, revealing an unexpected role for Cdk1 in replication control during development.
Understanding Disabled Childhoods: What Can We Learn From Population‐Based Studies?
Authors: Emerson Eric
Published: April 2012

This article illustrates the potential value of undertaking secondary analyses of large‐scale population‐based survey data to better inform our understanding of disabled childhoods. It is argued that while such approaches can never address the lived experience of growing up with disability, they can provide valuable insights into the ways in which the social and environmental contexts of disabled childhoods can compound (or redress) the disadvantage and inequality faced by disabled children.
Disabled Children and their Families: A Decade of Policy Change
Authors: Read Janet , Blackburn Clare , Spencer Nick
Published: April 2012

Focusing mainly on the United Kingdom, this article reviews a decade of national and international policy and legal changes in relation to disabled children and their families. It discusses attempts to transform the ways that disabled children are perceived and the rights accorded to them. The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons, specific UK policy initiatives and debates on universal and specialist provisions are outlined. Consideration is given to whether these initiatives have contributed to equality of opportunity for disabled children. The association between poverty, deprivation and child disability is identified as a major challenge for social policy.
Sixth Sense: The Disabled Children and Young People's Participation Project
Authors: Murray Rosemary
Published: April 2012

The Disabled Children and Young Peoples Participation Project (DCYPPP) was established by Barnardos (Northern Ireland) in 2002 to explore ways of involving children and young people with disabilities in decision‐making processes within Children's Services Planning of the Health and Social Services Board. Over 200 young people have participated in its 10 years of existence. This article describes how the DCYPPP practice has evolved in support of the young people and the factors that contribute to its successes. Policy‐makers and professionals at all levels need to recognise the valuable contribution children and young people with disabilities can make and actively seek their engagement.
Characterization of Malassezia microbiota in the human external auditory canal and on the sole of the foot
Authors: Zhang Enshi , Tanaka Takafumi , Tsuboi Ryoji , Makimura Koichi , Nishikawa Akemi , Sugita Takashi
Published: April 2012

Of the fungal skin microbiota, the lipophilic yeast genus Malassezia predominates at all body sites. Of the members of this genus, M. globosa, M. restricta, and M. sympodialis are the most common on the face, limbs, and trunk. In the present study, the Malassezia microbiotas in the external auditory canal and on the sole of the foot were characterized. M. slooffiae was the most common species in both the external auditory canal and on the sole of the foot, followed by M. restricta. Principal component analysis further revealed that the Malassezia microbiota in the external auditory canal and on the sole of the foot constitute a different cluster from those on the scalp and cheek and in the nasal cavity. Additionally, five new Malassezia phylotypes were detected on the sole of the foot and in the external auditory canal. Our results suggest that a distinctive Malassezia microbiota is present in the external auditory canal and on the sole of the foot, although the clinical significance of this finding remains unknown.
Alcohol's involvement in recurrent child abuse and neglect cases
Authors: Laslett Anne‐Marie , Room Robin , Dietze Paul , Ferris Jason
Published: April 2012

Aims  This paper examined whether or not: (a) care‐giver ‘alcohol abuse’ is associated with recurrent child maltreatment; (b) other ‘risk factors’ affect this relationship; and (c) which of alcohol abuse or other drug abuse plays a stronger role. It also examined (d) how children and families where alcohol‐related child abuse was identified were managed by child protection services (CPS) in Victoria, Australia.

Design, setting and participants  Using anonymized data from Victorian CPS, repeat cases were examined involving 29 455 children identified between 2001 and 2005.

Measurements  Carer alcohol abuse, other drug abuse, mental ill‐health, carer experience of abuse as a child, child age and gender, family type, socio‐economic variables and level of child protection service intervention as recorded in the CPS electronic database were examined as risk factors for recurrence, using bivariate and multivariate techniques.

Findings  Almost one‐quarter of children in CPS experienced a recurrent incident of child maltreatment in a 5‐year period. Where carer alcohol abuse was identified children were significantly more likely to experience multiple incidents compared with children where this was not identified (P < 0.001), as were children where other family risk factors (including markers of socio‐economic disadvantage) were identified. The majority of children whose carers were identified with alcohol abuse experienced either repeat incidents or interventions (84%), although almost three‐quarters of these children were managed without resort to the most serious outcome, involving court orders.

Conclusions  Alcohol and drug abuse in carers are important risk‐factors for recurrent child maltreatment after accounting for other known risk factors; the increased risk appears to be similar between alcohol and drug abuse.
Translation of sonoelastography from Thiel cadaver to patients for peripheral nerve blocks*
Authors: Munirama S. , Satapathy A. R. , Schwab A. , Eisma R. , Corner G. A. , Cochran S. , Soames R. , McLeod G. A.
Published: April 2012

Ultrasound guidance is now common in regional anaesthesia practice, but remains limited by poor visibility of the needle tip and poor quantification of local anaesthetic spread. Sonoelastography based on tissue compression is a technique depicting tissue strain. Hitherto used largely for tumour diagnosis, we used it in both Thiel embalmed cadavers and two patients receiving interscalene and femoral blocks to observe changes in tissue strain during local anaesthetic injection. The primary aim of our study was to measure the area under the curve (weighted for time) of the strain pattern in Thiel perineural tissue when using a range of volumes of embalming fluid (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml) for interscalene and femoral blocks using sonoelastography. Our secondary aims were to evaluate static images of anatomy and videos of needle insertion and perineural injection using combined B‐Mode ultrasound and sonoelastography. Independent raters assessed the anatomy and spread using a 7‐point Likert scale, ranked from extremely poor to extremely good. We performed 83 blocks in cadavers. Concordance between both raters was good, with weighted Kappa (95% CI) 0.66 (0.61–0.71). The characteristics of spread were similar with both interscalene and femoral block; spread increased with injectate volume up to 1 ml. Analysis of variance showed differences in spread between injection volumes (p = 0.009), but not between regional blocks (p = 0.05). Post‐hoc analysis showed greater spread with 1 and 2.5 ml volumes compared with 0.25 ml. In patients, visibility of strain during injection was better with sonoelastography than with B‐Mode ultrasound and showed a dose response from 1 to 5 ml volumes of local anaesthetic. Colour strain recognition using sonoelastography offers the ability to differentiate between nerve and surrounding tissue during local anaesthetic injection by improving visibility of spread (p = 0.04).
Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity in craniopharyngioma
Authors: Weismann Dirk , Pelka Theresia , Bender Gwendolyn , Jurowich Christian , Fassnacht Martin , Thalheimer Andreas , Allolio Bruno
Published: April 2012

Objective

To retrospectively analyse the effectiveness of bariatric surgery for hypothalamic obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP).

Patients

Patients who developed morbid obesity after surgery for CP and who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass were included (n = 9). Patients with common obesity who underwent bariatric surgery served as controls (LAGB n = 40, sleeve gastrectomy n = 49 and gastric bypass n = 54).

Results

CP was diagnosed during childhood or adolescence [median (range) 10 (1–21) years] and age at bariatric surgery was 17 [12–30] years. Six patients underwent gastric banding [median follow‐up 5·5 years (range 1–9)], 4 had a sleeve gastrectomy [median follow‐up 2 (0·4–4) years] and two patients had gastric bypass surgery (median follow‐up 3 years). Three patients had more than one type of bariatric surgery. Different from controls, no weight loss was observed after LAGB or sleeve gastrectomy. The two patients who had gastric bypass surgery lost body weight comparable with controls.

Conclusion

With LAGB and sleeve gastrectomy, no significant loss of body weight was achieved in young adult patients with craniopharyngioma‐associated morbid obesity.
Productivity gains do not compensate for reduced calcification under near‐future ocean acidification in the photosynthetic benthic foraminifer species Marginopora vertebralis
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Fabricius Katharina E.
Published: April 2012

Changes in the seawater carbonate chemistry (ocean acidification) from increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations negatively affect many marine calcifying organisms, but may benefit primary producers under dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) limitation. To improve predictions of the ecological effects of ocean acidification, the net gains and losses between the processes of photosynthesis and calcification need to be studied jointly on physiological and population levels. We studied productivity, respiration, and abundances of the symbiont‐bearing foraminifer species Marginopora vertebralis on natural CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea and conducted additional studies on production and calcification on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) using artificially enhanced pCO2. Net oxygen production increased up to 90% with increasing pCO2; temperature, light, and pH together explaining 61% of the variance in production. Production increased with increasing light and increasing pCO2 and declined at higher temperatures. Respiration was also significantly elevated (~25%), whereas calcification was reduced (16–39%) at low pH/high pCO2 compared to present‐day conditions. In the field, M. vertebralis was absent at three CO2 seep sites at pHTotal levels below ~7.9 (pCO2 ~700 μatm), but it was found in densities of over 1000 m−2 at all three control sites. The study showed that endosymbiotic algae in foraminifera benefit from increased DIC availability and may be naturally carbon limited. The observed reduction in calcification may have been caused either by increased energy demands for proton pumping (measured as elevated rates of respiration) or by stronger competition for DIC from the more productive symbionts. The net outcome of these two competing processes is that M. vertebralis cannot maintain populations under pCO2 exceeding 700 μatm, thus are likely to be extinct in the next century.
Temperate and tropical brown macroalgae thrive, despite decalcification, along natural CO2 gradients
Authors: Johnson Vivienne R. , Russell Bayden D. , Fabricius Katharina E. , Brownlee Colin , Hall‐Spencer Jason M.
Published: April 2012

Predicting the impacts of ocean acidification on coastal ecosystems requires an understanding of the effects on macroalgae and their grazers, as these underpin the ecology of rocky shores. Whilst calcified coralline algae (Rhodophyta) appear to be especially vulnerable to ocean acidification, there is a lack of information concerning calcified brown algae (Phaeophyta), which are not obligate calcifiers but are still important producers of calcium carbonate and organic matter in shallow coastal waters. Here, we compare ecological shifts in subtidal rocky shore systems along CO2 gradients created by volcanic seeps in the Mediterranean and Papua New Guinea, focussing on abundant macroalgae and grazing sea urchins. In both the temperate and tropical systems the abundances of grazing sea urchins declined dramatically along CO2 gradients. Temperate and tropical species of the calcifying macroalgal genus Padina (Dictyoaceae, Phaeophyta) showed reductions in CaCO3 content with CO2 enrichment. In contrast to other studies of calcified macroalgae, however, we observed an increase in the abundance of Padina spp. in acidified conditions. Reduced sea urchin grazing pressure and significant increases in photosynthetic rates may explain the unexpected success of decalcified Padina spp. at elevated levels of CO2. This is the first study to provide a comparison of ecological changes along CO2 gradients between temperate and tropical rocky shores. The similarities we found in the responses of Padina spp. and sea urchin abundance at several vent systems increases confidence in predictions of the ecological impacts of ocean acidification over a large geographical range.
A sensitive venous bleeding model in haemophilia A mice: effects of two recombinant FVIII products (N8 and Advate®)
Authors: PASTOFT A. E. , LYKKESFELDT J. , EZBAN M. , TRANHOLM M. , WHINNA H. C. , LAURITZEN B.
Published: April 2012

Summary.  Haemostatic effect of compounds for treating haemophilia can be evaluated in various bleeding models in haemophilic mice. However, the doses of factor VIII (FVIII) for normalizing bleeding used in some of these models are reported to be relatively high. The aim of this study was to establish a sensitive venous bleeding model in FVIII knock out (F8‐KO) mice, with the ability to detect effect on bleeding at low plasma FVIII concentrations. We studied the effect of two recombinant FVIII products, N8 and Advate®, after injury to the saphenous vein. We found that F8‐KO mice treated with increasing doses of either N8 or Advate® showed a dose‐dependent increase in the number of clot formations and a reduction in both average and maximum bleeding time, as well as in average blood loss. For both compounds, significant effect was found at doses as low as 5 IU kg−1 when compared with vehicle‐treated F8‐KO mice. Normalization of maximum bleeding time was found at doses equal to or above 10 IU kg−1 N8 or Advate®, corresponding to plasma concentrations of approximately 10% of the level in wild type mice. The present study adds a new model to the armamentarium of bleeding models used for evaluation of pro‐coagulant compounds for treatment of haemophilia. Interestingly, the vena saphena model proved to be sensitive towards FVIII in plasma levels that approach the levels preventing bleeding in haemophilia patients, and may, thus, in particular be valuable for testing of new long‐acting variants of e.g. FVIII that are intended for prophylaxis.
How we manage prostate biopsy and prostate cancer therapy in men with haemophilia
Authors: FOGARTY P. F. , KOUIDES P.
Published: April 2012

A 56‐year‐old African American male with severe haemophilia A [baseline factor VIII (FVIII) activity <1%] and chronic hepatitis C virus infection started annual serial monitoring of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) at age 40 because of a family history of prostate cancer (his father died from the disease at age 63). His most recent PSA level was 4.4 ng L
−1
; previous values were <3 ng L−1. Digital rectal examination was unrevealing.
A contingency perspective on team learning and innovation in nursing
Authors: Timmermans Olaf , Van Linge Roland , Van Petegem Peter , Van Rompaey Bart , Denekens Joke
Published: April 2012

timmermans o., van linge r., van petegem p., van rompaey b. & denekens j. (2012) A contingency perspective on team learning and innovation in nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 363–373. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06014.x

Aims.  To report a correlational study of the relation between team learning activities and implementation‐effectiveness of innovations in nursing teams.

Background.  Non‐compliance to implementation of innovations is a problem in nursing teams. In the literature, team learning is proposed as a facilitator for change. Still, studies reporting the effects of team learning activities on the implementation of innovations in nursing teams are scarce. To address this gap in the literature, this study explored the influence of team learning on the implementation of two innovations.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods.  The survey was conducted in 2008–2009 with a sample of 469 nurses, representing 30 nursing teams from The Netherlands and Belgium. The relationship between variables representing team learning and the use and the knowledge of an incremental (n = 14) or a radical innovation (n = 16) was examined by correlation and multiple regression analyses.

Results.  Correlation analyses revealed positive relationships between the team learning activities handling production‐oriented information and implementation‐effectiveness of an incremental innovation. In addition, team learning activities about development‐oriented information positively affected the implementation of a radical innovation. Multiple regression yielded models that explain 83% of the variance on the use of an incremental variable, 73% on knowledge of a radical innovation, and 80% on use of a radical innovation.

Conclusion.  In nursing teams, team learning activities that relate to the production of nursing care affect the implementation of an incremental innovation. The implementation of a radical innovation is effected by team learning activities that relate to the development of the provided nursing care.
A perturbation in glutathione biosynthesis disrupts endoplasmic reticulum morphology and secretory membrane traffic in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Au Kenneth K. C. , Pérez‐Gómez José , Neto Hélia , Müller Christopher , Meyer Andreas J. , Fricker Mark D. , Moore Ian
Published: April 2012

To identify potentially novel and essential components of plant membrane trafficking mechanisms we performed a GFP‐based forward genetic screen for seedling‐lethal biosynthetic membrane trafficking mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana. Amongst these mutants, four recessive alleles of GSH2, which encodes glutathione synthase (GSH2), were recovered. Each allele was characterized by loss of the typical polygonal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network and the accumulation of swollen ER‐derived bodies which accumulated a soluble secretory marker. Since GSH2 is responsible for converting γ‐glutamylcysteine (γ‐EC) to glutathione (GSH) in the glutathione biosynthesis pathway, gsh2 mutants exhibited γ‐EC hyperaccumulation and GSH deficiency. Redox‐sensitive GFP revealed that gsh2 seedlings maintained redox poise in the cytoplasm but were more sensitive to oxidative challenge. Genetic and pharmacological evidence indicated that γ‐EC accumulation rather than GSH deficiency was responsible for the perturbation of ER morphology. Use of soluble and membrane‐bound ER markers suggested that the swollen ER bodies were derived from ER fusiform bodies. Despite the gross perturbation of ER morphology, gsh2 seedlings did not suffer from constitutive oxidative ER stress or lack of an unfolded protein response, and homozygotes for the weakest allele could be propagated. The link between glutathione biosynthesis and ER morphology and function is discussed.
RAPD, karyology and selected morphological variation in a model grass, Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: JAROSZEWICZ A M , KOSINA R , STANKIEWICZ P R
Published: April 2012

Jaroszewicz AM, Kosina R & Stankiewicz PR (2012). RAPD, karyology and selected morphological variation in a model grass, Brachypodium distachyon. Weed Research52, 204–216.

Recognition of variation patterns at the level of DNA, chromosomes and plant morphology, and their interrelationships were the object of this research on Brachypodium distachyon. RAPD profiles, cytogenetics of root mitoses, gross morphology and microstructures were studied in B. distachyon for 18 accessions, as well as for three selections with a narrowed gene pool, all from the Mediterranean and Irano‐Turanian region. For the scored RAPD bands, 309 were polymorphic (96%). The average expected gene diversity (Hi) for all primers was 0.220, which is close to the variation noted in the Asian‐European region of origin. In the UPGMA dendrogram, accessions were not clustered according to their geographic origin. High variability in cytogenetics was found. Levels of chromosome ploidy differentiated accessions. A cytogenetic mosaic was expressed in the form of aneuploidy and anomalous mitoses. Accessions presenting similar cytogenetic variability were not clustered in the RAPD dendrogram. The period of vegetative growth varied greatly. Zoochoric characteristics of diaspores and endosperm volume showed interaccessional variability. No distinct linkage between RAPD patterns and morphology was found. High variation in all studied characteristics of the plant was noted, which is a good base for natural selection of intraspecific units (inbred lines). The narrowing of the gene pool is an effective tool of microevolution and facilitates the distribution of the species according to the founder principle. The comparison of this evolutionary potential of B. distachyon with patterns of evolution of other annual weedy grasses would be of great value for weed science.
Photoperiodic mediation of differential gene expression in Scytosiphon lomentaria (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Miller Adam D. , Connell Mary U.
Published: April 2012

Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link is a species of brown algae common in the eulittoral and sublittoral zones of temperate oceans. Some populations exhibit an asexual heteromorphic life cycle that is regulated by photoperiod. While this response is mediated by blue light, virtually nothing is known regarding downstream genes that are activated or repressed during photo‐morphogenesis in this organism. This study examined photoperiodic mediation of differential gene expression in S. lomentaria using isolates obtained from the eastern coast of Virginia, USA. Putative differentially expressed transcripts were produced by differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned and sequenced. The sequences where identified using bioinformatics tools, and the expression patterns analyzed and validated by quantitative Real‐Time PCR. Of the 133 putative differentially expressed bands selected, 92 were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Of these, 27 could not be matched to known sequences. Twenty‐eight transcripts were found to have high similarity to sequences in the databases and transcript levels were quantified. Seventeen were upregulated under a short day, one was downregulated, five showed no expression differences, four did not amplify and one was the reference gene. These analyses provide new insights into the genetic response to photoperiod‐mediated morphogenesis in S. lomentaria.
Pediatric hospitalizations with influenza A infection during the 2009–2010 pandemic in five hospitals in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Masayuki , Ohfuji Satoko , Fukushima Wakaba , Sugiura Shiro , Kohdera Urara , Itoh Yuhei , Ide Saburo , Ohbu Keizou , Hirota Yoshio
Published: April 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with the 2009 pandemic influenza virus infection in Japan.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed cases of hospitalized children younger than 16 years with laboratory‐confirmed influenza A virus infection during the 2009–2010 pandemic season in five hospitals in Japan.

Results:  A total of 515 cases were included in the analysis. The median age was 6.3 years (range 0–15), and 216 subjects (41.9%) had one or more underlying medical conditions. There were no fatalities, but 16 patients (3.1%) required intensive care. More than 93% of the subjects received neuraminidase inhibitors, and more than 87% received these medications within 48 h of the onset of symptoms. Approximately 80% of all subjects were admitted to hospital within 48 h of the onset of symptoms.

Conclusions:  There were no fatalities, and the proportion of patients with serious illness was substantially lower than previously reported from other countries. Good access to medical services and proactive treatment may have contributed to the lower disease burden of the 2009 influenza pandemic on Japanese children.
Hemoglobin status associated with performance IQ but not verbal IQ in Chinese preschool children
Authors: Ai Yuexian , Zhao Sophie R. , Zhou Guoping , Ma Xiaoyang , Liu Jianghong
Published: April 2012

Background:  Despite the body of literature that links anemia with poorer cognition in children and the evidence that the severity of the effects of anemia on children's cognition vary in different populations, few studies have investigated the effects of anemia on the cognitive development of Chinese children.

Methods:  This longitudinal cohort included 171 children from a developing region of China. Hemoglobin (Hb) and iron levels were taken when the children were 4 years old. At age 6, the children's cognition was tested with the Chinese Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Psychosocial information was also used in analyses.

Results:  Results showed that the children who had low Hb levels had significantly lower scores in performance IQ (PIQ), but not verbal IQ. Although blood Fe levels were not shown to moderate the link between Hb levels and IQ, we found children who performed the best on IQ tests exhibited low iron levels concurrent with high Hb levels, whereas the group who performed the worst exhibited high iron but low Hb levels. We also found that psychosocial adversity did not differ significantly between children who had normal or low Hb levels, although the effect of Hb on PIQ became only suggestive after controlling for psychosocial adversity, therefore the correlation is not causal but only a suggestive association.

Conclusion:  Our findings are in agreement with literature on the negative effects of anemia on children's cognition and point to the possibility that the portions of the brain associated with PIQ components are particularly affected by low Hb during crucial periods of development.
High ligation of the fistula track by lateral approach: a modified sphincter‐saving technique for advanced anal fistulas
Authors: Chen T.‐A. , Liu K.‐Y. , Yeh C.‐Y.
Published: April 2012

Aim  Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula track is a novel surgical procedure with the advantage of avoiding anal incontinence. We conducted a preliminary investigation of a modified technique for complicated trans‐sphincteric anal fistula by high ligation of the track using a lateral approach.

Method  From June 2010 to May 2011, 10 patients received high ligation of the fistula track using a lateral approach. Patients selected for the procedure had a mature trans‐sphincteric type of anal fistula that involved a significant amount of the external sphincter. Patients with early fistulous abscess or with a history of previous anal surgery were excluded. The surgical technique involved making an incision from the external opening and extending this towards the direction of the internal opening, dissection of the fistula from the underlying soft tissue, high ligation above the internal sphincter and removal of the distal part of the fistula track for pathological examination.

Results  Of the 10 patients, eight were men and the mean ± SD age was 40.5 ± 7.23 years. The median (range) duration of follow‐up was 7 (6–10) months. In all patients, the wound was completely healed by the sixth postoperative week. Two cases of recurrence were noted later and were successfully managed by traditional fistulotomy.

Conclusion  High‐ligation surgery of the fistula track for trans‐sphincteric anal fistula, aimed at total anal sphincter preservation, has shown encouraging early results. Long‐term follow‐up and randomized controlled trials are necessary.
Randomized trial of a diabetes self‐management education and family teamwork intervention in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Murphy H. R. , Wadham C. , Hassler‐Hurst J. , Rayman G. , Skinner T. C. ,   on behalf of Families and Adolescents Communication and Teamwork Study (FACTS) Group
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e249–e254 (2012)

Aims  To evaluate the effectiveness of a family‐centred group education programme, in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  Three hundred and five adolescents with Type 1 diabetes; age 13.1 ± 1.9 years, diabetes duration 5.6 ± 3.3 years, BMI 20.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2, HbA1c 78 ± 6 mmol/mol (9.3 ± 1.9%) were randomly allocated to the Families and Adolescents Communication and Teamwork Study (FACTS) diabetes education programme; (six 90‐min monthly sessions attended by parents and adolescents incorporating skills training and family teamwork) or conventional clinical care. Primary outcome was HbA1c at 18 months (12 months post‐intervention). Secondary outcomes were HbA1c at 9 months, psychosocial outcomes, adolescent quality of life, well‐being, family responsibility and insulin dose adjustment behaviours at 12 months (6 months post‐intervention) and episodes of severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidois during the 12 months post‐intervention. All analyses are intention to treat.

Results  Session attendance was poor with 48/158 families (30.4%) not attending any sessions and only 75/158 (47.5%) families attending ≥ 4 group education sessions. All biomedical and psychosocial outcomes were comparable between groups. At 18 months there was no significant difference in HbA1c in either group and no between‐group differences over time: intervention group 75 mmol/mol (9.0%) to 78 mmol/mol (9.3%), control group 77 mmol/mol (9.2%) to 80 mmol/mol (9.5%). Adolescents perceived no changes in parental input at 12 months.

Conclusion  Poor attendance of group education sessions delivered in routine clinics was a major challenge. More personalized educational approaches may be required to support and motivate families who are struggling to integrate the demands of intensive insulin regimens into their daily lives.